Pawleys Island Posh

cooking at home

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I might just be the only woman in america who hasn't been lured into the kitchen by pinterest.

Seriously, I don't cook.

It's Matthew's job.

But he spent the better part of yesterday afternoon in the emergency room after a nasty stumble while running on the slippery trail along the river.

Crutches and an air cast later, he was an invalid laid up in bed.

By 5:00 I realized I had to step up to plate.

So I whipped up my specialty: grilled cheese and tomato soup.

But you'll find no fancy recipe here.

Just read the back the campbell's soup can.

(use milk not water, you'll thank me later)

Sometimes simple is enough.

Especially if you make it look pretty, that's my favorite part.

No-Sew storage ottoman cover

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's because I've decided to quit making people for a while, or the large chunks of time I've spent cooped up in my house, but, I've been feeling the need to make stuff lately.

Enter Wells' pink and green storage ottoman, leftover fabric from the living room curtains {Waverly Crosshatch in charcoal}, and a staple gun.

VOILA

************

Before:

After:

I basically just measured and cut and then wrapped it like a present securing with the staple gun.

I stapled right overtop of the existing cover so that I could return it to Wells' room easily in the future.

No sew and no frills.

It's the perfect place to store all of Tag's blankets and lovies in our living room.

I'm thinking of hot gluing some trim to give the edges a more finished look.

Total time: one and a half nap times.

Total cost: nothing

happy

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ladies, seriously.

I always gift myself something fabulous on holidays.

Today I heart this pink Celine luggage tote* in a major way.

Who do I know in NY that wants to pick up this pretty for me and send her on down my way?

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

*Sadly the GORGEOUS pink Celine luggage tote is an in person purchase only at Bergdorfs.

Le sigh

Pink & Red

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday lovelies.

Is everyone ready for the luuuuurve fest tomorrow?

Valentine's Day seems like the perfect time to break into the pink & red color-block craze I've been eyeing.

Do y'all have fun plans?

This outfit is entirely too fantastic to waste on take-out and my couch.

I might let my husband convince me to go out somewhere schmancy to celebrate.

We'll see.

Aren't all holidays mostly just about what you get to wear?

1/2/3/4/5/6

mom outfit

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone who's seem me lately knows this has pretty much been my daily staple.

Comfortable and lots of layers for this crazy up and down weather we've been having.

Perfect for the park or the grocery store.

Does anyone go any more fabulous than running errands?

Tell me about it so I can live vicariously through you.

DIY gold table Part 2

2012-02-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

~REVEAL~

Remember, here's the before

and for the directions, go here

Now I just need my little chickadees to nap so I can get busy on styling this pretty lady a better!

I have a feeling it will have about a million re-incarnations and I'll try to post all of them that are decent.

DIY gold table Part 1

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Are y'all as currently OB.SESED with all that glitters as I am?

I want a gold and marble end table for my living room.

Like I really really REALLY want it.

Something like this beaut pictured below.

Only my budget is more like twelve dollars not twelve hundred.

So this is the metal end table currently living in the corner of my living room.

It's not a bad table.

In fact, I really like it.

It's thin little legs and scalloped edges make me swoon.

But that color is creating a visual black whole in the corner.

I've tried lightening it up with accessories but then it's just too colorful for my taste.

Not bad, but a not quite the look I'm going for either.

Enter my new best friends:

Rust-oleum Lacquer in White

And Rust-oleum Metallic in Gold

I knew I could rock this table out.
First I spray painted the legs and scalloped trim gold

Next I taped up the lip of the table with blue painters tape so I could spray paint the top a nice
shellack-y lacquer white. Notice a little bit of gold overspray on the black surface. I actually kinda liked that look and almost derailed my original plan.

I know y'all are looking at these inside pictures and thinking, hmmmm.

Don't worry, I'm not a total idiot.

I did take this metal goddess outside to spray her down with the midas touch.

Matthew made me swear on this part when he found the table drying in the sunroom.

I even let her dry overnight like the directions said to do.

And I knew the forecast called for rain so I brought her inside to finish drying overnight.

duh

It never rained.

Doesn't that always happen when you try to be patient?

So I brought her back outside for a heavy dose of white to the top this morning.

She's currently inside drying so you'll have to wait for me to show the next step.

Have y'all been spray painting anything fun lately?

starburst mirror

2012-02-08T08:38:00.002-05:00

Did y'all know there was a Martha freaking Stewart line at Home Depot?

Well there is.

And she makes this amazeballs starburst mirror.

For $35.00.

Go get one here.

It's really helping my mantel come together nicely.

Now I just need to figure out what do to with those glass vases.

Advice?

kids room map art

2012-02-07T08:39:00.002-05:00

It made me a little sad to think that Tag wasn't born in the same place or even state as Wells.

But then I came across a really cool map project on Pinterest and it dawned on me that Matthew and Wells were both born in Pawleys and Tag and I were both born in Richmond.

That's pretty cool.

I'm planning a fun little project similar to this first one for the gallery wall above Wells' little play kitchen.

{source}

lovely (an update)

2012-02-06T13:59:00.002-05:00

"This looks lovely"

Wonderful words to hear from your 1 month old's cardiologist.

Thank you all so much for your sweet support this morning.

I was going bananas waiting for our appointment.

I am THRILLED to report that sweet Tag's heart is lovely.

And healthy.

He has a t-shaped vein that is supposed to be y-shaped.

It's causing the blood to make a sharp right turn as it passes through his heart causing a loud whooshing sound *

It's not a problem and will gradually bend itself into proper shape over the next few months.

whew.

*{this is my non-medical regurgitation of facts, go ask your own cardiologist for more info if you think part of your heart is shaped like the wrong letter or is making u-turns where it should yield or other or traffic violations}

pediatric cardiologist

2012-02-06T08:54:00.000-05:00

{Not words you want to hear from your pediatrician}

We made it 30 days this time.

That's four weeks longer than with Wells.

A whole month of feeling lucky and thankful and grateful that we have a normal healthy baby.

I think, no I know, we still do.

Tag's going to see a pediatric cardiologist this morning.

His pediatrician found a loud murmur in his heart at his check-up on Thursday.

This could mean so many things.

Including nothing.

So that's what I'm going with.

Until they tell me otherwise.

But honestly, it makes me want to vom.

They found a soft murmur when he was born due to a small whole in his heart but it healed itself by discharge.

They heard it on the Tuesday he was born.

And on Wednesday.

They listened for it on a Thursday, and a Friday, and a Monday.

Nothing.

We were at a teaching hospital so all levels of doctors listened for it and none could find it.

Now it's back.

And bigger.

And louder.

Or it's a new one.

Time to pray

iPhone charger

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of technology but can't stand chargers and cords and all that crap sitting out ruining a perfectly good vignette.

Plus my babygirl's curiosity limits the fabulousness set out on tablescapes enough as it is.

Enter these pretties.

It's an iPhone or iPod charging station made from an old book.

Effing genius

Some dude named Rich makes 'em and sells 'em in an Etsy shop.

I want this one

FULL DISCLOSURE:

My clever little friend Katharine pinned it first and knew I had to share.

Go read her blog.

She also found this funny.

date night

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the love on the sweet chickadees yesterday.

They really are quite the pair and I am so proud to be their momma.

Back by popular demand, this one's for the ladies.

Sorry honey, another numbered outfit post.

I go nuts over a good maxi dress and flats.

Perfection.

dress/clutch/shoes

Wells & Tag

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

not my favorite, but it will do.

She'll only go near him when she's not properly dressed and she knows my camera is in the other room.

I forced the issue a bit yesterday.

This was the best we got.

Look for Less

2012-01-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Pastel skinnies

J.Crew

$108

Nordstrom

$42

You're welcome!

Since I spent all my spring wardrobe money on the sick heidi merrick dress I needed to find some ways to scrimp on other items.

Just kidding.

Pretty sure my husband just vommed when he read that and is probably already checking our bank statement to be sure I was joking.

Actually, I've just been hesitant to spend a lot of money on any pieces for spring because while I've technically lost my baby weight my bones just aren't where they used to be.

Note to hips: feel free to migrate back to your old location anytime now.

And while I'm more than happy to drop upwards of $200 on denim, I just can't justify those kind of prices on pastel skinnies in a size that might not fit for long.

problems with pinterest

2012-01-31T07:59:00.003-05:00

falling in love with dresses on pinterest

like this amazeballs pink and red colorblock dress by heidi merrick

GET. IN. MY. CLOSET

$437?

whomp whomp

Or not

or this gorgeous floral

with no link to its source

seriously.

Does anyone know who makes this dress?

nursery sneak peek

2012-01-30T10:25:00.002-05:00

Alright so I've got a little sneak peek of Tag's nursery for y'all today.

I can't give full on reveal pics because it's not quite finished.

Just a few more details need to be added.

Like painting or wallpapering the inside of his bookshelf and adding some of his newborn pictures into frames. I also have some custom art projects in mind to make the space more personal and help fill up some wall space.

And I have the same debacle I had in my living room in regards to my sweet little helper Wells loving to get every single blanket and outfit out of baskets and drawers for me every time she goes in there.

She also likes to handle and appreciate every single item placed on a table or shelf within her reach. Usually by the time they both go down for a nap and I get the room tidied up to take pictures either she or Tag wakes up.

I wanted to keep things on the masculine side of neutral and only use pieces that will serve a purpose for him when he's older as well. No baby themes or overly baby things in this room.

I had just finished Wells' nursery in Pawleys when I had to do another one for her in Richmond because of course not all the furniture and custom window treatments worked in her new room. And now I have to start saving up for her big girl room. And then there was Tag's nursery. All in less than two years. I'm basically just bypassing the baby stage for Tag's room so a big boy room will transition even easier.

Minus ditching the cribs.

I plan to keep my babes safely behind bars until they go to kindergarten and their friends mock them into sneaking out and into twin beds!

You might recognize the ikat pillow from my living room sneak peek.

I made those pillow covers as well as the crib skirt and roman shades.

sleepy

2012-01-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

What bedtime used to look like

And now

Happy Weekend friends

for laughs

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

So my husband informed me that he's bored with all the "numbered outfit crap" I've been posting lately and I need to step up my game and write something funny.

Well, honey, my plate is full and I'm a bit mentally drained these days.

You know, keeping your children alive.

{Inslee Haynes}

But I decided that since his comment didn't make me want to throw something at him, he might be right.

Enter Someecards

This made y'all laugh right?

*****

Hair update

So I decided that I identified much more with the chick on the right in Inslee's illustration above so I took that as a sign that I keep my locks long and dark a bit longer.

Oh, and Matthew voted for long and dark too (much to my surprise) but I told him his vote only counted if he left a comment with his choice. And then it would count twice for effort.

hair

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

So it seems every fabulous blogger out in blog land attended and blogged about alt summit.

How do you even know about these things?

And it seems enough of these stylistas were rocking the messy bun that it called for it's own shout out.

The messy brunette bun, to be exact.

{thats my girl Amanda on the right}

Which I find so amazing because that is the exact hairdo I have pretty much worn 99% of the time for the past year and a half with the help of these.

Apparently piling my long dark hair on top of my head is en vogue.

Yet I'm seriously, like for real seriously, considering this

short and blonde

Most of y'all know I had an almost 8 year addiction to highlighting that I gave up cold turkey right after I got married.

Yup, my husband married a tall, thin, blonde and wound up with a pregnant brunette.

Good thing he loves me ;)

I'm thinking of forgoing the light color for maintenance reasons but I can't get this cut out of my head.

Thoughts?

mom outfit

2012-01-25T09:04:00.001-05:00

Anyone else taking advantage of the sunshine today?

I'm venturing out of the house (for the second day in a row) before the nasty weather gets here later this week.

Grocery store and the park it is.
Shocking.
Tomorrow is ChicFilA and Target.
We rotate fun in our house.

one/two/three/four/five/six

Pin It

glam sitting room

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm loving the glam look right now for home.

Funny because it's the one look that doesn't quite mesh with my lifestyle or my babies right now.

How do y'all combine kids with pretty things?

Pin It

pink belted dress

2012-01-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

1/2/3

Did you notice the price on this awesome dress?
You're welcome!

Pin It

pink nursery

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday friends!

Y'all might remember my girl Caycee from the photoshoot I did of her precious family here.

Well, she was sweet enough to let us have a little sneak peek of the progress she's making in her Baby Girl's nursery.

That sweet baby girl isn't due until May and her room is already looking fabulous.

I adore all the varying shades of pink and that Moroccan pouf is amazeballs.

And check out the amazing job she just did on her son Carson's big boy room

So excited for your expanding family Caycee!

Spring brights

2012-01-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

I'm hibernating this winter by snuggling up to my babies in dark washable clothes but daydreaming about busting out this Spring.

If it ever gets here.

I'm so obsessed with all things bright and colorful.

How about y'all?

one/two/three/four/five

Pin It

my living room (Richmond) tiny sneak peek

2012-01-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

Are y'all good at math?

I've got one for you

17 month old + 2 week old + clean room + overlapping naptime + daylight

five seconds to take a picture and upload to blogger once every few days

But I feel like I've been promising y'all some sneaky peeks at our new house in Richmond pretty much since we moved in.

I promise to show some full scale rooms pics next time that tricky equation works out in my favor again.

Pin It

sequins & fur

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

January resolution

Sequins & Fur

for daytime

I need my girl Katie Y. to come home from San Fran and have a lunch date so I can rock this look.

Babies in tow.

brights

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Two babies and twenty degree weather has me really ready for Spring.

How about y'all?

I am definitely going to come out of hibernation embracing all the new brights this season!

one/two/three

Pin It

two weeks

2012-01-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy two week Birthday Baby Tag!

So glad you finally decided to wake up.

{but not too often, okay?}

Smart little guy wakes up and needs some love every time Wells is sleeping or someone offers to take her off my hands for a bit.

Smart one.

He's already learned to snatch up that precious one on one snuggle time when he can get it.

***

Wells is getting sweeter and sweeter with her "Tah"

She loves to talk about him and wave at him. She tells me he needs a bot every time he cries and runs to help me fix one.
{aka, drags me to the kitchen even if it's not meal time}

She's a bit afraid of him though and won't really go near him and says no anytime we ask if she wants to hold him or touch his toes.

This might be a good thing really.

I'm working on her so I can get a picture of them together.

color block

2012-01-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

Loving the color block looks I've been spying on pinterest lately.

I found some options at nordstrom that are affordable and eliminate the guesswork.

I'm especially loving this first dress.

Have y'all tried this look yet?

BCBG

Presley Skye

Dee&Ray

Pin It

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and stayed warm!

I want to give a very big thank you to Jennifer at Rambling Renovators for featuring me as one of her favorite pinners on pinterest.

I hope my husband reads this post so he knows my housekeeping that gets neglected in favor of pinning is not going unnoticed.

And quite favorably in other households.

***

Remember to let me know if you feature Pawleys Island Posh on your blog or site so that I can give you a shout here as well.
***
You can neglect your own work and spend hours following all of my pinspiration here

pretty jewelry

2012-01-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

A few more favorite Elva Fields finds

gorgeous dining room

2012-01-13T19:16:00.002-05:00

Holy Crap I'm in love with everything about this.

White walls with gray accents

carrera marble fireplace wall

The chandy and those lamp shades

charcoal tufted velvet wingback chairs with nailhead trim

The bar cart, bench, art, and those pillows!

Seriously amazeballs.

pin of the day

mom jeans

2012-01-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

So I realized today that my maternity wardrobe is much more stylish and up to date than it's sad regular sized counterpart.

Two babies in 17 months will do that I guess.

I don't have the time or money to fix that all at once.

And I really don't have the datebook to warrant such an overhaul.

Baby steps.

I'm keeping my skinny jeans and flats and going to try to freshen up with accessories.

Here's my first go at it.

Thoughts?

1/2/3/4/5

Pin It

pink chevron pillow

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'd seen these gorgeous chevron pillows floating around pinterest lately and was blown away that they're from Target {but sold only in stores}

You're welcome.

So excited to see my girl Caycee picked up a pair for her family room in the tan.

Note to self, must go to Target tomorrow!

I also found a few more fabulous throw pillows while browsing their website.

The first two come in pairs are outdoor fabric.

What!

Serious impressive considering they're all target prices.

the slouchy look

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Style is a bit of a laughable topic for me these days.
My wardrobes feels fresh when it's literally just that; fresh as in clean.
And comfort is key.
I can be found sporting cotton nightgowns with a cardigan and uggs for the better part of the past week and I don't see much hope for improvement in the near future.

So I'd like to personally thank the style mavens at J.Crew for helping to make my schlubby Ashley Olsen wannabe outfits fit right in this spring.

J.Crew

Richmond Newborn Photography

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tired of baby pictures, yet?

Hope not.

I have been busting at the seams holding this precious baby girl back from everyone.

Her parents wanted to keep her photo shoot under wraps until after the holidays.

I happily agreed because I knew these images were worth the wait.

Baby Molly was just as sweet awake as she was sleeping.

glamorous breakfast

2012-01-10T10:34:00.001-05:00

Feeling like a million bucks in the morning has a whole new feel

The playground was a bit too wet and the air a bit too cold for the playground this morning so Matthew took Wells to her second favorite place.

The grocery store

To ride on her all time favorite toy

the cart

More specifically, the car that's connected to the cart that she gets to drive and say beep beep and wave to all the other shoppers.

Moms, you know the one.

So with baby boy sleeping soundly, I hopped in for an impromptu shower and got dressed.

If you count old sweatpants with a hole in the knee and a tank top.

But they were clean.

And I am clean.

And I have expensive face serum and moisturizer on my face.

And the house is quiet.

And I'm drinking coffee.

And playing on pinterest.

That chick's got nothing on me this morning.

One week old

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

life in the hospital

not much different than life at home

Happy One Week Birthday Baby Boy!

I am so happy to report my sweet little Tag read my blog yesterday and decided to cut this mama some slack.

He cluster fed on his own accord and then gave me 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

He also wanted to cluster feed around breakfast to make up for it and I was more than happy to oblige.

This boy sure knows how to charm.

***

I also promise not to turn this blog into the Tag show.

To be honest, I took the last two photos for his great grandmother Mimi who wanted to make sure we had some where he wasn't naked on a shag rug. Her father was the original Edward Taggart so I wanted to quickly oblige!

And that pretty much zapped my creative juices and energy for one day!
***

Baby Boy

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

We're so over the moon in love with our sweet Baby Tag.

It's hard to imagine he'll be one week old tomorrow.

He's seriously the most dreamy baby ever.

Sorry Wells.

{You've been our wild woman right from the start and we wouldn't have it any other way}

He sleeps all day anywhere you set him down so we've had lots of time to keep things normal for Wells without a lot of attention being redirected at her brother.

This is good.

He sleeps all night as long as he's being held.

This is not so good.

Mama is tired and it's only been a three nights.

***

snoop

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Did y'all see the post I did over at Shelli's blog a few weeks ago sharing what's in my bag.

It's a fun series that let's us all snoop in other ladies purses.

You know you want to.

***

Well I have a feeling things might be filling up in there a bit quicker these days now that I'm packing for two babies outside of the house.

Here's the proof that life with just Wells was oh so simple and I had no idea.

I plan to share a similar post again if I ever venture outside of the living room with both babies.

Just a warning, don't hold your breathe!

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

{a gift from my husband (then still just my boyfriend)}

Inside:

old target reciept

samsung droid phone (am I the only chick with no iPhone?)

two fabric samples

golf balls

apple

GoGo Squeeze applestrawberry sauce

ditto above but the trash from an old one

nuby baby spoon

toothbrush

hair bow

sippy cup

checkbook

original iPod nano from the early 2000's (ha)

wallet (old coach one busted back out from my door room days) with attached house keys and gym membership I swiftly dropped

sunglasses

earrings

Louis Vuitton makeup bag:

brush comb thingy

hairties and bobbypins

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Trish McEvoy pressed powder

Trish McEvoy assorted glosses and lip crayons

Bobbi Brown brush

Sally Hansen clear nail polish

Aveda hand relief cream

Tape Measure

She does this awesome series all the time so be sure to go check out every body else's junk too!

Baby boy

2012-01-04T08:17:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to check in quickly to say that baby boy arrived safely and healthy yesterday at 12:43pm! 8.1 lbs and 21" long. I will try to get some pics up on my facebook page (click on the link to the right) since I can't seem to get pics inserted into posts. Boo.

Organizing checklist

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do y'all stalk Meg like I do?

Girl is crazy talented.

If so, you've probably already seen her amazing New Year checklists she's graciously shared for her readers.

You can print or download your own here & here.

The'll pretty up your fridge and make you feel oh so productive.

So freaking true Meg, so freaking true.

This one I plan to print off and put in a nice white ribba frame just inside my closet door

Blessings

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

***

TODAY

THE

DAY

***

We're off to the hospital this morning for my c-section.

I'm so nervous but really excited to meet baby boy!

***

Strange, because I feel like I was just writing this post.

Only for Wells' arrival.

Oh, wait.

I was.

That's probably why some of y'all laughed when you read the bible verse above.

Don't feel bad if that was you -----------

One after another, amen.

done and done.

***

I can't wait to show him off to all of you and will promptly figure out a way to write posts from my iPad so I can share this week.

{Anyone tried Blogsy? I need an app that will let me upload images directly from my iPad and not go through an image hosting site like Picasa}

***

And I learned my lesson with Wells' unexpected arrival that you should never prepare posts ahead of time with important information.

So while technically I'm writing this post on Monday during naptime, I'm saving in draft and not actually going to hit publish until I'm walking out the door to the hospital.

Remember the "I'm packing and heading to the hospital" post which really should have read "I had my baby two days ago and still haven't seen her."

Threw some peeps for a loop with that one.

***

I'm going to try to stay up to date on here in real time and maybe we'll have better luck.

Speaking of which

Let's all hope Wells uses a little more caution with her baby brother than she does playing with baby.

***

Dear Wells,

Babies and lawnmowers don't mix.

Oh, and babies need to ride in their car seats.

Yes, that means you too.

Lady Antebellum Love is the Heart of the world

2012-01-02T21:32:00.000-05:00

So maybe it's nerves or maybe it's hormones but I can't get this song out of my head tonight and it's been playing on repeat in iTunes for at least the last 30 minutes.

Something about tonight being SUCH a BIG night yet it's just the same as any other night really.

Kind of like our life.

Such long days full of little moments that are passing by way too quickly.

How do I slow it down?

Or just relish it more in the moment.

That's my New Year's Resolution

One day late.

fresh mantel

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

So I got the holiday mantel all packed away and in the basement and now our mantel has returned to it's natural glory.

Nothing.

That's right, part of why I was so stoked to decorate that space for Christmas was because we never actually styled it before the holidays.

It's just a big white box.

Ready for something.

But what?

I like the eclectic look of this one.

And y'all know I love me some pink and my hubs loves him some decoys.

It's like this one is speaking right to us.

QUACK

Loving the art and balance in this one.

The proportioned but not matching on the mantel combined with the mirrored sides

Traditional

Pretty

works so well

blah blah blah

black and white art slightly off center

urns

I likey

I also likey more color

fun sconces

fun juju hat

fun for 2011

I need something new!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm ready for this

I'll be relishing our last night of quiet for awhile.

And preparing for baby boy

Y'all drink one for me

Cheers!

pink and yellow and cozy

2011-12-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

it's nothing new

but it looks so cozy and inviting

I'm loving it today

pin of the day

serene

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Planning on a calm weekend

In a peaceful and serene space

Might be my last chance

{source}

chevron + gold

2011-12-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

Just get in my life you fancy pants bag.

{hammocks & high tea}

Your fabulousness is overwhelming and making me hot

{Or maybe it's the hormones}

If only you'd just be mine

I'd take you to brunch

or on a hot date

or let you live in my diaper bag

***

{hammocks & high tea}

If you don't want to limit just lining your baby bags with chevron goodness, you can try your drawers instead.

Might even help you to keep your hanky pankies folded.

***

Oh and it's Thursday.

Wells gets a baby brother on Tuesday.

Let's talk about that.

Or not.

I'm getting nervous.

for reals

blue and white ikat

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Blue Ikat

luuurve

Holy crap I love these blue and white ikat kitchen stools.

Drooling.

I'm loving the cozy tufted banquet and touches of blue.

don't know for sure but that wall color looks a lot like my current fave, Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore.

I already have the turquoise and white base, I'm thinking I may just need to add some inky blues in for sure.

pins of the day

Julia Ryan Photography

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

So excited to finally share some of my favorite sessions from November.

Sweet Finlay is no exception!

NYE skirts

2011-12-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

How was your Christmas?

Mine was fantastic.

Already thinking about NYE?

I'm going to be living vicariously through y'all this year.

Doesn't mean I can't dream about the fab things I might wear if I had fab plans.

And nothing goes better with my favorite champagne holiday than gold sparkles.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

PS-

My own champagne popping will occur in exactly T-minus one week from today!
At noon.
So excited freaking out to meet Baby Boy!

white contemporary kitchen

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

pin of the day

Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T12:35:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

nantucket chic

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

E, are we dying here?

This one's for you

pin of the day

Shades of Light

2011-12-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

As for my earlier post about the ah-mazing chandy my mom got yesterday, don't feel too sorry for me, my mom wasn't the only one who scored big in the lighting department.

Enter twiggy.

He's modern, he's rustic, he's even more gorge in person.

He's a flush mount with a wrought iron cage wrapped in some blinged out gold twigs.

The actual flush mount is really more of a neutral off white and not so yellow, clearly these peeps haven't heard of the new GE pure white bulbs.

{twig cage flush mount ceiling light}

I can't wait to get him installed.

copper pendant lights

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Are y'all obsessed with copper pendant lights in the kitchen?

I know I've been pinning copper/brass light fixtures left and right.

My mom has been on the search for the perfect pendant chandelier to go above her island and we finally scored.

Big time.

See ya tract lights

We picked up this amazeballs pendant chandelier for her kitchen island at Shades of Light.

in the copper color, of course.

It's going to be amaze, much like these inspiration pictures

thoughts?

my sweets

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever tried to get your husband and 16 month old to cooperate for pictures outside in the freezing cold while 9 months pregnant?

While we're at it, I begged/cursed Matthew for forcing/allowing me to get in front of the camera this time too.

I ALWAYS complain that we have no pictures of me and Wells.

Yet I never do anything about it.

And he was tired of listening.

So we're now down to the wire on having pictures of me loving on just her and her alone.

{I'm now thinking this would have been a much better idea before I got quite so big}

{and the only real belly shot y'all are getting out here for the whole world to see}

I'm not a huge fan of plastering pictures of myself all over the place and much prefer to hide behind the camera so consider this little preview your early Christmas present :)

xoxox

stylish living room

2011-12-19T12:57:00.003-05:00

pin of the day

Julia Ryan Photography (Charleston, SC)

2011-12-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

So you might remember this little post here about Lauren and her fabulous preppy pink and green nursery.

Well you're going to nod and say uh huh when you see gorgeous Lauren and her precious baby Lizzy.

vinyl alphabet

2011-12-16T12:59:00.002-05:00

I'm in love with this wall decal from this etsy shop

How adorable would this be in a play room with the letter from your last name as the prominent color, or in a child's room.

Hmmm, has me thinking about a certain fireplace wall in baby boy's room.

I'm also a huge fan of this tent

currently sold out here but easily recreated by all the diy set.

Or you could beg someone on etsy to make you one custom.

Happy weekend!

swedish living room

2011-12-15T09:00:00.003-05:00

all decked out for Christmas

pin of the day

Richmond newborn photography

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

teeny tiny toes

*****

aaaaaand

we have a date

On the books

with my doctor

and the hospital

January 3, 2012

12:00pm

I'm kinda hoping he comes on the 2nd.

Just a little bit early and on a monday, like Wells

Making his Birthday 1-2-12

But we'll see.

I just hope he waits until then

2012 calendar {red stamp}

2011-12-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

So I'm pretty excited about my new 2012 year at a glance calendar I just printed off from red stamp.

For free!

Go to their facebook page to download the printable version of this one and many others!

zara for girls

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

{and other reasons I might never buy clothes for myself again}

1. 2. 3. 4.

Zara for baby girl

It's insane

It's amazeballs

It's why I'm glad Baby #2 is a boy

newborn photography

2011-12-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

Could she be any more perfect?

I met sweet Greta on Sunday and I couldn't be more smitten.
She's got a precious big brother and sister who will make their blog appearance here soon.

***

I'm taking off some time after the holidays to cherish my own sweet newborn (aka, just try to keep him and Wells both alive and fed) and won't be taking on any sessions until March.

I might be convinced to slip in a newborn session a bit sooner.

I just can't get enough.

Baby Boy Nursery Sneak Peek

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so y'a'll have been asking and I've been procrastinating
but Baby Boy's nursery is really starting to come together.

I'm not quite ready to show y'all the final reveal yet

{and a good tease is so much more fun}

{details}

wall color: Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore

painting: 26x38 acrylic on canvas created by me for my sweet little *

***sorry y'all, no big name reveal out in blog land until he's here***

crib: babymod modena

crib skirt: custom made by me with fabric from Williams & Sherill

fabric: home accent fabric in himalay fog

pillow: gray and silver chevron from a store in Pawleys Island

zebra blanket: angel dear napping blanket-GreyZebra bought locally from Rattle & Roll

***

As for the fabric, I've never heard of the fabric company nor could I find an online source so if you want some of this amazeballs charcoal gray and chartreuse ikat you could always order directly from the store.

It's book number 22904 run number 7

***

Coming up next: changing table!

Christmas Mantel

2011-12-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

To be honest, I wasn't going to decorate for Christmas this year.

I've got my hands full and energy otherwise occupied this month.

And then there's the daunting thought of having to take it all down in a few weeks with a newborn.

But Wells is old enough to notice this year and I didn't want to bah-humbug her holiday so I felt a compromise was in order.

I decided to decorate the mantel and hang the stockings.

Matthew decided to put together our pre-lit Christmas tree.

But that's it.

No ornaments, no tinsel, no hours of clean-up come January.

And let's talk about this elf on the shelf

Did we miss the boat on that this year?

What age do you start that nonsense?

I'm thinking its a small window

My friend Jen encountered some drama with her little elf:

so last year Fisher didn't like the Elf on the Shelf because a) it was "just a deseration," not real and b) the Elf was a snitch. This year, the drama continues with "Mama, he DOES NOT live in the North Pole. He lives in our attic all the time. I'm really serious. He lives in the attic. In a box." ...and so the Christmas Spirit lives on in our household....

And I'm going to be linking this to a little holiday blog fun so you can see all kinds of inspiration here and here

Kate Long Stevenson small art sale

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

My girl Chassity at LookLingerLove is hosting another amazeballs art sale today!

HURRY!

glam bedroom

2011-12-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

pin of the day

Sunday Funday (back rub)

2011-12-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

go getcha one here

I wonder if it comes in blue?

baby mod Modena review

2011-12-10T14:13:00.001-05:00

So we finally purchased a crib and mattress for baby boy!

We went with the Baby Mod Modena from Walmart.

Here's my quick review of the process minus any baby actually sleeping in it.

{Much to Wells' disappointment; start as you mean to go right}

We ordered online for a crazy cheap price, only $250, and got free shipping to store.

It arrived less than a week later in perfect condition.

No missing or banged up pieces.

Quick assembly.

{took the hubs less than 20 minutes}

It's sturdy and crazy good looking.

I adore the sleek modern look and I love that all the sides are equal height.

I had the hardest time finding that in my price range when shopping for Wells' crib.

When the mattress is on the top setting it needs a custom crib skirt to hide the open middle space left by the raised slats and still hit the floor.

That's okay.

I quickly whipped one up.

And then another the next day with some amaze fabric I found locally.

I'm fickle like that.

Pictures to come :)

glam

2011-12-10T12:30:00.001-05:00

Glad jewelry drawer

favorite pin of the day

There is nothing not fabulous about this image

Creamy woodwork and built in cabinet

Glass top dresser with view into pull-out jewelry drawer

{GENIOUS}

Those gorgeous drawer knobs

Multiple starburst mirrors

bathroom love

2011-12-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Have y'all pinned this fabulousness yet?

Go do it now

Julia Ryan Photography (Charleston, SC)

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

How precious is my girl Caycee and her adorable little (expanding) family?

This family of three is going to be a family of four in May

Carson got an amazing new big boy room now that he's going to be a big brother.

and an adorable playroom

I can't wait to see what Caycee has up her sleeve for BabyGirl.

It's going to be all white and oh so fabulous!

Following along with her hanging with the hewitts

metallic LOVE print art Made by Girl

2011-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

How amaze is this?

C wonder orange gift guide

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

1. foo dogs, 2. ikat pillow, 3. cup & saucer, 4. earbuds, 5. napkins, 6. saddlestitch leather desk box

7. small notebook

Yesterday I posted my green favorites from C wonder.

Here are some of my favorite orange goodies!

C wonder green gift guide

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

1. ikat dinner plate, 2. city bike, 3. lacquer box, 4. metal water bottle, 5. ikat coffee mug,

6. paisley notebook, 7. green elephant plate

So I found this amazing site yesterday called C Wonder and started pulling all of my favorite items quickly to realize they were all green! HA!
I'm especially in love with that ikat coffee mug. It's so reasonable, a must have I think.
They also have a stack of ikat nesting bowls that are quickly being added to my must have list as well.

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm hopefully off doing fabulous things today!

Although not that fabulous really.

When you're this pregnant and chase a 16 month old around all day a night out with just your husband includes the early bird seating somewhere full of cheese and carbs and an early bedtime.

I was pregnant with less than 4 weeks to go with Wells when Matthew turned 30 and now I'm pregnant with less than 4 weeks to go with Baby Boy when I turn 30.

Hmm.

Talk about poor planning.

Or God's way of keeping me out of the champagne.

I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful blessings in my life.

I can honestly say today really does feel like just another day.

In a good way.

I have no bar of achievement I'm judging myself against or a bucket list full of things I was supposed to accomplish by now.

I have an incredible (and hot) husband who amazes me everyday with his wit and skills and love.

I have a gorgeous and brilliant (of course) baby girl who adores me almost as much as I adore her.

I have a healthy pregnancy with a baby boy who I can only hope will be just like his daddy.

I have friends and family full of support and laughter.

I have a budding business doing something I love.

I have all of y'all, my sweet readers who never cease to amaze me with your friendship, kindness, and wisdom.

Gifts for her

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Here are just a few of my favorite stocking stuffers (or birthday presents, hint hint).

What are your favorite items this year?

custom animal art

2011-12-05T11:21:00.001-05:00

Animals on Parade!

Between the custom animal art I created for Wells' nursery here and chic reader Lauren's adorable recreation for her little girl's nursery here I had yet another reader wanting some of her own!

One of my readers, Erin, contacted me to see if I was willing to re create a custom piece or two for her little girls nursery as well.

Acrylic 16x20 canvas

{disclaimer: the paintings are more pastel than they appear in these pictures}

In fact, I tried to make sure it will go beautifully with her Serena & Lilly Kate Bedding

pillow covers on etsy

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Sadly, one of my readers contacted me to let me know she was closing her etsy shop. She's got a lot of really great pillow covers in stock and she'll be adding new inventory items until December 30th.

Everything is $25 and under.

Here are a few of my favorites

Trina Turk - Trellis print in citron - 20 x 20

One Lilly Pulitzer cover - 15 x 15 - pink, green, yellow decorative pillow cover set

One medallion pillow cover 20 x 20 Exquisite blue and green Ikat

Julia Ryan Photography {DC}

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Precious fall family pictures!

Julia Ryan Photography {Richmond, VA}

2011-12-03T14:33:00.001-05:00

{Weekend Favorite}

Miss Eloise and her bunny

LOVE!!!

Julia Ryan Photography {DC family pictures}

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I loved this session at the Jefferson Monument in Washington, DC.

{you might recognize these adorable children from our session we did this summer down in South Carolina here }

Love the color combo Jaime picked out for her family!

Julia Ryan Photography {Charleston, SC}

2011-12-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's always fun when you get to work with one of your bestest.

It seems like all play.

We've all seen Amanda's precious little boy Shepard here before at his 18 month photo shoot but this time I managed to coax her and Ryan to jump in front of the camera just a little.

Wells is so lucky to have such a sweet and stylish fairy godmother to help keep her on track as she gets older.

Fashion and otherwise!

nursery progress

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

{list of item sources}

So after my OB informed me that I may not be allowed to go past 37 weeks and then my girl Chassity just had her baby boy at 34 weeks I decided it was time I get my booty in gear and start decorating my own baby boy's nursery.

****

I've been going back and forth forever on which direction to go in and pinterest and blogging has only made my indecision worse.

This procrastination is the absolute opposite of how I was when I was pregnant with Wells.

****

Checked off the list:

I bit the bullet and had the walls painted Benjamin Moore Classic Grey.

It's creamy and greige and dreamy

I've got a white dresser and a grey/blue trellis print rug.

I've also got two ribba frames and some original art for the walls ready to hang.

Still need:

crib

crib sheets

changing pad & cover

floating wall shelves

aden + anais swaddling blankets

Dear Santa, I can explain

2011-11-30T06:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Happy Happy

Birthday to my sweet sister Elizabeth

I hope you and your darling family are having a fabulous celebration back in Nashville.

What fun we all had last week in Pawleys Island.

***

We had a blast doing a little photo shoot with my nephew Graham and I couldn't resist sharing the silliness that occurs at all these sessions.

***

Parents are always so apologetic of their kids shenanigans and I always assure them I haven't met a kid who cooperated yet :)

But we somehow always manage to capture their sweet side too!

knitwits hats

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

How adorable are these knit hats?

Go ahead and check your favorite toddler off your Christmas list.

{here}

Give Thanks

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all.

This year I am thankful for:

My husband

My gorgeous and precious darling Wells and her clean bill of health.

A healthy pregnancy and ultrasounds that show a healthy boy with a nice round head.

My family who are incredibly supportive

My blog friends who've remained a constant throughout all the changes I've undergone this year.

My friends who are mostly far away now who are still making an effort to be my friend.

The new friends I am slowly making as I transition into life in Richmond.

Peanut M&M's

My photography friends (it doesn't feel right to call y'all clients) who have allowed me to get to know their families and turn my passion into a profession.

Pintrest

Christmas Card outfit ideas

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Big fan of the british country look.

Big fan.

BIG

masculine kitchen

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

completely obsessed.

I can only imagine what amazing dinner Matthew could whip up for me in this badass kitchen.

Christmas Card outfit ideas

2011-11-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

love the girly glam holiday look here.

Just keep the boys in red and grey to match it up.

Christmas Card outfit ideas

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

good preppy boy look

baby jogger city select double

2011-11-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa,

Have you seen the baby jogger city select double stroller in onxy?

I'd really really like to see this under my tree.

Thanks so much.

I'm not ready to convert to a mini-van, but a double stroller is at the top of my list this year.

Oh how life has changed.

I'm positively giddy over this bad boy.

Just check out the configurations it offers.

And one push fold up.

I'm sold.

check out the baby gizzmo review so you can fall in love too

Sally Benedict on Look Linger Love

2011-11-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

What's better than one of your favorites showcasing fabulous and affordably priced art on her blog?

Not much, really.

My girl Chassity is hosting a virtual art show featuring local Charleston artist Sally King Benedict over on her blog Look Linger Love today.

She's been on LLL before and you may have also seen her recent feature in the Glitter Guide.

Her abstract pieces are so colorful it's impossible to choose a favorite.

Would make for a fabulous and unique Christmas present!

ingenious ideas

2011-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

vintage prep

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's another Christmas Card Outfit Inspiration for y'all!

vintage prep