...dvf home...

...still have a thing for these painterly prints from Diane Von Furstenburg's home collection.  Lots of color & not afraid to use it!  The brushstroke tabletop collection is so fun & I'm usually not one for colorful animal prints but the cheetah spot duvet has just the right amount of artistic painterly qualities to make it cool. x mvg

...set sail...

...looks like an amazing sunday to me!  I mean who wouldn't love to have a little morocain picnic while anchored in a quiet little cove?!?!  Makes me nostalgic for summer sailing adventures on Crackin' & Talisman with the fam...x mvg

...checking in...

...would love to check into the Ruchmeyers right about now with its nostalgic summer camp vibe...take me back!  It's the same owners as Montauk's Surf Lodge.  Definitely paying this place a visit on our adventure to East Hampton in the fall.  xx mvg

...updated classic...

Here's an updated take on the classic windsor chair...an ombre bench...I think it's cool, but fear that I would get sick of it quickly....you could always re-paint I guess...what do you think?  Check it out at Anthropologie...

...beach it...

...with the summer solstice last week summer's in full swing...we kicked it off with fete de la music here in France.  Bayonne was swarming with free bands & sangria...such a fun time.  This is my favorite time of year for bbq's & beaching it.  Here are some finds for an eco-friendly beach soiree...off to Amsterdam tomorrow! x mvg

1.  green tea soy candle from Soap & Paper Factory, $28

2.  traditional hand block printed scarf using eco-friendly inks, A Peace Treaty, $140- amazing for a chilly night at the beach...

3.  re-purposed wood palette, FREE! We use to burn these in Nantucket for beach bonfires, but what a great idea for a table for your beach soiree...

4.   Table runners & napkins from Hammocks & High Tea, printed with waterbased inks, starting at $38

5.  Large floor pillows constructed from vintage reclaimed fabrics, Elliot Mann, $89

6.  Recycled glassware made from wine bottles, Heath Ceramics, $19

7.  Compostable dishware, Branch Home, starting at $5.50

8.  Jute floor cushions, Vivaterra, $79
9.  Live it up!

...francey pants sangria...

... south of france summer sangria to cool down & chill out...2 different versions to try...

<<< sassy sangria >>>

1 lemon cut into wedges

1 orange cut into wedges

1 lime cut into wedtes

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 Granny smith apple, sliced or chopped

3 shots of apricot brandy

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 bottle of your fave rouge or blanc wine

1 can limeade

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

...Soak the fruit in the brandy & cinnamon for about an hour.  Pour the wine into a pitcher & squeeze the juice from the lemon, orange, & lime into the wine.  Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out the seeds if possible) & add the sliced peaches, strawberries, brandy, limeade, sugar & orange juice.  Chill mixture overnight.  Add ice just before serving.  If you want some bubbles you can add a can of ginger ale or sprite...

<<< rose sangria >>>

1/4 cup of peach schnapps

1/4 cup cognac or brandy

2 tablespoons white sugar

2 oranges sliced into thin rounds

12 strawberries sliced

2 (750ml) bottles dry rose wine, chilled

1/2 liter ginger ale, chilled

... In a large pitcher combine peach schnapps, cognac, sugar, sliced oranges & sliced strawberries, stirring occasionally.  Chill for at least an hour, preferably longer.  Pour fruit mixture into a large pitcher, stir in rose & ginger ale.  Serve over ice...

*REMEMBER SANGRIA ONLY GETS BETTER WITH TIME- THE LONGER IT'S LEFT TO SIT & SOAK IN ALL THE FLAVORS THE BETTER IT WILL BE* xx mvg

...future...

...ahhhh yes...I do believe..x