Sarah's Cottage

If you are a fan of HGTV, chances are you have seen Sarah Richardson.  The Canadian designer has a knack for creating spaces that are simple and calming.  The house below is her very own island retreat, featured on her HGTV show, Sarah's Cottage.  I love the soft color palette and no-nonsense design, it's just what you'd want in a weekend getaway!

For more info, check out sarahrichardsondesign.com

Dream Home

It's been a while since I've posted anything!  And blogging has become my yoga, a calming indulgence to take my mind off the day to day stresses.  With life passing by so quickly, I need to take the time to slow down, reflect and engage in some therapy. And to me, there is no better therapy than escaping...... today I'm escaping to Turks and Caicos!  I saw this gorgeous beach front home featured months ago on House of Turquoise and haven't stopped dreaming about it!  Just look at these pictures!!!  For more information or to book a real vacation, click here.

  

Westhampton, NY

Perusing the internet tonight I stumbled upon this house in Westhampton, NY designed by Eddie Lee.  It was featured in Lonny Magazine last summer as well as on my favorite blog, House of Turquoise!  Check out the house below, I love the calming interiors; white walls accented with shades of white, cream and blue!

HGTV Smart Home

The chilly spring in the Northeast has me dreaming I had a second home somewhere warm. On the top of my list is Florida.  A cottage close to the beach would be perfect!  Well as long as I am dreaming, I'm goin' dream BIG and try to win HGTV's new Smart Home.  Located near Jacksonville, Florida the house is a tropical oasis for the soon-to-be winner.  Check out the photos below and be sure to link over to HGTV's Smart Home blog, for more details on this green home. You can enter the sweepstakes as well, I only ask that if you're the lucky winner, you invite me down for a few weeks!! :)   

NKBA Kitchen of the Year

The National Kitchen and Bath Association is holding their "People's Pick of 2013" for Kitchen of the year.  Sponsored along with HGTV, there are nine kitchens in the running.  Below are three of my favorites, but I am struggling to choose a favorite!  All three are great, but I think I am favoring the second kitchen.  I love the calming color palette with the pop of green, and animal print wallpaper! Head over to HGTV to see the other kitchens and do so soon, there are just 3 days left to cast your vote!

Kitchen above by In Detail Interiors

When in Rome

It's been so long since my last post.  In the interim, I took a trip to Rome!!  My younger one and I went to visit my older daughter who is studying abroad for the semester.  I was thrilled to experience the magical city with both daughters.  Turns out it was the perfect week to be there too.  We arrived in time to see the white smoke and saw the new pope address the crowd last Sunday at St. Peter's Square!

I decided to rent an apartment instead of staying in a hotel and it could not have been more perfect!  So this is a shout out to Alessandra and her charming apartment.  The apartment is wonderfully located, super clean, very quiet and full with every amenity a five star hotel would have, plus Alessandra is a gracious host! 

So if your travels find you in Rome, I would highly recommend that you rent this apartment. Because when in Rome, do as the Romans do!

St. Peter's Square @ The Vatican

The apartment:

To see more of the apartment check out: http://www.rhomeylets.it/

Dream Kitchen #2

If you follow my blog, you know I've been dreaming of a new kitchen for some time now. (See my previous post from December 2011).  I like the idea of an all white kitchen, but if I did that it would have to have a splash of color!  Searching the web, I came across this magnificent kitchen designed by Jute Home and fell in love!!!   Check out the photos below, I love the pop of blue against all the white as well as the contrast of the dark kitchen table.  

Be sure to check out Jute Home's website for more eye candy!