New Momma Must-Haves

With all the baby-bump pics showing up in my news feeds, I thought I would share what I have found to be my must-have items since gaining my own bundle of joy!  Of course I can't share them all in one post, so there will be more to come in the next few months!  These are what popped into my head when I first started brainstorming the items I couldn't live without:

1. a + a Swaddle Blankets-These are perfect for swaddling, breast-feeding cover-up, play time on the floor...pretty much anything.

2. Zo-li Buzz Nail Trimmer-This is actually a nail file and is perfect for filing down those teeny-tiny nails

3. Sleepy Sounds App (FREE)-We love the "white noise" and "nature sounds."  When we lay down at night, this app gets turned on and Miss Finlee is content to fall asleep within minutes.

4. Motorola MBP36 Video Monitor-We did extensive research before deciding on this one, but it was worth it.  Two-way talk, tilt/scan capabilities, multiple cameras, and a large monitor.  I believe we can even hook it up to the TV, we just haven't yet!  Seriously...LOVE!

5. Snuggin Go Infant Positioner-This makes all those wonderful swings and bouncy seats comfy for even the tiniest of babies.  Stick it in your Mamaroo and you are ready to go...no crooked necks here!

6. Moby Wrap-Life.Saver.  This is the only way to get anything done.  I use it when I go grocery shopping or even out to eat!

7. Ubbi Pail-No stinky diapers here.  Literally--Can't smell 'em.  This pail is AH-mazing!  It fits any bags (so you can just use your trash bags if you want!) AND they have a cloth bag for cloth diapering.  Just stick it in the wash when you wash your load of diapers and you are good-to-go!

8. BumGenius All-in-One-Can I just say that I LOVE cloth diapering.  No turning back here.  And these BumGenius all-in-ones take the cake:  no stuffing, no covers, no additional work.  It's the convenience of disposables with the earth-friendliness and cost-savings of cloth.

There ya have it!  I'll be doing a whole cloth diaper post in the future for you mommas looking into them!  This weekend, we'll be doing some projects around the house and I can't wait to show you our progress!

So mommas, what can't you live without?!  Not that I need help shopping/spending money!

**I wasn't paid or perked for linking these products.  I just had a great experience with them and wanted to share the wealth.  Happy shopping!

Making My List...

Eleven days of shopping left and I have purchased two, yes TWO, gifts!  Unfortunately, I feel like as I scour the web looking for gift inspiration, I end up coming up with my own list.  A few of these have shamelessly already been purchased by me (i.e. the Beatles onesie and Paige Ultra Skinny maternity jeans).  I have some serious lust for that flannel blazer and the Frye boots.  Oh, and have you seen the Neiman Marcus for Target section?!  Oh. My. Goodness.  I'm going to need those Tracy Reese gold trimmed dessert plates.  So, what's on your list?

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Nursery update:  Stripes are painted, rocker has arrived, and pillows are taking over.  Hoping to finish up the painting this weekend and give you a little peek!  I know I'm ready to see some of the fruits of our labor!

New Additions

Good morning and Happy Tuesday!!  I'm editing Thanksgiving pictures today so I can post them for you later this week.  But for now, I have a few big purchases that are making their way to our doorstep over the next couple of months.  Remember the Franklin and Ben Mason crib from my inspiration board?

The weathered grey finish, silver cup pulls, and Restoration Hardware-like lines had me at hello.  I was originally looking for something a bit more modern, but this was the perfect compromise for my traditional husband.  The rocker, on the other hand, will be my favorite piece in the room.  Again, trying to marry my modern style with the hubby's love for all things traditional, I was on the hunt for a compromise.  And then I came across this beaut...

The classic, clean lines mixed with traditional tufting and wing-back elements make this rocker the perfect fit for our little family.  Hopefully it won't take the estimated 10-12 weeks for delivery so I can take pics and show these pieces off!  Our window seat will be built in the next couple of weeks and I'm off to paint some stripes in the nook.  Updates coming soon!

Anyone else get any great Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals?  We just couldn't pass up saving 10-20%!

'Tis the season for: Mint

Happy Monday to you!  As we get closer and closer to the Holidays, I start scoping out my closet in attempt to start putting outfits together for all the celebrations.  These are a few of my favorite things from the good ole' American staple: J.CREW

The mixture of colorblock, studs, leopard print, and the classic cable knit just can't be beat!  And how cute are those bow stud earrings?!

So, what are you loving right now?  Are you thinking holiday parties too?!  Baby H is going to prevent me from shopping my favorite retailers this year so I'm living vicariously through you all...enjoy :)

Get the Look For Less: Brass Sphere Lamp

I've seen similar posts but had to brag about my real-life savings and encourage you all to run, not walk, to your nearest Target.  Isn't this lamp fantastic?!  What is not so great is the huge price tag attached to it: $492.

Enter my hero, Target.  Bringing high-end style straight to our everyday homes.  I scooped up the base on clearance for $31 and the shade for $16.  I was so proud that I practically screamed it from the rooftop...or told everyone that would listen.

What kind of fab finds have you discovered lately?  Any of them to the tune of $450?!  Please share if you have a good one and maybe we can feature it next Friday!  Here's to a weekend full of fall decorating and hot apple cider...see you Monday!

Chunky Gold Goodness

What I Want NOW:




The Michael Kors and Chanel versions are a bit more than I would like to pay.  Luckily, I unpacked this beauty at work yesterday and decided to make my move.

For $35, I couldn't swipe my debit card fast enough!  Thank you Chico's for filling my chunky gold chain desires.



**all sources can be found on my Pinterest boards here

This Little Nightstand of Mine...

...I'm gonna let it shine :)

Yep...my new nightstand and I'm in love.  The room is slowly starting to come together and I couldn't be more excited!  I'm working on LOTS of projects so updates will be coming soon!

Happy Monday!

Mail Time!

TGIF!!  Well, the office got a little addition this week:

Helloooooo mail center!  Loving my $13 TJ Maxx find!  Oh, and I'm saving my pennies for this bad boy:

...and these chairs:

Oooo I can't wait!   Happy Weekend!!

Guest Bedroom Progress..Woot!

Happy Monday!  Here's what I've been up to!

Here's the design board I threw together for our guest bedroom:

And here is the room about to undergo its transformation:

Aaaand here's the PROGRESS:

Here's what we've already gotten accomplished:

Painting--check!

Side Tables--check! (one is here, the other is being shipped as I type)

Bedding--check! (and I got it WAYYYY cheaper than I thought I was going to!)

Still to do:

Curtains

Stain the headboard

Light fixtures

Rug?

Chair?

Truckin' right along!  What do you think?!  Have you been getting your home guest-ready?  Anyone else have a bedroom redo in the works?

michelle

Movin' On Up

Thought I'd check in with my office project progress!  ETC (estimated time of completion) is tomorrow!  I. Can't. Wait.

Sand-CHECK!

Stain-CHECK!

Hang 'em up-NEXT!

Style Shelves

Reveal!

 

On top of this wonderful project that will give me my much-needed storage, I also have a little gift on the way from West Elm.  Right now, they have 20% off window treatments AND most of them are included in free shipping.  I needed 108 in. panels so I was excited to score 2 of these for a total of $62!

I see the light at the end of the tunnel and a complete DIY Office Reveal in my near future!

Pretty Little Things Roundup: Pier 1

I love the change of seasons because it means two things:  new merchandise and SALES!  Nothing makes my heart skip a beat like a good clearance section.  While poking around Pier 1 this week, I ran across a few beautiful new items as well as some amazing buys.  Enjoy!

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I'm off to stain some shelves!  Hopefully I'll have an update for you tomorrow.  Have a great day!

Pretty Little Things Roundup: Spring at West Elm

This post is short and sweet because there isn't really much to say about West Elm's Spring line besides...Well. Done.  Enjoy!

1. Cross Dye Baskets-These beauties would be the perfect container for throws and pillows.

2. Turtle Box-I have a special place in my heart for ceramic animals and this one takes the cake.  The perfect coffee table knick-knack to contain your jewelry or loose change at the end of the day!

3. Turning Pendant-A pair of these would be a great finishing touch on my dining room.  After I get a new table, chairs and rug of course.

4. Modernist Serving Bowls-How cute are these?  For serving, or as a jewelry keeper, or bookshelf decor/storage.  The possibilities are endless.

5. Striped Favorite Throw-I have bedroom decor on the brain and I need this throw.

6. Mid-Century Nightstand-There are a few different styles of the Mid-Century Nightstand.  I think mix and matching a pair in a similar finish would be the perfect combination.

7. Stripe Duvet Cover-Obviously I have a thing for stripes and this duvet cover is no exception.  A classic modern addition to any bedroom!

Happy Tuesday!

Pretty Little Things Roundup: Rugs

I've been a bad, bad blogger.  I know.  But oh, it's good to be back!  So get ready for lots of DIY, thrifty shopping, and eye candy loaded posts!  Lately, I've spied some pretty little rugs and I can't wait to share them with you!  Beware...you will want to make a purchase after you see this post and I'll have to do nothing but encourage it.  Enjoy!

1. Urban Outfitters Zig Zag Rug-A steal at just $74 for a 5x7!

2. Rugs USA Homespun Moroccan Trellis Rug-Another great deal at $269 for a 5x8!  Psst...use DAG35 to save 35% on this rug!

3. West Elm Ikat Links Rug-The soft blue and grey colors give this trendy pattern a lasting impression.  Love!

4. Crate&Barrel Olin Rug-The bold stripes make a statement I'm coveting for my own home.  I. need. this. rug.

5. Rugs USA Homespun Chevron Rug-So CUTE and it comes in lots of colors!

6.  West Elm Recycled Denim Jute Rug-Loving the colors and, bonus, it's a green product!

Happy Monday!

Cyber Monday Shopping

Happy Monday y'all!  I'm still recovering from turkey and casserole overload, but thought I'd pop in to point out my new "shop" tab!

And in keeping in the Cyber Monday spirit, I just wanted to remind you that you can save 15% off your total purchase with the code NOWOPEN15 !!

I've been scoping out lots of deals this morning...here are some of my favorites:

Spoonflower:  2 for 1 tea towel calendars.  This is such a creative (and super inexpensive) gift!

 

World Market:  20% off EVERYTHING.  That's right.

Piperlime:

Z Gallerie:

Rugs USA:

Sooo, have you found any stellar deals out there?  Already finished with your Holiday shopping?  I'm working on mine as we speak...in my PJs!  Happy shopping!



Get the Look For Less: Accordian Side Table

A few months ago, I fell in love with this beautiful Global Views Accordion Accent Table.  The price burst my pretty little bubble when I read $622.  That's when I discovered this very similar Urban Outfitters table.  At $64 it was a no-brainer.  I'm thinking a $7 coat of antiqued brass spray paint (I shared my love for gold things here) and we are good to go with a savings of $550!

I hope your weekend is full of friends, family and maybe a DIY or two!  I'll be finishing up my Thanksgiving Tablescape!  Anyone else honing in on their T-Day decor?

See you Monday!