I Want This Runway In My Closet!!!

Marianne Dress (to diiieeee for!!!!)

If any of you out there have been keeping tabs on Bravo's Project Runway, then you'll know who won it! Leanne was my favorite!!!! I'm so happy for her!! And although I wasn't one for watching the show religiously, or even from the beginning, but I will admit to catching the last few! (the night of the finale consisted of a run for dumplings for dinner on the sofa with my roommate Kim in preparation!!)
Today, I came upon her Itsy shop, Leanimal!! Only to find that I was kicking myself in not finding it earlier and snapping up some of the most gorgeous clothes I have ever seen!!!!! I cannot wait to see what she has next! Everything in her shop is totally sold out (not shocking!!) but I will be keeping my ears to the ground as to when new goodies are created and for sale!! No doubt, they will fly out in seconds flat!
So here I have posted some of my absolute favorites!!! I could have just kept adding more and more and more of her clothes, like the Custom Maxine dress, the Eva dress, the Veronica Dress, the Josefina dress, the Mylena dress..and on!!!! BUT!! I just adddooorrreee the Marianne dress above, and I swear I would pay any amount of money to have this in my wardrobe!!!! Please Leanne, could you make another for me?!!! Pleaassee???!!


Ashley Tunic..beautiful!!


Adeline Dress..classic sharp white!


Max Dress..oh my heavens above - I lovveee this dress!!



Monica Jacket...this is a gorgeous beauty!


Helena Dress...I just love the detail in this!

Techno-illogical....

Sometimes I hate these darn electronic things that everyone's life seems to revolve around.

People are too busy staring at their little gadgets with their new "convenient" applications, that they forget to look at the world around them, or even the people.

And now we live in a world where IMing, texting, emailing, and a zillion phone calls to the person you just saw two minutes ago, has become a normal and common place occurrence. In a world where the English language is now suffering, where people find it harder to converse with a person standing right in front of them, where all too many relationships are born through a simple text message, and all too many are broken through it too. But can we really love or know anyone through such a contact? Where people now hide behind their 'safe' little gadgets, telling the reader what they want to hear, while perhaps the truth is hidden? And all we are left to trust are little black and white words which can so easily be misinterpreted?

So I ask, in having this wondrous "convenience" what are we giving up in return for it? Aren't we loosing the joy in human contact and conversation? How to enjoy another person without the confusion of an electronic device?!

Now, I am fully aware of the joys of such a thing also - most of my family lives in England, along with many of my friends, so where would I be without my cell or email? How could I tell my family and friends I miss or love them the instant I think it?

I think somewhere around here we've also forgotten the joys of snail mail - which by the way I adore! But perhaps I too, have become too involved in the instant gratification of texting, email and phone calls.

Perhaps I should pull out a pen and paper more often anyways. After all, who doesn't love a beautifully handwritten and personalized letter?

Perfect Pink!!

a pink crayon....at my front door!

Do you ever hear a song, that you haven't heard in a while, and then you can't get it out of your head? In fact, you keep humming it, keep replaying it, and turn it wayyy up while you dance around your apartment and sing your heart out?! Yes, yes, thats me! Its one of those lovely little things that we do when no one else is looking! 

So this weekend I've certainly had one of those moments - and yes, occasionally on repeat! Oscar is hilarious when I, how shall I put it..."rock out"!! Haha!! He goes nuts too, jumping all around the apartment, playing with all of his toys at once! He is particularly fond of Guns n Roses!! However, this time it's Aerosmith, and their song "Pink", which I have found I completely adore! The video is a little odd, but I love the lyrics, and I've posted the youtube link below for your listening pleasure!

The funny thing is, on Saturday, when I was walking into my apartment building, what should I find right in front of the door? Strangely enough...a bright pink crayon!!! I couldn't believe it! (you have to listen to the song lyrics!) Of course, I had to pick it up, and I took a photo of it (above) on my most beloved oyster shell side table.

I always find it so funny when things like that happen...

So here I have not only posted Aerosmith, but also a ton of images, photography and interiors, all of which are gloriously pink! I enjoyed picking them out (while listening to the song of course!) so I hope you enjoy them too!

Pink isn't just for Barbie, or what some people call 'girly girls' but truly, it is a gorgeously feminine color, and can be so classy, stunning and so perfectly beautiful. I love it!!

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chair by sweetpeaandwillow.com

house beautiful

antique pink glass

tulip farm!

vroom vroom!!

I just adore this sofa! and love the wall treatment too!

To the West!

As you may have noticed, I do like to do a bit of real estate searching! But today, I decided to do it a little closer to home - NYC! Like most who live here, New York is a love hate relationship, especially when it comes to apartment/home hunting! It's a dog eat dog world...ahem, city! Move fast, or your perfect deal will be someone else's cozy abode!

My first apartment here was a studio, on 8th Street and 6th Avenue, rent stabilized, bright, big windows, located at the back of the building (so nice and quiet!), a separate kitchen, a fireplace (beautiful but didn't work as one!) and a fire escape which I could get out onto through the kitchen window. Also the apartment below extended out further than mine, so I essentially had a deck too, even though it wasn't finished like one! I was there for a year and a half before it was time for me to move again. But like most places the memories are a mix of good and bad, It was the first place I had ever lived alone, It was the home I went to during my first NY experiences, In 2006 I proudly cooked Christmas dinner in it for my Family who flew over from England! And it was the home to which Oscar, as a little kitten with his big paws, (c)attitude and all, came to be with me!

Still, my apartment now I just adore! And somehow I've always been pretty lucky with landlords etc, ups and downs of course, but nowhere near as bad as some of the horror stories I've heard! Thankfully!!!

But while I was signing the papers for my studio those few years ago, I watched the keys leave the office four times with other brokers in the company, ready to show off my hopefully new home to other home hunters - and as a nyc apartment newbie, well, you might be able to understand my stress!! My broker, was and is, wonderful! He helped me out in so many ways, and now tells me how funny I looked so panicked over the process and the keys! Of course, now I can laugh with him on looking back, but at the time!! Well! It was not fun!! 

I guess my advice to anyone about to rent in nyc, if you like it, get it. If you wait, someone else will. On the bright side though, the apartment turn over is so high, that you're bound to find something else quickly enough. I got my apartment in the first four days of being in the city!

One of the great things about NYC is that in each area there's always a different feel. And after being here a while and experiencing them all, you get a feel of what suits and appeals to you the most. I love where I am now, but I've always liked the look and idea of the tree lined streets of the West Village, with it's old brick buildings, tiled entryways and big stoops.

But one thing that turns me off the area are it's tiny apartments!! The West Village is notorious for it's small spaces, where if you see the words "cute" or "cosy" advertised, well - think "tiny" instead and you'd be onto something.... Having said all of that, with the age of most of the buildings it makes up for it with pure charm! You can stumble upon some gorgeous little havens... and it's also a hot spot for the rent stabilized if you're lucky enough to catch one... Once the turn over of the tenants allows the landlord to hit you up for $2000 a month, then it's a free for all on how much he can increase it thereafter. Hence the rarity of them, and also how some people in the Village still only have to pay $300 a month (How nice that would be!!), they were smart and stayed put...clearly for a long time now!!

So, first off, I would like to introduce a rent stabilized little gem! Through the joys of craigslist! Here is a classic little West Village apartment, except this one is extra special because the kitchen and the bathroom have been recently renovated and are brand new... This darling is a total deal for the price ($1695) and location. If I was looking, well, I'd be on this one before you could say "mine"! There is just one little catch..... please take note of the floor plan and it's dimensions below. If you think "bed" and then "closet" well, you'll see my point. Still, there is such a thing as a sofa bed right?! Nonetheless, a West Village renters dream it is, and I'd put money on this darling only being on the market for about half a day tops... but in case I'm wrong - here's the craiglist link!

And now.... to buy, or not to buy?... That's the question!

In reality, this stunning and amazing little West Village home is out of my pocket and running down the street, but definitely much more to my liking!!! (of course!!!!!)

On the market for a cool few million, you can see why...  Its bigger, brighter, it has a totally charming spiral staircase, and a gorgeous patio and a I'm-so-jealous-of-you outdoor space!!! This is two floors of a beautifully finished stylish Village treasure, with not one, but two fireplaces! And with a super rarity - that is, in the renting world!! - windows in the front and back! I just love it! Here's the real estate listing link, so you can drool over it yourself!!

To Quit....

Dear Family, Friends, Readers, and the World....I have an announcement to make.

I'm going to quit smoking.

Gasp!! Yes, me - quit! I have been smoking now for ten (oh my gosh really?!) years...even though I think I've been saying that for the last two years at least....

This won't be easy, but finally, I think I'm ready. Finally, I actually want to.

I've weakly attempted cold turkey twice before, two years in a row, each only lasting two months. Back then, I didn't really want to, and did it for reasons like - my boyfriend at the time wanted me to - which by the way never works!!

This time, It's for me. I'm single and just turned another year older, and it's high time. The way I look at it is that one day I'm going to quit anyways, so now, doing it for me, my life, and my future, is a better and more honest way than if I were in a position where I had to quit.

Now you non smokers out there might frown at me for what I'm going to say, or not even understand, but maybe the smokers, or ex smokers out there might get a hint of what I'm getting at.....

Ten years is a darn long time. So many memories fill up that time that you could write a book about it....I'm sure we'd all agree on that! Now over the past ten years in my life, I've had a buddy next to me, a friend to help me through the tears, the fights, the ups, the downs, and some seriously stressful moments! Been there for me when I needed a break, been there when I've cried over loss, love and pain, been there when I've been at my most happy and brightest, been there when I've met new people, been there with friends, been there when I've watched the first snow of winter, leaves fall in autumn, flowers bloom in spring, and sun shine in summer.... every single time, for ten whole years.

But it's time to say goodbye. I will miss our moments, my dear friend, but it's time to make some without you....

I know smoking is psychological, and I know my life will have to make some changes to accommodate my non-smoking-ness! And for sure, this will NOT be easy.

So I've been taking some time to think about my patterns of smoking, and so I've come up with a game plan.

First off, I know me. Cold Turkey won't work.

Second, I've already started cutting out those useless cigarettes I have that I don't need (or even sometimes don't want). This has been since my birthday.

Third, as of next week, I'm going to only carry a limited number of cigarettes with me, which will be five cigarettes. This means that I will physically not be allowed to slip up on my allocated amount, therefore, if I smoke them all before 2pm, thats it! Scary thought...so I'll behave! Ha!

Fourth, I will continue this five a day, until I feel comfortable with it, where it becomes normal. This shouldn't take long - I'm almost there!

Fifth, we'll cut out more, drop to three a day perhaps....and so on....

Maybe by the new year I'll be smoke free!

One of the things about my smoking is the sentimental value I have of my brand (especially this one - I was a Marlboro light girl for most of my ten years!). And just like most smokers, we have our likes and dislikes about each brand, I fell in love with Nat Sherman's New York Cut Lights. In Soho there are only two corner stores that sell these - which is another part of my problem - they know me in there, it's like visiting a friend! I never have to ask, they know what I want! Even on my birthday they gave me a lollipop!!!!!!

So the first thing to go is that - I have to detach myself from any extra outside influences and sentimental value. I have exactly 18 cigarettes left in my last NY Cut pack.....

And they are to be replaced with a brand just as additive free, but lower in nicotine (to help me quit!). All ready for step three of the game plan.....

Okay, well, so here goes...... wish me luck......

And by the way, I was never as bad as the guy in the picture above!! Ha!!!

Heaven!!!!!!

I am in love with Brooke Giannetti's Interior Design!! Her interiors incorporate her love of antiques, beautiful fabrics, and classic design infused with a bit of whimsy. She has amazing attention to detail and sense of style. In her projects, her desire is to touch the emotions, which she does oh-so very well!
She also has the blog Velvet & Linen. Frequently she collaborates on architectural projects with her husband Steve Giannetti, to provide their clients with the full scope of architectural, interior design and landscape services. Together they have created Detailio to help their clients with the design process.

My absolute favorite design of Brooke's must be her Oxnard Interiors. I just love this clean, warm, cosy and fresh white white white!! I could move into this house immediately and be in heaven! I adore the antiques, flea market finds, little details, color palette, natural wood, touches of luxury, wood burning fire, natural light and the warm glow of lamps...I just love it all!

From the talented lady herself, "Our goal on this project was to crate a home that would evoke the calming emotional response. We created a neutral background by painting all of the wood white and plastering over the dated lava rock fireplace. We kept the rest of the color palette neutral, using creams and light greys and a few blue accents. Then we filled the house with things that created the same calming emotional feeling for us: old French shutters, a great baroque Italian artifact over the bed, vintage wicker, Swedish and English bamboo furniture. All were a little worn and faded with age, most of the items were purchased at local flea markets and antique shops."

Well, I do have an extreme soft spot for antique and flea market finds! And I love how this interior isn't pretentious or immaculate, the worn, loved, and warm feeling melts my heart. I love the air of femininity to it too, but it's not so strong that a family wouldn't be happy here too!

So, I think I've gushed over this enough....when can I move in?!


This living room (and the top & below image) is my absolute favorite room, without a doubt, I love everything about this!! It's classic and fresh, elegant and cosy...it's a dream come true!!




An antique Swedish Table with a French chair.


The breakfast room...yes, I can definitely see myself enjoying a coffee or two here!


The perfect kitchen breakfast bar. I love these stools, and I am such a sucker for old antique kitchen tins, scales, bowls etc.!


Yes, the perfect kitchen! I love the open cupboard doors, and I can just see myself making fresh pastry in this kitchen! Oh! Heaven!!


Light and bright dining!


A beautiful chaise for the bedroom (one day I'll have one of these!! I swear!)


And last but not least! Although this is the 'dressing area' it inspired me as a study, or more to the point, my painting room!! It's bright and clean, perfect to paint in, blog in, and for all of my inspirations to run wild!! (I swear one day I'll have a room like this too!!)