Stairway to Heaven

This spring, we started making a few subtle updates to our house.  We are now at a point where we have to decide what's next.  While I am currently obsessed with painting our kitchen cabinets and adding a backsplash, I don't think we're ready for anything quite that substantial.  

One thing I have really been considering is adding a pop of color on our staircase.  I saw this picture and fell in love with the idea.

From the hombre to the color to the cute little puppy, I LOVE this look.  

The only thing I worry about is that our staircase is made of barge board.  It was the wood used in making ships that would bring goods down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.  When the ships got here, they would take them apart and use them for construction.  It is beautiful and old, and I worry about ruining it with a coat of paint.  But, there is something irresistible about that staircase!!!

What do you think?

Hello from Aspen, CO

Well hello!!  I am writing to you from the foot of Ajax Mountain.  When we left New Orleans temperatures were reaching the very high eighties and the humidity was ridiculously high.  that fact makes this trip even more of a vacation than it otherwise would have been.

 

I have such fond memories of this place.  I nannied for an amazing family who had a house here.  It was here that I first saw snow, that I first put on a pair of skies, that I first understood John Denver.  There is nothing more beautiful than Aspen in the winter other than Aspen in the summer. 

 

 

There is so much to do.  We have gone on a few hikes.  Today we plan to go to Maroon Bells to explore these two beautiful peaks. 

 

Here are a few shots of our trip so far.  Please take note that we found Jane the perfect fedora and she loves it!  That's my girl!!

 

 

 



 

 

Summer Products I Am Loving

It's official.  Summer has arrived in New Orleans.  This weekend was a hot one.  We had a few summer showers followed by the kind of steamy atmosphere a facialist would love to have.

Here are a few summer products I am loving...

Aren't these ceramic ice cream cones adorable?  They are the perfect no-drip solution!

This Milly Lobster Print Canvas Bag is perfect for the beach or a picnic.  

Wouldn't these monogrammed coasters be perfect for your porch or deck furniture for your next cookout?  

This Anne Cole Knit Tunic actually had me excited about putting on a swimsuit.  It is bright and cheery and really flattering without making you feel totally covered up!

Aren't these striped pajamas adorable?  I cannot sleep in pants, but this takes the traditional set and makes them summer weather friendly!

What summer products are you loving?

Jane's Last Day of School

Today was Jane's last day of school.  Ironically, I am more emotional about her last day than her first.  When she crawled into the pre-k one program back in November, she was just a baby.  She was a clean slate ready to take in the world as it was presented to her. Today, she ran into the arms of her teachers a little girl who has grown to love learning in a way I could have never taught her.  For that, I am truly and honestly forever grateful.  

Our Outdoor Furniture Arrived Today!!!

 In October, we turned our yard from an overgrown and dilapidated jungle into a peaceful oasis with the help of Garden Gate.  It was the beginning of the home improvement projects we decided we'd like to take on over the course of a year.  

Finally, tonight, after two and a half months of waiting, our furniture arrived!!  We ordered the Antibes collection in graphite from Restoration Hardware during a 30% off sale.  The pieces were a splurge, but they are so well made.  I love the sunbrella fabric on the cushions as well.  It is soft and cozy while still made for our muggy climate.

Cheers from our yard to yours!

A Sad and Heavy Heart

I had planned to share all of the details from our trip to NYC, but I just don't have the heart to.  I am so sad for the people of Oklahoma, like I'm sure all of you are.  To all of them, we are praying for you and thinking of you constantly.  My you find a way to find peace in the midst of such chaos.

Trendy Wednesday: Rag and Bone's Buckley Open Toe Boot for Mother's Day

As we walked along Houston last week in NYC, I stopped in my tracks when I saw these Rag and Bone booties.  They are so not my normal style, but there was something about them that I just loved.  The color is such a great neutral that'll go with black, navy, white, or denim.  And, the open toe paired with the chunky heel allows them to work with shorts and a great dress.

I think Mark saw just how much I loved them, and he made my mother's day wish come true.  I broke them in in NYC, and I have to say they have gotten lots of compliments!

What do you think?

Did you get or give a great Mom's Day gift?