Coffee vs. Coffee vs. Tea

When it comes to a regular old cup of coffee (a little cream, no sugar thank you), I’m a dunkie’s girl. But, there are times when I will brace the long lines behind the caffeine junkies at my not-so-local Starbucks, only to snicker and stare.

If you’ve ever heard a heckler in line, it was probably me. I can’t help but make some snide remark about what I’m actually about to do. It takes a lot of willpower for me not to break out into song. And if I’m with my BFF – watch out. She’s addicted, so I get to make fun of both her and her dealer.

“The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.” – Joe Fox in ‘You’ve Got Mail’.

If I want a really good cup of coffee – or better yet, a cappuccino – I’ll head over to the North End and indulge in the creamy deliciousness they serve at Cafe Vittoria. Their cappuccino* is an elixir of the gods. It’s rich, never bitter, and topped with the perfect amount of foam and a dusting of cocoa. It’s so good you’ll want to lick your cup clean.

Coffee gets me going in the morning - especially on Monday mornings. But tea... well tea is meant to be sipped and savored. I may have a cup in the afternoon as a treat, and if I’m lucky, with someone else. In the evening, I will make a cup of peppermint tea with a splash of milk and a little honey. Try it, you’ll love it.

*Cappuccino scuro - dark or dry cappuccino is made with less milk and more foam.
Dunkie’s = Dunkin’ Doughnuts

It's a Girl Thing...

I am a girlie girl. However, I don't like anything too cute or too sweet. Give me fine materials, a little glitz, a little glamour, and I'm good to go. I would rather invest in one beautiful piece (whether it's clothing or furniture) and make it work from year to year, and I'm obsessed with cashmere sweaters, fine leather bags and good jewelry. Classic is my middle name.

This was my grandmother's writing desk bought en suite at an estate sale long ago. I use it as a vanity in my bedroom. Although I don't actually sit in front of the mirror to put on my make-up or accessorize, I do love displaying sentimental items among my treasures. The Chanel perfume bottles once graced my mother's bureau.

(The pearls were a Christmas gift from my hubby. That's us in the background on our wedding day. I made my brocade gown and Jackie O. velvet pillbox hat.)

Even if you share your bedroom, there is always room for a girl to be a girl. If shoes are your thing, why not display them like a work of art on open shelves? Mix in a few china bowls to show off jewelry and other collectibles. And don't forget a glass and crystal. A beautiful mirror will double your pleasure and who wouldn't want a mini chandelier in their room!

Although many pieces are tucked away out of sight, I love to dangle a few necklaces from my lamp so they catch the light and add sparkle to the room.

If you like flowers (and he doesn't) go bold and vivid instead of pastel and tiny. Limit florals patterns and use them on replaceable/changeable items such as pillows or a throw. It's okay to pile on the layers, especially during the winter.

If possible, include a bench, settee, or set of chairs in your bedroom. My bedroom is my escape and if you want to create a warm and welcoming place for a girl to hang out, include the following...

1. Splurge on your bed and good quality linens. (The frame can come later if you still want it.) Choose neutral linens so you have the opportunity to change the look from season to season - or just because - by switching out a decorative throw and pillows.

2. Make the most of your closet space so you can forgo free-standing storage in place of the above mentioned seating, a vanity, or even a small table and chairs. The next thing on my list? I want a small desk so I have another creative spot to escape to.

3. Forget wimpy side tables and choose a small chest of drawers or larger table beside your bed instead. And no, they don't have to match either. As long as the size works well (scale and proportion) and the overall look is pleasing, it will work. Now select a lamp you can read by and place it on your table with whatever you need to enjoy some much needed quiet time. What's on my table? A water glass, candle, lotion, a journal and lots of books! (What size lamp? If you truly want to read by it, then the bottom of the shade should be higher than your shoulders.)

Now envision your space and make the dream a reality.

Images via HouseBeautiful.com, Country Homes, and personal.

I Love Monday

Okay, not really. But I don't loathe it as much as I used to. Let's face it, every week it's the same thing. Following a much too short weekend, Monday seems to hit us like a ton of bricks. Do you remember that feeling on Sunday nights before the school week started? My BFF still gets the Sunday night blues and dreads Monday mornings.

So instead of dreading Monday, I decided to grab the bull by the horns and make it mine! Monday's became "office days" where I could ease myself into the week one inch at a time. Then they became a combination of work and play, where I plan the week's blog posts, research an article and focus on the more creative end of my business. (I like this the best.) This is the day I splurge on breakfast, go to work in my pj's, and work on accomplishing my goals for the week.

Now I realize, working for myself, I have the privilege of making my own schedule, but if you adapt your routine just a little bit, you may reap the rewards too.

It's all in the attitude.

Nancy's Kitchens

It's not that complicated. Nancy Meyers might know how to direct a good movie, but she also knows her way around a kitchen like no one else. Her attention to every detail makes us drool over her sumptuous interiors regardless of whether we actually liked the movie we were watching or not. Something's Gotta Give, Father of the Bride, The Holiday (to name a few) and now, It's Complicated, are movies filled with absolutely beautiful interiors. And at the heart of all of these homes is the kitchen.

Industrial appliances and fixtures are warmed up with a plethora of fabrics and textures to ward off any chill. Bamboo blinds and stripped ticking add a sophisticated farmhouse look that's all the rage right now. Just open up the current Pottery Barn catalog to see what I mean. Dark wood chairs, painted and stained wood surface materials contrast nicely against the marble island and table.

The one thing her kitchens all seem to have in common? They're all long, U-shaped spaces which allow you to spread out and include many different prepping and cooking stations, as well as a drop-dead gorgeous island. This one is made from marble and is surrounded by square-cushioned stools and separate butcher block table.

She doesn't skimp on the details either. Most of the counters are filled with the newest must-have kitchen gadget, herbs, fruits, dishes and books. The more the merrier.

Lighting is also important. Whether you choose large lanterns, shade-style pendants or a mix of metal and glass, the one thing to remember is - when in doubt, always choose large over small. At first glance, this stream-lined kitchen seemed a little too cold for my taste. But if you've watched the movie (The Holiday), you'd know that Nancy took the edge off by including an upholstered settee and placed it across from the pecan-colored table that serves as an island. Seating is very important in a Meyer's kitchen and fabrics abound on every perch. Stools can be tucked under islands and tables for additional seating when needed. (I bet her next film will include an upholstered sofa or two cozied up next to the kitchen or dining table.)

Sleek surfaces are combined with painted woods and marry together both old and new so you never grow tired of the look. Too much of a good thing, and you've lost the appeal. Timeless kitchen design mixes different periods and styles together. The key is to not go overboard. Choose simple lines and stay away from ornately carved or etched materials.

Of course there is plenty of storage space and she uses both closed and open storage to show off collectibles. No matter what style kitchen you desire, add touches of "life" to the space with organic elements. Don't be afraid to set a country-style basket on a contemporary countertop.

I would be remiss if I didn't include a couple of pictures of one of her dining rooms. These photos, from the movie Something's Gotta Give (which I have watched over and over just to swoon over its interior), features a round polished wood table, slip-covered chairs and a built-in creamy beadboard hutch. Round tables are oh so friendly and work well in small rooms too.

If you're thinking of starting your own china collection, shades of white and cream won't disappoint. Food looks best on white or light-colored plates (never blue!), and having an assortment of different shades of white is both sophisticated and practical. Have fun displaying different shapes and sizes.

Kitchen Design Do's...

1. The kitchen triangle (stove, refrigerator and sink) should stand no more than seven feet apart from each other in order to maintain a workable kitchen. Make sure you can access each of the appliances without interference. (A U-shaped kitchen will help avoid this issue altogether.)
2. When laying out your major appliances, think about how you work in the kitchen. Would it be better to move the dishwasher near the dish cabinet? When the dishwasher door is open, does it block the refrigerator? There is no right or wrong, only what’s right for you.
3. Vary cabinet heights to create a one-of-a-kind look with stock cabinetry.
4. It's okay to mix surface materials. An island, baking station etc. can be different from the main countertop material.
5. It’s better to choose two large hanging pendants instead of three-four smaller fixtures over a large island. (Select a minimum of two fixtures regardless of size.) Add under cabinet lighting wherever you can.
6. You can combine different appliance materials together as long as you choose no more than two different materials for a more cohesive look. For example: A stainless stove combined with a stainless refrigerator and white dishwasher etc.

Okay, I'm exhausted. I think I’ll tell hubby he’s taking me to the movies this weekend so I can check out this kitchen for myself!

Images via NYTimesMagazine.com and HookedonHouses.net

Country Scenes

City girl in the country... This past weekend, our town got blanketed in snow once again. That didn't stop me from grabbing my camera (and my hubby) to capture the beauty of the day. Before I left, I snapped the white pines right outside my back door. These trees look absolutely majestic and I can see them from every window.

When I first moved here, I thought I would go mad. Now I appreciate the quiet and I have learned to enjoy nature more. (Not bad for an "indoor" girl.)

We live near many rivers and streams - some larger than others. This one is located just up the road.

You can almost hear the quiet.

The Nubanusit River (which connects to the Contoocook River just beyond) sits alongside one of our parks. The falls (not pictured) fill the air with the sounds of water rushing over stone. I love water in every form and I am happy to be surrounded by rivers, lakes and streams. It makes me miss the ocean a little less.