design inspiration: decorating with blue

To lots of people, blue and white interiors evoke a feeling of being at the seaside. I get that too, but I'm also reminded of winter in the midwest. On those rare sunny days when the sky is blue and there is a blanket of soft white snow on the ground, it's just magic.

Here are a few images of interiors with a little magic all their own...










From top:
Country Living
Living Etc.
Country Living
Canadian House & Home
Living Etc.

what's cooking: last week's menu

2 weeks in. I officially made it two weeks!
Without further ado, here's last week's menu:

Monday - Ginger Salmon with Mashed Edamame and No Pudge! Brownies for dessert
Tuesday - Chicken & Avocado Napoleons with Tomato Feta Salad and Herbed Orzo (brownies for dessert)
Wednesday - Chicken Pot Pie and Arugula Salad
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - Turkey Burger Bites and Glazed Carrots (shamefully, many many handfuls of chocolate chips for dessert)

Hands-down favorite: Chicken & Avocado Napoleons. In a word: Craveable. (I haven't stopped thinking about the yummy sandwiches.)
Least favorite: Pot pie. Too much effort for not a lot of wow.

Here are a few pics:

Top: chicken potpie and arugula salad, bottom: chicken & avocado napoloens, orzo and tomato feta salad

a new beginning

Earlier this week I had to make a very important decision. I had been on an extended maternity leave with my return to work being kind of open ended. It worked out for all of us because I wasn't sure what this new twin-mommy thing would entail, and my office was pretty quiet so they didn't necessarily need me back on after 12 weeks. And that was all going well for a while until one of my co-workers put in her notice to move back home to Texas (I'll miss her so!) and suddenly the office found themselves short-handed. So they called me and a decision that I had been putting off suddenly needed to be made. In 24 hours.

I thought about what I wanted to do all afternoon. Do I return to work? Do I hang up my interior design hat for a while and focus on being a mom? Wade and I discussed the pros and cons of each at length. We crunched the numbers. Will I feel that something's missing if I'm no longer going to work and participating in a "grown-up" world? What will it feel like to say that my profession is 'stay at home mom' when people ask? How hard will it be to get back into the field if I left now but someday wanted to return? How will I handle leaving my babies each day and potentially missing out on their milestones? Can I cope with only spending only an hour or two of waking hours with them each day? In Wade's kind-hearted, supportive way, he made it clear that he'd stand by any decision I made. And it really was a choice that only I could make.

In the end, I decided that right now in my life being a mom to my two darling babies is the most important thing. I know there are going to be days that I'll miss my job so much and I may even sometimes regret the choice to not go back. I know also, though, that I'm going to cherish these early years with Henry & Amelia more than anything. I don't think I would ever look back and regret that.

Both of these images spoke to me. In the first, I get the sense that this woman needed some quiet time to do some thinking. And the second is a reminder that no matter what path I choose, everything will be OK. (From here and here.)

design inspiration: patterned stairs

LOVE these wall-papered stairs.

Colorful, creative and inspired design. (And surely a lot of work to get the pattern lined up so perfectly.)



(via Living Etc.)

recipe: spinach & gruyere tart

Here you go, Meg!

1 9-inch frozen pie shell
1 tsp olive oil
2 cups diced onion
1 cup reduced fat milk
3 large eggs
1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 10-oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out

Bake pie shell according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet. Add onions and saute on medium-high for 10 minutes, until they're caramelized. Remove. Let cool slightly.
Whisk milk, eggs, cheese, garlic powder, worchestershire sauce, salt & pepper. Add onions and spinach.
Pour egg mixture into cooled pie shell and bake 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 2-3 days.

(Recipe adapted from Parents magazine. )

what's cooking: last week's menu

I'm lucky because Wade has always been the one to do the cooking (and he's an excellent cook!), but when he's working late or we're busy trying to get the kids to sleep, dinner somehow gets forgotten, and we end up on the sofa scarfing down a bowl of cereal at 9:30. And that just won't do!

So, in my quest to eat better in '10 I decided it was high time to get in the kitchen and do some cooking! My first week was a success! Here's what I made:

Monday - Spinach & Gruyere Tart with Glazed Carrots and Broiled Pineapple with Ice Cream for dessert
Tuesday - Chicken with Ginger & Mango with Roasted Corn and Lemon Ice-Box Cookies for dessert
Wednesday - leftovers (boring, I know, but we've gotta eat it all)
Thursday - Chickpea Curry with Mashed Potatoes
Friday - Roasted Chicken with Tuscan Bread Salad and Ricotta Cakes with Pistachios for dessert

My favorite was definitely the Chickpea Curry. It was super easy to make, and VERY full of flavor. And as you can see, my healthy eating does not mean I'm not treating myself. I figure that it's more important to add in the good-for-me stuff than to get rid of the sinful stuff.

I wish I took pictures, but I forgot. I'll try to get a couple this week.

And oh yeah, if you want any of the recipes from the dishes above let me know and I'll forward them to you.

i want it now: anthro/january 2010

The January catalog was an especially tough one. After I finally narrowed it down to 5 outfits, I really had a hard time picking out THE favorite. But after probably way too much time (I'll never admit how much), I finally decided on this...

(p. 8 - Pompom Cardigan, Caning Double Belt, Wright Dress)

It's triple love.

a few photos from our holidays

For my Christmas decorating this year I focused on just a few things and actually kept most of my decorations tucked away in their boxes. This year it was all about a "natural" Christmas. We had a live fir in the living room decorated with my favorite ornaments - lots of glittery glass balls and vintage handmade ornaments -, our stockings were hung at the fireplace and fresh flowers and pointsettias bloomed in vases and pots around the house all season. It was refreshing to keep things simple. And the vibrant greenery really brightened things up on gray days.

A view of our sparkly tree from the kitchen. On the lockers, I hung some hand-stamped doilies.

Our tree. Before we put the angel on top and added the white quilted skirt below. I forgot to get pictures of the "after"!

A vignette of fresh greenery - pine boughs, mums and winter berries - with a favorite ironware urn and retro silver candlesticks.

White mums and pine branches. I painted the edges of the pine cones in gold to add a little shimmer.

A new addition to the fireplace this year!

New addition #2!

Our chalkboard door with a merry message.

A simple fruit centerpiece. Stacked tangerines and sparkling beaded apples and pears on cake stands add a festive touch.

A floral centerpiece. Fresh flowers - mums, lilies and carnations - in an assortment of old jam jars and recycled glass jars.

I love the bright pop of red in an otherwise white and green bouquet.

I just love flowers. ;)

That's all for now.

Thanks for letting me share.

better late than never...

Hello, Dear Friends. Happy Holidays. Happy New Year.

Sorry for not dropping by for so long. I was quite busy tree trimming, hall decking and figgy pudding making. All the other minutes were spent tending to my wildebeasts (thanks Karey!), which didn't leave much for blogging.

Now the holidays are behind us, with the only evidence of our merry-making being the specks of glitter and fir needles that keep showing up no matter how hard I try to get rid of them.

I always look forward to ringing in a new year because it's a time to reflect on the past and look forward to what's to come. It's a time to think about how we might like to adjust what we're doing to make life a little better, a time to gather up the courage to try something new and a time to escape into the memories of last year.

I have a little tradition of reading last year's planner before I replace it. It's a journal of activities. It was especially fun to read last year's planner because I was pregnant for most of it, and I can totally remember the excitement of each doctor's visit simply by seeing "Dr. C - 3:00 PM." I recommend you do the same. It's really fun to see how you kept busy for the past 12 months.

Anyway, I've been doing a bit of reflecting and refreshing and for 2010 I've a few things I'd like to try. Call them resolutions if you'd like.

1. Practice patience. For my children. For my husband. For myself.
2. My 2010 mantra - never let what matters most give way to what matters least.
3. Eat fresh, balanced meals to fuel my body with what it needs to stay strong and healthy.
4. Nurture my creative side - reading, writing, crafting.
5. Live in the present. Cherish the moments.
6. Get back into a regular yoga practice. More than anything, yoga builds confidence.
7. Cut myself some slack, for I know that perfect doesn't equal happy.
8. Take more pictures. (And learn how to use my super-cool new camera!)
9. A carry-over from last year: perfect the headstand. I wasn't able to stick with it last year since I was pregnant, and so I have to work on this one again.

So there's my list, up there for the whole world to see. It feels good to share it with you, my lovely readers, because I know that your being here will help me stay on track. And for that, I thank you. I probably don't tell you enough how much an inspiration you are to me. I read all of your blogs and am continually awed by the amazing thoughts, ideas and photos you thrill me with each day. The fact that you take time to come here and read me is really very humbling. Thank you for being here, supporting me, without even knowing me.

Let's welcome in 2010 together. I think it's going to be a great year.
xo, Kristin

photo inspiration: jose picayo

The food shots by photographer Jose Picayo are fantastic! Left me drooling all over my keyboard.

For example...

Click here for more from his fabulous portfolio.

(There are some fabulous interiors shots, too. Yay for us!)

i want it now: box cover

I wasn't aware of just how much I loved linen, until I heard myself saying, "why, yes, I do need a tissue box cover" after spying these...

(Linen tissue covers by Pilo)

Gosh, I really do love linen. It's my most favorite fabric.

I first heard about Pi'Lo from the lovely Suann.

spotlight: noel young art

I am loving the whimsical, original artwork by Noel Young.

Someday when we move to a bigger house and Henry has his own room, I'd very much like to hang this on his wall...


(via Hygge & West)

gift idea: chocolate "olives"

Yummity yum. Here's a cute gift idea...

They look like black and green olives, but they're actually chocolate covered praline dragees from a famous French factory that started making sweet confections in the late 1800's.

A recipe that old? It's gotta be good!

("Olives" from Quel Objet)

spotlight: linda bloomfield ceramics

Some gorgeous, understated porcelain pieces from Linda Bloomfield...

(Mug* & Pouring Jug)

*check out the adorable knitted mug cozy, too!

design inspiration: bathroom edition

Two baths that brought on some serious design envy...

(Country Bath)

(Chalkboard Bath)

The first is a charming space replete with all of the delicious details that I love... time-worn antiques, neutral tones, and lots and lots of light.

And the second. Well, do I need to even say anything? There's a chalkboard door! With a quote by the Dr. S!! So clever. So charming. It's a delight to behold.


Both are from here.

gift idea: cashmere socks

Some stripey cozies for your toe-sies!


Available here.


*UPDATE* I got two pairs of these socks from Dear Hubby for Christmas, and they are even cuter in person. And just as cozy as I suspected...

spotlight: k studio

These customizable Family Series pillows from K. Studio are adorable.

And what a great gift idea, too!




Be sure to check out the rest of the shop for totes, wall art and more!

design inspiration: white fireplace

A lovely image for your Thursday...

(via Home Sweet Style)

I really like the arrangement of white pieces on the mantle. And very much wish I had a mantle so I could copy. ;)

a small miracle

Dinner. A well-rounded dinner. With a meat, a potato and a vegetable.

This, my friends, may seem like nothing, a what's-the-big-deal-? to you. But to me? A new mom to nine (going on ten!) week-old twins? Well, this is a miracle. A delicious, nutritious miracle.

I can't believe I actually had the time to make and eat dinner last night. With my husband eating at the same time. At an almost leisurely pace. And we almost finished our whole plates, too, before we were interrupted by Little Man. He wanted to eat too.

It's the little things, you know? ;)



In case you're wondering what's on the plate, we had turkey meatloaf (recipe from the Joy of Cooking, balsamic potatoes (recipe from Everyday Food) and green beans.

book club: weekend retreats

We went out for a walk this morning, and as we were walking up Southport, I couldn't resist the pull of Anthropologie. So we stopped in just for a bit.

I took a minute to page through this book, and now I definitely want to get it. From what I can tell, it's full of lovely photos that are the perfect inspiration for creating cozy rooms.

(Weekend Retreats by Susanna Salk; available at Amazon)

*UPDATE* I picked up this book in the sales shelves at Anthropologie (it was half off!) and have loved slowly paging through and dreaming of walking through the lovely interiors. You should most definitely check it out for yourself.

design inspiration: child's bedroom

As a little girl, I always wanted a daybed. I begged my parents, but despite my persistence, they were not convinced that a new bed was better than the bed I already had. That matched the rest of my furniture. That I later sawed the headboard off of in an a-ha moment of design inspiration. (I'll explain that another day.)

Well, it's now many many years later, and here I am thinking about that bed that never was.

Because I spied this...

(via Dwellings and Decor)

That blue! Those pillows!

I would love nothing more than to give my little girl a daybed just like this.

Oh yes, this WILL be going into my favorites file.

spotlight: bella cucina

I like to give food gifts for the holidays. I think, because most of us never buy them for ourselves (so impractical!), but we all really enjoy nibbling on fancy treats. Plus, who am I kidding? I love food and therefore have a tendency to think that everyone on my gift list is the same.

Well, I drooled all over this site. It's full of tasty treats...

(Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce, Farmhouse Olives, Savory Salt, Cranberry Applesauce, Tuscan Olive Oil from Bella Cucina)

i want it now: my cardigan obsession continues

Will I ever tire of this wardrobe staple?
Not likely.

I {double*heart} cardis...

(Circuitious Cardi)

And now I'm majorly obsessed with this lovely number in my fave cold-weather hue (yay! soft gray!) with swirly felt appliques.

From where else? My favorite place on earth. My shopping mecca.

i want it now: anthropologie edition

There's a little game I like to play when I flip through each coveted Anthropologie catalog that hits my mailbox. I slowly look through it page by page and then at the end decide on one (yes, just one!) outfit that I'd want to wear exactly as I see it. Usually, this little game involves lots of dog-earing, flipping back and forth through the catalog and finally narrowing it down to just one.

This is hands-down my favorite from the November '09 edition...

(Full Bouquet Clip, Wassailing Jacket, Sky-and-Snow Blouse, ETT TWA Stephanie Boyfriend jean, Golden Discs Oxfords)

It's casual and romantic all rolled into one, and I love it. Head. to. toe.

spotlight: loley's & co

Another fabulous Etsy find...

(Vintage Necklace from Loley's & Co.)

I was really drawn to this lovely strand of gray, yellow and black vintage beads and baubles. And who can resist that darling owl?

deep thoughts - on a tuesday

To say that I have a lot of time to think these days would be an understatement. I'm awake more hours now than I think I ever have been, and there's nothing like a middle of the night feeding session in a dark, quiet nursery to get your mind a-wandering.

Anyhoo, my latest from last night's wee hours is that there should really be trick-or-treating for grown ups. Think about it... all of us "big kids" can go out house to house and get little glasses of wine and tasty hors de'ouvres as we go. No costumes necessary.

How do we get this ball rolling?

design inspiration: french bedroom

So dreamy...

I am loving this charming French bedroom inspiration found at Marie Claire Maison.

I've always wanted a lovely old armoire for our bedroom, and was reminded again just how much when I spied this photo. Think of all the stuff you could stash in there. It's huge!

The muted tones, shuttered windows and exposed beam ceiling make this rustic bedroom truly remarkable (and unforgettable).

i want it now: pampering

To say I could use a little pampering would be an understatement. So it's no wonder that these bath products from Terrain look so delightful. Borderline sinful.

(Lavender Milk * Bath Soak * Lavender Sachets * Mud Masque and Brush)

I'm going to go daydream about a quiet bath now...

spotlight: heart of light's etsy shop

Oh my gosh. I adore everything in this shop.

Especially these...

(Eat Napkins)

(Navy Rosebud Belt)

(Forest Green Rosebud Corsage)

Heart of Light will definitely be one of go-to shops this gift-giving season.

(Is it really almost that time of year already?)

a message for mom

Today is a special day.
It's my mom's birthday!

Henry and Amelia have a little message for her...

Happy Birthday, Mom.
We love you with all our hearts. ;)

i want it now: ladybug pillow

I want to get a second pillow for our nursery rocker, and I think this is the one!
Isn't it great?

(Ladybug Pillow from Linea Carta, $28)

It's going to look wonderful with our Je t'aime pillow from Reverie Daydream -- that I love love love!

insta-poll: which sneakers?

I think flip-flop season is just about officially over, and I want to get a new pair of sneaks to kick around in for the fall. I've narrowed my search down to two pairs:

(Tretorn Canvas Sneakers, $68, at J.Crew)

(Jack Purcell Distressed Sneakers, $$65, at J.Crew)

Which do you think I should get?

they're HERE!

Our little ones have arrived, and I'm proud as can be to introduce them to you.

Big brother, Henry Wallace, was born on September 11 at 9:22 AM, and his little sister, Amelia Jane, came just four minutes later at 9:26. Both are healthy and doing just great.

Words can't express how amazing it is to have these precious little beings home with us, and I can feel my love for them growing deeper each day.

Here are a couple pictures from our first week at home. Enjoy!

just a little update

Hi All!

Sorry I haven't written anything these past few days. I started my maternity leave on Monday (nope, no babies yet), and well, to be honest, I just haven't really felt like sitting down to my computer. And I can't think of anything to write about, to boot! So I figure it's better to just go a few days and collect some ideas than to put pointless posts up just for the sake of posting.

So, anyhoo... I'll be back!

Hope all is well and that you're enjoying the start of September!
xo, Kristin