Color Soiree: Blue + Green

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Yesterday I gave into temptation and got a hot fudge sundae with mint chocolate chip ice-cream, marshmallow and hot fudge. Let me tell you, it was so good, but I'm not entirely sure it was worth the guilt that followed. It was enormous, and I made it about half through, before I began to feel sick and the guilt started to rear it's ugly head. My daughter drove home as I rubbed my stomach, moaned, and I thought to myself, "Surely, they don't over indulge like this in other countries." Somehow, I can't picture a chic Parisian going at a sundae after her leek soup. Oh, darn that gluttony... I'll see you in Dante's Inferno. I'll be the one with the hot fudge on the side of her mouth.

Do you feel guilty when you over-indulge? What is your best tip to distract you from temptation? 

Giveaway: Enter to win a Lindsay Bangle from Stella + Dot. Winner chooses color.

Color Soiree: Pale & Greige

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How's your week going? My son is home from college and has been catching up on appointments... doctors, dentist, eye exam, haircut. While all this is necessary, I am wishing we had booked a quick tropical family getaway because I've been feeling a bit "pale + greige" myself.  I'm thinking it's time to book myself a nice leisurely massage and pedicure with some bright spring polish.  Care to join me? 

Current giveaway: Enter to win the bracelet of your choice from June 1989.

Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed.

Color Soiree: Butter Me Up

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I love a buttery soft cabinetry.  My kitchen walls are painted in New England Yellow by Laura Ashley. I had the color in our last home and loved it so much that I insisted on having it in my current kitchen. What design elements in a home are you absolutely crazy about or do you dream of having one day? Let's pretend money is not an issue and the sky is the limit!

My dream list would contain:

Marble kitchen counters

Chevron floors throughout home

French chandeliers - everywhere including master closet

Outside fireplace and patio

Fireplaces in master bath, master bedroom, kitchen, dining

Mudroom (oh, how I wish I had one when my kids were younger)!

Butler + maid (ha ha - just kidding)

Library with built in bookshelves

Large walk-in closet with sitting area

I could go on and on but I'd prefer to hear what you have to say.  Maybe I could just move into Tina's home.  She has been busy building her, (and my), dream home!!  Seriously, I can not read her home updates without wiping the drool from my mouth.

Current giveaway: Enter to win the bracelet of your choice from June 1989.

Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed.

Color Soiree: Mint Julep

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When I think of mint the first thing that comes to mind is my favorite flavor of ice cream, (o.k., I admit it.... ice cream and sundaes are usually on the forefront of my mind).  The duo clawfoot tubs have me dreaming of taking a "hot suds Sunday," with chocolate bubble bath, whipped body cream, no nuts, and a cherry on top.  Hope you have a lovely Sunday, Everyone! xoxo

Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed. 

Color Soiree: Grays & Reds And Winner Announcement

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It certainly has felt like winter here the past few days which has me looking to cuddle up and seek simple comforts. Warm woolen sweaters, fuzzy socks to whisk about the house in, steaming mugs of cocoa, plush throw and big cuddly bear hugs are all simple little comforts that help keep the chill at bay.

Thanks to everyone who entered the Kate Spade Idiom Bangle giveaway. The winner chosen by random.org is: Pam of Over 50 Feeling 40. Congrats, Pam! I will email you for your shipping info.

Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed.

Color Soiree: Grey & Red

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Red is an emotionally charged color and is always good to wear when you don't wish to sink into the background. It only takes a small pop of red in decor to create a strong impact. Grey is a great companion and is proof that opposites attract. Calming grey flatters, but allows red to take center stage. This dynamic reminds me of many couples I know. One partner is more outgoing, charismatic, humorous or simply just full of themselves! The other partner may be more of an intellect and quiet by nature, uncomfortable with being the center of attention, happy to just sit back and observe the antics of their significant other. Somehow, it just works. Balance is a beautiful thing. 

What color do you reach for when you want to stand out in the crowd? Do you know any couples like the ones I described? Perhaps you yourself are in a similar relationship. If so, what role do you play? 

Enter to win a Everlon Diamond Necklace from Kranich Jewelers!

The Road To Bliss

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Good morning. I love this quote by Robert Frost. It's true that we should always carve our own way, and follow our own path to happiness. Conventional isn't for everyone. Have you ever realized you were not on the right path and decided to try a different route in your life? Was it scary? What gave you the motivation to just go for it? 

Current Giveaways:

Win a Kate Spade iphone case, winner's choice

Win a gold sparrow bracelet from Silver Lining Deco

Color Soiree: Palest Pink & Gold

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Pink and gold is the one color palate that I never seem to tire off.  One thing is for sure, my dream home would have built in bookshelves. Sure it means more dusting, but I could finally stop going to Barnes and Noble to just relax. Funny how just being surrounded by books can affect me that way.

The post editor in Blogger was acting up for me yesterday. Which makes me curious... Is it just me, or is anyone else using the Blogger platform having difficulty? I think Wordpress is in my future.

Enter to win Seasons by Donna Hay. Packed full of beautiful photography and delicious recipes.

Color Soiree: Shades of Sherbet

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Good morning, Everyone. This pretty sherbet hued tablescape has me longing for a late afternoon tea and laughs with the girlfriends.  The bedding is by, Annette Tatum, who is a design genius... I absolutely am smitten with her work. Her book The Well-Dressed Home is one of my all time favorites. 

I have a treat for you tomorrow, the first Monday of August, brings along a visit from, Julie of Brown Eyed Belle, sharing her sunny disposition and beautiful guest post. One you won't want to miss for sure!

Have you entered my cookbook giveaway yet? It's for Seasons, by Donna Hay, and it's packed full of beautiful photography and scrumptious seasonal recipes. xoxo

Color Soiree: Blue & Pink

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All it takes is one or two special items to make a space unique. An antique phone, a beautiful print, petal pink ballet slippers, a fluffy cat... is it me or does he look fake? That last bedroom is once again proof that just because a room has limited space doesn't mean it can't be fabulous.

Enter to win a Ikat Scarf from Zhush. The winner will be announced next week.

Enjoy your weekend. I hope it is inspired! xoxo

Color Soiree: Beautiful Blue & Beige

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Did my fellow Americans enjoy the long holiday weekend? We are having a bit of a staycation which is exactly what is needed. Between finding the perfect lounge chairs for our deck, and switching out our phones for iphones... there has been lots of grilling, reading, and countless episodes of Lost being watched, (I am one of the few who never saw it). I hope to squeeze in a visit to Kennebunkport for some Maine lobster, take in the sights and sounds at Fanieul Hall Marketplace, and possibly squeeze in a Red Sox game. The best part? I get to sleep in my own bed which guarantees comfiness!

What would you do on a staycation?