I just bought these gorgeous sweaters on sale at Victoria's Secret online. I can't wait for them to come in the mail!

Enjoying

this room

Welcome to this beautiful world, Baby M!

Recently, my sister brought her first little baby into the world. He is basically the cutest baby ever, but as a new Aunt I suppose I am bias... ;) I wasn't going to share this personal celebration but, really, he is too cute not to brag about!!

Baby M. shortly after birth.

Baby M. at a few days old

Baby M. being dressed up by his mom at 2 weeks old (which was yesterday)

Mary, Mary, quite contrary---

How does your garden grow? I love hedges and wildflowers. Would that I were strolling in gardens such as these!

I woke up to a blanket of over five inches of snow this morning! Mmmm, all I could think about was wanting to snuggle under the covers. And how lovely it would be to snuggle in a bed like this! Yes please!

Laughter

1. Laugh out loud..., 2. Meg Outtake, 3. Jeremy Britton, 4. DSCN8664

Stairway to heaven?

The main staircase of my dream home has always been difficult to pin down. I would like it in the main entryway of the house but I shy away from the more gaudy, expansive entryways that echo even the smallest of sounds and present a cold first impression of one's home. But the staircase itself I have always wanted to be more dramatic, though not garish. Dare I even hint at the motto of my dream home being simple yet elegant? Hee. Anyway, this staircase is rather tempting to me. It is large and sweeping yet only in its own little corner of the entryway. The railing is gorgeous. I love all the wall space, which I would promptly fill with framed black and white photos of all sizes in my own 3-wall picture gallery.

The landing also is a subject of concern for me because I want it to reflect the beauty of the staircase but also communitcate instant comfort and familiarity since, to me, the second floor of the home is strictly private quarters and is even more intimate than the floors below. Don't you love how seriously I contemplate this as-of-yet non-existant dream home of mine? ;)

Liking this garden layout. Only thing I would change perhaps is instead of a brick walkway I would have it be pebbled.

A casual outfit for a weekend of sight-seeing or just a luncheon with friends.

Interesting variety of 'splash' colors in this bedroom. I kind of like the white chandelier too.

Espying Elegance

A most charming little home with a very open room plan in order to maximize the smaller space.

The little windows are charming and add a cottage feel to the home.

A simple bathroom but notice the window! I love middle-latched windows that you can throw open!

A very tiny kitchen but neat and very organized.

The dining/living room with double doors at the end.

I am in love with this kitchen! I love the double doors, I love the cabinets and the farmhouse sink. I even love the old school room lights which I normally would pass over. It just seems like such a happy place to cook!

Trying to look for the little things...
1. The wall of pictures, always a hit
2. The gorgeous settee
3. The coffered ceilings painted to match the walls.

Image found here.

Such a pretty little scene! I love the blue and white! Seen here.

Espying Elegance

A charming home that just gets my heart beating faster. It is so inviting and warm but also minimalistic-ly chic.

I LOVE the fireplace and the built-in bookshelves. Also the white tones off set by the wide plank flooring.

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(Images courtesy of my sister who was in PARIS for Christmas!!! Jealous? Me? Of course not!...)

Playing dress up

The holidays always provide a great excuse for getting all gussied up. I welcome such opportunities with fervor! These gorgeous dresses would be fabulous for a night out or a formal dinner. The sparkly bustier would be perfect for a new year's party or night on the town. Lovely, lovely.

Polka dots are fun

This dress with these shoes would be dashing.

Black diamonds. Do you like them or not?

I think they're lovely.

It is snowing outside and once again I find myself dreaming of a nice hot bath in something akin to this lovely tub...