I saw these at Target the other day, and I couldn’t pass them up:
I love me a pretty Ikat print. And I love melamine. And Colin loves the dog’s food and water bowls, which *were* ceramic and therefore, breakable. So I snapped these up to replace his other bowls. It took everything in me to put back the 6 plates I also picked up. Since we don’t even own patio furniture, I suppose I am not yet in need of patio dishware. Oh but how I want. I WANT!
What a lucky dog….
Happy weekend y’all!
Yesterday was a big day for the blog after it was featured on IHeart Organizing, but seeing the pictures of my bookcase in its glory days made me realize I let things get a bit out of hand. So it was time to straighten things up and Spring-ify around here!
First, I tackled the bookshelves, as they were in desperate need of some help. Old bills, tear sheets from catalogs, receipts and coupons- it was getting cuh-razay in there. It didn’t help when I moved half of our desk’s items to the bookshelf as well. There was a lot going on. Not something Jen would feature on her blog. In fact, she’d be horrified.
So I got to purging, which you know when it comes to unnecessary items, I’m quite the pro. Too much so, sometimes. Out with the old, in with the new (season). Take a look:
First I handled the top shelf of the covered bookshelves. I tossed old papers, receipts, coupons, etc. I organized office supplies and placed them in a cheapo Ikea archive box. I organized my smaller items (lip gloss, gums, mints and camera items) in the three compartment ceramic bowl on the left. And since May is wedding month here in our house, I placed the invitations for both weddings right on top of the archive box so I can grab them on our way out the door.
The second shelf didn’t need too much help, but they did need a Spring Overhaul, as I call it. That means, gloves and hats to the bottoms of the bins and pashminas to the top.
I tackled the bottom shelf last. This needed a bit of work as it still contained my winter boots and shoes. I moved those to the downstairs closet and moved my sandals and slip ons up to the shelf. I love flip flops, but they look messy all piled together. My solution? A small bin is the perfect way to contain sandals and flip flops. And don’t worry- I didn’t forget about the despot:
Small person shoes! Commence dying and/or squealing. I do pretty much every time I put those puppies on his chubby little foots.
But I didn’t stop there. You may recall, our lovely sweet dog made a little garbage buffet all over our rug and couch. So we purchased a new rug and have been debating whether to add drapes to our windows. I actually hung drapes, but nixed them shortly after. The new blinds make the room crisp and clean, and were a perfect update. Drapes seemed to be overkill.
In addition, I made a few pillow purchases over the past weeks at my favorite spot, Target. I also cleaned the fireplace and gave it an update as well with some hurricanes. In the end, the room looks like this. Ya like? I do:
Sure, maybe the colors don’t scream “Spring is here!” to you, but I can’t help what I like- grays, taupes and whites. They just relax me, which is definitely needed around here sometimes! Plus, I love the new blinds and the new light fixture- a much better fit!
And before you get too worried about the candles in the fireplace, these photos are a bit on the darker side since I took these photos while the despot was napping, so no babies were in danger! In fact, I’ve gotten a couple of questions about whether the bookshelves attach to the walls, and yes, they do. I’ve got an upcoming post about babyproofing the apartment (or Death Starpartment, as I now refer to it) and will include all that information there.
Have you been Spring Cleaning? Making some updates?
Welcome to those of you visiting from Jen’s awesome website- IHeart Organizing. Jen was sweet enough to include my “Gettin’ Out the Door” bookcase project, and I am so thrilled and incredibly flattered she did! I absolutely love her website and it has become a daily read since the first day I found it. If only I could be as organized as she is one day! A girl can dream, I ‘spose.
Thanks Jen!
Since it seems to *finally* be here, I will go ahead and say it: I love Boston in the springtime! There. That should basically do the trick of sending the temps back to the 40s. ;)
I love my street, with all the trees blooming:
I love the park behind our building:
Even Colin is loving spring in Boston, especially the ducks at the Common:
Everyone loves Pottery Barn’s Grand Embroidered duvet and sheet set, right?
Pottery Barn Grand Embroidered Duvet, $59-$99 (SALE)
Here is Target’s version, from Fieldcrest, which includes two shams for its lovely price, essentially saving you $50:
Fieldcrest Hotel Duvet and Shams, $89
Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy the weekend!
Hands down, one of my favorite parts of my trip to New Orleans was {not} window shopping on Magazine Street. I had an excellent partner in crime- my sister- who luckily enjoys it as much as I do. And she was sweet enough to indulge my obsession with home decor and children’s stores and stop in each and every store that caught my fancy. And trust you me: there were a lot. We both did a little bit of damage that day.
First, we came across this tile shop, right on the corner of Magazine and Washington. Gorgeous tile- just look:
Then we came across this gem: Neophobia. How great is that name for a vintage home decor store? For all my peeps out there who love mid-century modern, this store is worth a little trip to what you might consider your mecca. Take a look -see:
We actually came across this as we were leaving and couldn’t help but ask the owner, “What in the world is this?”:
It’s a plastic bar cart in case you were wondering, complete with removable tray for garnishes, like olives and gherkins, natch. 
Also on Magazine, we stopped into Probst Decorating and Interior Design, and couldn’t help but ogle over their custom furniture (lots of nailhead trim!) and gorgeous fabrics.
This one in particular caught my eye and looked familiar!
Our last home decor stop was at Belladonna, whose awning intrigued me: Day Spa and Retail Therapy. Darn right!
And then there were the children’s stores. I love having a little despot, but after seeing this crib at Pippen Lane, I need both a little girl and then maybe one of the gorgeous homes we passed in the Garden district in which to put this:
Besides the gorgeous clothes, they had a great selection of shoes and toys, as well as christening gowns and wedding attire for the smaller set. Not to mention, their own version of Colin’s bestie, Oscar, the Giraffe:
We also stopped into Storyville Kids, a great little t-shirt store that featured adorable t-shirts and onesies with New Orleans centric themes like Rice and Beans and Beignets. I was too busy rifling through the merchandise to remember to take shots, but here’s a sampling:
So that about wraps up our little morning of shopping. We needed to burn off the calories from our visit to Sucre, so really, it was for the best that we stopped in every single store that caught our fancy. I would return to New Orleans just for the shopping on that street alone. Wait, I think I said I would return for the food. Okay, the food AND the shopping.
I’m back from New Orleans! And before you ask, last I saw Nicolas Cage, it was 5pm on Friday afternoon and he was just finishing up the last shot of the day in Jackson Square. I couldn’t tell you what happened after that, but if I had to work with the crew of that movie, I would want to tie one on after a long day of work too. 
Yes, we did see Nicolas Cage up close and personal, but it was the food that really shined on our trip to New Orleans. Sweet and savory, cheap and a little not cheap, we did our duty and ate our way through the town. Of course, I’ve got a sweet tooth, so I fondly recall the sweets. Here’s a taste for you.
Beign-Yay!
Once we got in from the airport, we quickly changed at the hotel and headed into the French Quarter. Our first stop was Cafe du Monde. It’s a tourist must do item, and they did not disappoint. The atmosphere leaves a little something to be desired, but that could have just been us adjusting to the New Orleans pace. But once our waitress did come to take our order, we were happy as clams. Not even Nicolas Cage holding us up could ruin it for us.
They do two things really: Coffee and Beignets. Since I don’t drink the coffee, I ordered a hot chocolate, and we ordered a double order of beignets. Oh yes, they were as delicious as you can see in the picture. Totally worth it. We timed our little trip to Cafe du Monde perfectly and were able to wait out a nice sunshower while stuffing our faces with fried dough.
The next day, we decided to take the streetcar up St. Charles Avenue to the Garden district, which is known for its gorgeous homes (films like Benjamin Button filmed there, not to mention, it’s where the Real World cast lived while filming there) and great shopping (a post on that later!). As we were walking, I remembered I had read about a great pastry shop called “Sucre”. We window shopped and took in the great atmosphere along Magazine Street, and then stopped in to Sucre.
We walked over to the display, bypassing the gelato (as a customer was ordering peanut butter chocolate gelato, no less), and this awaited us. Drool with me:
It was a tough decision, but with some help from our very helpful and lovely server, Sean, we decided on these (yes, plural):
Turtle Petit Cake
Strawberry Petit Cake
Xocolat Petit Cake
We ordered the Turtle petit cake, a strawberry petit cake and a Xocalat petit cake. Holy hell, they were good. My own personal favorite was the Turtle cake, but the strawberry was also very good. The Xocolate would have been amazing at a time later than 11am in the morning. It was just very rich for that early. But still: good. Way good. Still, I couldn’t stop going back to the Turtle. We ordered a few macarons as well, but they were just an afterthought when compared to our petit cakes. But pretty and yummy in my tummy.
And because he was awesome, helpful and friendly, and we loved him, here’s a shot of our server:
That reminds me: one of the things I really loved the most about New Orleans was just how wonderful the people are. They are extremely friendly and helpful, which sometimes you don’t find when visiting popular tourist towns. Couldn’t help but enhance our experience.
On Sunday, we hit up the jazz brunch at Arnaud’s. This is an old New Orleans standard and one you shouldn’t miss. The atmosphere is just something else: the dining room almost reminded me of scenes from the Titanic- leaded glass windows and tile mosaic floor with dark wood paneling. Just gorgeous. The jazz trio was just great and traveled throughout the room playing for each table. But the favorite part of the brunch for this chick? Dessert, duh! Our server Brendan put on a great show as he prepared our Bananas Foster:
There’s just something special about stuffing your gullet with a special dessert made right before your eyes, tableside. And with fire to boot! I’ve never had Bananas Foster before, and they were so yummy, especially the brown sugar and cinnamon butter sauce. Soooo good!
I’ve got a five pound food baby to prove just how much I enjoyed New Orleans, but it’s worth it. It’s a place I’d return to in a heartbeat. Who’s in?!
I’m back with a little more about me. Are you surprised? Me neither. Talking about myself just never gets old. Here we go!
Beignets!
Who’s got two thumbs and is excited about stuffing her face with beignets in New Orleans? This girl! Sure, every culture has their own version, whether it’s zeppoli, beignets, donuts, what have you. All I know? Fried dough with confectioners sugar dumped on top is a winner. Don’t care what you call it. My mouth is full anyway.
Books!
I already touched upon my love of books and reading in general earlier this week, but it cannot be said enough. Reading is one of my favoritest hobbies ever. I credit it with me being so good at the English. I speak English real good. Thanks books!
More than that, my taste in books is pretty varied- I love a nice fluffy chic lit read, and sometimes, I appreciate something a little more serious. And I love history, so I enjoy reading about certain periods of time. What I love most about reading though is how one book can lead to another, sparking my interest in something I never thought about before. For instance, I read “The Paris Wife” and now am reading Hemingway. Never read him before. Why not?
Baked Goods!
I have a sweet tooth like no other. I also am physically incapable of turning down a bread basket at a restaurant. You know when the waiter kindly asks if you would like more bread, and most people politely decline? I am not most people. I am pretty sure Olive Garden loses money on me with their unending breadsticks. It’s like I have a hollow leg reserved for bread. Not really. I have a nice spare tire to speak to it.
Bethenny!
Actually, I have a love/hate relationship with Bethenny, but darnit, if her family is not the cutest! Look at that baby. So sweet. And that husband isn’t too shabby either.
Ahhh, I love me a getaway! Tomorrow I go to New Orleans to spend a weekend eating, drinking, eating, and oh yeah, eating. So naturally, it’s time to start packing. I leave Friday, bright and early!
I like to plan an outfit a day when I pack- otherwise, I tend to overpack random pieces that don’t necessarily work together. Since having Colin, I’ve had to learn how to efficiently pack three people’s worth of clothes into a suitcase. One tip I have learned from that process is that taking shots of each planned outfit with my phone works really well to keep me on track and not overpack. Also, I have something of a reference point when I arrive and forget which shirt went with which bottoms and don’t end up with a white t-shirt, white shorts moment, which has happened to me before. More often than I would like to admit. And then I end up finding an excuse to shop, which never ends well for anyone. Especially my bank account.
When we started to plan our trip, we were on the same page about it: We wanted to eat our way through that city as well as try and enjoy some of the local culture and sites. We plan to hit up the holes in the wall, do some sight-seeing, and enjoy a couple of fancy schmancy dinners out, so planning what to wear and where is key. I wouldn’t want to wear the same outfit on the swamp tour as I would to a nice brunch spot. However, it is important to have pieces that can do double duty, should you throw on a nice cardigan and maybe some earrings.
Since we will only be there for about 4 days including travel days, I need to pack smart! So far I’ve got 2 dresses for brunch/dinner, three t-shirts, and two pairs of nice shorts (gives us flexibility as to where we would like to dine, but I can also enjoy a swamp tour!) and a pair of white cropped jeans. For footwear, I have packed silver sandals and sneakers, since it looks like rain on Friday when we arrive and also, whose feet don’t get cold on the plane? It’s also important to bring a neutral purse or bag that is large enough (but not too large!) to hold anything you might want for later in the day, like a cardigan or flat sandals, just in case you can’t get back to your hotel in time for any quick changes. And last but not least, a pair of simple (but maybe not too simple?) earrings to dress up an outfit.
Here is how I broke it down:
Friday (travel and sightseeing): I will be wearing cropped jeans and a t-shirt on the flight, since I always get cold. Upon arrival, I will change into (1) pair of the shorts I have packed. It will be 80 degrees after all! Sneakers as footwear since it will be raining.
Saturday (swamp tour and dinner at Lilette): We’ve got a twofer day here as I like to call it, which means two outfits needed for one day. Shorts for swamp tour and lunch with a black tank. Sneaks on feet, most probably. Change for dinner into one of the dresses and silver sandals. Bust out the cardigan.
Sunday (Jazz brunch at Arnaud’s and sight seeing): For this, I have packed another summery dress, and will wear the silver sandals. I will bring the cardi for brunch, which I can stuff into my bag for sightseeing.
Monday (sightseeting and travel): Break out the capris again, as well as another t-shirt. Sandals for sightseeing. I can change before the flight into sneakers (and after security! Sneaks are a pain through security!).
Hmm, now that I look at this, I fear we didn’t book enough time in Nola to eat as much as we want. Time to start strategizing each meal. That is so much more important than packing!
I reunited with my Kindle and it feels so good! I’ve been on a lucky streak when it comes to books lately. I am even luckier that I can find time to read. It is one of my top hobbies, which is shocking to people who know how much I also love to watch bad television. I’ve read all the below books over just the past two weeks, so that should tell you they are goooood reads. Here is a little peak for you if you are interested in some good books. I won’t bore you with a synopsis for each- that’s what Amazon is for.
Also, you might notice that a couple of these are being made, or have been made into films. I have a couple of “reading rules” for myself. One, if a book has been made into a movie, I must read the book first. Even if it is a Nicholas Sparks novel. Two, I always finish books. Sometimes, I want to slap myself for that- time wasted when I could have been reading something I really enjoy, but I can’t help it. I always think it might get better.
Don't let the synopsis scare you off. There is a reason it gets great reviews.
So good! I will make Kase read it as well. It's that kind of book you want to talk about with people.
Great writer. Even better wife.
You don't have to be a Hemingway fan or even know much about him to enjoy this book
There ya have it. Please share you own favorites!
I’m getting ready for my trip to Nola, and am planning out my packing list. While I was shopping for some essentials, I came across these, which I ogle every year around this time, but can’t justify the cost:
J.Crew Leather Capri Sandals, $49.50
Reason #8,546 I heart Old Navy:
Old Navy Faux Leather Thong Sandals, $10.50
Happy Monday, y’all! I am feeling a bit tired after a whirlwind weekend, which included a great time celebrating a friend’s bachelorette in NYC and was bookended with trips to the hospital. Everyone is fine, but we are pretty pooped and in need of ….a weekend. Damnit.
Our apartment will be getting some updates this week- new fixtures, new blinds, and a new dining room pendant. Will keep you posted when that happens. Should be interesting.
In the meantime, I’ve got another project in the works- turning our bedroom closet back into a closet! This requires us to move the desk out of the closet where it is currently residing. We plan to dissemble it, using the file cabinets elsewhere and storing the top of the desk somewhere else in the meantime. And lo and behold, I found this photo which is kind of perfect:
The plan is to move our current bedside tables (Malm dressers, from Ikea) to the closet underneath the clothes rack. This should replicate, albeit crudely, our old walk in closet back in Virginia. We can then move the file cabinets to the sides of the bed and utilize them as bedside tables. I like the simplicity of the photo above, so I think I will be doing some other updates in the room as well, possibly switching out the bird prints above our bed with some black and white photos (that’s the great thing about making your own art) and switching up the duvet with a white one. This room above looks so cozy and clean. Love it. I feel I need a little order in my life right now, hopefully this will do the trick!
Looking for a spring update for your home? I am liking the vintage look of these tattersall patterned rugs:
Dash and Albert Tattersall Rug - Green 6x8 $208
Wanna pay less?
Ikea Gronska Ruta Rug- 6.7x6.7 $79.99
May. I love the month of May. May is a Super-Month around these parts. Why, you ask? Because one beautiful weekend this year celebrates yours truly. Yup, double header- Birthday/Mother’s Day. One day following the other. Could it get any better??
With the double header coming up, I am hopeful that I will score at least one of these suckers. And don’t flame me, Kase likes it when I give him ideas. Actually, he would prefer I just buy my own gifts, but I appreciate a certain element of surprise.
Z Gallerie Devon Mirror
Yes, it’s the ubiquitous Z Gallerie mirror that we all covet. And some of you lucky ducks actually own. This is an item on my wish list because Kase, who is clearly in need of some new specs, thinks it is “ugly”. The horror! But I actually love it, and I have seen it on quite a few of the other blogs, and I must tell you, I am in love. I hope Santa puts this underneath my birthday tree. What, you don’t have a birthday tree for your birthday? Where do people put all of your gifts?
Eva's Kitchen
I’ll be honest: I am not a huge fan of Ms. Longoria. But I saw her pimp her new cookbook and she was actually quite likable. I wish I could be a domestic diva in the kitchen, but until then, I’l continue to collect cookbooks. This is one I would like.
A Matter of Style
Pretty pictures of pretty ladies! I perused through this yesterday at the B&N, and let me tell you, it’s just a gorgeous little book. I love it. And there are some great quotes in there from the inspirational women they chose to feature. Just a nice lookin’ book. They don’t all have to be “War and Peace”.
Milk and Cookies Shop on Etsy
I found this etsy shop through another blog, though I can’t remember which. She custom makes pillow covers, which is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to update a room. She features designer print fabrics, and all the prints are great. I love the chevron and trellis patterns. And for about $20 a pop, you can give a room (say, a living room?) a whole new look for spring. (That’s the SADs talking. I can’t help it)
Timex Vintage Field Watch
Mama could use a new watch. One that she could get wet. So often now, I am left searching for my phone in the diaper bag, simply to find out what time it is. I have a couple of watches- both metal (silver, gold), but it would be nice to have a watch to wear everyday, and should I fall into a duck pond, won’t break.
So what about you? Got anything on your spring wish list?
