Tuesday Tablescape with Designer Jennifer Garrigues

Last week I visited Holly Hill Estate designer show house, and I was in awe with every detail and every room. 

The Moroccan themed dining room was designed by London-born Jennifer Garrigues who is known for her creative exuberance and a style that melds elegance with comfort.

One of my favorite details in the room was the colorful hand beaded saris (not pictured) used as drapes which give a soft glow to the space. I also ADORED the ikat fabric on the dining chairs and whimsical seating cards ( the Royal Family).

"Jennifer Garrigues, Inc. design studios are located in Palm Beach and New York City, offering design services for residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Antiques, furniture and accessories she has collected from around the world are available at her retail shop in Palm Beach."

{images via Lilac and Grey}

Summer Kickoff

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend! I am over the moon that summer fun is finally here! I am still recovering from a non-stop, beach going, family bbq's, and event filled one myself. I am also starting to get ready for our Florida vacation that we jetsetting on Thursday (can't wait!)! 

{image via Weheartit}

Quote of the Day

"I had daydreams and fantasies when I was growing up. I always wanted to live in a log cabin at the foot of a mountain. I would ride my horse to town and pick up provisions. Then return to the cabin, with a big open fire, a record player and peace."

Linda McCartney

{image via Country Living}

Weekend Recipe: Barbeque Hot Dog

Directions:

Grill hot dogs, brushing with barbecue sauce. Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw and more sauce.

Phew that was easy! Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

{recipe and photo via food network}

Summer Intern Guest Post

Hello all! My name is Geena (Cara's little sister) and I am so excited to be interning for her this summer and living at the Jersey Shore! Here is a little interview that Cara and I put together so that all of you can get to know me a little better...

Describe your personal and design style? I love the color black because it is like a blank canvas- you can pair it with any color and it always works. Also a simple LBD never lets me down! Besides my love for black clothing, anything from the 70's era inspires me...high waisted wide legged pants, cropped tops and hippie head bands, even tie dye=all so cute! If I were to describe my design style, I would have to say I gravitate towards rustic and gothic interiors with a touch of beachy chic. What is your favorite meal? I have two depending on my inner craving for that day... 1) Prime rib, string beans, and a sweet potato 2) My Nona's Baked-Ziti Do you have a favorite clothing brand? Tibi  Favorite color? Any shade of blue What degree are you studying in school? Marketing What country would you like to visit and why? Sicily, Italy because that is where my family is from and where my mother was born. What motto do you live by? Love is never lost.... Losing someone you love Simply means gaining a guardian angel... Finally, here is a couple of my favorite pictures of Cara and I at her wedding.. {image 1 and 2 via Lilac and Grey | image 3 via Vogue.com | images 4 via Elle Decor | image 5 via Lilac and Grey | Image 6 via Haute Couture | image 7, 8 and 9 via wehearit | Image 10 and 11 via Lilac and Grey}

Stately Homes By-the-Sea Designer Show-House: Holly Hill Estate

I am really excited to visit the Holly Hill Estate Designer Show-House today and see all of the local designers that joined together to transform this estate into a magnificent Show-House.

" The estate was built in 1934 by New Jersey State Senator and Superior Court Judge Thomas Brown, Holly Hill is said to be the last of the country estates constructed on Navesink River Road in the Locust area of Middletown Township. The 12-acre property includes dozens of specimen holly trees, from which the estate derived its name, cultivated by Judge Brown, an amateur horticulturist who worked closely with the Rutgers University arboretum."

I have always been fascinated with the "Gatsby Era" and that is exactly what resonates through this 30-room estate. Looking forward to sharing my visit with all of you!

Printed Pants

I am loving this season's bold trend: Printed Pants. Pair these with a silky blouse, bandeau, or billowy button down for an easy breezy look.

Available at ZARA

Acne Snake-print Pants Available at Shopbop

Obviously this look is not suitable for everyone's office- However, it is perfect for the weekend, beach or vacation.

Would you wear printed pants?

{image 1 via: Fabsugar}

Tuesday Tablescape Guest Post

Today you can catch my "Tuesday Tablescape" series over at {A Little Dash of Ash}. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Dreaming of White

Even though I do not follow the fashion rule of "not wearing white after labor day" I guess it is still branded {forever} in my brain, because now with Memorial Day a week away all I can think of is WHITE!

Are you ready to start wearing white, or have you ever stopped?

{image 1 via: A Lovely Escape | image 2 , 3 and 4 via: Weheartit }

Quote of the Day

" The best mirror is an old friend".  

by Anonymous

{Thank you Aunt Vicky for sending me this Quote- your the best!}
{photo via Lilac and Grey}

Weekend Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

As promised- here is a recipe for Shrimp Scampi. This is the recipe I used last Sunday...

Ingredients (via Tyler Florence)

• 1 pound linguini ( I used Angel Hair)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 shallots, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine ( I reccomed a little more)
• Juice of 1 lemon ( I added some more lemon)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

Directions

For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini. Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.

Have A Lazy Weekend

With all the rain and cloudy skies this week I wanted to cuddle up under my covers and never come out- but we all know that life must go on and rain or shine we have to go about our daily lives. The weekend is our chance to re-charge and re-energized. Obviously my little fury assistant doesn't care if it is the weekend or not because here he is sleeping on the job in our office! 

Have a wonderfully lazy weekend!

{image via Lilac and Grey}

The Look For Less

I know I have posted about the bubble chair before, but after seeing this fabulous space in the lastest issue of Lonny, the search was on for a more afordable version.

I found this lovely available at Overstock.com for $608 (origionally $850). By the way, I thought that the last issue of Lonny was absolutly insane! I have read it over and over again since it was released last week. Check it out here.

Find of The Week

I am sure most of you have heard of the fabulously talented entrepreneur Jen Ramos who runs the online shop and blog Made By Girl. 

She recently launched a new site called Cocoa and Hearts where she sell's her original art work. While browsing the site, I fell in love! I would love to add one of these amazing work's to my office one day.

{This post was deleted by blogger last week, here it is again if you missed it <3 }

Graphic Art Nails

I typically reach for nude, light pink, or red nail polish.  I would probably never ever get your typical" air brush"-but these have me thinking I may want to go a little bolder next time.

Would you try nail art?

{all images via weheartit}

Tuesday Tablescape

Typically I gravitate towards pinks and purples when it comes to tablescape designs-  however this one really caught my eye! I love the use of avocados and bamboo silverware (I have the same exact set btw) it makes for an interesting statement. I also love the dainty tablecloth as well!

{Image via: The Simplified Bee}

Weekend Roundup

How was your weekend dolls? We shopped at the best shops, ate the best food, and drank the best wine.  I don't think I have had such a blissful weekend in a long time. My sister arrived late last week. She will be living with us for the summer and interning for my Lilac and Grey and Real Estate businesses. I am sure it will be fun having a "partner in crime"  and someone to keep me organized throughout all of my "not so orderly" chaos! I am planning to "formally introduce" her to all of you in a future post - very soon :)

PS. Just in case you are wondering where to buy that FABULOUS dress my sister is wearing, it is the Trellis Dress Available at JCrew.
PPS. Stay tuned for the recipe for this fabulous Shrimp Scampi that I will post on Saturday in my Weekend Recipe series.

Quote of the Day

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

Mark Victor Hansen {image via: Weheartit}