Thursday, March 28, 2013

A Thought for Thursday: Moments of Brilliance



I thought this image was too funny not to share.  I mean, haven't we all been there?!  It's that moment as you open that second bottle when you just devised a small get together at your house.  It will be sweet and charming and no hassle at all.  By the time you're finishing the second bottle, you've ordered custom invitations, called a photographer to document the occasion, and invited friends from neighboring cities.  Eesshh!!!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Our Wallpaper Selection

 
For Christmas, Mark got me a consultation with the very talented team of Caroline and Jack at Perch here in New Orleans.  We have lived in our house for more than two years, but we have yet to really make the house a home.  Conceptually, I know what my design aesthetic is - mid-century modern with a pop of color - but to execute that vision in our Victorian style house which was erected in 1891 confuses me.  My solution to date has been to ignore everything and pretend like drapes would magically appear in our windows. 
 
With the help of Caroline and Jack, we have begun to transform things in a very methodical way.  They started by helping us prioritize our needs - drapes in the family room, a new rug in the family room, Jane's 6 month 16x20 photograph matted and framed, some type of decorative pieces to work in these awkward display cases in our kitchen, and wallpaper in our small foyer. 
 
The list of improvements does not end there, but Caroline and Jack have made it possible for me to reel in my focus on those things which we can accomplish now that will have a huge impact on the look and feel of our home. 
 
Our first project was the cubbies (weird space) in our kitchen.  The ceilings are about 13 feet high, and near the top of the walls are these very unusual lit cutouts.  They would be ideal if you are a collector, but sadly, I am not.  In fact, I can't even begin to think about what I would collect to put in there.  I tried to imagine glass bottles or white ceramic pieces, but it all just felt disingenuous.  I think the best part about people with collections are the stories their collections tell.  My story would have been, "Yes, I needed something to fill these spaces...." 
That is where the genius of Caroline and Jack came in.  Rather than seeing them as display cases, Jack suggested seeing them as part of an art installation.  Seriously, there had never been a moment where I felt more in tuned with this space than when he thought of it in this new way!  Just last week, they brought over several small and large white ceramic sparrows and positioned them in the spaces so that it appears that they are flying along our walls.  It is gorgeous!  And it is perfectly fitting for our family since we call Jane our little birdie!
 
Next up for us is the installation of the wallpaper in our foyer.  Jack showed us several choices, but there was no doubt when I saw this one that it was perfect for us.  You can see it on a larger scale in the photograph above.  I love it's whimsical and natural feel.  While the option with the pink is certainly fun, we elected to go with the version below.  I loved that the trunks were in this beautiful charcoal color.  And what you can't tell from here is that the "leaves" are actually accepted with bits of metallic flecks.  I like to imagine how beautiful it will look as the sun shines in through our front door and glistens off of the leaves...
 
I can't wait to post an update when we have completed this phase of our changes!!
 
Are you a wallpaper fan?

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tasty Tuesdays: Bunny Trail Mix

Photo Courtesy of Bo's Bowl

Can you believe that Easter is just a few days away?!  As I put Jane in her corduroy long bubble and wool coat, I had to remind myself that we are indeed hosting an egg hunt at our house this weekend.  The good news is that it should warm up in time for Jane to wear her Easter egg hunting outfit!!

Because it is tax season, I needed a party favor that would be easy to make and assemble.  Of course, tasting great was a must as well!!  I have seen varying recipes for what many call "white trash," but I am referring to as Bunny Trail Mix.

I've got some ingredients already in the house, so we're going to work with what we have.  It may be different from recipes you've seen online, but I think the best part of a recipe like this is that you can add in your very favorite holiday treats.

Bunny Trail Mix

4 cups corn Chex
4 cups rice Chex
3 cups pretzel sticks (broken in half)*
1 cup peanuts
1 bag dark chocolate Easter M&Ms
2 bags white chocolate melting drops

*I am using sticks since we have snackers that could choke on pretzel rounds

Carefully melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring after 30 second intervals.  Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Stir in the chocolate.  Pour onto wax paper and allow to cool.  Break into pieces when cool.

ENJOY!

How do you plan to celebrate Easter this weekend?

Monday, March 25, 2013

Easter Bunny, If You're Out There Reading This...


I have been looking for a neutral handbag for so long.  None seemed just right until this one.  It stopped me in my Pinterest tracks...  


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: A Slice of Humble Pie

 
I remember when I swore my blog wouldn't turn into a baby book about Jane.  Oh, there were so many things I swore to about parenting before I actually was a parent. 
 
Come and join me over HERE at the New Orleans Moms Blog where I'm chatting about the mommy judgments I made before I had a child.
 
What did you swear you would never do pre-kid that you find yourself doing all the time?

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Nail Polish Obsession: OPI Casino Royale

For my entire life, with the exception of the four years we lived in Beaufort, I have bitten my nails.  It is such a terrible habit!!  I have tried more times than I can count to stop, but have never had much luck.  When I see pictures of the most perfect manicures, I get the worst nail envy.  It's like there's this whole world filled with relaxation and paraffin and deep jewel toned polish out there, and I can't access it!  The new OPI Skyfall Collection is amazing.  My favorite of the colors is Casino Royale.  It is the most gorgeous rich grape color.  Here's to hoping that this is what I need to break my bad habit.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails