Marketeering!

 Christine Chitnis, the winner of the holiday home tour contest for the Holiday with Matthew Mead  2010 issue, reached out to me with her good news that she has had a book published! I am happy to share her news and a little background about her book, Markets of New England, which highlights fifty of the most unique and vibrant farmers markets and art events in the region.

Writes Christine:  " Combining my love of writing, photography, and travel, I set out to unearth the top fifty markets- both farmer’s markets and art markets- in New England for my first book, Markets of New England (The Little Bookroom, May 2011).  Although this was to be a travel book, I wrote it with a greater purpose in mind.

When we use our collective consumer power to support artisans—beekeepers, cheese mongers, weavers, and woodworkers—we are insuring that our communities remain unique, thriving places to live. In this age of big-box stores and mass-produced items, it has become all the more important to invest in our local economy. . . one artist, one farmer, one shop at a time.

 

People worldwide are discovering the immense pleasure that can be had by living a thoughtful life full of farm-fresh food and handmade possessions.  This return to the “good life” is reflected in our increasing interest in buying locally grown and produced goods, and there is no better place to ‘shop local’ than at neighborhood farmer’s markets and art events."

Chech out Christine's book...look for this cover:

 

 (all images courtesy Christine Chitnis, and used with permission)

Natural Winter Warmth

Natural, neutral, white & cream together, timeless, chic, warm, always works & looks divine

The sun only shines on T.V...

After days and days and days and days of rainy, muggy, foggy weather - mixed in with damp cold and weather forecasters who downright lie to get your hopes up - I am bringing sunshine into my days all by myself.

"Me and my bad/frizzy hair" seek out anything that reminds us of summer. Because a big pffft to spring, we all know that isn't coming.

So, I have been donning yellow clothing, smearing on fake tanning products (orange beats white), and wearing shoes that leave my toes cold, all in the hopes that by sporting a positive attitude, I will bring. it. on.

I picked out this pretty dress from The Shabby Apple, which I wore for my story in the new issue of Summer with Matthew Mead. 

Although I also added a cardigan over top of it, it made me think summer as I smiled and posed and resisted the temptation of the beautiful food Matthew prepared for the feature.

Do you want to see a sneak peek of it?

Because it is gorgeous and centers around a summer tradition that I embrace each year with my kids.

I wasn't kidding about gorgeous, right? and that little girl? Well, she looks a lot like my little Sophie did when she was younger:

Funny, huh?

You will have to wait and see the magazine for yourself to know which tradition I am talking about.

By the way, have you ordered yours yet? 

Because if you have (or haven't) you will be thrilled to know that Matthew is tucking a golden ticket inside ten of the magazines that are ordered before noon on May 6th! 

And what will those golden tickets be redeemable for?  

Well, go here to find out!

A hint though: one is worth $1000 of goodness!!!

Which, if you are like me, will make you feel all warm and sunny inside.

Because lately, the sun really does only shine on T.V:

Shopping with a purpose!

I love nothing more than buying gifts for my mum.

I think every mother should be gifted with a beautiful, heartfelt token of love from their children on Mother's Day.

It doesn't need to be expensive and if you are up for it, you can make something using your God-given talents.

(like a beautiful meal, flowers from your garden, a special photograph set into a pretty frame, or even a day's labour - like gardening, a DIY project, some spring cleaning - especially fitting, seeing as she gave up at least a day "labouring" to have you!)

I love buying my mum something pretty to wear, as she never really  treats herself to clothes. In fact, when she does buy something, she usually hangs it in her closet for a suitable grace period until (and I am guessing here) the "newness" wears off. I didn't inherit that trait: As soon as I buy new clothes, they are on my back!

I have my gifts for my mother all wrapped and ready for when I go and visit her next weekend. I cannot wait! It has been four full months since I have seen her and I am so ready for one of her hugs.

 

Because I (like you) have the BEST mother in the world.

For real...

Now, if you want to win your mum a spectacular gift, then head on over here to enter to win the PERFECT present.

Did someone say, Anthropologie?

And while you're there, why not buy her a copy of the best magazine of the summer?

And I'm not kidding...it's really that gooood!!!!!!!!!!!

Bittersweet...

Like many, I awoke earlier than my usual time to watch the royal wedding of William and Kate (Catherine). Sure, I could have waited and watched it via the internet, but I like living in the moment. I'm old-fashioned like that.

After watching William and the other members of the royal family arrive at Westminster Abbey, I rustled Sophie from a sound sleep to see Kate arrive at the church and get that first glimpse of the wedding gown.

To say I loved it would be an understatement. Very reminiscent of Grace Kelly's gown, and flawless.

It was very different from Princess Diana's wedding gown. 

Even though I was an enamored young girl back then, I knew it wasn't the most fashion forward dress and very wrinkly...but it took my breath away. I thought she was stunning and magical as only she could be.

Which is why after watching the service today and witnessing not one, but two, brief and chaste kisses, I found myself crying. I am just so sad.

As a mum, I just wish that Diana could be here today to witness her beautiful boy's happy day. It breaks my heart that she can't and I can only imagine how much she is missed by her boys today. 

In fact, while searching for images to accompany this post, I stumbled upon one of Diana and Dodi just as they were driving off on that fateful night and I wanted to will her to stop. It takes my breath away that one moment can change so much for so many people. Mothers shouldn't die. Shouldn't be taken from their children. It is cruel.

So, I picked up the phone and dialed the only person I knew who would understand and not laugh or roll their eyes as I choked out a hello through my tears:

My sister. And she cried with me.

Ans now I am going to call my mum (who is much more stoic) and we will have a proper chat about the fashion and hats, and we will drink our tea and chew our toast over the phone, which neither of us will mind.

Because my sister will have none of that: no eating while on the phone!

Easter...around the house

 

Best Easter ever, without a doubt! 

Living with TOAST

I love TOAST. Whether for your home or your wardrobe, the mix of colour, layers & textures combine key pieces with simple touches to create an endless thread of inspiration...

http://www.toast.co.uk/