While I was away

I has been a little over 2 months since I blogged last and I hope to get more consistent and continue with this great love.  On my break I've been taking real estate classes in Texas, passed the Texas real estate test, prepared our son for his junior year of college and our youngest son for his senior year in high school.  We have survived one of the hottest summers on record in Dallas, Texas and took a much needed vacation to Orange County California.  We've enjoyed weekend trips to Oklahoma to see our newlywed daughter and tried to play a little tennis.  Because I love the coastal feel of homes and now that I am a real estate agent I decided to begin this week with an amazing home we saw on our vacation in Corona Del Mar, California.

305 Poppy Avenue

Corona Del Mar, California 92625

This 3 bedroom home is approximately 3,000 square feet and steps to the beach.  The town itself is so quaint and offers great shopping, family activities and beautiful weather.  For more information and photos go here.  

Enjoy!

Lovely kitchen in the Hamptons

I saw this bright and crisp kitchen when reading "Style at Home" online and was smitten.  I love the oversized lanterns and the colorful piece of art.  (wish I knew the artist!)  You can tell by the major curb appeal of this home that it will be amazing inside.  

Canadian-born designer Amanda Nisbet relied on bold colours when designing this beach house in the Hamptons.  See more of the interiors here.

{photos via Style at Home}

Malibu home crush

I love the beach and I love homes decorated with natural and blue tones.  This is perfect!

This lovely home is in Mailbu, California and was designed by Madeline Stuart and photographed by Dominique Vorillion.  The guest room, in the last photo, is enough to make me stay a LONG time!

{photos via Madeline Stuart)

Honeymoon winner .....Jumby Bay

I won't need to post any more honeymoon ideas for a while, the lovely couple chose Jumby Bay.  A Rosewood resort in Antigua, West Indes.  Looks perfect!!

From the hotel:
Set on a 300-acre private island, Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort casts a spell of serene enchantment. Nestled two miles off the coast of Antigua, the exclusive resort is noted for its landscape lush with rare tropical flowers, stately palm trees and abundant foliage. A naturalist's haven, the island features three superb, white sand beaches.
Visit the website for many more amazing photos.

{photos via Rosewood Hotels}

Honeymoon destination .... Little Dix Bay

Our daughter is thinking of honeymoon options and I think it will be fun to blog about some of her choices and dream destinations.  First off is a Rosewood Hotel, Little Dix Bay in the BVI.

 Rosewood Little Dix Bay sits on a crescent-shaped bay on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Elegantly appointed accommodations blend unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape and are located steps from the beach. Guests can enjoy a wide array of activities such as diving, snorkeling, watersports and hiking. World-class amenities, including three distinctive dining venues, Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, tennis, fitness facility and children's center, complete the experience.  For more beautiful photos and information check out their site.


{photos via Rosewood Little Dix Bay}

Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy

"Nearer to the sky than it is to the sea", is how author André Gide described Ravello. For from this idyllic town, set high on cliffs above Amalfi, with the azure sea far below, it feels like you are close to heaven.  I had to share this amazing place with you after my sister sent me the link to where she is spending her birthday!  I'm so jealous, but thrilled she is having so much fun.  Click here for lots more information on the Hotel Curuso.  

Four Seasons, take me away!

I am a huge fan of beautiful beach resorts and destinations and couldn't resist posting this amazing Four Seasons resort in Seychelles.  I love the villas perched on the jungled hillside and the powdery, sandy beaches.  This resort looks exotic, inspiring and exceptional!  This is where it is located.

{photos via Four Seasons}

Everyday escape kitchen

As you know I am a big fan of neutrals. casual living, and the beach so this wonderful kitchen really appeals to me.  The muted palette of the Pacific Northwest. Colors, textures, and finishes are inspired by sand, seashells, driftwood, and water-natural elements that tend to soothe our souls.  For a few more photos of this space click here.

{photos via Traditional Home}

Shutters on the beach

I am one of 4 siblings, of which 3 are girls.  Me and my 2 sisters are taking a break from our real jobs and meeting in Santa Monica, CA for a couple nights of well deserved "catch up" time and bonding.

The easy part about planning this trip was picking where to stay.  Without a question if you want to stay on the beach, love first class service and a great location you need to stay at Shutters.  I've been looking for an excuse to get back here and now it's happening.  I will be taking a few day off for R & R and back soon.