I heart this

from victoriasecrets.com

This suit is soooo cute from Victoria Secrets! I think it would be perfect for a sunny day lounging at the beach. Best news is it is currently on sale!

from unknown source

for monday

picture source unknown

I admire this photo so much. It is simple, yet, I find looking at it so pleasurable! All the little details, from the star wallpaper on the ceiling, to light pastel wall color, to the cute little shelves in unusual places! The greatest thing about this picture is, it reminds me to think outside the box, because our lives are filled with endless opportunities! Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to look at things from a different angle and viola... Life can be so exciting!!!

Happy Monday

Lake Fever

Today I am posting a few of my personal favorite inside accessories! I did outdoor, and now its time for the interior! Enjoy...

Comfortable lounge chair for curling up in with a good book!

westelm.com, Sweep arm chair on special $499

I love this side table for setting your drink or book on. It is fun and rustic but also very chic and timeless!

westelm.com, Branch side table $179

This is my all time favorite lakeside accessory must have. They are fun and vibrant and add some classy comfort to any room! They come in an assortment of other beautiful hues (see pic below), also if you google "pendleton blanket" your options will be plenty, from new to vintage, the possibilities are endless!

madeinoregon.com, Glacier park $178

This wall shelf is a little quirky, but none the less perfect for a cabin setting! Add two on each side of a nice piece of artwork, and you will set the mood instantly.

wisteria.com, Small stag wall shelf $79

I think these chairs are really fun and add some pizazz to a screened porch or breakfast area. If you can believe they are made to be for outdoor dining! So they will definitely be durable.

potterybarn.com, Woven cafe chair $199- 796

Hope you enjoyed some of my favorite home accessories for summer living by the lake, which was the topic of the week! Have a great weekend!

Outdoor accessories (for at the lake)

Here are some great outdoor accessories that I think will make your summer even more pleasurable!

The Adirondack chair is a staple for relaxing by the lake! They are very comfortable as well.

potterybarn.com Adirondack chair $199.00 ea (Ballard Designs also have a version, however theirs fold up for easier storage)

Of course you will need some good quality towels for swimming and boating. I suggest Pottery Barn, they are good quality for a good price, plus free shipping.

potterybarn.com Yacht stripe beach towel $29.00

Everybody looks forward to cooking out during summer months! Spending time at the lake should definitely include this for sure, whether its burgers, steak, hot dogs, or brats!!!

homedepot.com Weber Genesis E-310 $649.00

And to serve some refreshing beverage to go with your delicious food, why not serve in style. These chic pitchers and tumblers scream summer at the lake!

jaysonhomeandgarden.com Mykono's set $12- $35

Don't forget about the fire pit... sitting around a fire on a chilly summer night, roasting marshmallows! I love these because of the simple design and especially the natural looking terracotta. Simple, yet works in a lakeside setting!

leafandstone.com fire pit $410- $945

Oh and I almost forgot.... you need to have some lanterns! Light them up at night when you are out by the fire pit? It really does not take much effort and will definitely add to your overall enjoyment!

potterybarn.com Malta lanterns $20- $79

Up at the Lake

As summer approaches, I catch myself daydreaming about long summer days up at the lake. Time spent there usually consists of, but is not limited to alittle bit of this; relaxing boat rides, juicy burgers straight off the grill, leisurely antiquing, supporting the local ski show, and of course just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with family!

You leave behind your day to day life to get away and enjoy nature and the people that really matter. The setting is casual and laid back... not too much to stress over!

Here are some pictures I found that help you to visualize what I am talking about. As well as some nice rustic interiors to prove that rustic can be beautiful, when done in the right setting.

Later this week I will be posting some great home furnishings and accessories to add a little up north lake appeal to your home, as well as some more inspiring pictures!

images mostly from country living and house beautiful

If you do not have your own place by the lake, you can always plan a fun summer vacation to one! Trust me you will enjoy it!

todays picnic

So today, my 4 year old decided he wanted to go for a picnic! He must of heard it at school or maybe on the TV, I am really not sure? All he knew was, he needed a blanket and lot of different foods(his words!) So I suggested that we have it conveniently on the screen porch. I had him set up the blankets (yes..he insisted on multiple, one was not enough) while I whipped up some pan fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches inside! Yummm! I found the recipe in my Dean Brothers cookbook and had to make them.

take 2 Tbls of sugar and 1-1/2 Tbls of cinnamon, mix together in a small bowl.

Make the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as usual but butter the outside of the bread like you would for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Sprinkle the buttered sides with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Fry on a skillet until golden brown. Enjoy!

Mother's Day

picture from unknown

Mother's day has come again, a day where many Mother's are shown love and appreciation from all the loved ones in their life. But I think it is also a day for mother's, to slow down and reflect on how lucky and blessed they are to have such an important role in someones life.

Farmers Market Baskets

These bone china farmers market baskets from "Jayson Home and Garden" are the most stylish summer accessory for any home! They somehow bring to mind, breezy summer days picking fresh berries along side a secluded country road.

I think they add character and a little whimsy to any kitchen, whether your style is modern, traditional, or maybe even a little country!

go to jaysonhomeandgarden.com

images from jayson home and garden

enjoy the weekend!

from unknown

in the mood for some entertaining....

So I feel in the mood to entertain. Martha shows this codfish cooked in herbs, wine, and lemon which is complimented by potatoes drizzled with malt vinegar- a lighter variation on the British tradition of fish and chips. Anybody up for fish? go to marthastewart.com for this recipe, or browse through the many others that look just as appealing!

Cinco de Mayo

and here are some pieces available for your own home....
Lillesand bed frame $249.00 from ikea.comMexican Otomi bedspreads $325.00 from laviva-home.com

Red Linnarp bookcase $249.00 from ikea.com (you can add the glass doors for an add. $100)

European chair $599.00 from wisteria.com

vintage floral pillow cover $29.00-$39.00 from potterybarn.com

Handcarved vintage column lamp $299.00 from wisteria.com

Spanish inspired ceramic tapas dish ware (comes in blue or green) $39.00 from wisteria.com

I would suggest hanging the plates on the wall for a little charm!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

for today