Fireside Chic - 7 Ways to Up The Cozy Factor

With Hurricane Joaquin looming large, the whole Northeast seemed ready to batten down the hatches and prepare for Sandy part duex.  Translation:  Everyone headed to the grocer to load up on bread, eggs, milk and pinot noir - myself included.  Thankfully the storm headed out to sea, and we were pleasantly surprised with a sunny Sunday.  And while the day was beautifully crisp, the evening is definitely feeling like fall.  These sort of evenings have me craving a fireplace - cozy with a hand-crocheted throw, a good book and a cup of tea.  Alas no crackling fireplaces yet, but these fireside accessories definitely give the feel, if not the warmth, of the real thing. 

1. Perfect for non-working and working fireplaces alike, this screen is elegant and rustic.

2. No fireplace, no problem with this gorgeous candelabra.  

3. In keeping with the scroll-work theme, this set of fireplace tools is both functional and beautiful. 

4. An often overlooked tool, a candle snuffer expertly puts out the flame, but allows the intended scent (aka not the -just-blew-out-birthday-candles scent) to linger.  This gold duo is completely dreamy.

5.  This candle, aptly named "Library" gives instant coziness.

6. Throws are mandatory for any fireside experience, and when it comes to throws, the chunkier, the better.  These are oversize and handmade in NY.  

7.  Perfect for storing aforementioned throws, or logs, magazines, etc., this woven basket features a unique shape and organic feel.

-MC-

5 Lust-Worthy Hostess Gifts to Ensure You Get Invited Back

August is here (can you believe it?!) and it's time to squeeze every last bit of summer left.  Insist that every meal be eat outside, order one more glass (ok, two) of rose, and extend that weekend an extra day.  And while summer may be winding down, giving the perfect hostess gift is always in season.  These gorgeous gifts not only show gratitude but are sure to score you an invite to the next wave of festivities come fall.  

1. Flowers are always a winner and you can never have enough roses.  This Landeau bouquet is available in a variety of hues to match her style.  

2.  What better way to say "Cheers" to summer than these anchor ice trays?!

3. Ideal for the home chef, this recipe journal is as practical as it is beautiful.  

4. The perfect little something to accompany the traditional bottle of bubbly.

5.  Candles can be tricky, but if you know your hostess well enough to be able to sniff out her style, they are a truly thoughtful gift.  Every time she lights it, she'll be reminded of you!  Le Feu De L'eau Candles are shaped by water and couldn't be more decadent.  Extra points if accompanied by these gorgeous Apothecary Matches.  

What's your favorite hostess gift to give or receive?

-MC-

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Friday Finds

TGIF! Here are a few finds that I've been loving this week:

- Girl crush confession - I'm a bit enamored by women who seem to have it completely together.  I'm talking about the women who have run 5 miles, in flawless sportswear, cooked an amazing breakfast, pulled together Instaworthy lunches in their spotless kitchens all by the time you've had to wake up and drink an espresso.  This amazing piece in Business Insider sheds some light on how some people seem to get more done.  

- As an HGTV enthusiast, I love the idea of scoping out secret gems at flea markets, but in reality I'm often overwhelmed.  Check this out for how to best upcycle those vintage finds. 

- Speaking of vintage, these retro kitchens were ahead of their time.

 - It's never to early to think about adding staple clothing to your wardrobe.  This jacket is incredible. 

- Adding a scarf is an easy way to infuse extra oomph to a simple outfit.  This easy-to-follow gif breaks down the looks. I'm obsessed with the bow-tie for work and the head wrap for weekends. 

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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Laundry Luxe - 5 Dreamy Laundry Rooms

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Busy weekends hiking and beaching mean a week of playing laundry catch-up. And while mountains for laundry definitely isn't pretty, laundry rooms certainly can be.  White and gleaming with a place for everything, these laundry rooms are totally and utterly lust-worthy, especially while you're waiting for that last batch to finish the spin cycle.

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Apartment living isn't always (ever?) conducive to a glamorous laundry room, but you can infuse a little luxury into your laundry routine with these squeaky clean accessories:

-MC-

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Finer Design Details: Shiplap

As we delve further and further into our house hunt, I'm dreaming of decor...big time.  And while I'm still defining my style, one thing is for sure, there will be shiplap in my future.  Shiplap is a type of board most commonly used in outdoor buildings thanks to it's ability to form a tight seal against the elements.  However, when added to the interior of a space, it instantly gives it a polished, yet informal feel that I can't resist.  It's a bit coastal, bit farmhouse and 100% chic.  Here are a few shots that are inspiring me:

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-MC-

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Palm Springs

Maybe I've watched one too many episodes of The Golden Girls, but I have a serious soft spot for the Palm Frond Print.  Fun and sunny with just the right amount of whimsy, this poppy print adds a certain wink to otherwise streamlined basics.  

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-MC-

Farmhouse Fresh

I wouldn't ever say that my style is country, Southern belle, sure, but never country.  When I think country, I envision barnyard animals and kitch, but lately I've been having a major fixation with farmhouse style (probably because I've been binge-watch the show I mentioned here), especially in the kitchen.  White, glass-paned cabinets, shiplap everything and the shining glory of a farmhouse kitchen, big farmhouse sinks.  Literally cannot. get. enough.  And since my apartment has a stainless steel number, I'll continue dreaming of these beauties:

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-MC-

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Friday Finds

TGIF!  Here is what I've been loving this week:

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- This is probably the most gorgeous dessert.   It's basically Spring in sugar-citrus form.

-I've loved Jamie King since forever, and after reading this, the girl crush is stronger than ever. 

-This spread was total eye candy. 

- Michael Kors ads are always dreamy, but these might be the best to-date.  You can view the complete Spring Collection here; I want basically everything. 

- I begrudgingly watched this show and am now entirely addicted. The before and afters are incredible!

-MC-

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Kitchen Essentials

I was recently reading this and it got me thinking, what are my favorite kitchen accessories?  Here are 10 kitchen accessories I can't live without:

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KitchenAid Mixer - Honestly, how do people bake without this?  Available in a rainbow of colors with an array of attachments these mixers can do anything.

KitchenAid Pasta Attachment - I love fresh pasta, but the idea of making it was a little overwhelming.  Enter this wonder!  The three attachments let you effortlessly create angel hair, fettuccine, and sheets for lasagna, ravioli and more.  Obsessed.

Marble Rolling Pin - Another baking must-have.  The cool marble keeps dough from sticking too much, and the handles rotate on their own for easy use.  Plus I love how beautiful the natural marble is on the counter top.

Cuisinart Food Processor - A serious game-changer.  Sure, I don't mind chopping an onion from time to time, but this does the job more precise and about a million times faster.  Plus you can use it to grate cheese (hate that job!), make dough and even pull together quick dips and sauces.  (I use it for pesto constantly.)

OXO Food Containers - I'm a bit obsessed with these.  I put everything in theme - rice, pasta, cereal, coffee, sugar, flour, the list goes on.  The pop tops lock in moisture and are easy to stack inside the cabinet. 

Krups Coffee & Espresso Maker - As dedicated espresso drinkers, we use this gem daily, and I love the coffee pot option for company.

Nutrabullet - I was hot on the juicing-trend for a while, but then I read mixed messages about the real health benefits, not to mention the clean up.  We opted for the Nutrabullet since it's the best of both worlds - you're creating smoothies rather than just juices so you get the essential fiber, but the consistency is smooth and easy to drink.

Mini Food Grater - I use this cute little gadget all the time.  It's perfect for zesting, and I'm a huge zesting advocate.  I'd also imagine it would be great for creating perfect curls for chocolate...

Pizza Stone - We really like to make homemade pizza (this week was all about pepperoni and artichoke hearts with fra diavolo sauce), and pizza stones really do make a difference.  Since we can't seem to master the perfectly round pie, rectangular ones are a better fit.

Immersion Blender - This winter, we've been on a serious soup kick.  Oftentimes a recipe will ask that you blend a portion to give texture.  An immersion blender does the job of a traditional blender without the mess or the fear or spilling piping hot liquid - win-win.  

What are your favorites?

-MC-

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Sleeping Beauty

According to a recent article by the National Sleep Foundation, the key to achieving a great night's sleep is a relaxing atmosphere.  Here are a few ways to ensure your bedroom is positively dreamy:

1.  Soothing Hues.  Stick to a relaxing color palette.  Check on these for inspiration.

2. Reduce Noise.  We've struggled with a noisy neighbor for a while now, and a noise machine has literally been a life-saver.  Look for one that offers continuous play as well as a variety of sound options.  (White noise is an all-time fave.)   

3. Dim the lights.  The National Sleep Foundations recommends lowering the lights about an hour before bed to prep your body for sleep.  Look for lights with dimmer switches, opt blackout shades and try to limit, or if possible omit, the blue lights from cell phones.  Instead of using your iphone for your alarm, try a traditional clock which is as beautiful as it is functional.  Plus you won't be as tempted to check Instagram, again.  

4. and 5.  Bedding Matters.  Invest in a quality bedding, and not just a mattress and pillows, but linens too.  Is there anything better than crawling into bed with fresh, crisp sheets?  Here is your excuse to purchase those bedding sprays or room diffusers.  Look for soothing scents like lavender or chamomile and steer clear of energizing citrus (save those for the rest of the house).

6.  Cool It.  While it can be tempting to crank up the heat during the winter, you sleep better in a cool environment.  Lower the thermostat to approximately 67 degrees for optimal sleeping conditions.

Sweet Dreams!

-MC-

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