A Perfect Study Space XI

Light pink accents equal girly glamour in this home office. There are so many killer elements in this space I don't event know where to start...

The glass topped sawhorse desk is making me very envious. All that space to work!

Equally so, the gigantic inspiration pin board. 

I'm nuts about that pink opalescent lamp on the desk.

{Image via Pinterest}

Get Your Weekend On

Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have fought for our freedom. It is also the first three-day weekend of the summer and most city dwellers will be leaving for more bucolic climes. When I was in boarding school Memorial Day coincided with the beginning of our final exams and at 8AM the entire student body gathered to sing patriotic melodies during Farmington's parade. And then we got to go take finals, oh joy. I'm rather glad that now I can celebrate how I choose now. I'll be heading down to the Cape where my family's house will resemble a circus with my parents, brother, sister-in-law, my niece, myself and some of my friends all staying under one roof...

I'll be listening to them while sitting in bridge traffic.

Cooking this and this at some point.

Going to opening day here.

And, now for the good stuff, Memorial Day ensembles for daytime, beach, and evening:

::  Daytime Dressy  ::  Catch Some Rays  ::  Evening Cocktails  ::

Weekend Escapes: French Countryside

Tis the season for weekend getaways: to the country, to the lake, to the sea. In the summer, Fridays not only signify the start of the weekend but also a mass exodus from cities nationwide to enjoy a relaxing two or three days in the fresh air. I was flipping through back issues of Maison Francaise magazines while at the salon yesterday and found these two bucolic gems in the french countryside. {It should be noted that French is not in my repertoire of languages, apologies in advance for the lack of information regarding location, etc.}

This charming farmhouse, La Maison de Bonheur, is located in the northeast corner of France near the border with Belgium. I love that they kept the rough hewn interior barn board walls where possible and the large covered porch for long lunches and evening meals. Also, the antique bed and chandelier used in one of the bedrooms is divine!

The next house near Avignon is described as "a true haven of peace - Un véritable havre de paix"and I have to agree. Who wouldn't want to idle away long summer days surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Oh, and good food and wine as well! I am going nuts for the coral and yellow accents used in the kitchen and dinning room. Such wonderful pops of color in on otherwise neutral palette. 

Stay tuned: next week I think we'll escape to Spain...

{Images via Maison Francaise}

A Mantra for All

I found this image the other day on the new facebook Pinterest. It must have read my worrisome virgo mind. I'll need to make this my daily mantra during Yoga practice. 

Apartment Crush: Barcelona Loft

I've always loved the idea of loft living and wish there were more loft options in Boston. I love me some brownstones but lofts have those gloriously large windows which let in tons of natural light. This is especially true in the this hip and light-filled loft in the fabulous city of Barcelona. Originally an uninhabitable industrial space it was transformed by owner and designer Barbara Aurell into a home with modern twists and industrial elements. 

 Cement flooring was used throughout to honor the home's industrial past. I love the use of glossy white walls to reflect and enhance the natural light.

 Nice use of tribal elements mixed with luxurious velvet furnishings in the loft's primary living space. 

 The loft even has its own terrace, extending the available living space by creating a vibrant and relaxing outdoor room. 

That vintage iron headboard is fantastic - where can I find one?

{Images via MiCasa}

Boho Chic Jewelry

I don't know how I got on the distribution list for Sundance, Robert Redford's clothing and accessories company. While I may own a couple of items that could be categorized as "bohemian" it is not really my personal style. I find that there is a very fine line between "boho chic" and "hippie-earth mama-tree hugger" and, at least to me, the majority of Sundance products tend to be among the later. 

However, I find that there are definitely some awesome boho chic options in their jewelry collections. Here are some perfect additions to your summery or tropical vacationing wardrobes:

:: 1. Turquoise Sundrop Earrings ::

:: 2. Maxima Necklace with faceted moonstones ::

:: 3. Champagne & Roses Ring ::

:: 4. Sidestep Necklace with pink tourmaline ::

:: 5. Radiance & Rainbow Pearl Bracelet ::

:: 6. Blue Broilette Earrings ::

:: 7. Rose Garden Pink Sapphire Ring ::

:: 8. White Sapphire Bangle ::

:: 9. Seafaring Bracelet ::

:: 10. Recurrence Bracelet :: 

A Perfect Study Space X

This week: a round-up of dramatic and moody study spaces. The first image is a great little desk for paying bills and checking emails.

 I love the dramatic wall color paired with feminine accents an modern furnishings in this home study. The artwork? Not a huge fan of the ghost-like photograph...

 Check out that light fixture. Love the combo of black walls with the brass bookshelves and graceful leather chairs. 

{Images via Pinterest}

Simple & Delicious

I've had Sophie Dahl's cookbook, Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights, for a while now and continue to enjoy her easy, delicious and {most importantly} healthful recipes. This book and Gwyneth  Paltrow's are the two most used in my cookbook collection. Breakfasts, lunches, and suppers are organized seasonally and interspersed by thoughtful and evocative biographical anecdotes about her journey of self discovery through unhealthful and healthful relationship with food. So far I've tried the Buckwheat Risotto with Wild Mushrooms, Pear and Ginger Muffins, Grilled Bananas with Greek Yoghurt and Agave, Baked Apples and Banana Bread recipes and been greatly impressed with the how fast and simple they are as well as how good the results taste! 

Two nights ago I followed her recipe for Pea Soup. Light and refreshing this recipe took less than twenty minutes and made enough soup for at least a week of lunches or dinners. The long and short of the recipe is saute 3 chopped scallions in a little olive oil throw in 3 cups of frozen peas, a quart of chicken stock, & a handful of chopped mint. Season with salt and pepper then let simmer for 15 minutes and then blend in small batches for smooth finish. And that's it!

I would recommend this book to anyone - from the beginner cook to the amateur chef!

{Images via Amazon & Pinterest}

Hardy House Plants

My mother and I usually go to the Beacon Hill Garden Tour every year in honor of Mother's Day. Today, however, we may or may not go depending on the quantity of the water pouring from the skies. Last year I remember it being sunny and warm but we've been under aquatic attack since last weekend! 

{Images via The Sketch Book}

While I love flowers and peeking into other's gardens I have what is referred to as a "black thumb." I have inadvertently been the end of countless house plants over the years; so many that my mother has stopped buying them for me. Lately, though, I've been drawn to succulents & cactus plants. Perhaps these are the answer to my search for an enduring house plant? Who knew that such a spectrum existed for desert dwelling plants?

Or that they were so versatile? Tablescapes...Wedding Bouquets...Boutineers; how fabulous are these for a wedding in the southwest? 

{Images via Pinterest}

Spectacular Sleeping Quarters

I've been trying to write this post for a couple of weeks now. Every time I sat down to start collecting images I would find more that I wanted to add. I could have easily overloaded you with as many images of divine bedrooms as my server would let me post at once. Instead I picked some of my favorites and contented myself with saving the remainder to Pinterest. 

Glamorous & Dramatic 

Fresh & Dreamy

Bright & Bold & Colorful

Coastal & Rustic

Kinderscenes

{Images via Pinterest}