February 2012

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Goodbye Google Friend Connect..

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Hey Kids!

Some of you may already know...and for those of you who didn't get the memo, Google Friend Connect will be gone for all non "blogger hosted" blogs starting March 1, 2012. Here is what they had to say...

" Google Friend Connect—Friend Connect allows webmasters to add social features to their sites by embedding a few snippets of code. We’re retiring the service for all non-Blogger sites on March 1, 2012. We encourage affected sites to create a Google+ page and place a Google+ badge on their site so they can bring their community of followers to Google+ and use new features like Circles and Hangouts to keep in touch. " (Source)

Gosh, I am really just so bummed about the way they are forcing all of us to use Google+. I was initially near tears (I kid you not) about a month ago when I found out that Picnik was closing (also thanks to Google). I personally am not impressed with Google+. It has taken all of us years to gather our friends together in one spot, whether it's on our blogs or facebook, or wherever...we've just gotten comfortable and dare I say "experienced" with the way things work, and how we find each other, and how we make sure that others can find us...and now Google goes and purposely throws a wrench into the works...doing whatever they can to inconvenience us enough to switch to their sevice. I don't like this kind of business...it's got that 'hostile takeover' smell to it. Wow, I guess I'm wearing my opinion on my sleeve. Anyway, even if I was down with Google+, I just can't see it all transitioning smoothly.

Well, on much more positive note...I am super excited to share three happy ways for you to continue to follow my blog...and all of your favorite blogs!

First, the brannnnnnd NEW hellocotton.com! Which I am loving!! So easy to navigate! I have already found so many new bloggers to crush on! I highly recommend it! I know it is going to grow into something fabulous!! Join the fun now!

And we also have the growing-in-popularity, bloglovin'.com. Which I've been using a bit, and now I'll be jumping in wholeheartedly!! :)

And lastly... there's following by email! Super easy, and if you are not a fan of blog music or if pages load super slowly for you, then this may be the perfect answer! And being that it's in your email you'll also never miss a blog entry, giveaway, or sale! :)

All three options are there to the right! I hope that you'll continue to follow me. I have soooo many things planned for this blog! :)

Ohh ohh!! And thanks so so much for all of the entries for our Pin It to Win It giveaway!! You still have time!! We'll be choosing a winner Monday! :)

Love you guys to bits!

xo Jenny

A Sunset Cocktail Party

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It's my birthday next week - I am very excited because I am heading off to Sydney for a few days but would still like to have a little get-to-gether with my friends. I think I will celebrate with a elegant soiree this weekend with a just few close friends. Champagne and cocktails on the deck with some stylish finger food served on large white platters throughout the evening. It will be a lovely excuse to buy some French champagne, dress up, decorate the house with flowers and hang fairy lights and paper lanterns in the garden. I'll keep my fingers crossed the weather is kind to me!

Melissah xox

Images via 1-5, 6, 7

Hamptons Style Beach House

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Today I picked up a lovely new job - designing and decorating a white weatherboard Hamptons style beach house with spectacular ocean views. It's a beautiful period house that has had a number of hotch potch renovations over the last 80 years and the clients want to restore it to it's a former glory. Most of my jobs are modern, architecturally designed houses made of glass and concrete so this double storey house full of history and charm will be a breath of fresh air for me. I have a nice collection of ideas and images that I have collected from all the coastal blogs so they will be a great source of inspiration for this fun project. The client was so excited and happy after our first meeting that she gave me a big hug at the end of it!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Pale Neutrals

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This all natural palette is influenced by the colours, textures and tones of nature and the sea resulting in a 'modern coastal' feel. Relaxed and inspired, natural fibres and textural interest are the key elements to these spaces. The neutral walls are both calming and ever-changing - a result of filtered sunrises in the morning or the flicker of candles in rustic lanterns at night Take a loose approach to a white canvas with pale neutral accents, add some woody tones and you can transform a simple space into a coastal oasis without spending a fortune. It's all in the details!

Melissah xox

Images via The Design Files

Summer Melt Down!

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With a weekend of hot, hot weather and scorching heat - the focus was on keeping cool and escaping the heat. Days were spent at the sea baths on pool lounges under large umbrellas and taking dips in the ocean. Nights were spent with all the doors and windows open to catch the sea breeze, sleeping under cotton sheets with the fan humming gently in the background. Don't get me wrong, I love the hot weather so no complaints here! But the best thing was it gave us the perfect excuse to tuck into bowls of ice-cream, icy sorbets, refreshing watermelon and chilled iced tea to keep us cool ... all guilt free!

Melissah xox

Images via 1a, 1b, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5a, 5b, 6

Soaking up the Sun!

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I'm dreaming that the long, languid days of summer will never end but sadly I know they will, so it's now time to start planning holidays to far away sunny destinations to escape some of the winter chill. The possibilities are endless : the Italian coast, the French Riveria, the Greek islands or perhaps the Caribbean. It's time to start collecting a few brochures and doing a bit of homework! Where's your favourite winter escape?

Melissah xox

Fashion story by Coastal Style via Polyvor - other images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5ba

Pin it to WIN it!

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Hey Kids! Happy Friday!

It's been a rainy, chilly day here on the N.J. shore. We've been busy in the studio working on lots of super fun new designs and projects. We are so thrilled by the response to our diecuts! Gosh, thank you guys! We love that you "get it"! Of course we all "need" giant wood Vanilla Extract bottles hanging in our kitchens! We love the smiles they bring and the compliments from visiting friends! :)

We really love making these and have sooo many ideas for future designs. So much so...we are going to be putting the majority of our time and energy into them. New paintings will be for diecuts and signs. Our roots are in home decor, furniture, antiques and signage. Gosh, we are so happy to be working with wood!

Ok ok...so here is where we need your help! We would LOVE if you guys would help to spread the word about our New JUMBO diecuts! We would love to be making these round the clock, packing and shipping them all over the globe! :)

And for your super duper kindess and support we would love to make this FUN!

All you have to do for 2 chances at a $50.00 gift certificate to the Everyday is a Holiday shop is...

Visit the shop, choose your favorite diecut and Pin it on Pinterest! Linking back to this post!

For a second chance pin the above photo to Pinterest with "Repin to win!” in the description. Or repin it from here to be entered. One super sweet & lucky winner will be doing some shopping with us!

Thanks so so much guys!! Love ya to bits!

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Pinning!!

xo Jenny

Sunkissed

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With the promise of some very hot weather this weekend I am looking forward to making the most of the last days of summer and heading to the beach to catch a few rays. I find the beach is one of the few places I can totally zone out and relax. It will be a weekend of swimming, relaxing on pool lounges at the sea baths, New Zealand ice-cream, cheese and wine on the deck, short summer dresses and laughter.... can't wait!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3-4, 5, 6

Spanish Hideaway

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I love the rustic simplicity of Mediterranean design - the pared back minimalism. For me it's the relaxed, casual, laid back nature of these places that is the real appeal. Simple, honest design using local materials such as stone and timber. Where living flows easily from inside to out and evenings are spent laughing and chatting under starry nights drinking local wine and feasting on tapas, freshly caught seafood and paella.

Keep you holiday wardrobe simple and casual - light, breathable fabrics to cope with the heat and flat sandals to cope with the cobble stoned streets and rocky terrain. Natural colours in cotton and linen are perfect for blending in with the locals. Nothing too fancy is required in this part of the world ... it's all about relaxing!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3-6, 7, 8