Ga-Ga for Gingham

I’ve always been a sucker for gingham, and having a baby boy sure doesn’t help that fixation. For me, the preppy pattern exudes a carefree, casual but timeless sentiment. Dare I say, it’s a little “campy” — something you might find on a table at a beach shack in Maine adorned with butter stains from a candlelit lobster bake or in the Adirondacks, for a porch dinner accompanied with sponge-ware and a vase of wildflowers. I have always adored the large-scale gingham Maison de Vacances napkins but find them difficult to source as of late. In part, that’s why I was so delighted to stumble upon these two-tone napkins from Courtney Barton’s shop.

Here’s to all things gingham and hoping that lobster dinner manifests itself this summer…

Motherhood

Becoming a Mother was always part of my path in life. Though, I suppose I never really imagined my life without having children. It’s true no one can adequately prepare you for what the experience will be like and every woman has her own unique journey. The photograph below was taken when Wilder was two months old. Though cliche, time is most certainly fleeting. The days feel long but short in the strangest way. There is euphoria and tenderness one moment and loneliness and isolation the next. Then, layer in a casual Pandemic, a full-time job, a home renovation and a move. It’s been quite the year but “These Are the Days” as Van Morrison sings and every now and then, I try to ground myself and find perspective. For me, it’s been an utter messy but marvelous whirlwind and sometimes, I feel like I’m still in survival mode. I have developed the deepest respect and admiration for all Mothers, especially mine. We are so lucky to have Wilder in our lives and I will forever cherish the moments with him, exhausted et al.

Photograph captured by: Lisette Rooney

bring on the splendor

I am beyond ready to usher in summer in all its glory. We are slowly getting our little house assembled (truly, at a snail’s pace), but the images below help keep me focused and energized especially as we work to furnish our petite porch. These designers are truly some of the greatest masters — I’ve had these images “pinned” for quite some time and continue to reference them. The mix of materials — wicker, iron, weathered wood, concrete, blue stone — and pattern through details like trelliage, exude an understated sense of comfort and timelessness while graciously beckoning the outdoors. And, there is something so nurturing and peaceful about being surrounded by green growing things!

Here’s to that first batch of iced tea on the porch…

ABOVE: Steven Gambrel’s Ocean Road Project

ABOVE: Asia Baker’s Cold Spring Harbor Project

ABOVE: Gil Schafer's Renovation in Connecticut

ABOVE: Gil Schafer’s Greek Revival — see more of his personal home here.

ABOVE: Ashley Whittaker’s Millbrook Project

Hoppy Easter!

Wishing you all a Happy Easter Weekend this Good Friday.

This holiday in particular feels a little different now that we have a little one — the visions of him hopping around (well, not quite) in his Easter finery with neighbors and family makes my heart happy. We’ve been reading “Peep, Peep, I Love You!” all week in anticipation, and I’ve officially handed down my Easter Basket to him that I’ve chalked full of books, soft animals and Rebecca Gardner’s Easter Grass.

I discovered Edelweiss Chocolates this year for my little touches around the home and loved their Speckled Easter Chocolate Malt Balls (so gorgeous!) and Caramel Robins Eggs. It’s the little things!