Friday, May 30, 2014

Mara Hoffman, bikinis x pillow shams...



Mara Hoffman, the boho bikini designer has taken her gorgeous, 
laid-laid-back, tropical prints into the home.  
You can now buy her pillows and other decor at Anthropologie.  


Add caption

































So transform your bedroom or living-room
 into a Tahitian paradise and 
sip one of these....




While wearing this....

Mara Hoffman x Anthropolgie

enjoy!
~~christine~~

feel free to leave a message, join on gmail, link to Facebook, twitter, pinterest!

all pics from pinterest, google search, Anthropologie...thanks!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

you say tomato, i say....






Tomatoes, I love them!  
Now that we can get good ones from hot houses year round there is no reason to shun them out of season.  They make me think of summer all year.  There is nothing like a juicy, ripe tomato 
anytime of the day.  
Here are some yummy, pre-dinner or skip-dinner-all-together recipes to try.  Pair them with a glass of white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an Italian Chianti and dream of summer....

Warm tomato and mozzarella bruschetta.
Check out this recipe here.


Roasted tomato and ricotta crostini.

This one is so delish and easy from Martha Stewart, you can find the recipe here!
Enjoy!

~~christine~~

all pics from pinterest and the sites linked! thanks!

btw you can leave a comment below, link to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or follow me on Gmail!


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

boutique hotel bathroom without a contractor


Boutique hotel bathroom at the Dean Hotel


The Dean Hotel, Providence
The Dean Hotel, Providence RI

























I love to stay in a hotel for many reasons, the first being the unique bathrooms. I've always dreamed of having one in my house, modern lines with warm wood accents. That's my idea of a boutique hotel bath. I thought about ways to get that feeling without doing a whole reno and breaking the bank. 



 So here are some ideas and inspiration to make your bathroom more 
boutique-like without a plumber or electrician.  

No need for these guys for these updates. 

First, the walls. You can paint or wallpaper on your own in less then a day. This can make a H U G E impact!  Everyone thinks water-like colors in the bathroom but dark colors contrast well with light colored tiles. Especially if you have older, beige tiles you don't like and want to take attention away from. You can also go light and bright as many of my photos show.  Wallpaper is making a big comeback right now. There is even paper that peels away for the renters or the indecisive people out there.



Dark moody blue. 
Even black or charcoal. 



Next up artwork...and not your grandmother's artwork! (or maybe, everything vintage is in again) Break away from the typical art found in bathrooms everywhere, boats, shells and bathroom humor.  Do a small or large gallery wall with art, photos or mirrors of your liking.  Almost anything goes, use your imagination or the following for inspiration. 



These mirrors make the room feel bigger. 




Non-traditional rugs in the bathroom, LOVE 'EM!  You don't have to buy the match-y shower mats that go with your towels anymore.  Try a bright eclectic rug or traditional oriental in your bathroom.  It really adds new dimension, color and texture to the room. (As well as hide some ugly tiles)































Storage is almost always an issue unless you have a huge bathroom. Adding shelves or bringing in a piece of furniture is a great way to make your bathroom feel like a boutique hotel.  

Antique bureau as bathroom storage. 
Modern white corner shelves add interest. 




Antique desk and lucite stool add storage and a place to do makeup. 


Last but definitely not least is the shower curtain.  I find this the most difficult because I'm picky and don't like many of the options the stores offer. First off, invest in some decent metal curtain rings, the plastic ones are cheesy.  Next, if you can't find one you like, have one made or make it yourself. The craft stores sell grommet hole makers, sew the edge and you have a custom shower curtain.  You could also find window curtains you like and use them. Pinterest has plenty of DIY's. 

Color block curtain. 
Linen. 











Amber Interiors perfection!





BTW...you can leave comments below, link to Facebook, Twitter or follow me on Gmail!!

~~christine~~

all photos from Pinterest, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn...thanks!










Tuesday, May 27, 2014

earring double take


#1 ~ #2 ~ #3 ~ #4 ~ #5 ~ #6 ~ #7 ~ #8 ~ #9 ~ #10

There are so many cool earring styles now that I just had to write about them. One of my favorites is the double sided earring. The back is as awesome as the front.  I just bought the pearl pair from Bauble Bar (#3) and love them!  Sort of preppy and tribal at the same time. They are a knock-off of a Dior earring. Ooo lala...

The next style is the mismatched earring.  Two different earrings that will have everyone doing a double-take when they look at you! You may be able to make your own mismatched pair if you have a few earrings where you lost one of the pair (hate that).

Last but not least is the earring cuff! I love, love, love this earring!!  It is such a rock-n-roll look! You don't even need multiple piercings to wear it.  
So break out of your earring routine and wear something new! 





Even the ever so fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker does the double sided earring!

~~christine~~

all pics from product websites and pinterest! thanks!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day



Today when you are enjoying a cookout with your friends and family, stop and remember what the day 
is really about......
remembering those who have fought and died for your freedom! 


Thank you to all of our soldiers and families who have served the USA! 

all pics from pinterest

Friday, May 23, 2014

get ready for the long weekend...al fresco


I'm sure you're all looking forward to this long weekend as much as I am. It may not officially be summer but it's when we start to head outdoors to our decks, patios and yards to celebrate summer.  Why not decorate your outside like you do your inside? Here's some inspiration for you.  
Enjoy the long weekend!












Happy Memorial Day!
~~christine~~

all pics from pinterest! thanks!