My parents are in the process of re-decorating their house and enlisted their very favorite decorator for the project–me! Talk about nepotism, right? All jokes aside, I’m really excited about the project. The house was built when I was born and is where my sister and I grew up, so to say I’m personally invested would be an understatement.

The aesthetic we’re after will very much be a reflection of the house’s coastal New England location and my parent’s laid back lifestyle. The color palette is inspired by shades of seaglass and we plan to layer in texture via natural elements like sisal and driftwood.

When I first started thinking about the project, I immediately knew I wanted to incorporate a pair of spool chairs. They’re timeless and work in a variety of settings, but I think they work especially well with the type of aesthetic we’re going for. Above are a few photos I’ve been pulling for inspiration. What do you think?

We’re getting ready to order our pair and I’ll be sure to share more updates as the project moves forward!

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Guys, I need your help. My boyfriend’s birthday is less than a week away and I’m completely stumped. I know he doesn’t get too much play time on this ol’ blog so here’s a little background… We’ve been dating for six years and he is seriously good at presents. I’m talking scavenger hunts, Louboutins (because he thought I should have one really nice pair of black heels), books I forgot I had mentioned wanting, a piece of art I loved, and one year when we were just starting out and funds were low, a really sweet photo album of us and our dog. He’s just thoughtful.

I say this not to brag–he would probably be mortified–just to give context as to why I really really want to do something special this year.  So help me out here, what are some of the gifts that your boyfriends/hubbies have loved over the years? Were they material things, experiences, travel, or maybe just his favorite home cooked meal and a sweet note? I’d love to hear them all because it’s getting down to the hour and I want to make 26 a good one!

Thanks in advance, I know you’ll help me brainstorm something great.

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Slowly but surely, magazine tear sheets were taking over my apartment. After outgrowing the magazine files I had been storing them in, stacks started to pile up under my desk, next to my nightstand–basically covering any flat surface I could find.

Aside from not providing nearly enough storage, the magazine files weren’t ideal for preserving the delicate sheets and weren’t easy to access. It’s kind of hard to be inspired by your inspiration pages if you never look at them. So I finally decided to do something about it.

I bought the biggest three ring binders I could find, hundreds of page protectors, and got to stuffing. After I finished I realized the beautiful hand marbled paper I had bought awhile back (but hadn’t used because I thought it was too pretty) would be the perfect way to jazz up my binders.

A few quick slices of the x-acto knife and I was done. Seriously the easiest DIY ever. I still have two more binders to fill but I’m already loving the impact just one makes, not to mention how much easier these are to flip through!

Beach Riot Bikini | Samudra Tulum Wave Pouch | Raquel Allegra Tie-Dye Halter Dress | Ray Ban Mirrored Aviators |  Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume | Tiffany Chou Bitten Earrings | Tiffany Chou Sheridan Necklace | Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray Set |  Dezso by Sara Beltran Tote | Gold & Gray Tassel Bracelets

I’m an East Coast girl through and through. If only by virtue of the fact that I’ve taken exactly one trip to California when I was about twelve (note to self: change this immediately!) We went to Disneyland. There was a storm, and I remember we all had to buy sweatshirts because it was so unseasonably cold. Totally ruined the Limited Too outfits I had packed. But I digress…

I recently discovered the swimwear line Beach Riot via this bikini and suddenly I found myself wanting to get the hell out of Dodge and go all Blue Crush. Those pom-poms are everything. It was only a matter of time before I found myself coveting these fantastic photographic bags from Samudra and Dezso, Tiffany Chou’s sea inspired jewelry, and remembering how good Beach smelled when I tested it recently at Blumercury. Everything I need for my new life, right?

P.S this bathing suit by Beach Riot is also worth a look. Dead ringer for my favorite palm leaf wallpaper, Martinique.

Has there ever been anything more adorable than this Vera for Target scarf or that watermelon print from Note to Self: The Print Shop? I think not.

While we’re on the topic of watermelon, I plan on making this watermelon salad all summer long. I’ve made a variation of it in the past and it’s so good!

P.S I think the scarf could also be super cute framed. Maybe in the kitchen of a beach house? At only $20.00 it would be some seriously affordable art!