Look I'm Loving: Monochromatic Sunglasses and Hair

 

The day before my sister's wedding, while my family was in town, we all made a late afternoon pilgrimage to my favorite store on the planet Warby Parker, and it pretty much became an episode of Oprah... "you get a pair of glasses, you get a pair of glasses!!!" My sister ended up picking out a pair of sunglasses that were the exact color of her hair, and ever since I've been totally obsessed with the look. So much so that I just had to get a pair for myself last week. #twinning

My Feature On Epson's Blueprints Blog

A few weeks back, I was incredibly honored to be featured on Epson's Small Business Blog Blueprints. You can read the piece in its entirety here. (While you are at it make sure you check out the one prior about one of my favorite designers Emily Henderson).

We hear stories over and over about how big corporations are always stomping out the little guys, and it's really great when the script is flipped and small businesses like me (an army of one) are able to reach a broader audience with the help of these established, larger companies.

Along with the piece (as if that wasn't enough) I was gifted an awesome printer/scanner/ copier/fax and it has really been a game changer for me.* Having such a powerful machine really has been like gaining a home office, without having to dedicate the space to one. I really thought this was something we didn't need in our home, and now I can't imagine running my business without it. You can see below how awesome the color is, and giving a client to something tangible (and color accurate) has been a welcome addition to my design services.

Again, a huge thank you to Brian and the whole team at Epson for the write up.  I can't even begin to say how appreciative I am that I was given this opportunity!

* I promise they aren't paying me to say that ;)

My Week In NYC

I'd love to share with you all my amazing week in NYC! I know I had HUGE plans going into the week, but once I finally arrived late on Monday night (damn you Lincoln tunnel) all I really wanted to do was relax, eat, and drink.

Easy goals, right?

Honestly, for the next four days I did just that. Other than a Soul Cycle class each morning, I had no real agenda, and I pretty much let my stomach decide where the day would take me. I walked pretty much everywhere, and then promptly rewarded myself with a glass of rosé to celebrate making it to each destination. This is the opposite of my every day life, and halfway through the week I texted my husband that I certainly could get used to a life of leisure. His response was to basically to enjoy it, because I probably wouldn't be getting the chance again anytime soon. Or at least until next year...

Well, enjoy it I did!

Here are a few shots of my week in the city. The problem with spending the day by yourself is when you look back all your photographs are either selfies, or of food and I'll try not to bore you with too many of those. Below is also a list of what I did each day. Not the most adventurous week I admit, but I did bike though the city and over the Brooklyn Bridge and anyone who's ever ridden a bike in New York knows that's about all the adventure you need. ;)

The Time My Kid Went To Overnight Camp

The morning after my sister's wedding, the LM and I left the house at 6am (do you even want to know how much that hurt??), picked up two of his buds, and made the 7 hour trek to his first week of overnight camp. I had very mixed feelings about our 7 year old being away for a week but he was going with three of his friends ages 12-14, and he was so excited about going that we thew caution to the wind and signed him up. The plan was that I would stay at a nearby inn the first night, and check in with him on my way to the city. He had a little flip phone so he could call me anytime he wanted (and believe me he did) but given that the camp had a separate cabin for the little sprouts, aged 7-9, we figured if they accepted these ages then they were certainly well versed in things like homesickness, eating/ sleeping issues, etc. If it was up to us, the LM would have actually stayed with his older friends, but in the end it was great that he was in the younger cabin because the "Cabin Dad" (who sleeps with the 12!!! campers) was actually someone from Boston and we knew him and his son well which was a huge relief.

My Little Sister Got Married

I know, I said I'd be posting while in NYC but after an unexpected delay on our flight back, and a marathon four days, I have to admit I was a little relieved to find that in my haste I had forgotten my laptop back home. I'm now back in Boston, and I'm so excited to share with you all a few pictures from my sister's wedding. The incredible husband and wife team that my sister hired to shoot the day are still working on the professional pictures (which you know I will be sharing as soon as I get my hands on them... in multiple posts) but for now I couldn't be happier to show you some shots from the night that can be summed up in one word; magical. 

The whole day, from beginning to end was more than I could have ever dreamed of, and while there were times that I definitely questioned what on earth I was thinking planning a wedding on top of everything else we had going on, I could not have been more proud of how the event turned out. It was truly the best gift I could give to my little sister, and when I looked around at people laughing, dancing, and drinking the night away, I knew that we had truly succeeded in our goal of making the perfect evening. From the music, to the food, and even the weather (which thankfully decided to cooperate at the last minute) the night was so special and I know it's one that everyone who was there will remember forever. 

Here are a few pictures from the night that was.

What I'm Reading

Everything I Never Told You

Set in the 70's, Everything I Never Told You is a gorgeously written novel that follows the Lee family after the tragic death of their eldest daughter. The book is the most unexpected and insightful exploration of the family dynamic, and this is a story about the culture during the 50's to the late 70's more than it is about the grieving family itself (there's some of that too.) I expected this to be more of whodunit, and was pleasantly surprised to find a book is the exact opposite of that and it has absolutely cemented itself in my top ten for what I imagine is a long time to come. It's that good. 

On My Radar: Summer Collection by Reformation

Every few years I find myself getting "hot" for a brand...

In college it was Banana Republic (where my addiction was aided by my working in store) then in Law School and beyond I was J. Crew all day, every day (because Jenna.) Then I dabbled in C&C California followed by Theory, and a few years back I was all about Rag & Bone and more recently Madewell. Should I even mention my 6 month love affair with Juicy (specifically Juicy sweatpants?) Nah, some things are better left unsaid, right? ;) The point is, for me discovering a new brand I love is kind of like finding best friend. I just want to be with them all the time, and I'm always checking in to see what they are up to.

Right now, for me that brand is Reformation.

Currently

... And just like that, the last three weeks have flown by and we are nearing the end of our time in paradise. We have only 4 days left in our home away from home, and believe me, we plan on soaking up every last second. On Friday, we went fishing and not only did we catch some fish but we caught ALL the fish. Seriously, it was insane. We lured over a school of some yellow fin tuna, with some bait  fish we caught earlier in the morning, and we couldn't drop a line in without hooking one giant tuna after another. "Sushi for days"became an understatement, and ever since we've been passing out fish like water to all our friends in town. Definitely a day to remember.

After a few cloudy days, we are happily heading back to our camp on the beach. I have to admit I've gotten used to the slow pace of life down here, and true to form we've begun spending our nights dreaming about what it would be like to sell off everything and move here full time. Of course, that's just a dream, but man it would be nice.  For those of you who'd like to see, here are a few pictures from the last week or two. If this isn't what summer was made for, I'm not sure what is. xx

Gone Fishing.

I'm off today for a fishing trip with my dad, the LM, our friend and his girlfriend who just arrived yesterday. Hope to catch some big ones! I'll be back Monday. xx

(photo from March 2014)

Forever Obsessed: Palm Leaf Print

Perhaps it's because I've been living in an actual jungle the past three weeks, or because I will always have a place in my heart for what I like to refer to as "Golden Girls chic," but whatever the case I have a palm leaf print obsession that just won't quit and every few months I find myself dreaming of wallpapering a room in my house in the iconic print.

Next house, next house, next house...

8 Easy Summer Looks... With Sources!

dress // shoe // clutch

Ahhhhhhh Summer... the season of bare legs, tanned arms, and easy throw on pieces. For me, when it comes to keeping stylish and cool during these warmer months the key is to have a few go-to outfits that are casual and comfortable, but also a little tailored (dare I say sexy?) Below I've rounded up 8 of my favorite looks for the season and found similar pieces that are for the most part affordable and accessible. The best part is that when you shop mid-season, almost everything is already on sale as retailers are already making room for their cool weather clothing. (shudder) I know people say the cooler months are the real season for stylish dressing, but I absolutely disagree. 

Summer, you will always have my heart. 

Trend I'm Loving: Barn Light Inspired Pendants

 

The above image is probably my favorite thing on the internet right now.

I swear I've probably re-pinned it about a dozen times, and when dreaming of California real estate I pretty much only consider homes with arches for the sole purpose of recreating this look. Yes, the architecture is completely my jam, but I've realized it's those lights that really have me drooling. Right now barn light inspired pendants are having a moment, and I have to say I'm not angry about this at all. Not only do they completely make a space with their simple beauty, but they are also incredibly inexpensive (easily under 150 dollars from a number of retailers.) They come in every color in the rainbow... and then some. Right now I'm hoping to use this style pendant in black for a ski house I'm currently working on, and you know I'm just dying to find a space for an emerald set. Any takers? ;)

Costa Rica Travel Advice: Updated

 

The #1 question that I get from readers is looking for advice about traveling to Costa Rica. You all know that we absolutely love it, and having been traveling there for more than 15 years. It really is the perfect place to go with or without kids, and after trying out other places we always seem to find our way back there. As it stands now, we spend a month here in the Summer, and a few weeks in March, but as the boys get bigger I can absolutely see us extending our stay for the entire summer. It's that good. 

Here is how we do Costa Rica. If anyone has anything to add, feel free to leave some suggestions in the comments section. 

Currently

Well, we've officially reached the point in our trip where we all love/ hate each other in equal measure. It's probably no coincidence that today also marks the halfway point in our little adventure. I'm pretty sure that the point of our annual Swiss Family Robinson Anderson vacation is to get as much family time in as we can, but what we always seem to forget is that we as a family we really can get on each others nerves... a lot. Luckily, the tide is about to turn because in a few short hours my dad is arriving, and there is nothing better than new blood to change the dynamic around here. We always have such a wonderful time once he arrives, and the boys couldn't be more excited if Santa Claus himself were to walk through the door. Considering the amount of goodies my dad always has in tow, I can see why!

Red + White + Blue

I'm not one for thematic dressing, and rarely do so for any holiday. While you won't be seeing me in a pair of american flag hot pants on the 4th (you're welcome) I have to admit that when it comes to Summer dressing, there is nothing I love more than a crisp white button down or tee, paired with broken in denim jeans/ shorts, topped off with the perfect red lip or toenail. It's my nod to red white and blue, and luckily it can be worn long after the last firework display of the season. Below is a little red + white + blue inspiration, and a few of my favorite pieces that are currently in my own closet.

My Sister's Wedding: The Invitations

I can't believe it, but this is my last post on my sister's wedding before the big day. It seemed like only yesterday I wrote about our inspiration for the affair, and now here we are over a year later with everything decided, down to the the littlest detail. It feels so good to know that we don't have to really think about anything wedding related, but I can already tell that I'm going to miss obsessing over all the pieces that are going into the big event... mostly because those discussions were done on the weekend, and usually while having one too many cocktails with my sister. Okay, the truth is I'm not going to miss the planning as much as the time I got to spend with my sis, but I'm sure I can still convince her to come visit me every once in a while ;)