Five Friday Favorites

1.  Room inspiration for our upcoming bathroom renovation.

2. This sexy number for my Fall wardrobe.

3.  A woven top handmade stoneware pencil pot for the home office. 

4.  Anthropologie's Susila Rattan Chair, a current obsession. 

5.   And, just because, a leather and brass magazine rack! 

Life Happens: Precious Times

Looking at photos I recently took of our children, I can clearly see the changes in them.  These changes are not just physical.  True, the baby fat is no longer there, their faces are elongating, their eyes are more expressive, and their height, well their height is ever changing.  What I notice most, however, is the sweet spot they are in right now for us.  They're all very engaged within our family, funnier than ever, and still eager to please.  Their personalities are coming through and they are becoming comfortable with themselves.  These times are precious.  I'm confident they will always be as they are now, and their loving, kind, charismatic personalities will be shared with many, but the fact that they still want and need to be with Alex and me, is something we do not take for granted.  Precious times, indeed.  

Client Update: #beaconhillchd

I'm pleased to announce that Cocoon Home Design's Beacon Hill project is almost finished.  Earlier this month, I spent a few days in Boston stylizing and adding the final touches.  After a year of total renovation, as in taking down walls to the studs, raising ceilings and replacing floors, my clients and I have been in full on decorating mode.  With just the dinning room remaining to be furnished, the rest of the home has taken on an elegantly modern look with classic details that pay homage to its New England history.  Take a look:

Spontaneous Swim

Nothing says "summer" like a spontaneous swim.  This happened on one of our late afternoon walks along the lake.  My daughter, Zoe, was the first to walk into the water.  Wanting to cool off, she asked if she could get her clothes wet and I approved her whim with encouraging delight.  Soon all the children were in the water.  No bathing suits, towels or sunscreen.  The unplanned swim brought excitement and joy to everyone, even to those who only watched.  It was a good reminder to let things happen and live in the moment.  Next time I'm jumping in too!!

SB it was a pleasure seeing you again and spending time with your beautiful girls! 

Rosie Gin: A Summer Cocktail

Before leaving for our annual trip back East, Alex and I experimented with some cocktail concoctions, knowing full well we'd be sharing spirits with friends along our way.  We wanted to create a drink that was simple to prepare, refreshing and delicious.  Mixing fresh grapefruit juice, gin and a rose wine, we came up with a lightly effervescent libation that perfectly balances bitter/sweet.   See below for ingredients and instructions: 

Ingredients:

Gin, grapefruit, rose wine and limes.

Instructions:

Measure desired amount of gin and juice of a whole grapefruit.  Pour it into a cocktail mixer filled with ice and  and shake well.  Half fill a glass with this shaker mix and then top with the rose and a lime slice.

Sip and enjoy!