Shelter loves.....

1. I have to give a loving shout out to my hometown of Marshfield, Ma. I love living in this seaside town...but living near the water has drawbacks during large storms. I am thankful my home and family were all safe during the blizzard this week, but much of my town was under water and a number of people lost their homes due to the storm surge. My thoughts are with them! xo

The picture of the beach above is about five minutes from my home. The second picture (below it) was taken yesterday during the high tide. The water literally took over much of the small village area of Brant Rock. I have never seen this area so flooded in my life, the waves were crashing over the seawall and into homes. ( I grew up in Marshfield and am back after leaving for 17 years).

2. Sometimes we all need to remind ourselves of this...
3. I love a feminine mix of floral and leopard print. This image is making me rethink my daughter's room rug choices.
4. Art is subjective, but these cheery watercolor prints by Sarah Martinez would add a beautiful pop of color to your home or office.
5. As you know Superbowl Sunday is this weekend! Go Pats! I am heading to a friend's house. I think I may bring these. They look somewhat healthy, right?? This entire site is filled with yummy recipes.
6. I love layering graphic tees under blazers and sweaters this time of year.

Thoughts on home - Thanksgiving table update

Hello Loves! Today I'm sharing an update on my Thanksgiving preparations. I've got almost everything in order for the table. I'm purchasing the flowers tomorrow! Mind you this is a table on a "budget", so I'm going to mix a couple different types and bouquets to get a custom look. Here I have shared some common Fall/Thanksgiving bouquets for inspiration......

 I am however going to mix my colors up a bit. I was out scouting over the weekend and think I am going to combine the two floral looks below. The orange roses will be deeper and richer in color. 

My kids and I also gilded pumpkins yesterday. They loved it and I was really happy with the results! The smaller pumpkins are going to be used as place setting markers and I may guild the stems today. 

I am using these dishes on top of my china. They are from a family collection and are Spode, pattern: Florence. I'm loving the fretwork pattern and brown color!! Finally I had a couple of people ask for the stuffing recipe I use. I mentioned it is from the old school Better Homes and Garden's cookbook! I combine these two, double it and add a bit more spices and of course more BUTTER!!!

Bread Stuffing

3 Tablespns chopped onion  (I also use celery)

1/4 cup butter

4 cups bread cubes (about 7 slices of bread)

1/4 teaspn salt

1/4 t pepper

1/2 t poultry seasoning

1/2 t sage

2-4 T water or chicken broth

Cook onion and celery in butter.  Combine w bread and seasonings.  Toss with enough broth to moisten.  Makes enough for 3-4 lb chicken.  You have to at least quadruple the recipe.

Herb Stuffing

12 cups slightly dry bread cubes

1/3 cup snipped parsley

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

11/2 teasp salt

1 teasp sage

1 teasp thyme

1 teach dried rosemary ( more if you use fresh)

6 T butter

1 cup chicken broth.

Makes enough for one 12 lb turkey. I usually double this recipe  Also use celery.  And adjust seasonings to taste, often using a little more than the above recipes.

Style File's...snapshot



Illustration by Lulu Dk

I just returned from two small installations! They both went very well {thank god}. Sorry for the late post. I promise to return with lots of goodies soon...In the meantime be sure to check out my "Style File" post over at La Dolce Vita today!! Thanks for having me Paloma!

here is a peek from Paloma's post, some of my favorite things:

Fabric: Quadrille's Alan Campbell and China Seas line. I also find Lulu Dk very inspiring, her collages and art work are genius!

Favorite Food : French Bistro - Bistro Cooking at home is one of my all time favorite cook books, every recipe I have ever made is AMAZING!

One {among a few} Fashion Icons - Grace Kelly. I am loving the 50's-60's inspired clothing this Fall. Add a bit of an edge to the outfit and you're all set!

Hope you're having a great day!



Bedroom Image: Veranda, April 2010

On my radar..for the Fall..

For Fashion?

I love, love, love layering my outfits with blazers! I live in them most of the year. This knit blazer from Madewell would be an instant staple for me.

another staple? Sweedish Hasbeen boot

At Home.

warm neutrals, tufted velvet, leopard prints + mixing natural wood and paint!

image: Paul Costello

image: Canadian House and Home.

a mirror in the kitchen? would you do it? love the look but is it practical?


love this leather butterfly chair from Urban Outfitters

and the warm unexpected colors of these Ikat rugs! Available at ABC Carpet and Home

In the Kitchen

I tend to cook more in the Fall then summer. Onion soup is a no-fail classic! See recipe here.

Dining AlFresco

When I dine outside, everything just tastes a little better. Wouldn't you agree? I hate to say the summer is winding down, but it is..before I kiss the next three weeks goodbye, I'll be taking full advantage of the short "native corn + tomato" season in Boston. {I think my southern friends have been enjoying them all summer!} Here's a bit of inspiration for on both fronts!

+ two recipes..although both are equally yummy alone with a hint of salt + pepper! {correction: salt, pepper + butter on the corn}

Images: Domino, via Trey and Laura, Krista Ewart, Food/recipes - Coastal Living, Domino, ?, Elle Decor, Melanie Acevedo, flickr, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful