Get Cozy-kitty style

Stay warm - wrap yourself up - get cozy!

Rain

Snow

Hail

Ugh!

~Have a nice weekend~

Jamilyn

{image via Flicker}

Blog Favorite...Book Jacket

Book Jacket

  Teen Book Reviews And More

*Warning!  Proud Mom Bragging Alert*

Here are some examples of the delightful reads and reviews to be had at Book Jacket.  I highly recommend following the progress of this up and coming new teen (pre-teen) book review blog.  This young lady {oh, so talented daughter} has a passion for reading and writing and it reflects in her weekly posts.  If you are looking for a great book recommendation for your {tween/teen} child or just want to read a personal review on some interesting books, then visit Book Jacket.          

I actually have my eye on "Home To The Sea" by Chester Aaron (above).  Here is a sample of the review that Olive {aka-Olivia} posts on this book:   "I loved this book! I have read it so many times. Chester Aaron took a story that has been stuck in the Fantasy section since its creation, and transformed it into a story that seems like something real! This book is a scientific version of The Little Mermaid in reverse, and better! (The teen version) This is a very deep book, and full of emotion."

Another review:

"Witch and Wizard was amazing, James Patterson really worked his tail of on this book(there is going to be a sequel). He put lots of dialogue in this story that made me laugh out loud, which I don't usually tend to do when I am reading a book. He left no confusions, and nothing that didn't add up, everything fit precisely. His characters were portrayed beautifully. One of the things that impressed me the most was timing, he would hit you with an event that you never saw coming, and in some way, he would manage to slip in the scene at exactly the right time, so that it would leave you shocked."

Make sure to check out her review on another James Patterson book/series, 

MAXIMUM RIDE.  

Read a review and pick up a book!

~It is fun~

Thanks~

Jamilyn

{images and reviews from my daughter's blog olivebookjacket.blogspot.com}

Look Like A Mermaid

I remember doing this to my hair when I was a tween, oh-so-long-ago...  Well, it seems that sleeping with braids is back!  If you wait long enough, everything comes back.  Does that mean we should hold on to our wardrobe for some future use?  I actually saved some of my "unique trendy" clothing and shoes for my daughter when she is old enough to wear them.  Hopefully the timing will be right and they will be in style for her.  Do you remember Justin cowboy boots {popular in the 90's}?  I put those away for her.  Silly, huh?  Or, she can just stare at them and ponder how I could have worn that stuff!  Anyway, to get this look, which was used for Diane Von Furstenburg's Spring 2010 show, sleep on damp braids overnight.  For the runway, they used cornrows and for timing purposes, used a flatiron to press and set the plaits (not exactly sure what that means).  No product was used in her hair.  Very pretty!

~jamilyn

{image via elle.com}

Bermuda Trip ReCap

Swimming with the dolphin's actually happened!  Trip was a success after all.  Bermuda was beautiful.  I love visiting places that are right out of a postcard or magazine.  This was one of those vacations.  This is now one of my favorite places to get away too.  The flight was under 2 hours from Boston.  How can you go wrong!  Just hop on the plane and there you are...paradise.  I mean, look at the color of that water!  The sand is actually pink-ish...and felt like baby powder to walk on.

The weather was a bit on the chilly side.  Realistically for us, 65 degrees is better than 20 degrees.  They said that it is unusual for this time of year, usually warmer.  It is their off season right now, so not many tourists.  Not having the crowds was nice.  We had the Island to ourselves.

I am just going to give a quick run down of our trip...just in case you haven't been to Bermuda before {our first time}.  This info might be helpful if you ever plan to go.

*Flight to Bermuda from Boston is under 2 hours and from the East Coast mostly.  

We went for four nights, so do-able.

*We stayed at the Fairmont Southhampton/ a large hotel with golfing, spa/gym, pools, many restaurants on the premises, and private beach.  They also have complimentary ferry to Hamilton, for shopping and dinning.  It is also next to Horseshoe Beach which is famous for its beauty.

*Visited Crystal Caves, which is a must.  It is over 1 million years old.  Tour was great.

*Opted to take public transportation via local buses, which I recommend due to the fact that you cannot rent cars on this small island.  You are either going to pay for the expense of taxi's -which is pricey-or rent a scooter-which could be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing!  Bought a 3 day pass for the 3 of us.  Worked out great hanging out with the locals, everyone greets you in a friendly manner and everyone seems to know each other.  My daughter loved the "thrilling" bus rides.

*Visited St. George's, a historic town with cobblestone streets and an interesting old "unfinished church" 

*And of course we did the "Ultimate Dolphin Encounter" at Dolphin Quest in Dockyard.  

Highly recommend.

*Hung out at Horseshoe Beach and mostly ate and relaxed...the thing to do apparently!

Both sad and happy to be home...back to freezing!

xoxo jamilyn

*All images property of Living It At Home*

Sun Here I Come!

and we are off to bermuda....i will bring back some sunshine for you!  see you on monday {that is if i can tear myself away from this beach}

ta-ta for now!

~jamilyn

Nothin' Much...

Still snapping shots of my little birdie friends.  I found out that you can feed the Blue Jays whole peanuts.  Did you know that little factoid?  I have been amazed at how they carry them off to eat...sometimes two at a time!  Nothing really to report today other than I am trying to get us ready to fly to Bermuda!  My daughter has been sick and still not sure if we can go.  I am packing anyway and going with the flow for now.  She really wants to get better so she can swim with the Dolphins and explore the Crystal Caves!  Giving her lots of fluids and vitamin C...I think it is working!  Send healing thoughts... :)


~jamilyn




*image from Living It At Home*

My Valentine's Surprise

Woke up today to a delivery of this absolutely gorgeous arrangement of flowers from my hubby!  I wish you could experience them in person...they smell heavenly.  I think there are lilacs mixed in with the roses.  Ahh...Spring has come early for me!  He was so sweet in getting these for me.  Since I "nixed" the whole flowers on Valentine's Day thing.  I told him not to get me flowers because they are so expensive.  

Well, I have to admit that I am happy he didn't pay any mind to me!

We did miss the Cupcake Valentine's Day Tea at the Ritz Carlton, Boston, this weekend.  My daughter came down with a pretty bad cold.  She was so sad not to go.  The picture above is the offerings of cupcakes with the tea.  Aren't these mini cakes cute?  I think there is a red velvet one in there with cream cheese frosting!  Oh my!  I think this tea may run through February.  We may try and go again.

I hope everyone is having a sweet Valentine's!

~jamilyn

*First image taken by Living It At Home. Cupcakes photo by Stacie Joy via Cupcakes Take The Cake*

Pretty In Pink

Maggie is going pink for Valentine's Day!

So Pretty in pink!

***

We will be enjoying Valentine's Day High Tea at the Ritz this weekend.  I will hopefully take pictures and post them on Sunday.  Should be fun!  Do I have to wear white gloves?  Hope not! ha-ha!

What are your special Valentine's plans?

xoxoJamilyn

High End Consignment?

Braved the storm today- wasn't that much {not yet anyway} to visit a local favorite store, Boston consignment.  There are some great finds to be had here.  This isn't your typical "consignment store".  If you are looking for high end furniture or unique treasures to add to your decor than this is the place for you.  Some pieces were once loved in a Park Avenue apartment, a Wellesley tudor, or a Greenwich mega-home.  Baker, Kittinger, Eldred Wheeler, Tiffany China and some 18th century European antiques are in place to view and purchase.  There are over 500 consignors from Beacon Hill, Park Avenue,  to Newport...people who are downsizing.  I snapped some pictures of treasures that caught my eye.  Unfortunately, today wasn't my day to buy!

I just loved this portrait.  I am drawn to antique images like this one.  I love that time period!  I may have to go back for this one!

I thought this was a cute table.  Really bright gold, but unique.

    

Cute chairs purchased in France.

This is a great shell chandelier.  If I had a place on the Cape or Martha's Vineyard I would definitely put this in my house.  {Still dreaming of that second home}

Every wall is covered with unique art.

Bust are back or did they ever leave?

Another cute antique cane chair.  Set of six for your dinning room.

Looking for a lamp?

This consignment shop is a pleasure to shop in.  I really should keep it all to my self!  It is chuck full of treasures!

Glad to be back home...storm is starting to kick in here.

~jamilyn

*images property of Living It At Home. Info from Boston Consignment, Needham, Ma*

And The Winner Is...

No!  It is not Kate Winslet!  Although, I think she is a great actress and have always liked her movies!

I know this isn't the Golden Globes or anything...

THE WINNER IS...

Marija from Holding Court !

Congratulation's Marija! I will be contacting you soon to send out your new beautiful book, Elle Decor, So Chic Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces!

~jamilyn

*image from Flicker. Winner chosen via random.org*

Inside Look And Last Day!

Today is the last day to enter for my first ever giveaway!  I thought I would give an inside look at some of the sophisticated rooms presented in this lavish decor book... Elle Decor So Chic, Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces.  I will be choosing the winner tomorrow, Tuesday. 

 Please leave a comment, by clicking here, on your favorite design book, home magazine, or what inspires you!  You can enter twice by becoming a follower and leaving a comment!  

Check out these fabulous rooms...

There are many design ideas here.  Love the use of flowering branches in this gorgeous room!

Some based on fantasy and reality...what a quote wall!

Not afraid of color or mixing styles.

I loved looking through this book!

Good Luck!

~jamilyn

*images from Elle Decor So Chic, Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces via The City Sage Blog*

My First Ever GIVEAWAY!

This is my first ever giveaway!  This is a beautiful hardcover book from Elle Decor.  I know that this will make a wonderful addition to your home or collection of design books!
To enter this giveaway for the So Chic, Elle Decor book please leave a comment on what your favorite design book is or any book on house and home!  If you don't have one, then tell me what your favorite home magazine is.   Or,  just love to hear about what inspires you!
*You can enter twice by first leaving a comment and second, becoming a follower, just let me know when you leave a comment!

*The entries can be made until Monday, February 8, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday's post.
*One winner will be chosen randomly.
*Please make sure to include your bloglink or e-mail address so that I can contact you after the giveaway.

Good Luck!

~jamilyn

*image from amazon.com*

Mirror Mirror For Every Wall

Wisteria is showcasing some new mirrors.  I think they are absolutely darling!  I would love to find a place for even one of these in my home.  They really do a great job with their catalog layouts.

This mirror was made with real oyster sticks from oyster farms.  Unusual for sure!

This round faux bois harvest mirror is one of my favorites.

This wooden mirror is so sweet!  I can see this in a little girls room or a teens room for that matter!

I am looking for a couple of mirrors for my house.  One above my buffet in the dinning room and I want to use a unique mirror in my downstairs hall bathroom.  These may fit the bill.  Stay tuned....

~jamilyn

*images from wisteria.com*

Paint For Your Upholstery

Mmm...don't know about this.  Saw this and thought I would share.  I can't imagine ever wanting to spray paint my furniture!  Who knows though, there may be a use for this somewhere.  Wonder how well it works and what kind of disaster comes of using it!  Who would have thought?  (Love that before and after shot! Hee!)

Let me know if you would use it and on what!  Thanks!

~jamilyn

Love To Do This and Get Rid Of That

OK, I am ready to rip everything out of my bathroom myself and then try and get a result maybe like this....

My master bath is soooo tiny and dated!  I really don't want to spend to much in here.  I was thinking of tearing that awful archaic medicine cabinet off and replacing it along with that horrible sink/cabinet combo.  Those wall sconces were once pointing down.  Just to make myself feel like I was changing something I turned them up.  If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear your ideas on what I could do to improve it!  Actually, you are probably thinking that it isn't that bad...for some reason my bathroom looks better in photographs!  I really hate everything about it from the floor to the shower to the color!  I am afraid that my hubby will come home one day and I will have demoed it myself!  Ha-Ha!

Major Ugh!

This bathroom looks about the size of mine (below).  I really like how this looks...so cute!  Can you have bamboo shades with privacy?  We would need that. Love the wall sconces and the cute sink!

Let me know what you think!  You are all so talented!

xoxo jamilyn

(images from myhomeideas.com and Martha Stewart)