by lauraadmin | Feb 13, 2018 | NOC
What’s not to love about the Valentine’s Day color palette? The colors for this holiday are happy, fun and vibrant. Also, with the right shade, EVERYONE looks good in pink!
I have been obsessed with this pink and red silk dress from Staud Clothing FOREVER!! It is simple and pretty, which is how I like my rooms 🙂 The second pantsuit is bolder with a strong silhouette. Knowing the way you dress, is important when planning out any room in your home. More than once, I have designed a room inspired by an outfit. This is also one reason I tell people “If you don’t like the way a designer dresses himself/herself, you will not like the way he/she dresses your home”.
My design interpretation of the color palette above would look something like this:
The black is a really important element in this design, as it serves to keep this room from looking overly sweet and juvenile. Mixing gold elements like the floor lamp, side table and mirrors give the room a luxe touch.
There are no shortage of pink and red elements available. These two colors (especially pink) have been hot in home decor for some time. Some decor Items I love for this color inspired room are :
Framed print, Red striped art, Poppy Art, Pink and Red swirl, Blush Art
Dot pillow, Mid Century chaise, Drapes, red pillow, geo table, red chair, pink pillow, red lamps, tulip pillow, side table, feather art, baskets
Would you ever do a room in this scheme? If you have, what was the element you feel made the biggest impact? If not, what is stopping you?
I hope you enjoyed my Valentine’s Day inspired post 🙂
Wishing you love and happiness this Valentine’s Day!
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Dec 13, 2016 | NOC
We are about two weeks past the banal remarks of “can you believe the holidays are right around the corner?” and all its variations. At this point, the corner is turned. Since it is EXACTLY 12 days from Christmas (and 11 from Hanukkah), I decided to put together a list of 12 gifts that are fun and unique, but universal at the same time.
The best gifts are thoughtful, beautiful and practical (in that order). With the abundance of holiday party invitations, gifting alcohol is always an appropriate gift. Below, are some of my favorite host/hostess gifts.
The first three, are gifts that I have given many times and are among my favorite; the fur wine collar is my absolute favorite. The collar and wine bag are under $10 and the wine purse is around $15.
The stemware reminds me of fizzy champagne bubbles swirling around the bottom of the glass. These glasses come in a set of four and are on sale for $45.
I love, love, love the whiskey rocks. For your “neat” friends, this is a great gift.
The jigger is as fun to say as it is to give. The one below is really elegant looking, and while the first three items on my list are decidedly feminine, this gift is more gender neutral.
Wine Collar, Wine Bag, Wine Purse, Stemware, Whiskey Rocks, Jigger
For those in need of a gift for a travel-loving friend or coworker, below are some great options. The passport holder is beautiful, shiny and easy to find in one’s travel bag. The luggage scale is a brilliant and practical gift! I can attest to the nightmare of shuffling belongings from one bag to another because my luggage is too heavy. After completely ransacking one’s luggage, another travel nightmare is getting to one’s destination and having to wait for a taxi in the rain. This poncho is super cute with its leopard print lining and folds up very compactly when done. The poncho style provides stylish, hands free rain protection. These two gifts are the ones you didn’t think you needed, but are immensely happy to have when you do. The last gift is for the traveler who likes to start his or her vacation the moment he or she sits on the plane. The Airplane Cocktail Kit is everything you need to fix a Moscow Mule with all of its ingredients being 3 ounces or less. Traveling with kids? No problem, pack two 😉
Passport Holder, Luggage Scale, Convertible Poncho, Airplane Cocktail Kit
The criteria of thoughtful, beautiful and practical is of utmost importance when choosing teacher gifts. These saints do things that most of us do not have the patience nor energy to do, day after day after day. The key is attaching a sincere and heartfelt message along with your gift. Gift cards are always appreciated, yet they are the least memorable. Why not pair it with something thematic that conveys your appreciation. Organization is paramount in this profession. A beautiful planner is a nice touch alongside a gift card (maybe to The Container Store). A cozy hat and scarf set with a note that reads “Looking to give back to you some of the warmth you share with our children all year round” might be a nice sentiment. Caffeine is usually the fuel of choice for most teachers. This striped travel mug filled with chocolate and a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card would be nice. A note that reads “Wishing you a ‘latte’ of joy and love this holiday season” would be cute.
planner, Knit Hat and Scarf Set, Travel Mug
A big gold star to those of you that noticed that there are 13 gifts listed here. Because there is ALWAYS someone (mailman, garbage man, dog groomer, stylist) that we forget to get a gift for, buying an extra gift is always a good idea.
I hope this was helpful in giving you some fun and unique options for gifts this year.
Wishing you a wonderful, happy, healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate!
xo
Laurie
by lauraadmin | May 7, 2016 | NOC
My absolute favorite quote on Motherhood is by Elizabeth Stone. She writes, “Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside of your body”. It wasn’t until I became a Mother that I truly realized how both powerful and powerless I am. The depths and range of emotions that one feels after becoming a Mother is immeasurable. It heightens all senses to superpower levels. We see, taste and feel things more than ever before. We develop eyes in the back of our heads, for God’s sake!!
Although Motherhood doesn’t define us, it is undeniable that it becomes a part of ourselves that resides so deep that it can never cease to exist and which all acts of love flow from. Mother’s Day is a day to honor and celebrate that part of ourselves, as well as the women in our lives that helped shape us as Mothers.
Here are a few great gifts for Mom to show her how much you love her and to add a little style to her life 🙂
Jo Malone Room Diffuser, Rosanna porcelain and gold mug, Kate Spade jewelry box
Kate Spade throw, Hampton Street vase, One In a Million necklace
Wishing all Moms a chic and Happy Mother’s Day!
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Dec 13, 2015 | NOC
There are 11 more shopping days until Christmas!!! Although it is supposed to be a joyous time, we often wind up feeling stressed and cranky.
I curated a collection of gifts for your co-worker or boss, girlfriend or hostess and your boyfriend or husband. Also, since I know you have been VERY good this year, there are a few gifts from Santa just for you (the gold slippers from J Crew are amazing!!)
What gifts are you giving this season? What gift are you hoping to get?
Happy Shopping!!
xo Laurie
