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!

Living Room Update: Fall 2015

I did it. I got rid of the big blue buffet that was our TV stand/toy storage for 3+ years.  As my friend said, it was taking more than it was giving. And what it was taking was space. Living in the city, every inch of our home is important and valuable real estate which should be used strategically. I fought placing the TV over the mantel for years, but alas it just makes too much sense not to have it centered in our living room on wall space.  

I love rearranging; so one day when Roswelle was being quite laid back, I decided to get to it.  Below are the details of the change up (and a few before pictures too!).  

I loved my little gallery above the mantel but it also looks quite nice over my coffee bar.

Before:

We've had it set up like this for about a month now, and Paul and I both really love it.  btw...I read that you are supposed to feel your home with only things that mean something to you, and that you really love.  Well....I really love HomeGoods I guess, because my house is furnished with HomeGoods purchases!

{Below, circa 2012 - when I first moved in!}

{Fall 2014}

The cords will be hidden once the TV is actually mounted.  I found this chair on theGoods app and quickly went to the store to purchase. I love how deep it is - I can curl my legs up in it when I have my morning coffee by the window. And it's a great place to read Roswelle books that she selects. It's my new favorite spot.  

This bookcase was my grandmothers. And maybe her mothers before that? It's been with me through high school, my apartment in college, Atlanta, and the Northend...and finally it holds my daughters toys!

{a nice little blend of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays}

The French-Café Bistro Chair

Traditional Dining Room by Los Angeles Architects & Building Designers Studio William Hefner

I've been spotting these french bistro chairs on a few sites and in some interior magazines and I really love them! They add and interesting texture and a simple pattern to any space. I have found them a little difficult to find but they are out there!  World Market (Bostonians we are getting a location in Natick soooon!!!), Overstock, and Wayfair all have fairly affordable options, includes pair prices. I've included some of my favorite finds below.

{I first spotted them in Bethenny Frankel's Hampton house - love the pop of color! Although, I could have done without the rest of the skinny girl red in the kitchen - we get it - you have a brand}

Overstock Options (click image for link):

World Market Options (click image for link):

Wayfair Options (click image for link):

If you are like me and your budget has no room for any more chairs (or your space for that matter) you can always buy a $15 etsy print and hang it above your table ;) 

Inspired by PopO'Color

{I would put these in any room in my house - especially the tan & white pillow on the left}

Last night while at a girlfriend's for dinner, PopO'Color etsy shop came up in conversation.  I had just recently discovered her this past weekend when googling Caitlin Wilson Design pillows and my friend had been given PopO'Color's card from a furniture store.

I love CWD pillows with all my heart but the price can be a real budget bomb. It's really hard to tell your husband whyyyy you need such expensive throw pillows, "they're just perfect" doesn't always work as a valid reason.  So I was googling to try to find cheaper options, and PopO'Color popped into my screen life!

The best news is what my friend, Mel, told me about her experience with the Etsy shop owner - she's SOOO very helpful! She responded to Mel with 20 different links to pillows that might work after Mel reached out to her for help with her living room decorating questions.  They worked on what will work with Mel's color scheme and which pillows would coordinate nicely.  

This all lead me to a pairing party on my computer last night.  Her Etsy shop has the pillows organized by colors so it was super simple to navigate through all the beautiful options she has available!  If you are in the throw pillow market - definitely check out her shop - oh and she's a local to Boston too! :) 

{for an understated Auburn room - or breakfast bench (wink wink)}

{I think these would be beautiful in a living room or a little boy's nursery}

{these would be amazing in a beach home or a more formal sitting room}

{more Caitlin Wilson pillow options for a little less}

{I really love the print (comes in more colors) on the right from above, it's not chevron or zebra, it's better!}

{for the more serene room}

{for a bold punch!!}

{and lastly a very classic pairing with a peacock!}

On Trend // the Turkish Towel

One of my favorite household items at the moment is the Turkish Towel.  It functions as a towel (both bath and beach), a table runner, a picnic blanket, a hand towel, and even a sarong/wrap.  Both stylish and functional, it can be glammed up or toned down; it's the perfect purchase for yourself or as a gift.   

You can find them reasonably priced on Overstock ($30), Etsy ($24), and designer sites ($55).  I also see them all the time at discount stores like HomeGoods/Marshalls/Ross's.  

All images below are via Pinterest searching "turkish towels."  

{It's wedding season and these towels are perfect party favors or bridesmaid gifts!}

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

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