Sunday showhouse.......and you're invited!

Happy Sunday! Its Oscar day....love watching the Academy awards and am making a wonderful dinner for the occasion! I am in an "arugula state of mind" hence my menu of  Spaghetti with arugula and lemon, a small flank steak marinated in arugula oil and a fresh baby arugula salad with a spritz of lemon and olive oil. I have made them all before and they are each AMAZING in a simple, fresh kind of way.  Normally we go out on Sunday night but there is no way I am missing a minute of the fun pre shows, watching all the glamorous and sometimes not so glamorous fashions make their grand entrance onto the famed red carpet. I am personally rooting for The Kings speech, such a wonderful film and I am always thrilled when I see a movie "of real substance"  honored and recognized by being given an esteemed award like an Oscar, which I personally think its very deserving of. Just in case you too, are in for the day or just having a lazy morning...you might enjoy this quick run through of open house Sunday. Three entirely different locales...and three very different homes. All so beautiful, each with its own distinct personality. Do you have a favorite? Enjoy your day!





First stop is in Palm Beach,Florida and to this gorgeous Mediterranean..I am normally not a big fan of Mediterranean homes but when done right, they are truly magnificent. Case in point is this fabulous newly constructed home with vistas and views out of this world! I appreciate the attention to detail shown throughout the house from the main hallways and their softly glazed gray walls to the stunning covered porch. The house also has so much natural sunlight.....everything just glows. I think this house does Addison Mizner proud!

Then we are off to Houston, Texas..... an area certainly no stranger to beautiful grand homes. This French inspired home is beautifully done in soft neutrals throughout and though formal it is still very much a family home. Love the lush green foliage and old world feeling that the home, though newer has maintained. It is so important when building a new home to pay close attention to the landscape, the setting and to do ones best to preserve the integrity of the land on which the home is built. I think they did an outstanding job here.

Last we go back to East Coast, to the famous quintessential New England vacation island, none other than wonderful Nantucket ...here is a beautiful understated wood shingle home decorated by Victoria Hagan. Love the crisp, fresh decor...very cohesive, elegant without feeling stuffy and breathtaking at every turn. Definitely the ultimate beach house in my book!

Wow! Those are some beautiful homes indeed. Do you have a favorite? I would have to pick a few spaces from each home to make the ultimate home......each of them are so well done. Enjoy your Sunday, hope its relaxing!

Getting Ready

We have some good friends visiting this weekend.  I usually buy a bouquet of flowers for the guest room.  Today I bought a pot of daffodils instead.

I have had this old copper pot for years.  I love the way it looks with the daffodils.

I couldn't resist buying some flowers for my bedroom too.  For me, roses.

I also added some flowers to my new header - for all of you~after all you are my guests too!!

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Welcome Home,

Penny

Gorgeous images from my favorite blogs

I started this little "favorite images from my favorite blogs" feature to reconnect with what got me started blogging in the first place - other blogs. But with the chaos of running my own blog and being a freelance web designer, I tend to loose touch with my beloved blogosphere. This week I refused to put it off again though, so without further ado - some lovely images from my favorite blogs. Enjoy and happy weekend!

Just discovered this blog. I'm the New Victorian Ruralist's new biggest fan. A wonderfully edited blog - you don't have to go far to find lots of luscious pics.





The lovely La La Lovely Things

LOVE the books in the fireplace


*swoon* I could really use a day at the beach. This is heavenly.

Last but not least, some images from Joey and Lana Make a House a Home

I'm liking black and white as a palette more and more everyday.