To me, there's probably nothing more peaceful in the summertime than sitting outside on the porch at dusk listening to the crickets with a glass of wine, a few good friends and some great conversation.

If you're looking for some fun background music to keep the mood light at your next outdoor gathering, here are a few suggestions I've been loving so far this summer. Some songs are new, some old, all are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

Click here to see the full playlist...

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On a recent family beach trip my sister-in-law, Amanda, newly committed to the Green movement, surprised my mom, sisters, and I with a great gift -- water bottles! Not just any water bottle, not the desperately in need of hydration, college student's, hippie sticker bedecked, Nalgene, not a dinky 12 pack of Dasani, but a chic-ly re-used Pellegrino bottle.

Read more "Be Cool, Drink from the Glass"

Tanis by Daniel Garber

Last weekend, I went to see the Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art in Tuscaloosa, AL. I met a friend at a dinner party who told me all about it. It sounded far too good to be true. A museum in Tuscaloosa, AL (40 minutes from Birmingham) stocked full of Mary Cassatt paintings (The extremely nice security guard -- who's been there over 20 years advised me not to miss the Cassatt sketches in the ladies bathroom.), Paul Revere silver, Whistler and Sargent paintings, tons of Hudson River paintings (recognizable from your American History class section about how the west was won) by Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand? The list goes on and on.

Read more "The Greatest Art Museum You've Never Heard Of"

Every trip to New York I usually pack full with tons of walking through great neighborhoods, shopping, a museum exhibit or two, and frequent visits with friends -- and all of these usually fall in between my scheduled meals to check out what's new on the dining scene. With so many fantastic places to eat and drink a few days indulging in the city is never enough (note: my AMEX may disagree).

So I was so pleased to stumble upon a few photo slide shows on The New York Times' website Dining and Wine section that take us inside 3 of Manhattan's best: Savoy, Rye, and Bar Artisanal (all for free!). Like so many others, each establishment has it's own unique concept and exquisite interiors to match.

Savoy is in SoHo on Prince street.

Read more "From NYC with Love"

I really wish being sent to your room was suitable punishment as an adult, but for some sad reason we've seem to have outgrown that. Perhaps it was when we started actually looking forward to bedtime and began reading books for fun not assignment.

Long before my self-imposed bedtime, I love to spend an hour or so alone in my bedroom. Even though my room is far from being "pretty" yet (I have an array of mix-matched furniture that needs some love and attention), I have recently decided to invest in my bed (mattress and bedding). It was the smartest decision to splurge (smartly) and every night and most Saturday mornings I roll over and thank myself. A good mattress (that suits you and how you sleep --yes, that matters) with high-quality linens and pillows can make bedtime part vacation and part spa treatment. (Learn how to care for your bed linens here.)

Read more "Sound Investment: A Pretty Bedroom"

While shopping at Anthropologie this weekend, the salesgirl gave me a very helpful tip that I thought I'd pass along to you all. The company takes their markdowns on Mondays. Meaning, don't wait til Thursday to elbow people in their crowded salesroom. Go on Monday, browse calmly in person or look online to relieve your Monday blues. Also, if you did buy something on Friday during your frenzy for a weekend outfit, save your receipt. You get a 14 day grace period for price adjustments.  My best picks for today's markdowns.

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Economy forcing a on you this year? Look no further than the Sotheby'sluxury real estate listings. A couple of clicks get you front row passes to some of the most luxurious homes on the planet that money can buy. All you have to do is scratch your head and ask yourself, "Today, I'd like to go ______?"

To a Th century chateau twenty minutes from Aix-en-Provence?

Read more "Free Luxury Travel"

I am convinced you can add a fresh coat of white glossy paint to pretty much anything and it will look amazing (painted floors, old tables, dingy cabinets), but when layered and combined together, an all-white room it really can look exquisite. No matter the style, the look is clean, fresh, and allows you to add a touch of color as you choose (I love the above kitchen -- especially the way the light greens and bright orange pop). The same is true with the bathroom, porch, and living room below. The slightest details really stand out against the white backdrop.

Read more "When white is done right"

How do you say thank you? Do you tend to A.) do it in person B.) call C.) email/ecard d.) (dare I say it) text your gratitude -- or E.) Make our grandmother's proud and mail a handwritten note of thanks?

I have some friends that must send off thank you cards within minutes after receiving a gift. But I've always been a bit more patient (okay, lazy) and it often takes me a little while to get my sincere appreciation in the mail. But it does eventually happen. What is the etiquette call on this?? I am the midst of wedding gifts thank you note writing now. One fix that helps speed this up is a pretty, unique thank you card -- like these...

Word Search Thank You

Thank Yous from Blue Ribbon Press

Read more "How do you 'thank you'?"

I am obsessed with Kristen Bell's seven-bedroom Hollywood party house in this month's InStyle. I have loved the the 28-year-old star ever since her days as a crime fighter on Veronica Mars, and lately, in addition to filming Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and being the voice of Gossip Girl (XOXO), she has also been updating and decorating her party-perfect home. She started with her kitchen, updating the countertops and brightening the room with white cabinets.

Next added shelving to her dining room to display her dishes. Her dining room table expands to hold 14 people--which is perfect because Bell says she almost always have roommates in her large house. Right now she has three!

Kristen loves her bedroom. She says that it feels like her own private apartment with in her big, crazy house. She used an elegant floral print wallpaper on the largest wall in her room, which gives it a painted on feel.

 But my favorite part about her house is the outdoor living room. As someone who lives in a small condo with a tiny cement patio, I totally envy her huge lawn, cool outdoor furniture and bright, fun pillows. I would spend the entire summer laying on this couch with a great book. Or, Kristen, if you read this I would love to come over for a BBQ!

 (photos by Francois Halard)

See more celebrity homes at Instyle.com