Hippity Hop Hop.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your friends and family.


Images from Instyle Magazine,Domino, Unknown.

Where Have You Been All My Life?

I love hardwood floors and tiled kitchens. What I don't love however is the constant clean-up with two little ones running in and out with muddy, dirty shoes. So the battle of dragging out the bucket of water,mop, some chemical nastiness to make them look somewhat presentable in 10 minutes before the aformentioned little feet run back in. So I took the plunge and bought a Bisell Shark Steam Mop. Cue angels singing. Plug in, heats up quick, and glorious gentle steam glides over tile and hardwood seamlessly with very little streaking. The pad pops off and into the washer. No bucket, no mop, no soaking wet floors! Happy Mommy. Do you have one? Are you thinking of getting one? Any problems that I (don't) really want to hear? No, I do! Report please...

Hope you are all looking forward to Friday! I am......

Images from Gil Shafer,Stella McCarthy via Vogue, Country Living, Unknown.

Banquette or Banq-K for that matter.

Having to make a quick pit stop in K-Mart, I was surprised to see a wooden banquette offered for sale at around $250.00. As you know, a custom banquette can cost you $$$$$$. And if you have a rental and not a whole lot of space, this might be a great piece to grab. I probably would lose the extra bench and add two modern chairs Yes, its in an unattractive oak stain but channelling Palmer Weiss, paint it out in say Farrow and Ball's Hague Blue and then add a few Thom Felicia for Kravet cushions, and you have a very chic, affordable place to dine.


Photo credits Domino Magazine, Elle Decor, Unknown, Farrow and Ball, Kravet

Lovin.

Wisteria.

Sorry

I have a dislocated finger so typing has been a challenge to say the least. But I would like to at least share some images that make me think of happier things.

Photo credits Unknown,Domino,Cottage Living.

Today

I want this kitchen including that amazing pantry door.

I'm now convinced I need to dig out my old horse show ribbons and do something with them

I love vertical siding especially in white. This used to be a ranch!

I want a fabulous tablecloth much like Aerin Lauder's for my dining room.

How beautiful is this Mommy?


Images from Chicago Home, Elements of Style, Cottage Living, Elle Decor, Sorry can't remember the last!

Old Lamp, New Shade.

Isn't great what a new lampshade will do for a thrift store lamp? If you happen to live by a Pottery Barn, their oversize black glossy shades that retailed for around 80 bucks are down to 10. Yes 10! Go out and get yourself some lampshade lovin.


Also, the terrible disaster in Japan makes me think we should all give what we can. I did to the Red Cross online and it was very easy.

Dinner with Martha.

For my most of my adult life I have thought of it as a study in contrasts. I guess most of that comes from my marriage. I fell head over heels with a guy over a decade ago who essentially had the exact same childhood as me which does not add any conntrast but perhaps a whole lot of comfort to the both of us. Father dies when you a toddler, mother takes over as CEO of a ship taking on water and manages to make it float, and the kid tries to find one's place in the world. Fast forward to those two kids finding two very different worlds to exist and then make a life together work. Somehow we did.

It is either completely humorous or painful coming together at the end of a day and explaining just went on. I have it easier for sure and far less painful. We don't live in a glamorous place. But I get to float in and out of a world that certainly offers a whole lot of beauty. Work and friends in the city, beautiful homes and fantastic people right here Scranton, family and lucky stars connections that intermingle with my far less impressive day to day raising two kids and building an interior design business.


Yes, I've struggled with wanting bigger. Still do. And perhaps might get it one day. But back to the husband's world there is something that brings me right back to where I am. The guys are hilarious, tough, crude, and sweet at the same time. They come as a package deal with the job and this life and I count my blessing I get to be a part of this mix. It does not contain one ounce of grandeur but what it does have is authenticity and is special thing to be a part of. They would probably disagree. But that is why there is a million tv shows and movies about such a life. It's interesting to watch.



So when the group of guys, wives, girlfriends get a babysitter and go on an ordinary Tuesday night to finally let lose a little at our local restaurant, drinks are poured and the conversation is fun and far from proper. Feeling relaxed and about to sip of wine,the husband turns to me and says, "Martha Stewart just sat down", very nonchalantly.


I'm pretty sure I laughed. I mean come on? Tuesday night at Russell's and Martha just sat down? So I looked. Yes, indeed Martha is sitting one table away. No one noticed her. Except the husband who has the contrast of living in my world from time to time. Our table got louder and sillier and not because of Martha because the guys could really care less. The girlfriends and wives were a bit more curious. We did not bother her as she looked as if she definitely did not want to be bothered. She looked at me as she left without a smile. I remember feeling bad for a moment. She will probably never see anything about my home, my designs, or the great interest I have taken in all the extraordinary she has created over the years with some serious speed bumps along the way. I admire Martha for that. But I suddenly realized perhaps her life contains very little of what I take for granted. I love the contrast and am grateful to have it. It was nice to see you Martha.


All images Martha Stewart Living.

Random Samplings

I am officially obsessed with What is James Wearing author James Andrew and his bedroom seen here
I equally am obsessed with the Beekman Boy's City pantry and can't wait for the new season.

I need a trench coat like this little darling's for my Gigi this Spring.

How adorable is this tented bathtub? I know my kids would rip it down at this stage though.

Only Jenna Lyons could make denim on denim look this chic.

So what are you lovelies thinking about these days?