2016-12-15 14:06
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Learn how to decorate beautiful living style with all of my tips and tricks, build a better business or just sit back and enjoy my take on Beautiful Living.
2016-12-07 19:52
This past weekend, as I was unpacking Christmas ornaments, I came upon a gift—a pen set—I had bought Kate more than a year and a half ago. I’m forever putting things away i… Read More
2016-12-02 12:24
The blog is FINALLY moving to another platform. More freedom, more perks, easier navigation, and it's all happening soon! So, if I'm offline for a little while, you'll know why. I'm not disa… Read More
2016-12-02 12:24
The blog is FINALLY moving to another platform. More freedom, more perks, easier navigation, and it's all happening soon! So, if I'm offline for a little while, you'll know why. I'm not disa… Read More
2016-11-30 16:33
This past weekend, as I was unpacking Christmas ornaments, I came upon a gift—a pen set—I had bought Kate more than a year and a half ago. I’m forever putting things away i… Read More
2016-11-22 16:21
A couple of weeks ago, my mother handed me a box filled with old photographs and a stack of letters written by my great grandfather. As she handed me each picture, she explained who was who… Read More
2016-11-22 16:21
A couple of weeks ago, my mother handed me a box filled with old photographs and a stack of letters written by my great grandfather. As she handed me each picture, she explained who was who… Read More
2016-11-15 17:49
This past weekend, the girls were home early. Bags were dropped, clothes needed cleaning, and the dishwasher was full. In the beginning, when this whole empty nest thing started, I was more… Read More
2016-11-07 17:31
I should be happy that we gained an hour of time this past weekend, but what I really am is exhausted. And every year, it's the same thing. It was bad enough that I was already starting… Read More
2016-11-01 15:47
It's November 1st. And that means, it's National Novel Writing Month! NaNoWriMo began in 1999 to encourage writers to get it on the page. From November 1st until 11:59 on November… Read More
2016-10-27 16:49
Victor Hugo called 40 “the old age of youth”. Conventional wisdom tells you that you’re still reasonably young, just a bit more seasoned than you used to be. As you transit… Read More
2016-10-24 20:30
Just because I no longer decorate for a living, doesn't mean I've stopped decorating. And the holidays are the perfect time for me to have a little fun and scratch that creative itch. A… Read More
2016-10-21 21:28
I was never a morning person, until I was. If you think you may be turning into a morning person, too, here are some ways to make the best of it. As I've gotten older, my internal clock… Read More
2016-10-06 14:33
I can get lost in a bookstore. When I enter, I feel equal parts excitement and anxiety. I am giddy with the possibility of what I’ll find, and overwhelmed by those same possibilities… Read More
2016-09-27 18:17
I went to high school in the 80s. Permed hair, lots of make-up, and going to school in a well-chosen (i.e., trendy) outfit was a given. I got up at 5:00 am to shower, blow/kink/style my hair… Read More
2016-09-21 10:25
We dropped the girls off on Labor Day. Two weeks yesterday. This is week three. It was my idea not to pick up or see the girls until three weeks in. I felt they needed to get settled, get us… Read More
2016-09-14 02:11
The writing process is different for everyone. Those articles you read, those words of advice from authors you cleave to, need to be filed away as research. It’s only opinion. Strategi… Read More
2016-09-06 21:12
This not being old, sort of being old thing is so much fun. I’m too old to have a baby (socially, mentally), but I’m too young to be free from worrying about pregnancy. My body (… Read More
2016-08-31 21:35
I have become extremely nostalgic lately. With the passing of another generational icon yesterday (the incomparable Gene Wilder - actor/comedian/writer), I can recall a conversation David an… Read More
2016-08-25 22:06
The girls are both at work right now. Their last work week of the summer. Next week, they’re all mine, albeit for just one more. We plan to get our hair done, troll bookstores, wa… Read More
2016-08-12 21:55
For more than a year, I got down on the floor every morning and did yoga. I loved it. My body loved it. But like so many other things in life, it got pushed aside. Time moved on and before I… Read More
2016-08-09 16:52
Eight years ago, I started our annual summer reading contest while on vacation. I won handily that year, but only because my daughters were just 10 and 13 at the time. However, this year, I… Read More
2016-06-28 17:00
Summer vacation has begun! Thank you all for hanging in there. I will be up to my usual tricks towards the end of the summer. I'm looking forward to writing more about Life in My 40s and get… Read More
2016-06-03 15:50
Boston winters may be long, but once the trees leaf out, the grass turns green, and the sun warms your face, it's time to head outdoors and enjoy the many parks and green spaces now availabl… Read More
2016-06-02 17:01
If you haven't done so already, please add Eligible to your summer reading list. I love all things Jane Austen, and this version of a modern day Pride and Prejudice will make you fall in lov… Read More
2016-05-13 21:20
I read a book years ago titled, Queen Bees and Wannabes. In it, the author talks about the roles girls play, whether they like it or not, and includes tips for parents on how to help their d… Read More
2016-05-05 18:15
I have been blogging regularly for the past three years. I enjoy sharing ideas and stories, and as I wrote in my bio, this is my place to remember and reflect. But I haven’t been happy… Read More
2016-05-04 17:00
There is one staple in my refrigerator that I would be lost without: hummus. I can remember when I first tasted this concoction of garbanzo beans, tahini, and garlic. I hated it. I grew up e… Read More
2016-04-28 14:56
I know a lot of blogs are creating lists of fabulous gifts you can shower your mother with, but I want to talk about a different kind of gift—time. Mind you, I have received some fabul… Read More
2016-04-26 21:03
As you may have noticed, I haven't been blogging 5 days a week lately. Simply put, blogging isn't as easy as it looks. And because my blog has evolved from a design blog to a lifestyle blog… Read More
2016-04-19 17:13
A rite of passage? I certainly hope not. Although there are many rites of passage you may accomplish as you enter college, like turning eighteen, registering to vote..., we (girls) always he… Read More
2016-04-13 18:48
Ruth Reichl is a lover of food and words (a woman after my own heart). As a former undercover restaurant critic for the New York Times, she's penned several memoirs, incl… Read More
2016-04-12 16:16
I survived my 20s, plowed through my 30s, and now I’m surviving mid-life. I’m in the phase of life where it seems as though I no longer matter; no one is trying to get my attenti… Read More
2016-04-07 19:46
Design isn't complicated. It's simply about putting random pieces together in a pleasing way. Everyday objects are elevated to star status when you pay attention to placement. And it certain… Read More
2016-04-06 19:36
This month is all about the berry. David happens to love blueberries, so this tartlet is sure to win him over. (And it's small enough to treat yourself without feeling guilty.)Made with a gi… Read More
2016-04-05 17:56
I recently read an article about people reaching their career or personal goals much later in life than they originally planned. It was eye-opening, not to mention inspiring. Espec… Read More
2016-04-04 20:23
Are you a list-maker or do scraps of paper litter your desk? Do you rely on your smartphone to keep your organized? A program perhaps?I am almost all of the above. Which means, I'm not as or… Read More
2016-03-31 14:41
The girls and I have already started making our summer vacation reading lists. I'll admit, it's tough to buy a book and know that you can't read it until June, but the anticipation… Read More
2016-03-30 19:26
I can't wait for farmers' markets to open... fresh fruits and vegetables feel like such a treat after a long winter. And although I do love fresh fruits (especially berries) I'm more of a ve… Read More
2016-03-29 15:35
If you're gearing up for a spring makeover, don't forget to check out the teen/children's sections of any store or catalog. Just because these items are being marketed to kids, doesn't mean… Read More
2016-03-29 15:35
If you're gearing up for a spring makeover, don't forget to check out the teen/children's sections of any store or catalog. Just because these items are being marketed to kids, doesn't mean… Read More
2016-03-28 16:30
It's almost t-shirt season here, and these are the t-shirts to add to your wardrobe this spring. Classic black, white, and gray, these tees will go with everything. Wear them tucked in, un-t… Read More
2016-03-24 16:17
The best way to create a color palette is to drawn inspiration from an existing design element. In other words, this beautiful flooring, with it's many shades of gray and brown, is filled wi… Read More
2016-03-23 16:48
To celebrate Easter, or just spring in general, I good basket filled with treats is always a good idea. Years ago, after seeing one hideous store-bought basket after the other, I decided to… Read More
2016-03-22 18:44
A couple of weeks ago, I tried a few new skin care products while I was waiting for Kate to get her hair cut. I've been using Bare Minerals foundation and powdered make-up for years, so I de… Read More
2016-03-21 17:50
There's a reason why we are drawn to a certain aesthetic, but that doesn't mean were stuck with it forever. Kate has an inspiration board hanging over her desk in her bedroom. Years ago, she… Read More
2016-03-17 20:38
How could I possibly walk by this outdoor bookstore without at least taking a peek? Impossible. I love books. And the fascination obsession has been handed down to another generation.From th… Read More
2016-03-16 15:21
If you love to travel, and you love to eat, this is the book for you. I'm kicking off a new series about books dedicated (mostly) to food that will cleanse your palate with fresh w… Read More
2016-03-15 15:24
I love big bags and purses so I can carry all of my stuff around with me. And I mean pretty much all of it—wallet, notebooks, make-up, pens and other writing essentials, books, phone… Read More
2016-03-14 16:46
Forget the crazy colors of the 60s and 70s, today's tie-dye fashions are far more understated and sophisticated. New York designer Joseph Altuzarra has won me over with this beautiful blouse… Read More
2016-03-09 16:47
During the month of February, I took a writing class called Write Yourself Alive. For 30 days, participants wrote one or two stories, poems, and/or posts based on the days writing prompts. I… Read More
2016-03-09 16:44
I hope wherever you are, the sky is clear and the day is warm. We might hit 70 degrees here in southern NH, and I can't help but think of summer with weather like this. Normally, we'd s… Read More
2016-03-07 18:51
Kate is on spring break this week and she and I have a few bookish activities planned, like hanging out in the bookstore just reading and writing the day away. A very Rory Gilmore thing to d… Read More
2016-03-03 14:53
Our family of five consists of three extroverts and two introverts. If David, Michael, and Kate start a conversation, Amanda and I just kind of melt into the background. Actually, we usually… Read More
2016-03-03 13:12
Lately, I've been craving sweets like crazy. It's not exactly good for the waistline and I (think) I've finally got a handle on it. But that didn't stop me from enjoying this delicious choco… Read More
2016-03-01 21:50
It's almost tag sale season! You know, yard sales, garage sales, flea markets... gently worn, already loved bits and pieces with a dash of a history. I'm already gearing up and I have m… Read More
2016-02-29 19:59
Because you can never have too many ways to keep things clean, I thought I'd just keep going after posting Part I last week. I can be a little crazy when it comes to cleaning, so bear with m… Read More
2016-02-29 19:14
I'm always trying to find ways to use everyday products in new ways when I'm cleaning up the house. Two of my favorite cleaners are rubbing alcohol (it disinfects, polishes, and shines in a… Read More
2016-02-25 17:11
Aren't these sets adorable! Target has come out with a new home décor collection for kids called Pillowfort. Choose between Camp Kiddo, Ocean Oasis, Stellar Station, and not pict… Read More
2016-02-24 17:20
I haven't met a French fry I didn't like, unfortunately. And unlike my mother who loves to douse hers with vinegar, I am a purist. Ketchup is to French fries what peanut butter is to jelly;… Read More
2016-02-24 12:14
What do you consider the perfect date night? Is it dinner and a movie? What do you wear? Where do you go?As I mentioned in my previous post, date night can mean so many things, especially wh… Read More
2016-02-24 12:08
I was in Rhode Island yesterday and I couldn't stop myself from taking photo after photo of beautiful stone buildings. My love affair with stone began through the pages of romantic books, as… Read More
2016-02-23 16:38
Always get passes. I started wearing reading glasses in the fifth grade. They were these small granny-style glasses and I hated them, so I never wore them unless I was home. Flash forward to… Read More
2016-02-21 22:59
When a relationship is new, no matter where you go or what you do feels like the most romantic date ever. I remember when my husband and I first got together. We weren't officially dating, b… Read More
2016-02-21 22:22
When I started to write about food, I tagged my posts "What's for Supper". And you know what? it's a question I've been asking myself more and more lately. Since we're now empty-nesters (mos… Read More
2016-02-21 21:22
Did you know today is Love Your Pet Day? It's a good thing this post is a day late because I'm totally crushing over all things dog. I'm missing my boy terribly, but I have Cooper… Read More
2016-02-18 19:11
I'm inspired to tackle a small design project, especially after seeing these beauties. The first is from The Old Painted Cottage. Do you see weathered wood paneling? I do too. But it's reall… Read More
2016-02-11 21:05
"I don't want someone to promise me the moon and stars. I want someone who promises to lay on the grass and watch them with me." - unknown"He brought his mouth to hers and said, 'I am going… Read More
2016-02-11 12:56
From the time I was a little girl, I've always loved perfume and make-up and all that girly stuff. I would send away for kits and spend what seemed like hours applying and primping. I a… Read More
2016-02-04 19:59
Just in time for Valentine's Day... I found this beautiful Mantra Brass cuff Bracelet from Shop Miguez. You can choose from pre-selected mantras or have one custom-made. Rush shipping is ava… Read More
2016-02-04 17:16
Lately, I've been trying to make my own cleaning and beauty products. Mostly, because I want to limit the amount of chemicals I use in my home and on my body, and partly because they're simp… Read More
2016-02-04 17:14
What have you done, or plan to do, this year to take a giant leap forward? Most people have made their New Year's resolutions, but I think February is a good month to start. Especially this… Read More
2016-02-04 17:10
If dessert hasn't been on your mind, it will be soon enough since February 14th is just around the corner. If Valentine's Day means nothing to you but getting a box full of chocolates, makin… Read More
2016-02-04 14:45
Give yourself a little treat and pick up Essie's Bordeaux nail polish. It's the perfect Valentine's Day red. I've been wearing it all week (two coats topped with Sally Hansen's Diamond Flash… Read More
2016-02-02 19:12
Whenever I style a space, I want to include something old. Whether it's a real antique or just something that looks as though it has a past, or a story to tell, I want to include it.I'm… Read More
2016-01-28 20:27
Do you have a pretty jar at home? Fill it with memories. Write down something you did that made you happy, proud, loved... and place it in the jar. Use scrap paper, tiny note cards, or… Read More
2016-01-28 18:47
I've just ordered new business cards for the new year! This time, I selected one that I'll pass out to perspective style clients, and the other to perspective employers who want to hire me a… Read More
2016-01-25 15:39
A little English eccentricity (and lots of stuff) is all you need to achieve the lived-in manor house look we all drool over each Sunday. Think tartan details, lots and lots of books, deer a… Read More
2016-01-22 23:09
The gift of words is always something I enjoy getting and giving. So it's no surprise that all of us received bundles of books over the holidays. David enjoys fiction crime novels and h… Read More
2016-01-21 16:24
David and I have been talking about painting our bedroom. When we built our home, I created a color palette I knew I could live with for a long time, but now I'm ready for a change...albeit… Read More
2016-01-21 11:47
I gave up drinking caffeinated coffee three years ago. My over-stimulated nervous system didn't need any more stimulation. Luckily, I never went through any withdrawals because I only drank… Read More
2016-01-21 11:41
Kate (at almost 21 years of age) finally received her Hogwarts letter! As an early college graduation gift, we decided to head to Florida just after the New Year. Kate—and our who… Read More
2016-01-19 19:23
Kitchen design continues to gravitate towards a more inviting display of materials, and things will only continue to get better. Mixing materials in appliances, cabinetry, and accessories ar… Read More
2016-01-10 10:35
My 20-year-old daughter has finally received her letter to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "This story has caught everyone's imagination, including grown-ups. And how of… Read More
2016-01-07 18:06
Last year, I embarked on my 1000 Words plan to kick my writing into high gear. Since then, many of you have contacted me letting me know that this strategy felt overwhelming at times. A… Read More
2016-01-04 19:20
Have you made any resolutions, set any goals, or (my new favorite) put forth any good intentions? Regardless if you've decided to make a formal announcement or keep these ideas quietly… Read More
2015-12-24 12:02
As the year comes to a close, it's time to think about making New Year's resolutions. Those I-have-to-do-this kinds of promises you have every intention of keeping, but you might b… Read More
2015-12-23 19:32
Believing in something you cannot see, you cannot hear, you cannot touch, is pure faith. Whatever or whoever you believe in is as real as the nose on your face. Acknowledge it. Embrace it.&n&hell…Read More
2015-12-22 18:19
Without snow outside my door, and record-breaking warmth yet to come, I'm having a hard time feeling that holiday spirit. When you come from a place where cold and snow are commonp… Read More
2015-12-21 22:26
These little pots of goodness make the perfect stocking stuffer. Not only is this a wonderful, soothing lotion to put on hands and body (made from olive oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, gerani… Read More
2015-12-17 16:18
I recently asked some BL readers to answer this question and this is what I received in response...Snow! I know most of the country doesn't see snow for Christmas, but I just can't imagine t… Read More
2015-12-17 12:08
What kind of gifts do you give someone who loves to read? Books! Lots and lots of books. And if you're not sure exactly what kind of books they love to read, a gift card to a bookstore is al… Read More
2015-12-16 17:36
A treat to have on hand for guests, or to give, these holiday macarons from Dean & DeLuca come in almond, chocolate strawberry, chocolate mint, vanilla, chocolate, Earl Grey tea, an… Read More
2015-12-15 19:16
If you can do one thing this holiday season, give a little of your time (or money, or both) to a charity. And even if you can't do something right now. Make a promise to yourself that you'll… Read More
2015-12-15 15:15
I took a stroll through one of my favorite parts of the city the other day. I'm drawn to the Back Bay. The architecture, the history, the sheer beauty of knowing that buildings and roa… Read More
2015-12-14 16:01
A couple of weeks ago, I did some holiday shopping at one of my favorite stores here in town. Twin Elm Farm is a group shop that is filled with all kinds of goodies including antiques… Read More
2015-12-10 14:55
I've had to take an unexpected break, but I wanted you all to know that the blog will continue and I'll be back online next week.Thank you. Read More
2015-12-04 20:58
The girls are home for an emergency mental health weekend. Finals are fast approaching, and they need some home time! So with a change in schedule, we are going to stick close to home, laugh… Read More
2015-12-04 15:49
I had a lot of fun picking out gifts for writers this season. I'm putting some of them on my wish list too. See your book in print! This Penguin pillow can be customized th… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
Lush greens on the wall, in the yard, are calling to me. I just purchased a baby fern to add to my dining table centerpiece. The spring bulbs are starting to bloom and the promise of bushes… Read More
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