Local Designer, Betsy Berner

This outdoor space is what Caught my eye. So cozy, just love all the details. The kitchen is beautiful, check out all the rooms I posted. Betsy Berner is the designer, from Red Bank. Love that she is local.

It's My Party

With summer here lots of get togethers will be going on! I stumbled upon this inspiring party n event planner, Mary Guliani. She has worked with some big stars in entertainment. Her newest book, The cocktail Party, is chock full of great ideas. She adds a chic yet quirky element to entertaining. It's all about having fun, for the guest and host/hostess. Take a look at some pictures of Mary's parties. She has partnered with Mario Batalio on a few projects too. I just love her ideas. Enjoy!

New Brides to be vs Us old housewives Part 1

I just love dishes and pretty glasses and serving pieces, not sure why but I just do. When I was a bride to be 26 years ago, ugh....so long ago, we all registered China and formal glassware and silverware. Times have changed and according to my daughter, who is a bride to be, most DO NOT choose to register for these items anymore. Many say they will never use it. I still use my Lenox formal set whenever I feel like celebrating a meal.

Kate Spade has some wonderful alternatives to the old China choices. I was recently at a bridal shower and she opened many beautiful colored boxes of Kate Spade place settings. She was so excited. The brand offers many options for different styles, some very graphic and others more traditional. There are beautiful glassware choices and silverware as well. One is rose gold, so pretty. 

The cake serving set is a great idea for a gift. You can have it monogrammed or have the wedding 

date engraved on the handles. Here are a few samples to view.

Decorator Crush

I came across this jaw dropping laundry room and had to find out more about the designer, Kriste Michelini. She is based out of the west coast, San Francisco area.  She started it in the software industry but found her way to interior design. Lucky for us. Enjoy a sampling of her work right here. She has been recognized by Tradional Home among other industry leaders.

Spring has Sprung..sort of...

I love all seasons, when the first signs of Spring start to pop, I get alittle giddy knowing the warm weather is coming soon. We had snow in NJ last week but I'm hopeful that Spring is here. We celebrate Easter so I wanted to share some of what's been around my house for the holiday.

 Moss bunny from Target with a cute ribbon. Napkin rings from Pier One, thank you Alexis

 Stock of paper plates is always a good idea, just in case

 Put something you treasure on a little pedestal, and it becomes important to the eye.

My Favorite Things...

When I find items I love there is nothing better than sharing them with all of you. ENJOY!

Nordstrom is my Hero. Marc by Marc Jacobs is a designer with a flair for what us casual everyday girls need to look put together without breaking the bank. This purse is the perfect size for my 5 foot frame but has plenty of room inside. Love the shape of the sunnies and great price. Nordstrom.com

This hair product has been a godsend a pump in a half is all you need to get just the right bounce in your curl. Smells awesome too.

Another Nordstrom find. Double strand casual necklace. Goes with everything. 24.99

Love these Martha Stewart sheets. This set has champagne bottles and makes the perfect gift or just for your own bed. Great price point.

Bobbi Brown has a great selection of make up. This is a blush.

 Stays on all day. So easy to apply n choose a color that's right for your skin color.

Numi

My favorite is the green tea. There are many to choose from. All organic. I found a few boxes in TJMaxx, score

A few things I have been working on this week

Couple of things going on this week. Made a dinner I had forgotten I used to make often. I'll share with you and it will become a favorite with adults and kids. I started painting a few pieces I have been thinking about.

My mom has dubbed these Italian Hamburgers. 

I use turkey chop meat. You can use regular hamburger meat if you like. Add an egg, salt n pepper, some parmesan cheese, small cubed potato pieces. Form into a torpedo shaped serving and roll in bread crumbs. Fry or bake at 350 degrees. You can serve with a light marinara sauce. YUM!

This plant stand is at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer. It is a dark cherry color. I am painting it white. 

Deciding if I should paint the mirror a chalk paint in a light gray maybe?  It is an antique from my grandparents bedroom so not sure if I should change it or not. The walls need arranging as well.  Searching for a new piece of pottery for the plant stand. 👀 

The calm after the Christmas decorations are put away

It has always been a long process to get my house back in shape after the holidays. I pretty much have decorations in every room in the house, even the boy cave in the basement. I love how it looks but it is a real pain to clean up. Anyway, after the holiday items are all put away, then I fight with myself as to what to put back where it was prior to Christmas, and what to rearrange or just buy something for a certain spot. That is where I am at right now. UGH!
Wanted to share with you two quick spots I brightened up with literally 12.00 worth of items from the floral shop at the supermarket.

Baby's breath, curly twigs, and pussy willows

Used a large glass vase for impact and to take up a big space, visually. You can insert decorative grape vine balls to help fill the vase. 

The baby's breath went in a round glass vase for  alittle color above the cabinet. Pair it with a tall candle holder. Still searching for a pretty white ginger jar. Then the painting will go on the wall.

Here is where the large vase wound up. Still trying to find something to go above the Jaxblvd sign. Was thinking a big wishbone but I haven't had luck finding one yet.

Happy New Year--Happy Fresh Starts

Happy New Year. I am not organized but after the Christmas dishes are put away for another season I need to organize my tabletop cabinet. Throw out the junk and make room for fabulous new items. I just love pretty table settings. My mom and grandmothers always had amazing tables set when I was young. I wanted to share a few finds I came across to take a look at.

Williams-Sonoma has a budget friendly line called Open Kitchen. I love it. Microwave and dishwasher safe. This set comes in a red stripe as well.  Cute for Christmas too. Set of four bowls are just 24.00.

I bought these champs glasses in the summertime last year. They hold a bit more bubbly than the regular glass. Perfect for Prosecco.