The cauffered/tray ceiling is complete!! Here is an in-progress view once the drywall was mounted, taped, and mudded!

It was quite the work out!! Final reveal coming soon…. Installing the cabinets today! Eeekkk!!

I search for a specific piece and find it at some insane clearance price: Score! Then, after reality hits, I realize that it’s one of those damn knock-off websites: UGH!

Which leads me too….   this post!

My heart literally melts for these Isabel Marant ‘Manly’ boots.

I would rock these every. single. day.  Appropriate weather or not.  Well, maybe not.  But with a price tag nearly double the tuition per graduate credit, or equivalent to my bathroom remodel — they are untouchable.  Seriously, that’s how I equate the US dollar nowadays: in grad credits or trips to the home improvement store.  Girl can dream.

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Taro’     Jeffrey Campbell ‘Tory’     Steve Madden ‘Mohavee’

These alternatives are just as swoon-worthy and all under $200!  The SM bootie is even on clearance for $104.98!

I’m often teased for my lack of cooking skills, and even more so for my complete lack of wanting to learn how to cook!  At this point in life, PBJ and Cliff Bars are no longer an acceptable or healthy meal.  So I resort to preparing a meal with as little cooking/directives/ingredients as possible, and make sure whatever it is has enough of the protein and nutrients I need to keep me going.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but far too frequent are the days that I am so invested in a reno project that I go hours and hours without eating.  SO unhealthy!  I’ve made EAT breaks a part of my routine — and have to make sure I am getting enough protein.  As a somewhat freshly pescatarian, salmon packs as much protein as a serving of chicken, plus has many additional vitamins.

I picked up this Salmon Roast with Cranberries and Goat Cheese from WholeFoods.  It only took about 12min. in the oven at 275degrees.  After baking, I put it atop a bed of fresh whole spinach leaves.  Seriously, delicious meal with little to no effort.  Just my kind of eatin’!

Inspired by a recent terrain trip — which, by the way is quite possibly the most inspiring place ever — I dug out my collection of tiny vintage apothecary bottles that I picked up a while back in Tampa.

How to:

1. First make a loop at the end of the wire and wrap securely — I opted to not cut the wire, but rather work with it on the spool to attain accurate length.

2. Then, leaving some space from the loop, begin wrapping the wire around the mouth of the first bottle.

3. Continue for the remaining bottles.

4. Leaving space again, make the final loop as the first.

5. Fill with water. Hang using hooks. Add a few blooms. And enjoy!

If you prefer the Terrain version click here.

So excited to be back in PHILLY!  And better yet – we bought our FIRST home together in our favorite neighborhood by the Art Museum. ♥

When we began our search we looked at quite the array of homes..  settling on an estate that’s over one hundred years old!  We knew immediately, or shall I say, I knew immediately.  It may have taken a little convincing on my part to win my guy over.  I adore the exquisite detail and charm of an old home – that simply cannot be replicated.

And so here we are, in the messy middle of renovations.  We are doing the work ourselves, with the help of dear family and friends, so it’ll take some time, creativity, learning, and patience — Can’t wait to share my home with you!

With love,

M

The first impression of a home’s character is often made based on entry.  A foyer area is a great place to express personality, in all its brazen glory!  A long-time favorite is an ultra-glossy, shallacked pop of color – not unlike my high-gloss pink hallway in my previous home!  My entryway shares a common wall with the formal living and dining space so I decided to make a statement in the detail, instead of use of bold color choice.

Using a muted lavender, a washed-over chevron on a neutral beige palette allures with subtlety – screaming for a double take!  Adding multiple finishes to the mix (flat pattern on top of satin base) the most beautiful change in sheen occurs with time of day – In the afternoon/evening, that part of my home is filled with a rich sunshine glow and the color pops!

On first look, guests frequently think it’s wallpaper and feel the need to run their hand along it — surprised to hear it’s a simple paint technique.

I continued this technique through the hallway walls..  stay tuned for a how-to!

I would love to see what your entryway looks like!

Email me at melinda@thelovelylife.com