IT'S FINISHED!!

The time is here... The 2009 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2009 is FINISHED!! Ina Garten is amazing in every way.

My jaw is still on my desk at the current moment, I am in LOVE with the kitchen this year, love.love.love!

So, no more talk...here it is:

Once I come back down to earth and I'm finished drooling over all the amazing details in this kitchen I will post more on my favs!

Pictures form HouseBeautiful.com and Twitter

Bed and Breakfast Shower

Yesterday my Mom and I drove down to the coast of Rhode Island for my cousins wedding shower. It was a beautiful day and a great party. Her friend that hosted the party has a beautiful house right on the water had all these blow up beds set up outside to go along with the Bed and Breakfast theme. Actually words don't do it justice, here are some pics...


The view of the water


Amazing blue hydrangeas were everywhere


There were 4 beds set up for the guests. A lounger with a nightstand next to it was set up for the bride to open her presents to complete the bed and breakfast look.


more beds in the backyard


The food was delicious, I loved how the fork and knife were tied up in a pretty napkin and rope

I am paying for the nice weather though, stupid me didn't put on sunscreen and now my skin is a color of red I have never seen it before and I am in extreme pain. Whats worse is that I am so anal when it comes to taking care of my skin and I go and do something dumb like this-ugg!

But, a good time was had by all and I can't wait for the wedding!!

Pull on This

Awhile back I ordered a bunch of these metal label holders, not really with a project in mind I just liked them. Well, they have been sitting in a drawer for over a year now and last night on a cleaning/organizing/crafting kick I got them out and put two of them on this little white drawer thing I have in the kitchen.

Before


After


Don't get me wrong there was nothing wrong with the before, I was just sick of looking at it since I've had it circa 1999. I figured this little switch would make me like it again, and it did! Now, the BF has no excuse for not putting things where they belong (hint, hint BF)


I am going to order more and might do something like this


(image from Martha Stewart)

Can you see all those little labels on the edges of the shelves? I just LOVE how this closet is so neat and clean...makes me giddy.


Am I the only one who gets overly excited about labeling and organizing?? My family tells me I'm totally nuts when it comes to this, so please tell me it is ok and you are like that too :)

A Place for Everything

Who knew it would be so difficult to find the perfect storage solution for my kitchen. I still have not found what I'm looking for and I'm starting to wonder if I should look in another direction, like these two with the beautiful wallpapered backgrounds



Or this bookcase that's currently shown in a family room, but I could make it work in a kitchen right?



Then I would just need a little visit from Eddie and Jaithan to style it and I'd be good to go.

I think now that summer is in full swing and flea markets and yard sales are all over the place its time to get serious and look again for that right piece.

(images from BH&G)

Hello Pretty...

... I would like to move in.

(image from BHG June 2005 issue)

I see London, I see France...

..I see MAPS!

Using maps as decor is no new fabulous idea, in fact maps in decor have been all over the Internet and blogs f0r years. Well I still have a slight obsession with maps. Reproduction maps are easy and inexpensive to get. When I first moved into my apartment a map was simple fix to fill blank walls (actually getting a $35 vintage map turned into a $500 framing project, but that's not the point at the moment).

Since then I have been collecting photos of fun and different ways I could use maps around the house to create a one of a kind look and here are some of my favorite


This photo jumped out at me when I was reading the May 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. What a wonderful idea for a little boys (or girls) room!! I just LOVE how the map is used with a DIY roller kit to make a one of a kind window shade. This is the kind of kids room that is timeless, chic and kid friendly, and A+ in my book.


Who doesn't want to jazz up an office by turning plain old manila folders into a work of art? These are folders you would be proud to keep on top of your desk instead of filed away. Even better, take the one map you have and make color copies (if it is not copyrighted!!) to make multiple folders. (These ones from HERE, but they already have the map on them)


Love this idea for a fun housewarming or moving away gift. For a friend that is moving get a map of either the town they are moving to or from and make some chic coasters for them to remember. Actually this is an any occasion kind of gift- love it too! (idea from HERE)


Having a theme or destination wedding? This cupcake holder as seen on Style Me Pretty is a fun DIY project.


Right out of the pages of Pottery Barn- using maps as wallpaper is a fun idea for any room.


I fell in love with this from the second I saw it. Elizabeth over on Peacock Feathers made over this little beauty with some hot yellow paint and some maps on the inside. What a fun surprise to open up to.



Who doesn't love Mod Podge? You can decoupage just about anything and this map chair is awesome. What a cute chair for a kids play room...I'd pair it with antique wooden desks or a parsons desk for a modern look, how cute!

This large antique pull down school map is the perfect thing to hang up on a large wall- instant art! (photo by Eric Roth found on Kelly McGuill Home)


Give the inside of your shelves or drawers a little jazz and line them with old maps. (image from HGTV)

I know, I know, we have seen this idea a MILLION times- but I still think its great. Grab some Ikea Ribba frames, cut up a large map and you have big bang for little buck. (image from Country Living)

Make a ordinary lamp extraordinary with a map shade. (Chez Larsson came up with this idea)


We've all seen this one too- but its just that great that I had to post it again! Kate of Centsational Girl used simple molding to frame out an oversized world map and created the most amazing play room EVER! I'm totally using this idea when it comes time for me to decorate a kids room.

Last but not least a fun picture from Adrian Grenier home that was featured in the December 2008 Domino (may she rest in peace). Again, nothing new and exciting here but a very cool use of old maps.

How have you incorporated old maps into your decorating?

All Aboard, its Party Time!

Kristine over on Living With Style is on the host list for a super exclusive event coming up on August 18th here in Boston! The annual Shooze Cruise benefits the St. Francis House and provides men's shoes to the less fortunate. The cost is $25 a person and a brand, spankin' new pair of men's shoes!! The boat leaves from the World Trade Center at 6:30pm and docks at 10pm.

For more info see Kristines blog HERE

PS- one of the AWESOME raffle prizes is a Kristine Mullaney Design gift certificate, a value of $325.00 woohoo!!!!

Boston Streets

On my way to work this morning I took a little detour and walked down Marlborough Street. For those who are not familiar with Boston, Marlborough Street is just stunning. I want to move here and never leave.

Here are some of sites on my way to work this morning


uneven brick sidewalks


pretty brass kickplates and urns with flowers in bloom


tiny details everywhere I looked

look at the flower boxes on the roof here, I bet that's a beautiful rooftop deck to relax on

perfectly manicured front gardens


window boxes in full bloom

large detailed doors

blue doors with white trim

a welcoming entrance complete with a tiny table inside for the mail

herringbone pattern brick walk

more perfectly manicured front garden areas

hanging lanterns to welcome guests


Gorgeous crystal chandeliers hanging in bay windows

simple black doors adorned with an antique eagle knocker

freshly painted stairs

perfect door accessories

beautiful entrance after beautiful entrance

a pair of blue doors

pretty pink window box flowers and a fresh cut lawn

Doors that go down

That was the end of the tour...off to work I went after this picture. It certainly was a lovely Summer morning here in Boston

Candles with a spark

I have these pretty mercury glass candle holders with some plain white pillar candles on them but they were a little boring and lost on my bookshelves.

So last night (yes, bored again) I took out 4 leftover nail heads and some black grosgrain ribbon... 5 min later they had that little something extra I was looking for :)

I might be going a little overboard with all the nail heads, but I so love them right now!

Weekend Recap

Hello all! I had a fantastic time in Maine this weekend, the weather was amazing!! I cant believe after all this rain we had it was sunny and gorgeous for three days straight. I even got a bit of a sunburn, first time since... I don't even know when :)

Spent lots of time on the boat taking rides around the lake...it was so nice to be back.


the red boat house a few houses down from our old one


choppy waters one afternoon




found some beautiful lily pad flowers- they smelled amazing!


stopped on the way home and and had the most delicious lobster roll

Now I have to go catch up on the 400+ blog posts in my reader- hope you all had a nice weekend too :)

Lake House Dreams

I'm heading out a tad early to start the weekend up at my lake. Actually its not even mine anymore, my Grandparents sold the house over 3 years ago to move closer to my parents... I miss it every.single.day. The entire family on my moms side is headed up to Maine to have a little service for my Grandpa, he wanted his final resting place to be where he spent the golden years of his life, at the lake.

I am very excited to spend the weekend with my whole family and show the BF around the lake, he never got to see our house up there. I am hoping he falls in love with it too so one day we can have our very own vacation home and start the tradition of summering in Maine all over again.

I would be the happiest girl in the world if I had a lake house of my very own... something with a view like these beauties:

Keep your fingers crossed the weather is sunny and warm for me :) Have a great weekend everyone!

Photos from: kotiposti.net, lakesideottawa.com, mooseheadrentals.com, Robert Damora

Summer Hair

I'm trying to grow my hair out and its very frustrating at times. Right now its just stuck, like it has not moved in over two months...at least that's the what it feels to me.

Anywho- I have been searching for fun, easy and quick ways to do my hair in the morning to get it out of my face and also look cute and summery. I've never been great with doing my own hair so I was very excited when all these casual styles were showing up on the celebrities.

I cant quite do a french braid like Jen has here- I just do a simple braid- takes about 3 min and off I go.


A version of the braid is just an easy twist- total time, about 1 min


I have not tried this yet, but I like all the little braids

This one is my favorite but my hair is just not long enough yet- hopefully it gets there soon, I'm loving this chic summer hair.

So, what is your favorite summer hairstyle that does not require lots of fussing?

Tall Ships in Boston

If you are in the Boston area (or within driving distance) you should head on into the city as today marks the start of the Sail Boston 2009 Tall Ships visit. As part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, Boston is one of two official US ports.

I've always loved the ocean and boats and these sail boats are some serious works of art- take a look:

For more info go to the Sail Boston 2009 site HERE

Trouble...

My credit cards run and hide when this pops into my inbox...

to give yours a workout too go here

disclaimer: everythingleb is in no way, shape or form responsible for the damage that is done due to this post :)

Designer Crush: Vallone Design

Major designer crush right now on Vallone Design. Not sure where I first found this site but I think I could have copied every single image in their residential portfolio...love it all.

Here is some fun eye candy this morning:


The above image might be on the top of my all time favorite list, as I have a severe organizational bug I would die for an entryway or hallway like this. I LOVE the black cabinets and I love that they are all labeled so each member of the family has a place to put their stuff.


Another beautiful entry

What a great desk area- and I think the photo wall is perfect, not too fussy and it has just the right personal touch.

Love this as a guest room, or even a teenage girls room- the hint of pink is beautiful.

The sink on the island here is great- very functional for a family or for the couple that loves to entertain. I like the sink here because that way your back is not to the rest of the room when you are washing dishes, cleaning up or whatever at the sink.

Another view of the same kitchen- gotta love the nail head detail on the stools.


Love the slip covered chairs- they add so much to a stark kitchen and a bonus they can be washed

love the pair of side chairs here

I have always wanted a claw foot tub, I love the silver feet here


Another perfect bathroom- two sinks are on the top of my list when looking for a house

Perfection- not one thing here I don't LOVE


To me this is an ideal basement/kids room. Its casual and easy and a great space for any age kid- even me :) The framed chalkboard is so fun- and can easily be done in anyones house

A beautiful twins bedroom- my favorite touch is the leopard print rug and striped walls

To see more go HERE