Winter Blues

Maybe it's just me (and I know it's not!), but lately I feel like the snow fall is never ending.  This weather is a skier's dream with all the powder days we've had.  Still…I am ready for warmer weather.  Until then I am hanging in my favorite pair of jeans and cozy sweaters.  Stay warm New England!

Happy Thanksgiving

The smell of Thanksgiving is in the air and I can't help but think about how grateful I am.   I am grateful for my friends and family both new and old.  I am grateful for our heath, home and happiness.  I am especially grateful to those who serve our country and protect us daily so we can enjoy each other on this special day.  

 I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones and lots of yummy turkey with all the trimmings! 

Cozy Barn Reds and Browns

I bring you the coziest reds and browns on a lazy Sunday afternoon....

Katie Ridder

Carrier and Co

Peter Dunham

Michael Smith

Makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a cup of hot hard cider

Have a great week!

Gus and the Red Barn

Meet this little guy, Gus. 

 He is one of my best friend's youngest. This little 2 year old always keeps you on your toes.  Even after his successful plot to get into trouble, all he needs to do is bat those big eyelashes and you are   once again under his perfect angel-boy spell. 

I still argue back and forth with my friend B that he is my "Godson" and not hers and my argument is this:

a. I am the one that made it to fill in during the brit when she was stuck in traffic

b. She collects godchildren and has like six now including my son

 (because she is the best Godmother and Auntie anyone could have!)

c. He is just so darn cute that I think she should share :)

Regardless... he and his and big brother, Rocco, are my favorite two and four year old combo to hang out with (more on Rocco another day I am sure).  We recently went apple picking and the kids had a blast, but this little guy just couldn't believe all the fruit to be had in these orchards!

So I followed Gus around the whole day taking pictures of his cute little adventures as he shouted "CHEESE AUNTIE CACA!" (yes I am auntie Caca) "Now let me see my picture...!!!".  I couldn't resist so I took  A LOT of pictures.  Including a series of shots in front of a barn door.

Then I realized this has become a little pattern in my pictures.....

My Grace

My Guy

Here's a little Trivia...

Did you ever wonder why barns are painted red?  

Centuries ago we didn't have Ben Moore and Sherman Williams to come over with their paint swatches.  Farmers used a linseed oil combination to create a long lasting and quick-drying paint.  Some farmers added blood from their slaughter while others added ferrous oxide (rust) because it was poisonous to fungi and moss which are known to grow in barns. 

This is what gave barns those rusty red colors!

                                         The Browns and Barn Reds give that oh so COZY feeling. 
        
 Here's a little palette inspiration:

1. Peter Dunham - Ikat Pomegranate
2. Galbraith and Paul - Links in Chocolate
3. Ralph Lauren - Windsor Locks Plaid
4. Place - Vermont Genoa
5. Ben Moore -Marbury Brown by Darryl Carter
6. Ben Moore - Red Rock 2005-10

Stay tuned for more Barn Reds and Browns!!!

Early Fall Golds and Greens

I went for a run this morning (it was a first in a loooong time).  

The air was crisp and the early morning sun shine brought out the most beautiful

 golds and greens that nature had to offer.  

 I had to stop and take a picture... 

In my defense it was the end of my run :)

Jeffery Alan Marks

Rachel Halvorson

Tobey Fairley

Palmer Weiss

Suzanne Kasler

A beautiful color combo don't you think?  

Going bold or just a little touch

1.Hand Painted Pillow 2. Bungalow 5 Lamp Available through CMD 3. Brass and Horn Pull
4 Dash and Albert Hand Hooked Rug available though CMD 5. Spaghetti Squash! 6. Made Goods Jade Tray available though CMD

The Gift of a Good Friendship

This past weekend I finally got to see my best friends from my hometown.  I feel so lucky to have those girlfriends in my life that no matter how much time goes by, we just pick up where we left off.
The story telling of our adventures, good times and bad times, and catching up on what we missed never gets old.  Your best friends always seem to know how to make you laugh the hardest and you just can't help but feel young and maybe a little silly again.

It's the gift of a good friendship

Grace with one of my best friend's daughter.  They call each other  "best sister". 

We call them little "soul mates".

Get Matchy

I recently received an email from an install using Quadrille Arbre de Matisse fabric and fell in-love! Usually when we think of matching wall coverings with upholstery and drapery, it is something left behind in our aunt's and mother's decor. 

 Matching prints is still (and will always be) a beautiful option and a great way to unify key design elements in a room.  It can make a large room feel cozy with soft patterns and hues.  A small room welcomes a bold statement with bright and fresh patterns.  If you do decide to go bold, it is important to balance the space with solid and neutrals or use your bold choices in moderation.  

Wow Tory Burch!