Fashion Meets Decor

via

It was so nice to enjoy a leisurely long weekend. This marks the beginning of a busy week which will
end with my son's graduation ceremony and celebration. A trip to the Nordstroms is in order to buy him a new tie for the event, and I may just have to stop off at J. Crew to see if they have the plaid shorts available in the last photo, (since I've decided to become preppy for the time being, at least until the next phase strikes)!

Are you lusting over the shoe closet as much as I am? I have been putting off my closet re-vamp for awhile now. It's on my agenda after all of the graduation madness comes to an end. My closet is a walk-in and it has great bones. It just needs a little love and it could be fabulous! I have been wanting to do it for a long time but I am what you would call a procrastinator with a capital P.

Is there project that you keep "meaning to do?" What gets you motivated?

******

Thank you to everyone who entered the Ina Garten cookbook giveaway.
The winner chosen by random.org is #3:
Pam from Over 50, Feeling 40
Congrats, Pam... I will email you for your selection.

State Of Sunshine

via

Do you think that bulldog is trying to get on the bed or wants to put 

on the yellow dress?

After non stop rain, the sun as finally graced it's pretty rays upon us

just in time for the many Memorial Day gatherings, parades and graduations.

Beach goers, gardeners, and little league teams are all soaking in the rays.

Memorial Day not only honors those who fought for our country, it signals

the beginning of Summertime for so many of us.

If you are in the States, how are you celebrating the Holiday?

Winner of the Ina Garten giveaway to be announced tomorrow!

Toast The Riviera

I just want to LIVE inside the Toast summer catalog. With the beautiful Riviera

as a backdrop, cute outfits and stunning photography, who wouldn't want to be there?
I am thinking it's lucky for my wallet that there is not a store available in the
States.

Have you ever visited the Riviera?

Win a Ina Garten cookbook, winner's choice

Color Soiree: The Smokey Blues & Tearshed

I am not usually a big fan of blue, but these smokey blue rooms, designed by, Paul Corrie,

are fabulous. The combination of pale blues and grays, with creamy whites, creates a romantic 

softness.

Speaking of the blues, I experienced my own bout of the blues yesterday. 

There I was in the middle of the supermarket, when I spotted graduation cards and decided I should 

buy one for my son before they get picked over.  Reading the prose about time flying by, and the journey from boyhood into adulthood, proved to be too much. It hit me. He'll be leaving for college

in a few months. My eyes began to water, the tears started coming. There I stood, just me and

my grocery cart, having a bit of a meltdown. Oh, Lord, let's hope I get through the actual 

graduation ceremony next week without making a blubbering fool of myself.

Please tell me I am not the only one who can't read a card without getting all

choked up!

Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice
Sale on templates at The Blog Boutique for a limited time

Fashion Meets Decor

set one: 1, 2 set two: 1, 2, 3, 4, set 3: 1, 2

Can I just say how much I completely adore that first outfit? Call me a coward, but I get "anxiety" when it comes to mixing prints. In decor, I am not afraid to mix patterns at all, but somehow with my fashion, I fear that I will appear as if I got dressed in the dark. Outfit #1 has be reevaluating my thought process, and I'm thinking I may just need to step outside of my comfort zone. I love the preppy feel and am thinking that I might just turn into a complete prep. It's funny, how the older you get you get, you become more limited with what is age appropriate. Preppy looks good on all ages, from toddlers onward.
Do you find yourself changing your style as you get older?


Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice

Color Soiree: Pretty As A Parakeet

Meg Adams is the designer behind these cheery rooms. Her use of vivid hues, set amongst
white, creates an interesting palate that remains soft and is not overwhelming.

Do you like the idea of substituting dining room chairs with a bench? I love the look and the
relaxed vibe a bench creates, but I have to wonder how long it would be comfortable to sit
there with no back support?

Confession: I feel guilty every time I see a parakeet. Logan had one she named Summer, when she was little, and somehow the cage door must not have been shut tight. Let's just say our dachshund, Buddy, wasn't hungry at dinner that evening.

Do you follow Brett of Silvergirl? She is a sweetie and you can check out my blog redesign
I did for her here.

Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice
Sale on templates at The Blog Boutique for a limited time

Simply Smitten: M. Elle Design

These are just a few of my favorite interiors from mother and daughter design team, M. Elle Design.
Based out of New York and Newport Beach, Mary Turner is not only superbly talented, she is blessed to be able to work with her two daughters...  and obviously, this trio makes one amazing team!

I am completely and utterly smitten with the kitchen and the dining room. There is such a coziness that comes with rustic elements, it makes me want to hunker down and never leave.
Which room is your fave?

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Simply Smitten: Vallone Design

This stunning 4,000 square foot home in Corona Del Mar was designed by Berkley Vallone.
The owners live a block from the beach and wanted a look that captured their casual, yet sophisticated, lifestyle.  I am smitten with this home because it contains so many of my favorite things...  dark wood floors, natural textures,  French influences, and beautiful, relaxing spaces to unwind.
What design elements do you absolutely adore in a home?

Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice
Sale on templates at The Blog Boutique for a limited time

Wedding Inspiration: East Coast Charm & Beauty

via: style me pretty, designer: la fleur weddings, photography: Allyson Magda

This gorgeous, inspirational shoot is so inspiring, and the setting is very reminiscent of New England.
Sand filled bike paths, white picket fences, and beautiful peony blooms in bright pinks and corals, bring to mind Cape Cod and the islands, and make me proud to be a New Englander.
  I cannot envision a prettier backdrop for a late summer wedding!
What is your ideal setting to tie the knot?

Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice
Sale on templates at The Blog Boutique for a limited time

Sunday Stroll Through Paris

via 1+8, 2-7

What happens when you put a talented photographer in the most beautiful city on the planet? Magic!!
My new favorite blog?... Little Brown Pen. A visit to this beautiful blog is the next best thing to actually
being in Paris.  Every image is more swoon worthy than the next.
What is your favorite blog to get lost in?

Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice

Lilac Mélange

We made it... the weekend finally came. Is it me or did this week seem extremely long? It has been a

rain filled week here in Boston and I have been brightening up my home with fragrant lilacs from the

yard. Any exciting plans for the weekend? I am planning on lying low while I can before the chaos hits.

 With the warm June weather comes countless graduation parties, Father's Day, hubby's birthday, and a welcome weekend at my son's college for incoming Freshmen and parents.

I am hoping to enjoy some take out and a rent a movie or see a great film. Any suggestions?

Win a Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's choice

Giveaway: Ina Garten Cookbook, Winner's Choice

town + country 2008 via

If you have been reading Inspired Design for any length of time, then you know
I am a big fan on Ina Garten. I stumbled across these old images from Town and
Country of her Paris apartment, and thought how wonderful that she turned her
passion of cooking into a career that affords her a luxe lifestyle and allows her
endless opportunities. We should all be so lucky to have a career doing what we
love. I own each and everyone of her cookbooks and have decided to host a
giveaway for one lucky winner to receive the cookbook of his or her choice.

Entry Rules:
This contest is open to all followers of Inspired Design
Simply leave a comment below stating which book you would choose
Tweet or follow on Facebook for additional entries

Favorite recipes and printable link below:

Jam Thumbprint Cookies from Family Style
Lemon Chicken Breast from How Easy Is That?
Green Spring Vegetables from Barefoot Contessa at Home
Plum Tart from Parties
Loin Of Pork With Peppercorns from Barefoot in Paris
Potato-Fennel Gratin from Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Good luck and thanks for entering!