{martha's vineyard}

mike's longtime friend tony was in town for a wedding at the cape.  since he hadn't been to new england before, it seemed like a good excuse to daytrip to martha's vineyard.  and seriosuly...we've lived here almost 6 years...it's about time we check it out, right?

we took the ferry from the cape and i only got a bit nauseous. 

the ferry was a bit boring.  we made our own fun...err...funny faces!

perfect shade of green

it was thundering when we took this pic.  aiden was concerned.

shark week...who knew?!

gingerbread houses...row after row.  yes, please.

lime green with peacock blue trim.  seriously awesome.

my fav...you had me at the blue door, or maybe the cedar shake, or was it the hydrangeas.

miles really wanted his picture taken by a surfboard

sugar lollies at the candy store

someone tell these two they are a bit big for the stroller

"uncle tony" and angie

 

we hardly go anywhere without checking out the local ice cream fare.  it didn't disappoint.

we vow to go back.  and not just for a day.  see you soon martha's vineyard!

{unexpected inspiration: the FLOR catalog}

i have never bought anything from FLOR, but love their catalog.  their stylist is seriously amazing!  the catalog has so many more images than the website, but here is a taste of their eye candy.

love me a banged up, made over dresser

mike would LOVE this couch (if the bottom cushion was leather too.)  looks nice and worn in.  and that tufting...swoon

this one is blurry but trust me, that headboard & footboard is divine in ink blue

someday maybe i'll try FLOR.  the concept is really cool, just a bit much for our budget.  i hope they keep sending catalogs in the meantime.  ;)

{4th of july...a little belated}

the kids and i were still in CA for the 4th, while Mike was back in Boston.

we did a little slippin' and slidin'...

swim diapers are over-rated

lots of swimming...

"fireworks"...sorta of.  kids loved and didn't even miss burning their fingers on sparklers!

i could just eat this guy up!

a little celebrating for Isabella's 8th birthday

cousins

Bella's birthday cake

pretty sure my kid hijacked her candle!

and seriously yummy pomatini's.  could only have been better if Mike would have been there.  thanks for taking care of him cortazio's!  xo

{color story}

i was in boston recently for a meeting at pavement- a cafe in the back bay.  they had a local artist's work on display and i was awestruck at the paintings and color story. 

i grabbed a card and looked up the artist- claire alta elliott.  she is amazingly talented! 

here are some of my favorites from her website.

i think i am drawn to images with water in them...the ocean, river, pond...whatever.  and these colors are just total favorites of mine.  come to think of it, i can only think of one piece of art we have that doesn't have water of some sort in it.

just gorgeous!

{reimagined}

i bought this dresser at my fav auction house a while back.  it was a steal...i think like $30 bucks.  doesn't it have great lines and details?!

my girlfriend heather was in the market for a dresser for their master bedroom.  when a craigslist find fell through, she decided to tackle painting up this baby for her place.  i had a blast hanging out and working on this together!

here it is all done...

and for inquiring minds, the paint color is duxbury grey from benjamin moore (colormatched at home depot.)  it is deceiving in these pics...it is a pretty grey/green- darker than the pics make it look.  the knobs were a steal from world market.

you can't find this at ikea!!!

{surprise...date night!}

while in cali, mike planned a surprise date night for us.  he didn't tell me any of the details, just what time to be ready to go and what to wear.

we ended up at the newport boat docks for a sunset cruise on a duffy boat.  this was the exact place he proposed and he wanted us to celebrate our 10 year anniversary (a bit early) while we were in town.  he thought of it all and brought wine, wine glasses and chocolates truffles! 

my captain

not such a bad view. the houses in newport and lido island are amazing (as are the yachts!)

after, we headed over to the rusty pelican for dinner.  he had called ahead and told them the occasion and we had orchids and an appetizer waiting for us.  the last time we were there was right after the proposal and i was such an emotional wreck i couldn't even order for myself.  i had no problem this time...

since we had grandparents babysitting, we made the most of it and went for a walk on the beach.

i couldn't have asked for a better pre-anniversary date with my honey.  thanks babe!  xo