Colonial-style living room

Earth tones in shades of moss or sand have a natural, soothing effect.

Purple living room with chaise

Intense shade of purple, such as this one, need to be broken up to stop the colour from overpowering. Florals, on a grand and opulent scale, such as damask patterns or in silhouette, work perfectly.

Bold purple living room

The colour purple suggest opulence and grandeur, so furniture shapes that mimic grand antique styles give the look a classic edge. Liquorice-black accents add a modern spin to the look.

What's in My Medicine Cabinet

I don't know a single girl in the Northern hemisphere who doesn't struggle with the drying winter beauty routine. While I wish I could say I'm one of those glowing Nordic angels, I think I've finally nailed down my winter routine and wanted to share (especially #7, my can't live without it secret)

First, I've totally cut out foaming cleansers that completely dry out my skin, instead favoring gentle bars like the Basis Sensitive Skin Bar (1.) or this old-school Swedish Egg White Facial Soap (2.).

After cleansing with one of the soap bars (using a reversible cotton terry washcloth like this one (8.) for gentle exfoliation), I use the very gentle Burt's Bees Rosewater toner (6.) to minimize pores, and mop up excess oil. Then I finish with (5.) Korres ultra-light Yogurt Skin Cream.

In the shower, I've become a huge fan of Lush's Jasmine Scented Alkmaar Soap (9.), but my ultimate, don't-know-how-I-lived-without-it find from the past year is Burt's Bees Baby Bee skin oil (7.) (although any body oil will get the job done.). Immediately after turning the water off, apply the body oil to all your itchy spots (hello legs and back!) and blot dry with a towel. I guarantee your itchy skin suffering will end with just that one move.

Once I make it outside, Smith's Rosebud Lip Salve (3.) saves my perma-chapped lips and cuticles, and Mountain Ocean's Coconut Skin Trip (4.) provides a mini-beach vacation for my hands.

So, ladies and gents, what winter products do you swear by? Inquiring minds need to know...

Top image work of Tricia Foley

Inspiration 12.13

Photo shot by Mortem Holtum

Holiday Baking Project: Week 3

Last weekend, I decided to tackle cookies that travel well, because...who doesn't love to get a batch of homemade cookies in the mail during the holidays?? Using my trusty Martha Stewart cookie magazine, I was able to identify these yummy, buttery pecan sandies as the perfect recipe to try. These taste a lot like shortbread cookies, but with a pecan crunch, and are perfect for eating with a big glass of milk or tea.

My mom happened to be in town visiting, and not only dropped off some seriously beautiful German and Italian ornaments from the 30s, 40s and 60s, but also helped me out with a fun holiday project I've been working on (more on that soon!). To thank her, I wrapped up a few of these sandies in parchment paper, tied it up with festive red and white baker's string, and stamped the bottom with a light-string stamp from Paper Source. Very cute and very simple.

Inspiration 12.9

How great are these wooden countertops, although I wonder how they would stand up to use? I am not a tidy chef...

Has anyone seen this before?

Tabitha Emma...

I get so many compliments on the design of my blog header, and while I wish I could take credit, it's actually the work of super talented Aussie designer and illustrator, Tabitha Emma. I came across Tabitha's work while researching a blog post, and immediately knew I needed her to design my blog.

Every day when I open up my computer, her adorable design inspires me to get to blogging. So I was thrilled to discover these lovely prints from Tabitha. Perfect for a little reading nook where you can curl up with a warm cup of tea and a great book. Shop here.

Inspiration 12.6

So today, after a grueling ten-hours running at breakneck pace, I decided to break down what I actually do at work. By the numbers: 10 hours -- 3.5 in meetings, 6.5 at the computer. Within those 6.5 hours, I managed to send 78 e-mails. Seven. Eight. 78.

And I've been wondering why I'm craving a home environment that is plain, simple and incredibly zen lately...

These images have me imagining a month-long getaway to the east Pacific...lotus flowers, friendly smiles, simple living, sunny days, blue nights and...silence...

I can almost smell the ocean...

Images from Miki Duisterhof

Comfort & Joy...

22 days to go...

...And I'd be remiss not to wish a happy Hannukah to all as well. Wishing all of you much comfort, joy and light in the year to come.

Images via Twig Hutchinson and Martha Stewart Living.

A Peek Inside Emma Cassi's Studio

I've written about my love of Emma Cassi's styling and jewelry before, so I'm so thrilled that Anthropologie has decided to carry some of her pieces in stores. Anthro was also kind enough to share a peek inside her studio with their Facebook fans. So gorgeous.

Inspiration 12.2

Ok, confession time -- I find that I really struggle to get excited about homes that are practical for families with children (I know it's awful, but I just can't) and I that I really, really struggle with family homes that also happen to be in white-washed Manhattan lofts.

Something about those spaces reminds me of a ridiculously pretentious pre-school atmosphere where kids can draw on the walls because some Swiss study from 1972 found that giving kids free reign over their aesthetic environment boosts self-esteem and creativity by 1.8 percent, and the whole this is just......UGH.

So I couldn't believe my eyes when I found one of those homes that I not only don't despise, but actually really like. In particular, I appreciate the restrained color palette (white, marigold and royal blue is quite nice compared to the typical primary color explosion in a lot of similar lofts) and the fact that it doesn't pander to the kiddies, with a level of refinement that I think might just do a lot more for the kiddos than a more infantile design.

So how bad am I? Will anyone else climb out on this limb with me?

(Originally featured in Martha Stewart Living)