Things I'm Lovin' - Toddler

1.

Blabla Knitted Pillows

: I've been a fan of Blabla knitted dolls since Roswelle was born. As she grows older, I'm looking for ways to add fun, intriguing pieces to her space while keeping it classic and appealing. The knitted cacti pillows fit the bill! Would be adorable in any playroom, toddler's teepee, or bed.

2.

Brew & Serve Wooden Coffee Maker:

 Does your toddler watch you make your coffee every morning? Does he/she ever want to help? Well now he/she really can! Adding this play set to your morning routine will make for merrier mornings. You can enjoy your real coffee while your little makes you a variety of freshly brewed concoctions.

3.

Kid Apron Set by the loveliest:

 This is a great gift for a toddler who loves to spend time in the kitchen (and would be a great pairing with item #2 above). The loveliest company really is just that, offering adorable bedding, quilts, mobiles, and wearables. I'll be revisiting this site again, I'm sure!

4.

Kid Made Modern Paint & Brushes:

 5pm can be a tricky time in our house, too late to head out and still a good amount of time to kill before bed. Recently, I've been setting Roswelle up to paint at the kitchen table while I prepare dinner. My favorite paint for her little toddler hands is the Kid Made Modern wide mouth/tip proof set paired with short, sturdy wooden paint brushes. I can walk away from the table while she is exercising her creativity for at least 20 minutes. And because a spill is inevitable, even with the best supplies, the paint is washable.

5.

Ikea Doll House/Wall Shelf:

 I really could do a whole list of Ikea toys I'm lovin' - they have some great classic, wooden toys available. This doll house is great because it mounts to the wall and can develop into a book shelf as your toddler grows older. My sister-in-law put craft paper/wrapping paper to the back walls, making it an even more festive and stylish doll house!

6.

Fred & Friends Dinner Winner Plate:

 Does your toddler fight eating dinner? yeah, mine too... I saw this plate in February's issue of Real Simple magazine and think it's worth a shot. The idea is to put meat, vegetables, etc along the way with a treat (cheerios, blueberries, chocolate - whatever that looks like for you) at the Finish Line!

7.

Gap Moccasin Fringe Sneakers:

 Roswelle was gifted these at Christmas and my goodness she gets so many compliments on them! People have stopped me to ask me where they are from - Gap, y'all! And they are still available for purchase. With velcro fastens and minimal soles, it's a great everyday shoe for her.

8.

Usborne Book of Things to Spot:

 Roswelle LOVES search and find books, so when a couple girlfriends started selling Usborne books, I was excited to purchase the "things to spot" books. The pictures have so many details providing numerous ways to quiz her aka "which one has spots, which one is the smallest, can you count all the ants." It is her favorite book at the moment!

9.

Chasing Paper Removable Wallpaper:

 I do love decorating Roswelle's room in a particular way (light colors, clutter free, super girly)...but I do think a child's room should reflect their tastes. This removable wall paper is good quality and actually is easy to remove (so I've read from other bloggers). You can start, mess up, and restart - sounds good to me! I would love to do an accent wall in Roswelle's room and let her pick out the paper (and by pick out, I mean select from the options I give her...control freak momma here!)

Things I'm Lovin' - Home

It's Tuesday! Which means another installment of Things I'm Lovin'. Today is all about the Home. Some items are primarily for decoration; however, most are things that have made my home life easier and more enjoyable.

1.

Oreck Steam Mop:

 All hail the STEAM MOP! A great alternative to the messy, dip & rinse yarn mop, or the questionable cleanliness of the swiffer wet-jet (which I have been using for years); the steam mop provides a deep down clean without the use of chemicals or detergents. After it's been used, simply pull off the cloth cover and toss in the washing machine. I use the mop all over the house - on the hardwood, the bathroom tile, and even the bathroom tub.

2.

Simple black frames:

 I'm partial to decorating with whites, grays, creams, and neutrals but I have been leaning into the idea of intentional dark colors to compliment all the lightness. I've found that the best way to add some much needed depth is through the clean lines of a simple, black frame. I'm planning to put 3 of these large square frames above our master bed. Now I just need to decide on what will go in them...

3.

Black & Decker Dust Buster: 

All I need to say is this dust buster

actually works

. It has a simple and sleek charging stand and is my go-to tool for the inevitable messes in the kitchen or after I blow dry my hair in the bathroom.

4.

Ceramic Match Holder:

 I don't own one personally, but I have gifted the ceramic match holder/striker after seeing it on multiple gift guides prior to Christmas. A great addition to any side table or bathroom vanity and removes the need for having matches next to the candle. If you order the match holder, don't forget to order "strike

anywhere

" matches off amazon.

5.

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap:

 I bought this for soap in the shower and after reading the back of the label listing all of the other uses, we have quickly started using it all over the house: Dish soap, tub/bathroom cleaning, and even a vegetable cleaner.

6.

King-Sized Throw:

 Believe it or not, throws are hard to find in king-size, or even queen size for that matter. That's why so often you will see them draped over the corners of larger beds in pictures. The king blanket I've linked isn't necessarily a throw, but it comes in a great pattern, multiple colors and is thin enough to be casually placed at the end of a bed. My mom also has a great tip - a twin sized quilt is the perfect size for the end of a King bed.

7.

Rifle Paper Wall Calendar: 

My favorite way to kick off the new year is with a Rifle Paper Calendar! The notable artwork each month is both uplifting and fitting to the mood I feel with each month's weather and festivities.

8.

Marble Oval Cutting Board:

 I've used this board over and over again. Photographing food; a tray for flower, matches, and a candle; a pretty addition to any bathroom vanity; or even for its intended use as a cheese tray or hummus platter.

9.

Everyday Co Linen Dinner Napkins: 

A local company born in Boston, the linen napkins are meant for everyday use in replace of paper napkins. Many of us save such a napkin for special occasions or dinners, but wouldn't it be nice to treat every meal, every day, as such? I have yet to buy myself a set, it's on my list, but have gifted the dinner napkins three times!

10.

Bonavita Coffee Maker:

  My favorite coffee maker. I prefer this sleeker look to some of the other bulkier options out there. It's also available in white!

11.

Bodum Milk Frother:

 Not something I use every day, but you could! It always fun to have something extra special when having girlfriends or family over to the house. I was gifted this milk frother by my sister-in-law; it adds a bit of elegance to my coffee bar and is a fun addition to offer with coffee!

12.

African Market Basket:

 Baskets have become something I use everyday - a place for fruit & vegetables, on the stairs for odds and ends, holding towels in the linen closet, or a place to gather throw blankets in the living room. A basket makes any collection of clutter look intentional, even stylish! This specific type of basket, an African Market Basket, with a giving bowl and a leather bound handle, is something I'm currently seeking. I've been seeing them pop up all over blogs and even spotted one in this month's Real Simple Magazine.  

I've loved putting these lists together so much that I'm currently planning to write a 4th installment: Things I'm Lovin' - Toddler Life!

Styling 101

One of my favorite hobbies is "styling". My grandfather jokes that hobbies "like those" are just another form of OCD behavior. Maybe so, but I find it to be one of the more enjoyable, relaxing, even therapeutic past-times. When Paul takes Roswelle to the park on Sunday afternoons, you’ll most likely find me at home “styling” our pantry, coffee table, even my closet.

Isn’t that just glorified organizing you might ask? Nope. The reason an organized linen closet looks so appealing in a magazine isn’t because they finally figured out the perfect place to store fabric softener, it’s because it was styled. Every object was strategically chosen and intentionally placed. Geometry comes into play when styling; angles, odd numbers, lines, symmetry, all crucial. Fun fact: I received the Geometry award in the 9^th grade, which is telling I think.

We recently purchased a new acrylic coffee table from CB2. I chose the sleek style of acrylic to offset my rather traditional decorating. Gold and Navy go so well together because they are on opposite ends of the color wheel, and the same goes for style. Next time you are making a purchase, consider looking at the exact opposite of what you typically choose. You’ll be surprise at how well it compliments your current decor! The see-through element of the acrylic also opens up our rather small space; every square foot is important in city living. It was fun to have the challenge of selecting the perfect pieces (from around our home) to curate an interesting vignette in our living room. 

I've been using a long wooden cutting board as our "coaster" and it has been working so well! Small bowls of cheerios, sippy cups and cups of coffee all sit together giving my OCD something to smile about. Roswelle is also a little toddler that likes things in their place (wonder why) so she typical complies with the coffee table rules: no climbing, no banging, and putting her cup back on the board. Speaking of Roswelle and the coffee table, she loves laying underneath it and watching TV through it; it's become another great little cubby for her. And her tiny, slimy hands leave plenty of smudges on it all day long, but it's nothing I can't wipe up at the end of the day and doesn't bother me.

I was so delighted to find the little white whicker tray already in my home!! It was turned upside down on the breakfast tray I was using in front of the fireplace (seen here). It's the perfect size and color for the new coffee table and I'm really happy it has curved, circular handles to offset all of the lines. A tray on any table always adds an element of style and forces you to curate an interesting collection. A great rule of thumb that I learned from Emily Henderson, author of the Styled book on the table, is to have something vertical, horizontal, and finally a little mis-shapen piece to tie it all together and for this tray that is the little Jonathan Adler zebra dish.

Kitchen Banquette Design Board

I have not worked on a house project since Roswelle was born - I think it's time! I was planning to wait until Fall but I quickly became impatient.  My mom arrives later this morning (Hallelujah!!) and Paul's mom generously let me borrow her SUV for the week.  What does that mean?  A baby-free trip to Ikea to find pieces for a Kitchen banquette!

I started out just looking for a bench that might fit as a banquette (because I just don't have the bandwidth for a real DIY). Then I kept finding pieces that could possibly work for the entire space. However, like anything in design, I'll make a final decision once the items are together and in the actual space. I really want this to work, but I really want it to be right as well.  The bench may not be long enough for corner, the table may be the wrong dimensions, the chairs may not all fit under the table...but I have to try and I want to get started now!  Ikea actually does have a great return policy, so I have time to spend the hours to build the furniture (I really do enjoy that) and feel it out.  

Below are the links and sources:

>> Liatorp Bench: This is intended to be a TV stand, but like anything in Ikea, it can be repurposed (I hope...!).  I plan to replace the knobs and I think the white version will brighten up our kitchen corner.

>> Nandor Rope Chair: This is a great (and much cheaper) option for a rope chair, which have suddenly become popular in the design world.

>> Stockholm Wooden Chair: I love this chair! If it isn't a fit for the kitchen table, I think it will have a home in our guest bedroom.

>> JR Chair 3 (how cute?!): I love this as a transition chair for Roswelle! The seat height is just a little higher than a regular chair and I can fasten her in until she is sturdy while sitting (this chair is not as tall as it appears).

>> Table: I love the thin trestle, especially since the space in our kitchen is small.  I plan to paint them gold - obviously! ;) I'm not 100% sold on the table top, I think I would prefer to make a more rustic version, and based on what I am reading, it actually wouldn't be that hard.  This could be a future post.

>> Caitlin Wilson Pillow Shams I absolutely love everything (pillows, rugs, furniture, fabric) made by Caitlin Wilson! I actually have this mint pillow and I have used it all over my house.  I love that all of her fabrics coordinate without obviously matching.

>> Glitter Guide Rug: LuLu and Georgia launched the sale of Glitter Guide's Elodie Rug and it was love at first sight for me! The designers wanted the rug to be "fun, versatile, and pretty (without being overly feminine)" which matches perfectly with my style.  However, I'm worried that the 5x8 size will be to snug in our small space.

Mid-Century Chairs

I wrote a coupe weeks ago of my love for Amber Interiors' work.  She made my heart skip a beat once again with her latest before/after reveal.  For the first time, I noticed the clean, sharp-edged, relaxed feel of the chairs she uses in the spaces she decorates.  

Mid-century chairs to be exact.  

I love mid-century chairs in pairs, but we only need one. Our living room is small and my current goal is to find furniture that actually fits.  We sold the double sized, double stuffed, extra used chair from Paul's bachelor life (pictured below) and next up we will be selling our oversized (but comfy) couch.

[SOLD!  blocked way too much light and just didn't fit our style.]

I plan to put the new chair right next to the window (the chair currently sitting there now actually lives next to the fireplace).  I want a low profile chair that continues to let the light in the living room.  And see what I mean about the couch being too big?  It swallows the room.  

Some more pictures of the inspiration and look I am going for - I love the sheepskin thrown over it as well.

  

I began my search on my favorite discount websites: wayfair, overstock, ebay, and even craigslist. The prices were still a little shocking; mostly over $300 for what most people would consider a beat up old chair.  I haven't found "the one" yet I don't think, but I've included a bunch of items from my research below in case you are in the market as well!  

Below are my finds.  I've included links as well.  Ignore the upholstery and finishings, you can always change those!  This is about finding good bones for the look.

I love the way these chairs let in the light and the exposed wood is a great color.  Link

I love this pair - the structure is exactly what I'm looking for and I almost purchased, but the shipping was too much. 

Link

Beautiful via Ebay - Link

A little more beat up...but has potential. And a more reasonable price than most.  Link

This chair from wayfair needs little work if any.  Link

I also found some great options from overstock, pictures and links below:

Link

Link

Link

Style: 1 Bookshelf, 4 Ways

According to many design books, my style is The Eclectic Sophisticate (1).  I'll think I have my design style figured out and then I see an amazing room on a blog or magazine and I'm thrown into confusion again.   

Case in point, this fun design challenge by the talented Emily Henderson (stylebyemilyhenderson.com) where she asks her readers to vote for their favorite style of "1 bookshelf, 4 ways." I was surprisingly attracted to the Desert New Age (3).   I love the playful, color-filled, relaxed vibe the style gives off.  I think this version is the new "in" style, even in fashion (hello fringe)d.  I love this style because it can be incredibly affordable - vintage, distressed, used, green, raw.

In the end, I think it's important to know what you are consistently attracted to when styling a home or yourself, it will make you the happiest in the long run.  But I also think it's fun to change it up every now and then and have fun, spaces perfect for this are small bathrooms and bookshelves.  

So after all that rambling, the question I want to ask is which style is your favorite?

The Desert New Age:

The Playful Scholar:

The Modern Traditional: 

The Eclectic Sophisticate:

Design Crush: Amber Interiors

{I lovvvvve this bedding she is selling, but definitely can't afford, I'll be looking for something similar though!}

I've recently started following the work of wildly popular interior designer, Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors (amberinteriordesign.com).  I love her consistent use of an all white backdrop, natural wood, green life, and color.  She has the ability to use patterns and bright color but keep the feel of a room clean and airy, a hard balance to achieve for the common folk like myself.  I usually shy away from color or patterns, but Amber has me rethinking my future purchases. 

{I wish I was brave enough to do open, floating shelves in my kitchen}

{this is going in the archives for the entryway in our next house!! I love the oversized round mirror}

{soo much fun for a cottage or a smaller room}

{clean, simple use of different stripes, patterns, and shapes}

{I need to put up some shelves to style}

Below are more pictures of her work that I love:

//all pictures are from her instagram account, pinterest page, and website//

Roswelle's Nursery

The nursery was made possible by a lot of different people who loved Roswelle before she was even here.  I had the vision but I had little to do with execution.  Paul and his Dad, Ross, put up the grasscloth wallpaper and chair rail.  Jenny found the restoration hardware crib for me on craigslist. My mom gifted us the rocker.  My super talented girlfriend Sue painted the verses for me  - check out her website below in the details listing.  Paul sanded the dresser and fixed the broken drawers, my mom painted it.  Paul hung everything currently on the walls.  It was equal parts work and love that made this room a peaceful little palace for Roswelle. 

The bedroom will be shared by her younger to-be sibling down the road so I tried to keep the bones of the room neutral.  Pink is the accent color in the room but it goes a long way.  I've included all of the resources and details on almost everything in the room at the end of the post. 

And once again, thank you Mikhail for theses amazing pictures - see his blog here:

http://mikhailglabets.com/blog/

  I am so happy she will have these to look at and see all of the thought and care that went into her nursery.  

Rowelle update: she is still as happy as a clam.  She likes tummy time, looking at our faces and she loves b&w books! She will be 6wks old tomorrow <3

Roswelle sleeps in the moses basket every night.  We took the lining out for safety.  It has been the best since we can easily bring it into the bedroom, living room, kitchen, wherever we are at the time.  And the rocking stand is great; I definitely recommend for a bassinet.  

I love the verse above, and it definitely helps when I am trying to get her to sleep at 2am.  

Details with product links:

Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Acadia White

Grasscloth Wallpaper: American Blinds 

NT33708

Dresser: owned and repainted Benjamin Moore Harbor Grey, pearl finish

Crib: Restoration Hardware- found on craigslist

Rocker:

Pottery Barn Wingback Convertible Rocker

, Natural Flax Belgian Linen

Paintings: by So Sue Me -  

https:\\sue-sardinia.squarespace.com

Bedding:

Serena & Lily Tess Crib Collection

Gold Book Shelf: Ikea

VITTSJO

Wall Shelves: Ikea 

Stenstorp

Area Rug:

Overstock nuLOOM Sisal Rug

Curtains:

Overstock Herringbone Curtains

Ottoman: Owned & covered with a gifted sheepskin

Round Mirror: Ikea

Stockholm Mirror

Lamps: Homegoods

abc pillow:

Etsy: pilosale shop

Pink Sash: personal item from wedding dress

Lace Drape over crib: Personal Wedding Veil

Moses Basket:

Restoration Hardware Trellis Moses Basket

(on sale!)

Fall 2013 Favorites

thought it would be fun to do a post things I'm lovin' these days... 

 with nursery planning + new fall items + blogs...I've found plenty to lust after.

Some of these things were already gifted to me, some of them I got a deal on, and some of them are on my dream christmas list (only 55 days left!) 

Have any of you every used polyvore?  I love it.  You can clip items from any site to your library and make inspiration boards from there.  I used it for my wedding, nursery (to be revealed soon), and this! 

1. Johnnie Boden Embellished Ballet Flats - love at first sight!

2. Sheep Skin Rug - can't wait to use this in the nursery...and then eventually over a chair.

3. Copper Tea Kettle - been wanting this for a while...found it on Joss&Main for $35 (now sold out) - but this overstock price is way better compared to most I've seen.

4. Empire Rocker - my dream rocker

5. PB Tuscan Urn - how pretty would mums be in this?

6. Target Pave Bracelet - similar to the J Crew bracelet - but only $20 bucks!

7. H&M Knitted Sweater - I can't seem to have too many cream sweaters...

8. W&S Spiced Chestnut Collection - W&S figured out a way to put Autumn in a bottle (great gift!)

9. J Crew Maternity Pants - did anyone else know jcrew has a maternity line?? My uniform could be skinny colored pants and a sweater top - wear it every day - so these would be perfect