Tuesday, June 30, 2015

4th of July Style #fourthofjuly #starsandstripes #nautical

Limiting Technology in the Summer

 School is out, schedules and car pools are done. It's the laid back lifestyle of summer...pool time, outside play, smores making, trips to the beach, etc. sounds like so much fun! But before that begins I feel like we need a little time to veg out from end of year craziness, right? Until you realize you and your kids have been on an apple device for over an hour, you're still in your pj's, breakfast hasn't been made yet and in a couple days the kids have to be at camp starting at 8am and it's going to be a rude wake up call.  

I try to motivate myself to get off my device...just one more look at Instagram won't hurt, oh look at that cute bedroom on Houzz, that is such a fun idea for summer I'm definitely pinning that, oh yeah where was I? Crap, remember those summer iPad rules I told the kids about? Well, I already screwed that up and we haven't even been home a week. It's time to crack down, you ask everyone to take a break from iPads, tantrums and objects are thrown, you're the meanest mom in the world and you're rudely awakened by the negative effects of electronics. (It is addicting and if someone were ripping mine away from me as I was in the middle of a People article about the Bachelorette I'd be pissed too) so I understand it's not easy. Panic sets in that there is no way my schedule is going to fly right now in the state these kids are in. I go back to my device (see how addicting it is) looking for help thinking there has to be some magic app that rips these things out of their hands and they magically go play outside. Well, maybe there is....Thank you dear Pinterest! Today I discovered the app I have been looking for. I'm able to control it from my phone. I can set a schedule for when it's blocked and it will tell them why it's blocked (outside play, family time, homework) they can see when they have electronics time and for kids having a schedule and knowing what to expect helps them feel in control. Especially in our household where we thrive on consistency but having an ADHD mom consistency is a struggle in our house, especially in the summertime. 

I know this isn't decorating or fashion ideas but I felt like this was too good not to share. I've been on the hunt for an app like this forever. Yes, you could easily set a timer but they run away and sneak their iPads. I wanted something that actually blocked them from doing or playing anymore on their iPads.  I'm sure the first 2 weeks using this will be ugly but kids need rules and once they realize this is how it's going to be they'll learn to know when they have electronics time and that it won't turn on until their other scheduled events are done. So no more fighting to give up the iPads, no more asking me a million times when we're going home because you "NEED" to beat the Eye of Tafulu (whatever that means) because Apple's Summer Schedule is here (that's what I'm calling it) The wifi gods did it and I have no control over it. Because I'm tired of being called a mean mom. 

Wifi gods = Our Pact 

Parental internet monitoring app for IOS devices which can be downloaded here www.ourpact.com



I found it to be very user friendly and it walks you through how to get it set up on each persons device. 

What OurPact can do:

-Schedule internet and app usage according to your child's schedule
-Set the number of hours your child can use the Internet and apps
-Block internet and apps with just a touch

I'm so excited about this I may just have to set a schedule for myself as well. 

Monday, June 29, 2015

Did you know ZARA has a Home Line?

ZARA Home Items

ZARA Home Items 


ZARA is one of my favorite stores. I first discovered it in London. Funny little story...I wandered into this amazing store that had the coolest clothes for everyone. So I bought each of us something and as I'm walking down Newbury Street was shocked to see a ZARA. This small town girl who was new to Boston had no idea I had one in my own backyard. I was thrilled! Then they made ZARA even better and came out with a HOME Line. it's only available online right now and they also have a kids line as well. Here are some of my favorite items that they currently carry.

1. This leopard rug would look so fun over a sisal rug 
2. My brass obsession continues and since our spoons keep disappearing I may be needing a new set soon
3. Clean simple bedding with a pop of color. I love this blue accent. Add fun graphic pillows or a cream cable knit throw
4. These are great accents on top of coffee table books, for shelves or offices. This anchor one would be great in a beach house and it's an anchor so I'm immediately attracted to it. 
5. I have a slight obsession with napkins and these rope knot ones would be perfect for summertime
6. This woven basket would be a great addition in a nursery for extra blankets and stuffed animals
7. Stripes? Yes, please. Throw this beautiful camel striped linen throw on your sofa or bed for a finished look
8. I like this picture frame because of it's height. You always want to decorate in layers and this gives you the opportunity to provide height to a console table of pictures. 
9. I've always loved West Elm's decorative bowls and was excited to see that ZARA has a similar set. These also come in other colors as well. 
10. I have been seeing these ladders a lot lately and I think they're a great addition to a guest bedroom to hang extra throw blankets. Or for that awkward narrow wall that you have no idea what to put there. You can hang magazines or towels on it too. 
11. This is a great 2 in 1 piece. The tray lifts off the top of this. Would make a great side table or a small mini bar if you live in a smaller place. 

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Friday Finds



This weeks finds: 


As I was looking for inspiration for our outdoor space I saw these gorgeous outdoor porches and made me wish I had a screened in porch. 


One of my favorite Bloggers Emily over at cupcakes & cashmere just announced her new clothing line which will be featured at nordstroms and shop bop. The sneak peeks look gorgeous and can't wait to see the whole line. 


I haven't tried these but find them interesting. The reviews sound great and a good alternative to the not so safe laundry detergent. http://www.amazon.com/Eco-Nuts-Seen-Shark-Loads/dp/B0037G39IO

4. With our new puppy coming soon I've been trying to gear up. How cool is this for outside?! Pet Fountain

5.  I've been testing out a few self tanners and although the Tan Towel and Josie Marans tan oil have been my favorite so far I just received this and am excited to try it. I love the no streaking! It's gradual so it will take a couple days to build your tan. 

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Makeup Favorites

Makeup Favorites


Summer is almost here and today I'm sharing some of my favorite make up products that I'm loving right now. I tend to be more neutral and wear less make up in the summer so I love a good bronzer, mascara and lip gloss to just give me a little bit of a brighter look. 

1. Laura Mercier Brightening Powder was introduced to me by one of my good friends and I love this as a setting powder to help your makeup stay put on hot days when you feel like it's going to melt right off your face. I mostly use under eyes and tzone. 

2. Peter Roth Bronzer SPF I love a product that can do multiple things at once and this is a bronzer and SPF in one. I love this for days when you forget to put sunscreen on and don't want to smear it all over your makeup. 

3. Josie Maran Mascara this is my new favorite mascara and it's safe too! 

4. NARS lip pencil is another 2 in 1 product. I like this lip pencil because you can use it as just that and then apply your lipstick/gloss or use it as a lipstick as well. It also comes in a glossy finish as well. 

5. Make Up FOrever Matte Foundation is a newer foundation I recently tried and loved. I need more of a full coverage but don't like the heavy feeling of foundation, especially in the summer time. This is perfect! It has a matte finish and goes on so well and stays put all day. I'm a huge fan of their foundations. 

6. Beautycounter Lip Sheer in Twig I'm normally not one to wear lipstick. Lipgloss and my eos balm is my go to but once I tried this I loved it. It doesn't even look like I'm wearing lipstick but gives your lips a finished look. It's also free of toxic chemicals as well, which is important to me when I'm putting it on my lips multiple times a day. Win-win! 

7. NARS Orgasm Blush Seriously who names these things? 95% chance it's a guy. But if it is and he created this color good for him because I think this color can be worn by anyone. Gives you a great pink-perk up for a summer glow. 

8. Beautycounter Eye Shade Duo is a great neutral shade for summertime. This can be worn during the day or evening. Just add a little more of the darker shade in your creases for a more dramatic night time look. Again I love the 2 in 1 because if you're taking to the gym or throwing in your purse you only need one eye shadow and not 2. 

I'd love to hear what some of your favorite makeup products are! 









Thursday, June 18, 2015

Adding a Pop of Color to a room


As I was browsing for living room inspiration this beautiful room by Sally Wheat Interiors caught my attention with this gorgeous yellow sofa. Although yellow wouldn't be my first choice for a sofa I think it completes this room. It's a bold color but still remains more of a neutral living room. I love the pops of color throughout and the brightness of the walls and window treatments. There are so many great textures used in this space as well. The mongolian stools and cowhide rug look great against the dark hardwood floors. 





Here are some pieces to create a pop of color room for yourself:


Pop of Color


Friday, June 12, 2015

Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Fathers Day is right around the corner  so I've compiled a couple ideas for you this Father's Day. 

For the Prepster

1.  Cole Haan loafers come in a variety of colors. The navy is my favorite. Great with Nantucket red shorts or skinny jeans and a t-shirt. 
2. These wood Ray bans are a great summer shade. 
3. preppy Vineyard Vines suits come in such fun prints so hard to choose a fav. 
4. I love the packaging of these Happy Socks.  



For the Cook 

1. The hubs has wanted one of these forever a Big Green Egg. He's an amazing BBQ'er and would make amazing food in this. 
2. Great tote for bbqs and the beach. With a bottle opener attached you'll never be looking for something to open up your beer. 
3. Fun travel grill for the beach! 
4. For the sports fan who loves to grill a Red Sox burger flipper

For the techie 

1. I don't know what it is about guys and speaker systems but we "had" to have this Sonos System and I have to admit it is pretty cool how it works throughout the house and you can add on to it when you want to. 
2. These Bose portable speakers are great! Take to the pool, beach, if you work outside or for a dinner party outside. 
3. I love the different band options for the apple watch but of course that's prob the least coolest feature of it. This would make an awesome gift! 
4. The man Wallet/purse from Mark & Graham makes a perfect all in one. It can be personalized too. 

For the outdoorsman/sports guy 
1. monthly Tackle Grab boxes are great for the fisherman 
2. For the avid golfer. Track your swing with this nifty little device. The Zepp 3D gold tracker tracks your swing and records in 3D. 
3. For the handyman dads I love these personalized hammers
4. Man crates, HA!  I just love the name of these and it looks like they have pretty good things inside them too. My newest favorite discovery for gifts for men. 

What are some of your favorite gift ideas for Dad? I'd love to hear them. 


Friday, June 5, 2015

Bamboo furniture obsession

After using a bamboo Chippendale bench for a client recently that I fell in love with I realized how attracted to bamboo I am. It looks gorgeous painted or natural. 
I especially love it in brass. You can find great bamboo pieces at thrift stores and yard sales. Add a little spray paint if you're looking for a pop of color! 

Here are a couple pieces that caught my eye. 


Very coastal Katie Lee's yellow and striped sofa in the recent Domino issue. Her house is to die for, you have to check it out! 


I love the red with the black and white stripes that Jamie Herslinger used on this outdoor space. 


I'm in love with this Wisteria Chippendale bench especially at the end of a bed! 


How awesome are these credenzas from thepapayatree You can actually purchase them at her shop on etsy! 




I've had my eye on these Serena & Lily  bamboo stools for a LONG time. I just think of an outdoor eatery in NY when I see them. 


 Marcelo Brito 


I love the industrial mixed with the bamboo chairs by Greige Design 


These white chandeliers look great with the pops of color in this office by Burnham Designs

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