Lavender Longings

Hello, Monday! As I gear up for another busy week, I find myself drawn to the calming scent of lavender.

Perhaps it's because I'm finally setting up my new laundry room with a few favorite items from The Laundress, like their lavender pouches. I've tucked them in between towels and sheet sets....and every time I open the door I dream of the day I'll see the lavender fields for myself in Provence. Ahhhh....to daydream on a Monday. 

Better get back to the laundry!! Do you linger for lavender?

Friday Flowers

My landscape team arrived yesterday! Between the plants we were able to salvage pre-renovation and the new ones covering my lawn right now....we should be "sitting pretty" in the garden by Mother's Day.


We have a long way to go before we look like the images above, but it's always nice to dream!


Wishing you loads of sunshine, flowers and fun this weekend!

images: Carolyn Roehme via Alicia Baldwin pinterest via Stylish Serendipity, Better Homes & Garden via Stylish Serendipity

Sip, Sip Horray

Like most of us, I am always wanting, needing, trying... to drink more water. Trying to reduce the amount of disposable water bottles I lug around (and throw away) and yet not really loving the metallic taste that accompanies so many of those pretty canteen type containers....I've embraced a product I've had in my cabinet for years. 

Tervis double insulated tumblers!!!

Why have I embraced these you ask? Well...it was the discovery of their fitted lids and straws. I can fill up my tumbler with ice and filtered water from home and tote it wherever I go. I am finding that I am drinking much more water now.

You can personalize them and they make great gifts. For the high school graduate, give their new college logo. For Father's Day, pick his favorite team. Here are the ones I've selected to give to all the men (big and small) in my life!

The biggest problem for me....narrowing down which ones to order. 

Here's to your health and drinking more water!!

Photo Shoots with Bentley Waters

Bentley Waters has a gift. She "sees" people and can capture their essence on film. She is a photographer with soul. 


Each Spring she offers a special opportunity called "Mini Shoots" . It's an abbreviated photo session on May 5th in NYC's West Village, Central Park or May 10th, at a park in Westchester (Chappaequa). So, it's a little more low-key and less than the cost of a formal sitting.


If you're still looking for a great gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day or it's just been too long since you've had someone really talented take photos of your family, check out the details HERE!

Of all the things I treasure, it is the photos of my family that mean the most!


Now, give us a smile....you look great!!

Renovation Diary: Going Classic

After great (internal) debate, I've decided to keep the exterior of our home classic. And, what's more classic than black and white?


I've taken quite a shine to my glossy front door, thanks to Fine Paints of Europe.  You literally can see your reflection in it. 

Here's a peek at our new side entry. It definitely needs some finishing touches, but I'm trying to hold off until everything else is complete. A bench, some landscaping and a pot of flowers will turn this into an inviting entry at last!

Shutters will go up on the front of the house this week. I think it's going to be like going from bare lashes to extensions....dramatic!

My Genie House lanterns that have been on the house got a new coat of paint and they look brand new. I love that this brand has a Southern feel to it and is made in the USA.


Have you started Spring cleaning or sprucing at your home?

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy days and Mondays.....so the song goes. 


Last night was a gusher here in the Northeast...and it looks like a rainy week overall. Time to bring out the Wellies. 


At least with April showers, we should have beautiful May flowers!


Do you love the occasional rainy day? Take advantage of the quiet time today to do something you've been putting off!

images: weheartit.com, atlantic-pacific.com, undisciplineheart.tumblr.com

Guest Post for The Yuppie Files

Friday is, without a doubt, my favorite day of the week. The week ending. The weekend beginning. It just feels a little freer. Almost like you're beginning a vacation. 

In fact, I'm on a bit of a vacation today, as I'm visiting my friend Kellie.

Join me over at The Yuppie Files where I'll be dishing  about:


~ the blogger I would love to be for a day
~ the historical figure I would like to have for dinner
~ my guilty pleasure




What's your guilty pleasure? I hope you enjoy lots of it this weekend!

Floral Delight

A friend of a friend is coming to NYC for her birthday party - lucky girl! So, my friend asked if there was a floral arranger I really liked. Well, yes, there is. Belle Fleur!


Not only do they do the most delightful arrangements, but they teach classes at New York's famed Flower School New York.

I'd be a blushing bride carrying one of these down the aisle. 

And, they create some of the most sensational scents around! Thinking...Mother's Day gift!

At a minimum....I hope you've enjoyed the eye candy!

Hello Sunshine + More

Well, Hello Sunshine! Yes, that's right. I'm talking to YOU!


Loving both the written note and calligraphy, I was thrilled to stumble upon Sparrow Nest Script, where casual + calligraphy = fresh take on notes, cards and gifts.

Hallmark cards for Mom are great...but these have a sweet handmade feel. ($7-8 each)

Send one of these moleskin notebooks to your favorite camper or grad. Whether they are brimming with ideas, want to rehash the Hunger Games or jot down their favorite Harry Potter quotes...there's a notebook for it. ($15-20 each).

Want to encourage your young reader to pick up those required summer reading books? Need a party favor for your book club party? Want to top off a favorite book for a graduating senior or favorite teacher? Check out these bookmarks. Or send them your favorite quote and the'll create one for you. ($5 each)

Best of all....everything above can be customized in the color of your choice. And, that is worth jotting down!

Wishing you a sunshine filled day!