I tend to get obsessed with things. Like really really obsessed and it drives my husband nuts. I'll get fixated on something and just talk about it excitedly for weeks. One of those things right now is arugula (yes the bitter lettuce... it's so good!) and the other is the iconic Eames lounge chair. 

I've talked about these chairs for long enough that I've finally convinced Chip that we should get one. So we are! YES! I've been tormented by the choice of color for weeks... with this type of investment careful consideration must be made. Black is so classic and versatile, but white is a fresh new take on this iconic piece. At the end of the day my practical side has won and I've decided to go with the classic black leather... the next tormenting decision will be All Grain or Dream Cow... All Grain or Dream Cow.... doh! 

I've been nervous to really make any big investments in furniture because I never know where we'll be from one year to the next (renters dilemma), but there are just so many different ways you can style these chairs and I am confident that the piece will look great in any home down the road as our style and tastes evolve. 

SO EXCITED!!! 

XOX

Summmmmmer!!! Don't you just want to scream it from the mountain tops? Summer has me dreaming about vacation and that of course means vacation homes. From classic Cape Cod and chic Hamptons retreats to rustic Maine camps and ketchy lake houses, there are so many cool ideas to mull through. A very distant reality indeed ... but as I always say, it's good to be prepared! I found this take on a summer retreat on House Beautiful and had to share. It's lake camp meets mid-century mod in the coolest way possible.

Happy summering! 

XOX

All photos: House Beautiful; Read the original Post here

Sometimes the littlest things are completely life changing. My friend who works at Reebok knows how much I love barre class, so she sent me these studio slippers to take for a test run. I honestly didn't know what a difference the right footwear can make! Sticky socks are great don't get me wrong, but I have found they tend to lose traction quickly leaving me slip sliding around detracting from the work-out at hand. With these new studio slippers my positions were stronger, my form was better, and I didn't have to keep yanking them up throughout the class like I usually do with my sticky socks! 

More and more I'm noticing people are moving toward statement workout pieces and I'm loving this trend! I love the colorful patterns and have been rocking camo and multi colored leggings quite often these days. Barre doesn't have to be boring and serious, and it's refreshing to mix in some bold items to liven up my typically boring black workout uniform. 

Currently coveting: 

1. The most comfortable pre/post workout shoe (or everyday shoe)  // Skyscapes
2. The most fun and colorful leggings // One Series Legging
3. Workout top that my best workout buddy lives in // Studio Contrast Stripe Tank

To me the sign of a true home is a place where you can envision yourself sitting down to eat bowls of cereal in the wee hours of the morning (which to me is 9:00AM and as far as I'm concerned nothing should happen prior to that hour). I'd like to eat bowls and bowls of cereal and pretend to cook elaborate meals in any of these kitchens... especially that first one with those yellow seated chairs.... Happy Tuesday! 

Photo Credit: Domaine Home

Photo Credit: Domaine Home

Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Photo Credit: Domaine Home

Photo Credit: New Zealand Design Blog

Photo Credit: Sulia

XOX

 I love summers here in Boston, In fact I would say that summers in New England almost make you forget about the other 9 months of the year (almost), but for some reason the summer always makes me homesick for Colorado. There's just something about that dry desert heat in the day and crisp mountain evening air that can't be beat. 

When I think about the West I think about bright colors, spiky cacti, and stucco. I also think about good hair days (thank you 0% humidity)  and breakfast at Cafe Pasquals in Santa Fe, but that warrants a post of its own. 

While a southwest inspired home would likely stick out like a sore thumb in the middle of all these shingles and clapboards, it's such a fun style for those lucky enough to live in dryer southern climates.  The color and texture options are limitless and there are so many opportunities to incorporate authentic handmade pieces. 

Photo: Penny Weight

I can't even handle how cute these planters are...  

Serape Photo: Life's Visual Journey

1, Chair // 2.  Pillow // 3. Planters  // 4. Serape

While a home out West isn't quite a reality at this point... it's always best to be prepared.

XO

Joan's (of  Joan's on Third) beautiful LA loft found on remodelista. Proving the lines between good food, style and design are very blurry. 

All Photos: Remodelista

Read the original post here

XOX