Sweet Escape

Now I hope you didn't think I was going to go out like that? 

Apparently I was in much need of a sabbatical and forgot to let everyone know...

 Happy Summer friends, last time we chatted it was the dead of winter and I was reaching for some color to brighten my mood. Well now it is the heat of summer and I have been camped out (not literally although the above picture looks heavenly for a day) at the beach for the last 2 weeks. Currently I am sitting on the back porch that overlooks the beautiful inner coastal water way and if I didn't know any better it would appear as if I were on some small Caribbean island. The water is a soothing sea foam shade of blueish green. We have been snorkeling, paddle boarding, and savoring this sweet spot...I will be sad to say goodbye.  

This vacation has been one of the most invigorating and relaxing maybe ever or at least in my recent memory. Here on this little island oasis of the NC coast life moves at a slower pace, the stars shine brightly at night, the sunset is the most gorgeous with shades of pink, we can ride our bikes to get where we want to go, and the locals are happy to see you upon your return. I have turned Fifty Shades of blush (yes Mr. Grey is whom I am referring to and I read all 3 in 5 days), eaten the most delectable ice cream (definitely don't try the Nana's banana pudding, I took down a pint), and enjoyed special time with my family.

 Sweet island time, how I love you so.

As I find my way back to another one of my favorite places, my lovely blog, here are some images that are inspiring me these mid summer days. 

Hope you enjoy

Bippity Boppity Boo, Source, Lisa Sherry, Pinterest,Rikshaw, Loeffler Randall, 20 x 200, Elle Decor,

Slim Aarons, and Unknown

Color Story

Oh there is no better way to end a productive holiday weekend than watching a little eye candy on the red carpet in the comfort of your bed while eating some Ben and Jerry's with your 7 year old. Yes, that is how I watched the Golden Globes this year, no champagne girls gathering (will save that for the Oscars) or glamorous outfit of mine own, just bedded down enjoying the beauty of the evening with one of my favorite little persons...my how times have changed.

I am working with a new client on her new baby girl's nursery and a new big boy room for her son to transition into upon his baby sister's arrival. I have mentioned before but I will say it again, children's rooms are one of my favorite spaces to create. There are so many fun elements that you can incorporate into a little ones room not mention the array of colors that can be used.

Needless to say it has me seeing the world through rainbow colored glasses. No, not in a pyschedelic Pee Wee Herman kind of way (well maybe), but rather "a pop of color" here and there, make the world a better place to play.
I have this Matthew Williamson peacock scarf I adore as much as I do a peacock, the designer with his brilliance, and his use of splendid color. I wear it to pep up my blah winter blues and it makes me oh so happy. Maybe one day it will make me happy in my stairwell too, sigh. The kaftan an Elizabeth Taylor stunner too would do the trick, oh to have it all.
Hope this puts a little color in your otherwise monotone day.

Reese and Laura Dern got it just right with their red and emerald colors, simply stunning! 

New Year

Megan Young

Happy New Year friends! 

It is hard to believe we are 8 days into the year 2012. I am considering tomorrow my first day of the New Year seeing as last week was a wash with no school until Tuesday, re-entry a little harsh, and a case of the holiday blues...as in for the first time in the last couple of years I was sad to see my children go back to school, husband to work, because we were having such a nice time together. Now it is alarm clocks, schedules, meetings, and packing lunches. I do a lot of running around town, so much in fact I sometimes make myself car sick with my own driving...hmm.

 Something I need to work on this year, slowing it down a bit, finding balance, and peace within. I have to wonder what this year will bring? With all the attention over the weekend surrounding Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge's 30th birthday tomorrow it just goes to show you exactly what can happen in one person's life over the course of a year. 

We will see, I already have a few little princes that have my heart and I like to think of myself as the queen of the house so what will be next...

A Touch of Rose

"You either have a flair, or you haven't"

Rose Cummings

Rose Cummings, Unknown, Caroline Robert, Marc Jacobs, and Windsor Smith

Christmas Wishes

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.  ~Burton Hillis

Merry Christmas Eve friends. The big day is upon us, family will be arriving soon, time to take a rest and enjoy all my little blessings.

We  decorated 2 trees this year, one for the children with all our collected ornaments, and one for me with all my decorative ornaments...I call it my bird tree as it somehow turned into that and this year the theme was the peacock. While Tory Burch as seen above and Mary McDonald have peacock tree decor I aspire to, my little colorful birds and colored ribbon will have to do this season. 

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday!