Spruce Up!

Winter takes a toll on the outdoors. This is the time to spruce up and get ready to enjoy the weeks ahead. Tops on the list? Replace tattered outdoor umbrellas. Fresh planters filled with the summer plants. Get the garden hoses all ready for warm weather watering and check out the new grills for easy cooking. Here are a few of my favorite finds….

Kelly Wearstler’s patio (top photo from LONNY.COM)  is simple yet fabulous. A great reminder that boxwoods in white planters are always a standout.  These Ikea white pots are  a great choice. Cheap and chic. No reason to splurge when these are perfect and only $15!

I don’t know about you, but I battle it out every summer with the garden hoses! These Dramm garden hoses from West Elm are calling out to me! They may be Dramm but I think they are a dream! Chic colors (red and orange are the best) and don’t kink! HA!

What is not to love about this Minden grill from Williams-Sonoma? I love everything about it!

Let’s face it, umbrellas take a beating! If yours is a tattered mess, replace it with something different. This classic striped one from Pottery Barn is fresh and looks great! Can’t beat a good awning stripe in the summer!

When friends are coming over, make sure they can see the number on your house with these fab ones from DWR.  The red ones are fantastic are are certain to wake up a tired black door!

After spending so many nice evenings outdoors in Los Angeles, I learned the art of stringing lights. Hands down, it is the easiest way to dazzle an evening dinner party. When the sun sets and your terrace is a glow with twinkling lights, it is the best!  These from Serena and Lily are great but if you are in a hurry and have clear Christmas lights, they will do the trick as well.

Memorial Day Weekend Countdown

Hard to believe, but in one quick week we will be ringing in the start of summer. This week, I will  get you ready with what you will want in seven days and counting. We’ll start with these festive deck chairs from Gallant & Jones. These are fun, lively and come in a bunch of chic options. Perfect for the beach or evening fireworks celebrations. Fold and go!

The Friday Find ~ 17 May

Are you a mom who hears about custom sneakers from your kids? Needless to say, we have managed to keep the door closed on that in our home but I will admit a custom shoe is fun. Step up to the plate Salvatore Ferragamo! They are now offering the very classic Varina and Vara in customizable options! Think about it Select the color of the shoe,  the bow, the metal…..Hmmm. These are so classic you might remember your mom wearing them years ago but don’t let that hold you back. Worn right, these are all about style…and now you can make them in your style!!

Outdoor Living

Summer is almost officially here. Time to dust off your outdoor seating. Wash off the pollen and enjoy the warm weather. Memorial Day is just around the corner and these photos are certain to inspire! Enjoy

Farmhouse Chic

Driving out of the metropolitan area is always a wonderful reminder of clean simple living. The rolling hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the perfectly maintained yet not overdone farmhouses. Simple living is a good thing! Here is a collection of my favorite farmhouse inspired items!

Barn red farmhouse lights! Perfect above a garage! These from Rejuvenation have a classic yet updated look.

Tractor stools from DWR . Perfect!

Hudson Bay striped blankets folded at the end of each bed…love!

These  Nakashima straight backed chairs from DWR are a modern twist to a classic and perfect for a farmhouse dining table!

Red and white check napkins from School House Electric

The kitchen would be lost without a classic white farmhouse sink and Ikea has a great one.

New From DWR

DWR is my favorite design catalog. They have the best of the best. The latest landed last week with fabulous new  items from Eames and more! The newest version of the Eames molded side chair in wood (above). Seriously, these are fabulous.

This new Helix collection by Chris Hardy made me stop in my tracks.  The glass/wood/brass combination works perfectly together. These are outstanding and certain to become an iconic piece. Stunning.  I am a big believer in classic modern design. These are the pieces that take a home to a new level and make everything in a room look better!

Happy Mother’s Day

Pulling together these photographs is one of my favorite blogs. Moments in time with moms! Enjoy.

The Friday Find ~ 10 May

The perfect clean and modern sconce. Simple. Gold. Love this!

Let the Light In…

As things warm up outside, I like to cool down the decor. The lush greenery is my choice for summer color. Looking outside is all I need. Take advantage of the rainy days, and put some things away. I like to store my throw pillows, roll up small rugs and highlight the wood floors. Put away the heavy! Let the light in. Warm days mean fresh interiors. Light and airy! There is nothing better than coming indoors on a hot day to a cool and light home!

While we are talking cooling down, this would certainly be a cool ride! Cheers!

Simple

Ah. A beautiful reminder that sometimes less is more. Love this!