Winter Wonderland & My First Blogger Award

Our little man is finally feeling much better! Although he passed on his sinus infection to Mommy & Daddy. Boo. We are all on antibiotics and working hard to feel better by tomorrow---when we leave for our snowy vacation in Mammoth!

photo source: www.vacationplanning.net


Ryan is a great snowboarder. I am more of the "fall-down-alot-freeze-my-butt-off-complain-the-entire-time" breed of snowboarder. I am pretty grateful to this little bun in the oven that I have a solid excuse not to subject myself to frostbite and a bruised tailbone this year. But I did buy myself a cute pair of new snowboots and plan on having a great time rolling around in the snow with Liam. It will be his first time in the snow... better believe I will be taking an insane amount of pictures.

photo source: www.lodging4vacations.com

It will be my first time in Mammoth, too. I'm pretty excited. My in-laws are going with us, so while the guys are out on the slopes, Liam, Gramma, and I will be hangin' out in this quaint little town gettin' our shop on.

photo source: www.crystalski.co.uk

photo source: www.crystalski.co.uk

And I'm looking forward to sitting next to at fire like this one with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. Okay... all of a sudden I have found the motivation to go pack!

But before I go, I have to send out a big thank you to my great bloggy friend Megan over at Honey We're Home for awarding me my first blogger award this morning: The Stylish Blogger Award!

If you’re not familiar with it, there are 4 duties to perform to accept the award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

I will be working on these 4 steps this week and hope to have them posted soon!

the "it" list

Happy Friday and welcome back to another endlessly inspiring IT list... there is truly something for everyone here, so get clicking!

• rose a la mode is on vacation at the beach... and of course looking ever so stylish while there! I love this outfit... what I wouldn't give to be walking on the beach! (get more of rose a la mode on twitter!)



• a spot of whimsy is having a little celebration over on her blog and is giving away a one-year subscription to either martha stewart living or real simple... head on over to enter. These are definitely two of my most favorite glossies! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)



• much to my delight reorganized her pantry using ball jars. Swoon! Vintage inspired organization at it's best!



• merci blah blah looks fabulous (as always, but especially) in this breton strip top... hello gorgeous long skirt!



• capital barbie is embracing scalloping in fashion... it's so fun and feminine, it's hard not to be drawn to it. I love these red scalloped pumps! (get more of capital barbie on twitter!)



• sweetie pie style always brings the best inspiration on a monday morning... this jade-like chain necklace had me at hello. (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)



• good life for less launched a fabulous e-book... "50 things every woman must own..." They are selling like hot-cakes, get your copy now! (get more of good life for less on twitter!)



• a delightful design just started a fun new series called "ask abby" - check out this week's question or submit a question about interior design yourself! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)



• rosy + tart is giving away a $25 giftcard to modcloth. Hello spring shopping! Enter the giveaway and check out her spring picks right away! (get more of rosy + tart on twitter!)



• undeniable style is paying homage to style icon jane birkin. It's no wonder this lovely lady has one of the most coveted handbags named after her! (get more of undeniable style on twitter!)



• good tots starts a weekly series featuring etsy sellers that carry fun goods for kids... this week's featured seller sells the most adorable Valentine's heart confetti. Must have!



• the hillside home is pulling together inspiration for her great room. I am loving the sophisticated yet cozy blue color she has chosen for her wall. Check out the whole inspiration on her blog!



• a fashion fixation pulls together a very simple but very stylish outfit for a road-trip. I love the use of a belt here! (get more of a fashion fixation on twitter!)



• yams designs delivers big time inspiration this week... all in black and white (remember last week it was technicolor?). You have just got to see what she has pulled together! (get more of yams designs on twitter!)



• one hundred inspirations is definitely thinking spring this week... they recreate this fun whitney port look for less than $85! What a deal!

the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less... for more information on how you can be involved... click here!

A little "Lattice" goes a long way

I think I may have found the "pair-fect" (that's perfect in fancy talk, dahling) fabric for our great room curtains. Remember my inspiration board that I posted here? Well here is what I have come up with.

Waverly Lovely Lattice Lapis... in navy. Gorge.

The cheapest I have found it for is $11.60/yard. Which seems like a pretty good deal to me since it's usually $30/yard. But when you're looking to make 6 panels to cover 3 large windows, the mula adds up quick. So I am gonna sleep on it (i.e. run it by my hubby and bat my eyelashes).

Feature Shout-Outs & Toddler Room Goodies

Hey guys! If you haven't had a chance to check out our master bathroom renovation, go check it out today at Remodelaholic!

Thanks to Kim at Newly Woodwards for featuring our renovation yesterday. I'm lovin' the love! :)

This morning I am headed to the Dr. with one sick little man. Liam has had a cough that won't quit for days... and a low grade fever that keeps popping up in the afternoon.

Since we are off to Mammoth next week for a vacation in the snow, I want to make sure to get this darn cold under control once and for all.

In the meantime, here are some more images I have been looking at for inspiration for Liam's new toddler room. I also have a TON of gorgeous nursery inspiration pics to share with you guys that are on the way.

It just occurred to me... I don't think I've shared on here what we are having. For those of you who I haven't told personally, do you have any guesses???!!!!

Happy Wednesday to you all... and wish us luck at the Dr. today!

Great Room: Inspiration Corkboard

My mind has been in overdrive lately. Inspired by the outcome of our finished master bathroom, I am feeling motivated to move onto another project... and one room at a time, get this house of ours finished. I would love to get the bulk of the work done before baby #2 gets here in June. I have my work cut out for me y'all. But the good news is that at least I am putting together a vision for each room (except for the kitchen/dining room, which is giving me major decorator's block).

So first things first... here is what I am thinking for the great room.

Sofas by Ballard Designs
Artwork by Pottery Barn

A lot of these pieces are out of our price range, and a lot of them are just close to what we already have. so this is simply a mood board to give you (and my hubby) a feel for what I am thinking. I am really wanting to add in some more modern looks (i.e. curtains) to contrast and compliment the vintage (i.e. TV stand). We already have white and taupe incorporated into the room, so now I am looking to add charcoal gray and navy blue.

We were just given a 2nd chair and a half from a relative (currently covered in maroon floral fabric), that I am planning to slipcover in gray. And we have white sheer curtains that I am planning to layer behind some new modern white and navy panels. I also want to incorporate navy into the room with throw pillows and some new artwork. I am thinking white gallery shelves (probably from IKEA) above our white sectional (also from IKEA).

So there you have it. My best intentions laid forward. Now let's see how it all pans out. First order of business... buying fabric and sewing my own window panels (since I can't seem to find anything out there that's just right). Here goes nothin'!

Woop Woop

So last night I'm sitting in bed watching Fringe (I still love me some Pacey, ladies) and catching up on blogs and guess what??? Not only was my master bath remodel featured at one of my all-time favorite blogs, but I am also the proud winner of these adorable owls by See Kate Sew. Score and score. It was a pretty rockin' Friday night.

(I think they'll be adorable for the new nursery.)

A Few of my Faves for the Weekend

I'm sure everyone is just as excited as I am to say, "IT'S SATURDAY!!!!" Looking forward to lazy mornings, long walks, and a bunch of football.

Here are a few of my faves from the week to kick off the weekend blog browsing!

DIY Black & White Striped Curtains @ The Yellow Cape Cod

DIY Farmhouse Craft Table @ Show & Tell

Gorgeous Office/Craft Room @ Honey We're Home

the "it" list

Happy Friday everyone! Time to celebrate the weekend with some inspiration... take some time to browse these amazing blogs today or this weekend!

• yams designs goes full on with technicolor inspiration all week long... I especially love Tuesday's post, but pop by her blog and your winter blues will melt away! (get more of yams designs on twitter!)


• a fashion fixation is set for spring... this outfit is PERFECT for the current weather, but still so fresh and fun! (get more of a fashion fixation on twitter!)


• undeniable style just bought some lovely sketches for her home... I am absolutely in love with this ballet inspired sketch! (get more of undeniable style on twitter!)


• capital barbie is loving lace for spring... me too! It's so flirty and feminine... check out her top picks! (get more capital barbie on twitter!)


• sweetie pie style just updated her vintage shop, one sweet find, with this mirrored vanity tray! I am SO in love... hurry and snatch this sweet find up! (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)


• 100 inspirations recreates this simple and chic Nikki Hilton look for under $100 - score!


• a spot of whimsy is featuring a wintry mix of inspiration that is sure to have you falling back in love with snow as if it were the first time... if just for a bit, at least! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)


• good tots found these super cool and modern cribs in fun colors for less than $400 - what a steal! almost makes me want to have another little babe, almost.


• much to my delight brings us to mediterranean bliss with this recipe for hummus, yum! one of my favorite snacks of all time, you must check this out!


• the hillside home lives in sunny california, lucky gal... at least she brings us the feel of summer wrapped up in this one adorable dress!


• rosy + tart has me drooling with these nutella and chocolate chip cookies! you absolutely must pop over and check out this recipe... so yum! (get more of rosy + tart on twitter!)


• a delightful design scopes out seven great online resources for inexpensive art! how resourceful... I just love these options! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)


• merci blah blah can accessorize like no one's business, it IS her business. I just love, love it all. Go check out her skills!


• good life for less is participating in a fun contest on her blog featuring polyvore and Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2011 collection. Go have fun and enter yourself to win a fabulous RM clutch! (get more good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less... for more information on how you can be involved... click here!

I'm dreaming of a white... couch.

As in, I'm hoping that washing my slipcovers gives me a white couch once again, rather than the gray tinged, fingerprinted, mysterious blue spotted hot mess is had become over the last 6 months.

When we moved into our new home, high on my list of furniture must-haves was a white slipcovered Ektorp corner-couch from IKEA. So far, we love it. But let me tell ya, the high traffic seat (the one on the far left), was so filthy I just had to declare yesterday as "Slipcover Washin' Day." I'm pretty excited about the option of taking of my couch covers and bleaching the living day lights out of them (I actually only put a little bit of bleach since I've read that too much can actually turn them yellow). I can only imagine if I had a dark brown couch that I couldn't wash or wipe down... there would be some major filth lurkin'. Nasty.

So here are some pics of our couch. Above is during Christmas (notice the Christmas throw strategically placed over the entire left seat... AKA hiding the grossness). And below is

during fall, decorated with some homemade Halloween pillows.

Although taking off all of the covers, spot treating them, washing them, and putting them back on (damp may I add, since putting them on totally dry can be risky---they might have shrunk), has been a "job," the highlight has been seeing the pure joy on Liam's face as he runs and jumps on the mountain of cushions piled on our living room floor. He thinks he woke up and went to heaven.

Even Ryan got in on the fun last night, jumping and playing in the cushions with our little man. These are the good moments... the great ones. Who knew how much fun washing your slipcovers could be! :)
The jury is still out on just how white the slipcovers turned out... Although most of them turned out perfect, I have yet to pull the big bottom piece with that dreaded left-hand arm rest out of the wash. I will make sure to keep you all updated.

What do you guys think of washable slipcovers? Who out there has a white couch and loves the bleach & wash option? We used to have a black leather couch and that was pretty great too... wipe down capabilities! Anyways, have a great Thursday. See you all back here tomorrow for the "IT" list!

Beach Day in January

I just have to take a minute and say that I am in love with Southern California. It is the middle of January and we spent our day yesterday at the beach... I wore a tank top and capris and splashed in the waves with my little man... IN JANUARY. It's been a magical 4 or 5 days.

Although I am excited for fall and winter every year and love me some holiday goodness, once Christmas is behind us, I am all kinds of ready for summer. I really am a California summer girl at heart... and although I am prego and will not be out frolicking in my teeny bikini when summer rolls around, I am already looking forward to summer days.

Day Dresses by Old Navy
Sandals by Timberland

the "IT" list

Happy Friday and welcome back to another great IT list line-up this week! Take some time today to visit these amazing blogs for tons of inspiration!

• a spot of whimsy has a great tutorial on stamp embossing, such a simple and classy project! I've done this before and it's so fun... she lays it all out step by step for you! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)


• much to my delight has an insiders guide on where to eat in New York City... if you are thinking of going to NYC soon (or any time in the future) make sure to bookmark this great post. I love that she found an old-fashioned candy store - my kind of place!


• good life for less takes Pantone's Color of the Year and tracks down simple items to incorporate into your wardrobe to be pretty in pink in 2011! (get more of good life for less on twitter!)


• merci blah blah is wearing sequins with stripes. Have mercy... must I say more, this is definitely a must see!


• yams design rounds up gorgeous winter white to keep the blahs at bay during this winter season. I just love all of her picks! (get more of yams design on twitter!)


• a delightful design is working a big girl room for a client... I love that she is considering this fun and bold IKEA light in the design! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)


• capital barbie rounds up gorgeous stacked heels as a more comfortable alternative to your stiletto heels. She has some great selections, I especially love the red pair! (get more capital barbie on twitter!)


• one hundred inspirations pulls together this gorgeous Sienna Miller look on the cheap! What a perfect travel outfit!


• sweetie pie style has a really cool DIY tutorial on this stenciled art canvas. I love this and she makes it look so easy! I am putting this on my DIY short list. (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)


• undeniable style take's Pantone's Color of the Year and highlights really great colors to pair it with if you aren't an all-pink-all-the-time kind of gal! (get more undeniable style on twitter!)


• the hillside home has really gorgeous before and afters of her master bath renovation. You are going to just LOVE this!


• a fashion fixation shows us how to winterize your maxi dresses - this is so fabulous! I always love an idea or two on how to stretch my wardrobe. (get more of a fashion fixation on twitter!)


• rosy + tart is getting ready for a mid-winter tropical vacation, lucky gal! She's rounded up some great cover-up options if you are heading out as well and are looking a little winter-skinned! (get more rosy + tart on twitter!)


• good tots features one of the most fun items to buy for the babies' nursery - a mobile! These fun and modern options will leaving any baby (and mother!) coo-ing.

the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less... for more information on how you can be involved... click here!

"Big Boy Room" Inspiration

In 2 short months, we will start designing and decorating a "big boy room" for Liam and turning his nursery into the new baby's nursery. So much design and decor in so little time!

I am having such a difficult time deciding on anything for the new nursery! And I was drawing a blank on Liam's new room as well, but after a couple of visits to my tried and true favorite (Pottery Barn, peeps), I came across this adorable red, white, and brown star bedroom. And I think I'm in "big boy room" love, y'all.

How cute would it be to have 3 boys and have this room? Granted, I doubt they would get any sleep all sleeping in the same room, but you'd have a great excuse to buy bedding in all available colors!

I am thinking of this brown quilt for Liam's room.

I am a sucker for cute storage. And this is supa-dupa cute. And on sale. My debit card is basically jumping out of my purse, ladies.

Love these storage cubbies... they come in blue, red, or brown.

I love cable systems for kids' artwork. I really want to get some of these for the playroom.

Personalized pendants. So. Cutie.

So I know this post is basically a PB ad (we can't help who we love, can we?), but what do you guys think?

Master Bath Reveal

I am MORE than excited to share this remodel with you. This post has been a long time coming. The remodel has been done, for the most part, for months... but we were really lagging on the final details (hanging wall decor, decorating the shelves, wiping down the counters.... you know.)

Here is a photo of the master bath the day we got the keys:

It didn't take us long to get in there and get the demo goin'! We were so excited to get moving on this remodel!
Here is the bathroom after most of the demo was complete:
And here is the bathroom completely bare & prepped for paint:
And without further ado...

........

.........

............

here is the BIG REVEAL of our master bath remodel:

What do you guys think?!?!?!?

We are IN LOVE with how it turned out.

We wanted it to look a bit old fashioned (vanities that look like furniture, vessel sinks, farmhouse faucets and medicine cabinets with latches), but with a clean and modern twist (clean lines, black and white with beige and turquoise accents, modern pattern on the hampers).

We chose beach accents for the decor.

Turquoise mason jars and bottles sitting on top of the medicine cabinets along with some coral and a starfish.

A seashell candle and starfish frame on the glass shelf.

A photo of Ryan and I taken on the North Shore of Oahu (2007).

And a seashell encrusted cross that we picked up at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

This is the only completed remodel in the whole house (aside from the staircase) and it has really motivated us to take the projects on one room at a time. This way you stay focused and really feel a sense of accomplishment. We are thinking of moving onto the family room next.

Hope you guys enjoy the remodel... and below are the sources for all our goodies.

Vanities: Home Depot

Vessel Countertops: Overstock

Vessel Sinks: Overstock

Farmhouse Faucets: Overstock

Medicine Cabinets: Home Depot

Glass Shelf: Target

Lighting: Pottery Barn

Hampers: Target

Linking to:

Make It For Monday , Making Monday Marvelous, Project Parade, Power of Paint Party, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Remodelaholic's Anonymous, Weekend Wrap-Up, Transformation Thursday