Little Boys' Birthday Party - Game On

 Anyone who has children knows how challenging it can be to create a special party....year after year. And, when those children get a little older and have been to every imaginable type of party, it becomes even harder.


Luckily, some friends and I shared the expense and the stress by hosting a party for our 3 sons. A game party. Trucks loaded with every imaginable video game arrived outside our venue. And, we didn't see the boys until it was time to eat.

My favorite "go to" source for inexpensive, creative party favors is Alexis Murphy. Mother of 2. Endless supply of ideas. Creator of the blog and business named after her children, Jac'olyn Murphy.

Alexis created these bright and fun labels for the water bottles. 

 What a great party favor she created for us! These were unwrapped and enjoyed before the party was even over.

Wii love to throw parties. With a partner like Alexis....it's game on!


Who is your favorite source for party ideas?

images: jacolyn murphy

Simple Presentations

Wrapping is also part of the gift. 

We know that, yet sometimes we rush it. We wait until the last minute and then scramble when we don't have the tools we need at hand. I know it's a little thing, but I do think it matters. And, I'm making a personal commitment to do better.


Perhaps that's why I love these simple ideas. Above, brown craft paper, tied up with string. Insert a sprig of whatever grows outside your door and you've got a package that's exciting to receive. No matter what's inside.

How wonderful are these simple cards, casually calligraphied by KisforCalligraphy? A package of 7, for any occasion. I'm ordering these for myself!


Do you have a stash of gifts and gift wrap at the ready? What's your favorite way to wrap a gift?

images: pinterest, kisforcalligraphy

Going Gray

 I never thought I'd go gray this early. In my house, that is.


The paint colors we're testing this week include an array of grays. Soft. Soothing. Easy on the eyes. We have a lot of natural light in the new areas and gray seems to be a nice segue between the original part of the house and this newer, more casual area. 

Last night, everything seemed to be about gold. (Oscar!) But, this Monday morning, I'm all about gray. And, happy about it.


What's on tap for you this week?

images: a perfect gray, providence ltd, pinterest

Renovation Diary - Making Progress

Last week I promised renovation updates...so here goes!

Today is my weekly architect/contractor meeting and they are ready for me to chose my paint colors. So, that meant looking through fabrics to get an idea of the direction we're headed. Above are just a few of the color options.

The week's big excitement - the powder bath tile has gone in!! 

 The "playroom", which is what got this project rolling is coming along. 

The exterior is completely shingled. Once we're assured it will stay warm, we'll start painting. The house will be white and I'm considering options for the front door and shutters.

My poor little window boxes will be replaced with larger boxes. More room for pretty flowers!

There will also be a large window box under the window above the garage doors. More flowers!

Finally, I need to come up with a paint color for the garage doors. Right now, they're just primed.

The back patio has been completely rebuilt (trust me...it needed it) and the back of the house is so much prettier than before. Just need some grass and some plants in my pots! 

I'll be testing paint colors out over the weekend. What about you? What do you have planned?

Music to Charlotte Moss' Ears

I really miss the Charlotte Moss Townhouse. 


It was unlike any other retail experience. Stunning before you even walked through the doors, you immediately felt like you were in Charlotte's home. Or, at least, one of them.

From the pagoda door handles, to the library of vintage books to the garden out back, you FELT her touch on everything. I have kept the signature gray boxes emblazoned with the white pagoda. I keep special letters in one....out of season hats and gloves in the other.

Charlotte's books and blog are true visual stimulation....but I was delighted to happen upon her personal playlist for Itunes. These are compilations she has used in show houses or for special events where music is key to ambiance. 

So, if you'd like to channel Charlotte Moss in your own home, here's the link! 

Isn't that music to your ears?!

images: House Beautiful, Charlotte Moss

Adore - Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald makes magic.


Here are just a few of my favorite rooms by this interior design muse.

Wouldn't you feel like royalty in a bedroom like the one above?

Don't Miss - Sam Allen for Joss & Main Tonight!

 I'm thrilled to announce Sam Allen will be hosting his first Curated Collection Event on Joss & Main, tonight, beginning at 9pm EST!

Sam is thrilled to share some of his favorite finds which can help anyone add a touch of sophistication to their home, no matter their style or budget.

Sam's picks highlight his love of hollywood glamour and Parisian influences....so set your watches. The sale begins soon....here!

Happy Shopping!

Eye Like It

Welcome back everyone! Did you have a long weekend, like I did? I hope so. It's always nice to stretch out the fun.

But when I return from a trip, I always feel the need to catch up on my zzzzzzs. Perhaps that's why these snazzy eye masks from Elizabeth W caught my eye!

At just $22, what a darling gift for a roommate who stays out late, a new mom or a friend about to take an overnight flight!

Sleep is important to helping us look our best - with these...you can look your best while you get your beauty rest!

Do you sleep like a baby or toss and turn?

Friday Flowers - The Scent of a Tulip

Finally, it's the weekend! And, my favorite day of the week - Friday!

We're heading toward the Rocky Mountains for a family ski outing (or apres, if you know what I mean!). But, before I left, I wanted to share one of my new favorite tulips. Not a new variety or color, but a fragrance. And, it is going to be my "go to" fragrance for Spring!

I had heard of Stockholm based, Byredo Parfums, but coming down the escalator at Barneys last week, I ran straight into the fragrance lady who wants to hand out samples. Normally, I so "no, thank you" but it happened to be the Byredo lady. So, when I said, "yes, I'd like to try the tulip fragrance", she laughed and said that was exactly the sample she had in her hand. 

Coincidence? Or, just meant to be?

Either way, I sampled it. Loved it. Am wearing it. 

Have you had a fun coincidence happen lately? Keep your eyes open....they're all around!!

Have a wonderful, long weekend, everyone. I'll be back Tuesday with renovation updates and more!