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

In case you've been keeping up with my moving dilemma. You should be much relieved to know that I found a place. Once it's fully decorated I'll post some pictures of it. In the meantime, I'm having a couch pillow dilemma, and a need a bit of decisive input from you all.

Here it is as it stands today, a hand-me-down couch with a white slipcover and two Anthropologie pillows. My dilemma?

Read more "Decision Making Pillow Talk"

After just a few minutes on weather.com and you'll know the country is a climate roller coaster: never ending storms in the northeast, flooding in the mid-region, droughts in the west, and an oppressive heat wave in the south. What has the weather done your garden plans? For me, it has turned me inwards to houseplants, well actually, to their much more sophisticated and chic cousin: terrariums.

Read more "Summer Loving: Terrariums"

As my work buddies and I traveled to Atlanta not too long ago, we also made it a point to spend some time shopping (we're women, that's what we do!). So, Jennifer scouted out this cute little antique/jewelry/cottage/decor shop, Terra Cottage.

Right when we walked in the door, I was drawn to this display of paper. Weird, I know, with all the other wonderful things the store had to offer. But I couldn't help but think how great these sheets (only $4 apiece!!!) would be for decoupaging a frame, or anything your imagination came up with. The store owner also said her customers used them for gift wrap and drawer liners. What a fun find!

After only one month in New York, it's easy to see how New Yorkers become obsessed with celebrities and celebrity lifestyles. I have somehow managed to spot three celebrities myself so far, and even though I wouldn't consider myself a pop-culture fanatic, seeing someone in real life whose face you've memorized from the big screen or your favorite TV show will give you a slightly out-of-body experience. So, to nurse my new celeb-sighting obsession and combine it with my love for homes and interiors, here are some beautiful celeb homes I stalked all across the world wide web -- just for you!

This is the living room in the parisian apartment of none other than fashion designer, Christian Lacroix. The ecclectic mix of vintage and modern brings endless inspiration.

Read more "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"

How much does a typical trip to the grocery store cost you?

Our friends at All You are challenging you to spend only $25 per family member per week (that's $100 a week for a family of 4) at the grocery. If you do this for a month you could win $1,000 grocery card and a year's supply of Knorr side dishes-- FREE. Love it!

To sign up and get the basic rules click here. The contest officially starts July 13, but sign up now to get a reminder email and start your money-saving strategies today.

Need some cost-saving shopping strategies or what to share your own? Check out their Grocery Challenge blog and leave a comment.

May the best coupon-clipper win!

(Image via Highlands Market Place)

I received this orphan rose bush (and by receive, I mean pulled out of a compost pile where it had been left to, well, decompose) and decided to give it a new home at my house. Roses, in general, are one of my favorite flowers. And from coast to coast, you can grow them at home.

Read more "Roses On My Mind"