the entertaining house

Happy Memorial Day

2012-05-28T09:44:00.002-04:00

Lawrence P Bachmann, c 1965, Property The Entertaining House

Mr and Mrs Lawrence P Bachmann c 1965, Property The Entertaining House

Bettina and Larry Bachmann, c 1965, Property The Entertaining House

This is my grandfather, Larry and my Grandmother, Bettina, aka La Jolie Grandmere.

This picture was taken in the mid 1960s just after they married and built their home in the South of France.

Larry always looked at my grandmother as if she was the only one in the entire world...

They shared a love, respect and admiration most only dream...

He served our country. He piloted jet planes in the Second World War.

He lived long enough to have an amazing career as a novelist and Hollywood producer for MGM Studios.

He lived long enough to meet and marry my grandmother later in life.

He was an amazing, adoring and doting husband, step-father and grandfather...

Among a myriad of accomplishments he was an avid tennis player. He played well until his 90s. He was 10 years older than my grandmother. She passed away nearly 10 years ago from a form of Leukemia.

He passed away a few months later... from, I am quite certain, a broken heart.
But his life was long and rich and full...

We must take a moment to thank all of those who have served our country and who are serving our country and to celebrate those who are no longer with us...

And especially those who never got to follow their dreams...

Who never met true loves... Who passed away much too young...

While we remember them, let's celebrate life and soak it all up!

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day filled with family, fun and barbecues.

XOOX

Jessica

Fifty Shades of Grey

2012-05-25T06:35:00.000-04:00

I knew that title would catch your interest! This piece was inspired by my funny, sassy and terribly talented friend and Canadian decorator Meredith Heron who has had me laughing along as we joke about the book's verbiage and characters... not to mention that I've repinned a few of her "grey" pins from Pinterest. So please pay her website and blog a visit as soon as you are done here. You will thank me - they are Faboosh!

I hope not to disappoint you by telling you that this has nothing to do with the book other than the fact that I borrowed the title from it. It has to do with home decor, and the color grey; all the magnificent wonderful shades that lie somewhere in between white and black. In the past I never was much for grey inside my home as I tended to equate the color with sublimely masculine bedrooms of heavy hitting Wall Street Tycoons, designed by Ralph Lauren in a horsey way or bare, cold and modern, designed perhaps by Calvin Klein and these were simply not me. But lately these hues have caught my attention, captured my interest and my heart. The color grey is not at all cold and impersonal, but can be warm, soft and gentle.

Why don't you come upstairs with me!

SR Gambrel

Perhaps we should start in the bedroom...
You will see that grey can be warm, inviting, soft and entirely feminine.

www.mille-notti.com

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

via Spanish Property for Sale

Pinterest, original source unknown

Linda McDougal Design

Next, we'll quickly Sashay through the rest of the house to see all the wonderful ways grey can warm and calm and soothe your home. Even in her darker tones, there is nothing cold or harsh about her...

Perhaps we'll stop off for a quicky, er oops, I mean quickly in the living room!

House Beautiful

SR Gambrel

The Glitter Guide

Martha Stewart Living

Marcus Design Inc

Do you need to wash up? Use the restroom?

Better Homes and Garden

Postcards from Paris

Did that make you hungry? Should we see what's in the kitchen? Perhaps we can cook up a little something together, you and I... You simply must eat... You need your energy!

Postcards from Paris

Christopher Peacock's Kitchen, original source unknown

Ikea

Why don't you join me in the dining room?

Kathleen Clements Design

Thank you so much for coming! I do hope you enjoyed your visit... let me walk you to the door and show you the way out...

Tumblr, original source unknown

House Beautiful

Bye, or perhaps I should say,

Laters Baby and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

XOXO

Jessica

Go ahead, run like a girl!

2012-05-24T05:47:00.000-04:00

This très à la mode running shoe is the latest collaboration between Liberty of London and Nike. Maybe I'd run faster if I wore these darling shoes... Maybe I'd run more if I wore these darling shoes... Maybe I'd run if I wore these darling shoes!

For more information on these and other Liberty of London products, please visit their website.

Have a great day!

XOXO

Jessica

The Land of Counterpane

2012-05-23T08:36:00.000-04:00

I had Alexander home with me on Monday. He'd been up all night coughing. He crawled into bed with me early that morning at 5:00 telling me he wasn't feeling well. He felt warm, not hot. I tucked him in, kissed his forehead and he fell swiftly back to sleep. He didn't go to school and stayed home with me instead. I was to be headed into the city, but taking care of Alexander was a priority. Besides, I could head back in the next day. I loved the idea of having Alexander all to myself which is rare these days. We ran a couple of quick errands after dropping the older two off at school and he requested to check out a new (to us) toy store on our way home. I was happy to oblige and I even let Alexander pick out a couple of Star Wars Lego toys to help occupy him so I could try to get some work done. We got home and I set him up on the couch with a tray and his Legos. I watched him busily, happily, assembling and I was reminded of a favorite childhood poem.

The Land of Counterpane

When I was sick and lay a-bed,

I had two pillows at my head,

And all my toys beside me lay,

To keep me happy all the day.

And sometimes for an hour or so

I watched my leaden soldiers go,

With different uniforms and drills,

Among the bed-clothes, through the hills;

And sometimes sent my ships in fleets

All up and down among the sheets;

Or brought my trees and houses out,

And planted cities all about.

I was the giant great and still

That sits upon the pillow-hill,

And sees before him, dale and plain,

The pleasant land of counterpane.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

The television was on in the background, more for sound than anything. It was a picture-perfect day for me; one I will savor. When he was done building one of his projects he asked for lunch. Alexander requested eggs and toast and I dutifully made them for him, and lovingly cut his toast into the same strips my mother used to cut for me and called Soldiers. I loved Soldiers with my eggs when I was little too. I made an exception and let him eat his lunch on the couch. And when he was done, he quietly resumed building the rest of his Legos. I spent most of the day on the couch next to him watching intently as his face read the directions, watching his little fingers hard at work... I did not much of anything else. I didn't want to. I was immensely fulfilled.

It was such a simple day. It was such a wonderful day. It was indeed a gift.

The next day would prove to be more complicated, much more challenging, much more frustrating. To read more, click here. But still, I've not lost sight of the gift that was Monday.

It's Wednesday and the skies are starting to clear!

XOXO

Jessica

the best things do come in small packages...

2012-05-22T14:34:00.000-04:00

Alexander gave me a ring the other day. It may possibly be my favorite ring. It's a cheap metal painted gold with little rhinestones all over it in the shape of a bow. I put it on my finger ignoring the never mix metals rule... cheap metal, white gold, silver, platinum... what's the difference? But there is a difference! Alexander's ring makes me smile. I smiled when he said "Here Mamma, this is for you!" and I placed it on my finger to make him happy having no idea how happy it would make me feel! So I wore it into the city today to keep Alexander a little closer to me. And I smiled every time I saw the ring... And now that I don't have the kids with me all the time, and I miss them dearly when I don't have them, it's a nice thing to have. The best things do indeed come in small packages!

Magnificent Monday... Magnificent My Day!

2012-05-21T07:01:00.000-04:00

We had an amazing weekend here in New England, practically perfect! The sun was out and warm and gave us hope that summer is just around the corner. We took full advantage, spending every moment that we could outside! And now the weekend is over and the sun is taking a little rest for the next few days.

Hopefully she is resting behind the clouds and saving her energy for next weekend! We shouldn't be sad that she's gone. We shouldn't be sad that it's raining, because without the rain we'd never have any rainbows... without the rain our lakes and rivers and brooks would run dry... without the rain our trees wouldn't be so leafy, our flowers so vibrant, our fields so emerald!

It's a wet, dismal Monday and admittedly harder to jump out of bed, but let's look at the bright side. We can be productive during this time and get our chores and tasks and assignments all done so that when the sun does shine again we can run outside and dance beneath her rays... meanwhile, have you ever danced beneath the rain? It's a lot of fun!

If you need to take a moment and drift off... LISTEN to the rain... SMELL the rain... WATCH the rain... and when you can take a moment to FEEL the rain! I promise you'll not be disappointed!

Is there nothing better than listening to the rain gently knocking against your window pane, and roof above? I love to watch her dance among the trees and her leaves beyond...
I find the rain to be soothing, nurturing, calming...
She forces us to slow down and take it easy.

When my children were little we used to run outside and dance in the rain...

Oh the laughter and happiness this generated. Why do we not do so as adults?

Force yourself to really feel the rain... how does she land on your skin? Is she soft and gentle, or heavy and firm? Does she feel like velvet, satin or rough like burlap? Is she warm or cold? Can you smell her? She smells wonderful? Can you taste her?

Try to embrace her... try not to let her put a damper on your Monday... let your Monday still be Magnificent... Let your My Day still be a magnificent one!

Go ahead... take a coffee break... tea break... indulge a little bit...

via Tumblr

via Viator.com

via enjoycrumb.com

and DON'T forget to CELEVRATE the RAIN and CELEBRATE MONDAY!

Stay Dry but Get Wet!

XOXO

Jessica

You and me beside the sea...

2012-05-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

it's Friday... it's nearly here... just around the corner... next weekend marks the official beginning... but I'm going to celebrate now... SUMMER! We're going to have a spectacular weekend here in Connecticut. After soccer games and swimming lessons I'm taking my crew to the beach!

I'll start my day today with a brisk walk along the water with a good friend. We'll get some exercise, fresh air and catch up... I'm contemplating the beach chair... some note books, pens, iPad and a book I have to review... Wondering if I'll really be able to get some work done... but really wanting to try!

via Tumblr

I still love to play in the sand with my boys... I'm a great big kid at heart!
My daughter, 13, is now way too cool and sophisticated for such childish play :)

via Tumblr

My heart always skips a beat when I come to the steps that approach the beach...

it just knows what lies beyond!

via Everyday Health

Even though I am lucky enough to have several wonderful beaches in my back yard,

I always feel like I'm away... on vacation!

original source unknown

Every year the kids and I place a note in a bottle... we have yet to ever hear back from anyone!

Catching up on beach reading is a must..
My magazines come home windblown and covered in sea salt and sand.
This book is one of my favorites. And no better place to read this life affirming book than at the beach!

image via Creative in Chicago

The beach always inspires us to get crafty. I simply adore this framed art of collected beach glass...
this is a great family-friendly project!

via Tumblr

We simply adore picnics on the beach! We love to have all of our meals at the beach... breakfast in the early morning sun, lunch under the midday sun or dinner as the sun sets!

via Country Living

Get up and move!

Go running or for a long walk with the kids!

Bring the towels... bring the buckets. You have no idea what might inspire you!

via David Tutera

Old Navy flips flops are a must and I have several pairs. I prefer the all white ones. I have a couple of pairs in my closet, one in my car and one on my feet! They wash well in the washing machine... and then when they've been worn enough I toss them out and grab another pair!

via Pinterest original source unknown

We love to make a splash!

via Piccsy

and no matter where you are this weekend, we are all due for exceptional weather, take a moment to put your face in the sun and feel her warm rays!

It's hard not to get overwhelmed by family activities and commitments, but make a promise with yourself that you'll slow down and take notice of all the wonderful things around you!

If by the end of the weekend your home is filled with sand and grass, you know it's been a success!

XOXO

Jessica

Preppy Pop Music... Hunter Boots with Barbours on Top...

2012-05-17T07:21:00.000-04:00

Move OVER One Direction, Justin and all the rest... You have NOTHING on these talented St. Andrew University acapella singers!

Before I share these amazing, talented and positively adorable Preppy college co-eds, soon to be Preppy Pop Stars, with you I must give full credit to my friend Ridgely of Ridgely's Radar for sharing these guys with me and the rest of the world on Twitter this morning.

And the best part is not only are they fabulously talented, not to mention positively adorable, the earnings from their song St. Andrew's Girls will go to UK breast cancer care!

Click on the Yubtube video below to listen to them... delightful, positively delightful!

For more information, please visit their website

I hope this song helps to make your Thursday a Happy one!

XOXO

Jessica

turning a loss into a gift...

2012-05-16T09:01:00.001-04:00

Property of Jessica Gordon Ryan and The Entertaining House
Originally published in Maison et Jardin, 1962

Many of you know of the special bond I have with my grandmother, La Jolie Grandmere. While she passed away nearly 10 years ago at the tender age of 82 to a form of Leukemia, I still think of her often, almost daily. As a very young child she would start to mold and shape my life unbeknownst to me. She was grace and dignity and strength. She was classic beauty, a socialite, incredibly smart, well traveled and well read. She had a presence and people were drawn to her. As I grew into my teens, then 20s and 30s she became my role model. It was not until after her death that she would have the greatest impact on my life.

My grandmother, whom I and everyone else called Bettina, was a bon vivant. She lived life and she lived it to the fullest. She was not one to ever feel sorry for herself or ever make excuses. She was a go-getter and a doer. Nothing was impossible. She was never a quitter. In most circumstances this is extraordinary as it is, but in hers it's even more so.

At 40 (or in her early 40s) she lost her husband to cancer. Not a dozen years earlier she became wheelchair bound and paralyzed after falling gravely ill - nearly escaping death - with Polio. Her children were grown and in college and she was determined to start a new life for herself. She would buy a ticket to Paris and renovate a historic brownstone on Ile de la Cite which would in turn be photographed numerous times by the celebrated Maison et Jardin. She had talent and style and determination and strength. She created an elegant pied-a-terre apartment on a tight budget in an era when this was not fashionable. She was a trend-setter.

She would eventually, over the course of her lifetime build and renovate homes in Cannes, Oxfordshire and Umbria (all would be showcased in various magazines including Country Life, ElleDecor and Interiors.) She would fall in love and marry a strapping, dashing Hollywood producer. She would meet Thornton Wilder one afternoon while sitting at a cafe and they would remain friends for life. She would party with Estee Lauder at her home overlooking the Cote D'Azur. In my eyes, as a child, she was my grandmother and this was all very normal. As I grew I soon learned that there was nothing ordinary about her. It wasn't until I got very much older, very much older, that I would learn just how talented and strong she really was. She could have given up. Most of us would have...

My grandmother and I designed my wedding dress together. She worked closely with my mother and myself to help plan the grand event. We spent part of our honeymoon with her and my grandfather, as their guests in the Members Enclosure tent at Wimbledon Tennis Championships... in the rain with plenty of Pimms to keep us entertained... She was an enormous part of my life. Her loss was and still is devastating to me.

And this loss is a gift. She is my inspiration. If she could accomplish all that she had done in her life then certainly I could take a small step towards happiness. I was terribly unhappy and I knew why I was but I was terribly afraid to do something about it. And I did.

I stood up for myself and the journey was often long and difficult. But she was there with me every step of the way. And so it is because of her that I had the strength to file for divorce. And it is because of her I have found my rainbow and my pot of gold. I've found happiness and peace. I cannot wait to see where I will go. She will be with me every step of the way.

I am writing this because while I was on my journey toward divorce I kept a journal. It needs editing but I was surprised to see how well written it was. I hope to publish it soon. I hope to share my story and I hope to be able to be an inspiration to someone as my grandmother was to me. I was not alone in this journey and I want others to know they are not either. It is not a tale of anger and hate, but a story of growth... with lessons learned along the way.

I am coming clean because I hope you will check up on me from time to time to make sure I can keep focused and stay on course.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

XOXO

Jessica

inspired by the sea...

2012-05-15T15:41:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I'm a child of the sea. She inspires, awes and moves me. I've grown up on her shores, locally and abroad. She's a part of my past. She's a part of my present, and she will be forever a part of my future. She energizes me and yet she calms me. There's no place I'd rather be.

This morning, dressed in nothing but a T-shirt and a running skirt, with my iPhone to keep me company I trotted off to the water, running slowly, an even, well paced jog. The water was cool but not cold. She felt wonderful underfoot. The soft sand gave way beneath each pounding of my feet. Ordinarily I loathe running. It pains me - literally and figuratively. On harder surfaces lightning-like pain shoots down my knees. On harder surfaces I can feel my bulging disc want to slowly slide out. But running on the soft wet sand feels nice. I love splashing in the water. I don't mind getting wet. It's refreshing. It's fabulous! As I run I can feel the warm rays of the sun shine down on me, warming my face, my neck, my back, my arms while my lower body stays cool. I close my eyes as I run.

I am listening to my music, an eclectic mix of varying artists from Adele, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Sting, Tim McGraw, Cee Lo Green, B.o.B, Pink, Joe Jackson and Pitbull... where my Zumba-inspired tunes co-exist melodiously with my Country Music... My pace quickens and slows based on what I'm listening to.

No one is on the beach. It's not yet 9:00 in the morning and I'm the only one here. I run with my eyes closed focusing on how everything feels - the bright, warm sun on my face, the cool breezes glide past, the cool, wet water splashing up from my feet, slapping my knees and thighs. I can smell her salt. The ocean heightens your senses... and then I open my eyes and I have to slow down. There's just so much to see!

My mind races. I'm inspired. I'm energized. I'm calm. There's so much beauty and I need to capture it. I need to capture the details that we overlook. I need to capture the details that I might ordinarily overlook. I notice the color, the texture, the aromas...

I got off the beach, an hour and a half after I set foot towards the shore, refreshed, and famished... I had to quickly shoot a few pictures of the carnival that was being set up... and into my car I slid just as the skies opened up!

What inspires you?

XOXO

Jessica

{Note: all photographs were taken with my iPhone via Instagram and uploaded on to my Pinterest board. All photographs are the property of The Entertaining House and Jessica Gordon Ryan and may be used only with permission.}

New York {A Day in My Life: A photographic journey}

2012-05-13T10:07:00.001-04:00

It couldn't have been a pleasanter day... the weather was perfect... the sun was out and there was a gentle breeze flowing through the island... the island of Manhattan.

The day was a culmination of old and new. I took the train to 125th Street to meet a friend. I had never gotten off there before as I generally get off at Grand Central Station. The station in Harlem was beautiful, full of yesteryear's splendor, as though I had been transported back to old New York, and once we left the building new New York stood proudly, in full glory. She's a beautiful city. I'm partial; I think she's the most beautiful city in all the world. We headed toward Central Park and drove into my old neighborhood on the Upper East Side. We drove past the building where I grew up and parked the car on 90th Street next to The Church of the Heavenly Rest. I tossed on my flip flops, grabbed my camera, a bottle of water and into the park, towards the reservoir, we went. My old stomping grounds. The Upper East Side, the reservoir... all familiar. I had come back home. It felt great to be back home!

I kept apologizing for my need to stop and snap a few pictures... Ok, more than a few... a lot of pictures! My normal style is not to look at the over-all landscape, but to hone in on the smaller detail... the details that are missed by most. I like to point out the beauty to those who have not stopped to take a closer look.
But yesterday I needed to do both. In my photographs of this particular day you'll see the larger tapestry, and you'll see the smaller, finer, more delicate threads within.

We cut out of the park and headed toward the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I spent much time both inside and outside as a child. I love to watch people... to study them... I can do this for hours. My camera loves people as well. My favorite pictures to take of people are those where they're being themselves... when they have no idea a camera is nearby.

From the Upper East Side we ventured downtown. I am not at all familiar with lower Manhattan at all. It's really like traveling to a foreign country. But in addition to what was old, I wanted to see something new. My friend proved to be an amazing tour guide. I learned so much about my city... about all the new and wonderful things she has to offer.

I have always wanted to walk the Highline, and that was our next stop. What was once a run-down, elevated railroad track has been renovated, slowly, section by section, and turned into a most wonderful park where people can sit and relax, picnic, take in the sights of downtown or simply walk through to get from point A to point B.

I cannot adequately describe the Highline as she weaves in and out of various buildings and neighborhoods... It's an experience that will awaken all your senses... there's so much texture in New York City and no where is it more apparent. New York is smooth, rough, flat, gritty, soft. Here wood meets metal, meets brick, meets glass, meets grass...

Gardens and gorgeous flowers strategically planted and placed along the old tracks... and sight and smell and touch... our senses are heightened...

Everyone seems to want to stop and smell the roses and slow down, if not but for a quick moment.

And the New York scenery is all around... horizons and harbors and funny advertisements...

We paused for a moment to look at the new construction... the vast expanse will become the new home to the Whitney Museum of American Art in a couple of years. She has outgrown her currently location in the old Frank Lloyd Wright building on the Upper East Side.

We got off the Highline to have some lunch and walk around the Meat Packing District where designers have stores, fancy restaurants feed tired and hungry tourists who come to rest their weary feet and refuel.

From the Highline we wandered through Chelsea Market...

...and over to Chelsea Piers... a beautiful stretch of the old commercial docks of the Hudson River that not too long ago was redeveloped... the old, tired, run-down piers that no longer served a purpose have been revitalized with rolling hills, parks and a breath-taking view of the harbor.

We then left the Chelsea Piers to head toward Madison Square Park ...

and a stroll through Eataly... another visual and aromatic journey...

and into Union Square to experience the incredible farmer's market...

and sadly the day was over and I had a train to catch back home...

I had a truly wonderful day and owe thanks to my amazing tour guide!

I hope you all enjoyed my stroll through the city as well...

Happy Mother's Day!

XOXO

Jessica

Brimfield, Part Two: When there's never too much of a good thing!

2012-05-12T08:28:00.000-04:00

I hadn't intended on going back. I was going to spend 1 day at Brimfield. But I couldn't keep away... I wanted to reconnect with this wonderful, talented group of designers, stylists, decorators and friends... I wanted to go back and look through all the treasures (and the good bit of trash too, to be truthful!) and I wanted to go back without a schedule, without an agenda... armed with just a camera. And that's what I accomplished... I plodded through the fields at times alone and I plodded through the fields at times with friends... looking, laughing, marveling, wondering... I see the world around me very different when I look through my camera. I'm not looking at the overall picture, I'm looking at the details... the threads of our lives. When I go to the country, I won't shoot the entire farm - cattle, barn, horizon - I'll focus on the cow's face, a part of a bale of hay... there's so much beauty within that we completely miss...

I hope you enjoy my stroll through the Brimfield fields...

As you can see, the entire Brimfield experience is one for all the senses... it's visual, it's textural and, it's aromatic and flavorful!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and a fantastic Mother's Day!

I'm headed into the city (New York) today... with my camera, of course!

XOXO

Jessica

#brimfield or bust! {Part 1}

2012-05-11T07:27:00.000-04:00

What a day... I'm still reeling... I'm still on a high...

I haven't had such a phenomenal day in a very long time!

How wonderful it was to be reacquainted with old friends, to meet new friends to be a part of such a wonderful and talented group of people... to come across some great finds... to be inspired...

I'm crazy enough to want to hop back into the car and drive another two hours (each way!) to reconnect with these fabulous people and walk around the fields some more.

I'm tired... bone tired but I have this terrible habit of pushing myself to the limit.

Take a look at my pictures below and you'll understand why I'm headed back for more!

We arrived at our tent sponsored by Aubuchon Hardware, Benjamin Moore, Company C and hosted by Fashion + Decor and The Daily Basics to find Warren Bobrow, aka The Cocktail Whisperer, setting up shop...

I mean look at this bar... phenomenal, n'est ce pas?

I know you're surprised to hear this... but I restrained myself. Having just gotten over a pretty nasty case of strep throat which knocked me off my feet for a few days, I thought it was better to stick with the basics, water - at least on an empty stomach!

Now come stroll along and see some of my kind finds...
My camera just loves Brimfield!

They made an error in the above photo... the glass to the left should say "ours" and
the large shaker in the middle should say "me" ... ;)

You just have to get a little silly every now and then!

I'm just wild about big, fun costume jewelry!

I bought the above necklace for a mere $30... seriously this could be a Stella and Dot for nearly $70!
Right after I bought it someone else wanted it. HAH! I have a habit of doing that to people... what can I say? I have fabulous taste! (Yes, I am being sassy... don't take me seriously. I don't!)

If I could only remember where the heck I saw this one!

If you're a regular reader you know I love love love LOVE old typewriters!

Ahhh, our old friend Pandora de Balthazar, with the best linens, bedding and pillows... ever!

Howard's was a new find for me this year... a fantabulous fantastical one...
picked up a couple of thing for my boys' room!

I have a couple of these chairs... they're much more fun painted, n'est ce pas?

Here I am debating, contemplating... agonizing whether to get this or not! It was a steal

... no need to twist this girl's arm!

After all, the necklace would be a perfect accessory to the dress I'd be wearing to the dinner sponsored by our favorite paint company ... EVER! {Benjamin Moore... Duh!}

Cheers everyone!
And thank you so very much to all the people,
friends and sponsors who made the day truly special!

MWAH!!

XOXO

Jessica

#brimfield or bust!

2012-05-10T07:31:00.000-04:00

I'm so fantastically excited to be returning to the Brimfield Antiques Show again this year!

I am participating in an event that is being sponsored by The Daily Basics, Aubuchon Hardware, Company C and Benjamin Moore Paints. It promises to be entertaining, informative and most importantly, loads of fun!

This year I'm on a mission! I have a home to decorate (on a budget!)

And I can't wait to see what goodies I'll come across this year.

Below are just a few of the very many images I shot from last year's event...

I hope you enjoy!

Property of The Entertaining House

The Entertaining House

Property of The Entertaining House

Wishing you all a wonderful Thursday,

and for those of you who will be at Brimfield with me... don't forget your wellies!

XOXO

Jessica

my trail of inspiration...

2012-05-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

I have this large black frame that I salvaged from a dumpster death nearly 17 years ago in Greenwich, Connecticut. (I got it before it went to the dumpster as opposed to actually diving into the dumpster for it!) It's been in several of my homes. In one home she showcased a Van Gogh poster of sunflowers. In my last home she sat in the basement collecting cobwebs and dust. I dusted and polished her off and now here she sits against the wall. As you can see she's quite generous in stature. I've been thinking of having the children collaborate on a project. I'd like nothing more than to have have something created by my children together in my new home next to my work space. My children range in ages from 13 to 6.5 and their talents and abilities are equally as varied. So, I really need to come up with an idea that is suitable to all levels and abilities.

in advance... pardon the mess in the photo below!

And then it struck me. It was my "AHA!" moment, if you will.

I had been perusing LuLu de Kwiatkowski's blog, A Trail of Inspiration, that I somehow stumbled across a few months ago. LuLu is LuLu DK, the fabulous creator of the line of fabrics bearing her name. I found her fabrics a few years ago, the younger sister of a classmate who was a good friend in elementary school. I remembered her, adorable, with her blonde pony tails. And here she was gorgeous, grown up, fabulously talented and now fabulously famous. I still saw the adorable little girl with the blonde pony tails.

If you are not familiar with her products, you should be... If you are not familiar with her blog, you should be!

I came across this magnificent entry. Talented decorator, party planner and host, Eddie Ross, had used Lulu's fabric as a table cloth to create a wonderful table setting for a luncheon.

image via Trail of Inspiration, Lulu DK

Isn't that fabric fantastic? It reminds me of the ocean... it reminds me of sea glass and it reminds me of Henri Matisse, famous for his bright colors and collage. And it reminded me of a project that Alexander did when he was no more than 3 years old...

collage, crafting with children, The Entertaining House

Surely we could recreate this to fit a much larger sheet of paper using torn bits of colorful paper!

And so this is what we'll do!
Thank you Lulu for the wonderful idea... and for inspiring!

I'll be sure to show you the final project!
Meanwhile, please check out Lulu's fabulous video for more inspiration!

XOXO

Jessica

You're invited to Breakfast at Tiffany's

2012-05-08T07:50:00.000-04:00

Tiffany & Company is all about celebrating - celebrating life's special occasions, both large and small. This year also marks a very big Birthday for the iconic company. In September, Tiffany & Company will be celebrating 175 beautiful years! To celebrate this momentous occasion this weekend Tiffany's will be honoring and commemorating mothers, and would love for you to join. For those of you in the Connecticut area, please stop by the Westfarms Mall in Farmington from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 12^th and 12:00pm until 2:00 on Sunday, May 13^th for a very special Breakfast at Tiffany's! This event will be showcasing Tiffany & Co.’s brand new Spring 2012 line of sunglasses.

And while you're there, or any select Tiffany & Co. for that matter, do check out their fantastic new jeweler's RUBEDO™ metal which was unveiled this year in honor of the store's 175th Anniversary.

This new RUBEDO™ metal is the first such creation in Tiffany’s history and now takes its place among the most beautiful metals in the world. In the medieval philosophy of alchemy, Rubedo was the title of the very highest achievement, when matter and spirit fused to create something of rare beauty.

This new Tiffany legacy marries the richness of gold, the brilliance of silver and the warmth of copper. This new metal, radiant with the glow of “first light” awakens a sense of wonder. This unique alloy is lightweight yet strong, polishes to a smooth luster and is exceptionally flattering to the skin.

In the 1850s Tiffany & Co. established a silver studio, the first American school of design, which produced groundbreaking exhibits that won top awards at the great world’s fairs of the late 19th century. At the 1867 Paris fair, Tiffany’s lavishly chased silver inlaid with gold, copper and enamel won the grand prize for silver craftsmanship, the first awarded by a foreign jury to an American design house. At the 1878 Paris fair, Tiffany became the first American silversmith to take home the Grand Prize for Excellence, awarded for its ingenious Japanesque silver of inlaid mixed metals and complex alloys of gold, silver, copper, bronze and platinum. Following in this great tradition Tiffany 1837™ designs feature elegant contours polished to a high luster and finished with the jeweler’s hallmark. Light plays over the generous surfaces like the blush of early morning across the sky.

Among the luminous creations is an elongated cuff that crisply incorporates the hallmark at the cuff’s edge. A similarly contoured ring carries the Tiffany legacy with equal grace. Tiffany designers also contrast the warmth of RUBEDO™ with sterling silver in a pendant and necklace of interlocking circles of great movement and dimension. Tiffany 1837™ RUBEDO™ jewelry designs inscribed with the signature of founder Charles Lewis Tiffany are available for 2012, in celebration of Tiffany’s anniversary year.

Rubedo Wide Ring , Tiffany & Co.

Rubedo Locket Charm, Tiffany & Co.

Rubedo Wide Cuff, Tiffany & Co.

Rubedo Locket with Diamonds, Tiffany & Co.

The collection is available at select Tiffany & Co. stores worldwide and at Tiffany.com.

Tiffany & Co., Tiffany, T&CO., RUBEDO and Tiffany 1837 are trademarks of Tiffany and Company and its affiliates.

Have a Terrific Tuesday everybody!

XOXO

Jessica

Magnificent Monday! Magnificent My Day!

2012-05-07T07:47:00.000-04:00

Another weekend has come and gone. It is the dawn of a new week filled with endless possibilities and hope. I have a full week on my plate with lunches and dinners and meetings and, the best part of all #brimfield 2012 - the largest antiques show in the country, in Brimfield Massachusetts. I'll be joining thousands... millions of others, I wonder? Lovers of antiques and collectibles... designers, bloggers, stylists, writers... I will be joining some incredibly talented and wonderful people. I hope to not walk away empty handed!

I hope this is a productive week that will lead to fabulous connections, new friendships and projects galore. It will be busy. It will be a whirlwind. My feet will be sore. My head will be spinning, I'm sure. I'll be flying from excitement. I'll need to make sure that I am well rested and eat properly as I tend not to do when there's a flurry of excitement and energy around me.

At the end of the day I must take a few minutes to myself to refocus,
regroup and recharge for the next day...

I wandered into my new local pharmacy and saw Vitabath and Kneipp products whose wonderful aromas reminded my of my summers in the South of France as a child...
I was immediately brought to a place of happiness and relaxation!

I'm not the greatest water drinker, but the more active and the busier I am, I must force myself to drink enough... I keep a bottle in my bag and on those days when it seems I spend more time in the car, I keep a couple of bottles in a cooler with a few ice packs.

I dress comfortably but prepared to meet anyone and anything that comes my way. I'll never know when a new opportunity will present itself.

via Pinterest

My necessary essentials:
A good pair of sunglasses. (These need not be expensive!)

Givenchy

Some fabulously fun jewelry. (Again not worth breaking the bank over.)

Kate Spade

Some fun shoes to complete your wardrobe...

Kate Spade

Flip flops. A must for me. As soon as my elegant shoes come off these come on. I have several pairs of plain white flip flops. I happen to like Old Navy's. They can be tossed in the wash! And when they start to show their age, toss 'em into the garbage!

Old Navy

I always keep trial sizes of perfumes in my bag... especially on long days.
A little spritz re-energizes your soul.

Marc Jacobs

I keep a small brush with me too, in my car or in my bag.

Mason Pearson

and don't forget to celebrate today's accomplishments... this week's accomplishments...

Pinterest - original source unknown

Have a Magnificent Monday... have a Magnficent My Day!

XOXO

Jessica

a happy quote for a happy day

2012-05-03T09:03:00.000-04:00

I can't be all places at once... I'm focusing my energies over at Amid Life today...
More inspiration for you coming here soon!

XOXO

Jessica

Come meet Pinklet and C, guest blogger!

2012-05-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

I recently came across Pinklet and C, a fun new blog after meeting Lindsey on Twitter. I love her blog and her style and asked if she would mind being a guest blogger here at The Entertaining House. Please take a moment to visit her blog!

***

Hi Everyone! I'm Lindsey owner of a decorating business, Lindsey Anne Interior Styling. My site is an interior design blog where I share my inspirations, projects that I'm working on and products I love.
I'm so excited to be here since I've been following The Entertaining House for a while now and always love Jessica's posts!

One of my favorite things about Spring is the abundance of color everywhere! This year I've been seeing a lot of unique, fun color combinations in the interior design world. A lot of people shy away from something like this, but pairing together two bright colors doesn't have to be scary!
A few tips for color beginners -
-Ground the room with a few neutral pieces and let the colors bounce of off them.
-Don't stay away from pattern completely, but keep it to a minimum. Too many patterns and colors will become too busy
-Start small! Introduce a few pieces in the color of your choice and build. You don't need to fully commit right away!

Here are examples of how to style a room with my two favorite combinations right now.

Sofa / Navy Pillows / Pink Pillow / Side Table

Coffee Table / Diffuser / Rug

Mirror / Crochet Pillow / Ruffle Pillows / Couch

Stool / Lamp / Slipper Chairs / Ottoman /

Rug / Coffee Table / Vase / Flowers / Tray

I would love you hear how you have decorated with color this Spring!

Thanks again for reading my post and thank you Jessica for having me here!

She's a grand old flag: Decorating with flags

2012-05-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

I've become such a fan of our flag over the past few years. I love all that she stands for. I love all that she represents. I love her colors and her patterns. Her message is one of power and hope, equality, freedom, and of course, the American dream. She's such a natural choice, whether as an accessory, or focal point, for home decor.

I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing in respect to decorating the boys' room. I'm inspired by the flag images I've found. But I'm not sure, for them, I can limit it to just that. So now I'm thinking of incorporating our love of the sea... We're in a seaside community on the Long Island Sound and our summers are spent along the shore in Newport and in Maine. I'd like to incorporate the two. I'll keep you posted with what we come up with. I'm hoping to be inspired and locate some kind finds at the markets in *Brimfield, Massachusetts next week! I'd like to pick up some old lanterns, buoys... maybe do something with a lobster trap...

Our flag... artwork at it's best.
She packs a punch.
She makes a statement.
She inspires.

images via

*Brimfield is the country's largest antique show held in Brimfield, Massachusetts. I'm attending a huge affair put together by The Daily Basics and Fashion+Decor and sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Company C and Aubuchon Hardware. If you're interested in home decor, fashion, antiques and flea markets you should put this event on your calendar!

So, what do you think of our flag?
Ain't she grand?!!

XOXO

Jessica

Magnificent Monday... Magnificent My Day and my "Gift from the Sea"

2012-04-30T07:26:00.000-04:00

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few,and they are more beautiful if they are few. One moon shell is more impressive than three. There is only one moon in the sky. One double-sunrise is an event; six are a succession, like a week of school days. Gradually one discards and keeps just the perfect specimen, not necessarily a rare shell, but a perfect one of its kind. One that sets it apart by itself, ringed around by space - like the island."

I'm going to do something differently this Monday. I am going to share with you one of my favorite books, Anne Morrow Lindhberg's A Gift From the Sea. It's about slowing down and absorbing life... it's about taking stock in what you have, all that you have... and no matter what our wants, wishes or struggles are, we really have so much. Sometimes it's hard to see that. With our busy and hectic schedules in our even more fast-paced lives, it's hard to slow down and smell the roses, or in this case, the ocean. But it's so important. It's an absolute necessity, and no matter how crazy our days are, there is no reason why we cannot create even 20 minutes to smell the ocean breezes.

Sit down with a cup of tea, share a snuggle on the couch with a loved one... write a letter, pick up a book or a magazine, or just sit and close your eyes and do nothing. I've been a huge advocate for slowing down for many, many years now. It started when my children were very young, in diapers and so very needy of my time and attention. I have never been so exhausted as when my children were babies. It was then that I created time for myself every day. Sometimes I hired a babysitter. Sometimes family members came over to help and sometimes I waited until my husband came home and I'd seek refuge in the bathroom (it had a lock!) and crawl into the tub with my bubbles, a great book and a glass of wine. I still do this from time to time, and while my life has changed and my children are much older, I am no less busy. I still need to recharge my batteries. We all do.

I still take stock and reassess my life. Every day. We all should. It's so important in helping us to grow, reflect and chase down our next dream... Whether we're just entering the working world, whether we're starting to create families of our own, or letting our children go and pursue their own dreams, our lives and needs and interests and desires are constantly changing and evolving.

And so, I want to share with you this book, A Gift from the Sea. I don't want to do it in the traditional sense. I don't want to host a book giveaway, though that was my first intent. I want this book to travel around the blogosphere. I want each and every one of us who read it to sign it and pass it on to someone else. I want to know where the book is each and every step of the way and I want to know your thoughts and what you took from the book... This is a gift from me to you, that you in turn can share... and so on and so on and so on...

What do you think of this idea? If you would like to participate leave me a note. Thanks!

I hope you'll read this at the end of your day... perhaps in the tub, perhaps on a couch, in bed, in a hammock under a large shady tree... I hope you'll enjoy it with a refreshing drink or a celebratory glass of bubbly!

Happy Monday, Happy My Day!

XOXO

Jessica

Musings from The Entertaining House... always entertaining...

2012-04-27T11:09:00.002-04:00

When I first started blogging, eons ago, I was a "mommy blogger." That term sort of makes me shudder. But my reason for blogging was to share, with close friends and family who were not nearby, photos and special moments with my children. I didn't know much about blogging at the time. I took a few pictures and patted myself on the back for being able to upload them. What I liked the most was sharing my stories and entertaining my family. Then unknown readers started to stop by... they loved my stories. I loved their comments. I started looking at, reading and following other blogs. Who knew there was so much creativity out there? And so my blog became less about me and my family and more about living and life... a true lifestyle blog that covered topics ranging from food to fashion to home decor. And anything else that caught my fancy. Four years ago my family and I moved to a larger home. The name "Crazy, crowded lounge" no longer fit. I was brainstorming online with a friend and we came up with The Entertaining House. The name was not just fitting; it was perfect! I love to entertain and we are certainly an entertaining bunch over here! There's never a dull moment around my home.

The other night I was home alone. The children were with their father. Normally I am quick to book something up and head out to dinner or grab a drink or something with a friend. But that night I was really looking forward to being home by myself to enjoy my new home by myself. I put on my fleece pajama bottoms and a cashmere hoodie. I grabbed a pillow and a blanket and settled on the couch armed with a glass of wine, cell phone, a pile of magazines and the television to keep me company. I have never felt more comfortable or more at home. I haven't been as at peace, relaxed or content in a very long time. I looked around and admired my handiwork - pictures hung, furniture arranged, boxes unpacked, etc. There's still more to be done, but I am pleased with the results so far. I think I have successfully managed to create a living area that is casually elegant.

It was getting late and I was getting hungry. I decided to cook up a piece of chicken that I would enjoy with a piece of Nan. I grabbed a chicken breast and tossed it into the pan with a touch of oil and a dry rub that I made last fall. I walked away to do something - sitting still doesn't always come easily to me - and when I arrived back in the kitchen I noticed flames coming from the burner. I looked at the flames. Stared at them. Ordinarily I am not sure I'd have thought twice and then it dawned on me. It's an electric stove! There should be no flames there! I stared and assessed the situation. I really didn't want to have to use the fire extinguisher for this. I saw the flames pulling to the left. I immediately turned off the down-draft and removed the box of matches (for use with pillar candle) that were sitting nearby. That could have been disastrous! The flames stopped growing in size, but they were still impressive and too large for my comfort. I watched some more. The best thing to do is to deprive the fire of oxygen. I took the lid of the pan and covered the flames. After a few seconds I removed the lid. The flames were getting lower and lower. I stood there and watched until they were out.

But my chicken wasn't fully cooked. I took the pan and placed it on another burner, cooked it through and took my meal to the couch to enjoy. (Shh! The kids are not allowed to eat anywhere but at the kitchen table!) Except for the smell of fire, all had returned to normal!

The next afternoon I would use my little incident as a lesson on how to put out a kitchen fire for the children. Of course they are not allowed to use the stove or oven in my absence, but it was an important lesson nonetheless!

Photos to come shortly, I promise!

XOXO

Jessica

Making a case for baskets... I am a basket case!

2012-04-26T07:27:00.001-04:00

I know I certainly am! I have had a love affair with baskets ever since I had my first house when I was in my early twenties. I lived in a very small Cape Cod style house in Darien, Connecticut with two friends. I had just moved to the state and landed a sales position at Williams Sonoma in nearby Stamford to get me on my feet. It was there I would start to furnish my kitchen with wonderful appliances, ceramics, glassware, linens and baskets. Our discount was great and while my income was practically non-existent, especially after an after-work shopping spree, my little house had some cute stuff much of which I still use today, nearly twenty years later.

I discovered that baskets not only looked good; they complimented all styles of decor, really, and made a house look homey, but they were wonderful for storage. What was not to love about my beloved baskets that came in all shapes and sizes? Over the years my collection has grown. Many such baskets had made their way to my basement where they sat, unfortunately, collecting dust until they were needed for entertaining purposes, Easter or as a vehicle in which to present a lovely gift. And then I moved. And most of my beloved baskets came with me. I thought I had so many that they would not all be needed or used, but I managed to find a case (pun intended!) for each and every one of them! I have magazine collections housed in a few of the larger ones, files and business papers, in others, silverware, plants, blankets, towels, pillows and much more in others. (I do promise to take up to date pictures of my new home for you again very soon.)

Thankfully where I lacked in furniture, I made up for in baskets. Before I moved and before I settled in I created a board on Pinterest, aptly called Basket Cases, to inspire the use and placement of my own. I'm about done with all my baskets. They've been filled and they've found homes. And I am always on the prowl for more and I will put more to use, I assure you!

heather bullard

Baskets are a natural fit in any kitchen. I keep a few there myself for veggies, fruit, etc. I even have a "junk basket" because I have no junk drawer! I love the rustic look of this basket with the fruit, cutting boards and cutlery paired so wonderfully together.

original source unknown, via Pinterest

I was drawn to this chair and basket. It's simple, rustic and, I think, stunning.
I'm also a huge fan of placing plants in baskets.

via Pretty Pink Tulips

Here, baskets keep a laundry room in perfect order. I'm completely mad about that copper sink!

image via Betty Twyford

Baskets and fruit... a perfect pear - er, I mean pair!

via Tumblr

I love the idea of these baskets as organizers. However, I think with my messy kids, the baskets would overflow in a matter of minutes and never get emptied... unless I emptied them...
Really, who are we kidding??!

Martha Stewart

I saw these dip dyed baskets in a Martha Stewart magazine a couple of years ago
and fell madly in love with the idea.

via Google

Baskets as under the bed storage. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant!

I too keep my towels in a basket. I have all different colored towels, bright pink, lime green, bright yellow, orange, blue and turquoise. (Matching hand towels and washcloths.) I found the towels a great way to add a splash of color to the bathroom.

via Pinterest

I have an older, smaller and definitely more fragile shopping cart. It's being used, at the moment, as an umbrella stand.

via Houzz.com

A great idea for mail. Another great idea, my mother uses an old bicycle basket for her mail. Of course Martha has hers in her kitchen!

I went into Pottery Barn and West Elm yesterday. Baskets must surely be "in" this season as they were all over the place. I would have bought all of them had I been able to!

I love these luggage-like baskets stacked at the end of the bed at West Elm.

These baskets were the first thing I saw when I walked into Pottery Barn. They are simply divine!

These baskets caught my interest. I'm considering the picnic-like basket for the boys' room which is going to have an Americana/Beach theme... and I need to tell you how exquisite these silk flowers are. I have a few hydrangea that are nearly 15 years old (also Pottery Barn, $4 less per stem!) and they still look as lovely as the day I got them. I decided to pick up a couple of new ones, two blue and two pink. As much as I try to have fresh flowers and greens in my home at all times, it cannot always be the case.
And, these flowers will never fade, wilt or die.

via The Entertaining House

This basket comes out every summer and comes with me everywhere. I love it. Here, she sits with the freshly cut flowers that came from the edge of my driveway.

Beautiful, practical... I'll always make a case for baskets!
Are you a basket case?

XOXO

Jessica

Amid Life...

2012-04-25T11:16:00.001-04:00

As I rebuild my life, redecorate my home and share my fashion and decor inspirations with you here at The Entertaining House, I get more personal on my other blog, Amid Life, where I share my thoughts, observations and writings on reclaiming life and living it well. Please be sure to stop and visit from time to time!

I edited the above photo using the newest photo editing sight, PicMonkey, brought to you by the creators of the now defunct Picnic. I am in heaven. I am in love. I have found a new addiction! Be sure to stop by and check them out!

XOXO

Jessica

Easy Like Monday Morning... Magificent Monday, Magnificent My Day!

2012-04-23T05:37:00.000-04:00

It's rainy and cool on the East Coast. We were way overdue. We were ready for some downtime... some time to take advantage of getting things done around the house, or getting nothing done at all. I did a little bit of both. It was perfect. It was amazing! And yet, I'm still feeling kind of lazy. I need a slow and easy start to my Monday and that's exactly what I'll do. I'll make myself a cappuccino, as I do every single solitary morning. It's so easy to do. You don't need one of those expensive doo-dad-gizmo-fancy-shmancy machines. I assure you! You can use your regular coffee maker, or if you have a little more time,

a French press is what you ought to have... really!

but if you're in a rush then use your automatic drip machine. It's what I do, truth be told... I program it so that it's all ready for me when I wake up... unless I decide to get up at some ungodly hour like 4:30 or 5:00 as I have been doing as of late... Sigh... So really, a good cappuccino is even more important!

All you need is this...

this little gadget will run you $20... and really whips up a mean froth!

Next you need this...

Serisouly... this milk is da bomb! I hate lowfat milk. I hate skim milk. It's gross. Makes my coffee taste all watery. I love the flavor of whole milk in my coffee but will not buy it or drink it. And then a couple of years ago I found this stuff... And my life changed. I kid you not! I can have the calories of skinny (gross) milk and the flavor and texture of whole milk. My cappuccino's happy and I'm happy. What more could I ask for? And, the best part is that I can save my calories for, yep, my wine glass!

Heat the milk, about 1/4 of a cup in a sauce pan. (You could microwave it but it really isn't as good. And the French and Italians would never dare to do such a thing.) Pour your milk into your cup or mug and insert the Aerolatte blender. You will have thick creamy broth in a matter of seconds. The longer you whip, the creamier the froth. And then you will have this...

via

Now, I'll take my cappuccino and head back into bed... because it's cold and rainy and I'm feeling particularly lazy and I need my slow start.

I have the comfiest bed in the whole world! I bought myself a featherbed before I moved. Have you ever slept on a featherbed? Divine! I have not one but two duvets. And I just bought the softest silkiest sheets. They're Ralph Lauren. They weren't at all what I was looking for but they called to me. I'm thinking of getting the checked ones as well. I think they'd look very well with these. (The sheets were very reasonable. I found them at Home Goods, my new favorite store!) I'm not a matchy-matchy girl at all. I like the soft elegance of the black and white. It suits my bedroom and the furniture very well. My bedrooms have always been in blue and white. This is a nice change for me.

I think a good, comfortable bed that's a sanctuary is so very important. When I was trying to figure out where to set up my desk and office in our very small space someone suggested I set it up in my bedroom, which is really quite large, but I vehemently opposed. I wanted my bedroom to be a place I could go to rest and relax. My bedrooms have always been my quiet sanctuaries. I think to set up work space would be very unsettling and I sleep so poorly as it is.

Flowers are a must in any bedroom! Their color and fragrance can add instant decor and instant serenity. I love flowers that are aromatic and soothing, like lillies, lilacs, hyacinths...

via

It may be harder to step into the shower this morning... You may want to consider one of your favorite shower gels...

old school favorite... a classic you can never go wrong with!

and a good, fabulous scented moisturizer is essential!

I'm madly, passionately in love with this refreshing, clean scent! I have been using this for years - half my life I believe! Here's a funny story for you... I'd been on a few dates with this guy when I was in my early 20s and I invited him back to my place and he went in to use my bathroom. He came out holding one of my towels to his face. He couldn't stop smelling it! On it lingered the sesame oil fragrance. I looked at him incredulously and immediately thought he was the biggest wacko on the face of the earth. I never made contact with him ever again! I learned two things that day. 1) My towels really did smell that good and 2) it seems I would continue to come across all the rest of the biggest wackos on the face of the earth... and probably will continue to do so for the rest of my life!

Now, we've been taking our sweet time... we need to hurry things along a little...

We need to put on our happy scents... One of my most favorites is

She's heaven in a bottle!
She'll bring out your sunshine on a rainy day!

And we all know that you're never fully dressed without your.....

whether I'm wearing a little black dress or my favorite pair of jeans... my pearls are sure to follow!

and don't forget your wellies!

Joules

Promise me you'll go jump in a puddle!

Les Culottes Courtes

You'll be so very glad that you did!

I love my early morning coffee... but there's something about a nice warm cup of tea and a cookie on a cool, rainy day to take the chill away...

via The Progressive Pioneer

When the day is over crawl into your favorite PJs and crawl onto the couch with a big comfy blanket and treat yourself well... it is Monday, after all... a magnificent rainy Monday!

Cheers!

via Tumblr

XOXO

Jessica