Rooms of Inspiration – Get Cozy

I’ve come to realize that almost every Tuesday, my posts include something in relation to home decor, so I’ve decided to continue the trend.  Each Tuesday, check in at The Simply Luxurious Life to view a bounty of rooms which will hopefully catch your eye and inspire an idea or two for your own decor.

This week’s Rooms for Inspiration is all about comfort.  My vacation is this week, so I’m inclined to be in a cozy state of mind: fewer appointments in my planner, more mornings to sleep in a bit longer (as long as my dogs will allow), time to catch up on some pleasurable reads and more importantly, time to rest. (Okay, I might be doing some shopping for my spring wardrobe as well . . . if I’m being completely honest.)  But the focus is ultimately relaxation.

One of the pieces of furniture that immediately comes to mind upon achieving this Zen state is a chaise lounge. Bring me a book, a blanket, hot tea and one or two of my dogs to snuggle with, and I’ll be good for at least a couple of hours in a luxuriously comfortable chaise.

Enjoy perusing through the images below, and just imagine yourself curled up in one, taking a few moments to yourself.  What items would you include as you snuggle in?  Freshly brewed coffee, a blanket, knitting materials, a book, your laptop?  I’d love to hear.  Have a exquisite Tuesday.

 

Images: (1) Shabby Chic Easy (2) Decor Pad (3)Hudson Goods Blog (4) Apartment Therapy (5) Zinio (6) Decor Pad (7)Country Living (8) Veranda (10) Decor Pad (11) Country Living (12) Decor Pad (13) Elle Decor (14) Elle Decor – Jessica Stam’s home (15) Brabourne Farm

Cups of Tea (2/8-2/13)

How true it is that we too often aren’t appreciative of something until we no longer have it in our lives.  Such was the case a few days ago when my computer decided to “catch a cold”.  Being the not-so-techie person that I am, I immediately looked to someone else for help (well, not immediately, first I had a little moment, shall we say, but I rebounded quickly).  I owe a HUGE thank you to my colleague Sam for diagnosing the problem and getting my fingers back on the keyboard.  You are a saint!!  Homemade cookies whenever you want them, I promise!

Needless to say, it wasn’t until yesterday that I was able to catch up on reading all of my favorite blogs.  What I found was heart-warming, literally and figuratively.  Cut-out hearts and cupcake-shaped hearts, and lovely thoughts shared in so many different styles that I couldn’t help but have a perpetual smile on my face as I was reading through all of them. 

With that said, I couldn’t pick my favorite Valentine themed posts, but I hope that today you are able to enjoy your Love day with someone special, whether it be a significant other, friend, family member or loyal pet.  We all need love in our lives, and I hope today finds you opening the door to all of the possibilities it offers.  After all, I’ve always said, “Valentine’s Day is just a date on the calendar with a post-it note on it, reminding us to tell the one’s we love that we do.”So don’t forget about the rest of the calendar.

Speaking of love, below are a few posts that I fell in love with this week, each for it’s own reason.  Simply click on the heading of each one to be taken to the original page to read the post in its entirety. Happy Sunday!

 

1. Flea Market Find

For any of my readers who find pleasure in the hunt when it comes to garage sales,tag sales, estate sales and flea markets, you will appreciate the following story.  French Essence recently shared her experience with flea markets in Paris.  About fifteen years ago, she found a beautiful bed, and much to the delight of all of us who “antique”, the bed is still in beautiful condition.  Read exactly how it all worked out by clicking here.

 

 

2. Windy City Inspiration

Chandelier above your bathtub anyone?  I’m in! (pun intended) Erin of  Elements of Style recently profiled the home of one of her readers, Colette May, and it truly is a breathtaking abode.  So beautiful that two posts were needed to share all of the interior pictures.  However, before you become consumed by the amazing decor (Colette, herself, was the designer), don’t forget to read a bit about her, she is an inspiration in her own right. Click here and here to take a peek.

 

3. How Do You Do?

Paloma of La Dolce Vita frequently asks fellow bloggers and readers to share ten things they couldn’t live without.  As I was reading about Franki Durbin, I was intrigued by her interests (magazines, laughter, water – just to name a few) because they were simple, yet necessary things that I find myself needing in my life to stay balanced, yet inspired.  Having piqued my interest, I decided to meander over to her blog Life In A Venti Cup, and I was not disappointed.

 

 

4. Time to De-Stress

Hopefully this weekend finds everybody able to enjoy three days off from the daily grind, but if it doesn’t, here is a great post to help try and eliminate as much stress as possible from our lives.  I am a HUGE fan of lists. I appreciate anything that is easy to read through, being able to quickly access the information that is being sought after, and Leo Babauta of Zen Habits is a master at sharing information in this format.  Take a quick glance at the list to see if there is something you too could incorporate into your life to make it even more enjoyable.

This photo alone makes me de-stress a little. No?

5. What to do on a Rainy and Windy Day

A blog I find myself frequently visiting, and continually be inspired after I’m done browsing through the beautiful photographs, is Brabourne Farm. This particular post especially grabbed my attention because while I love rainy days, I despise windy ones,   So what is one to do? Leigh shared a  list of beautiful ideas of what to do on a day that may not be, shall we say, picturesque or suitable for lounging on the porch.  Have a look, because I think it would tie in perfectly on a day beckoning romantic gestures.

Weekly Cups of Tea (2/1-2/7)

The blogosphere is full of a plethora of gifted writers, but for me, at the end of a busy work day, I find comfort in viewing blogs that lighten my day, make me smile, inspire me to improve myself and at the same time make me believe I can indeed do it.  I have a long list of favorite blogs, but this week the five you will see listed below each had a post that stuck with me for one reason or another.  Simply click on the header and it will take you to the post that I enjoyed. Have a wonderful day.

1. Lounge Time

Leigh from BraBourne Farm conjured up even more of a desire to find a cozy spot in my house, grab a book or a magazine and settle in for a great deal of leisure with her post of luxurious lounge chairs.  Click on the header above to see more relaxing rooms and the chairs they wrap themselves around.

2. Perhaps a Cafe?

It is always intriguing to me to discover how artists garner inspiration for their craft. Earlier this week Crystal from Plush Palate shared with her readers that cafes revved up her creative juices. For even more inspiring photos, click above on the header.

3.  Lessons from the Past

Every once in awhile we all find ourselves in the need to be cheered up. The Happiness Project’s Gretchen Rubin found a list from two centuries ago that shares nineteen simple ways to cheer oneself up.  Hopefully you are not in need of any of these pieces of advice at the moment, after all, it is Sunday, but why not jot down a few that grab your attention.  View it as being on the offensive.

4. 20 Wardrobe Must-Haves

Rachel Zoe recently posted her list of twenty wardrobe essentials. Click on the header above for a visual list of what you must-have for you wardrobe.  After all, it’s still the weekend, anybody for a little shopping?

 

5. Dinner for One

The ladies over at Big Girls, Small Kitchens came up with what looks to be a delicious variation on one of my favorite dishes – spaghetti ala carbonara.  This particular dish is one that is engrained in my memory.  My mom would make this on special occasions, and I swear I can still taste the rich creamy flavor just thinking about it.  Nowadays, I don’t allow myself to make this dish that often, but when I do, I savor it.  Check out the recipe for Dinner for One; Carbonara Two Ways, add a glass of a crisp oaky Chardonnay and you’ll have a very delicious meal I have a feeling.