I Did It: 30 Days of Blogging

Well here I am at day 30 of NaBloPoMo and I'm feeling pretty good! I started the month of April, accepting a challenge from my Twitter friend, Liz Thompson. All I had to do was post on my blog every. single. day. of April. Easy, right? Honestly, not always easy. I began with being completely organized and writing blog posts ahead of schedule, but ended with squeezing in a blog post at 10:00 at night (or later!). The bottom line is... I did it and I enjoyed it! I can't say I'm ready to try it again, but I will tell you it was a positive challenge. It forced me to be creative everyday. Creativity is a good thing, especially when you're in a design business such as Easton Place! I hope you enjoyed this month of blogging. If you missed any posts, scroll through! Let me know which post is your favorite. I can tell from analytics which posts received the most views (Master Bedroom and Breakfast Nook), but I'd love to know from you what you'd like to see more of or maybe less of in future posts.

Below are recaps of each post, grouped by week. Thank you for reading! I hope you continue to stop by my blog and maybe even my Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Shop!

week one

week two

week three

week four

April 29th

Cheers!

-Patti

Wish List: Dreamy Doors

As part of our "WunderReno" project, we've decided to replace all the doors in our home, including the patio french door and the front entrance. While the patio door has been successfully replaced, the front door is probably going to be put on next year's home improvements list. The interior doors are now being switched out for solid doors. Our home came with hollow-core doors meant to look like a solid door. While on the outside they had the classic colonial styling I like, the inside was empty. This is an especially poor choice for doors which are suppose to offer privacy, like in the case of bedrooms and bathrooms. I put together a collection of doors on my Pinterest account. Below, I've pulled some of my favorites. Please visit my Pinterest Door Board for links.

while we do have raised panels and a french door, neither look this grand... dreamy!

grand main entrance doors with plenty of glass!

we don't currently have a mudroom, but if we did... Dutch Door for sure!

Once our doors are installed, I'll post photos. Until then, I'll be dreaming about these lovelies!
xo
-Patti

Seeing Red: A Treasury

Please have a look at my latest curated treasury on Etsy. I hope you visit the shops I've featured. They have some really lovely items!

Cheers to Monday.
xo
Patti

please Click Here to visit this treasury and each of the featured shops

Sunday Palette: Tulips

Master Bedroom Update: Bedding

Yesterday I spoke about being creative this weekend, and today I walked the walk. I worked on our master bedroom a bit. There's still a lot of work/decor to tackle; new rug, address our seating, ceiling light, paint a few pieces of furniture, but I can check off "bedding" from the list.

Earlier today on Instagram I posted a little sneak peek of our new bedding. I received lovely feedback, which always makes me happy.

So here it is in the bigger picture! Sadly, by the time I got to taking photos, it was dark. Oh, well... you get the idea, right? It compliments my walls beautifully, even in evening lighting.

Part of my creative work today was replacing the knobs on our existing bed-side dressers. We'll eventually move these small dressers to the guest room, but for now, new knobs are a nice change. The lamps & bedding I picked up at HomeGoods! The knobs, rope mirrors and ceramic knot hooks I purchased at Target. Our tufted bed is from Restoration Hardware. And that Blacksmith sign is from Ethan Allen. We bought the sign years ago and had it hanging above our mantle. About five years ago, we updated the fireplace and the sign went into storage (aka: the basement). I'm so happy to find a new home for it. It makes me so happy to bring it out of storage and enjoy it again. What do you think? Yay or nay?

I love that the ceramic urn lamps look aged. One of the things I've tried to do with our "new-er" home, is to age it a bit. The raised panels in several rooms, the color choices, the classic design elements all serve to age the house and add some character.

(you can see a little bit of our new white window panels in the mirror)

Next on the list is a new rug and addressing the seating. We have two comfy chairs that sit in the window, but the fabric is all wrong for this new scheme. I'm guessing I'll have fitted slip-covers made. I'm thinking a printed sailcloth or a nubby linen would be nice. I'll keep you posted!  For now, I'm going to enjoy our new white bedding and quilt. All in good time...

Happy Weekend and Sweet Dream!

xo

Patti 

Friday Freebie: Be Creative Wallpaper

It's FRIDAY! Yes. It. Is.

I've got a sweet little freebie for you today: a downloadable wallpaper for your computer (and iPhone 5). One of the things I love about weekends is the time I get to spend with my husband, kids and Aggie-doodle. I also love being able to create something just for fun. This inspired me to give my readers something to spark creativity in their day! So, here you go... free downloadable wallpaper for your screen. I've sized it to fit a few different sizes in the hopes that most anyone will find a size right for their screen. I also included an iPhone 5 size for fun.

Select the size you need below.

• 1920 x 1200
• 1680 x 1050
• 1440 x 900
• iPhone5/5S/5C

If you'd rather print it for framing, just click here!

Wishing you all a VERY creative weekend!
Cheers,
-Patti

City Mouse for the Day

My niece and her boyfriend have been visiting this past week. It's been such a wonderful visit. They're heading back to college tomorrow so we topped off their vacation with a trip into New York City. I'm not going to lie... I'm exhausted! We walked the entire day. It was so worth it though, especially with the weather as amazing as it was today! The sun was warm, the sky was the perfect color of blue, trees were showing their buds and Central Park was perfection. I loved seeing the miniature sailboats on the pond (which immediately reminded me of "Stuart Little" by E.B. White). I love hearing all the different languages being spoken as we walked along the city streets. The smell of sweet roasted nuts on nearly every corner was deliciously intoxicating! The city was definitely on it's best behavior this fine Spring day. I took several photos today, but the two below are among my favorites!

I hope you had a great day. If you ever get the chance to visit New York City in the Spring, please do! You'll love it!

Today is day 24 of NaBloPoMo and I'm barely getting this post in while it's still day 24... but I've done it! 24 straight days of blogging. I've almost reached my goal!

Cheers!
-Patti

Wordless Wednesday: Just Breathe

fairfield, connecticut
april 2014

National Letter Writing Month, 2014

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I nearly missed the fact that April is National Letter Writing Month! In a slight defense of myself, it's been a really busy month. Holidays, Spring Break, family visiting, writing a blog post everyday this month, regattas nearly every weekend, running a household and a business... whew! April has been a fabulously busy month. That stated, it's still tragic that I didn't pay better attention to a recognition so important to my business; Letter Writing!

mustache stationery

The month is not over so there's still time to write and mail letters. There are 8 days left in the month and I vow to write and post 2 letters per day (on average). Some days might have 3 or 4 letters posted, and some of those days don't have postal service. Sixteen letters written and posted before May 1, 2014 may sound like a big task, but it's not impossible. I certainly have more than 16 loved ones and friends that would enjoy a handwritten note from me, right?

flower jar stationery

Who would like to join me in paying tribute to National Letter Writing month? Even if you write a handful of letters and post them, that would be fun! As a fun gift for the remaining days of April, I will include with every order of stationery purchased from Easton Place, a coordinating pen and a set of Easton Place pencils at no charge! NOW, who's with me?

luxe whale stationery and Staedtler fineliner pens

Let me know if you decide to join in the letter writing fun!
xo
-Patti

Color Palette: Wild Dragon!

NaBloPoMo: Day 21

He is Risen!

(photo by easton place)

Here the bells ringing They're singing that you can be born again 

Here the bells ringing They're singing Christ is risen from the dead 

The angel up on the tombstone Said He has risen, just as He said Quickly now, go tell His disciples That Jesus Christ is no longer dead 
Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah He's risen, hallelujah He's risen, hallelujah 
Hear the bells ringing They're singing that you can be healed right now Hear the bells ringing, they're singing Christ, He will reveal it now 
The angels, they all surround us And they are ministering Jesus' power Quickly now, reach out and receive it For this could be your glorious hour 
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah He's risen, hallelujah He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah 
The angel up on the tombstone Said He has risen, just as He said Quickly now, go tell His disciples That Jesus Christ is no longer dead 
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah He's risen, hallelujah He's risen, hallelujah Hallelujah

Summer Travels in Europe

My husband and I are planning our first real vacation, sans children, since our first child was born nearly 16 years ago! It's very exciting, and a little unsettling to be completely honest. Our younger son as been asking to attend his usual summer camp for both sessions and this year I finally agreed. This means he'll be enjoying camp life for a full seven weeks! He's incredibly excited and I'm trying not to think about missing him for so many weeks. Our older son is traveling to Switzerland, The Czech Republic, Poland and Israel with his camp this summer. They will be traveling for the better part of 6 weeks! And while I'm going to miss him equally, I am feeling very blessed to be able to offer him this opportunity. All of this camp-fun for our children means my husband and I will have at least 6 weeks to ourselves and THAT equals travel time!

At this point, we're planning on spending 10 days in Israel, one of which will be with our oldest son and his group. The camp organizes a parents' trip and we're jumping at the chance! We figured while we're "across the pond" we'd spend some time in France and possibly England after our stay in Israel.  I came across a photo on the fabulous site, Mr. Porter, and it's inspired me to put together a playlist that I can listen to while planning and dreaming about our Summer travels. Have a listen, enjoy, dream, plan...  Are you planning any trips this Summer?

photo, curtesy of Mr. Porter, Journal. please be sure to explore their site for inspiration

xo

-Patti

Renovation Update: Breakfast Nook

the original breakfast nook

My breakfast nook is nearly finished. I have a little touching up on the paint and a few pillows to decide upon, but otherwise it's complete. Today I'm sharing my inspiration photo and some of the actual elements from the nook.

1. The inspiration photo from Everything Fabulous
2. Hundi Lantern from Pottery Barn
3. Sockerärt Pitcher from Ikea
4. 1940s Belgian Metal Dining Table from Restoration Hardware 
5. Hand-Hooked Wilheim Wool Rug from Overstock
6. Safavieh Franklin X-back Distressed Chairs from Overstock

the finished breakfast nook

I love this little part of our kitchen. Believe it or not, we can fit up to 7 people around the table if needed, and for my husband, two sons and myself it's more than enough room for any meal! So what are your thoughts on this space? More importantly, who wants a cup of tea or Nespresso with me?

Happy Thursday!

-Patti

Wordless Wednesday: A Color Palette from Martha's Vineyard

Sweet Tooth Tuesday: Cotton Candy Edition

Today is the 15th day of NaBloPoMo and I am just squeezing in a blog post with about 2 hours left in the day! It's been a very busy day to say the least. My boys are on "Spring Break" from school, but since they are both rowers, and there is a regatta this weekend, we're having a Staycation.

Thinking about an actual vacation led me to the topic of sweets. I have an incredible love for all things sweet and I can hardly think of anything sweeter than cotton candy. It's crazy unhealthy, bad for your teeth, terrible for your blood-sugar and DELICIOUS! I love the stuff. I realize it's just spun flavored sugar, but sometimes simple is perfect. I collected a few cotton candy ideas I found on Pinterest and I'm sharing them with you today (er, tonight technically).

Do YOU like cotton candy?

none of these photos are mine. please visit each site linked below to read about these sweet ideas!

1. Cotton Candy Popcorn by Craftberry Bush
2. Cotton Candy swirled onto rock candy sticks by Martha Stewart Weddings
3. Cotton Candy Lollipops and Champaign by The Knot
4. Hand-pulled Cotton Candy by A Little Zaftig
5. Cotton Candy Macarons by Life's a Feast
6. Fairyfloss Cotton Candy Jars by Kara's Party Ideas
7. Cotton Candy Mini Cheesecakes by Hoosier Homemade

Sweet dreams!
-Patti

Happy Passover

Tonight is the start of Passover and my day has been full of preparing, so today's post is quick. I snapped this photo this morning and thought:  "what a beautiful day I've been given". I have so much to be thankful for... a morning sky like this is certainly on the list.

If you and your family are celebrating, I wish you a peaceful Passover.

xo

-Patti

Free Printable Friday: Downton Abbey Edition

It's hard to believe there are still months to wait for the next season of Downton Abbey. I'm fairly certain that I will need a DA rerun Marathon very soon. I love reading the various quotes plucked from the series. Of course, Pinterest is a great source for them. I've picked a few of my favorites and worked them into free printables for you! Maybe you see one that will give you a smile or just encourages you to "do as the Dutchess would do"? Either way, please enjoy them!

Click HERE to get this printable.

Click HERE to get this free printable.

Click HERE to get this free printable.

Click HERE to get this free printable.

This is day 11 of blogging every day this month (NaBloPoMo) and I'm keeping up. Well, yesterday and today's posts were uploaded a tad bit late, but still on the proper date! I do believe I'm typing with a British accent! Well then...

Wordless Wednesday: Looking Up

Happy Wednesday.

-Patti

Slow Down Sunday: Free Printable

I've been trying to keep my Sundays free from work. So far, I'm doing pretty good with that goal. Today included a family breakfast, a couple hours of tennis with my younger son and a lovely salad for lunch.

Basically I've been trying to slow it down on Sundays. It's good to take a day to recharge, replenish and relax. As a reminder, I've designed this free printable. Maybe you could use it as a reminder on any day of the week. It's easy to get so wrapped up in routine and the buzz of the daily to-do list, that we forget to slow down and breathe...

click on the image to go to your free printable

I hope you've had a lovely weekend.
Cheers,
-Patti

Songs for Saturday

It's Saturday which means "family time". My older son is officially kicking off the Spring Regatta season with a double race today! 

This blog post is going to be short and sweet (like me) and filled with music. I adore Spotify. If you're on Spotify, give me a follow and I'll follow you back! Here is a collection of my favorite songs to play when I'm packing up orders. Enjoy, and have a terrific Saturday!

Cheers!

-Patti