Seabrook and Coastal Living Magazines Ultimate Beach House Preview Party.....

Hi Everyone!

First of all let me start this post by saying a gigantic THANK YOU to Seabrook and Tim for inviting us to the Preview Party..It was one of the most amazing, thrilling, exceptional nights I can remember in a long time.

I was honored.

So, here we are..

The entry to the Ultimate Beach House was done so perfectly-imperfect with native mosses and groundcovers. The cement pavers were done with an oyster shell exposure. Gorgeous! Simplistic cedar planters with boxwoods top it off as you enter into the cute little gated courtyard.

Oh.my.goodness...It is none other than Tim Clarke, himself! He was so wonderful ...when he saw my mom coming down the breezeway, he said...Oh, she came!! He is a true gentlemen, sweet and so approachable.

And I am a huge fan.

--hello, look at that darling belt buckle..

shall we get started??

Fireplace and outdoor barbecue-party space. Look at that magnificent oystershell mirror.

The whale was so perfect in its spot outside..

This basket with the blankets came from Grand Heron.

Amazing fireplace in the living room set the tone for the whole home, the lighting as well..it made me feel like I was visiting the treasured home of a young sea faring captain.

The kitchen was simplistic to a T..No over the top granite or marble here. Totally refreshing. I craved the space. Martha would love this kitchen. The photos dont do it justice.

These orange twin beds were stunning with the dark blankets and then a blue and white cotton rug from Dash & Albert.

The Master Bedroom suite.

On to the dinner party..Yes, I think I was the last one in..silly girl, to dilly dally in that house so long.

(totally worth it)

This is Stephen Poulakos, landscape architect, among many things.. and the towns go-to guy speaking in the perfect green sweater...

Casey and Laura Roloff..The dreamer-uppers and town founders of Seabrook..(also high school sweet hearts)

Laura is going to have their 4th baby girl in a few weeks!

Tim Clarke here below on the left..Coastal food done to perfection. Crab legs, oysters, steamer clams..It was all delicious and so simply and perfectly displayed.

posterity photo of Mr gorgeous and self..

This is downstairs, large media room and workout room.

I feel like my photos arent all they should have been, but I was completely drunk with excitement and high on design--decor.Please forgive me...

It really did my soul good to be at this lovely occasion. May I speak for my family and say thank you again to Tim Clarke, Coastal Living Magazine and the wonderful Seabrook Family for the terrific hospitality and forward thinking you all have put into our little corner of the world.

It is deeply and profoundly appreciated.

we GET it!

Thank you sooo soo much!

If you are interested in coming and seeing the Coastal Living Ultimate Beach House at Seabrook

go ahead and leave me a comment on this post.

Ill give away 2 tickets at the end of this next week.

You can go through the house until October 31st..

Its totally worth it!

Really..

Coastal Living Magazine March 2010

Review...

This is my ongoing collaboration with my "girlfriend" Miranda  at Coastal Living Magazine. We are so busy having pre-spring fun around here, but I have to stop a minute to get this review out. Let me tell you that this months publication has hit it out of the park!

Every article is better than the next.

My very favorite, or near to it, is this little cutie pie right here called sweetly

Labor of Love..

Miss THANG herself, Designer Jill Johnson spins the story of how she re-made a total mess of a house into her dream cottage, one room at a time..if you know Coastal Nest, AT ALL, you know that this TOTALLY struck a chord with me. Its positively dreamy, in that "Cottage Living" sense.

How darling could it be??

You should really go get the magazine to see the before photos. It can really get the creative juices flowing.

**

Then, shall we go to ALASKA, anyone..anyone??

this little trip by adventure traveler David Hanson slows down his pace a little and enjoys an indulgent itinerary of cozy lodges, fine wine and seaside saunas. I WILL go to Alaska, someday..Steve dreams of us in our "retirement years" boating up on the inside passage. This article on page 78 makes me want to go with him even more, now. I think Alaska is just my style. Being a true Northwest native I could fit right in.(except maybe for the bears and the long dark winters.)

spectacular, no??

Then theres

Best Beachy Kitchens

If you are wanting a little inspiration for a fun kitchen makeover, well..The March issue is your dream. Very fun and simple design from Erika Powell shows 3 different, and all very lovely, realistic cooking rooms. Miss Erikas best advice?? "Do something outside your comfort zone- the biggest risks often  yield the greatest rewards.."

Thanks, Erika..we needed that!

Go find this issue, there are more suprises inside than I can possibly write about. Especially, a California home for a family of 8, with painted white floors even!! Its adorable and so soft and sweet.

The Coastal Kitchen will make you go crazy for scallops and then there is a sailing trip that will want you to get your lifejacket and swimsuit on.

I craved this issue.

thanks Coastal Living!

Coastal Living Magazine Review Holiday Issue....

Well, its that time again, dear reader.. As you may know, or not--Miss Coastal Nest has been contacted by Coastal Living Magazine to be a reviewer of their glossy magazine. How could one refuse?

I am a sucker for all things BEACH so it is a perfect fit!

~~~~~~~

Coastal Living shares where to get the most amazing waterfront seats for the Northern Lights, Mother Nature’s megawatt display of green, blue, red and purple hues. Learn about the aurora borealis and find out where to see them in the United States and around the world.

 If you have ever seen this type of heavenly beauty, then you are a lucky person, indeed. You can read more about it

HERE....

In 25 Days of Decorating, which is always my favorite, the decorating, you can see new ways to reinvent your Christmas Style. Coastal Living never fails to impress me with their use of color and texture.

Just like in this photo below.

Great punches of bright red and light blue make this room fun and interesting, let alone to open Christmas presents on Christmas day in!!

Lucky kids!

On the other hand, if you like your decorating a tad bit on the neutral side, here is an awesome example of creating Holiday perfection! I adore the silver leaf pinecones mixed with the paperwhites on the mantle.

23 more excellent ideas for how to decorate coastal style are just a click away

HERE!

What Holiday issue wouldnt be complete without a new recipe or two?

Here was my favorite! Hot Crab and Shrimp dip. mmmmmm--and yes I made it, and it is delicious!

Try any number of the 10 best party starters, Im sure they wont dissapoint!

Here...

Lastly...

 Included in Coastal Living’s 75 beach-inspired gifts are 50 amazing finds under $50. Choose from a number of beach accessories, snacks and cooking ingredients, and home décor or splurge on some fabulous beach bling. Also included are stocking stuffers for $10 or less.

This one, I just happen to have in my shop, and it is even prettier in person..

Contact me, if your interested..I will ship it out for you!

Merry COASTAL Christmas!

~~

I love doing these reviews for Coastal Living and have enjoyed being a subscriber for many years now.

If you love the coast, its definately a magazine for you!

If you really can EVEN believe this...

Coastal Living Magazine has contacted the now 44 year old Coastal Nest gal to do a review of their October issue. Yes, girls..I nearly fell off my seat. Okay, I DID fall off my seat.

I love this magazine, I always have. I think I have nearly every issue. It will be hard to be objective..

There actually will be no way.

~

There is some gorgeous photos of lighthouses in...

In the article, America's Spookiest Lighthouse The spirit of a mourning mother haunts Heceta Head, a 115-year-old light station on the windswept Oregon Coast. Some say the ghost, called The Gray Lady, searches for her infant daughter, who tumbled from the 200-foot cliffs to her death. Sad and beautiful just the same. Steve have been to this magnificent place, we traveled here with our infant son many summers ago. Yachats Oregon is a darling little town.There are 5 other wonderful haunts..Find one near you--if you dare!

In the wonderful spirit of Coastal Living magazine, writer Melissa Bigner describes what it takes for a....

A Cure for the Common Condo

This was a real treat to read, the ever so stylish stylist, Ms. Heather Chadduck (my fave) had her hand in this beautiful space. The photography of Dominique Vorillon is fantastic capturing the uniqueness of this charming Pointe Vedra Beach, Florida project. Phoebe Howard did a magnificent job using a brown palette in her re working of this most excellent space.

I absolutely crave the use of all the texture in this condominium. Its an outstanding take on a very easy decorating trick. Infusing life into a small room by combining a variety of textile patterns in similar tones.

An extra added bonus!

I have this very same coffee table and a side table to match at my shop..contact me, if you are interested.

Then there is the wonderful
2009 Idea Cottage
hundreds of ideas are nestled in this darling little cottage in South Carolina.
My favorite, you ask...its the courtyard.
here



Last but CERTAINLY not least, is the darling
Spirited beach bash
They are celebrating Halloween not so far from my Coastal Nest
in Gig Harbor, are the Hosts David and Christine Rothenberg.
It looks like a fun party for the young and young at heart.

If you haven't seen Coastal Living lately, go find one at a store near you.

You'll thank me for it.

If you'd like to read another review..

My girl Maya over at Completely Coastal is a reviewer and so is..

Simone! at Beach Vintage..

thank you so much Coastal Living for this awesome opportunity!

Lisa

Coastal Nest