10 things: getting to know mary loves

This week's 10 Things is brought to us by sweet Mary of Mary Loves. I just know that if Mary and I lived down the street from one another - rather than across the country - we would be friends. Friends who bake treats for each other, enjoy cocktails on our front porches together and celebrate summer at a local street fest with our families. There are times that Mary will write something, and I would just swear that I was thinking the exact same thing. I love popping over to Mary Loves to fill up my cup of inspiration.



I never tire of... watching sunsets. I suppose there are lots of things I could've put at the end of that sentence, but this is what leapt to mind, and it's certainly true. Every sunset is different, beautiful, magical, and peaceful. And if you have the opportunity to sit and really watch one? Well that is a good day.



The most romantic thing a person can do is... listen. Flowers or a surprise gift or trip are wonderful, certainly, but isn't it the best when you feel like you are truly being heard? If you want to be romantic, have dinner. (Making it is a nice touch.) Really look into her eyes over a good bottle of wine. And listen.

When I need to blow off steam I... take a walk. Getting out in the fresh air, surrounded by nature. That's where I find peace.

I'm happiest when... I'm having tickle fights with my boys. Or reading stories with my boys. Or just watching them sleep. You get the picture, don't you? My boys are my love, and all I have to do is look at them to feel happiness.



I always wanted to be... well I don't know about always, but what I talked about the most as a kid was an astronaut. I really thought I'd end up going into science in some way. However, differential calculus kicked my butt in college, so economics and business won out.

The best thing I ever ate was... snails in Paris. Sorry, escargots. But really, let's just call them what they are. They were drenched in olive oil and garlic and were simply amazing. I know what you're thinking. "Really? Snails?" I could say blueberry ice cream, or lobster, or any number of amazing things I've had. The reason why I chose snails is because it was such a memorable meal. My sister and I visited Paris in my early twenties. It was my first trip to Europe. We ate at a true Parisian restaurant recommended to us by a friend. It was a tiny little room with just a few tables. The chef came out and had drinks with us afterwards. We drank wine. We laughed and laughed and I swear our French was better the more we drank. The meal was amazing in every sense, and I don't even remember anything else we ate. So I'm going with snails.



My signature dish is... a strawberry-almond cream tart. And sangria. I make a mean pitcher of sangria.



My favorite thing about my house is... it's a tie between my front porch and my bathroom. I adore having a front porch. I love being able to sit outside, watching a thunderstorm roll through. I have always preferred front porches to back decks, since I feel they are much more effective at connecting you with your neighbors. My bathroom, though, is pretty awesome. We have renovated a lot of our house so far, and this bathroom is perfect. Nice big shower, where I can stand and look across the street at the river. And a big clawfoot tub. I don't get to use it often enough, but oh, when I do...



I could spend the whole day... listening to music and trying to play my guitar. I love finding new music. And when I find a band I like, listening to an album all the way through. And then listening to my favorite songs again, really getting to know them.



The best thing to wake up to is... the sunshine and chirping birds. Of course, I have two little ones, so I haven't been woken up that way in a really long time. I have a CD alarm clock, and I had cello music in there for a while - that was nice. Right now I'm waking up to Pearl Jam during the week and "Mom! I want to wake up!" on the weekends.



Mary - thank you so much for sharing with us. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that your Parisian dinner sounds amazing, and yes, I'd love a sangria! ;)

xo, Kristin

(Images: 1. mary's; 2. mary's; 3. cafe; 4. tart; 5. mary's; 6. guitar)

10 things: getting to know reverie daydream

I am just tickled pink to be sharing a special "10 Things" with you today featuring the adorable Melissa of Reverie Daydream. Melissa's words and photos are chock-full of insight, inspiration and charm, and though I've never met her, I imagine that Mel is one of those people who lights up a room when she walks in. The kind of person who you want to be seated beside at a dinner party. Her's is a favorite of mine, and I hope you enjoy reading her "10 Things" as much as I did.

Away we go!


When I need to unwind: I grab a book or a glass of champagne.




I hate to admit it: but I have a huge weakness for gummi bears. In fact, I will not even let one come near my lips for fear of eating the entire box.



My celebrity crush: is Johnny Depp. Since a teenager when posters of his 21-Jumpstreet Face covered my walls.



I’m my most creative: when I first wake up. My mind is filled with ideas and inspiration, and I instantly have to jot down all that is racing through my thoughts.



My quirkiest habit: is ‘organizing’ everything into piles. If it is an object, there is a pile for it.



A friend will always: be there for you through good and bad.



It’s worth the splurge: good cheese.



The best thing I ever ate: is a bowl of morel mushroom risotto in Paris.



I could spend the whole day: wandering anywhere and everywhere.



If I didn’t have to work: I’d globe trot.



Mel - thank you so much for taking the time to play. I loved reading every answer and filling my little page with such lovely images you found for me. And well, who doesn't want to take a minute or two to ogle the fabulous Mr. Depp? It means the world!

xo, Kristin

(Images from top: gummy bear, bed, books, girlfriends, cheese, Paris, skirt, globe)

Be sure to check out Mel's shop... so many wonderful goodies to look at!

10 things: getting to know

It has been AGES since we've had a "10 Things" post, and so I am so excited to kick off another round of my little question and answer game with Annie of Elsa May. Can I just tell you how much I lurve Annie's blog? Top to bottom eye candy in every post.

Onward to Annie's 10 Things...

The last thing I do before bed is: check on my sleeping boys and kiss them goodnight.



If I didn't have to work, you'd find me: gardening or horse riding.



The last time I cried was: when I was thrown a good four metres off my horse - ouch!

My signature dish is: probably apple and berry crumble.



When I need to blow off steam I: head out for a brisk walk somewhere green.

The best place to be in the fall is: walking in the woods, or out in the paddocks on my parents farm. And the best time is late afternoon when the light and temperature are falling, and you can smell the woodsmoke from the chimney as you walk home.



I could spend the whole day: gardening or horse riding. A truly indulgent day would be spent curled up with a book - no interruptions, and no have-to-be-somewheres.



The book I can read again and again is: hmm...this changes from time to time, but Jane Eyre is a good "comfort" go to.

The farthest I've been from home is: technically (as in the most miles) it would have to be Edinburgh, Scotland.

The best thing about my family is: that they are always there for me, no matter what. And that I can talk to my parents about absolutely anything.

The words I live by are: treat others how you'd like to be treated. Oh, and try to remember to be kind to yourself (easier said than done).

You'll always find in my pantry: dark, dark chocolate.





Annie - thank you SO much for taking the time to do this. Means a ton. Your photos and thoughts have inspired me to get outside and breath in some fresh air!

xo, Kristin

(Images from top: Annie's "wonderful-mad-crazy boys"; garden; crisp; horse; walk; chocolate)

happy friday + momtastic

Hooray for Friday!

Guess what, Friends? I'm over at Momtastic today sharing a bit of the behind-the-scenes that went into planning Henry & Amelia's nursery. Momtastic is a really cool site with all sorts of stuff to keep you busy. If you have the time, take a peek!


This photo above is Henry's side of the room. It's a good thing I took this picture before he got teeth because now it's flecked with little bite marks all around the edge, and I'm not photo savvy enough to know how to cover that up.


Anyhoo... big plans for the weekend? Tonight our very good friends are coming over for dinner and drinks and lots and lots of catch up. And tomorrow Grandma's coming by to watch the kiddos so we can get all dolled up for dinner. It's a little date night so we can celebrate our four years.

Be well and see you next week!
xo, Kristin

10 things: getting to know mackin ink

Yippee! It's another edition of 10 Things, and today we are super lucky to have Karey from Mackin Ink with us. Karey's sparkly personality shines through in her writing as she shares stories about her life as a mom to "girlies three." Her blog was one of the first that I started reading and quickly became a favorite. With writing that is full of heart and honesty, you never know if you'll be brought to tears or laugh out loud. Over the years I feel like I've become quite cozy over at Mackin Ink. And though I've never met her, I am certain Karey is just as genuine and funny and loving in person as she is in her words.

So, without further ado...


The last thing I do before bed: I seriously walk through my house and make sure all the rooms look completely clean, flicking off every single beaded lamp. {I'm a little obsessed with romantic lighting that looks like jewelry.} I love waking up to a fresh home. It makes me feel like I've a head start on winning the next day.

Favorite thing about my house: That we'll probably sell it in a year or so? I kid. It's just that, since we moved back into it after our seven-year overseas adventure, it feels like exactly that: a backwards move. And i'm a forward kind of a girl, you know? Our view is pretty stellar, though.

My signature dish: Guests gush over my fat and chunky capreses and, more embarrassingly, a marshmallow and cream cheese blend served with tart green apples. What can I tell you? I'm genius with two ingredients or less.




The best place to be in the fall: In my limited experience, Fall feels best when sweating on a beach in Oman or Jordan, daydreaming of living in a colder climate that actually experiences seasonal changes beyond hot and hotter. Since we've moved back to the Washington D.C. area, I've realized those daydreams of mine were dumb. And while I'm looking forward to day one of "Ooh! Look at that pretty orange-ish red tree!" I'm so dreading the cold and colder that's surely headed my way. I've already bought these boots.

Book I can read again and again: The Secret History by Donna Tartt and anything by Salinger or David Sedaris or Maira Kalman. My attention span lends itself to short stories, I guess.

When I need to unwind: Nothing beats a good sweaty run, followed by a chilled Strongbow in a solid tumbler like these bad boys.

Celebrity crush: Kate Lanphear. From her hair to her don't-mess-with-me style to her editing prowess, she's just brilliant in my book.

Words I live by: More love is always better.

Don't knock a diet consisting entirely of espresso and Sour Patch Kids until you try it.

If I had one do-over: This might be too heavy, but there was one moment when I could've told my dad exactly how much I'd miss him if he died, plus all the plans I had for my life that he'd never get to see. He was right next to me. We were watching a show on telly about Muhammed Ali. I remember biting my cheeks, tears rolling down my face, and all I wanted to do is beg him to stay. As it was, I just scooted closer to him and held his hand. I'd be braver today. I would.

I could spend the whole day: Trolling 'round the internet. It's genius, don't you think? Instant inspiration, no matter what you need.

I feel my prettiest when: I've just stepped out of the shower, especially if I'm headed to bed straight-away. Shiny, flushed, clean, smelling like a blend of Tom Ford and Bliss Body Butter and CHI Silk Infusion. Also, I feel prettiest when I wear all black. Colors make me feel...off. Not myself. I'm trying my darndest to incorporate more charcoal and indigo, but it's slow-going, for sure.

It's worth the splurge: Antica Farmacista scents for your home. Forget Febreze. Please.


Karey - thank you so very much for sharing with us. You are an amazing woman, a gifted writer and so obviously meant to be a mother. I feel quite blessed to have "met" you and hope you continue to delight with your dailies. And one more thing... Your dad? He knows.



(Image: Caprese Salad by Alicia Forest on flickr)

guest post at curls & coffee

Just a quick one to let you know that I'm doing a guest post over at Curls & Coffee today.

Take a peek if you've the time!

10 things: getting to know inspiring interiors

If you've got a few, head over to Inspiring Interiors. I pinky-swear... you will not be disappointed. Kifus scouts the web and shares her delightful finds with us. Amazing house tours and gorgeous interiors shots, the design ideas abound. And she really covers every style... from a modern urban loft to a country-chic cabin to a grand old-world villa, it's a design showcase all wrapped up in one neat little blog.

My only warning... be sure to give yourself plenty of time to peruse. Because if you're like me, you'll intend to sit down a do a quick scan, only to find yourself 45 minutes later still swooning.

Now, on to Kifus' 10 Things...

The last thing I do before bed: Watch cartoons with my hubby.

Favorite thing about my house: The house itself, it's really old and gorgeous. And I have to add the windmill in our garden.

The best place to be in the spring: Paris, with hubby and daughter.



My signature dish: Lemon cheesecake. They like it so much at home that I make it twice a week.

When I need to unwind: I get into bed with a hot water bottle (my feet are always cold!) and read a book.

Celebrity crush: Johnny Precious Depp.

On Sunday mornings you'll find me: Blogging!

I could spend the whole day: Surfing the net and playing computer games (shh, don't tell my kids!)

I feel my prettiest when: I don't know why but it is when I'm driving!

It's worth the splurge: Fresh flowers. Not so much of a splurge but I make a point of buying them almost every week. Nothing makes your rooms look more appealing and welcoming than flowers.



(Photos from here and here.)


Kifus -- keep up the amazing work! You continue to razzle and dazzle with the great house tours and photos you post. And thanks to Inspiring Interiors, I've a file full of ideas for my next house! Also, do you think you might want to share that cheesecake recipe with us? I can't stop thinking about it... That, and Johnny Depp. ;)

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!

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. ;)

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

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.

10 things: getting to know curls & coffee

I think Meg is adorable. Reading her blog, Curls & Coffee, leaves me feeling... well... good. About the world, about myself, about life. And tucked neatly inside each of her posts are amazing photos that she finds from all over the web.

I wonder if it's the salty Vancouver air that brings on such inspiration?

On to Meg's 10 Things...

Favorite thing about my house: the balcony. We live on the west coast of Canada, and my balcony faces south-west towards the gulf islands and the ocean. The view on a clear day is absolutely gorgeous - water and shadows of islands rising out of the distance. i love to spend time on my balcony on a rainy day, reading in a giant red arm chair that is perfect for snuggling up in.

My signature dish: we love to cook pasta, and make it at least once a week (we make tons, so there's always leftovers!) it's so easy to make whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce, and we cut tons of veggies into the sauce and add random spices so that it's a little different every time and so healthy and satisfying. it's fun to decide every week at the grocer's what new vegetables to buy too - we've tried many new veggies by cutting them up and throwing them into our pasta!

Book I can read again and again: Emma, by Jane Austen. I love the sarcastic wit, the blind optimism, and the inability for Emma to ever get her foot fully out of her mouth. She reminds me of me... and I love love love this book. I read it about once a year.

If I had one do-over: I'd re-think my university major. I majored in Science, but I've become interested in so many things along the way - history, social work, student development... I would have liked to realize earlier just how many amazing programs, minors, and even elective courses there were available to me in order to study these topics in more depth.

When I need to unwind: I go for a run. If I'm really stressed, I'll leave the ipod at home and run to be alone with my thoughts. Running helps me sort through whatever is going on in my head, and it really helps to get the stress out.

Celebrity crush: John Krasinski. He is adorable and genuine, and I absolutely love his grin.

Words I live by: family first. My family is absolutely the most important thing to me, from my husband to my brothers (now that I'm married I have 4, with two sisters-in-law!), my parents and in-laws, my aunts and uncles, my grandparents, and my 95-year-old great grandmother. I have learned so much from my family, and I know they are always there to support me. I am so lucky to have a close-knit family who loves and cares for each other so much.

On Sunday mornings you'll find me: trying to sleep in. My husband is a night owl & I'm quite the early bird, and Sundays are the one day I try to stay in bed until he's ready to get up. I usually cave though, and sneak out to make a coffee or go for an early morning walk to buy a paper. When I get home, he's always still in bed!


I could spend the whole day: browsing through an outdoor market. We're lucky in Vancouver to have a farmer's market on granville island, which I visit as often as I can, as well as several craft markets that happen seasonally. i love strolling through booths and tables set out with unique wares that were lovingly made or grown by locals. Of course I'd have a latte in my hand...


I feel my prettiest when: I'm confident. Which usually comes most when I'm running on a regular basis, or having a really good hair day - not always easy with a crazy head of temperamental curls!

Thank you so much, Meg! It was a pleasure. ;)

(Photos via {Manda} here here and here.)

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.

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!

10 things: getting to know City of Dionne

This blogging community is full of some pretty lovely women. Their blogs - woven with thoughtful words and beautiful images - inspire me to create, to bake, to write, to make and most important, to appreciate. All this on a daily basis. And it seems that the more I read, the more charmed I am.

So I've decided to add a new series... it's all about getting to know some of my favorite bloggers just a bit better. In 10 new ways.


Up first? The very talented and super sweet Dionne of City of Dionne. I'm a huge fan! It's easy to see that she appreciates the sweet side of life. Her writing, sketches and photography are whimsical, full of spirit and leave me feeling like I have a little spring in my step.

Let's see how Dionne answers her 10 Things...

The last thing I do before sleep: Floss like crazy and brush my teeth. I hate to admit, but I wasn't really a big flosser until I got married. I would floss once a week at best, but now I floss once or twice a day! My husband Brian has the most emaculate movie-star teeth ever, so now I am putting extra effort into taking care of my teeth, because in photos with him I feel like I have ugly teeth compared to his perfect teeth!

I could spend the whole day: Playing boardgames with my family. I have always been really close to my family. My parents are my best friends - I can tell them anything. Growing up, they were always the 'cool parents' - me and all my friends would always hang out at our place. Now that I am almost 30, my friends still stop by to have dinner with them - even if I am not there!

You'll always find in my pantry: Flour and sugar. I love to bake, so these two ingredients are constantly well-stocked in my pantry for my spur-of-the-moment baking frenzies.

I feel most like a kid: when I am with my younger brother Symon. He's 20, and has Downs Syndrome, so he is more like the age of 12. We have such fun together!

My dream kitchen: A big open space with lots of storage space, big windows and a big island in the middle. And I've always wanted one of those copper-pot hanging things to be above the island. I love those!

When I grow up, I want to: Have an event planning business. At the moment I am loving Graphic Design, but some day it would be nice to delve into the world of wedding planning. I love weddings!

I feel my prettiest: When I wake up in the morning, and my husband is watching me, smiling.

My signature dish: I am known for my desserts :) Anything sweet!

I never tire of: Frank Sinatra. He's one of my faves. I could listen to Fly Me To the Moon over and over and over and never get sick of it.

On my coffee table: A Donna Hay magazine and a custom flower arrangement by Christina at Flores Del Sol.

Thank you so much for sharing, Dionne! Your photos - as usual - are gorgeous. And your sweet tooth? I knew there was a reason I liked you! ;)

In case you haven't already, be sure to check out D's etsy shop, too!

PS - feel free to comment with any of your answers to the above 10 Things. I'd love to hear what you have to say! And check back next week for our next blogger.