Monday, July 30, 2012

Luscious Finds at Home Goods

Although the photos aren't of the best quality (iPhone pictures), I found a lot of great stuff during my recent trip to Home Goods. See below for my favorite finds:

Love this gray/lime combo and the "X" legs

Love this oversized round ottoman
I was pleasantly surprised to find it holds shoes. Would've loved to buy this, but it was pricey at $150
$150
Console table, $150. Long enough to fit behind a couch with baskets underneath. 
Love this bright patterned rug, 30" x 50" $15
Tufted storage ottoman, $70
Of course I am loving this mirrored dresser! $250

This chair looked so comfy! $250
I adored this lamp!!  Only $40
Cool chevron pillow, $20
Gold and glass console table, $130
Home Goods

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Our Entryway

I am loving our new Parsons entryway table (mentioned previously in this post). The table holds a lamp, a few of my favorite coffee table books in a blue/white color theme, a new frame that I haven't yet put in a photo, a turquoise bowl ($3, Home Goods), and flowers from my garden. Underneath the table I put a wide basket (already owned) to hold my bag and our diaper bag.




Thursday, July 19, 2012

Parsons Desk: High vs Low

I love West Elm's Parsons Desk. I wanted something similar to hold mail and keys in our front room. We don't have an official entryway so I need to improvise. My purse and Ellie's diaper bag is driving me crazy just sitting on a side table. I want to conceal them. Along with the zillion shoes my husband leaves lying around our house. Seriously!! My plan was to buy a table for below our staircase and put two baskets underneath, side by side. One for bags and one for shoes. Even better- baskets with lids or small ottomans with storage.

While browsing the Target circular for this week I saw this Parsons desk being advertised:

On sale for only $34! I measured the space and the height is perfect at 30". The width (39") is also perfect since I don't want it too close to our china cabinet. I stopped at our Target last night and bought it.

This desk reminds me of West Elm's Parsons Desk:


This one retails for a hefty $349! The height is the same (30"), but this one is a bit wider at 48". I also like the structure of the Target desk better than West Elm's. So...$349 vs. $34. Which would you rather buy?? Besides using the desk as an entryway table you could also use as a vanity or console table.

I will post pictures once the desk is put together!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Antique Shopping

As mentioned in this post, I went shopping at my favorite antique store, Avalon Antiques, while on vacation. Although I only bought one item (will post once framed), I loved browsing the store. Here are photos of my favorites:


Love these glasses for drinking or to hold make up brushes, pens, etc
Color inspiration: charcoal gray


I loved both the aqua dresser and rocking chair
DIY Project: glue a candlestick to a pretty plate and you have a platter or jewelry holder!
Color Inspiration: Red table, and the cool wallpaper!
Vintage dresses!
Color Inspiration: loved this turquoise dresser with glass knobs

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Second Family Vacation

Last week we were on our second vacation of the summer at the shore (Jersey shore). Every summer my family (parents, sister, brother and sister in law and their two kids) rent a house for the week of 4th of July. It's in the same place every year with the beach across the street and the bay behind us. It's so convenient with the beach just a few steps away, especially with babies in tow.

I was really looking forward to seeing if Ellie enjoyed the sand. There wasn't enough beach in Florida for Ellie to play so this was going to be the big test. I can't say enough how much Ellie loved the beach- the ocean, the sand, everything! It was so fun watching her play. She had no fear of the ocean (I think it's good to have at least a little fear!) so we had to keep a close eye on her. She loved the waves crashing on her. We took plenty of video and pictures.

My husband and I made a great team. We would take turns running each morning, then brought Ellie to the playground before her morning nap. After nap she ate lunch and we went to the beach for a few hours. I would stay at the beach and read while Nick gave Ellie a bath. I would put her down for her afternoon nap. We went out a few nights for dinner and stayed in with our family for the others. It was so nice to spend quality time with my parents and siblings plus Ellie had a ton of fun playing everyday with her cousins! Ellie also went on her first boat ride on the bay with her Aunt Mia, Pop-Pop, Nick and I. I was able to go to my favorite antique store. I bought one item for just $3 and will post a picture when framed.

My most memorable experience from this trip was surfing. It has always been my dream to learn how to surf. For Father's Day this year my sister and I told my Dad that we would take a private surf lesson together during our vacation. Last minute we decided to cancel the private lesson and borrow surfboards from my brother's friend who was at the shore for the summer. So, we were on our own to teach ourselves, but it was a blast! I honestly did not think I could do it. I didn't think I had the arm strength to pull myself up on the board. Let me tell you that since having Ellie I've never been stronger (carrying her in my arms is an arm workout!). Surfing my first wave was exhilarating. It was an experience that is hard to describe in words. I really surprised myself and I was very proud of myself for working at it. At times it was kind of scary when a big wave was coming at me, then turning my back on it hoping it would carry me so I could stand up during the wave. I had to trust myself. I now want to buy my own surf board and make it a new hobby. I can officially say, "I can surf!" Woohoo! :)

Here are a few photos from our vacation:

Ellie LOVING the beach!
Our Family

Ellie dancing to the music at the Mexican restaurant
Not sure if it's possible to get a picture with Ellie without her hand down my shirt!
The beautiful sunset on the bay

Love this one!
At the amusement park!


Our beautiful little girl, 14 months old





Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Love Prints

I am deciding between these two prints by Jen Ramos at Made by Girl:

Metallic Gold on Mint, $35
Small Gold, $17.95

The mint and gold print would go in our downstairs bathroom. The gold print would go in my pink dressing room. I am loving both, but am leaning towards the mint and gold. I'm loving the color combo. I definitely recommend checking out her shop. These prints come in more color options plus she has other goodies!