Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Home Tour: Living Room


OUR FORMAL LIVING ROOM connects directly to the family room. The previous owners of this home had the walk-through between the two spaces blocked off by a sectional couch. I opted to keep the space open and re-formatted the layout so that the two rooms would flow nicely together. Now, while hosting guests, it can sometimes feel like one big great room where everyone is included in the party. My goal for this room, overall, was to create a space that was a bit more formal/contemporary than the family room, but still cozy enough for us to spend together as a family. Kiel and Alec spend a lot of time at the piano together and all the natural light has made the sofa a perfect spot for me to catch up on some reading during Alec's afternoon nap.

Because of our small budget, we tried to transition as much of our old furniture into this space as we could. We hung our ivory linen drapes from Pottery Barn, and our sectional floor lamp stands behind our brown leather arm chair. We purchased the Crosby Sofa from West Elm. We opted for the pebble weave material in a deep blue shade that I absolutely fell in love with in the store. We also purchased an ivory wool area rug to add a bit of texture to the space.

When I first envisioned this room, I knew I wanted to incorporate music somehow.  Just as we moved in, a free piano sort of fell into our laps, which really sealed the deal for me. The piano couldn't have fit more perfectly into the space. We did our best to bring it into the 21st century by re-upholstering the seat with the a basic ivory fabric from Jo-ann's. Above the piano, we hung an old sheet music map canvas print that I found online for a great price. We have our Crosley record player displayed on our old shelving unit from our previous home (similar here). Above the record player, we created a gallery wall of framed black and white family photos and two different art pieces, one of which Kiel made from old pallet wood. Many of the frames displayed are from Homegoods or the Threshold line at Target. 

There are still a few tweaks, here and there, that I would like to make, but overall this is probably the most 'complete' space in our home. I hope to eventually replace the tree in the corner with a live plant, but nothing I have found thus far has been quite large enough to fill the space completely. I would also like to eventually purchase a coffee table for this room (I've go my eye on this one), but for four hundred bucks, I think we will remain as is. Overall, I really love this room. Being that we were limited to a small budget, I think we did a pretty decent job. (For the record, I realize that I am by no means a talented 'interior decorator', but I do enjoy it so I thought I'd share. Any suggestions welcome!

The kitchen and dining room still need quite of bit of updating before I am willing to share. Over the fall and winter months, we are hoping to focus on these two areas of the house. We would really like to replace the kitchen cabinets, but the budget is limiting us a bit…so it is looking more like a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware. If we decide to go all out, we may try and create some open shelving and possibly a subway tile backsplash. Kiel is also planning on building a farmhouse table for the dining room. We've got big plans, here's hoping we can deliver. Stay tuned, our outdoor space will be up sometime soon!

Monday, September 29, 2014

Home Tour: Family Room


I fully recognize that the quality of these photos isn't stellar, but I did my very best. The lighting was super tricky. I am working on finding some before shots of the same space so that I can truly display all the changes and hard work we put into this home over the last four months. 

Trying to furnish and decorate a house on a small budget can be super challenging. Since Alec was born, I cut back my hours at work pretty drastically, so Kiel and I really had to sit down and focus hard on our finances. Fortunately, Homegoods and Target have been super good to me lately and, not to mention, the fact that my husband has suddenly turned into this incredibly creative handyman. He did a number of awesome things in this room. He ripped out some old built-ins next to the fireplace. He hand-made and stained two wooden pallet shelves. He painted our old coffee table a nice shade of blue and it works really well in the room now. 

We did need to purchase quite of few new items to fit this space; such as the henry sectional in heather grey. We opted for a marled microfiber fabric because of it's durability and of course, we sprayed on a thick coat of scotch guard. I found these patterned curtains  to frame the walk-out slider. The white shelving unit and television stand are both from IKEA. I replaced the hardware on the media stand with something a bit more unique. Much of the shelving and mantle decor comes from Homegoods and Target. The framed print  is from Society 6, a creative online shop full of interesting prints and designs. I also purchased this one for the formal living room. All of the greenery in this room are live plants or flowers. I change them out often, so there may be some inconsistency in the photos above.

Our family room is where we spend most of our time. You can't see it here, but we normally have our pop'n'play set up in one of the corners of the room. We fill it with a couple of Alec's favorite toys and it is a perfect little spot to put my boy while I cook dinner or clean. I hope to eventually change out the fireplace doors for a more updated look (the brass is killin me). I will probably try and go with something basic like this one I found at Home Depot. I am also hoping to replace our area rug with something a little larger and maybe a bit more plush like this one

More Home Tour posts to come later this week! Stop by to check out our formal living room and our outdoor space! 

Friday, September 26, 2014

Ten Things

Ten Things...

that caught my eye across the web

Fall sweats for mehim, and little dude

A perfect transition bag 
time to get rid of the petunia pickle bottom for a while

A super cute big boy room 
will have to keep in mind for Alec when the time comes

Three phenomenal hair tutorials
the messy knotted bun is a my fave

Fashionable sweatpants, sign me up

And then I remembered that Zara had a home collection

One of my favorite fall purchases
perfect to layer over gym wear when you have errands to run

A super cheap and cool DIY

A lightweight, fall coat for the babe
lightweight is key, otherwise ya gotta stuff him into his car seat

Want list: a 'thinking music player'
pretty darn brilliant eh

Thursday, September 25, 2014

It's Here! My Most Favorite Time of the Year!

This is the first official week of Fall and I couldn't be more excited. Autumn is, by far, my absolute favorite time of year. For one, (other than today) the weather in Delaware is absolutely perfect. Mid-70's and sunshine most of the time. And not to mention, that family gatherings and the holiday season are just around the corner.

I love crisp morning walks, hayrides, and bonfires. I love pumpkin lattes, honeycrisp apples, and a crockpot full of chili. I love layering on flannel, knit sweaters, and chunky scarves. I love trips to the orchard to pick apples. I love decorating my mantle with little white pumpkins found at our local nursery. I love to drape cozy blankets over every arm chair and sofa. I love filling my home with the sweet aroma of mulled cider and cinnamon. I love dusting off my kettle to make warm cups of tea. I truly LOVE this marvelous season and I look forward to spending many of my days outdoors with family and friends.

A few subtle hints of Fall around our home




Wednesday, September 24, 2014

A Hearty Autumn Breakfast

We paid the apple orchard a visit recently and I have about a dozen honey crisp apples just waiting to eaten. Due to my hefty purchase, I have been trying to find different ways to incorporate apples into my diet. After about three days, the standard apple and peanut butter just wasn't cutting it anymore, so I set out on an apple adventure. I've always been a big oatmeal fan, but with Alec, the mornings can be a bit hectic so I rarely take the time to eat anything more than my standard english muffin and peanut butter. Today, I decided to dedicate the time to something different and what I came up with… whelp, it was darn delicious so I thought I'd share.
Ingredients:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup water
1/2 cup diced honeycrisp apple
1/2 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup maple pecans
Splash of milk
Cooking Instructions:

I cook my oats on the stove top. Bring one cup water to a boil, pour in oats and reduce to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let stand for one minute. Add a splash of milk and stir. Add apple, brown sugar, and maple pecans, mix, and enjoy!

Monday, September 22, 2014

A Day at the Orchard

It has really started to feel like Autumn around these parts and there was nothing more that I wanted to do for my birthday than to go to the Farm. Kiel took a half day from work and we spent the afternoon picking out pumpkins and honeycrisp apples. Alec got to check out all of the animals, which was really exciting since we have been working hard on our animal noises as of late. He hasn't quite mastered the oink just yet, but he thinks it's pretty darn hilarious. It was a beautiful day and I couldn't ask for more than some relaxing time spent with the two people I love most in this world. 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Ten Things

Ten Things
...that caught my eye across the web

7 reasons why you should travel alone at least once in your lifetime
(I think I may have missed the boat, but it sounds exhilarating)

It doesn't really get more adorable than this

Such a cute wall decal for Alec's playroom

An everyday must-wear for the winter season

A fantastic to-do list for the Fall

Fall Sneakers, my current trend crush: one, two, and three

I don't know where to buy this, but I think we may need one

For the bedroom; do not disturb

An interesting read about marriage in 2014

I would never think to buy jeans here, but I swear by this pair



Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Snapshots

Alec Charles, you little ham. This kid is all smiles these days and I am soaking up every giggle and grin.
Porch play in the afternoon has been a regular occasion lately.
I love this shaggy fella so very much. 
A beautiful morning walk at Tweed's park with my boy before music class. Fall mornings are the best, so crisp and refreshing.
A dinner date at Terrain Garden Cafe with my hubs for our anniversary. I love all their decor, and our meal was so incredibly delicious.
A perfect afternoon at the Orchard for my birthday.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Twenty Nine.

Today marks my twenty ninth year of life. I am getting so close to thirty I can taste it. I have noticed a big change in myself since my wild early-twenties. Nights once spent out on the town with girlfriends til the wee hours of the morning have been replaced with cozy nights at home filled with bath time, bottles, and netflix. What's funny is … I am totally okay with it. Although an occasional night out is relaxing and fun, I am most happy when I am home. I love rocking my little to sleep. I love crisp nights on the porch with a glass of wine. I love watching a movie in bed and falling asleep before 10pm. I love it. I love twenty nine.

What I think has changed the most in my twenty ninth year, is that I think I have finally learned how to live in the moment. I recognize that I am very Type A. I love to be one step ahead of the game at all times. I buy Christmas and birthday gifts months in advance and I plan evening meals for the week every Sunday before my Monday morning shopping trip. I realize that I swear by my planner more than most, but I will say that I am learning to use it more as a reference, rather than a lifeline. Having Alec has really helped me loosen up, mostly because I am no longer in control of my time. I am learning that there will always be dishes in the sink, and I will always get to washing them eventually, but if there is an opportunity to play with my boy instead… that's just what I'm going to do. I am learning to put the phone down and pay attention to what is actually going on around me. These current moments are so so important, so very precious, and I don't want to miss a thing.

My goal for my twenty ninth year is to focus a bit more on myself. Last year was an awesome, challenging year. Not only did I bring a little babe into the world, but I had a bit more going on than the average parent due to his heart condition. Like most new moms do, I hurled head first into motherhood and somehow managed to lose of little bit of me in the process. This year, I want to be a little more than just "Alec's mom". I want to start eating better and exercising more. I want to try and paint my toe nails every now and again. I want to stop rocking this "natural ombre" look I've been working on lately. And maybe I can even manage to plan a little girlfriend getaway. I want to go out on a real date with my husband at least once a month. Don't get me wrong here, there is absolutely nothing better than being a Mom, (really it's the best thing ever and I honestly can't remember life before) but I just want to start to take a little better care of myself, both physically and personally.


Monday, September 15, 2014

ONE.


Our boy is one. One. Pretty darn unbelievable if you ask me. As I look back upon this past year, my eyes well with tears. So many amazing memories, so many scary moments, so much worry, and so much love. Before Alec arrived, I never could have imagined what motherhood would really be like. I always had hope, but I never imagined he would thrive this well and grow this beautifully. After learning Alec's diagnosis, I was devastated, absolutely petrified that he would need to go through so much physical stress in his first few years of life. Two.. possibly three.. open heart surgeries before the age of four, at least that's what we were told. Alec defeated the odds, and he surpassed the need for surgery number one. At two months (much earlier than most children with his diagnosis), he had surgery number two. He was discharged at four days post-op. He made a full recovery within about 5 weeks with only one little hiccup along the way. Now here we are, at one year old and to a stranger  you'd never know he had heart defect at all. Sure he's a bit paler than most, and yeah, he is sometimes short of breath after climbing a full set of stairs, but ya know… if that's all we are dealing with, if that's the only struggle we are facing right now, then thank the Lord. Hallelujah! I am beyond thrilled because we are so very lucky. We are so very fortunate and I thank God every single day for the good fortune we have been granted.

Not to mention, this kid is hilarious. He is seriously the biggest goofball around. He lives to make others laugh. He has this amazing smile, one that lights up a room. He is so darn captivating, he lures strangers in everywhere we go. I am telling you, grocery store trips are like never before. He is incredibly vocal, talks up a storm and will mimic just about any sound you make. He's a real screamer sometimes though, and that, well I could do without. He is near-walking, standing often on his own and taking up to four or fives steps before face-planting into my chest. He only has two visible teeth on bottom; however, I am pretty sure a slew of top teeth are on the horizon. His hair still remains a gingery blonde and his eye color may still be up for debate. He sleeps with not one, not two, but three angel dear blankies. He loves elmo, cheese, and his v-tech light-up tow truck. He naps twice a day, and is sleeping through the night, with the occasional wake-up (mostly teething related). He is real joy, I mean our days together just keep getting better and better. I LOVE being this kid's mama more than words could ever explain. I feel so in love, so lucky, so proud. I can't wait to see what the future holds for our little comedian.

Some things we are loving right now:

1. Summer Infant Pop'N'Play - This little portable play pen is perfect for a child on the move. It's 10x lighter and 10x easier to fold up than the standard pack'n'play. It is spacious enough for two little ones to play. It is so easy to put away when we decide to have some last minute company over for dinner or drinks. The floor is waterproof and it comes with a sun canopy for the beach or pool. I feel that is was well worth the eighty bucks, especially because I'll be able to use this with my future babes.
2. Go! Go! Smart Wheels Tow Truck - Alec got a few of these little V-tech toy race cars/trucks for his birthday and he absolutely loves them. These will keep him occupied on car rides, or on the kitchen floor while I am cooking dinner.
3. Alphabet Train - This is such a fantastic toy. A toy that he can grow with and use during different developmental stages of toddler-hood. He loves cruisin around with his little choo choo.
4. Land of Nod Piano - Alec also got this for his birthday. The musical instruments at Land of Nod are just too cute. He already has the mini guitar, and now his own child-size piano. This kid is going to be a one-man band in no time. We loved this gift, as we are definitely going to try and steer Alec toward music. (Kiel and my Father are both musicians and I would love for Alec to be able to play with both of them one day.)
5. Board Books  - Books, books, and more books. The mini Dr. Seuss Board Books, in particular, are a favorite in our home. For one, Alec can't destroy them as easily as a paperback book. Two, they are small enough to tote around in the diaper bag and in the bottom of the stroller. Put Me In The Zoo is a current favorite.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Ten Things

Another DIY Kiel is planning for the fall.

Fall wardrobe wishlist for Alec: one, two, & three

Such a beautiful nursery design idea.

These costumes are just too much! I've got my eye on this one for Alec.

Pumpkin everything! 30 Recipes to try this Fall.

Comfy fall attire for a Mama-on-the-go: one, two, & three.

Time for some new cozy jammies: mama & baby.

A letter to my pre-motherhood self.

 I need this doormat from Urban Outfitters.

A classic scarf to add to my collection.
(& for an affordable price!)

Four Years Strong.

Our love story isn't quite The Notebook; however, it is unique to us and that makes it so very special. Over ten years ago, I spotted my handsome fellow from across the room and I knew I had to make him mine. I quickly snagged him up and I refused to ever let him go. Six years of dating, four blissful years of marriage, two homes, and one amazing year of parenthood later, and I could't be more in love with that same man I spotted so many years ago.

To me, love is bringing me a hot cup of coffee in the morning, or waking up with the baby in the middle of the night when he is teething. Love is anxiously awaiting his arrival home every evening from work so that we can share simple stories from our days over a home-cooked meal. It is admitting that we are wrong, and then apologizing for our mistakes. It is back scratches before bed and waffles in the morning. It is the way you look at our little boy when he sleeps, or smiles, or laughs. To love you, Kiel Drake,  is such a privilege. And although some days can be challenging, the good heavily outweighs the bad, and I wouldn't want to be on this roller coaster ride of a life with anyone but you. I can't wait to spend many, many more anniversaries together. xo

and what a beautiful day it was...

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Family Photos Are In!

A HUGE thank you to Kerri Myers for taking these beautiful family pics. She does great work and we are so incredibly pleased with how they turned out. Below are a few favorites I wanted to share.