2014 Princess Margaret Showhome

Craftsman Home Office by Oakville Home Builders PCM Inc.

If I were to ever build a house, I would definitely include this room in the master plan. This indoor/outdoor office is stunning with tons of natural light (made even better with a wall of mirrors) and a tree growing inside the room. I mean, c'mon, how fabulous is that?! This isn't just some houseplant in a pot sitting in this room; it's an actual tree, planted in the ground, living and thriving in the greenhouse-like protection of a sun room. Definitely on my list.

image via

Homemade Marshmallows

foodnetwork.com

I'm not big on marshmallow.  I never eat them and forget about peeps at Easter; they just aren't tempting to me.  I was watching Ina Garten on her food network show "Barefoot Contessa" and she made these marshmallows.  I thought they looked fantastic and very different from the store-bought variety.  It turns out they are very easy to make and simply delicious!

I made them for my kids the other night when we started to decorate for Christmas.  They always like to have hot chocolate and I knew these would be perfect.  I, on the other hand, had mine with champagne.

Enjoy!

The Writing on the Wall {or in this case the mirror or glass}

We made it to Friday folks!  I'm very happy for many reasons:  I have less homework this week so I can catch up with Lori hopefully (I miss her!) Also, we are decorating for Christmas on Sunday.  I know it is before Thanksgiving but we celebrated last weekend.  I've been seeing more beautiful writing using chalk pens on mirror or glass lately and I think if can be beautiful.  Now, when I do it not so much but if you have beautiful writing and basic art skills you should try this one out.  It reminds me of old fashioned store windows and it's sweet.

curiousdetails.com

nellyvintagehome.blogspot.com

inthefunlane.com

youaremyfave.com

 Am I the only one decorating for Christmas right now?  Let me know if you also cheat ever so slightly.  I figure it's part of the fun of being grown up.  I make the rules.  

Have a fantastic weekend everyone.

Fall Neutrals

The Fashion Cuisine

Fall perfection in neutrals.  Thank you, pinterest, for picking my outfit out for me!

~Lori

Thanksgiving Through Christmas Decorating

thisisglamorous.com
(Start with the mantle decor and add the pretty basket with gifts later)

While life is pretty busy for all of us this time of year and we all want shortcuts, we don't want it to look as though we have taken shortcuts.  Since Thanksgiving and Christmas are so close, why not start decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving?  Now, I think there are a few tricks to this so that it looks appropriate:  Lot's of greens and candles to begin with (perhaps with a few pumpkins) and after Thanksgiving you can add all the tree decorations and pretty sparkly elements or just keep it simple and natural.  Also, pine cones are the perfect accent for fall to winter decorating.  Here are a few images that inspire me to get started but help my efforts last long after the turkey and stuffing are devoured.  

triciafoleyinthecountry.blogspot.com
I love this image and it is appropriate for Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year.  Maybe accent with sparkly lights in the garland or leave it simple.

yourcozyhome.blogspot.com

petit-jardin-secret.tumblr.com
Candles are always festive.  Just add mini white pumpkins for Thanksgiving.

cat-arzyna.tumblr.com
These moss stars are lovely and could work for Thanksgiving through the New Year as well.

ideasdecor.net
This table is just perfect for any winter celebration.

bespokeonly.tumblr.com
Again, beautiful greens and candles.

familyholiday.net
Start with pumpkins and then add the trees after Thanksgiving.  It just doesn't get any easier or more beautiful.

sagolikasinnen.blogspot.no
For me, this is the perfect, everyday dining environment during the holidays.  It could easily be dressed up for a special gathering.

traditionalhome.com
Here is the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas hostess gift.  Why didn't I think of this?

Fresh greens or really good imitation garlands are the key to pulling off these looks.  They are inviting and simple and beautiful.  

Happy Decorating!

Oh, Tenenbaum...

The Malice of Alice

The Malice of Alice

Regardless of whether you think it is appropriate for a 9 year old to pretend to be smoking a cigarette, how fantastic are these Royal Tenenbaum photos from The Malice of Alice?!  The shoot primarily focuses on Margot.  Little Alice did a great job catching her spirit, in my opinion.  There are more to check out; if you're a fan of the Wes Anderson film, I suggest you go take a look!
How's your week going so far?  Mine is super busy, and I am ready for it to be over so that I can enjoy my week off!
~Lori

Quote of the Day: Flair vs. Taste

elledecor.com

I love this quote because I've said the same thing in different words many times before but, if Albert Hadley said it, it's certainly the truth.

Hope your Monday is not one of those 'oh no, it's Monday,' Mondays.  Mine is crisp and pretty and productive so far.

I'm getting excited for holiday decorating and baking that is just around the corner!

Adare Manor

For no particular reason other than -WOW- I bring you a beautiful manor in Limerick, Ireland.

Adare Manor

Gorgeous, isn't it? I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I've got 32 essays to grade.  Good times.
~Lori

Favorite Inspirations of the Week

If found out last night that my family is planning to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend.  At first, the traditionalist in me was perturbed, I mean, it's Thanksgiving!  But then the reason for the date switch is so that some other family members might celebrate with us and that is what Thanksgiving is all about, right?  Also, I think this means I can decorate for Christmas early...yippy!  

cute-cute-et-cute.tumblr.com

lamesa.de

pinimg.com

estmagazine.com.au

ana-rosa.tumblr.com

markdsikes.com

shineyourlightblog.com

There were so many pretty inspirations around the net this week, don't you think?

Happy Thursday,

Designer Views

Designer Views

Yesterday we went to LA so I could get my haircut (hooray!), go to Whimsic Alley (double hooray!), and go to Brandy Melville.  While we were driving around, we passed this amazing looking home and garden store called Designer Views. We turned around, parked, went in, and were blown away.
They have a ton of beautiful stuff, and I especially loved the succulent planters, like the one pictured above.
I hope your week is going well!  3 days and then the weekend, not that I'm counting or anything.
~Lori

Veterans' Day

fabhousewife.com

In the business of life it is wonderful to have days like today where we can remember the sacrifice of others and express that gratitude.  I was able to go over to our local park Friday where they have set up a miniature Vietnam war memorial wall.  I have been to the one in DC many times and I am always moved.  It is great to share the experience with my kids and to tell a Vet thank you.  

Thank you to all who have served in the past and to those who currently serve.  God Bless you and your families.

What I Want: Scarves

Asos scarve / Asos scarve / ASOS scarve / ASOS scarve

It's pretty windy here, so I am on the hunt for some big, blanket-like scarves. These from ASOS are perfect! ~Lori

House Tour: Mill Valley

I came across this home because of an image on Pinterest--the bathroom with the stunning tile.  I found the great blog houseofearnest.com and it seems Erin also fell in love with the same bathroom and did a post on this house by hsh-interiors.com.  This "house" is a converted 1930's church...how cool is that!  Every room flows and the style is perfection.  I love this house.  Take a little tour and see if you don't.

I could just move right in!  I think my favorite parts are the living room ceiling and the butlers pantry.  What do you like best?

Friday is here and I'm so excited for the 4 day weekend ahead!  Tomorrow my family is taking photos for Christmas cards.  I hope they turn out as great as I imagine.

Happy Friday,

Favorite Spaces

I am in love with these two rooms I found over on My Scandinavian Home. I love the bright and open spaces, and the little touches of color. And that wallpaper in the nursery? I love it. I would turn that room into a closet, I think, since I have no babies to use a nursery. I would kick the baby out of the nursery and steal her room and turn it into a fantastic, light filled boutique like closet. Did I mention I love these rooms?!

image via my scandinavian home

image via my scandinavian home

Hope you are having a fantastic week; one more day until a four day weekend!
Lori

Fall, Lovely Fall

andgeorge.com

thoughtsfromalice.com

via

flickr.com

For some reason seasonal decor makes me very happy.  It's finally started to cool off here and I'm thrilled to be done with the Halloween decorations.  These images inspire me and I hope they inspire you too!