Mothers Day Gift Guide

I've always tremendously valued my Mom and celebrating her on Mother's Day, but once you become a Mom, you realize how special it is not only to be a Mother, but to be honored by those that love you. The older I get the more I realize just how much my Mom has done for me and continues to do. Mom's deserve it all, really! Nothing means more than quality time, sweet gestures and genuine love...but these ideas below certainly don't hurt!

This pretty andy bracelet is beautiful for any mother at any age. Keep it classic with a pearl stone. It always feels good to have a cute new pair of flip flops. I love these jelly flip flops, and you could add a pedicure gift certificate to go the extra mile. I included two of my favorite perfumes: peony and blush suede and wood sage and sea salt. I wear these year round, sometimes even layered. I love the way Jo Malone scents age throughout the day! It's fun to drink out of a cute mug and I choose this take a bow mug. This lulie wallace candle would be pretty on a bedside table, especially on the coast! These tassel earrings are the perfect amount of fun for a summer night. Y'all know how I am about my robes. Gotta have a good one and this waffle knit robe is the perfect weight for summer! You can't be sweating while you get ready now. For the classic blue and white lover, I love the double happiness pot...add a sweet flower to make it extra special and sweet.

For the record, sweet husband... I will take the robe, earrings and bracelet. Love you, mean it! ;)

One Room Challenge: Baby Girl Nursery Week 4

Here we are again, another week into the Spring One Room Challenge! We are busy squeezing in a nursery project before our baby girl makes her debut. Let's cut straight to the chase since everyone is short on time :)

Things that got accomplished this week:

-Walls painted

-New trim addition {to add to our crown molding}

-Crib Skirt made 

-Wallpaper, window hardware and new chandelier is here
-Fresh coat of paint on vanity

Things that need to be accomplished:

-Trim work painted

-Closet door 2nd coat of paint/new hardware

-Install wallpaper {my MIL is handling this, thank goodness!}

-Hang window hardware and drapes

-Embroidery detail on crib skirt

-Put together new chandelier and install

-Decisions made on wall accessories/finishing touches

You can see below the trim that we added. Loving the dentil trim. The original crown is at the top, then a gap, and then another piece of trim over the dentil. All of this will be painted White Dove by BM.

I'll be honest, I've been feeling quite scatterbrained about the nursery. One day it seems like it is headed in the right direction and then the next day I am changing my mind and coming up with another idea. I'm finally at the point where I want to get this all out of my head and into real life...ha! Does that make sense? I think after last night I am finally headed in the right direction with some decisions and that is a big relief.

Here is a peek at the inspiration for the crib skirt I made:

I loved this crib skirt but wasn't fond of the drop length, and I had my mind set on an adjustable length as the crib starts high and moves down. This was really a simple project- the ruffling added a learning curve but was otherwise easy. I love the detail of the embroidery and want to do that as well.

I also don't want to overdo the room, which is why simplicity keeps coming back around. I want there to be room to grow. Room for accessories and new decor as she gets older and accumulates more treasures from gifts, birthdays, and experiences. But, I want it to feel like a finished space at the same time, ready for her arrival. I know there is a happy medium in there somewhere and I intend on finding it! So, here's wishing everyone a good week ahead!

Catch up with the featured designers here and the link up here.

Pregnancy Favorites

mustela cream // AG jeans // 2 pack boyfriend tees // live in leggings 

coconut oil // cerave cream // eye cream  

These are always helpful to me so I wanted to round up my tried and true favorites from this pregnancy. Every pregnant woman wants to avoid stretch marks like the plague and so far I have lucked out again. My skin is always on the drier side so I don't know how it's managed to do this well with no stretch marks for 2 pregnancies {come on baby girl, let's not start that now!}. My morning routine includes the mustela cream {such a good cream, pricey but WORTH it} and at night I use the coconut oil. It is a pressed oil so just scoop a little out, warm it up in your hands and put it on.

Sometime this winter I broke out in dry patches on my sides, which ended up being eczema after a visit to the dermatologist. Good news: my skin looked great for my yearly checkup! She recommended always using a good body soap like Dove {not a place to skimp}, and then within three minutes of getting out of the shower I must put on a cream- {no lotions or anything coming from a pump}! This cerave was her choice and I am hooked. Good for anyone, pregnant or not, and my dry skin issues are resolved on my body. That is a great feeling!

I tried lots of maternity jeans and AG was my favorite this pregnancy. The legging jean is so comfortable and flattering, and the belly part is not too low which was my complaint about so many other brands. I have the Hailey shorts and they are just as amazing! My advice is to invest in a good jean or short {or both, in my case} depending on what season you are in. Take them off at the end of the day and wash and wear them again, over and over! Fit is key.

I never found a true favorite maternity legging this time around, which was disappointing. I had my issues with each, and nothing compared to my love: the live in legging by Zella. I am still wearing these at 33 weeks, stretching the heck out of them, but they work! Nothing sucks you in like Zella, and I stand by that! Since summer is coming up, the capri version would be another pick.

I have had so many allergy issues, colds, and even a stomach bug this pregnancy. Combine all that with getting up to use the bathroom numerous times a night...you get a tired Momma. Thankful for my eye cream that combats those dark circles better than any other eye cream I know of. Yep, I'm a consultant and I swear by it. I'm happy to chat if you have questions. Whether Rodan + Fields annoys you or not...it works.

I have loved these boyfriend t-shirts for days when you could care less and just want to throw on a t-shirt. These work instead of having to go through my husbands drawer for one!

There are a few other fun items that have been a big part of baby #2 like Zantac, Tums and Sprite. Also worth mentioning, I really wanted a pregnancy pillow to work out for me but I just did not like the feeling of confinement with the shape of the pillow. I like to be able to move and the pregnancy pillow made that more difficult. Instead, I found a firmer {think, cheap} regular size pillow that I could use to support my side. I know so many women swear by the pregnancy pillows, it just wasn't for me!

If I'm missing anything, send me your favorites to make these last 5 weeks go smoothly! 

One Room Challenge: Baby Girl Nursery Week 3

Thanks for joining me back here to the halfway point for this challenge. If you are just tuning in, we are designing our baby girl's nursery that we are expecting in June. Nothing like the last minute here y'all. The design is sweet and chic {see design board here}: plenty of neutrals with pops of pink, a hint of glam, and plenty of girly things to keep it sweet enough for a baby. 

Here is what got accomplished this week:

We have a paint color! I ran by Benjamin Moore on the way home from my checkup yesterday and one of my samples was a perfect match. The color I selected is Timid White and it pairs with our wallpaper choice perfectly. I'm really hoping the walls get painted this weekend, even though that was on the list last week!

Some of the trim and doors in our fixer upper house are still yet to be repainted our trim color, White Dove, and the doors in the nursery are two of them. Stephen got one painted and switched out the hardware to brass {we are going all brass in our house!} and the other awaits.

My window hardware should be arriving today...I ordered it the beginning of April and have gotten delayed shipment notifications since. That is rather frustrating because I am waiting to decide on the window treatments until they are here! So that is in limbo.

Crib sheets are on the way...check, check! I really would like to do a crib skirt myself after really not liking the one that we had for Weeks. Crib mattresses are SO snug against the crib these days and I practically had a fight with the mattress and skirt each time I changed his sheet. The skirt I would like to make actually ties onto the wire underneath the mattress and is adjustable as the mattress moves down. On the lookout for fabric this weekend!

The vanity needs a coat of paint, which is ready to go. I also removed the hardware to strip it of the decorative paint it had. After a few pinterest searches, the hardware is restored to original brass and they are beauties! Pics to come.

I showed you last week these sweet pineapple knobs...well they are no longer part of the nursery. I managed to cut my finger on the outer edge of the end piece and Stephen nicked two pairs of dress pants on them! What?! Seriously, how does that happen? They are knobs! I still love the knobs and hope I can incorporate them somewhere else in our home, but they are not ideal for a piece of furniture you brush against, let alone in a nursery. Instead, I found these at Hobby Lobby and love them!

And for one last design change, Stephen installed the light and it isn't quite enough light for the room. He also called it "weird" and I frantically searched for something else. I found a chandelier at a great price and I am hoping that is the winner! 

Per usual, we are behind schedule and Week 4 is going to have a lot of making up to do! That is all for my update this week, I can't wait to see what everyone else has accomplished!

Follow along with the rest of the One Room Challenge here:

Claire Brody | The Curated House | Design Manifest | Driven by Decor | Honey We’re Home | Hunted Interior| The Makerista | Making it Lovely | My Sweet Savannah | Pencil and Paper Co. | The Pink Clutch | Savvy Home | Simplified Bee | Sketch 42 | Jill Sorensen | Orlando Soria | Thou Swell | The Vault Files | Waiting on Martha | The Zhush | Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH

and the guest participants here!

Tuesday Deals and Steals

I snagged the smaller size basket below to line Weeks' bookshelves with yesterday. The ones I planned on getting were actually too tall {don't you hate to have to go measure something!}, but I love this look even more. They will be sturdy for toys and smaller books, and you have to love the gold braided edge. Only $9.99! Such a steal!! I also love these as another option, and heavily discounted too.

Metallic Rim Utility Basket

My favorite flip flops are on sale from last year at a great price! I wore these things everywhere- beach, errands, dinner, traveling, you name it. The foot bed is really comfortable and the nude color goes with everything. 

Fiona Leather Thong

I may or may not know a certain baby that already has this hanging in her closet in this pattern! This one has more sizes so I wanted to highlight it instead. So. CUTE.

Baby Shift

Also, the gingham beach tunic I mentioned yesterday is now an additional 30% off, making it even more of a must buy for summer! J.Crew is running their 30% off sale: I'm eyeing this shirt, this beach tunic, and these denim shorts!

New Week Loves

For the first time in quite a while, I am actually enjoying browsing the regular departments of my favorite online retailers, instead of the tiny maternity section they might have to offer. YAY! At this point, I'm not buying anymore maternity clothing- especially as I'm hanging around the house these days. I have a little section in my closet devoted to what I am actually wearing right now, and its plenty to get me through. That being said, looking onward towards summer clothing is especially appealing to me.

Gap is having a 40% off sale and there are really so many cute things. I love, love this top...it would be perfect with skinny jeans and tan block heels! 

Off Shoulder Stripe Top

This top comes in a ton of colors and I love how it can add that sense of polish, pulling an outfit together effortlessly {I am all about that effortless outfit!} If I picked one I would go with white for versatility, but the other colors are SO fun.

Sleeveless Shirred Shirt

This smocked dress is so cute! Another throw on piece when you need something quick to put on for dinner. It also comes in navy and a print as well.

Smock Dress

Loft is also running a sale at 30% off {or 40% for card members}. Again, lots of cute tops here that could really add to your easy, breezy summer collection. I love this shade of blue and the simplicity of this blouse. 

Split Neck Shell

This blouse is really pretty and feminine. Make sure you check it out up close because the floral design is so sweet.

Meadow Floral Blouse

Mildly obsessed with this quilted tassel blouse! It's perfection.

Quilted Tassel Blouse

This gingham beach tunic from J.Crew is calling my name! Nope, don't expect me in a swimsuit this summer. But I will be sporting some cover ups. And this one is so cute, and so different than your everyday coverup! I love that it adds a little prep instead of the basic boho.

Linen Tunic

Last but not least, on our trip to Asheville I got a long sleeve hoodie in a t-shirt weight from the Vineyard Vines outlet and I have been living in it. I kind of wish I had one in every color. So comfortable and so easy! I found out they make it in a beach coverup too! Which looks so great for late beach days when the sun starts to go down. 

Hoodie Tunic

One Room Challenge: Baby Girl Nursery Week 2

Welcome back for Week 2 of the ORC! I am so pleased because we actually accomplished quite a lot in our first week. {Catch up from Week 1 here} If you followed along last week, you might remember that I was given orders by my doctor to take it easy- more or less modified bed rest, I guess. I was a good girl- I behaved and literally, kept myself put for the past week. So how did anything get done? My parents were in town and helped with the major task of "switching rooms"- moving Weeks into his new room and leaving behind the nursery, and removing all of the old "stuff" out of that room. So, all that hard labor and moving was done by my mostly my sweet Mom..thank you again, Mom! I didn't photograph the actual process, but we are left with a blank slate in the nursery to make room for baby girl!

Here is a sneak at what I've been planning for her room, after seeing it start to come together I am calling it Sweet and Chic.

light // wallpaper // knobs // changing pad // window panels // window hardware

Starting with a fun note, I ordered this t-tiny bamboo brass tray on eBay last week. It's a little smaller than I pictured but actually, pretty perfect for a baby girl's room! The bunny you see behind the tray is actually a bookend I received at my baby shower this past weekend. I wish I could source but it is simply stamped "italy"...they are gorgeous. 

I installed the new knobs on the dresser- aren't these are fun? Little upside down pineapples!

I couldn't wait to hang a sweet new dress from the shower as well. 

So this is a major decision to make and I need to do it asap! This is the sample of the wallpaper I have selected. It reads like a dark blush on a slightly ivory background. I was thinking about using it just on the crib wall. The other walls will be ivory to match the paper background.

 What are your thoughts? 

Here you can see it paired with a soft pink.

I guess my only concern is the pink in the wallpaper not being a true pink. As I further design the room, will I run into the problem of pinks not matching up? Or does it work well this way? I actually like the image above of the blanket paired with the wallpaper. And, I don't plan on adding a ton of pink- but some is inevitable!

Other miscellaneous items that were done...Stephen took down all the art, window hardware and shelving and the holes are patched. The walls are ready for paint! We also moved in the vanity and a bench. Nothing is too final yet but I hope to have things in place and show where things are situated in the nursery next week!

Follow along with the rest of the One Room Challenge here:

Claire Brody | The Curated House | Design Manifest | Driven by Decor | Honey We’re Home | Hunted Interior | The Makerista | Making it Lovely | My Sweet Savannah | Pencil and Paper Co. | The Pink Clutch | Savvy Home | Simplified Bee | Sketch 42 | Jill Sorensen | Orlando Soria | Thou Swell | The Vault Files | Waiting on Martha | The Zhush | Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH

and the guest participants here!

One Room Challenge: Baby Girl Nursery Week 1

Hey everyone! Thanks for tuning in to my fourth go linking up to the One Room Challenge. I posted a quick recap on the past challenges I have completed {here} if you want to take a look, and also mentioned how I have several rooms that need to come together ASAP. We are down to the wire for a nursery for our baby girl {currently 30.5 weeks pregnant}, we are fixing a big boy room for our son Weeks, and we are finishing up a master bathroom and closet reno. Sounds a little bit crazy, and it is! 

I couldn't decide at the beginning of the week which room to feature but I have come to a decision, partly fueled by my doctor visit Tuesday. I won't go into much detail right now, but I have been ordered to take it easy. That sounds like the opposite of taking part in the One Room Challenge but, we do need a nursery afterall! Things out of order or not ready make me stress, and I know I will have a big sigh of relief when this room is complete. I have been forced to come up with a design for the room which is exactly what I was lacking- now we just have to implement it.

Luckily, the nursery is already filled with furniture that we used for Weeks...so we are all set in that department. Relief! It will be a totally different look this time around with our baby girl, of course, and I look forward to making it sweet and feminine for her. I've been working on a design board the last few days that isn't quite complete but I cannot wait to share! For now, you can picture soft pinks and neutrals with touches of gold {you know me!} and softness with ruffles. Compared to some of our rooms in the past, this one does not require building/manual labor besides painting- which is so nice! 

Here is a look at our nursery, what it has looked liked for the past 2 years...it is a little bittersweet moving this baby into his "big boy room", and saying goodbye to the nursery I poured my heart into for that sweet boy. I am thrilled with how his new room is coming along though, and will post on that as it comes together in separate posts. For the original nursery reveal {from our old house} see here with sources here. 

So maybe most of my work will be done right here from behind the computer as I plan, order away, and keep you all updated {with ample time on my hands as I rest up}...and I hope you will follow along! It will be hard not to be hands on like I usually am, but I will do exactly what I need to do right now that is best for baby and I. And, if you have a minute, say a quick prayer for us that she stays put for a while, and we stay nice and healthy. Means the world, friends! 

Follow along with everyone else here:
One Room Challenge
One Room Challenge Guest Participants

Shoe Round Up: 25% Off

New season, new shoes...right? I have to say I am loving what is out there for Spring. I love that there are so many cute styles for wedges and for flats, which is basically what makes up my shoe wardrobe for the warm seasons...I just rarely need a heel these days! I tend to pick a neutral shoe over anything else and there are just so many good ones! Lucky for all of us, these are all 25% off until April 7th...aka the perfect time to stock up before summer is here! 

gilroy flat // nova wedges // striped espadrille // georgina studded sandal // miller thong

A  miller thong is the most classic of all classic TB sandals, you won't regret the investment, plus 25% off! I have a pair of Rebecca Minkoff flip flops from last summer and I loved them. These have been on my radar since then as well. Not usually a gladiator fan but these are daintier and just cute. Lately, espadrilles have been my go-to and I love the chambray.

sosie pom pom thong //  camdyn sandal // carolina bow thong

demi wedge //  tall wedge espadrille  // tallin cork wedge

I cannot decide which of these flats are my favorite, really I just cannot. I meant those cute pom poms? The perfectly designed neutral sandal? And those bows? 

Normally, I wouldn't go for that heel height but that demi wedge would be perfect to pair with white jeans. Love both the pretty espadrille and the comfy looking cork wedge.

Which ones are your faves?

One Room Challenges of the Past

Hey friends! So, if you are like me, you are anxiously awaiting the One Room Challenge to start off this week! The challenge begins on Wednesday at Calling it Home, and then on Thursday, the linkers are welcome to link up their spaces as well. I have participated in the past three seasons and have come away so pleased, inspired {and, well...tired!} with a fabulous new room to boot. When Linda announced the dates back in the fall, I already knew that a baby was on the way and I immediately shrugged it off thinking there would be no way I would have time for a One Room Challenge so close to our due date. Well, as it turns out the nursery is yet to be done and Weeks' room is in the works...we have a master bathroom that is alllmost finished, and we are revamping our master closet {surprise!}. Things are pretty much crazy around here, just the way we like it. Now, don't go thinking I'm completely off my rocker. I will absolutely not be doing FOUR room challenges. But I do need to knock off one on the list..and I'm still deciding which one to feature for the challenge! Any suggestions from you all? I will let you know on Thursday which one I chose!

Until then, I thought it would be fun to showcase some of my favorite aspects of the other three rooms we have completed in the One Room Challenge. 

Living Room - FALL 2015

Hall Bathroom - SPRING 2015

Den - FALL 2014

Asheville Bound

We are headed up to the mountains of North Carolina for the weekend for a little getaway. I grew up going to Asheville visiting my grandparents and to see it change over the years is just amazing. Every time I go there is something new that I haven't heard about since my previous trip. This time we are staying a little outside of Asheville in a big house with my family, which is something we haven't done before! Usually we are in the heart of Asheville in a hotel or staying at the little country club that we have so many memories at. While the guys get their golf fix tomorrow, I have my eye on some outlets I haven't been to before...Restoration Hardware outlet anyone? Hoping to find some nursery finds while I am there! Please send me your very favorites from Asheville. Specifically, maybe a lunch spot that isn't crazy busy? I would love to swing by this coffee spot Sunday as well.

This picture is from our fifth anniversary trip last year {yes, I am WAY behind!} when we stayed at The Grove Park Inn. Maybe I will double up and do a recap from last year and this year. It was such a treat.

Happy Weekending!