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Category: General

Target Round Up

Over the weekend I took my older 2 kids to Target to look for some of the Vineyard Vines items.  They found a few things (more on that in another post) but I was most impressed with the home decor items and the outdoor decor.  I decided to do a round up for you since I was ask about a lot of the items when I did a live post on Instagram over the weekend…Here are some of my favorite things….


























Here is the table that I set this past weekend using all my Target finds…


The Great Outdoors

I cannot believe that Memorial Day Weekend is here..Time to spruce up your outdoor space to get ready for all that summer entertaining!!!  I have been to Home Depot 4 times already looking for plants for my patio pot..I think I am almost there..now onto the rest of the decor.  Here are some photos for inspiration.  I am def going to add an indoor outdoor rug and umbrella this year.  I love all of these pops of color against the neutral sofas. 

I love the black and white against all the natural greens!!
image elements of style.com

Such a clever use of all the garden stools!!
image hgtv.com

I love the pink and green!!  
image thehomedepotblog

Green and White is my fav.  So crisp and clean!
image pinterest
This would be my dream set up…I’m drooling over that chandelier!!!
image pinterest
This reminds me of Charleston!!
image pinterest
This is another of my favorites..I love the climbing greens on the fence and the other natural elements.  Its really just perfect!!
image jasminegarden

Book Club Monday

Graduation Season is upon us.  Do you want to know what Oprah is giving as graduation gifts this year?  Her book, The Path Made Clear:Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose.  

Everyone has a purpose. And, according to Oprah Winfrey, “Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible.”
That journey starts right here.
In her latest book, The Path Made Clear, Oprah shares what she sees as a guide for activating your deepest vision of yourself, offering the framework for creating not just a life of success, but one of significance. The book’s ten chapters are organized to help you recognize the important milestones along the road to self-discovery, laying out what you really need in order to achieve personal contentment, and what life’s detours are there to teach us.
Oprah opens each chapter by sharing her own key lessons and the personal stories that helped set the course for her best life. She then brings together wisdom and insights from luminaries in a wide array of fields, inspiring readers to consider what they’re meant to do in the world and how to pursue it with passion and focus. Renowned figures such as Eckhart Tolle, Brene Brown, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elizabeth Gilbert, Jay-Z, and Ellen DeGeneres share the greatest lessons from their own journeys toward a life filled with purpose.
Paired with over 100 awe-inspiring photographs to help illuminate the wisdom of these messages, The Path Made Clear provides readers with a beautiful resource for achieving a life lived in service of your calling – whatever it may be. – Amazon
I’m def having what Oprah’s having!!!! To purchase this book or for more information, click HERE.




Fete Home- My New Obsession

Through a couple of chic bloggers, I was introduced to Fete Home.  It is the brain child of the dynamic duo Audrey and Jen who met working at Bunny Williams Home.  They both wanted to fill their home with beautiful things but were on a budget.  Using their connections in the industry they started designing with themselves as their target audience.  Their business is based upon a direct to consumer model (no retailers and no MARK UPS!!!!) with gorgeous pieces ranging from Minimalist to Chinoiserie.  Take a LOOK (there is a 20% off site wide SALE going on now).  I know you will love what you see!!!  Bon Shopping and Bon Weekend!!!


Here are my fist two purchases, the gold vase and the malachite box.  I’m already deciding what I will be ordering next!!!



OMG!!!  These Candlesticks….speechless..



Their table setting items are just incredible!!!!








Meet Audrey and Jen



The pillows are so chic!!!



I am in LOVE with these placemats!!



More pillows…
They also have a line of desk accessories…great grad gifts!!!



Love the idea of an all white table setting!!



I love their linen, flatware and glassware collections too!!

Smoked Gouda and Herb Puffs

Earlier today sister-in-law Sally asked me what I would bring as an easy appetizer for a large crowd.  I started going through my recipes and found one that a college friend served at a reunion cocktail party, Smoked Gouda and Herb Puffs.  OMG!! This is such a great addition to a party.  I only made it once but I think I am going to bring it back!!  So if you have an upcoming cocktail party, picnic night or just some great friends coming over, promise me you will try this!!!

photo HGTV

Adapted from HGTV.com

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
3 large eggs
4 ounces smoked Gouda, diced
2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon thyme, minced
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Place water, butter and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Once the mixture has come to a boil, add flour and quickly stir with a wooden spoon until a ball of dough forms, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Transfer dough into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix over medium speed, allowing steam to escape.
5. Once steam disappears, 2 to 4 minutes, begin adding eggs one by one, scraping down sides of bowl for even mixing.
6. Remove mixture from the stand mixer and gently fold in remaining ingredients.

7. Scoop heaping tablespoons of mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, 1 inch apart, and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

The Incredible Gray Malin

I have admired photographer, Gray Malin’s work for a while now.  I have a cousin, who lives in LA, who is good friends with Gray.  She had been after me for a few years to reach out to him and write a post.  I always felt like he was so popular, why would he talk to me?!  From following Gray’s Instagram, I saw that he was going to be in Westport, Ct tonight at the fabulous Serena and Lily.  I messaged him, introduced myself and mentioned our six degrees of separation.  He messaged me right back to come by between 5-7.  Well, I have to say Gray Malin was as dreamy as his photographs!!!!  He was so handsome and personable.  We made a “plan” to meet up,  with my cousin, maybe at Lisa Vanderpump’s Pump, which is right across from his office, if and when I get to LA anytime soon!!!!!!!!   Tonight was celebrating Gray’s incredible new book, Italy.  His photographs of the Italian coast were always hands down my favorite (and of course his Miami beach photos) so I was dying to get my hands on the book..It does not disappoint.  It also makes a great gift.  If you are not familiar with Gray Malin’s work, here are some of my favorite pieces….




Positano Beach and the book cover!



Lake Cuomo…..SWOON!!!!



Capri!!



Faraglioni Beach, Capri



And of course I could not end this post without MIAMI!!!!!!
Lastly here is one of my Bestie Bloggers, Jessica and I tonight in awe of Gray Malin!!!