Celebrate...

Cheers to you and yours...

Wishing you peace, love, & joy in 2011.


Image here.  An inspired kiss at midnight is a brilliant way to begin a new year! Here's to a New Years Eve filled with lots of champagne, sparkle, fireworks, and kisses.

Another Addition To My 2011 To-Remember List...

I'm away this week, but there are a few things I wanted to remember before the year turns. Nothing too intense...just some pleasantry that should make the year more so!

Like install a necessary ladder somewhere in my home.

One that leads me to all sorts of curiosities and forgotten goodies on the top shelves. I have a soft spot for unexpected treasures, don't you? I love the thrill.

Via Graphic-ExchanGE.

If I Were Your Realtor...

If I were your realtor, I'd find you a home in which you could live an inspired life.

And hope that you always have someone lovely with whom to share it.

Not too much to ask of your realtor, now, is it? Happiest of days to you in our newest year. May it bring nothing but beauty, inspiration, and love. Image here.

A Little List For 2011...

How was your holiday? I hope it looked like this in your memory! I'm away this week, but there are a few things I wanted to remember to do as soon as the year turns.

Like plant a stunner of a succulent garden in my home.

And keep it thriving.

This goal might have less to do with succulents and more to do with life, I think! How about you? Any silly little non-Earth shattering goals in your plans?

Garden via Apartment Diet.

Stopped...

My heart seriously just stopped.

I saw it first on Greedy Girl, and I've had it on heavy rotation ever since. I keep going back and staring at it. Then again. Then again. It's incredibly mesmerizing.

If Shimmer hung in my house, you would probably never hear from me again. But if you needed me, you could find me sitting in front of it. Smiling and dreaming.

It's like...Christmas. And I'm dreaming of a shimmery one for you.

Buy your own Daeja Fallas here. You may buy me one while you're at it. Oh, I guess I'm teasing. But it was worth a try, wasn't it? Happiest of days, friends!

Libraries...

I have a thing for libraries. I collect books like candy, and arrange them with care. 

But if I'm to be truly honest with you, I adore messy shelves and collections. In other peoples' libraries.

Which is why I'm a little addicted to I'm a Parisian Lady by Baudouin. I think we would all be friends, although I'd have to fight the little organizational de-cluttering devil who lives on my shoulder!

I want that tape! Also, wouldn't this make a lovely print?

Words from here. Parisian Ladies first found here. And only one more sleep until Christmas Eve! Are you getting excited?

If I Were Your Realtor...{Bunny Victorious}

If I were Bunny Victorious' realtor, she would not be my client for long. Truly, there's only one home for a girl like Bunny. And I would be the one to show it to her.

It would be all about the kitchen, so welcome to Bunny's new kitchen. It has space and light and the island slides politely out of the way for impromptu dance parties. Girls like Bunny require impromptu dance parties in the kitchen upon their every whim. Or at least after every dinner.

After the all-important kitchen, it would be all about the view. Girls like Bunny require inspirational views wherever they look. And wouldn't you know that I am a very good realtor who gives very good view. The scenery from her bedroom would look like this, then. 

The view from her Mama's guest room would look like this.

But Puppy's bedroom view would be a little more romantic. Rightly so, as puppies like Bunny's Puppy require  romantic views.

Being Bunny's realtor is fun.

I would show her the library, and she would stand there for five minutes, at least, with her jaw dropped wide open.

When she could finally speak, her voice would shake a little. "All this space for my books," she'd whisper.

Girls like Bunny Victorious have their priorities in perfect order, don't they?

Visit Raleigh-Elizabeth at Bunny Victorious and DC Whip. Kitchen and bedroom via encore une minute. The views and library found on the vast wasteland of Tumblr, their origins long misplaced. My apologies. I am a very good realtor, but not as good at reblogging.

Give Me Flour...

I dream about food when I'm not dreaming about love.

Now I'm dreaming about loving the food served on Give Me Flour. Hands down, one of the sexiest foodie sites I've found. I've had to stop myself twice from licking my monitor.

And she's only written six posts.

Speaking of love, remember my friend? She ended things with her man, once and seemingly for all. Your words helped her. All of a sudden, she realized she was only breathing when he was right in front of her. When he wasn't, she wasn't. She's devastated, and still not really breathing normally yet, but she feels...

Well, I guess she feels devastated. Thank you again for your amazing advice; I know she appreciated it. I did, too. If you've got any other words of encouragement about broken hearts and moving on and even breathing, I'll be sure to share them with her.

All photos from Give Me Flour.

Twenty Questions...

I love nothing more than a hot conversation. How much fun is a night of delightful discourse that gets your heart beats dancing? Nothing controversial. Just...scintillating.

For me, it's tremendously much fun. Which is why I created my Twenty Questions notecards.

They're the most beautiful things I've ever made. I can't stop touching them and shuffling through them and trying out all my best questions on my friends.

Let me tell you: they work. One of my bests started with one little question yesterday, and kept texting me excitedly about the lovely convo happening with her man. How sweet is that? (And yes, I told her to stop texting me and concentrate on the dialogue!)

The cards are like a handful of gumballs, which makes me so happy. I asked Richele to help me design them, and she was a dream. I first met Richele through Rachel Zoe, and fell in love with her style immediately. If you ever need an amazing designer, she's it.

I hope you want to buy two sets; one to give and one to keep. Can you imagine the conversations you'll have? I can...

Order your own set here. I'll probably throw in a 2011 calendar, too! It's the holidays, after all! XXX. Jamie.

Flipped Out...

Last night, I drowned a little in an Australian Vogue Living I'd picked up late this summer but somehow misplaced. As a realtor in a busy market plus a self-confessed I Want To Try That! junkie, I have a hard time finding lazy lounge time. Well, I found it.

A few things I wanted to share...

Rossana Orlandi has a gallery of our dreams. Don't even get me started on her glasses. Wouldn't you die a little for a wall of boxes? What treasures would you store in them all?

I think I'd collect perfectly mismatched copperware and earrings. All the fortune cookie fortunes I can't bear to throw away. Pocket watches, even though none of my clothes even have pockets! Cloisonné boxes, which would be silly, wouldn't it? Boxes in boxes? But this is a dream, so I think it's ok.

This restaurant wall made my heart skip around the room. I think it would be good for the soul to eat in a bed of greens.

And then there were the boys. The Captains of Industry. A gentleman's club in Melbourne where a very cool triumvirate brings it back old-school. There's bespoke suits, handmade shoes, and a barber on the side, all served up with good coffee and a little afternoon gin tonic. That aqua cup just sends me...

Confession: I may have also gotten a little underwater in an inspired gin before bed! It was that kind of day, I guess. Or maybe it was just a most excellent issue!

See more of Rossana Orlandi's gallery here, plus visit her site here; it makes the cutest little noises! So does Pane e Acqua'a site.

Kindness Counts...

I learned this from my sister, who is the undisputed Queen of Gratitude and Gifts. I think she also minored in Manners in college. She taught me that everyone deserves to feel like the most special person in any room.

Which is how you've made me feel lately.

You might think your sweet comments are insignificant, or that your mentions and retweets and links mean little. But, boy, would you be wrong.

Kindness counts, and yours toward me counts double in my book. Thank you from the depths of my grateful heart, new friends. And a special thanks to Karey M. and Raleigh-Elizabeth for their shining words yesterday.

A friendship bracelet fit for Queens and Princesses like us! Found first on Bunny Victorious. 

If I Were Your Realtor...{Melissa Loves}

If I were Melissa's realtor, I'd brush my teeth a few extra times after each of our viewings; she is surely that sweet. And, I'd soon learn, the most optimistic, cheerful person in the known universe.

For example, I could show her this bath. Other clients might call it a tight space or cramped or simply too small. Not Melissa. She'd smile at the idea of whispering to her husband around the corner, and declare it perfectly intimate. And so it would be.

Most clients would see this kitchen and never leave. But not Melissa. Oh, she'd be quite complimentary and beyond polite...but, you see, it just wouldn't be her sort of space.

No. It would take a kitchen like this one to make Melissa smile.

I'd quickly learn that it would take spaces that had been clearly and unequivocally loved to sway Melissa. A space where her artistic little girls could be...well...artistic little girls! A swing wouldn't hurt, either.

It would be a space where her beloved guests could put up their feet, rest their weary, revel in all the indie art Melissa's collected. She'd never worry about dirt or doggie messes or spilled reds; to a gem like Melissa, life is messiest when it's most loved.

One thing I'd need to remember, though, is to find her a home with a bright place in which to blog. If you've ever read her cheerful posts or been fortunate enough to earn one of her loving comments, you'll understand why this is integral; the Internet is a brighter place with her in it.

That little spot at the end of the table has a cuppa, a colorful view, and space for her girls' drawings just waiting for her. As it should be.

Visit Melissa here daily, and you must also browse her shop. She makes jewelry! Images, in order, found on Marie Claire Maison, VT Interiors, The Diversion Project, Shannon Fricke, and My Ideal Home.

It Doesn't Get Better Than This...

Midway through the holiday rush, I start buying bikinis and dreaming about getaways. This looks just about right.

That fringed Sonia Rykiel bag, that perfect back, a dress the color of the most kissable lips...Sigh.

Let's not even forget the view. I know I won't. And what about you? Are you dreaming any off-season dreams?

Bag and back, both divine, discovered here.

Yesterday...

I hosted a beautiful pre-Christmas dinner for my family and friends before my mom heads back to Nova Scotia. I'm deliriously exhausted and happy. How I wish I could bottle this feeling for days that aren't so perfect.

Wouldn't that be great? We could open a shop, all of us, and offer a smattering of our best moments. Like that day you rocked a huge meeting, the night your 7s fit like they were made for you...or that moment you found your one true thing. Bottled to borrow.

What would you share?

The only thing missing from my party was this disco ball chandelier; if only it had been glistening from my ceiling. Imagine waking up to a Studio 54 dance party every morning! Brilliant. Via my new obsession. I seem to find another daily. Is that healthy? I hope so...Happy Monday, everyone!

Moody Blues...

A friend is going through what she's been calling her blue period.

Less Picasso-inspired and more to do with the impending holidays, I think. Whatever her reasons, my heart always crushes a little for all those blue souls out there.

So I told her she should be purple instead. Strangely enough, it seems to be working.

Wishing you all enjoy a decidedly purple weekend! A special thank you for all your comments this week. I adore nice people like you. Shades of deliciousness via Jules and Here Have A Shoe. 

A Short Post...

It all began, for me, on Crush Party, where a few of my most recent obsessions have also originated. What can I tell you? She's one of the best finders and blog keepers out there.

I have to have these shorts, I thought. Not to mention everything else draping this girl's body, right?

I sourced the photo all the way back to Oracle Fox. This post. And I really have no words for the entire site except - and my apologies for sounding so Veruca Salt - but I WANT IT ALL!

Especially this.

I could go on and on, but I will only tell you those heavenly shorts are available at UO right here. Made by Stolen Girlfriends Club. They also have a blog, and I like to think the girl on the right in this photo designs the line. Hello, ombre!

Long story short...mine should be here by the weekend. Extra Pilates and longer runs with my big bad wolf Max begin now.

If I Were Your Realtor...{Not Your Average Ordinary}

If I were Brandi's realtor, I'd smile all day, every day, until I found her a place to feel like home.

We would begin with tea and a lovely conversation. I bet she's brilliant at both.

And after two refills, we'd end with a killer kitchen in which to experiment with all the ingredients and recipes she finds and shares.

"It's so perfect, I'd never leave this room!" she would tell me breathlessly, and then she'd find one more breath to gasp about the space in the corner.

"I can blog and write my grocery list...and scribble random scientific notations on the chalkboard wall!" she'd say. But only in my imagination, because real scientists like Brandi don't scribble scientific notations on chalkboard walls. They use cocktail napkins.

There would be a fireplace. Because romantics like Brandi need to stay warm, especially when she's on one side of the States and her love is on the other. My first choice would have been to move her beau and secure a job for him in the West while Brandi is here, but it proved to be a little more than I could handle this Wednesday.

I am a very good realtor, but I do have some limitations...

Of course, there would be one room devoted entirely to her book collection.

Well, maybe just her cookbooks.

Yes, if I were Brandi's realtor, I'd smile all day, every day, until I found her a place to feel like home. Because she's one of the first to make me feel exactly that way when I started blogging.

All photos found here via Desire to Inspire. This was the only time in my life I wish I spoke Finnish! You may visit Brandi here and here. And if you'd like me to find you a home in this neighborhood, just ask!

Christmas Lights...

When I was six years old, my sister went away to college. I missed her like crazy.

A few weeks before her Christmas break, she'd always come home to help my mom and me decorate the tree. It became our wonderful ritual. We'd pick out the fattest and tallest Douglas Fir and haul it home in a fit of giggles. My mom made chili - I still die over her chili! - and we'd turn up the Christmas music and get to decorating. Before she'd even think of tackling the lights, though, my mom always poured herself a glass of wine.

It's one of those memories tattooed on my heart.

Isn't it funny how things don't change much? My mom lives in Nova Scotia, and I miss her like crazy. I still pick out the fattest and tallest Douglas Fir. And before I even think of tackling the lights, you can be sure I'll have a tumbler of red in hand!

Do you have childhood rituals that you miss? Doesn't it make you a little melancholy that they're so far away? Or am I just a hopeless romantic sap...

Dreamy little chair found here.

Leaping...

If you know me in real life, you'll know I'm quiet. I like listening to your stories rather than tell my own. I like love and friendship and everything in between and beyond, but I'm soft-spoken about it.

Unless you're reading me here.

Most of my friends gasped when I showed them Cayenne Kisses. A few still can't understand why I write those naughty little missives. One of my bests still can't believe it's me and my words.

A few years ago - and maybe even a few months - I never said what I secretly dreamed of saying. Never. But now I do.

I don't know why. I can't tell you how. All I know is that my life is now...I can only really describe it as...do you remember that feeling in elementary school when you'd win a race? And you'd be out of breath with pink cheeks and a giant smile and a ribbon or trophy with everyone smiling and clapping for you?

It's like that feeling again. Just by saying it. I'd highly recommend it.

My 2011 Cayenne Kisses calendar is now for sale in my Etsy shop! It's a steamy little stocking stuffer and hostess gift; you can't imagine how it gets a conversation boiling. I hope you love it because it's making me so happy. Cheers to a lusty 2011!

Advice...

I have this friend who is in love with a boy.

They've been dancing around it for years and years; he flings, then she flings, and then they find each other again. And when they do, it's one of the most beautiful things you'd ever hope to see. 

He's been gone for over a year, but now he's back. My friend has no idea what she should do.

She wants to be with him, which makes perfect sense.They're both better people when they are together. But every time he doesn't answer his phone, she dies a little.

Another friend told her it will never work out the way she wants it to work out; if it was meant to be, it would have already been. I honestly don't know what to tell her! I'm in love with love, so I'm probably not going to offer the most practical, safe advice for her heart.

I'm hoping you're much better than I am! Should she jump again? Would you? Have you? Please share your love stories...because good advice from good women who've been there is such a treasure.

Couples found here and  here.

Trouble...

The other night, I posted a question on Facebook that stirred up a tornado of a discussion.

Would you rather live poor in Paris or be the wealthiest person in Tennessee?

I certainly meant no disrespect to Tennessee; my grandmother was born and raised there, and I keep many fond memories about that sweet state. It was more about Paris. Paris. And maybe a little about romance versus practicality. For the record, I'm a hopeless romantic.

I love a spirited discussion, don't you? Questions that make you think and interrupt and grab someone's hand and laugh and laugh and laugh always make a good night great.

Here's another one that will probably get me into a little trouble: If you could be totally anonymous for a day, would you rather do all good and have no one ever find out...or would you rather be all naughty and have no one ever find out? 

I'm leaning toward naughty. How about you?

There's another spicy question to get a conversation started over on Cayenne Kisses. Paris via here. And many more questions coming soon to my Etsy shop, which will also be opened soon! I can't wait!

If I Were Your Realtor, {Mackin Ink}...

I'm adopting a baby Bernese Mountain Dog to be a not-so-little sister to my big bad wolf, Max. Yesterday, I think Karey Mackin may have named her. Fanny is now on my short list of three.

The least I could do is find Karey a new home. I'd know just the one.

I would start by closing my eyes and dreaming of her ultimate wish list, something I do with every dreamy client. All that would come to mind is turquoise, which is no problem. I can do turquoise.

She would gasp, for certain. And her girlies three would slip off their shoes and start sliding around in their socks. They had been hoping for a slippery living room.

Speaking of the girlies three, there would be nooks and crannies everywhere for their never-ending collections. Even their summertime frogs.

There would be a bedroom made for Grae-Rose. It would match her eyes.



And one for Lillie that would match her dreams.

As for her littlest girlie, Esmé, she'll probably still be sleeping with her mom and dad until she is seventeen, which means a giant master bedroom and bath is in order. This also means Esmé is one of the luckiest little girls in the world. Her mommy deserves this tub.

I will buy her a turquoise hand-towel.

Only her husband would be interested in the kitchen, though. Karey would see the turquoise tiles and three perfect stools and consider herself sold. But her dear "Uncle Sugar" would check the amount of burners and convections and sub-zeroes and test the perfect work triangle before he would be sold. And then he'd tell his smiling wife that it was the turquoise tiles and three perfect stools that sold him.

Karey's new home would be next door to mine. I probably wouldn't tell her until she'd officially unpacked every last bit and bauble and frog, but I'd deliver the news with a double batch of lasagna cupcakes and the promise of sparkly drinks for a lifetime.

Because I think she would be a really fun friend to have right next door.

Turquoise beauties from - in order! - House of Turquoise, Analog Dialog, Let Her Sink, Hot and Dangerous, Starck Ting, and House of Turquoise again. And please: if you'd like me to be your realtor, just ask! I love coming up with these dream homes for dreamy readers.