Be good to yourself...

This post is for no other reason than to remind you to love and accept yourself just the way you are. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's so easy to run around full speed ahead forgetting what this time is truly all about. It's about family and relationships. It's about traditions. It's about appreciating the loved ones in your life and making memories. Just take some time, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax. Be in this moment.

Tropical Christmas!

Sorry posts have been few and far between...I have my hands full with work, a 5 month old and a 3 yr old, a hubby (he counts as one of the kids), Jack, and preparing for a month long visit to see the in-laws in Louisiana. With Christmas in mind, I found these little goodies for you...

If you're like me, and decorating by the sea (ug, had to do it!) then you might fancy these tropical inspired ideas. I do love traditional holiday decor, but I am forever influenced by anything coastal. Will be away for a while, but don't forget about me. I won't forget about you. Have a beautiful holiday season!

Images via Coastal Living

The gift that keeps on giving...

Every Christmas we all try and think of thoughtful gift ideas for our loved ones. And most of us are so lucky to not *truly* need all that much. The Smile Train is one of the greatest charities I have ever been involved with. All of your donation goes to repairing cleft lips for children living in such horrid conditions that we cannot even fathom. I can't think of a better gift than forever changing the lives of innocent children. This season, please consider giving a gift that really will keep on giving. Who knows how many lives will be touched and what kind of domino effect it will have. It doesn't take much to have a huge impact if we all just give a little. Please click here to donate. Holiday cards will be given to your loved ones on behalf of the children.

Furry Friends!

This is dedicated to the one I love...this is dedicaaaaated, this is dedicaaaated, dedicaaaated to the one I love. Jack, you are the greatest rescue ever. I love how you demand affection and punch us with your paws until you get it. A man who knows what he wants. And the way you kiss us with your champion long tongue until blisters form. And how you are always under my feet whilst trying to make dinner. I don't tell you enough, but Mama loves you. (But Daddy still has to clean up after you! :) )

I know you bloggers love your fuzzballs out there as much as I do!

Eye candy...

I have been MIA for quite a while now! Sorry about that! :) Turkey Day and a horrid stomach virus had me quite busy. I'm sure we are all very preoccupied with the fun and craziness of the holidays but I wanted to share some eye candy with you to soothe your senses. I just love these images...especially the cozy nook bedroom. I keep casually mentioning this to my hubby hoping he will pick up on my hints and get to work! he he

When I die and go to decor heaven...

I want to be placed here! Why couldn't this store have existed when I lived in Boston? Life is so unfair! Massachusetts designer Jill Goldberg opened up her fab shop, Hudson, in the South End in September of 2006. We just missed each other Jill! She describes the store as "Traditional, Country and Vintage meet Modern." Does it get any more perfect? If you haven't yet, check out her site! You won't regret it. Here is a sampling of her goodies:

Loving the jewel toned mohair!

I would consider buying this lamp vs. groceries! I mean, I could go a couple of days without food if it meant I could have this beauty. It's only $1,175.00

Dash and Albert perfection.

And how cool are these pharmacy floor lamps?!

Summertime, all the time!

I guess living in Palm Beach for so long has really gotten to me. While the rest of the country is getting into fall colors, I am still dreaming of Lilly. We rock white jeans here every day!

Fabrics via Calico Corners

Kemble Interiors

One of my favorite blogs, Style and Grace, recently posted about Celerie Kemble's new book coming out, which we are all super excited about! It got me thinking how much I LOVE their work. My good friend works here in the Palm Beach location with Mimi and Brooke and has a blast. They have set the standard for classic Palm Beach style, and create timeless interiors that are fun and colorful without overdoing it.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...

Bedrooms are such an important space. Whether it's the master, or a guest room, they should be comfy, stylish and hospitable. I love these...

Blue is such a soothing color. I could just crawl in this bed with a breakfast tray, a great magazine and some coffee, and poof, the day would be over before I knew what hit me.

How cozy is this romantic spot? I don't think I'd be doing too much reading in this bed...no sir, I'd be in REM for weeks.

I have always loved two twin beds in a guest room. There's something about these rooms that get me excited to stay at someone else's home.

Again, same routine as bedroom #1. And look, the tray is already there. It was meant to be.

Images via cottageliving.com

Got kids?

So, Anna over at Absolutely Beautiful Things, blogged about her son's room. (Loved the post and your blog!!) Kids' rooms are sometimes a challenge. The marketing companies have done such a great job of brainwashing them that their idea of a neat room is having one that looks like Disney threw up on. I thought the little girls room featured above is such a nice and simple, yet beautiful, space for a little princess to grow up in. Which got me thinking about ways to preserve the "adult" space...



Anyone with kids knows that keeping your beloved home decor in decent shape is close to impossible. But a great idea is to cover it. I know it's been showcased to death, but Schumacher's "Chiang Mai" is featured above. It's a great way to have your cake and eat it too. I don't know about you, but I am always freaking out on my kid (poor little dude) when he runs around like he's possessed and jumps all over my furniture. Here's a possible solution. I know it's not ideal because you don't want to seem like a grandma, but I have yet to find a better solution. Ideas? Please discuss...

Images via Domino

I could never...

GET SICK OF THIS! The set of "Something's Gotta Give" created a frenzy when it first came out, and still to this day I never tire of these images. Set decorator Beth Rubino did a fantastic job creating a timeless coastal chic look. And how about the artwork of R. Kenton Nelson and Edward Henry Potthast above the mantels. Just beautiful. Perfect, perfect, perfect.

Images via Architectural Digest

Which is your fave?

OK, I admit it. I have a kitchen fetish. Especially ones that have a coastal vibe, such as these. And the fact that I live in a beach house might explain it. Which one is your favorite and why? I think 2 & 3 are my favorite, although I love each and every one of them...I just can't decide. I'll take them all!

Images via Coastal Living

T. Keller Donovan

I just love T. Keller Donovan's style...it's so crisp. These images are of his little gem in my hometown of Palm Beach county. Check out the before and after photos. Such simple ideas can completely transform a room. Who doesn't love blue and white in a bathroom? It's so fresh! All of his ideas are great and budget friendly.

Images via House Beautiful

French Love

How beautiful are these colors together?! One of my all time favorite combos. This home is in Houston, TX and featured in House Beautiful. My love affair with interior design all began with French Country and has now developed into an appreciation for all styles. I am so excited to start taking classes once my kids are in school full time! I can hardly contain myself!!!