Parisian by Lonny

A few years ago, I went to Paris and fell in love. If it weren't for Family & Friends, I'd pack up my bags and move there in a heart beat. The Parisians have a certain style about them and they pull it off with ease. This French inspired home in the latest issue of Lonny does just that as well.

{any day is a good day if it starts here}

{and then ventures here ... this closet is really something special}

{pretty little details}

Au Revior!

Better Late Than Never

After Christmas I was meaning to share one of my favorite gifts, but never did. My parents gave me this sweet ring holder by Vera Wang for Wedgewood along with a few words of wisdom "when you take it off, always put it in the same spot"! That won't be a problem now that I have some new crystal for my bedside table ...

Besides my engagement ring, the only other jewelry that I keep here is my Grandma's diamond cocktail ring. My Mom gave it to me for my 21st birthday and it truly is something special. To be shared another time as it deserves its own post ...

I'm moving in ...

" I love finding beauty in the imperfect. To me, that is what interior design should be about."

 ~Hilary Thomas

In the Jan/Feb issue of Lonny, interior designer Hilary Thomas, helps Lucky's West Coast Director, Marlien Rentmeester, design her new home into something fabulous. Her style is eclectic and she loves marrying modern and vintage. I'm head over heels with the home she designed for Marlien. Every room is interesting, fun and a conversation starter and I'm ready to pack my bags and move-in.

{the chandlier is so unique ... what a find}

{love the brass etagere}

{an unexpected combination of leopard carpet and preppy bedding ... I'll stay here}

As someone who has an aversion to 5-piece furniture sets or making their home look like it is straight from the pages of Pottery Barn, I think this place is perfection. The home is filled with gorgeous, vibrant fabrics, little treasures and interesting lines. When you walk through the doors, you know that a place like this is uniquely yours.

Shrimp Scampi a la Ina!

Ina Garten, you are my hero. Last week, I wanted to make shrimp scampi for dinner. I was heading to the grocery store in a few minutes and instead of pulling together my own recipe, I quickly wrote down the ingredients for the Barefoot Contessa's Linguine with Shrimp Scampi. Happy I did. It was fast, delicious and had me wanting more.

{not my image ... but you get the point}

To make it, you'll need:

• 3/4 lb. linguine
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 1b. of shrimp (approx. 16), peeled and deveined
• Sea salt & fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 lemon zested
• 1/4 of a lemon cut into thin rounds
• 1/3 cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
• Hot red pepper flakes

Directions:

• Begin making pasta per the directions on the bag
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan and combine with the olive oil
• Add the garlic to the pan and cook for one minute. Be careful - garlic is easy to burn!
• Add the shrimp and desired salt & pepper and cook for 5 minutes until pink
• Remove from heat and toss with parsley, lemon ingredients and red pepper flakes
• Pour over linguine and voila; shrimp scampi for three is done!

I can't complain about this recipe. To make it my own, I might add some shallots and a splash of dry white wine next time. But it is pretty darn close to perfection as is...

Image Source

It's in the Bag

Christine of Bijou & Boheme has been featuring clutch designer Cory Renee on her blog lately. The bags caught my attention and I finally checked out Cory's Etsy Shop. I had no idea they were so affordable at $35-50 for each handmade piece. I've clipped a few of my favorites. I love that she pays just as much detail to the lining as she does the outside of the clutch.

They are pretty fabulous and would make amazing gifts for bridesmaids, friends and Mother's Day! Happy shopping!

Inspiration from Ms. Limestone: Mail Center

I loved all of the blog recaps that came with the end of the year. Lots of bloggers posted their best projects and most popular posts. If you don't read Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone, you should. Ms. Limestone showcases some amazing and simple DIY projects. After reading Best of Brooklyn Limestone 2010 last week, I instantly fell in love with her DIY Mail Center. Isn't it sweet?

She began by painting thrift store and Target frames white.

Attached radiator grill with Epoxy and secured clips.

And finally placed the three adorable frames over an antique entrance table.

I must have it! It looks simple and chic. Quite frankly, I'm a little obsessed with radiator grill now and it will definitely be making its way into the Urban Cottage ...

Do you have any favorite inspiration projects that you are looking to tackle in 2011? 

A Chair Crush ...

Another great Etsy find - this sweet, little library chair. The fabric is ruffled and pink and the shape divine. Not too mention it's pseudo local. The vendor, Reclaim the Throne, is based out of Peoria, Illinois!

Go to their Etsy shop and check out the dozen or so occasional chairs that are up for sale. I think they are something special!