design inspiration - white bath

Probably my favorite thing about a room is when there's a mix of old and new. Pieces that have been well-loved and with a story to tell that are living side-by-side with new pieces that have been thoughtfully selected.

Kind of like this bathroom with its old, chipped bench and sleek glass-walled shower.

I'm going just a little bit gaga over it...




Just a titch.

I wish I could see the rest of the room!

(Image via here.)

a weekend in newport

[UPDATE: sorry that i'm posting this again, but i'm trying to figure out why there are problems linking the photos. argh! any suggestions?]

A few months ago over dinner at my sister's house, she casually mentioned that she'd love to take the kids for a weekend so Wade and I could get away and celebrate our anniversary. Of course we are thrilled to take her up on it! (I honestly could not leave them in more capable hands.) And I'm so excited that our weekend away is nearly upon us -- next weekend, to be exact!

We're heading to Newport, RI, which I have heard nothing but good things about. I'm already daydreaming about lobster rolls, lazing at the beach and sleeping in.

And now I've got to think about what to pack.

Here are some day and night outfits I put together that I think would be lovely for a weekend away with the hubs...








Are any of you familiar with Newport and do you have some recommendations for things to do? I'd love if you shared!
xo, Kristin

(For day: tank, sunglasses, espadrilles, earrings, shorts, purse)
(For night: dress, necklace, clutch, sandals, perfume)

chicago fave: the doughnut vault

I would like to introduce you to a new favorite place...


(The Doughnut Vault)


I don't know how long this little spot where heaven meets earth has been open, but I've gotta tell you, the doughnuts are so good! And I don't even consider myself a doughnut person. Well, until now at least.

There are only so many delectable doughnuts churned out each day, and so if you get there late you might just be out of luck. It's genius, actually. Tell someone that she might not be able to have something, and of course she's going to want it more! Most mornings you'll see a line of hungry peeps out the door waiting to get their doughnut fix.

Lucky me, The Doughnut Vault just happens to be down the street from my office.

And yes, I am more than willing to get in line...



Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!
xo, Kristin

precious metal

Oh my!


Love.love.love this heart necklace handmade by Rebecca Overmann in her San Francisco studio and available here. Wouldn't it be cool to see her in action on a studio tour? Jewelry making is definitely on my bucket list.

If you have time, check out the rest of Rebecca's latest collection. Her wedding bands are gorgeous!


PS - Builty By Wendy is having a summer sale. Happy shopping!

vacation

A week away from it all...



The kids and I took a trip to my parent's house in Wisconsin last week for a much-needed vacation. A week away in a quiet suburban neighborhood with nothing to do but play outside in the fresh air did wonders for us all. (I don't think my kids have ever slept better - or gotten dirtier!) My biggest concern was to remember to reapply our sunscreen. It was easy, breezy vacation living.

And for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say that I feel rested. Really rested. Since I've become a mom to twins, I've gotten used to feeling at least a little bit tired (if not completely exhausted) much of the time. They wear me out! I guess it's a rite of mommyhood.

So this little break from normal, this little trip away where we didn't have anything to do but enjoy each other's company was everything I could have asked for.

(My daily afternoon naps were pretty nice, too.)

PS - Happy belated Fourth of July! Hope you had a spectacular holiday weekend!

(Image via here).