Maison de Cinq

Mad about the Midi – Yes or No?

Let’s talk about the Midi. This skirt length has happened before (several times, in fact) and though it was hinted at as far back as last summer, the trend actually seems to be taking hold now. At first I was not at all sure about it, but I must say, it’s growing on me. There is something very elegant about it, and more importantly, it is flattering on almost everyone. I’m not sure why, but it seems to be more common in a full, circle skirt as opposed to a pencil skirt. This look is such a chic statement, and I love how feminine it is. And if the length seems a little scary after so many years of near or above the knee, start with just a couple of inches below the knee (again, universally flattering) rather than halfway between the knee and the calf. read more

Friday Favorites – Crushing on Blue and White!

I am still working on re-doing the fabrics in my family room, switching out the accent color of the room from red to blue (you can read about it in this post here). But since I am not done yet, and really want to be, I’m feeling such a craving for blue and white, I can hardly stand it! I’ve been seeing it everywhere, from Pottery Barn, to Pinterest, to photos on Instagram! It is such a refreshing color scheme, like a palate cleanser after a heavy meal. And it feels especially appropriate right now during the summer months. I almost feel cooler just looking at it! Almost… 😉 read more

We all scream for Ice Cream!

I love homemade ice cream! Ever since I got an ice cream machine a few years ago, I have been a convert. There is truly nothing like it. It is so different than anything you can buy in a store, and with an ice cream machine, it’s so easy to make! read more

Creamed Peas with Onion and Chives

Creamed peas. If you are envisioning over-cooked, mushy peas laying in a puddle of cream like something in an Old English pub, then you are not familiar with this version. This recipe involves fresh, spring peas and it is delicious. I have been wanting to make fresh peas for awhile now, so the other day when there were fresh, English peas for sale at Trader Joe’s, I snapped them up. Now, I must admit, I love peas. Not the aforementioned over-cooked version, but even frozen peas with a little butter and salt, slightly undercooked so they still pop, is something I make often. So the thought of fresh! English! peas was so exciting for me, I can’t even tell you. And though I could have served them simply with just butter and salt, I wanted to do something a little more. I ended up kind of combining two recipes that I found on Epicurious and changing them around to make one that was more what I was going for. Can I just say? This recipe was life-changing for me! The fresh peas had a distinctly sweeter profile than even the highest quality frozen, and combined with the onions, it was scrumptious (yes, I just said “scrumptious” to describe a vegetable). I loved them so much I made them again a few days later and used frozen, just to see how much difference there would be. And though it was still delicious, there is something very special about the sweeter, more distinct taste of the fresh. I urge you to go and get some fresh peas while they are still around (it’s a very short season). read more

Friday Favorites – High and Skinny

I figured since 70’s style flare jeans seem to be coming back in style that I better write this “favorite” post now, before it’s too late and it seems way too dated! Mind you, I am consciously ignoring this so-called trend, just hoping against hope that it fades quietly away. Meanwhile, I don’t know about you, but I am definitely still wearing my skinnies and have no plans to re-buy a whole closetful of jeans. So, this look that I am so crazy about? High heeled, pointy pumps worn with skinny jeans. There is really no sexier look on the planet (in my opinion) and it looks good on almost everyone. The narrow line of the pants is complimented by the point of the shoe, creating a long, clean line. I love the classic look of pointed pumps, and I especially love how they dress up a pair of jeans. The look can go dressy with a blouse or sexy tank top for a night out, or funkier with distressed jeans and a tee. Either way, it’s a classic. Sexy, edgy, universally flattering. read more

Antique Lanterns: Adding Charm & Character to a Space

Antique lanterns are a fabulous way to add character to a space, but they can be so pricey! So today we’re sharing tips on finding lots of charming reproductions that will give you the look – for less!

Antique lanterns are something I’ve been smitten with for awhile now. I first fell in love with them when this kitchen was featured in a magazine a few years ago. I didn’t even realize that they were originally French outdoor lanterns, I just knew that I loved them! read more