My Caputi Necklace

My amazing necklace...

The Necklace

My lovely husband just returned from a 3 week trip abroad.  He spent it working...BUT in Florence, Italy.  Lucky dog!!  And I am lucky too because he bought me the most amazing necklace created by famed, italian designer, Angela Caputi.  I googled her and "she has been making and creating high-fashion costume jewelry in plastic and synthetic materials since 1975.  Her stunning work makes a definite fashion statement and is very easy to wear".  And my favorite statement...."Not easily found in the U.S".
I received a espresso brown 5 strand necklace with black beaded straps that is TO DIE FOR.
I love love it and I have already purchased 2 new dresses to wear my new necklace with.
Here are a few samples of her work.

My Christmas Poem

Hi!  My Mom just forwarded me a Christmas poem I wrote back in 1984 (I was 12)!!  What a hoot to read!!!  My New Years Resolution is write this blog every day....so I am starting early.  My family liked the poem, hope yours does too.  Merry Christmas.


 
it's up to the north pole
all covered with snow
that is whirled about
by the cold winds that blow
 
the air was nippy; 
the snow was crispy while
then low an behold
what a wonderful sight
there, sitting atop a mound of white snow
was a brand-new sleigh all ready to go.
 
the elves were all giggly
as they watched from the shop
santa's face was aglow
as he danced, with a hop
 
"i think that i've said 
all i'm going to say
let's all go for a ide
in my shiny new sleigh"
 
they hitched up the reindeer
and away they all flew
across the white snow
what a wonderful view
 
santa just laughed as the elves frolicked and played about
"it's time for lunch, you're hungry, no doubt"
they had crackers, and hot cocoa to drink
"how about some pie"? said mrs. claus, with a wink.
 
later that night as the elves packed the last toy
they found the meaning of christmas..lots of love, and much joy!
 
they loaded the sleigh which was ready for flight
"merry christmas", said santa 
and he flew out of sight.
 
santa came home with a big empty sack
the elves gathered 'round 
to welcome him back
 
the story is ended
and bedtime is near
be good and keep smiling
we'll see you next year!!!!

Kitchen Completion

Yes! Its hard to believe but the kitch is complete!
Lovely, amazing, beautiful

By far, the nicest room in the house:)

2 Books in 4 days?

I have come back from the dead and re-discovered my love of reading.  I always knew I had it but its a tricky tightrope to walk in the evenings when I have only 1 full hour to choose from knitting, talking to my husband, surfing the web, calling my sister, reading the mail/kids school papers, learning the Thriller dance, etc. (more on that later).
The 2 books that I read so quickly and couldn't put down (thus ignoring all of the above) are my recommendations as a must read (not in the literary sense but if you want to get lost in a book way)

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand
Left Neglect by Lisa Genova

Happy Reading!!

Breakfast like a King?!#^*!!

As I stated back in June, I tried eating breakfast like a king......
turns out, I NEED coffee for breakfast and this advice does not work for me. After feeding my brood, and nibbling off their plates, I actually don't need to cook ANY breakfast for myself.
Plus, after spraining my ankle and needing to "rest" it, I have gained 10 pounds - - which looks as though I eat each meal like a King because my clothes are tight.....and I am approaching 40...so my metabolism is slowing down....
I guess my advice is "eat every meal like a pauper".....sad, I know.
I am looking forward to my 1/4 of a sandwich tomorrow.....yum!

Cool Banquette Pictures

Our recently built kitchen banquette is in need of some love.  Pal, Erin Casey and I are heading to Calico Corners next week to bring some life to the new space.  I am looking for bench cushions and pillows to add color and pizaaz.  There are so many great design blogs on the web that I wanted to share a few cool pictures of the banquettes that inspire me.  Enjoy.

The below 3 are from Design Compass Blog.

The below 2 are from Elements of Style Blog.

Slipper Fun

My dear friend, Beth, and old college roomate, just recommended I blog about her latest, cool find.
S-L-I-P-P-E-R-S
what every girl needs, atleast once a year!!  I seriously need a new pair of slippers every season it seems.  I live in them!  The website also features matching night shirts, cami/jammy sets, robes, all in super cute patterns that can match your new fancy slippers.  Check out www.needhamlane.com
and just like the name implies....
You Need 'Em!!
Thanks Beth:)

Hand-made shoes made here??

Its is a family rule that when on vacation, one must go shopping.
So while in a cute Hilton Head, SC boutique store, I discovered "Eliza B" shoes.
Even more amazing is that they are hand-made in the USA.
And did I mention how comfortable they are?
I got mine for 50% off (current online retail price is $115) however, they are worth it.
The colors and prints are super cute for summer.  Here's the link and a few pictures....
http://elizab.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=EB&Category_Code=ballet-flats

My new favorite lunch

Left:
Dave's Killer Blues Bread
Jalapeno hummus (Whole Foods)
1/2 avocado
Sliced cucumbers
Salt/Pepper
Garlic Tahini drizzle over top (Whole Foods)

Right:
Dave's Killer Blues Bread
Whipped cream cheese
Smoked Steelhead crumbles (from friend)
Large capers
Sliced grape tomatoes
Salt/pepper

A picture of my feathers!!

Feather Hair Extensions

As they say in Portland these days, "Put a bird on It"......
well I am about to take that motto a step further and attach feathers to my hair.
I am getting Feather Hair Extensions tomorrow!!!  I know, it's crazy, but I am getting quail feathers attached into my hair semi-permantly.  Apparently I can wash my hair, blow-dry, use product, and it will stay in as long as I want.  There appear to be many colors and styles to choose from.  I know someone who has one in and its really cool looking.  I will probably do it underneath some hair so I can choose to show it or not.
I am so EXCITED!!!  If you catch me squawking, you'll know why:)
Here's a cool article about it too!
http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com/news/2011/03/portland_style_feather_hair_extensions/

Daily thought

I just read something interesting on a fellow bloggers website who was giving "Life Advice".  She wrote about health, pleasure and life goals.
The one bullet that has stayed on my mind is food-related.

She said to "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar" as I find I do the opposite.
I am going to try this "reverse" eating and will blog back to you regarding how it is going.  Stay tuned!

New Art

A house is not a home without pictures of loved ones, cherished books and interesting Art.  Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder when it comes to selecting your favorite pieces to have around.  I just bought a new painting today by Artist, Bekah Ash (www.bekahash.com) which I cant wait to receive.
Ms. Ash is a wonderful painter, a mid-western gal, that really captures the life of a "modern girl" in her paintings.  I just love the look in her eyes above (framed in blue), how her head is tilted and off-set, her striped tee and rosy cheeks.  Cant wait to adore this beauty in person.

Freshen Up with Stripes

I have been looking for some paint inspiration (after the Purple dining room incident) and I just came across this striped bedroom via The Home Blog (http://ahomeblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/instant-makeover.html).  This gal is a genius.  She used her existing Benjamin Moore Palm Dessert Tan and then added cream stripes.  The Chevron Pattern has me thinking about how I can replicate.......Anything that gets me this excited, I have to share.  Pretty cool!!

Let's have a Tea Party!

My kids LOVE to have tea parties.  We get out the ceramic tea set, brew our decaf Orange Spice Tea and spend the whole time refilling our tiny cups w/ CoffeeMate Vanilla creamer which the kids drink more of than tea!  Today's mail delivered the New Summer Tea Collection of kids clothes and I found the cutest dresses for my 2 year old, all under $30.  This brand washes well, stays soft and lasts.

The Palma Playdress, $27

The Sol Floral Halter Dress, $27

The Boardwalk V-Neck Dress, $27

The Campanillas Banded Dress, $27