design inspiration: feminine blue room

This makes me rethink my stance on all white entirely...



I wish wish wish to someday have an old house with glass knobs just like these.

(Image from Lonny Mag)


PS - Wade got me this for our anniversary. I am sneaking away every chance I get to ogle all the pretty pictures and file away the handy design tips. I recommend it to anyone who likes to decorate and who misses Domino Mag!

i want it now: card set

Loving this set of animal cards by Austin Press of San Francisco.
I think they'd look really great framed and hanging in a nursery.




(Animal Kingdom Cards available at Reverie Daydream Boutique)

happy friday + momtastic

Hooray for Friday!

Guess what, Friends? I'm over at Momtastic today sharing a bit of the behind-the-scenes that went into planning Henry & Amelia's nursery. Momtastic is a really cool site with all sorts of stuff to keep you busy. If you have the time, take a peek!


This photo above is Henry's side of the room. It's a good thing I took this picture before he got teeth because now it's flecked with little bite marks all around the edge, and I'm not photo savvy enough to know how to cover that up.


Anyhoo... big plans for the weekend? Tonight our very good friends are coming over for dinner and drinks and lots and lots of catch up. And tomorrow Grandma's coming by to watch the kiddos so we can get all dolled up for dinner. It's a little date night so we can celebrate our four years.

Be well and see you next week!
xo, Kristin

10 things: getting to know mackin ink

Yippee! It's another edition of 10 Things, and today we are super lucky to have Karey from Mackin Ink with us. Karey's sparkly personality shines through in her writing as she shares stories about her life as a mom to "girlies three." Her blog was one of the first that I started reading and quickly became a favorite. With writing that is full of heart and honesty, you never know if you'll be brought to tears or laugh out loud. Over the years I feel like I've become quite cozy over at Mackin Ink. And though I've never met her, I am certain Karey is just as genuine and funny and loving in person as she is in her words.

So, without further ado...


The last thing I do before bed: I seriously walk through my house and make sure all the rooms look completely clean, flicking off every single beaded lamp. {I'm a little obsessed with romantic lighting that looks like jewelry.} I love waking up to a fresh home. It makes me feel like I've a head start on winning the next day.

Favorite thing about my house: That we'll probably sell it in a year or so? I kid. It's just that, since we moved back into it after our seven-year overseas adventure, it feels like exactly that: a backwards move. And i'm a forward kind of a girl, you know? Our view is pretty stellar, though.

My signature dish: Guests gush over my fat and chunky capreses and, more embarrassingly, a marshmallow and cream cheese blend served with tart green apples. What can I tell you? I'm genius with two ingredients or less.




The best place to be in the fall: In my limited experience, Fall feels best when sweating on a beach in Oman or Jordan, daydreaming of living in a colder climate that actually experiences seasonal changes beyond hot and hotter. Since we've moved back to the Washington D.C. area, I've realized those daydreams of mine were dumb. And while I'm looking forward to day one of "Ooh! Look at that pretty orange-ish red tree!" I'm so dreading the cold and colder that's surely headed my way. I've already bought these boots.

Book I can read again and again: The Secret History by Donna Tartt and anything by Salinger or David Sedaris or Maira Kalman. My attention span lends itself to short stories, I guess.

When I need to unwind: Nothing beats a good sweaty run, followed by a chilled Strongbow in a solid tumbler like these bad boys.

Celebrity crush: Kate Lanphear. From her hair to her don't-mess-with-me style to her editing prowess, she's just brilliant in my book.

Words I live by: More love is always better.

Don't knock a diet consisting entirely of espresso and Sour Patch Kids until you try it.

If I had one do-over: This might be too heavy, but there was one moment when I could've told my dad exactly how much I'd miss him if he died, plus all the plans I had for my life that he'd never get to see. He was right next to me. We were watching a show on telly about Muhammed Ali. I remember biting my cheeks, tears rolling down my face, and all I wanted to do is beg him to stay. As it was, I just scooted closer to him and held his hand. I'd be braver today. I would.

I could spend the whole day: Trolling 'round the internet. It's genius, don't you think? Instant inspiration, no matter what you need.

I feel my prettiest when: I've just stepped out of the shower, especially if I'm headed to bed straight-away. Shiny, flushed, clean, smelling like a blend of Tom Ford and Bliss Body Butter and CHI Silk Infusion. Also, I feel prettiest when I wear all black. Colors make me feel...off. Not myself. I'm trying my darndest to incorporate more charcoal and indigo, but it's slow-going, for sure.

It's worth the splurge: Antica Farmacista scents for your home. Forget Febreze. Please.


Karey - thank you so very much for sharing with us. You are an amazing woman, a gifted writer and so obviously meant to be a mother. I feel quite blessed to have "met" you and hope you continue to delight with your dailies. And one more thing... Your dad? He knows.



(Image: Caprese Salad by Alicia Forest on flickr)

a special day for me

happy anniversary, Love.
Together four years. And a whole lifetime ahead.




(Print by Erin Jane Shop on Etsy)

design inspiration: library workspace

This certainly beats a laptop on the dining table (aka, my workspace)...


(from the album Work Spaces at Lonny)

i want it now: coffee table book

Hi Dolls! I meant all day yesterday to get a little something written, but the hours slipped by with nary a word. Hope you had a lovely Monday, at any rate.

When I was out and about last week, a book tucked up high on a shelf at Anthropologie caught my eye. I scribbled down the title to remember it later and have been thinking about it ever since.

I'd love very much to spend a lazy afternoon curled up on the sofa with this...

happy friday!

Hi Darlings!



(Not Bothering by Letter Happy)


So what's on the docket for your weekend? I'm heading out this afternoon for some bachelorette party fun (yay kari!) that starts with a Cubs game and goes from there. Tomorrow is going to include a trip to the farmer's market (it's been ages since we've been!) and maybe grabbing a bite for lunch. Sunday is more of the same. We've had several busy weekends in a row, and so I'm really looking forward to having nothing to do. Just a lot of family time. Sounds perfect!

Enjoy yours just the same and see you next week!
xo, Kristin

guest post at curls & coffee

Just a quick one to let you know that I'm doing a guest post over at Curls & Coffee today.

Take a peek if you've the time!

design inspiration: pure + simple

Here's a room photographed by Ditte Isager that is oh so swoon-worthy.

Soaring ceilings + beautiful architecture.
Whitewashed floors + bright white walls.
Fanciful mirrors + cool furnishings.
All together breathtaking.



(Pure from the portfolio of Ditte Isager)



Speaking of swoon-worthy, anybody else watch this? I'm not sure who has a bigger crush on Neal... me or wade!

giveaway at city of dionne

I just had to share with you a giveaway that Dionne is having through the end of this week. Dresses! Dresses galore! From an adorable shop, The Shabby Apple. Go on and check it out. Who knows? You might be the lucky winner!

But I'm keeping fingers crossed that it's me. ;)



(My favorite? The Champs Elysees.)


Sorry I didn't tell you about this yesterday. I was too busy enjoying every second of my visit with Aimee and her gorgeous little bean, Anya.

i want it now: monogrammed napkins

Hi Dears! Did you have a nice weekend? Mine was quite wonderful... except that Wade was away on a golf outing, and so we didn't get to spend much time together, except for a few hours last night. But I suppose, absence does make the heart grow fonder.



I found these gorgeous napkins yesterday and had to share. Like a moth to a flame, I am helpless when it comes to monograms...




(Modern Monogram cocktail napkins available at Sferra.)

happy friday!

Hi Lovelies!

Any big weekend plans for you? Tonight I'm off to see "Eat Pray Love" with my good friend, Gen (yippee!) and tomorrow night, my dearie, Megan, is coming by for dinner and a movie and to start talking ideas for Henry & Amelia's first birthday party. (Their first birthday already? Oh my.) I do hope your weekend is full of fun and happiness.

Catch you on the flip-side!
xo, Kristin

(Image: fine art print Andrea Hornbuckle on Etsy.)

photo inspiration: barn wedding

Seriously loving this...



(Barn Wedding by HouseObsession, on Flickr)



PS - here's my new favorite song. I just keep listening to it over and over and over.

my summer reading list

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin.

I LOVED this historical fiction that tells the story of the little girl that the book "Alice in Wonderland" was based on. It's a bit of a love story, a bit of a mystery. And a little bit sad. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, and I was really taken with this story - I think because I never knew there was a "real" Alice. It was so good that I started doing some internet "research" to read more about her. I didn't want the book to end!




The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Oh, this book was SO good. The story is about Edgar, a young boy who was born mute, and who lives on a small farm with his parents and his dogs. Everything's hunky-dory until Uncle Claude returns home, and that's when Edgar's world turns upside down. There's a reason why Oprah picked this for her bookclub. I laughed, I cried, and I was constantly awed by the author's knack for words and the images he provokes. If you're a dog lover, you are especially going to like this. I can't even count how many times I put the book down to hug Lulu.




Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan

This is a super-quick read. As in, you can finish it in a day. It's a great little book about how to eat, what to eat, when to eat, and how much. I really liked it and have recommended it to a lot of friends. (and now you, too!)



World Without End by Ken Follett

Love. War. The Plague. Ken Follett's done it again with this historical fiction. It's huge - 1000+ pages! - but goes by surprisingly quickly once you get into the story. I actually liked this better than "Pillars of the Earth", his first novel. Bottom line - it's an epic love story with a whole lotta obstacles thrown at the love-birds. And I really liked it.





The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett

This was a favorite when I was a kid, and I couldn't pass it up when I saw it at the library. A great story about friendship and appreciating nature and believing in yourself. I can't wait to read this with Amelia some day.



The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog! by Mo Willems

Mo Willems is awesome. His books are awesome. I love that kooky pigeon.




Have you read any of these?
I'd love to hear what you think.

Now I'm looking for something new. Have any to recommend?

Happy Reading!
xo, Kristin

summer fun

So, how have I been spending my lazy days of summer? Just doing a little of this...

gobbling up ridiculous amounts of watermelon * smiling at my flip-flop tan lines * chasing after two little ones who have learned to crawl - and fast! * eating gooey marshmallow s'mores * finally getting a library card and checking out some new reads * wishing I could dance even just a little bit like my favorites on “So You Think You Can Dance” * looking out for beautiful pieces of vintage milk glass *




growing my first tomato plant * cuddling with my pup * celebrating a birthday with a volcano cake * enjoying family walks with stops along the way for chai lattes and blueberry scones * loving the days that have been humidity free * treating my tootsies to pedicures * reading a few chapters before bed each night * roadtripping to northern Wisconsin for a week of family fun * (and lamenting the speeding ticket that I still have to pay) *




baking my very first carrot cake with cream cheese frosting * running at daybreak * wishing my friends luck as they pack up and move to the suburbs * using the grill more than the oven * bending into lots of down-dogs * enjoying the bounty of fresh summer fruits * drinking a fair share of chilled white wine * brunching with my best girl friends * watching in awe as my children learn and do new things each day * playing like a kid again *




And finally, thanking heaven for this wonderful life that is mine. all mine.



(All of the images in this post are from the uber-talented Jane Heller and are available for sale here. 1, 2, 3)

hello dears

Hi, Dear Readers. I'm sorry I was away so long. And for disappearing without so much as a note saying I'd be taking a bit of time off. Please do forgive me. I can only say that I've been takin'-it-easy. Living my own version of the "lazy days of summer." (As much as that's possible with twins!)

It was nice to take a break from blogging, though. I felt like things were getting a little stale around here. I needed a recharge. And I think I got it. Feeling newly inspired, I'm ready to jump back in and share some of my little joys with you.

Thanks for hanging with me.
xo, Kristin



Here's a lovely still life from the portfolio of Lisa Hubbard.
Isn't it charming?



(still life by Lisa Hubbard)

PS - if any of you happen to see a tablecloth like this, please let me know. I am smitten with it!

spotlight: 1 canoe 2

Here's a great letterpress gift for the cook/baker in your life...





(Set of recipe cards & dividers by 1 canoe 2)

design inspiration: flea market bath

Just one word.
Perfection...


(Image via Vintage Rose Garden)

10 things: getting to know inspiring interiors

If you've got a few, head over to Inspiring Interiors. I pinky-swear... you will not be disappointed. Kifus scouts the web and shares her delightful finds with us. Amazing house tours and gorgeous interiors shots, the design ideas abound. And she really covers every style... from a modern urban loft to a country-chic cabin to a grand old-world villa, it's a design showcase all wrapped up in one neat little blog.

My only warning... be sure to give yourself plenty of time to peruse. Because if you're like me, you'll intend to sit down a do a quick scan, only to find yourself 45 minutes later still swooning.

Now, on to Kifus' 10 Things...

The last thing I do before bed: Watch cartoons with my hubby.

Favorite thing about my house: The house itself, it's really old and gorgeous. And I have to add the windmill in our garden.

The best place to be in the spring: Paris, with hubby and daughter.



My signature dish: Lemon cheesecake. They like it so much at home that I make it twice a week.

When I need to unwind: I get into bed with a hot water bottle (my feet are always cold!) and read a book.

Celebrity crush: Johnny Precious Depp.

On Sunday mornings you'll find me: Blogging!

I could spend the whole day: Surfing the net and playing computer games (shh, don't tell my kids!)

I feel my prettiest when: I don't know why but it is when I'm driving!

It's worth the splurge: Fresh flowers. Not so much of a splurge but I make a point of buying them almost every week. Nothing makes your rooms look more appealing and welcoming than flowers.



(Photos from here and here.)


Kifus -- keep up the amazing work! You continue to razzle and dazzle with the great house tours and photos you post. And thanks to Inspiring Interiors, I've a file full of ideas for my next house! Also, do you think you might want to share that cheesecake recipe with us? I can't stop thinking about it... That, and Johnny Depp. ;)

design inspiration: the family table

The calm before the storm...

The chairs have been polished. The table is ready to be set. The room is still.

Family and friends are on their way, bringing with them stories and laughter and compliments to the cook. Dishes will be passed, each bite savored. Anyone for seconds? Growling tummies are long forgotten. With glad smiles on their faces and maybe a few top buttons undone, all sit contentedly around the table.


But for now, all is quiet.

(Image via Tiny White Daisies, originally spied by Margot Austin)

spotlight: madewell

Seriously loving the summer collection over at Madewell.

A few pieces on my wish list...










(From top: Wanderlust Roppongi Dress, Ahoy Striped Sweatshirt and Rail Straight Cutoffs, Ropey Soles Simple Espadrilles, Romantic Ruffle Dress)


I sure would love to see all of this in my closet!


(I never heard of Madewell, until I read about it on Cup of Jo. Thanks, Joanna!)

tgif + etsy spotlight: is photography

Looking forward to some fun and sun this weekend.
I just hope it's not too hot. ;)

(Umbrella by Irene Suchocki, IS Photography.)

Happy Weekend, My Lovelies!
... and Happy Fourth of July!
xo, Kristin

royal apothic rollerball

"inspired by the scent of a California orange grove in bloom."

I just can't stop smelling my new perfume...

(Royal Apothic Rollerball Perfume in Orange Blossom, $16 at Anthropologie)

i love it. love it. love it.

design inspiration: style swoon

Let's take a little stroll...

Through a bright white mudroom




a huge kitchen




a delightful kid's room




a chic country bath




and a cozy nook



Want to swoon a little more? Take a peek here. I adore every thing.


(All images from KML Design. Via Mary)

spotlight: up up creative

I'm back!!

I had a lovely week with my parents... full of lots of laughs, lots of hugs and lots of relaxation. If I wasn't missing my hubby and my pup so badly, I might have extended my stay! But it is good to be back and to share some new things with you...



Like this inspired idea!
A deck of feelgood cards is sure to come in handy every now and then...

(Feelgood Cards by Up Up Creative)

If you're feeling a bit down in the dumps, simply grab a card for some quick & easy mood-boosting advice. There are 38 tips to choose from! That frown will be gone before you know it.


Also, be sure to check out the Feelgood Lists. The inspiring backstory has got me composing my own list of bad mood busters.

a little vacation

Hi Dears!

Just popping in to let you know that I'll be taking the week off. I'm heading up to Wisconsin tomorrow (with the Twinkies in tow) for some much-needed quality time with my parents. I've been looking forward to this trip for a long time and am so happy it's finally here!

Be well, and I'll see you next week!
xo, Kristin

tgif + etsy spotlight: smac shop

This gives me goose-pimples.
In a good way.


(Salt Air Kitchen by sMac Shop.)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

i want it now: toms shoes

You know what they say about all that glitters.

Seriously swooning over these shoes...


I loved my first pair of Toms, too. Adorable green and blue plaid. Right up until my furry rascal, who goes by Lulu, thought it was a good idea to turn them into chew toys.

May they rest in peace.

They're 'shoes,' Lulu... not 'chews.'

me? i'm honored...

Lovely Minnie was kind enough to pick me for a Beautiful Blogger Award, and well, I'm just tickled that she thought of me. How sweet! I do hope she knows that the feeling is quite mutual.

So, I guess I should share seven things with you. Some random bits...

1. My husband and I took our honeymoon in Italy. It was an amazing trip with stops in Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre and Florence. We ate our hearts out and saw so much beautiful architecture. But probably my most memorable thing from the trip happened on the last Sunday that we were there. I got up a little early, laced up my sneakers and headed out for a jog through the hills just outside of Florence. It was a gorgeous morning, and I was just trucking along taking in the sights, when a single church bell started ringing. And then another. And then another. More and more bells chimed in until it seemed as if the whole city was ringing. It was magical. Brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my skin. I'll never forget it...

2. My favorite movie theater treat is a combination of milk duds and popcorn. It's the perfect duo of sweet and salty. Although, I'm sure my dentist would cringe if she just read that...

3. I definitely live by the credo that things happen for a reason, and so I try very hard to have no regrets. If things didn't fall exactly into place the way they have all these years, then I may not be where I am today. (And where I am is very happy.) BUT if I did have one do-over, it would be to have studied abroad while I was in college. I could kick myself for not doing it! I was so worried about missing out on all the college parties and friends, but instead I missed out on an amazing opportunity to get some culture, make new friends, and see a whole new side of the world. I wish my younger self knew how lucky she was to have the chance to do that...

4. If money weren't an issue, I'd love to move out to the country, restore a big old farm-house, grow a huge vegetable garden and raise chickens and goats and maybe a potbelly pig. (And my kitchen would have a soft-serve ice cream machine!) Lots of fresh air, wide open space and yummy dinners using our homegrown veggies sounds quite lovely to me. So does as much soft-serve as I can eat...

5. I love cereal. It's what I have for breakfast about 95% of the time. But I rarely ever pour just one kind of cereal. Nope, my bowls are all about mixers... I'm always mixing at least two, sometimes three (heck, yesterday I had four!) different kinds together. And as long as I'm telling you, I also pour in a ton of milk, let the bowl sit for a minute or two so the cereal gets a little soggy, and then I first drink all the milk and then eat the rest. I know it's so weird...

6. I have a major girl crush on Kelly Ripa. She just seems so lovely inside and out. She's got a wonderful sense of humor, her style is impeccable, her body is rock hard -- that girl works out! -- and she just seems really down to earth. I'd love to meet her someday. And then we can become besties...

7. My idea of a perfect Saturday morning is to wake with the sun and go for a long run through the still quiet city streets. I'll return home to my bright and cheery family who are all dressed and ready to go to breakfast. At breakfast, Wade will suggest doing splitzies (he never wants to share and usually refuses my requests), and we'll both get a taste of something sweet and something savory. On our way home, we'll breeze through the farmer's market for a lovely bouquet and some ripe fruits and veggies. I'm looking forward to the weekend already...

(This is what I like to imagine the view would be on my farm. Image from Julias Vita Drommar. Found it via darling Mary.)

Thanks so much again, Minnie. Mama Without Borders is most definitely one of my favorites!

what's cooking: menus!

Here's what we ate the last couple weeks:

Monday - leftovers both weeks!
Last Tuesday - Linguini with Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
Week before - Penne with Pesto Alla Trapanese (apparently I have a thing for pesto on Tuesdays!)
Last Wednesday - Grilled Chicken with Peppers over Rice Noodles
Week before - Roasted Tomato Tabbouleh
Last Thursday - Black Bean Tacos
Week before - Balsamic Portobello Burgers with Garlicky White Beans
Last Friday - Hot Dog Roll-ups (I know I'm not 10 years old, but they were samples at Trader Joe's -- kosher beef dogs wrapped in pizza dough baked until golden brown and with yellow mustard to dip -- and they were so good, I had to have more!)
Week before - Gnocchi with Sausage & Spinach

Favorite? Definitely loved all the pestos, and the Tabbouleh is a fabulous summer dinner, but the Hot Dog Roll-Ups were just that good.
Least? Not a fan of the Gnocchi. It was a little bland. I thought it was missing something... tomatoes maybe? And it was a little heavy on the onions.

Some pictures (not mine!)...



(Roasted Tomato Tabboueleh and Portobello Burgers via Martha Stewart)

tgif + etsy spotlight: sadie olive

Because I {heart} baking.


(Rolling Pins) by Sadie Olive.)


And I think this would look quite lovely hanging in my kitchen.

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

design inspiration: outdoor living

With a few good friends and some tasty nibbles, I could sit out here all day...

(Image via Lonny, Outdoor Spaces photo gallery)


Anyone up for an afternoon cocktail?

tgif + etsy spotlight: kitty rogers

Because lilacs are so darn pretty.


(Everywhere, For a Moment by Kitty Rogers)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

10 things: getting to know 'life in the fun lane'

Holly is quite possibly one of the most motivated people I know. If she's not out treasure-hunting for art and antiques in lovely Vancouver, she's busy refurbishing furniture for her shop, helping Clients decorate their houses or renovating her own. And all the while, she's chasing after her adorable toddler, Wren.

A DIY-er through and through, Holly has loads of talent and quite an eye for finding diamonds in the rough. Every time I pop over to Life in the Fun Lane, I walk away with a pocket-full of decorating ideas. Full of Before-and-After shots (one of my favorite features!), it's a super inspiring blog.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Holly LOVES white. A kindred spirit! (But she has enough guts to actually decorate her house in an all white palette. With a baby. And two dogs. She's superwoman!)

I'm thrilled Holly is sharing 10 Things with us today...

The last thing I do before bed: Read. I cannot sleep unless I read for at least 20 minutes. My favorites are old mysteries I pick up on my treasure hunts.

Favorite thing about my house: The light. As soon as we walked in the front door I knew this was house when I saw light streaming in through a skylight down all the stairs.

My signature dish: Fried Rice. I really don't cook, so when I master something it is my go-to dish. This is one because it is easy to make using leftover chicken (like those rotisserie chickens from the grocery store). It is a rare day I make more than one dish with a meal, so I know I need to work on that...

The best place to be in the spring: In our backyard. I love the greenery and birds. We have birds singing all day long, and it is really private back there so I feel really relaxed.

Book I can read again and again: Ooh tough one! I have quite a few. I have read Mansfield Park (Jane Austin) a ton of times, and if I want to snuggle in bed for an afternoon I always curl up with The Lord of the Rings. I just love the characters, and feel like we're old friends by now.




If I had one do-over: I would have started our reno with the kitchen!! It costs the most and now we keep putting it off to finish other things...

When I need to unwind: I fill up the jacuzzi tub and grab my favorite book.

Celebrity crush: Rhett Butler. What a gent!

Words I live by: Do what you love! Life is too short to waste what you like just living for 2 days a week.

On Sunday mornings, you'll find me: Playing with Wren, going to the park.

Don't knock _____, until you try it: White! People tend to be scared of it for some reason, even when they love it.

Day I'd love to live again: Our wedding day. It was just so fun and romantic, and I loved my dress.





I could spend the whole day: Painting! There are days I forget to even eat I love it out in my garage so much!




I feel my prettiest when: I am wearing my favorite jeans and a great tee shirt.

It's worth the splurge: Good paint! You will spend more time, energy and money trying to get good coverage with the cheap stuff.

(all photos are Holly's ... so, you can see she's great behind the lens, too.)



Holly -- you are a gem. Beautiful inside and out. Thank you for the endless ideas you share with us to make our homes beautiful. You are a true inspiration!

PS - I don't think I'd ever take that wedding dress off. ;)