New Year's Resolutions

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Does anyone else feel like the start of 2018 was just a couple months ago? I swear the years are going by faster and faster and I don't think I'm very happy about it.  Nonetheless, the month leading up to the New Year is one of my favorite times of the year, not only because of the holidays, but because I get so excited and motivated for the year ahead.

Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas, Everyone!  I hope you all have a festive day tomorrow with your family and friends.  Safe travels!

Holiday Tablescapes

Can you believe that Christmas is less a week away?! I don't know about you, but I could use another month or two to get ready. I've only bought one gift so far! It's going to be quite a busy week trying to get everything together, so naturally, I find myself looking at tablescape inspiration on Pinterest instead of actually being productive.

Hello There

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So this post is going to be a little different than ones I've done in the past.  Instead of on a specific topic, I just figured I'd say hello. Why, you may ask. Well, to be honest, it's because I completely forgot to write a post this week. Whoops! It happens. Life has been a whirlwind lately...I've been working like crazy - which is always a good thing, focusing on some upcoming projects and I've been swept up in holiday festivities which is always a fun distraction.  

Night in Nantucket

Last weekend my mom and I went to Nantucket for the night.  Just wanted to share a few photos from our trip!  Happy Holidays, everyone!

Cole & Son Wallpaper

Recently my mom showed me one of her favorite Instagram accounts -- Cole & Son Wallpapers. Her love affair with Cole & Son began in Bath, England where she stayed in a flat adorned with their classic Hummingbird pattern.  I have to agree with her. Their Instagram feed is like a candy store for design enthusiasts. 

Creative Hostess Gift Ideas

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It's hard to believe that the holidays are officially here! (Boy, this year flew by!) I'm looking forward to all of the parties and events over the next few weeks, but with the fun comes the need for some hostess gifts.  Sure, a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers are nice, but I try to come up with something a little more creative. It's an easy way to show the host or hostess that you put some thought into the gift and appreciate the invite.

Apple and Butternut Squash Bisque

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that means its almost time for me to make my favorite apple and butternut squash soup! I wish I could claim this recipe as my own, but it actually came from a Plated meal I received last year. Seriously guys, if you haven't looked into Plated, you need to. All of their recipes are incredible and super easy! Their apple and butternut squash soup was so delicious I made it on repeat last winter (with just a slight variation to the recipe so I didn't have to turn the oven on). I hope you like it as much as I do!

Designer Highlight: James Farmer

A few weeks ago I was scrolling through the explore page on Instagram and I stumbled across an interior designer named James Farmer (@jamestfarmer).  It wasn't long before I was mesmerized by his instagram feed and researching Farmer's design company online.

Home Crush of The Month: The Borden-Macomber House

This month's home crush is different than houses I've covered in the past.  It's not beautifully decorated and tastefully updated. It doesn't have the best view in town (though there is a pretty one from the widow's walk) and it's not impeccably landscaped.  In fact, it's a complete mess and is in need of a total rehab.  I choose it as this month's home crush because I think the architecture in this house is absolutely breathtaking and I'm inspired by what this home could look like once someone gives it the attention it needs.

Halloween Dinner Party Inspiration

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Apple of my Eye

8 Home Items to Have Before You're 30

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A lot of things have been up in the air for me over the past few years - moving multiple times, breakups, career changes - but I'm getting to the point where things are calming down and I just want to feel settled.  If you're anything like me, then you get it.  Sure there are still a lot of things out of my control, but little by little I'm starting to figure out how to roll with it.

The Serena & Lily Summer Tent Sale

Just a quick post today to let you know that one of my favorite home decor stores, Serena & Lily, launched there Summer Tent Sale this morning!  Serena & Lily provide some of the best coastal decor items I've seen (seriously, I want to live in their Westport store) and right now everything in their sale is 30% - 70% off.  I've been eyeing some of their beach towels and bedding for months now and may just have to treat myself.  Happy shopping!

Why Rent If You Can Buy

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Though interest rates continue to rise in 2018, they have not increased as much as we initially expected and are still considered to be low. Yet a large portion of Americans are still renting properties, instead of enjoying a home of their own. Consumer reports believe this is an issue because of a buyer's lack of trust in their ability to purchase. It's a long-standing notion that a buyer needs 20% down towards the cost of the home in order to move forward, but this isn't true. With countless down payment assistant programs and closing cost roll-ins, a homeowner could move in with as little as a couple thousand dollars.

Home Crush of the Month: An Antique Colonial in Kingston Village

I may be a little biased when it comes to this month's home crush, and that's because it happens to be my mother's house. It's not my childhood home, but she's lived in this house for the past 10 years and the transformation that my mom and step-dad did in that time is remarkable (at least in my opinion).

Summer Shoes

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It finally feels like summer has arrived. (Boy, that took a while!) I've started to wear my dresses and am eager to start living in sandals again.

Candles

Candles are something that I always like to have burning at home because they set the mood for a room as soon as you walk into it. They immediate relax me when I've had a stressful day and are the perfect way to create a welcoming home.  I tend to go for more natural or clean smelling scents such as beach sand or fresh linen in warmer months and pine around Christmas time.  Over the years I've found that I keep coming back to the same brands time and time again.  I'm always disappointed when a candle is either too strong or doesn't throw a scent at all. The candles listed below are by far the best that I have come across.

Bike Ride Through Watch Hill

While looking through my camera roll on my way back from Florida earlier this week, I stumbled across these photos and realized I never put them on the blog! These were taken about a year ago when my friends, Kiel, Sarah, and Dave, and I spent the day in Watch Hill. Sarah had to shoot the Lilly Pulitzer suite at the Watch Hill Inn. When we were done we spent the day riding these cute Lilly Pulitzer bikes around town and finished with a late lunch at the Ocean House.

Home Crush of the Month: An "Eothen" Reproduction

I don't think you could get more perfect than this month's Home Crush. As soon I saw this home, I was obsessed. As beautiful as it is, it's the location that truly got my attention.

Shelf Life: 7 Tips on Styling Bookshelves

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Bookshelves can transform the look of any room.  They are a way to display your treasures, collections, photos, and artwork in a functional, yet stylish way. It's important though, that you abide by certain staging rules to enhance your decor and to avoid a cluttered, messy look.  Here are seven tips to consider when styling your bookshelves.

Pretty Pajama Sets

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I always admired pajama sets but for some reason, I refused to spend money on them. For years I would sleep in shorts and an old tee shirt.  I figured, who cared what I looked like when I went to sleep?  Boy was I wrong.

  

Last summer, I finally splurged. I was on a day trip to Stonington, CT and I saw the prettiest, lightweight, floral robe at Yali.  I LOVE that robe.  Every time I put it on it makes me feel pretty and special, so why wouldn't I want that feeling every night when I get home?

10 Staging Tips to Get Your Home Sold

Photo courtesy of MLS - 48 Orange Street, Nantucket, MA 

Some of you may have seen on my instagram account that I recently became an Accredited Staging Professional.  Staging is so important when it comes time to sell a home because it helps buyers visualize themselves in the home and helps sellers to get a higher price. (Who doesn't want more money? I know I do!) A complimentary staging consultation is now something I offer to all of my sellers. Here are some ideas to get your home prepared for the spring market. 

Creamy Tomato Parmesan Soup

This has to be one of my favorite soup recipes. It's so simple;  just a few steps and voila!  It's done.  Just add a simple grilled cheese for the perfect winter meal.

Home Crush of the Month: Mintwater Cottage

I've given a lot of thought lately to including a real estate section on my blog. It is afterall, what I do every day and it incorporates my love for interior design.  I believe that improving a home as you go, not only makes it your own, but also adds value.

I also know that a lot of you are at the point in life where you are getting ready to buy your first home and probably have a lot of questions about the homebuying process and whether or not you're ready for it. Sure, buying your first home can make you anxious but hopefully I'll be able to calm your nerves. Afterall, you should be excited about buying your first Rhode Island home!

In my real estate notes, I hope to offer some insights about Rhode Island real estate and home buying and selling tips. I'll also highlight a fews homes for sale and rent and share with you my home crush of the month. And of course, if you have any questions, suggestions or something to add, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Valentines Day Outfits

I'm always a little weird when it comes to Valentine's Day.  I like the idea of it, but I feel like it's a high pressure holiday.  Sure we would all like our special someone to give it a lot of thought and plan something special, but in my world, it really is the thought that counts. I'd love to hear about his plans for a grand romantic evening but in reality, I'd probably say, "Thanks, but can we order pizza instead?" But, for all of you hopeless romantics out there who love the idea of  getting gussied up and going out on Valentine's Day, here are a few items and ideas to help you get date night ready.

Gramercy Park Apartment

Several months ago One Kings Lane published an article on interior designer Cece Barfield Thompson's New York City apartment. I oohed and awed over the home then so when I recently stumbled across it for the second time,  I knew that I had to share it.