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Happy 2nd Birthday Daisy
Apr 20 2018 ·1Today is my granddaughter Daisy’s 2nd birthday. My daughter Emily wrote a birthday letter to Daisy and I was so touched that I decided to write one as well…
Dearest Daisy,
This has been your first complete year with no medical challenges, just growing and having fun. I am so grateful for the fun times I was a part of with you this year.
Barcelona Travel Journal, Part 1
Sep 19 2017 ·1Another one of my travel dreams came true recently when I visited Barcelona in August. A trip to Barcelona has been on my bucket list for years and making the five day trip with friends was wonderful. We saw and experienced so many aspects of this beautiful city and culture, what an inspiring trip!
Daisy’s Stocking
Jan 02 2017 ·1Before wrapping up the holiday season completely, I wanted to share a few peeks at a very special gift that I created for a very, very special little girl: my granddaughter Daisy.
Daisy’s Baltimore Baby Shower
Jun 29 2016 ·1As you may know from my previous posts, my newborn granddaughter Daisy is facing several health challenges. I am happy to report that while testing is ongoing, Daisy is thriving at home with Emily and Nick. Daisy is so deeply loved by so many! A few weeks ago I attended an intimate baby shower given for the proud new parents. Hosted by Nick’s mom Julie Anne and a dear family friend, Miss Diane, it was a lovely affair with many heartfelt and thoughtful details. I couldn’t resist sharing a peek…
A Poem & A Painting: Daisy’s Baby Shoes
Apr 25 2016 ·1Today’s painting was created especially for my daughter Emily’s baby shower invitation. I was filled with so much brightness and love when I created this ~ and to match it with this quote made me smile. We planned the shower for this past weekend but little Daisy just couldn’t wait to meet her Mom and Dad.
30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 26, Baby Shoes
Jan 26 2016 ·0I am so happy to share that my baby girl Emily is having her own baby girl in June! Congratulations Em & Nick!
Em’s Wedding: Q & A with the Bride and the Mother of the Bride
Oct 09 2015 ·1I thought it would be fun to get our different perspectives on the wedding while it was still fresh in our minds so I tasked my assistant, Jen, with helping me come up with a questionnaire about the wedding planning and the big day itself. Em and I completed our answers separately but as you’ll see we were largely on the same page…
Behind the Design: Emily & Nick’s Romantic Newport Wedding
Oct 07 2015 ·0Friends and longtime readers know that my daughter Emily got married this Spring. It’s been a whirlwind before and since then but I am finally ready to share some of the beautiful details of that incredible day.
When my daughter Emily was born I started planning her wedding ~in my heart. Never a word was uttered, but I had a folder (the paper kind, not computer) of ideas for her big day. I was going to give her everything she could ever want…
Under the Tuscan Sun: Our Villa
Sep 30 2015 ·0If you follow me on Instagram (you should!), you may already know that last week I had the opportunity to travel to Tuscany along with 11 other women to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday (yes, one of the big ones, shhhh!) No, it wasn’t Cheaper by the Dozen, but it was a lot more fun!
We rented a villa just outside of Sienna. The cost was surprisingly reasonable when split 12 ways. Even better than the affordability factor was the villa itself. It was a breathtaking home with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms ~ must when a dozen women are sharing a space for a week. The setting was right out of the movies. The villa design was light and airy and grounded by a large harvest table with a marble top in the Kitchen which we gathered around for late night conversation and a sip (or 2…) of Limoncello.
Come take a peek of a week that has etched memories on my heart…
Jen
Jul 09 2015 ·0This week it is very quiet in my office on the beach and a little sad. My Assistant Extraordinaire, Jen, is moving south with her family. The daughter of my very dear and close friend, Ginny, Jen and I have been working together for 5+ years.
Wedding Monday
May 11 2015 ·0My feet are just now starting to touch the ground after this weekend ~ It’s hard to believe that after months of planning and anticipation, Em & Nick are married!! It was an amazingly wonderful day and Emily was the most beautiful bride. Much more to come (of course!), but for now a little peek at the ceremony flowers…
Emily’s Colorful Custom Bridal Shower
Mar 26 2015 ·2After months of planning, this weekend it was finally time for Emily’s Bridal Shower! On Sunday, the bridesmaids, the Brother of Honor and I hosted the festive gathering. I am so excited to share the details of this lovely occasion!
Throughout the planning process, I have been so creatively energized with custom ideas to make the day extra special. I was thrilled to see these ideas come to life for the shower.
It all started with the invitation. I feel the invitation really sets the stage for the event. For Emily’s shower invitation I hand painted the design with watercolors and then added one of my favorite quotes.
Holiday Cookie Swap
Dec 17 2014 ·0Tis the season for gathering with friends and family, indulging in treats and merriment. I was so disappointed to have to miss my dear friend Gina’s recent annual Holiday Cookie Swap party so I thought I might try to make up for it with a “virtual” cookie swap.
Love & Inspiration: Thanksgiving Table Settings
Nov 26 2014 ·0Around here, Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday. Both my son and my daughter love to come home and cook (how lucky am I?), stay up and visit all night, and “doll up” for guests. I adore that we love to be together without the exchange of gifts, because isn’t spending time together the best gift of all? And we are always thrilled to welcome friends who have become family and this year is no different.
The highlight of my Thanksgiving entertaining is creating the tablescape. Are you surprised? I adore selecting a new palette each year and surprising my peeps with a beautiful table. Today I wanted to share not only my Thanksgiving table for this year, but a couple of other Thanksgiving tables I’ve loved…
A Perfect, Design-Filled Maine Vacation: Goose Rocks Beach
Aug 13 2014 ·0This year my family and I took a nostalgic vacation back to Goose Rocks Beach in Maine. Goose Rocks Beach consists of 3 miles of white sand and is considered part of Kennebunkport, although it is about 5 miles outside the center of town. There is an offshore barrier reef, visible at low tide, that helps protect the beach and beautiful sand.
We traveled to Goose Rocks for many years when my children were young. We rented a cottage on the beach ~ or a block or two away depending on the financial luck of a particular year. I always described this area as like stepping into an old time novel. There was one small 2 lane road where the cars went about 20 miles an hour tops. The General Store at the end of the road sells plump blueberry muffins alongside wine and blow up rafts and the New York Times. The only activities were walking the beach, swimming, blowing bubbles and going to the “moon fly” dance at night (Emily made that up for our walks). Most of the people on the beach were families with umbrellas, coolers and children. We spent many wonderful days on that beach…
Posh Parties: Designing A Bridal Shower
Jul 30 2014 ·0Tis the season to shower brides with love and best wishes. Yes, my head is filled with hearts and flowers and romance since my own daughter, Emily, has gotten engaged. This weekend was the icing the on the cake (hehehe) as Emily co-hosted the Bridal Shower of her dear friend Jessica at my home.
Here is a look of the event from the “behind the scenes” to the actual party, along with some of my tips for a memorable and meaningful gathering. Hopefully you will find some inspiration for your next event!
The Faces of Guatemala 2014, Part 2
Jul 29 2014 ·0As promised, albeit a week late, more faces from my Guatemala Mission Trip: the people in our village, as well as our hard working and dedicated team…
The Fab Five: ASID New England Honorees
Jul 24 2014 ·0My goal in life has always been to be fab at something (he he), so happy to be part of the ‘Fab Five” of ASID New England Gala Honorees! The Gala was highlighted in the latest issue of Design Community, the ASID New England Chapter Magazine…
Faces of Guatemala 2014, Part 1
Jul 16 2014 ·0In one respect at least this year was no different from last year in Guatemala; I was drawn to the faces of not only the children and the women of the village but also the beautiful hard working faces of our team. When I returned home and reviewed my photos, I found I have dozens of beautiful smiles and dark eyes, some with turned up corners, some more serious. I hope to do a series of paintings ~ The Faces that Touched my Heart. Stay tuned! For today, I wanted to share some of the precious Faces of Guatemala 2014…
The Steps I Took: Guatemala 2014, Part 2
Jul 09 2014 ·0Continuing on with the story of my trip to Guatemala this year…
Back on site, we are getting there~