design inspiration: style swoon

Let's take a little stroll...

Through a bright white mudroom




a huge kitchen




a delightful kid's room




a chic country bath




and a cozy nook



Want to swoon a little more? Take a peek here. I adore every thing.


(All images from KML Design. Via Mary)

spotlight: up up creative

I'm back!!

I had a lovely week with my parents... full of lots of laughs, lots of hugs and lots of relaxation. If I wasn't missing my hubby and my pup so badly, I might have extended my stay! But it is good to be back and to share some new things with you...



Like this inspired idea!
A deck of feelgood cards is sure to come in handy every now and then...

(Feelgood Cards by Up Up Creative)

If you're feeling a bit down in the dumps, simply grab a card for some quick & easy mood-boosting advice. There are 38 tips to choose from! That frown will be gone before you know it.


Also, be sure to check out the Feelgood Lists. The inspiring backstory has got me composing my own list of bad mood busters.

a little vacation

Hi Dears!

Just popping in to let you know that I'll be taking the week off. I'm heading up to Wisconsin tomorrow (with the Twinkies in tow) for some much-needed quality time with my parents. I've been looking forward to this trip for a long time and am so happy it's finally here!

Be well, and I'll see you next week!
xo, Kristin

tgif + etsy spotlight: smac shop

This gives me goose-pimples.
In a good way.


(Salt Air Kitchen by sMac Shop.)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

i want it now: toms shoes

You know what they say about all that glitters.

Seriously swooning over these shoes...


I loved my first pair of Toms, too. Adorable green and blue plaid. Right up until my furry rascal, who goes by Lulu, thought it was a good idea to turn them into chew toys.

May they rest in peace.

They're 'shoes,' Lulu... not 'chews.'

me? i'm honored...

Lovely Minnie was kind enough to pick me for a Beautiful Blogger Award, and well, I'm just tickled that she thought of me. How sweet! I do hope she knows that the feeling is quite mutual.

So, I guess I should share seven things with you. Some random bits...

1. My husband and I took our honeymoon in Italy. It was an amazing trip with stops in Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre and Florence. We ate our hearts out and saw so much beautiful architecture. But probably my most memorable thing from the trip happened on the last Sunday that we were there. I got up a little early, laced up my sneakers and headed out for a jog through the hills just outside of Florence. It was a gorgeous morning, and I was just trucking along taking in the sights, when a single church bell started ringing. And then another. And then another. More and more bells chimed in until it seemed as if the whole city was ringing. It was magical. Brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my skin. I'll never forget it...

2. My favorite movie theater treat is a combination of milk duds and popcorn. It's the perfect duo of sweet and salty. Although, I'm sure my dentist would cringe if she just read that...

3. I definitely live by the credo that things happen for a reason, and so I try very hard to have no regrets. If things didn't fall exactly into place the way they have all these years, then I may not be where I am today. (And where I am is very happy.) BUT if I did have one do-over, it would be to have studied abroad while I was in college. I could kick myself for not doing it! I was so worried about missing out on all the college parties and friends, but instead I missed out on an amazing opportunity to get some culture, make new friends, and see a whole new side of the world. I wish my younger self knew how lucky she was to have the chance to do that...

4. If money weren't an issue, I'd love to move out to the country, restore a big old farm-house, grow a huge vegetable garden and raise chickens and goats and maybe a potbelly pig. (And my kitchen would have a soft-serve ice cream machine!) Lots of fresh air, wide open space and yummy dinners using our homegrown veggies sounds quite lovely to me. So does as much soft-serve as I can eat...

5. I love cereal. It's what I have for breakfast about 95% of the time. But I rarely ever pour just one kind of cereal. Nope, my bowls are all about mixers... I'm always mixing at least two, sometimes three (heck, yesterday I had four!) different kinds together. And as long as I'm telling you, I also pour in a ton of milk, let the bowl sit for a minute or two so the cereal gets a little soggy, and then I first drink all the milk and then eat the rest. I know it's so weird...

6. I have a major girl crush on Kelly Ripa. She just seems so lovely inside and out. She's got a wonderful sense of humor, her style is impeccable, her body is rock hard -- that girl works out! -- and she just seems really down to earth. I'd love to meet her someday. And then we can become besties...

7. My idea of a perfect Saturday morning is to wake with the sun and go for a long run through the still quiet city streets. I'll return home to my bright and cheery family who are all dressed and ready to go to breakfast. At breakfast, Wade will suggest doing splitzies (he never wants to share and usually refuses my requests), and we'll both get a taste of something sweet and something savory. On our way home, we'll breeze through the farmer's market for a lovely bouquet and some ripe fruits and veggies. I'm looking forward to the weekend already...

(This is what I like to imagine the view would be on my farm. Image from Julias Vita Drommar. Found it via darling Mary.)

Thanks so much again, Minnie. Mama Without Borders is most definitely one of my favorites!

what's cooking: menus!

Here's what we ate the last couple weeks:

Monday - leftovers both weeks!
Last Tuesday - Linguini with Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
Week before - Penne with Pesto Alla Trapanese (apparently I have a thing for pesto on Tuesdays!)
Last Wednesday - Grilled Chicken with Peppers over Rice Noodles
Week before - Roasted Tomato Tabbouleh
Last Thursday - Black Bean Tacos
Week before - Balsamic Portobello Burgers with Garlicky White Beans
Last Friday - Hot Dog Roll-ups (I know I'm not 10 years old, but they were samples at Trader Joe's -- kosher beef dogs wrapped in pizza dough baked until golden brown and with yellow mustard to dip -- and they were so good, I had to have more!)
Week before - Gnocchi with Sausage & Spinach

Favorite? Definitely loved all the pestos, and the Tabbouleh is a fabulous summer dinner, but the Hot Dog Roll-Ups were just that good.
Least? Not a fan of the Gnocchi. It was a little bland. I thought it was missing something... tomatoes maybe? And it was a little heavy on the onions.

Some pictures (not mine!)...



(Roasted Tomato Tabboueleh and Portobello Burgers via Martha Stewart)

tgif + etsy spotlight: sadie olive

Because I {heart} baking.


(Rolling Pins) by Sadie Olive.)


And I think this would look quite lovely hanging in my kitchen.

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

design inspiration: outdoor living

With a few good friends and some tasty nibbles, I could sit out here all day...

(Image via Lonny, Outdoor Spaces photo gallery)


Anyone up for an afternoon cocktail?

tgif + etsy spotlight: kitty rogers

Because lilacs are so darn pretty.


(Everywhere, For a Moment by Kitty Rogers)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

10 things: getting to know 'life in the fun lane'

Holly is quite possibly one of the most motivated people I know. If she's not out treasure-hunting for art and antiques in lovely Vancouver, she's busy refurbishing furniture for her shop, helping Clients decorate their houses or renovating her own. And all the while, she's chasing after her adorable toddler, Wren.

A DIY-er through and through, Holly has loads of talent and quite an eye for finding diamonds in the rough. Every time I pop over to Life in the Fun Lane, I walk away with a pocket-full of decorating ideas. Full of Before-and-After shots (one of my favorite features!), it's a super inspiring blog.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Holly LOVES white. A kindred spirit! (But she has enough guts to actually decorate her house in an all white palette. With a baby. And two dogs. She's superwoman!)

I'm thrilled Holly is sharing 10 Things with us today...

The last thing I do before bed: Read. I cannot sleep unless I read for at least 20 minutes. My favorites are old mysteries I pick up on my treasure hunts.

Favorite thing about my house: The light. As soon as we walked in the front door I knew this was house when I saw light streaming in through a skylight down all the stairs.

My signature dish: Fried Rice. I really don't cook, so when I master something it is my go-to dish. This is one because it is easy to make using leftover chicken (like those rotisserie chickens from the grocery store). It is a rare day I make more than one dish with a meal, so I know I need to work on that...

The best place to be in the spring: In our backyard. I love the greenery and birds. We have birds singing all day long, and it is really private back there so I feel really relaxed.

Book I can read again and again: Ooh tough one! I have quite a few. I have read Mansfield Park (Jane Austin) a ton of times, and if I want to snuggle in bed for an afternoon I always curl up with The Lord of the Rings. I just love the characters, and feel like we're old friends by now.




If I had one do-over: I would have started our reno with the kitchen!! It costs the most and now we keep putting it off to finish other things...

When I need to unwind: I fill up the jacuzzi tub and grab my favorite book.

Celebrity crush: Rhett Butler. What a gent!

Words I live by: Do what you love! Life is too short to waste what you like just living for 2 days a week.

On Sunday mornings, you'll find me: Playing with Wren, going to the park.

Don't knock _____, until you try it: White! People tend to be scared of it for some reason, even when they love it.

Day I'd love to live again: Our wedding day. It was just so fun and romantic, and I loved my dress.





I could spend the whole day: Painting! There are days I forget to even eat I love it out in my garage so much!




I feel my prettiest when: I am wearing my favorite jeans and a great tee shirt.

It's worth the splurge: Good paint! You will spend more time, energy and money trying to get good coverage with the cheap stuff.

(all photos are Holly's ... so, you can see she's great behind the lens, too.)



Holly -- you are a gem. Beautiful inside and out. Thank you for the endless ideas you share with us to make our homes beautiful. You are a true inspiration!

PS - I don't think I'd ever take that wedding dress off. ;)

snippets

Some fabulous floral finds saved for a rainy day.


I want to wrap up after a steamy shower in this...




I'd like to decorate a desktop with this...




I'd like to throw a lovely dinner party like this...




I'd like to snuggle up in this...

Because flowers are lovely. Pure and simple.

what's cooking: last week's menu

It was a very lazy week in the kitchen for me. Must be the warm weather, but I just did not feel like cooking. Lots of grilling and simple salads for us...

Monday - Cheddar Burgers with Roasted Corn & Tomato Salad and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie for dessert (I wish I remembered to take a picture!!)
Tuesday - Hawaiian Pizza with Radish Salad
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Salad with Apples
Thursday - fend for yourself night
Friday - Fig & Prosciutto Crostini

Favorite? The Hawaiian Pizza! Caramelized onions, though not a typical ingredient, were a really good idea. We could have eaten the whole pizza but managed to show a bit of restraint. (Which made me very happy as I enjoyed leftovers the next day!)
Runner up? The chicken salad was quite fantastic. And SO simple to make. I'll be eating this again and again and again this summer. It was cool and refreshing... and it's just as good without the chicken as with it. And I should add that I normally wouldn't go near chicken salad because I don't like mayo, but this salad has a nice tart lime dressing, perfect for mayo-haters like me.
Least favorite? Ugh. I learned I do not like radishes. Who knew they were so spicy?! I felt very guilty throwing out the rest of the bunch I bought from the farmer's market but there was just no way we were going to finish them.

PS - I love how Wade and I have the exact same tastes, which includes an extreme dislike of mayonnaise (and now apparently radishes, too). We were meant for each other! ;)

(Photo via Real Simple)

One more thing... I should quickly mention that the pie was awesome. It was the perfect mix of sweet and tart with both the strawberries and rhubarb. I forgot how much I like the combo of the two. And how much I like pie...

That's all.
Let me know if you want any of the recipes.
xo, Kristin

tgif + happy holiday + etsy spotlight: alicia bock

I cannot get enough of Alicia's work, and I think this is the perfect photo for my weekend send-off.

To me, Memorial Day Weekend is the official start to summer. I'm hoping mine will include lots of lazy days under the sun...

(The Start of Something Good by Alicia Bock)

Happy Weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

your decorating style: a quiz!

It's official. I'm 'Cozy Casual'.

You see, a few months back, I took a fun quiz in the March issue of Real Simple. (I cannot resist those magazine quizzes!) It was super quick with one page full of different objects -- a Bertoia chair, a potted orchid, a stack of leather-bound books, a cashmere throw to name a few -- and all I had to do was mark those that I was drawn to. No thinking, just quick picks. There were probably about 30 or so items, and each was marked with either an A, B, C, or D. After making my picks, I tallied the letters. And my majority was C: Cozy Casual.

Cozy Casual is... Warm. It's traditional. It's weathered. Laid-back farmhouse style. "Just about any movie by Nancy Meyers." Oh yes. That's me. Most definitely.



Herewith, a few interiors that I think have that Cozy Casual feel...


(1. My Home Ideas)



(2. Design Sponge)



(3. Country Living)



(4. NY Times Style Magazine)


(5. Decorology)



Put 'em all together, do a bit of editing, and together they'd make a fine home, no?

Play along with me! I'd love to know what your style is.

spotlight: spool no. 72

I just can't get enough of the clothes at Spool No. 72.

Like this little red, white & blue number...

(MacIntosh Dress)

Pair it with some nautical wedges and a delicate gold necklace, and you'll be hitting the streets in some serious summer style.

what's cooking: last week's menu

Monday - Pasta Ponza (I used a combination of red grape tomatoes and heirloom cherry tomatoes. the dish was super pretty with the mix of reds, yellows and greens. And tasty, too!)
Tuesday - Mushroom Risotto with Peas
Wednesday - Spinach & Feta Quiche
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - Herb Roasted Chicken with Three Pepper Couscous

Fave? It's really hard to top quiche in my book. Though the pasta did come close.
No least. yippee!

Oops! I forgot to take pictures. Don't worry, though, Martha's got it covered...


(Risotto)

tgif + etsy spotlight: jena ardell

A trip to the beach would be just wonderful...


(Beach Sign by Jena Ardell)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

spotlight: nina in vorm ceramics

I am in love.

With an Etsy shop...

(Spirograph and Dots Cake Plate and Big Dots and Bunting Pitcher)

After taking a peek for yourself, isn't it easy to see why?

(Via hooray)

spotlight: wood & wool stool

Holly may be on to something.

I'm getting a very strong "i've-gotta-have-one" response whenever I have a little look-see at these charming wood & wool stools...




(wood & wool stools)

Ingrid makes each by hand from recycled wood and then adds a hand-crocheted slipcover. No two are alike. And each one is lovelier than the next. How on earth do you choose a favorite?

(PS -- I really like those chickens, too!)

10 things: getting to know "this is life"

Hooray... it's time for another 10 Things! (It's been a while.)

Today we're getting to know Robyn of This is Life. I, for one, think she is adorable both inside and out. With writing that inspires and gorgeous photography to ogle, This is Life is quite simply a feel-good blog. Robyn embraces everything that life has to offer, and she lives it to the fullest with passion, with gratitude and with honesty.

I feel really honored that she has taken the time to share with us her 10 Things. So, let's not waste a second more.

On to Robyn's 10 Things!



i'm happiest when... when i have woken up with the sunrise, when i am wearing a dress, when i am at an open air market, when i am inspired.

the best place to be in the summer... lounging on the local pacific beach with a picnic, wandering the streets of paris, sipping chilled wine on an urban patio.



i could spend the whole day... taking photographs, writing to do lists, planning and preparing a dinner party, kissing my love.

i always wanted to be... to be loved, to be influential, to be a traveler, to be a mother.

favorite thing about my house... that it has wide windows overlooking the mountains, that we hung a large framed vintage map of paris, that it is tiny and intimate and temporary.

for inspiration i... collect photographs of beautiful people, of beautiful places, of beautiful things.



it's worth the splurge... a classic tiffany & co. engagement ring, a ticket to travel in europe until you become someone new, a glass of champagne, a piece of rich-dark-single-origin chocolate.



words i live by... living in the moment could be the meaning of life.

day i'd love to live again... the day we first met, the day we first danced, the day we first kissed.

brings out the best in me... a pair of heels does, a creative project does, he does.



***********
Robyn -- you are fantastic. I am such a fan. Thank you so very much.
xo, Kristin

what's cooking: last week's menu

Another week in the books.
Do we all agree that time is moving just a bit too quickly?

Monday - Black Bean Cakes with Roasted Corn Salad and (Trader Joe's) Cornbread
Tuesday - Lemon Spaghetti with Grilled Chicken
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Tacos with Guacamole
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Favorite? Kind of hard to say... hmm... I really liked everything and nothing was such a knock-out that it stands out to me. I have to say it was a four-way tie. (I know... how very boring of me!)

A photo of the bean cakes...



Hope you have a wonderful week, Dears!

tgif + etsy spotlight: kristy bee

"I see the world through rose-colored glasses..."

Let's all try it, shall we?
This is so lovely to me.



(Je Vois La Vie en Rose by Kristy Bee.)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

my weekend recap

I'm sure most of you are already thinking about the weekend ahead, but I wanted to share with you a bit of my Mother's Day. It was my first as a Mama, and well, it was quite perfect, actually...

waking to bright sunshine * melting at the happy faces smiling up at me from their cribs * spying a vase of fresh blooms on the table - surprise! * savoring a slice of spinach & goat cheese quiche at Caffe de Luca * sipping a mug of spicy chai tea latte * enjoying a peaceful family walk * tucking away a treat to enjoy at home - yes, another one! * sharing kisses, hugs and cuddles with my three true loves * feeling quite giddy about a present! from my in-laws * peering into shop windows in Lincoln Square * ordering german chocolate cake and carrot cake - with four forks - at Cafe Selmarie * laughing on the phone with my mama - and missing her like crazy * tucking into bed a bit early with my book * drifting dreamily off to sleep knowing that I am the luckiest woman in the world

And even though it came a few days late due to some shipping snafus... LOVING my present.

To my darling babies, my sweet, sweet Henry & Amelia - you can't possibly know the tremendous joy I feel in my heart when I gaze into your bright eyes, on your shining faces. You can't know the way my love for you grows evermore each day. Or how I get a lump in my throat when I think about the sheer magnitude of the task I've been given... to be your mother. How I have this instinct to fiercely protect you from harm. How I beam with pride as I watch you learn and grow. You came into my life and flipped it upside down, and now I can't imagine a second of it without you. You are my best gift ever.

To my dear Husband -- you are my one, my only. I feel like I can do anything when you are by my side. You remind me to smile if I am feeling down. You help me up when I fall. You make me feel beautiful at times when I am anything but. Thank you for making this day - and every day - so special.




(Images 1, 2, 3, & 4 all posted by Anna here and here)

a laughing bellyache

Ever laugh so hard that you stop making noise? You're doubled over in fits of giggles, mouth wide open but no noise coming out?

Well, it was me when I was reading this...



Thanks, Honey, for sharing your blog find with me. I love when we laugh-without-making-noise together.

what's cooking: last week's menu - the recipes!

Per a few requests...

Vegetable Pad Thai
(adapted from Everyday Food Mag - May 2010)

Boil 8 oz dry, wide rice noodles and set aside. (I got mine from Trader Joe's.)

Whisk together 3 tbsps brown sugar, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice and 4 tbsp soy sauce.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tsps canola oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 julienned red bell pepper and 1 julienned yellow bell pepper and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Add 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 minced garlic clove and cook an additional 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat, add noodles and sauce and toss it all together. Top with 1/2 cup rough chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts.


Prosciutto & Mushroom Quesadillas
(also from Everyday Food Mag - I think the April or March 2010 issue)

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Add 1/2 medium red onion, diced and 2 garlic cloves, minced. Season with salt & pepper. Cook until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1 package sliced button mushrooms and cook until browned and soft, about 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl and toss with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Wipe skillet clean.

Divide 1/4 pound each thinly sliced prosciutto and grated gruyere cheese, mushroom mixture, and 6 cups baby arugula among bottom halves of 4 10-inch flour tortillas. Fold top halves over filling to close. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in skillet over medium high and cook each quesadilla until cheese melts and tortilla is crisp and browned.



Hope you enjoy these dishes as much as we did. Let me know how they go!

what's cooking: last week's menu

A little taste of everywhere last week: Asia, Italy and Mexico!

Monday - Vegetable Pad Thai
Tuesday - Prosciutto & Mushroom Quesadillas
Wednesday - Arugula Salad with Roasted Turkey & Strawberries
Thursday - Flank Steak on Garlic Bread
Friday - Steak Tacos with Guacamole

Favorite? The Veggie Pad Thai. Quick + Easy + Tasty = One happy Mama.
No least... though, the salad was a bit thrown together last minute. I'm glad it worked out!



The Pad Thai...

I baked up some Triple Chipper Cookies, too...

That's dark, milk AND white chocolate chips. YUM!

I don't have time to post the recipes now, but if you want any of the above, let me know. Thanks!