:))

I am someone that is totally against walking into a store and buying a complete furniture set! I immensely enjoy hand picking every piece that enters our door. This is why it will actually take me years to complete my interior decor even in such small spaces. When my hubby and I graduate to our dream home we may possibly have to furnish rooms in this fashion, depending on how big we go but for now,  I am having so much fun exploring and trying new things. I love how creative I can be while we're renting verses when you buy a home the decisions you make are a lot more permanent and most likely more expensive to make mistakes.
There are items that we've purchased that I'll know not to buy again and great finds that I know I will always have and take with us where ever we go. From Z Gallerie frames, antique and estate sale gems to West Elm and Anthro touches; I carefully place the pieces together to this puzzle. Items may start in the bathroom and end up in the living room and shift from one corner of the room to the next. That actually happens often!!
I am OBSESSED with the details in a home. To me, that's what makes it home and not just obviously placed furniture in a room. It speaks volumes about an individual and can absolutely "speak to" guests! Have you ever been in a home where you feel uncomfortable to sit down anywhere because you might break something or the home just feels cold and unlived-in? Have you ever entered into a persons home and it makes you want to cuddle up on their big couch, wrap their throw around you, put your feet up and sip tea??? THAT is everything to me! I will drop a stack on a lavishly plush throw that feels good on your feet and like butter on your skin; trust me I have several. So with that being said, the DETAILS are what makes me ponder at night. I'm not crazy but its such an unsettling experience when something is incorrectly arranged and I have to look at it every day?! Yeah…no!
The placement has to feel right and if every time my eyes drift I smile; then I know it's in the right place.

 

There's something effortlessly grand about the finishing touches of fan pulls. (SMILING)

 

When I walk into our bathroom and I'm hit with the subtlety sweet aroma of lavender mixed with the carefully arranged color placement of potpourri. (SMILING)

Le Jardin Botanique is a municipal botanical garden located at Place Bardineau, Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine, France; 

One may ask why on earth does a wooden beat up box make you smile… but it does!

After being moved from beside the television to along side the couch, I feel very good about where this prized eclectic splash is placed within our living room. Vintage boxes used as a side table is every shabby chic lovers dream! (SMILING)

Searching for my next jewel! 

*Don't hesitate to send me pics of small treausures in your home that make you smile-I'll post them!

Lingerie Update

Happy New Year!!! My apologies for being so tardy to the party but life is busy, busy and more busy! I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season filled with lots of family, love and food. I have finally bitten the bullet and took down the very last of my Christmas decor. If you're like me, you feel as though you're boxing up precious memories of joy and laughter into these plastic containers until the next holiday season. Au Revoir to my vintage-themed Christmas holiday

Let's dive right in… I have traveled into UNKNOWN waters and purchased my very first set of PAJAMAS!!! If you know me well, then you know that "We" (me) don't do tops and bottoms, but we hosted for the holidays and under these restricted circumstances, one must remain appropriate. Target had these super cute printed PJ sets with the tapered leg for $21! They were very comfy and perfect for hosting family-Great Find! I've always wanted a cozy plush robe for the winter, but because I'm so petite, I have strayed away from my search. I hate when I feel like I'm being swallowed by fabric and bulky, long robes tend to do that. Until I found this Betsey Johnson jewel! I LOVE that it is plush but super short so that it keeps you warm but shows off plenty of leg. It even comes with a hood and pockets for your phone-LOVE!

I rekindled my love affair with my Freya bra. I had forgotten how amazingly perfect it is because my Charcoal colored one had gotten a little stretched and I began to wear it less. I decided to order the nude color online and when I received it, I remembered why this is my FAVORITE everyday basic! The lift is 100% Real! I love that this bra comes in a size '30' band as well. Now, on the days when I'm not working and just need to tackle a couple of errands, I eagerly resort to my Josie! I am smitten by this incredibly sexy yet comfy bra. Ladies do not charter this territory if you're looking for anything other than comfort. This long lined beauty has more of a relaxed fit and less structure. I have it in black but I feel like I'll be ordering a fashion color and matching thong. It's an adorable set! Josie also has a cute sports bra I picked up as well. It's that time of the year when you Must hit the gym now or you'll be sorry later… My heart is telling me that I need a sleek and classic all black robe. You know how you need like 5 different robe styles depending on what you're doing?! Which reminds me of why I'm literally on the verge of hyperventilating because Victoria Secret is having their Semi-Annual Sale and I feel like if I dare to dawn their door, I will get in HUGE trouble for overspending!! But yeah, definitely going anyway. Not to mention, my beloved Valentines Day is swiftly approaching. Should we do scandalous or subtley sexy? These are the dilemma's that we face!! The homework assignment before Valentines Day is:

•  Put on a simple dress that's easy to slip on and off in order to try items on 
• Understand that you're not going to lose 10lbs by next week so get over yourself 
• No matter what shape, size, color or anything else, there is ALWAYS becoming lingerie for you
• Grab a cup of coffee and 

 HAPPY LINGERIE SHOPPING! 

 p.s Don't forget, it is better to give than to receive. My donation bag is ready to go!

au revoir summer

Here's Haley J.'s last pic of the season. I'm a little late posting this but, better late than never. This year, our final summer voyage happened in Rockland County, New York. It was a quick in and out trip that always leaves me feeling incomplete having not accomplished everything that I set out to pursue. Lunch dates with old friends, visits with endless family members and excursions through my favorite parts of town. I'm from the BEST town in New York called Nyack, which helped mold my geographical likes and dislikes, so I later found out in life. Nyack is an inner-suburb of New York City, best known for it's bars, small cafes and antique shops. It remains true to it's quaint vintage roots while still managing to slip in a few modern jewels here and there; i.e.: the second largest mall in the U.S. However, I was dramatically devastated when denied access to my two FAVORITE antique and thrift stores! Grace's Thrift Shop was closed because of smoke and water damage and Christopher's Antique Shop has permanently closed their doors! On a lighter note, I discovered a newer Nyack gem that I fell in love with! My sister suggested the Art Cafe for lunch and I'm so glad that she did. Nestled in between the Nyack Library and corner Bureau Church on Broadway, I indulged in the Cheese Malawach paired with a side salad...O M G -Divine! Loved that we were able to squeeze in a quick lunch and selfie with one of my favorite cousins on the last day of our trip and then whisk ourselves away to the Shops of Nanuet!

We booked our trip one week before Haley's 2nd birthday so my mother spearheaded a small gathering at Congers park just to see as many family members as possible at one time. We ended up purchasing a small birthday cake for Haley at the grocery store around the corner at the very last minute. It was SO wonderful to see my family and I appreciated everyone who took the time to come!

On our next trip, I hope to see more family, friends and actually make it into the city! It's so hard to say goodbye to Nyack...

Summer Time Lingerie

I've come across tons of women in my adult years that have seem to think that once they've had the honor of birthing a beautiful life into this world, they are no longer required to look and feel sexy! I, on the other hand, have chosen to lead the wolf pack in another direction. Flashing your bare curves in front of your infant child may be inappropriate once they've reached the toddler stage but a lace or silk negligee is ok in my book. It's actually NECESSARY to regain your pre birth feelings of confidence and feminine grace as well as preserving your marital obligations. It is totally unfair to your husband to go from Victoria Secret to Eileen West after the babies!!! But thats another blog entry for another time-lol. Like the seasons, my lingerie needs change depending on each phase in my life. During my pregnancy, I needed certain things, post pregnancy I needed other things and now I'm gearing up for my present stage. It's summer time ladies so, let the fun begin!! My newest addition is one of my Favorite bras right now! I have it in black and nude in two different sizes depending on my coverage needs. Merci- By Çhantelle

I find that Chantelle bras in general have a lower scooped back strap, which I love! They're great for the summer time when you wear those Urban or Anthro tops that Always either have lace or dip severely low in the back. The nude color is rich and slightly darker for a more bronzed complexion- ugh, it's Gorgeous! Even though I would love to wear lace each and every day, some tops do require a seamless look and a smooth contoured bra always does the trick. I just received my new Memory Foam T-shirt bra- By Wacoal in PINK!

To my pleasant surprise I already had the matching panty that I found rummaging through the sale rounder at Nordstrom Rack. I love this particular bikini style and I have it in literally every color!

Only after the kids are tucked away for the night, the kitchen has been cleaned and you're now in super relaxed mode with a crystal glass of pinot in your manicured hands do you unleash this next beauty! The in bloom robe is perfect for those warm summer nights!

During the warmer months, I crave the lighter chiffon fabrics and the barely there lighter lace bras. The less material the better! Per request from my subscribers, let's go over some quick bullet points on finding the best panties : 1.) Every department store has sales. You cannot purchase target items wanting Neiman Marcus quality-it'll never work. 2.) You should purchase at least five different styles so that each ensemble has the right under garments. 3.) If you're looking for deals, you may have to pick and choose between different stores. 4.) *THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT* Distinguish your specific shape and understand which styles work best for you. If you have wide hips, the hipster style works best. If you have small hips, the hi cut or french cut styles work best for you and so on and so forth. Most women that say they cannot find comfortable underwear are buying the wrong style for their particular shape and then they give up and resort to the dreadfully disturbing "granny panty"! Don't give up!! 5.) Fashion colors ALWAYS go on sale! Buy the fuschia color and get the quality that you need at the discounted price. You will not drop dead if your bras are not nude or black. Though, you will need the basics, you typically do not see color underneath anything besides a white blouse.

Last but not least, do not forget to donate! It is better to give than to receive. My donation bag is all set to go-Stay Blessed!

HAPPY LINGERIE SHOPPING!