18 Days Until Spring!

Yes, the wait is almost over and I can smell Spring in the air.  Enjoy the beauty that comes with Spring across Italy, Paris and Spain…





Have you noticed any signs of the approach of Spring in your neck of the woods?  Thank you all for your welcome home comments on the prior post. Also, your votes on my nomination (here) were/are much appreciated. Blessings and a happy weekend! XX

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The Hubby is Home and Baking!

The hubs has actually been home for two weeks or so, but I couldn’t say anything publicly until I received an all clear..(military language). It goes without saying just how over the moon we’ve been about his arrival home(a whopping 2 months earlier than his scheduled arrival date). Thank you all for keeping him/us in your thoughts and prayers. If you’re new here and have no clue what I refer to, read here.



The mister is undoubtedly a pro in the kitchen and while baking is not my strong point, he does it effortlessly. This weekend, he whipped up some basic chocolate chip cookies.  I don’t have a sweet tooth(the opposite of the hubs). However, I gobbled down those moist delicious beauties in no time…

yummy looking aren’t they?

About a month ago I repainted my kitchen white. Yes, I know, so unlike me. However, I wanted a more modern feel to the kitchen and I think I’ve accomplished that with the white. I plan on showing some more pictures soon.

I have to have lemons. How about you? I forgot to tell you all that I completed my 30 day green smoothie challenge and I’m still proudly (though not everyday), making my green smoothies.

In Other News

I’ve been nominated as a Best Blogger for the category of Interior Design  in the 2013 JDR Industry Blogger Awards! Yay for me!! I am super excited about being nominated and your votes would be more than appreciated. If you feel inclined to vote(I hope you are), voting starts on their website tomorrow, Monday, February 25th. Voting closes on 4/12/13 at 4pm PST. (Voting limited to one vote per person/computer.) The blog with the most votes in each of six categories (Architecture, Interior Design, Remodeling, Construction Business, Green, and Microblog) will win that category. Winners will receive a $500 cash prize and a 2013 JDR Industry Blogger Awards Winner badge to place for display. Thank you all for your love and support.  Blessings and Happy Sunday everyone! XX

An Art Filled Apartment in Manhattan

Apparently it’s Art Sunday today here. Well with that said, feast your eyes on this beautiful apartment in the Upper West side that’s drenched in eye catching art. The architectural details are to die for too… Did I mention the views AND check out the ceiling!…

This one of a kind gem is for sale. For more details, go here. I hope everyone is enjoying a lovely leisurely Sunday afternoon. Here, the fire is lit as it’s in the 30’s right now. Also, finally, the forecasters were right about snow; we finally got a dash of it yesterday. It’s almost all gone now though, but at least it snowed. Finally.  Blessings and happy Sunday my friends. XX

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A Rocker Chic Aviary Pad.

My love for butterflies continues…

Atlanta native Chassie Post, a lifestyle editor at Gilt.com, lives in this beautiful Manhattan loft with her family(rocker Phil Costello and their 8 year old son). She was not impressed with the loft when she first saw it. However, when her very close friend(my design crush), Miles Redd convinced her to see its potential. Architect Meyer Davis also threw in his two cents on how fabulous a place this Manhattan loft could be. The power house duo; Miles and Meyer set to work and created a sophisticated aviary style loft with some rocker’s edge and lots of girly charm…

the giant gilded mirror grounds the framed art pieces beautifully in this collage(Mr. Redd’s handiwork)

are those white knobs on the range? also, I love how they used the wall paper as the backsplash!

“Though it may not be the most practical idea to wallpaper an entire loft I really like the idea of using traditional materials in a more modern space.” says Post. I actually love how they went all out with the wall paper and I think it works. After all, Miles Redd is not known for being timid in his design choices…

perfect juxtaposition of traditional and modern

details…

love it all!

loads of natural light make the interior and wallpaper sing. just beautiful; so is Chassie Post! Blessings and Happy Wednesday my friends. XX

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A Winner and Springing into Colour with JCrew and Urban Outfitters!

The winner of the giveaway(chosen using random.org) is comment number 19! Congrats to the wonderful Erika at Tiptoe Butterfly! I will be emailing you shortly lovely! Thanks again to everyone for entering and a Huge Thank you to the sponsor of the giveaway!

If you’re tying the knot this Spring or headed to a wedding, JCrew is the one of the best stores to shop  for stylish garb at a reasonable price. I’m so smitten with the colour choices for their wedding collection; not to mention all the tropical goodness in the photo shoot…

Beautiful collection, is it not?

A Pretty Bed Makes for a Long Marriage…

Urban Outfitters is not just for the dorm room or college students. They just launched their very first home look  book and the bedding collection is colourful and so fun! Again another affordable line so newly weds can dress their beds in style without breaking the bank.

If you’re not an avid lover of colour like I am, you will undoubtedly find something to love about this collection. It  ushers in Spring with beautiful florals and graphic patterns that is sure to put a pep in your step every time you enter your bedroom.

Blessings and Happy Monday my friends! XX

P.S. Thanks for the lovely feedback on my new specs:-)

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Firmoo Glasses: A Review

What? Not another Firmoo review! Well, there’s a reason so many bloggers have reviewed their glasses; they are super cute and quite well made! I finally said yes to the wonderful folks at Firmoo regarding a review and I’m happy I did! Whilst there is a huge selection of glasses to choose from on their site(a process that could easily become daunting and time consuming), Firmoo has simplified the process by making their site very user friendly. I recently received my pair of Firmoo glasses promptly after choosing the pair I wanted to review from their site.  It arrived well packaged and I was pleasantly surprised at the durability of the glasses since they were so inexpensive!

The package included a sturdy case, a black string bag with a cleaning cloth.

I chose the SD2383 pair. The school teacher in me just couldn’t resist… I do have a pair of prescription glasses mostly for nighttime. I have difficulties seeing anything at night and driving at night is a nightmare for me! My prescription glasses help me with the glare from traffic lights and other vehicles. However, the Firmoo pair that I’m sporting are non prescription. I love the black glossy frame too(also available in matte).

The old opinion that glasses are only necessities for people with vision problems has already gone. Glasses are increasingly becoming a fad and must-have accessories for  celebs and fashionistas. Everyday we can spot millions of non prescription glasses wearers and we are constantly fascinated by many noted film stars’ signature non prescription glasses.They instantly upgrade your look of modern,sexy, vintage or geek by wearing different styles of frames.
Any hot glasses/sunglasses /goggles frames you want can be found on Firmoo, and all are available for both prescription lenses and non-prescription lenses. Are you desperate to have a new look? Now here is the chance, Firmoo has launched a First Pair Free Program to people  worldwide. You will absolutely fall in love with the excellent quality, affordable prices, fashionable designs, fast delivery and the good service after trying them with paying shipping only! You even can get a refund/exchange if you are not satisfied with them. It's totally Risk free, so why not have a try?

I absolutely love my Firmoo glasses!  Thanks Firmoo!To the lovely folks affected by Nemo, stay warm and stay safe! XX

P.S. Giveaway winner will be announced shortly. Thanks for participating everyone!

A Well Curated Collage…

I’d say this is the perfect example of a well curated collage. What do you think? Besides the collage, I adore the humor in this picture. Great daddy! Happy Thursday lovelies! XX

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Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Maldives and a DIY Mask.

The Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Maldives is the quintessential location to unwind and celebrate Valentine’s Day with that special someone.  The setting and vistas are enough to place you in an immediate state of calm.

Add the spa experience and your state of calm becomes euphoric. Let’s all get euphoric…

So, how do you feel?.

Alright, realistically not all of us can afford such a luxurious spa experience, but thanks to Michelle Pino (who works at an Upstate New York spa), for sharing these tips for making a diy mask that will get you face ready for your Valentine date:

DIY Green Tea Antioxidant Face Mask

As Valentine's Day approaches, many women across the globe are gearing up for
a romantic evening with a special someone. If you want to pamper yourself before
a big date, a DIY facial is a great treat that will bring a natural glow to your face,
and give special care to your skin. If this is a holiday that you'll be spending single,
a quiet and relaxing evening is best accompanied with some self-care and close
friends that can join you in your pampering session. Women's daily lives can often
be hectic and full of responsibilities. Taking time for self-care is an important part of
maintaining balance...

A DIY face-mask has the benefit of being both cost and time efficient. Most of the
ingredients needed can be found in your kitchen, and a lot of time does not have to
be set aside to indulge in this pampering act. The recipe below contains exfoliating,
brightening, and antioxidant properties.

Ingredients
1 cup of Green Tea
1 tablespoon of Granulated Sugar
1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice

Directions
Make a strong cup of green tea using two teabags, or twice as much loose tea as
you would usually use. The tea should be left to steep for approximately an hour, at
which point it should be lukewarm. Remove the tealeaves or teabags and mix in the
lemon juice and sugar.

Application
Remove all makeup and facial products with a makeup remover or cleanser. Fill a
bowl or pot with freshly boiled water. Place your face over the bowl with a towel over
your head to contain the steam. Steam your face for at least 5 minutes to improve
circulation to your skin and release impurities for deeper cleansing. Afterwards, pat
the green tea mixture on to your face and rub it in small circular motions to exfoliate.
Let the mask sit for at least 15 minutes while you relax. Wash the mixture off and
apply your moisturizer.

Skincare should be the foundation of your beauty routine. A weekly facemask will
nourish and hydrate your skin while providing you with a relaxing experience that
can quickly ease and rejuvenate your mind.

Thank you Michelle for such great tips that is so easy to try at home! Michelle works at an Upstate New York spa, SkA:nA
Spa. When she isn’t pampering someone else you might find her baking, exercising, reading or
trying a new DIY project. Blessings and happy Tuesday my friends! XX

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