GAME MANIA

Eek, I found a goodie to kick off the Cottage Love series for 2018! Well, here we are in the midst of the suckiest coldest time of year in New England. I can either embrace it with a cozy down vibe in my home and for my wardrobe or I could complain. I am guilty of a little bit of bitching, especially when I come out to an ice covered walkway, car and driveway in the early am - (which happened this am). Designer Jennifer Schoenberger's Atlanta home is full of warm moments with an edge. I am drawn to her sultry use of fabrics and the rich, neutral color palette. The cypress clad family room alone was enough to stop me in my tracks! See for yourself: Read more here . Photography by Lauren Rubenstein .

It's not often that I share two home tours in one week but I rarely come cottage style homes on the internet these days. In our world of "super size me", it is a treat to discover a smaller home that packs a beautiful punch. This charming cape fits that bill. The mix of white, lucite and brass create a feminine palette for this mother and her three daughters.(although my kiddos would have this place sticky and messy in a heartbeat) Images via: Elle Decor. Interior Design by Raquel Garcia , Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck  This stair case and hand rail are fabulous! Yes, please on this headboard!!

So... Most of you have seen my little ranch . (We have done quite a bit of work since this photo - I will share an update soon)  After my divorce, my goal was to buy a small home near the beach for my kids and I. I've been slowly (as I can) fixing it up!! It is  pretty close to finally being finished. I need to add some finishing touches, purchase a few pieces of furniture, revamp a bathroom shower, rework a three season room, paint the exterior. I basically re-did the entire home. This list may seem long, but to me, the end is in sight! I'm always excited when I come across another small"ish" home. I love larger, beautiful homes but I couldn't buy one for a number of reasons, plus the upkeep would have killed me. I also find smaller homes cozy and inviting. This month's Better Homes and Garden s   shares an adorable cottage bungalow in California. ( you know how I feel about Cali and right about now I wish I lived there!) Chelsea and Greg Shukov own this ad...

You know I have a love for smaller homes that are beautifully finished. They tend to pack a punch but don't take as much time to maintain! California Bungalows are up there as one of my favorites. In fact, I'd most likely move out west if I didn't worship my family here in Massachusetts. (I also can't leave now until my children are 18) Don't get me wrong there are so many things I love about the Boston area but after this winter a longer warm season would be much appreciated!! This lovely home is that of comedic writer Erin Foster. Her new show, Barely Famous , airs on VH1. I'm loving the light, layered style. It feels fresh, updated and attainable. I was actually working on a project today with a similar feel! Erin hired designers from the company Spruce . I also have to mention that DOMAINE is one of my favorite online design magazines! They never disappoint! I think I'll be tuning into her show tonight @9:30/8:30Central.

I took a quick business trip to Chicago last Friday for my Ace Hardware design expert gig! We filmed a short studio segment. It was fun! I always take the opportunity to catch up on some magazine reading while I am traveling.. Like you, I'm tiring of the frozen tundra that I call home!  I rely on a bit of escapism to lift my spirits. I was thrilled to see in the   March issue of HGTV Magazine ,   an article featuring home owner Natalie Lea's colorful Houston ranch. Natalie worked closely with designer Bailey McCarthy on the project. The overall inspiration of Natalie's home pays tribute to her mother, who passed away of cancer. Natalie's abode brightened my day. I hope it does the same for you. Just look at all the beautiful design details! Natalie's interior designer, Bailey McCarthy, is also the creator of Biscuit Home . - be sure to check her great shop and bedding line out! xx This front door and wall paper are fabulous. I need a front door with so many glass...

The sights and sounds outside as I pen this post are of five foot snow drifts and howling winds. My coastal town was hit pretty hard by the storm and the high tides. Many people had to be evacuated this morning. I am thankful that I live far enough from the tides and that I am still with power... I have no plans to travel to a warm climate this winter. (We may try to sneak away to Florida for a long weekend but nothing is planned) I do however dream of tropical beaches and warm sunny days. I have never been to Harbour Island but you can bet it's on the top of my travel list. This home designed by Allesandra Branca is a chic, colorful, cheery getaway. Just what we all could use by the end of January in New England!  Images via Lonny Magazine .