A Day by the Sea...

It doesn't get more Seaside then this!  This weekend, my family was blessed to spend some time at the  Lighthouse in Ferryland, Newfoundland. The weather was just perfect.....bright blue skies, a warm sun shining down and the gentlest of ocean breezes. Nothing could be more inspirational... 

At the lighthouse, they prepare the most delectable picnic lunches....so of course we had to sample them. We were not disappointed!! What could be better than ice cold lemonade in mason jars??

Every picnicking group is given a flag to stake their ground, so they know where to bring your picnic lunch.

The kids had a great time playing with that flag!! :)

A short drive from Ferryland, we ended up in the tiny town of Brigus South...This is an old fishing stage in the community...

A perfect end to a perfect day! Sometimes all we need is a "mini" escape....so what is your favourite getaway for a day??

Some inspiration from the French....

Having returned from a trip to France, earlier this Spring, I was inspired by the wonderful design sense of the french people.

It seems most all of the spaces there, from the smallest cafes to the grandest of hotels, exhibit that wonderful "joie de vivre"! We can easily incorporate some of these special french touches into our own lives....

Below are some inspiration pics I've come across on Houzz.com...Enjoy!!

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Striped curtains easily infuse some flair to the simplest of spaces....

by Rosemarie V. DiSalvo

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a French country kitchen provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere...

by Claduio Ortiz Design Group, Inc.

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Wonderful graphic wallpapers add some drama....in France, they are not afraid of patterns...the bright yellow lamps "pop" wonderfully against the black and white palette..

by Montgomery Roth Architecture and Interior Design

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Bold horizontal stripes add wonderful impact to a space...

Striped Room

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If your are not ready to commit to stripes on a wall.... a simpler option is a striped rug...

by SchappacherWhite Ltd.

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If you want to start small, striped towels in a bathroom are an easy accent....

by Seaside Interiors

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An eclectic mix of color and pattern...

Living Room -Striped Curtains

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Black cabinetry in this hotel library adds elegance....the accent color really sets off an otherwise dark space...

Hotel Best Western Premier Regent's Garden Hotel Paris

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Again, bright colors contrast with the dark woodwork.....creating a cozy atmosphere that anyone would enjoy!

by Jacobs Design, Inc.  

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Main Floor (Guest) Bath

I just adore the soft contrasting stripes painted on this bathroom wall....what a way to add some drama!!

So here's a question for you....what items do you think of when you think of french design??
I love to hear your replies!  :)

Welcome Summer! Must have accessories for the season....

Nothing says summer more than a glass hurricane or vase filled with seaside memorabilia- some sand, seashells, rocks, wood, combined with a candle, bring the beach to your home....couldn't be simpler!

 

A simple seagrass tray adds texture, function and interest to just about any space in your home. What a wonderful way to welcome company in a guest room!

A wonderful glass pitcher is such a versatile summer piece....it can go from holding fresh flowers to holding some refreshing lemonade on a hot day....

Lanterns, like this one from Pottery Barn, work well indoors or out! What a great way to cast a warm summer glow on any space....