Naptime Lifestyle: Everyday Favorites for Everyday Life

Today I am deviating a little bit from all things food and travel to give you my French pharmacy picks. For many years I’d heard that French pharmacies are the best place ever to buy beauty products. They carry entire lines of French-made skin care that can’t be found stateside. These jars of lotions and potions are touted to be as terrifically effective as Le Mer (which I’ve only sampled because I can’t afford a whole jar), but can be purchased at drugstore prices. Before we went to Paris I researched favorite products on Goop, Design Mom, and the The New York Times. so I could build a good shopping list. Then the three of us I hit Citypharma Du Four to pick up some of our own. Here are my top product picks:

A gift guide for Father’s Day 2015.

I am going to be taking a little break for the rest of the month and will be back in June. It has been a whirlwind few weeks and I need to stop and catch my breath. I can’t thank you enough for all of the wonderful support regarding the new book and the book […]

This summery tote for carrying knitting projects and toys for the grandkids. (via JMcLaughlin,$150) Chocolate mice for a sweet bite. (via Burdick, $32) A sweet love token to collect and wear, always. (via India Hicks, $39 and up) Charlotte Moss’s gorgeous new book to inspire her tablescapes. (via Amazon, $32.72) Lilypad silicone lids to replace […]

Our kitchen renovation is still in the works. All winter we’ve been checking out design books and kitchens we like around town. I also found this great article about 15 small and clever kitchen designs and I want all of them to be included in ours! One thing I’d never paid much attention to before was the sink. Every kitchen has one, but I never gave much thought to how they fit into the overall design scheme. Equally as important: functionality. What do I use my sink for and what kind do I need?

Just a couple of weeks ago there was still so much snow in our yard I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see the grass again; let alone a blooming rose or single lilac. But! We are slowly but surely turning the corner weather-wise. The snow has melted and I am excited to say that we […]

I don’t want to jinx mother nature, but we finally appear to be turning the corner with spring. You guys, it is an effing long winter and I am SO happy it is over. I even caught myself going through the spring cleaning ritual yesterday. One minute I was getting rid of a shirt that my son had outgrown. The next minute his dresser contents were all over the floor and I had a fresh bag of hand-me-downs. I also went through our pantry and dining room chucking this and that and even had the windows open for a little while. Welcome, spring, we need you to freshen us all up right now!

I’ve been having a little fun styling up our table for Easter and generally getting things put together again and thought it would be fun to look at some photos for inspiration. Here are a few of my favorite spring tables styles from around the web:

Keeping the house bright this time of year can be hard. The light outside is so dull and the sun sets pretty early. To cheer up our table I like to light candles in little votive holders. It is an easy way to brighten our space and add a little extra warmth to our day. Here are a few of my favorites:

So, this winter we developed a weekend brunch routine. Every Sunday morning for the past few weeks I’ve been whipping up fried eggs and bacon, along with English muffins, tea, and juice for the whole family. There is pretty much nothing better than starting off the day with a hot meal before heading outside to play in the snow. (And yes, for the non-egg eater in my house there are pancakes, too!)

Yesterday was all about ideas for her. Now here are some ideas for him this Valentine’s Day…. Rye Whiskey Caramel Sauce. For ice cream, and other things. (via Terrain, $24) Solid Cologne that you will love. (via Alfred Lane, $17.95) The Original Whiskey Ball, for making grown-up drinks. (via The Original Whiskey Ball, $9.95)

A fun and chic holiday gift guide for Valentine’s Day 2014.

This time of year I always get in the mood to freshen up my house. Until we re-do the kitchen I’m not making any major changes, but little things like new tea towels and new rugs can give it a boost. Here are some of my favorites lately: