Photo Challenge

Day 24: Inside Your Bathroom Cabinet

Items include: moisturizers (lots of Lancome, Eucerin, Aveeno), pre-natal vitamins, Moroccan oil

Day 25: Green

The bathroom of Jules Restaurant. I took a picture because I love the color!

26: Night

Ellie down for the night!

Photo Challenge

Day 21: A Favorite Photo of You

Me, on my wedding day. I was (and still am) in love with my wedding dress & bouquet!

 

Day 22: Where You Work

I am currently a stay at home Mom. My baby girl is my "work!"

Day 23: Your Shoes

Today I went on an evening run (3 miles)

Photo Challenge

Day 18: Drink

Ellie's 1st smoothie: banana, blueberries, mango, spinach, breast milk & water

Day 19: Something You Hate To Do

I hate being cold! This particular day at the playground I didn't have a jacket and I found my husband's Phillies hat and a pair of gloves in the backseat of our car (thank goodness!). It was freezing and I really do not enjoy the cold weather. But, I like to get Ellie outside either for a walk or to the playground everyday. So, here we are:

Day 20: Something You Ate 

Leftover Avocado Pasta from the night before. I found the recipe on Pinterest and since I had a few avocados I decided to try it using whole wheat pasta. It was delicious! You can find the recipe here. 

Office Storage

I received the Container Store's office catalog in the mail this weekend. Perfect timing! I am loving these natural, textured storage accessories:

Bristol Office Storage Boxes

I think the top storage boxes would look perfect on our white shelves and pair well with the white/turquoise color theme.

Chalkboard Paint Inspiration

I am planning on creating a chalkboard wall in my daughter's playroom. I haven't yet started on this space, but I am gathering ideas. I do know that I definitely want to paint a chalkboard wall- or half of a wall (with the above wall a space to hang artwork). I found photos on Pinterest, but I also found this wall decal from Urban Outfitters which I'm thinking would look great in our kitchen. Honestly, it took me a while to get on the chalkboard wagon, but now I'm loving it. It's a great way for kids to express their creativity (and have fun with it) and I'm also now loving it in other rooms of the home.

Here are some photos I found on Pinterest where I am getting my inspiration:

A Soft Place, Blog

Martha Stewart

The Lungos, Blog

Libbie Grove, Blog

Photo Challenge

Day 15: Phone

Day 16: Something New

New items hung in kitchen hallway:

Canvas covered in fabric

Photo Collage

Day 17: Time

Designing the Hamptons

As I was searching "playrooms" on Pinterest I came across this one:

I recognized the prints (Crate and Barrel), but I especially love the beanbag chairs so I clicked on the original source and it brought me to the site for Mabley Handler Interior Designs. I loved all of the additional photos of their spaces, but I picked my favorites to share with you. Lots of luscious designs!

I love the use of orange & blue paired in this space. Plus, this buffet/bar gives us accessory options.

I love this view!

 I like the trio of artwork. It looks like it could be easily replicated with fabric over canvas.

A beautiful white kitchen!

A functional round table with similar round shapes in the mirror and chandelier.

Outdoor living!

A theme in these photos seems to be a pair of something- lamps, artwork, botanicals, ottomans, etc. It gives the space a balanced feel. I like it. I also love all of the calming paint colors- the pale blues, grays, and neutrals- and accessorized with pops of color. Definitely gives me inspiration in my home decor. I hope it does with yours, too!

You can read more about Mabley Handler's interior design in the Hamptons on their blog, "Designing the Hamptons."

First Valentine's Day as a FAMILY

This was, by far, my most favorite Valentine's Day yet. In previous years Nick would spoil me with luxurious gifts. This year we were both spoiled by the best gift ever- our daughter. Still, Nick made an amazing dinner of filet, scallops, jumbo shrimp, lobster tail, and asparagus. My favorite foods all in one meal- especially the lobster and asparagus! And Whole Foods pastries for dessert (a cupcake and milk chocolate cheesecake to be exact) and truffles (sugar coma!!). A dozen long-stemmed roses were also delivered to our doorstep. I'm actually more of a pink roses kind of woman so he also brought home a dozen of these, as well. I am one lucky woman! :)

Valentine's Day 2012

First Art Project with Ellie

Yesterday morning began with an art project I had planned with Ellie (our first): making cards for her Daddy and her grandparents that involved a handprint. I hadn't anticipated the difficulty it would bring. I guess I forgot how squirmy my little one is these days! :) I cut out the hearts the night before (traced with a pencil) using red poster board:

I bought black finger paint at AC Moore. Thank goodness it was washable and non-toxic!

I dipped her hand in the paint and, as careful as I could be, placed it on the heart. At the time it seemed like a total disaster and an art project gone wrong...we were both covered in paint. Here is a picture I snapped getting ready for a bath, but before she rubbed her head, her eyes, and her mouth. That's why I was happy it was washable and non-toxic! (Taken with Instagram).

However, after her hand prints had dried I happily noticed that they came out pretty well. Maybe a finger was missing here or there, but you can definitely see her hand print. Here are her final projects:

Valentine's Day 2012