It was love at first sight when my good friend Lisa, from Hamptontoes blog, introduced me to Roberta Freymann and her out-of-this-world creations. Her stores are truly a jackpot for color lovers and accessory enthusiasts like myself!

Why I Love It: I first fell in love with her globally inspired designs when I saw this fabulous cocktail ring. It was a must-have for me!!

Since then, I find myself drawn to her bib necklaces…

And, I think there’s definitely a beach cabana somewhere that’s in need of me, a good book and this kurta!

Where to Find It: Roberta has several storefronts in NYC, the Hamptons and LA. I highly recommend visiting one if you’re in the area. Not to worry if you aren’t, you can also find her creations online.

Happy Shopping!
xoxo

Tobi

I’ve been drinking tea all weekend, evidenced by my photos on instagram. And there’s nothing I like better than drinking my tea from a gorgeous cup!

Not a tea drinker? Then feel free to use it for a cupcake. Yum!

xoxo, Tobi

PS Lovely photos are from here and here.

You know it — you’ve spent hours watching it, too. PBS’s Masterpiece really hit the nail on the head with “Downton Abbey.” America is officially obsessed with these English socialites and their servants.

Why I love it:  Well, let’s just browse through a few of the images…

Ok, as you can see everything is beyond gorgeous. There’s so much attention to detail, whether it’s in a room, a dress or the impeccable plot.

Speaking of the plot, who knew the seemingly buttoned-up characters could be involved in such scandalous incidents?? This is truly interesting television and it’s easy to get hooked after one episode with the Crawley family.

Aside from that, if you’re a history buff, I’m sure you can appreciate the Edwardian era and the great lengths they go to execute the series. In fact, I’ve been so inspired by the recent episodes, I thought I would share an inspiration board of a few pieces that could fit in at Downton Abbey.

[1.Armless Chair; Ballard Designs  2.Landscape Painting; Mark Mitchell Paintings  3.Haviland Cup and Saucer; Replacements, Ltd.  4. Tapestry-Inspired Fabric; Cynthia East  5. French Urns; TheEmpireFurniture.com 6. Side Table; Hickory Chair]

Recently, Houzz also featured an idea book with a nod to Downton Abbey’s style. Check it out for some amazing room inspiration.

Above all, since we are in the “29 Days of Love,” I must mention that Downton Abbey is all about love — the search for it, the battle with it and the brilliance of truth — which makes me love it all that much more.

Where to find it: Watch recent episodes from this season on PBS’s Masterpiece site.

Find season 1 on Netflix or order through Amazon.

Since today is Sunday, be sure to check your listings and tune in for tonight’s episode on PBS.

xoxo

-Tobi

A couple of months back I paused to reflect on all of the things I was grateful for in 2011. Shortly thereafter I discovered a unique book called 365 Thank Yous, and decided to make this book’s mantra part of my 2012 dreams and goals.

Why I Love It: John Kralik was not in a great place in his life when decided to earnestly look for things to be grateful for and to take the time to thank those who made them possible. Writing just one thank-you note a day changed his perspective, his relationships and, perhaps, his life. Whether you’re on top of the world or going through a rough patch, I think there’s something to be learned from his experience.

That’s why I thought the start of a new year was the perfect time for me to begin this practice. On January 1, I started writing one per day, and so far I’m on track!! It’s amazing the gratitude you feel when you pause to reflect. It’s also such a treat to connect with those who truly make a difference in my life every day. I would highly encourage you all to take up this practice for yourself. Trust me, it’s worth your time. He’s really on to something here!

Where to Find It: Purchase your own copy at Amazon.

Visit John Kralik’s website to learn more about him and the book’s background.

Finally, I want to say that I’m so thankful for all of you!! I love hearing from you and each of you encourage and inspire me everyday. For that, I am truly grateful!

xoxo,

How do you spell delicious? In my book it’s c-a-r-a-m-e-l!! Caramel cake to be specific. If you follow the blog, you know my good friend Kathryn Greeley was in town for a visit a few weeks back. While she was here, I had a chance to sample some of her favorite recipes, including her caramel cake.

Why I love it: This cake is truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. When I first tasted it, I thought for certain the recipe was a longtime family secret that Kathryn just might not be willing to share. (Yes, it’s that good!!)

I was right about one thing, it is a family recipe from her paternal grandmother, Janie Crisp. Fortunately, she was willing to share the recipe. In fact she shares it with all her gracious readers in her book, The Collected Tabletop.

Where to find it: Today Kathryn is sharing this yummy recipe on her blog. Be sure to check it out and get your own taste of heaven!

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of delicious recipes don’t miss the Ham Puffs she shared with Good Morning Arkansas viewers. They’re a Superbowl party must-have!!

Enjoy!

xoxo

-Tobi

P.S. Don’t forget today is the last day to turn in your Designer Mailbag submissions. If you have a space that could use some ideas for a refresh, send a picture and brief description to info@tobifairley.com.  Good Luck!

It’s Day 2, so I thought I would tell you about two things I love…no, these posts will not be growing exponentially for the rest of the month!

Whenever someone asks if I’m a fan of Pandora, I say “yes,” without ever stopping to ask if they’re talking about the radio service or the bracelet! Why? Because I’m a big-time fan of both!

Why I love them: I’m a huge believer that music inspires creativity, so I am constantly listening to Pandora.

Whether it’s direct through my laptop or on my iPhone through their amazing app. What’s not to love about a personalized radio station? From Melody Gardot to Today’s Hits, there’s something for everyone on this Fab music site.

Speaking of personalization, that’s also the reason I love today’s second item, Pandora bracelets.

Yes, some of the ads on TV are a bit cheesy for this add-a-charm bracelet.  But there is nothing cheesy about the fact that my mom started one of these for me a few years back and my sweet 6-year-old has selected every charm since to remind me of her.  It is one of my most cherished treasures.

From a soccer ball to school books to a sweet little “honey bunny”, at every glance of my wrist, I am reminded of my most precious gift, my daughter. And just in case I were to forget that I turned the Big 4-0 last week, she selected these number charms as a reminder…so funny!

Want something a bit more hip but still sentimental, I also really love their braided bracelets too. They’re such a fun alternative to the regular charm ones.

Where to find them:

Pandora Radio Service, Pandora.com

Pandora Bracelets, Pandora.net

xoxo

-Tobi

P.S. Remember to vote for Tobi’s Blog as “Best Overall Design Blog” in the Design Bloggers Conference Hall of Fame. I am so honored to be included on this list!! Thanks to those of you who have already voted!

For day one of our 29 Days of Love, I can’t think of anything more appropriate to feature than Pinterest. Are you as obsessed as I am?

Why I love it: For starters, I no longer have random jpegs on my desktop, in folders or saved in my bookmarks. I now have a place to organize all the great ideas I see on the Web!

Secondly, I am SO inspired by the collaboration. At any time during the day, all I have to do is pull up my feed and I see ideas for everything from kitchens to earrings, inspirational quotes to ab workouts! And they’re all coming from trusted sources — my friends and followers!

It’s even become a family affair around our house. My daughter has a board under my account called “Ellison’s Picks,” where we find ideas and pin them together.

Finally, how much fun is it to be your own curator? Not only do you get to search your favorite sites and pick out what you love, but you can visit and revisit your finds any time you like. Now that’s something to love!

Where to find it: Pinterest.com

Find my boards specifically at Pinterest.com/tobifairley

Hope your ‘Month of Love’ is off to a great start!

xoxo

-Tobi

We’ve been working away on new presentations and client projects, getting our Mastermind 2012 series underway and hosting this year’s first Design Camp!

Oh yes, and I celebrated my birthday!!

I truly love my job and with that in mind, I’ll be sharing 29 other things I love in the next month.

Starting tomorrow we’re excited to begin our special February Month of Love blog series. Thanks to Leap Year, we’ll have one extra or “bonus” day of love this year to make it 29!

I hope you’ll be inspired by the things I love and that you’ll also share some of your favorite products and ideas by leaving a comment here.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

xoxo

-Tobi

If you saw the bedroom, I designed for the Hampton Designer Showhouse, you know how fabulously unique their rock and mineral creations are.

While perusing their site, I spotted this dreamy blue coral one. I’m pretty sure there’s a beach house somewhere out there that is dying for this lamp.

This white coral one could be great against a brightly painted wall.

And, as much as I love their mineral and rock pieces, I must say I am equally obsessed with the beautiful colored Murano glass options they have to offer, like this robin’s- egg-blue pair with gold accents.

And this vintage red-and-white striped set. Just seeing these makes me think of an uptown apartment in the city.

Oh yes, and this orange pair! Wouldn’t these be fun for bedside tables?

They have so many new and vintage options, it’s easy to get carried away! I hope these gorgeous lamps were a fun start to your Monday. Have a great week!

xoxo

-Tobi

I know Sunday is a great day for me and “mini me” (my six-year-old daughter) to lay in bed a little longer than usual. So what better day is there than Sunday to discuss one of my favorite and often times go-to sources for linens? Matouk products are present in both my home and my projects.

One of my favorite patterns is Meridian. Just by changing the tape color and adding a monogram you can have a completely different look.

Matouk also offers a great line designed by Lulu Dk. This particular image shows the Paradiso duvet and the Madison flat and fitted sheet.

As you might know I adore a nice greek key accent and the Arcadia blanket happens to feature that very motif!

They also have wonderful towels. Providence, is particularly pretty.

As you can see, there is something for everyone at Matouk. They even have their own candles and soaps.

I hope you all are enjoying this sleepy Sunday!

xoxo, Tobi