XOXO...

House of Marlowe

Each afternoon as I walk thru the vineyards I spy them….. some days one or two; other days 15 pairs of couples both young and old walking hand in hand or arm in arm.  It's the elderly ones that warm my heart the most…. the sweetness, the commitment, the enjoying each other's company….  I'm left wondering if the choosing to walk together holding hands helps to create the closeness or if a closeness precipitates wanting to stroll hand in hand…. also, have they been doing this for years, or has the quietness of life bared a new tender fruit of affection?…. 

….whatever the case; I want that…. both today 20 years into my marriage and 50 years from now; when all worldly things have faded and we're left with each other and the story we've created together… I want to be seen walking down the path together…. holding hands...

Cheers to love this Valentine's Day...

Love is in the Air...

… a few easy ideas for playing cupid and sharing the love this week...

HER

red lipstick

Rose champagne

a handwritten note left on her pillow

a Nicholas Sparks movie (bonus points)

HIM

an invitation for a lunch date (at home on a school day)

a 'do not disturb' sign (wink/wink)

his favorite meal (and dessert)

red lingerie (bonus points)

KIDDOS

 a heart shaped treat each day

 a Valentine hidden in their school work

a pink lipstick heart on their bathroom mirror right where their little face goes

an ice cream date... extra sprinkles (bonus points)

XOXO

Merry Christmas!

…. I know I'm about 17 days early; but life away from the computer beckons as relatives arrive from the States today and we embark on days filled with school concerts, travels, Christmas crafts, baking, and, in general, getting our "merry" on :) ….  I'll be posting my usual daily inspiration on Instagram (aka mostly pics of my kids :) ); but likely won't be back around here until the new year.  In the meantime, wishing everyone a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and hope from our family to yours….

Rejoice!  Jesus is Born! 

Meet me in the Lodge...

There was so much wonderful visual stimulation in London last weekend between Selfridge's glamorous arcade; Liberty's extravagant windows; and the thousands of lights setting the streets aglow; but my absolute favorite inspiration was the Fortnum & Mason pop-up Lodge cafe at Somerset House…. simple, yet…. oh, so inviting with bowls of clementines and walnuts waiting to be cracked; offerings of mulled cider and fondue to warm you up from the cold (with pieces of bread served up in one of those great little 'hampers' I was lusting after); and charming decorations creating the coziest of settings….

… if you had given us some books or a board game the girls and I may have spent the day there!  Good news is we might get the chance as I'm on a mission to replicate these easy ideas at home… with a roaring fire, comfy throws and a 'pajamas preferred' dress code to boot. :)

Anything inspiring you lately?

Thank"full"

… that's how I feel this year…. not just a half-hearted 'let's say grace' kind of thankful; but an overwhelming, trumpet sounding, bring you to your knees kind of gratefulness…  and not just for the big momentous things which are captured in stamped passports, good report cards, framed certificates and pretty photo albums (which are all great); but even more so for the simple treasures of budding friendships, birds chirping, familiar voices, real hugs… love… hope... and the gift of another perfectly imperfect day….   

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever.  Psalm 136:1

Wishing all our fellow turkeys out there a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! :)

Share the love...

In my experience, there are few things that can lift the spirits more than doing something nice for others… especially when they aren't expecting it.  Love this simple idea of sharing gratefulness and love by gifting friends a loaf of bread or other treat with this adorable free printable.

 … sure would make a great hostess gift for that sweet gal or guy cooking your Thanksgiving bird this year too… :)  A couple tried and true recipes here and here.

Gather….

Man, this is the toughest week to be an American expat living abroad as there are few things I love more than the Thanksgiving holiday.   Having friends and family gathered around my dining room table any time of year; with candles flickering and a fire crackling in the fireplace; lively chatter and laughter interspersed between bites of hearty casseroles or homemade pie is pretty much my idea of bliss.  And while I appreciate a fancy "pull out all the stops" china and flower arrangements type of shin-dig; my true tendency, if I were hosting, is to keep it simple… a little something like this….

source

… a few votives, simple fragrant greens…. 

Alas, we will be spending Thanksgiving in London this year.  My guy has to work; so I've hunted down a restaurant serving 'American Thanksgiving' for the girls and I.  And while it will probably not come close to satisfying our taste buds (i.e. how could they possibly compete with mom's cornbread dressing or sweet potato casserole); it will at least help us feel connected to that beloved tradition of stopping to give thanks for all the goodness in our lives… which is worth celebrating wherever we are.

… until we can gather again.

Party Animal...

…. ha!  That definitely doesn't describe me as I tend to turn into a pumpkin fall asleep before midnight... but I do love holiday gatherings with family and friends (not to mention a glass of bubbly).  I also don't mind having a reason to throw aside my casual daily uniform in favor of a something a little more festive.  I usually just buy one piece each season to mix and match with items already in my closet…. and this year's pick is definitely a party skirt… I love their femininity and how easily they pair with a simple button down or thin weight sweater and a pair of heels...

1/2/3/4/5

Ofcourse, you could go chic with an all black monochromatic look but I've opted for a splash of cheer in the holiday's signature color… bright red which I'll pair with a crisp white or tartan button down or a hot pink sweater and a pretty bauble or two...

Anything on your holiday party fashion wish list?

Toast: The Aperol Spritz

Happy Halloween folks!  I'll be toasting this beloved American holiday with one of my favorite Italian drink traditions in exactly the right hue…. 

source

The Aperol Spritz

3 parts prosecco

2 parts Aperol

1 part soda water

Slice of orange

Cheers!

Christmas Decor: Tartan

Sorry!…. I know Halloween isn't even until tomorrow…. but even here in Switzerland; IKEA and the smattering of home stores have been bedecked in Christmas decor this week…. and while I'm certainly not trying to rush through Fall;  I must admit that seeing it all gets me a little excited.

When it comes to holiday decorating; tartans are definitely my love language….. fabrics, wrapping paper, ribbons, throws and of course, dinnerware.  Spotted these beauties on One Kings Lane today…..

I've been slowly adding to my collection over the years (well-done classic patterns are surprisingly hard to find)… and love the cozy atmosphere that mixing and matching them with worn leathers, solid throws and Christmas greens creates….  

Is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? :)

Father's Day Gift Guide

What better way to honor Dad this weekend than by giving him something he'd actually like? (versus something you'd like him to have...  yes, I'm guilty of this too)....  Here are a few picks that I'm pretty sure would bring a smile to my guy's face...

vintage tee, omaha steaks, red stripe, raybans, new balance, beer glass

The View from Here...

Easter is always one of my favorite days of the year and this year was no exception.  It was a blessing to have my mom visiting from the States and to wake up to sunshine on what was predicted to be a rainy day.  We took part in all of the beloved Easter traditions; watching the girls delight in their Easter baskets and hunting eggs; worshipping and celebrating Jesus' resurrection at church; and enjoying a leisurely and simple brunch followed by naps, an afternoon walk, and facetiming friends and family back at home....

I've just finished reading this book; and I loved how menus of special gatherings of friends and families were captured in writing so as to remember the meal shared together.  Thought it would be fun to start doing this for my girls too...

Easter Brunch

Mimosas & Juices 

Deviled Eggs

Quiche Lorraine

Simple Green Salad

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Strawberries & Raspberries

Memaw's buttermilk biscuits

Peach Preserves

Jell-o Jigglers (for the kids)

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

The refrain of the old hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" is still playing in my head... 

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

... hoppin' down the bunny trail.... 

1/2/3/4

"Hippity Hoppin' Easter's on its way!" :)

Happy Valentine's Day....

Here's hoping you give and receive a huge dose of love today...

... and maybe some chocolate. :)

XO

My Sweet....

.... that's what my girls' Italian doctor calls them when we go in for a visit..... totally endearing.  

Speaking of sweets, I made these brownies for a luncheon yesterday and they were delicious!  If you forego the icing in favor of a sprinkling of powder sugar like I did; they can be whipped up in no time flat.  Gooey chocolate goodness.

Recipe here....

oh, and thanks to the Sucre Shop on Etsy; I have a couple of things to add to my Valentine's Day post from yesterday.  Wouldn't these make the "sweetest" gifts?

these darling mini scoops paired with a small decorative bowl filled with conversation hearts or sour cherry balls (my personal favorite).... tied with cellophane and a pretty gingham ribbon

or

these wooden knives tied with a bow to a jar of jam..... or for the expats here - American peanut butter!

J'adore!  

Show me some love...

.... so, Valentine's Day is one month from today.  Not sure if it is being the mother of three girls, all that pink, or the promise of chocolates that make me like this holiday so much.  Here are a few things on my radar to help make this upcoming Valentine's Day extra sweet....

heart mittens/Gap heart dress/heart wreath/sophie & lili mimi doll/perfect match card/cookies/essie love dovie polish

.... ofcourse, plain ol' hugs and kisses will work just fine too!

Christmas in Review

Christmas came and went with more of a whisper than a shout this year at our house.  With no plans to travel to the States and no family visiting.... it was the first Christmas ever spent with just our little family of 5.  The chaos I anticipated in this post actually didn't happen at all (ok, minus the Nerf Gun that Santa brought my 8 year old).  Instead, quiet afternoons, gatherings with other expat families, day trips, and new European traditions took the place of our usual beloved hustle and bustle..... and, you know what?..... it was wonderful.... Here's a glimpse at the past week...

I loved perusing the Christmas markets.... this one featuring a tall and skinny Pere Noel.... hmmm? :)

I'm charmed by the European attention to great gift wrapping.... they love adding little trinkets to packages.... and I've happily adopted the tradition

Case in point.... gifts from our sweet Swiss neighbor adorned with cute pom-poms

 I unintentionally bought color themed stocking stuffers for my 13 year old.... yes, I might have a problem.

My family's favorite European holiday dessert.... the buche de Noel..... delicious rolled cakes with cream fillings

Every village has it's own Christmas tree and signature lights throughout town creating a magical 

effect

I'm always happy to sport a festive neckline or big bauble on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Marlowe's Christmas morning fashion statement.... new legwarmers over her Christmas pjs....

Fun under the (felted) mistletoe.... which the nice shopkeeper informed me was actually a cancer on a tree but meant to bring good luck.... I'm going to stick with the American folklore on this one.

Pretty much.... all was calm and all was bright.... 

....here's hoping yours was too.

for more of our holiday antics revelry.... go here.

Merry Christmas 2013!

Well, I guess it's pretty clear from my lack of posts that my "to do" list has gotten the best of me lately..... and, as of about 30 minutes ago my girls are off on holiday break for 3 weeks! (yes, you read that right).  So, I'm going to take this opportunity now before the holiday chaos ensues to wish you a very Merry Christmas from our home to yours.....

 A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has stopped by House of Marlowe this year.
I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!