Mermaid Love

 A very big Happy Birthday wish to a sweet friend, who loves the sea!

 

Celebrating a Surprise Birthday at Mountain Mermaid.

Nautical in Nantucket

 This quaint looking Nantucket cottage is exactly what you would expect to see on the outside, but  when it started showing signs of age it  was time for a face lift. Designer, Kathleen Hay gave this cottage a new life. with nautical  influences  through out the house.

Simple and quaint on the outside

Modern  yet welcoming on the inside.

Teak floors glisten.

The railing mimics a boat ladder.

The bathroom is very similar to a head on a boat. Small stainless basin. Sleek nickel fixtures and a port hole mirror complete this bathroom.

Great mirror!

images: New England Home Magazine.

Cool Blue

 World Market and West Elm are right on track for the late Summer and early Fall preview, according to Pantone, featuring Indigo Blue, and  Quarry Blue., which is great, Blue is never out of style and is always welcoming  in a coastal or beach home. These are the things I am really loving from the two collections. 

West Elm

Have a great  Sunday!!

Moonlighting

Inside  our homes we have specific lights that perform specific tasks, such decorative, ambient, task and accent. Each room in your home should have one of each of these. The outside of our home is no exception. We need porch lighting and walkway lighting to see, but what most of us don't do is showcase and illuminate beautiful areas outside of our home.A beautiful tree or fountain or even our pool's takes on a whole different look when beautiful light is cast upon it.
Illuminating specific areas outside of your home create a mood and add drama, much like the lighting inside your home.. .Moonlighting Landscape Lighting Systems based out of Charleston SC, does just this. Known for their work locally, on estates and luxury homes,many projects have been done in the Caribbean. Outdoor lighting such as this, does not come cheap as it is is a luxury and not a necessity.The end result is oh so worth it. if you can afford it. The curb appeal factor is huge ,it looks elegant and you never get a 2nd chance to make a first impression right? Here are some  examples of Moonlighting's beautiful work. 'BTW my son is project manager and a designer for the firm.

Vichyssoise: A summer Soup

 When the heat index is in the triple digits outside, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven and cook or, have my husband cook on the grill, so we have been having cool meals the last few weeks. Nothing hot really sounds good. There are several  cold soups for Summer, but one of my favorites is Vichyssoise.Weather you believe this was invented by the French or as some believe the Ritz Carlton in NYC this is a wonderful summertime soup. It is quick and easy and is delicious. I like to add shrimp to mine, but you don't have to . Serve with a salad and French bread, a glass of Chardonnay and you have a light  and cool Summertime meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes (waxy variety), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium leeks (about 3 pounds), washed very well and sliced very thin, use white part only
• 1/2 pound of  white shrimp { optional }
• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 4 cups chicken broth, water, or milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives, for garnish

Prep

Makes 6 servings. To a large pot over medium-low heat add the butter. When melted, add the leeks and gently sweat (you don't want them to brown) until they are soft (about 5 minutes). Add the potatoes and chicken broth, water, or milk. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Simmer until potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Add the mixture to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Do this in small batches (no more than half full) as the hot soup creates pressure and can spray out.
Return the soup to the pot and whisk in the cream. Stirring all the time, bring the soup to a boil and immediately turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes and remove from heat. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth.
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Cool quickly to room temperature, cover with plastic, then refrigerate until chilled (preferably overnight).
Just before serving, sprinkle chives over the top.

Bikini Point

 NY Based Designer, Meg Braff's lake house  has been fondly  dubbed "Bikini Point". It has been in the family for three generations. Southern Living Magazine recently shared these images of her  1960's Mississippi Lake house.  Comfortable and welcoming, with an understated chicness make this  a perfect lakehouse.

                                                           This sign is so darn cute.

This room is great! Open and airy and  original tile brick floor was brought back to life.

Meg painted the grass cloth wall covering Blue, to add more weight and texture to the room.

The bookcase and window casings  were also painted blue  to blend in and create a cohesive look.

A great blend of the traditional and transitional with an island feel.Great lanterns on the mantel.

I am not normally a fan of floral, but I love this room. It is so bright and cheery!

If you have your own" Bikini Point" I would love to see it!