if only there were a few more hours in the day

I've been finding it quite difficult to sit down to the computer lately.
And I know exactly the reason why.


Two reasons, actually...



Henry Wallace and Amelia Jane.


Do you blame me?

Sorry if my posting has been a bit intermittent. I've got two very adorable distractions.

design inspiration: gray walls

This foyer has got me re-thinking my stance on white walls altogether...

(Via white trash beautiful)

I have pored over every. single. feature. in this lovely room and I am smitten. And now am in the throes of a mega design-identity crisis!


PS - LOVING that "it's beautiful here" wall piece. Any idea where to get something like that?

***UPDATE! Lovely Carly has found the coat rack. It's available here. Thanks, Carly! Hope you've saved a lot of pennies, though, because this little number isn't cheap. Looks like it's staying on my wishlist for now.

what's cooking: last week's menu

Here it is!

Monday - BLT Pizza
Tuesday - Sausage & Cheddar Quiche
Wednesday - Panko-Crusted Chicken Strips with Glazed Carrots and Baked Banana Custard for dessert
Thursday - Chickpea & Pea Curry over Couscous
Friday - Breakfast for Dinner - Wade's Choice: Blueberry Pancakes!


Favorite? The BLT Pizza. It was delish.


And a photo of the baked banana custard...

tgif + etsy spotlight: starry blue sky

Every Friday from now until... whenever!... I'll be featuring a different Etsy shop with some seriously swoonworthy photography.

To start -- Starry Blue Sky's Grape Hyacinth. Isn't it just lovely?




Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

i want it now: swirly scarf

I'll probably never tire of scarves. Cozy knits for winter and ruffly sheers for spring. There are so many occasions to don a scarf.

I'm loving this...



(Catch-and-Release Scarf from, you know, my favorite place)

i want it now: wardrobe update

I would be happier than a clam to add these three outfits to my wardrobe...




(via Emersonmade)

Help me if you can, my Lovelies. Do you know where I can find any pieces like those above? I'm thinking maybe J. Crew, Martin & Osa, Banana Republic. I know we can find them if we put our heads together.

I think the top look would be perfect for Henry and Amelia's baptism at the end of April. And the other two with the stripey shirt? I think I'd be a pretty cool mama at the park if I was sporting either of these outfits.

PS - I linked to Emersonmade from someone. I just don't remember who. Thank you for leading me here... whoever you are. I'm sorry that I didn't give you credit.

i want it now: pillowcases from reverie daydream

More pillows to, well, LOVE!!

(Pillowcases from Reverie Daydream)

And I definitely do!

what's cooking: last week's menu (and the week before that!)

I've got some tasty suppers to tell you about. Two weeks worth!

Last Monday: White Bean and Chicken Chili (I used both white and dark meat from a rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken like the recipe calls)
Week before last: Portabello and Pea Pesto Sandwiches

Last Tuesday: Mango and Pine Nut Salad (from Everyday Food Mag - April 2010)
Week before last: Baked Tortellini

Last Wednesday AND the week before last: leftovers

Last Thursday: Fish Tacos with Mango Relish (from Everyday Food Mag - April 2010)
Week before last: Orzo with Scallops and Parsley

Last Friday: Oat Risotto with Pine Nuts
Week before last: Mushroom and Pecorino Pizza

Last Saturday: Best Ever Meatballs* and Mashed Potatoes


Favorites? fish tacos, meatballs, and mushroom pizza
Least? I wasn't really a fan of the orzo with scallops and parsley. I've decided that I'll stick to scallops at restaurants. They never seem to come out for me at home.

Some photos...




(From top: fish tacos, meatballs and mashed potatoes, oat risotto)

*Seriously. The best ever. This girl knows what she's talking about. Just a slight modification for me, though. I used ground turkey in lieu of the beef.

Sorry I don't have more photos. I completely forgot to take a single picture one week, and well, the following week I was just too hungry and didn't want to wait. Forgive.

sunday

All day I've been meaning to sit down and write you a story about my lovely weekend that included lots of food and friends, but well, now that I'm finally sitting down to it I just can't seem to put the words together. My mind is a little fuzzy, and so I think I'll sleep on it and just leave you with this happy little picture I found while visiting Mary...



Now I'm off to watch a bit of Harry Potter before hitting the hay.
Nighty night.

i want it now: message cookie cutters

I wish I could remember from where I saw these first. Because I know that they were a bit of a buzz around blogland a few months back, and I certainly can't take credit for finding them.

But what I can do is wish wish wish that Williams-Sonoma would bring them back...

(Message-In-a-Cookie Cutters)


Now who do I need to talk to at W-S to get more in stock?

what's cooking: last last week's menu

Sorry that I'm a little behind! But better late than never, right?

Here's what we ate a couple weeks ago:

Monday - Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese*
Tuesday - Ham and Gruyere Quiche
Wednesday - Veggie Enchiladas (from frozen)
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - In the morning, we headed out of town to my parents' house for the weekend. It was so fantastic to sit down to my mom's tuna casserole for dinner. It's a super simple dish, really, but to sit down at her table, surrounded by my family... it was, well... it was just perfect. I miss them so much and having a whole weekend together just filled me up again.

Favorite? Mom's tuna casserole. You just can't beat a home-cooked meal. (And we had a Dairy Queen cake for dessert to celebrate my Dad's birthday. You really can't beat that!)

Runner-up? the Quiche. It was my first so I was a little nervous about it turning out, and I'm happy to say that it was really great! Here's a shot...


That little spinach stem sticking out of the top is driving me crazy! I wish I noticed it when I was taking the picture, but I think I was too hungry to see it. If I was Karey, I might be able to write something clever about the little guy.

*This recipe was clipped from a Chicago Tribune article a few years back. I can't find it online, but if you are interested, leave a comment and I'll post the recipe.

And Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
Now I'm off to write the menu from last week.

spotlight: the home centric etsy shop

Just wandering around Etsy when I stumbled into this sweet little pillow shop.

Take a peek...

(from top Vintage Love * Elegance)

10 things: getting to know the city sage

I LOVE her blog.

When I'm looking for inspiration, The City Sage is one of my first stops. Brimming with gorgeous interiors shots, fabulous fashion finds and laugh-out-loud worthy writing, TCS pretty much has it all. I'm never short of awed from the posts Anne pulls together. Hers is a daily favorite, and so I'm quite excited that she's playing this week's "10 Things."

Let's go get to know Anne and then ogle the amazing photos she sent over that follow...

Favorite thing about my house: The original pre-war moldings and arched doorways.

When I need to blow off steam: I sweat it out at a spin class.

On Sunday mornings you'll find me: Cleaning house. Blech!

I hate to admit it, but: My perfectionism causes more problems than it solves.

Day I'd love to live again: First date with the Huz--oh the sweet rush of new love!

When I need a good cry: Actually, I probably don't give into the urge to cry enough.

I'm having a dinner party- five people I'd invite: Jane Austen, Elizabeth Bennett, Anne Elliot, Elinor Dashwood, Emma Woodhouse. I'd love to get the author together with four of her heroines and watch the fur fly!

If I had one do-over: I would be more outgoing and carefree in college.

Brings out the best in me: My desire to make others' lives easier and more beautiful.

I could spend the whole day: Lounging on the beach. My fave vacation spot by far!

Farthest I've been from home: A summer spent learning French in Nice. Heaven!

Best thing about my family: Their wacky sense of humor. My dad sends me postcards from around the world, written in the voices of the various animals on the front of the cards!

I'm my most creative: When I think no one is watching.

My dream kitchen: Has a deep farmhouse sink, lots of natural light, plenty of workspace, and someone else to clean up after me!

If I was more of a risk taker: I'd start writing a novel.


Some lovely photos, courtesy of Anne...

(Photos 1 & 2: Vogue March 2010, 3: Domino March 2009, 4: Martha Stewart Living March 2005)

Isn't she the sweetest? And with the most impeccable taste, as you can clearly see.

Anne? I think you should take the leap and start that novel. I've read your posts and just know you can do it. I'm pretty sure I speak for all of us when I say we're behind you 100%!

And thanks again for playing.

spotlight: nellystella children's boutique

"modern... with a dollop of playful charm"

It really is the perfect way to describe the super sweet line of children's clothes, Nellystella, by designer Nelly Chen...




(from the Nellystella spring/summer 2010 collection)

I {heart} those stripey bubble-short playsuits.

design inspiration: open shelves in the kitchen

Recently added to my list of dream kitchen musts: open shelves. Simple shelves with stacks of platters and plates, cake stands and bowls and perhaps an odd vase or two. I love my burgeoning collection of dishware and serving pieces, and so wouldn't I rather see it than hide it away behind cabinets? yes!

Probably many people see open shelves and think, "but what about all the dust?" (I used to be one of them.) But, I don't know, this country-casual look is so warm, inviting, carefree that I say, dust be damned! To me, this look is worth the swipe of a dust cloth before using.

Here are some inspiration photos featuring open shelves. Really take a close look because the details in these are fabulous...

* kitchen perfection.

* loving the artwork on the upper shelves. a clever idea worth copying.

* i triple love those glass canisters on the counter. mine would be filled with skittles, m&m's and raisinettes!

* every kitchen needs a bread bin and scale.

* open shelving above AND below? tres chic.

* loving the chalkboards and retro stove.

* country casual at its finest.

That first picture? With the fireplace so big you could walk right into it with nary a stoop? I'm fairly certain that's exactly how I want my kitchen to some day look. At least today, anyway.

And now I want to know what you think... On which side do you fall: 'yes - I'm open to shelves' or 'heck no my dishes won't show'?

(Via White Trash Beautiful (domino mag), House Beautiful, decorology, White Trash Beautiful, Living Etc., House to Home, House to Home)

i want it now: anthropologie march 2010

I was completely blown away by the styling in the March 2010 catalog. It was a real stunner of a mailing with page after page full of gorgeous settings.

I have to admit that as I flipped through I began to get a little worried that there maybe wasn't a "perfect" outfit for me this issue. I don't know, maybe I was just too distracted by all the loveliness that was going on in the background or perhaps it was self-preservation since I'm still on hiatus.

But then I saw it. It was right there on the very last page waiting patiently to wow me when I got there...



I really really want it.*

(Fragrant Valley Dress with Wide-Weave Belt)

*but don't I say this all the time?

10 things: getting to know it's pretty good

I'm super excited to tell you that today's 10 Things are from the adorable Mary of pretty good! In case you haven't seen it, go on over right now to check it out in all its splendor. It's OK, I'll wait...

...

Oh good, you're back. What'd you think? Pretty amazing, no? I, for one, have seen no other blog like it. And no matter what kind of mood I'm in, just one peek at her photographs and lovely thoughts leaves me feeling pretty darn happy. And that's pretty good.

So let's get to know a little more about Mary, shall we?

I'd take the gold medal in: procrastination. I am an expert, a champion, and a total winner in this category of life. I can find anything and everything to do other than what I'm supposed to be doing.

If I didn't need to work: I'd stock myself up a fabulous prop room and take photos all day. And, to get myself out of the house and interact with humans, I'd also run a little corner flower shop (and take photos all day!)




The last time I cried: was probably during an ASPCA commercial.

Best thing I ever ate: was a double-garlic pizza from Santarpio's in Boston. OMG.

Favorite thing about my house: is that it's old. I mean, really old. Like, 220-years-old old. This, of course, comes with its own set of issues, and old homes are not for everyone. But, for me, to live in a house with so much history and character, with its hand hewn beams and quirky slanted floors, feels very special.



The chore I dread most: is cleaning the shower/bathtub. I fantasize about hiring a cleaning lady just for this specific activity.

You'll always find in my pantry: multiple bottles of Frank's Hot sauce, an obscene amount of miscellaneous condiments, and garlic powder.

My proudest moments: were marrying the love of my life in 2007. Opening my first shop. Being mentioned on my all-time, longtime favorite blog, decor8, not just once, but twice. And I'm looking forward to the moments yet to come. :)

It's worth the splurge: A really good balsamic vinegar. Dipping warm, crusty bread into a saucer of the good stuff is my idea of heaven.

My signature dish: is a three-way tie between my marinated feta, my bruschetta, and my braciole. I also make an oft-requested, knock-your-socks-off margarita using only fresh-squeezed lime juice, guava juice, triple sec, and tequila. It's a proven fact that if you make these for your neighbors when they swing by for a visit, they will never want to leave.



Um, Mary? I'm smitten. Would it be okay if I came over to play for a while? I love old things. Houses especially. And, well, I could really use a margarita. I'll bring the limes. ;)

Mary's also here and here and here. Oh my, she's busy!

i want it now: sparkly flats

Is it wrong to love a shoe?

Well then I don't want to be right...
(Banana Republic Susanna Jeweled Peep-Toe Flats)

This quite possibly may be the perfect spring flat.

spotlight: papilio gowns

Took one look... and then I gasped.

I'd get married all over again if I could wear this...



(Via Haute Design who I found from Brocante Home who I found from Mary. At least, that's how I think it went. Sometimes my roaming on the internet gets so topsy and turvy that I forget where I've been! If I didn't cite the correct site, I'm sorry!)

what's cooking: last week's menu

Here's how we feasted:

Monday - Turkey Tacos (Wade had been begging for an old stand-by... tacos it is!)
Tuesday - Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Wednesday - leftovers
Thursday - Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
Friday - Potato, Leek & Feta Tart

Favorite? Ina's soup. I watched her make this on her "Back to Basics" show and just knew I had to try it. Thank goodness I did! The curry flavor is a bit unconventional but oh so good. And it is quite healthy to boot. If you make it be sure to do the condiments. The layering of sweet, spicy and salty flavors are absolutely delicious.

Least? Chicken with green beans. It tasted good... it was garlicky and lemony (great flavors, right?), but I've decided that I only like uber-fresh green beans. Like just from the farmer's market. Any other way and they're too flimsy. The crunch of fresh can't be beat and so a casserole dish full of flimsies wasn't very appetizing. To me, at least.

(Roasted Butternut Squash Soup)