ahoy!

Now, I'm a girl who loves the water, but my hat goes off to Sydney-based couple Sophie and Niki. They live on a 1960's sail boat! And I thought my NYC apartment was small. I'm sure it takes discipline, but it's probably pretty cool. For instance, Sophie's favorite part about boat-life? "Some nights I cook Bouillabaisse, open a bottle of Cote du Rhone, and we have dinner to the sounds and sights of the sea..." Must be nice! To read more about Sophie & Niki's boat life, check out The Design Files.

The Woodsfolk

The Woodsfolk advertises itself as a "family store" selling a thoughtful selection of items for all ages. It's the kind of store I could see myself spending a lot of time (and money...) in. Since it's located in Australia, I guess my wallet is safe. For now. P.S. How kick ass is that logo!?

It's beginning to look a lot like...

We're getting all dressed up over here. This year, we got a actually tree, as opposed to a shrub, which we did last year. It's certainly an upgrade, and I'm trying to focus on it's glory, rather than the litany of pine needles I'll be forced to deal with. What's your holiday looking like?

Zara Home Stateside

Last year, when I was traveling in Spain I fell upon Zara Home (a division of my beloved Zara) and fell deeply in love. There were dishes, towels, duvets, barware and scented candles...and I wanted it all. Without a suitcase large enough to haul back my discoveries, I’m thankful that Zara Home is now available online and is offering free shipping through the month of October! I’m doing some early Christmas shopping (...for myself...oops) and these were some of my favorite things. Spoiler Alert – everyone on my list is getting this.

Light + Airy Lonny

Lonny was so light and airy this past month I basically lost my mind. These were just some of my favorites - makes me feel better about the basic, white walls in my apartment! Dying over those fruit prints in the kids' room. I think they'd look cute in a kitchen too.

The Great Outdoors

Outdoor space is a hot commodity here in New York City, so these photos had me drooling all over my keyboard. I'm lucky enough to have a small terrace with enough room for a grill and (sad) attempt at a garden, but these put my little patio to shame. Check out more outdoor spaces to envy here.

Amanda's Abode

These images of Amanda Peet's L.A. abode are seriously making me consider a move out West. Look at that yard (is that a lemon tree I see?). These pics make NYC living look pretty shabby. Amanda, can I move in??

Casa Issa

I love these images of fashion editor/publisher Caroline Issa's London loft. It feels so light and airy - a beautiful contrast to her assertive print and bright color driven wardrobe. Cheerio Caroline!

You can see more images of Miss Issa and her home here.

City Oasis

This image of Cynthia Rowley's backyard oasis in NYC's Greenwich Village from June's Matchbook Magazine sent me over the moon. As a New Yorker who has been sweating her face off these past few weeks, I could really use a townhouse with a pool like this. Where do I sign?

How To: Feather Your Rental Nest

Rita Konig had a recent article for WSJ about how to bring personality and life to a summer rental. Since her ideas were a bit lofty ($130 Mae Mougin cereal bowls anyone?) I figured I’d share a few of the ways I’m making my summer rental feel more like home.

1. Rugs are a perfect way to bring personality to a rental. This Pottery Barn Awning Stripe Dhurrie feels chic and adds a graphic punch. Plus, I got it on sale!

2. Boxwoods are fairly low maintenance and make my front step look cheery and bright.

3. Cocktail napkins are a necessary item for Summer (cocktails and summer go hand in hand at our house...). These are an inexpensive way to make your rental feel like home. You can find similar ones at Anthropologie.

4. Switching out the wall art is the fastest and easiest way to make a rental truly yours (remember plastering posters all over your dorm room walls?) Beachy art like this feels right for a summer rental, and personal. I like 20x200 for affordable pieces (and framing!).

5. For instant ambiance, I stock up on candles like these from Le Labo (my favorite is the Fig scent). They’re a great addition to a guest bathroom or bedroom and make everything all cozy.

6. These vintage French enamel signs are available on eBay and are an inexpensive way to give your rental curb appeal. How do you feather your rented nest?

Island in The Sun...

Originally when I started La Dulci Vida, I intended it to serve as a documentation of my travels. Over the years, I've written about adventures in Spain, San Francisco, France, Switzerland and most recently, Anguilla.

This summer, there are fewer travels abroad on tap and more time will be spent on the road, headed East. After 8 years as a tried and true New Yorker, I'll be spending my weekends (and any other chance I get...) here for the next year. As excited as I am about the summertime (BBQ's, farm stands and fireflies), I'm just as excited about spending the off-season in a small town.

So you'll be seeing less posts about exotic, faraway places, and a few more about some low-key weekends spent in my new backayard...

Latest Lonny

Have you seen the new issue of Lonny? These were some of my faves. I especially love that Liberty-esque wallpaper. It's filling the void left behind by Domino, since I heard the latest Domino was a dud. To find some favorites of your own, check out Lonny here.