Lighter and Brighter

I love this re-do featured in HGTV Magazine. Originally a dated, dark space, it's now brighter and happier with a few simple changes {white paint!}

 

The "before" pic is at the bottom...and proves that you shouldn't be intimated by an older home or room, but rather something you should embrace! 

 

The fixture about the sink is unexpected, but I totally love it.

 

 

 

Adore the green, leafy window panels. Cheery touch.

 

 

And this was the before:



Monday Inspiration

Do you watch Guiliana and Bill? If not, you should. It's good wholesome fun, with a lot of laughs and life lessons along the way. If not anything to at least check out their new home in LA, it's gooorgeous. The nursery is my favorite - the crib is "amaze-fest-usa!" as Guiliana would say. Baby Duke is one lucky little boy.

 

I love the color scheme, very handsome and sophisticated.

 



Lantern Obsession

I've always been fond of lanterns...in any space really. I have on hanging in our guest room and it creates such a nice touch. Now I have my eye on one for my dining room and had a serious "have to have this!" moment when I came across it in the new Ivy & Piper Holiday Issue here.

 

Then I realized it is made in Australia and doesn't ship out of the country. Boo!

 

Jimena Lantern here Isn't she gorgeous?

Tobi Fairley makes this Rothesay Lantern here but it is SO pricey.


But what a beauty...


I also found this one at Oomph here

I have my heart set on this concept - ideally, a bright colored lantern. Some inspiration to keep me on track.

Image via Decor Pad



Gift Giving

 Fun ideas for a host, friend, neighbor or loved one. Merry merry!

 

Perzonalized Drink Tub here

 

Glass Globe Ornaments here

 

Tory Burch Sintra Scarf here

 

C. Wonder cutting board here

 

Jayson Home & Garden tote here

 

Red Zebra Tray here

 

Taschen Cities Book Collection here

 

 

Coral Lattice Train Case here

 

Nantucket Cotton Throws here



Monday Inspiration

Tomorrow my living room will be painted a similar color to this space...definitely a game changer, so I'm drawing a little inspiration here to get ready for a dark blue room. I'll be accenting with greens and other blues, but do like the mustard yellow contrast in this room.

 



Chevron, baby!

I can't tell you how many posts I've started and never finished...since Jake arrived. So I'll make this a some what design related post, that's mostly about Jake.

 

I found these chevron bibs and who doesn't like a little chevron? I find these adorable and ordered a few for gifts and for Jake of course. Find them at Etsy shop Peekabootique here.

 

So many colors to choose from and the back side is really soft. Fun for every one!

 

Jake approves!



Etsy Holiday Ornaments

There is an abundance of creativity on Etsy, so it's no surprise to see such unique holiday ornaments. I think I appreciate ornaments the older I get - dressing a beautiful piece of nature in your home with shiny, sparkly or soft mementos is pretty special when you think about it.




Gold Porcelain Ornaments here

 

Pom Pom Ornaments here

 

Newlywed Ornament here

 

More Gold Porcelain Ornaments here

 

Peas in a Pod here

 

Customized Ornaments here

 

Metallic Gold Ornament Set here

 

Children's Wooden Airplane Ornament here

Children's Animal Ornaments here

 



Monday Inspiration

Peaceful and serene, just what a bedroom should be.
 



Branches

There is nothing like a nice set of branches hanging around the house...I always think to myself, are they real? Are they always there or is strictly for the photo shoot? It makes me want to pluck branches around the neighborhood to stash in vases around my house. Spring time would be ideal.

 

 

 

 

 

So festive.

 

 

Pottery Barn has a few nice options for faux branches. Even though I'm not always fond of faux plants, it is worth a shot.

 

Bougainvillea Branch here

 

Pine Oak Branch here

 

Orchid Branches here 

 

 



Back to Blogging

Life gets busy and blogging has been put to the back burner. I miss my blog friends and readers, so I'm going to try to get back on track.

My husband's dad recently passed away unexpectedly, so it's been quite an exhausting time the last few weeks. He was a great man who we dearly miss. Loosing a loved one definitely reminds you to cherish family and friendships

There have been happy things to celebrate, Jake got baptized, we hosted Thanksgiving and have holiday occasions to look forward to. Plus, Pat said I could start doing our dining room, so I have that in the works.

Hope you have all been well and enjoying the holidays - what a fabulous time of year!

A few random things...

CWonder has the cutest things, I love these initial mugs - here


I have this tree topper from Ballard Designs and I adore it. It really finishes the tree off beautifully - if you are in the market for one, I highly recommend it.


I love this kitchen from HB's Best Kitchen's of 2012. The hardware is stunning and I love the tile work. It's simple with lots of delicious details.

 

Jake. He is my little buddy and getting so big. Boy does he keep me busy too!