Get Fit in Sag Harbor This Weekend

Hey, Long Islanders! Are you heading to HarborFrost in Sag Harbor this weekend? Before you go, pop by one of my favorite new shops, WellNEST for a Stability Ball Training class on Saturday, Feb. 5!

Stability Ball Training Classes

Hosted by WellNEST’s very own Analisa Johnson

11am-12pm
&
2pm-3pm

Please sign up as space is limited
$10 class admission fee

Please call: 631-899-4600
Or
Email: Emily@wellnest.us

Mirror, Mirror against the wall...

This image from StyleAtHome.com caught my eye this morning. The colors are beautiful, the styling crisp but it was that oversized white mirror leaning against the wall that made my heart skip a beat.


It instantly reminded me of the many, many oversized mirrors I encountered at HomeGoods yesterday! Now, I really, really want one for my home :)

Tech Geek Chic

While browing the New York Times this morning, this gorgeous red leather iPad case from Yves Saint Laurent caught my eye. Be still my heart.

Now, please realize, I do not own an iPad, nor do I plan to buy one (well maybe if prices drop) but I am crushing hard on this case, even though it costs as much as the iPad itself.

Begs the question: Can fashion make technology cool?

I say yes and really, it has...here are a few chic examples...

Harpers Bazaar chronicled the 7 Best Designer iPad cases last spring (Chanel {see pic below}, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, they all have one...YSL is still my fave though!)

Vivienne Tam designed this fab HP "digital clutch" bursting with pretty butterflies.


Kate Spade punched up the iPhone with its polka dot cover.

What about you? Do you splurge on accessories for your favorite gadgets?

Photos via (from top: nytimes.com, harpersbazzar.com, geeksugar.com, katespade.com)

Hostess Gift Guide

I love the idea of a hostess gift! Which is probably why I had so much fun putting together a hostess gift guide for AOL's Holidash.com. My picks ranged from a splurge-worthy bar cart all the way to chic placemats - and I had a blast putting it together.

Of course, I had lots of ideas left over. And lucky you, I'm sharing them today! Here, some of my favorite hostess gift ideas this year...Enjoy!

Holiday Family Platter, Le Papier Studio, $30
Especially perfect for a newlywed, new homeowner or a new mom, you can choose one of the pre-existing family silouettes or send in your own.

David Stark's Silver Flower Clips for West Elm, $5 each
A thoroughly modern, festive (and recycled) bauble. Love these paired with a bottle of bubbly!

Philosophy Gingerbread Man Super-Size, Shower Gel, QVC, $25
Someone recently gave this to me and I love it. It's such a festive treat for the shower and it will definitely last all winter long!

Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Pencils, $16, Sephora

Paraben-free eyeliner in 14K, Onyx, Orchid and Graphite? Yes, please!

Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That? Cookbook, $18.90 on amazon.com

Why? Because Ina Garten rules when it comes to fabulous and simple party recipes.

Chocolate Covered Snowman Hats, Red Envelope, $29.99
These are just pure fun...an Oreo cookie topped with a marshmallow, dipped in chocolate. Need I say more?

Patron XO Cafe Tequila Liqueur, price varies
Best way to end any evening or to get the party started. Be sure to serve nice and cold! :)

Sale Alert: Viv & Ingrid!

I've been feeling under the weather for the longest time and nothing can perk a girl up like a good sale :)

My friends over at Ruby Press PR kindly alerted me to the upcoming Fall sale on Viv & Ingrid! From September 22 (tomorrow!) through September 26, EVERYTHING is 25 percent off! Just use code: fall25.

Amazing...how can you pass up a sale on fabulous jewelry to get your fall wardrobe in order? I have my eye on the Gold & Emerald Pompom Cherie necklace...

This girl adores emeralds (it's my birthstone!) and at $91 it is a steal even before the 25 percent off.

Oh, and if you miss it...starting on October 1, shop their October Pick of the Month sale...you'll save 15% on all pearl jewelry (that code is oct10pick).

Happy shopping everyone....

American Cupcake

I've been doing researching for this massive travel-related project, uncovering lots of cool shops and restaurants around the country. Well, American Cupcake in San Franciso has to be one of the ones I am dying to visit most!

The scoop: it's a quirky cafe with a menu packed with delicious savory bites, candy-inspired cocktails, cool desserts and my favorite part...the cupcakes!

Now, I don't care who says cupcakes are on their way out...to me, they are the perfect way to indulge a bit, try a new flavor and generally give me a little boost on rainy day :)

I am most smitten by American Cupcake's "cupcake flights" and "cupcake pairings." Matching up cupcakes with wine and beer? Sounds perfect, yes please. Cupcakes and wine are two of my favorite indulgences and I think its lovely to have them together.

My favorite cupcake flight: The Tunnel of Love, which gives you three minis: chocolate, red velvet and red hot (cinnamon, love it!) paired up with a taste of Vin Gris Rose, Sonoma Brut and Cabernet Savignon.

There's so much more to try....like the peanut butter and preserves menu with loads of yummy toppers and The Mad Tea Party...cupcakes covered with ice cream and all the fixings.

I may just be heading out to San Fran in November so I hope to stop by, but in the meantime, maybe I'll just try it myself at home... a chocolate cupcake with a glass of Cab Sav...that'll do!

NYIGF: Gorgeous Grey

Hooray...I am back to blogging after a brief hiatus! This summer has just been super busy but now I have lots to share.

First up...the New York International Gift Fair! I spent the early part of the week racing around the Javits Center and the Piers in NYC soaking up as much inspiration as possible.

Did any of you catch my tweets from the show? @design_candy...if not, check out my twitpics on the sidebar...

This first and strongest trend I noticed? GREY! Everyone is embracing this hot new hue in so many ways--- there's no escaping this color for fall.

My favorite examples:

This crazy fun faux bois chair spotted at the Bungalow 5 booth:

...oh and their Harlow mirror and console table...fabulous!

I really loved these tiny side tables at Oomph, especialy in the dove grey...so chic with the monogram! Love, it---a must-have!

Moving on to soft goods....John Robshaw had gorgeous, gorgeous bedding and pillows...

I loved this soft grey and white bedding set and that "dipped" two-tone pillow too (both new prints)...something about it felt very boho chic to me! He also has a fab line of tie-dye coming too...pillows, robes, and more!

I've got loads more to share, but that's it for now!! Stay tuned for more trend re-caps!

Just Hangin' Around....

I was over at the 7 W New York building today, the new(ish) home to several fabulous design and giftware company showrooms. Two's Company & Tozai Home are located in the lobby and Tozai's current display made me stop and smile...

How fun are all of the white animal heads with the colorful ties hanging around them? Brilliant. Design can certainly have a sense of humor sometimes :)

Plover Organics New Collection + Blog

I’m excited to share with you pics of some of the new bedding (available now!) from Plover Organic. Do you know about them? Well, they are fabulous…this smart company makes the most beautiful hand-blocked bedding, crib bedding, tabletop and fabric all from 100% organic, fair-trade cotton.

Two of my faves from the new collection are:

Thorns/Gold Circles (So fresh and I love the color combo)

Pink Roses/Pink Waves (LOVE this for a little girl's room!)

Plus, the owners, Kula Mercer and Sheila Mulvihill have started their own blog (check out this sweet birthday party post!) that’s all about their thoughts on green living: the products they use, the things they buy, the dishes they cook, as well as the inspiration they find for their collections.

Be sure to add them to your daily reading list, you’ll be glad you did!

They Say it's Your Birthday....

Hooray! My birthday weekend is finally here. Since the big day is on a boring Monday this year, I have decided to celebrate all weekend long :) I'll be popping in with updates, but for now, here is how I have celebrated so far:

Thursday evening...yes, weekends can start on Thursdays! A fantastic mani-pedi...the foot massage was heaven as is the pretty new color on my fingers and toes: Splash of Grenadine by Essie. I highly recommend it!

Friday yielded a quick trip into NYC this afternoon. A quick stop at Tom Colicchio's 'wichcraft for a decadent hazelnut iced latte and peanut butter cream 'wich (yum!).

Then I was off for some fun trying on makeup at Sephora. I even purchased a delicious new perfume (Vanilla Coconut, anyone?)

and a fab new Nars lip gloss - the new Coup de Cour, which will go great with a tan this summer.

Well, back at home now, the hubby and I are kicking back, gearing up for a fun filled weekend of relaxation, good food, good friends and good wine...oh, and for me...I'm hoping for some fun b-day presents! :)

happy weekend everyone!

Anna Sui's Butterfly Shopping Spree

Catching up on the New York Times today, I happily came across this "Shopping With Anna Sui" feature - all about the talented designer shopping for furnishings bespeckled with butterflies! I am drooling over every photo.

If you need a little shot of happy spring today, go check out the story at nytimes.com. For now, here are a few of favorites from her picks:

I adore the whimsical Niagra Chandelier from Lladro? I found it for sale over at Unica home for a mere...$60,000!!

The John Derian Butterfly cache pot Anna also choose stole my heart. I am bummed because it is temporarily unavailable..I'll have to keep my eye out! I am also bummed because I missed meeting him at an event earlier this week. I met him a couple of years ago when he first launched his line at Target and he was just such a gentleman, so wonderful and inspring to talk to! Perhaps I will run into him again one day.

Finally something I will be purchasing (thanks for the scoop, Anna!)...this beautiful linen foil printed pillow cover from Patch NYC for West Elm. At $34, it is such a steal, I may have to buy two!

Inspired by Williams-Sonoma

Since it was so rainy this weekend, when I did get out I decided to head to Williams-Sonoma. Easter is coming soon and since that is our big holiday to host, I decided I needed a little inspiration.

When I arrived, I was happy to see how prepared they were for Easter. Not only was the front of the store filled with Easter goodies such marshmallow ducklings, malted chocolate eggs, jelly beans and sour gummy bunnies....

...but the table in the back of the store was beautifully set for a lovely Easter holiday.

How sweet are these little bunny taper candle holders? I think they are my favorite part.

I controlled my tempation to purchase, well everything, since I know I have a lovely closet full of tabletop goodies. However, I did purchase a little jar of Herbs de Provence and picked up their recipe card for an Herbs de Provence Leg of Lamb, using said herbs. I cannot wait to test it out.

How about you? What inspired you this weekend?

Bronze Beauties...

A few years ago, certain home accessories were all about stainless steel, nickel and brushed chrome. I know because I fell for it! My kitchen appliances, most light fixtures and the accent lamps in my living room...are all about that cool shine.

Now, it seems its time to go warm. Bronze is back...well, it has been back for awhile, actually. However, lately, I'm noticing a lot more warm, bronze accessories creeping up...and I like it.

Lighting. I was at Porto Vivo in Huntingon, NY this week for the LI Pulse party. These oversized bronze light fixtures that were in the center of the restaurant stole my heart. Amazing, right?

Window shades. My friends at Hunter Douglas recently alerted me to this trend...how fabulous do these shades look? Sheer bronze fabrics, yes, please! These are from their Alustra Duette honeycomb shades series. So elegant.

Decorative furniture. I am in love with this oil-rubbed bronze Etagere from Restoration Hardware. I love this for a bathroom or really, more for a living room or bedroom.

And these Mission-style house numbers also from Restoration Hardware are just so fun and fabulous...I had to include them!

Live Colorfully...by Kate Spade

So says the happy email I received from the Kate Spade web site this morning :) What a cheerful way to start the day.

In honor of this happy idea...here are a few colorful finds that I'm craving from the site today.

Garden Party Wool Scarf

I love wearing scarves, especially during those transitional times such as spring and fall. This one is so pretty and is rocking my favorite color combo: shades of purple and green.

Moon River Double Pearl and Bow Necklace

Ok, it is not full of color, but a nod to Holly Golightly? I'll take it and wear it with a simple hot pink sheath. Perfection.

New York Minute Idiom Bracelet

This bracelet reminds me of balloons and gumballs! I'd wear this to a garden party, a child's birthday party or any other spring event!

Imogen Sandal

How gorgeous would this be paired with, well any summer outfit! I am picturing it with a flowing white gauzy dress and lots of gold jewelry:)

The March issue of Long Island Pulse!

I'm so happy to share my two latest columns in the March issue of LI Pulse (great cover, right?!)

First, I talked with Estela Lugo from the oh-so-popular Modern Dose. Have you ever checked out her site? Well, I highly recommend you go there and get ready to shop! Estela has a great selection of furniture, accessories for the home and kids too. She and I talked about how "Modern" style has changed and what it means today. Check out the article here.

This month's Expert Q & A was with Christine Zampaglione of NY Design Pod in Patchogue, NY. Christine is a founding partner of this new, exciting showroom for interior designers.

I had so much fun talking with Christine and am so excited to spread the word about her fabulous showroom. You can check out the article here and check out her web site here.


Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

Pretty Pink Party Props

Monday was one of those days...so I decided to relax a little last night by searching for fun party goods on Etsy. Here some of my favorites, all pretty in pink!

Raspberry Ruffled Crepe Trim/Garland, The Gilded Bee.

This just screams: "party!" It makes me so happy, I have to order some for sure.

Romance Novel Paper Rose, Anne Musing Designs.

Love that these flowers were made using recycled pages torn from old romance novels. So clever.

Sweet Potted Fabric Plant Rose Bouquet, Jane Joss.

A plant, made from fabric? GENIUS...love it.

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake gift bag and print, Jenny's Bake Shop.

Cupcakes certainly calm me down, I love this new print!

John Robshaw on Gilt Groupe - Right Now!

Do you shop Gilt Groupe? I just started (you have to sign up first) and was happily surprised to see John Robshaw's amazing textiles on sale today!

Sale ends on Monday, March 1...hurry!