Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
I love collecting coffee table books. They are great resources and I find them beautiful and interesting to add to your surfaces. I love layering them in bookshelves and on coffee tables. I also find it beautiful to open one up to a favorite page and lay it on open on your surface with a magnifying glass or paper weight. I have more than my fair share of coffee table books around my home and I get many questions on which are some of my favorites. So I have gathered together some to share with you.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
Happy Friday Friends. We are settling into our new normal. Loosey goosey routines, lots of outdoor time, kids in jammies all day, family dinners, later bedtimes, sleeping in, lots of DIY projects. In all honesty I needed this time. As long as we all stay healthy, this time is appreciated.
Studio Mcgee is launching their line with Threshold at Target tomorrow. You guys its so good and such an inexpensive way to achieve Shea’s amazing style. Here are some of my favorite picks from their Spring collection. I favorited what I liked on the Target website so tomorrow they are easy to shop! Here’s to hoping they don’t sell out right away!
shop Studio Mcgee FOR Threshold
Firepit project
Wells turns 4 next week and all that sweet little child wants to do is have a campfire on his birthday. He wants to roast hotdogs and s’mores and I honestly have been looking for a reason to create a fire pit situation somewhere in our yard. With the help of my friend Amazon I was able to order what I needed and will be working to achieve something like this photo this week!
shop firepit
Go To outfit
My go to outfit lately has been a pair of high waisted jeans and a classic button up shirt. I can’t get enough of this easy timeless outfit.
image via Celerie Kemble
SHOP THE outfit
Garden
My love for potted boxwoods is strong. These images have me wanting to grow boxwoods in terra cotta pots and topiaries. A topiary farm in the greenhouse might be a good idea?
Iced Latte at home
I have been making my own iced lattes at home and I have to say I think I have gotten it down exactly how I like it. It took a few tries and adjustments but here is the recipe I used to make my own. I don’t froth the milk for mine, I just pour it all over ice! I also use almond milk instead of milk!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
I think we are all ready for nights on the patio, drink in hand, food on the grill, music playing. I love entertaining al fresco. Especially on the farm. I love throwing a pretty tablecloth on and running out to the backyard to cut fresh hydrangeas, throwing them in a vase to set the table. Add some twinkle or cafe lights to make it even more magical. Kids running barefoot through the yard. It becomes one of those moments where you become overwhelmed with happiness and that is a moment I think we could all use right now.
So I have gathered some beautiful items to help create a magical patio situation.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
Another week. Another Friday. Friday’s don’t seem that different than any other day at this point but thats ok. Im thankful that our big decisions to make are where the takeout comes from or what bottle of wine to open. Some day things will be back to normal but I truly hope that we have a new kind of normal. One filled with kindness and love.
Spring/Summer wardrobes are my favorite. They are filled with color, personality, and happiness.
Here are some of my favorite current spring finds.
shop spring picks
Aesthetics
My sister and I always dream up small businesses for our cute little town. We both agree that along with usability, aesthetics are so important. The aesthetics definitely create an experience for the consumer and makes them want to stay and play. I love the simplicity yet clean lines of both shops below. Someday I hope to get my hands on a brick and mortar of my own.
*image unknown
Bookshelves
This week on stories I talked a little about bookshelf styling. I hope to do a more formal video for you all soon! In the meantime here are a few tips of what to use when styling shelves!
Baskets for storage: tuck away things you need in arms reach but not out for everyone to see!
Stack coffee table books horizontally and layer them with interesting objects!
Mix different materials and metals on your shelves to keep it interesting.
Add texture to give dimension. You can do this with textured vases, rattan, woven baskets, etc…
shop bookshelf styling items
Patio Dreaming
I am having dreams of late afternoons and evenings on the patio. Trees full of leaves, green grass, and flowering bushes all around. This gorgeous patio stopped me in my tracks. The details of the pergola, the haint blue ceiling, and of course those chairs!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
I have to say I thought March was gonna be the best month ever. We got home from vacation, felt refreshed, spring was coming… boy was I ever fooled. March has been the toughest month ever for everyone. This is a time I am so thankful for my wonderful clients who have not bailed on me, for the home I live in, for the grocery delivery, for my husband who works tireless hours to keep us in this house with grocery delivery, and for my sweet babies. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for my family’s health and I am praying endlessly for those who are sick and not as fortunate.
I think we have to look at the silver lining of being stuck at home and take this as a moment to rest and reset. A time to do yoga in the living room, read books, watch movies, a time to needlepoint. A time to choose a favorite cookbook and cook your way through it. A time to start garden seeds, a time to mulch the yard, take bubble baths, and a time to pray.
I had a lot of recipe requests for this Italian Chicken Noodle Soup I made the other night. This is honestly one of the best soups I have ever made and will continue to make it again and again. Here is the recipe!
Other than school work I have been looking for extra activities to keep the kids busy and engaged, especially with the yucky weather we have been having. We have had a lot of fun with magna tiles and play doh. I basically put all the magna tiles out on the table and let their little imaginations do the rest. They have built all sorts of interesting things this week! We have also had “movie day” each afternoon. They each get a bowl of boom chicka pop and I play the old classics. They have loved Night at the Museum and The Sandlot.
kids activities
The kids and I plan to spend even more time in the greenhouse. I think we will take this opportunity to get things ready for spring, start seeds, start our planters and fill them with flowers, and enjoy the warmth and sunshine in the greenhouse. We all could use a little vitamin D right about now. I just ordered these planters and I am excited to fill them and let them take off in the greenhouse before I move them to my porch. I will be doing a espalier grid tutorial soon too so keep your eyes out for that!
5 Easy and inexpensive ways to freshen up your kitchen
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
Sometimes a simple refresh is all we need to make our spaces feel new again. Since we are all spending a lot more time at home I thought I would share with you 5 quick and inexpensive ways to freshen up your command center: The Kitchen. It is the heart of the home, the hub, the homework center, the snack counter, home of the happy hour, and most importantly the place where we feed those we love. It gets a lot of wear and tear and probably becomes easily cluttered with toys, sippy cups, and things your sweet family members leave on the counter and never put away. In five simple steps we are going to take back our command center and make it our happy place once again!
Clear your counters! Remove everything that doesn’t belong and wipe them down.
Put a vase of fresh flowers or herbs on the counter. It will instantly lighten the mood and I promise they will make you feel happy every time you walk in.
Light a good candle. One of my favorite 5 pm rituals is lighting a candle, pouring a glass of wine, and preparing dinner.
Put a bowl of seasonal produce out. Whatever is in season: apples, lemons, limes, oranges, artichokes. Choose an interesting bowl and fill!
Drape a pretty hand towel over the sink and finish off with a pretty hand soap.
That’s it! So easy and simple and your kitchen will feel so fresh and new! I will link some of my favorites below! Happy kitchen refreshing!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
Oh Valentines Day…You either love the day or you don’t. Whether your significant other needs a little nudge or you want to spoil yourself here are a few items I have my eyes on that I want to share with you. I am still eyeing these sunglasses (ahem, Adam) and just got the white slides which I love. Also the scallop sports bra comes in pink and red too! And there is nothing better than really really cold wine. Happy Valentine’s Ladies!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
You guys I had forgotten what life with a puppy was like. Sweet Woody arrived last Saturday at 11pm. He came right as if he has always been here and he couldn’t be any sweeter. He has kept me pretty busy this week with lots of potty breaks, cleaning up after him, and constantly searching for my other shoe. But overall, I must say that life with Woody is good. Our house was really missing having a dog.
My wallpaper and light fixture for my stairway have arrived. I am really excited to do something with this space because it has always been a blank canvas. The big debate is to choose between a painted runner or a sisal runner over the white painted steps. I’d love your opinion…
I am beyond thrilled that an article I wrote for Springfield Scene was published on their website! Bookshelf Styling Tips? I got you…
My Favorite coat is on sale for under $100. I have it in camel and really would like gray or black as well.
I’m working on this fun gallery wall for a client’s beach house and I love it so much I had to share. The artist is Sara Fitz and she is speaking at a conference I will be attending in March! I am pumped to hear her speak! By the way go check out her fun wallpaper prints!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
Wow what a week we have had! Snow, ice, and the flu. This week has not gone as planned but I sure have enjoyed the extra time at home with the kids and being in my kitchen. Here is my Friday Five roundup. Enjoy!
Friends on social, do you ever have trouble deciding what to post? This is totally normal. This site has lots of stock photos for purchase and is also full of inspiration for your own shoots. She also offers a freebie each month like the photo above! Definitely worth checking out!
I made this pad thai this past week and we gobbled it up. When I don’t have bean sprouts I substitute with sugar snap peas or zoodles.
This has become my favorite cozy travel set. I love the monochromatic sets these days and this one is really comfy.
This swivel chair is affordable, comfortable, and looks expensive. Such a great option to keep in mind for your living spaces.
Feeling major cabin fever over here so I’m ready for some DIY projects! This stairway is giving me some major inspo!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
Do you have a guest room? If so, is it guest ready? Today I am sharing a few of my favorite tips to make sure you are prepared for the last minute drop in from your mother in law or college best friend! I have listed below some important tips to keep in mind when preparing your guest room!
1: Make it cozy! There is nothing like a nice set of crisp percale sheets and a comfortable mattress! You want to make your guests as cozy as possibly and a comfy bed is the best way to do so. If you missed how to make the perfect bed post from last week you can read more on that here. I like to keep an extra blanket handy in case someone wants extra layers!
2: A Sound Machine or a small fan is always nice! I don’t sleep well unless I have some white noise so it is nice to give your guests that option!
3: Keep them hydrated! Place a bottle of water or a carafe next to the bed so your guests aren’t trying to find their way to your kitchen in the dark! Plus I don’t know about you but I get dehydrated easily when I travel so water is a must!
4: Fresh towels and bathroom essentials! I recently received a black hand towel for makeup removal as a gift and I think it’s just genius! No more black mascara smeared all over white towels. Makeup remover cloths are also nice to leave for your guests. These are some of my favorites. I love to have a beautiful hand soap that smells good in the guest bath. A shower cap is also a great item to have on hand.
5: Travel size essentials! Put a little basket on the bathroom counter with travel size toothpaste, packets of ibuprofen or tylenol, shampoo/conditioner. Just in case your guest forgot something!
6: Phone chargers and the Wifi password are a must! Just a simple hand written note next to the bed with your wifi and password will do or you can print it off and put it in a pretty frame. Your guests will thank you!
7. Hangers! When I arrive I love to hang my clothes up in the closet and many times there are no hangers to be found. I’m not one to live out of my suitcase so often I travel with my own hangers. I would leave 10-20 extra hangers in your guest closet at all times. These wooden hangers are my favorite!
8. A vase of fresh flowers next to the bed will brighten up the room. There is nothing like fresh hydrangeas on the night stand. They are beautiful and definitely thoughtful.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
This month has been all about feeling good, getting my house in shape, and feeling organized. We started January out with a lovely getaway to Naples, FL. It was time to reset after the holiday crazies and the flu passing through our house. Basically we spent our time sitting by the pool and going out to yummy dinners. I snapped a pic of these white houses on my trip and you all went crazy over them! They are stunning and just the perfect white beach houses. And that door…
This chilly weather makes me want to put on my coziest sweater and make soup. Here is one of my favorites that the whole family loves. Don’t skip the grilled cheese croutons! They make it!
I’m in need of new shoes and I have had my eyes on these for quite a while now. They are just beautiful.
Did you catch my tips on keeping a tidy desk? If you missed it you can read it here.
I also loved reading this article on grand millennials. I think I possibly fall into this category. Floral wallpaper, rattan and wicker, bouillon fringe, needlepoint. Find out if you are a grand millennial here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
If my mama taught me one thing it was how to make my bed. Did you know that people who make their bed in the morning feel more accomplished throughout the day? Regardless I know I feel a lot better if I walk into my bedroom and see my bed made. Today I am sharing some tips with you on how to make the perfect bed!
1: While there are many aspects to keep in mind when creating your dream bed, one of the best tips I can give you regarding your bedding: Buy the best you can afford. You won’t regret it.
2: Always start with a mattress pad and then layer on a fitted sheet. The top sheet goes on next and needs to be facing the mattress. ( as a child I never understood why we put that on “upside down”, now I do).
3: Hospital Corners! Another wonderful trick my mom taught me when I was a child was how to make a hospital corner. Tuck the bottom of your top sheet in, pull the excess out to the side. Lift the excess up and on top of the mattress. then take your finger and run an imaginary 45 degree angle with a flat fall and tuck it in! Here is a link for a visual. This will help keep you tucked in and help your sheets stay in place. It drives me crazy when the bottom becomes loose because it wasn’t properly tucked in!
4: A matelasse or a quilt helps transition from season to season but also creates interest and a layer so I like to lay that flat on the bed next and repeat my hospital corners with this.
5: Create layers with a duvet! I personally love a duvet! There is nothing like a soft linen duvet cover and I love to fold this up at the foot of the bed for an extra layer of coziness. There are many seasonal weighted inserts available now so if you are a hot sleeper never fear, there are options for you!
6: Bed pillows can be stacked on top of each other or stack them sitting up with one in front of the other. This is your preference!
7: Then of course I love to finish the bed off with Euro Size shams and a decorative pillow. If you have a king size bed I would recommend 3 Euro Shams and for a queen size bed I would recommend 2 euro shams! A lumbar pillow in a fun print is always a nice finishing touch to run across the front of your Euro Shams.
8. Last but not least, wash your sheets once a week to keep them looking crisp and white and repeat all the steps above on the daily! I’m sharing some of my bedding basics below for you!
