Brooklyn Limestone

Moody Hallway Makeover

2017-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

As you might expect, I love talking decor with friends so when my bestie shared she was working on her hallway, I was eager to see what she had in mind. She was on a strict budget so she was going to do what she could with the space without spending a fortune. That included keeping the vinyl flooring that was ahem, less than ideal. A few weeks later I stopped by and was stopped dead in my tracks with the impressive makeover she completed. I so wish I had a before photo to share but you'll just have to take my word for it that this hardly feels like the same home.

Yes, that floor is handpainted. I don't know how many hours it took but I think "a lot" would probably not cover it. She did not use a stencil but rather marked out the pattern with car detailing tape. Hard to believe this is all just old vinyl.

I'm just in love with this space and wanted to share it with you too! I call it moody in the best way possible. This space tells me something about the owner while still being practical. While it's small in size, the flooring and the art draws the eye in giving it a feel of more space. Hooks and a bench make it functional. The "hello" and "goodbye" give it whimsy and finally the floor gives so much style.

Sources:
Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh
Gold Paint
Brass Chandelier
Brass Pendant
Mid Century Style Wood Bench
Brass Pilltop Hooks
Wood Panels
Door Decals

Inexpert Guide to Packing for Family of 4 in One Suitcase

2017-06-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already noticed, we really enjoy traveling and think the rewards are well worth the hassle. Of course traveling with little kids make the whole experience a much different proposition but there are certain things we do to make it easier on ourselves. One of those things is traveling as light as reasonably possible. Before kids, that meant one small carry on suitcase each no matter where we were going or for how long. With 2 kids in tow, carrying 2 suitcases is a very NOT fun juggling exercise (free hands for child wrangling is preferred) so we decided early on to cut way back and stick with one (albeit larger than carry on size) suitcase for all of us. Here are my inexpert tips on how to not only survive but thrive on a family vacation with just what fits inside one bag.

I will say upfront I am by no means a hard core light packer. There are people who have traveled for a year on what fits in a backpack. I'm not one of those people. I like to wear clean clothes, I like to have a few options in wardrobe and I like to be comfortable, I like my kids to look cute. So I do take a good bit of stuff with me - we just use a few guiding principles to keep it manageable.

The one suitcase motto has 3 important parts:
1. Bring what you need
2. Don't bring what you won't use/can find there
3. Make it Fit

Bring What You Need
The very best way to reduce what you absolutely need to pack in terms of clothing is to plan to laundry while on your trip. You can make this easy or hard but either way it's not as inconvenient as it sounds. The easy way is booking an apartment hotel, time share or airbnb that has laundry facilities. The slightly harder way is staying in a hotel and finding a laundromat nearby. Thanks to the internet this is only a click away. Added bonus is that doing laundry like a local is the ultimate authentic experience and you meet people you would never meet otherwise. Since I like wearing clean clothes everyday AND my kids seem to need multiple outfits per day to stay clean, we tend to do laundry once every 3-4 days on a vacation.

Laundry or not, you still need something to wear on your back. Layers are definitely your friend both because they pack light but also because you can mix and match to make several different outfits from the same pieces. Pick a color scheme to make mixing and matching a lot easier. There are also a few key wardrobe pieces that take up almost no room and prove to be invaluable while away. The list is short but key
- comfortable, versatile shoes like these Lucky Ballet Flats
- a lightweight open cardigan in a color that goes with everything
- a fun scarf to keep you warm on the plane and to punch up a plain outfit
- great statement earrings
- a versatile maxi dress that can be worn anywhere

Don't Bring What You Don't Need
I pack outfits, not individual pieces. Of course you can mix it up when you arrive but planning in outfits makes sure you aren't bring more of any one thing than you really need.

This is where you have to be a bit brutal. Be realistic about what you will do when you get to your destination. For example, we don't go out to fancy meals or events because it isn't practical with littles. So that's an entire category of clothing I can leave home. If Im going to a warm weather destination and plan on wearing flip flops most of the time, I don't need to pack 7 pairs of socks. You get the picture. You have to be honest about yourself about what you really need.

Where possible bring clothing that can be worn more than once without washing like your favorite jeans. Not as common for adults but reversible clothing is also lovely when you can find it.

Avoid bringing anything that has to be dry cleaned or need special washing (like white clothing that needs to be laundered separately).

Do not bring what they have there** If you are going to a hotel that has a hair dryer, don't pack your own. I know, i know - their blow dryer isn't as good as yours. Let it go! Don't bring baby food for the entire trip if you know you are staying across the street from a supermarket. You get the idea. No only does this save you room but it also scores you other authentic local experiences by shopping for your consumables.

Pack essentials first. Once you have put the absolute must have, do or die items in yours suitcase, you will see just how much extra room you have. It will help you be much more selective in what you bring.

**There are always exceptions. I'm brutal about what not to bring in every way except when it comes to diapers. We generally bring those with us not because they can't be purchased but because as they get used, it leaves room in our suitcase for souvenirs.

Leave the Toy Store at Home You will be surprised what your kids find entertaining when they don't have a million toys. I generally bring one or two small, soft toys that I can stuff into my purse - more as a comfort than a real playset. Everything becomes a toy when there are none to be had. Save the space in your bag for things you can't live without.

Make it Fit
Technically if you have followed the tenets of bringing just what you need, you really don't need this section but lets face it - there is always the temptation of bringing just a little bit more. In those situations you might need to employ some make it fit tips.

Use a soft sided expandable suitcase (we use this one). Yes, the hard sided ones look cooler but are much more restrictive. You will be able to jam much more in a soft sided model.

I don't understand the science behind this AT ALL but somehow rolled clothing takes up less room than folded one. Don't ask me to explain it. It just works.

Organize inside. With 4 people sharing one suitcase, it can get kind of messy so I've recently started using packing cubes and I'm such a convert! Not only can you squeeze more clothing in the bag but you can also put the cubes in your hotel's dresser drawers as opposed to living out a messy suitcase.

Wow. I thought that I had nothing to say on this topic but I guess I did. If you are still reading, thanks for sticking around. I hope you found some of my advice helpful. At the very least your back will thank me.

3 Easy Tricks to Up your Curb Appeal Game

2017-06-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schlage. The opinions and text are all mine.

**Click here to enter to win $1000 gift card + design consultation with Carmen Phillips**

While curb appeal gets a lot of attention when you are selling a house, it can sometimes be neglected when you are actually living there. It's easy to get overlooked since you spend most of your time INSIDE and other jobs can take priority. But, there are easy ways to improve a home's curb appeal without a ton of effort (so you can get back to your big to-do list elsewhere) and reap the rewards you can enjoy every time your return home.

There are plenty of traditional, time tested ways to improve your curb appeal from great landscaping to beautiful woodworking to upgraded lighting. You probably have already heard them all so I won't bore you with the basics. Instead, I'm sharing a few easy tricks that you might not have thought of before. Added bonus is that they that take very little time or money to implement but still reap big rewards.

Trick #1 | Opt for dark colors Instead of getting a new front door, paint your existing one with a rich shade to create a modern eye catching entry. While investing in a fabulous front door is generally a great idea, paint can do wonders at a fraction of the price. Skipping the bright colors and sticking with a dark shade will help hide a multitude of sins while making even an outdated style appear modern and fresh. Black is a perpetual favorite, but you can create the same impact with rich inky blues, forest greens and charcoal greys. Don't be afraid to go dark here as a deep front door will attract the eye -particularly if your home is painted a lighter shade. The same concept is employed by a winding stone path, spot lighting and great molding but this idea is a much easier solution with the exact same result!

Trick #2 | Update your door hardware Even the most outdated door gets an instant pick me up with a new front handle set. Especially if you pick something with great clean lines like SCHLAGE'S CENTURY FRONT ENTRY HANDLESET. Not only is this an easy upgrade to install that beautifies your entryway - it also improves the security of your space in a flash. You can go two ways with finish. Opt for the matte black finish on a dark door (as in this example) to give a more modern, monochromatic feel to the entry space Or go with a matte brass or nickel to create some visual contrast and eye catching reflective surface. Either way, the new handleset will create the impression of a more updated home in a flash.

Trick #3 | Add Whimsy Whether it be a fun vinyl decal welcoming your guests, a modern wreath or a pink flamingo, adding something just a little bit fun will not only show your personality but also gives the eye something to rest on. On the example above, the white "hello" decal is a super affordable and fun addition that can be installed in one minute flat. This technique will distract from the elements of your entry that are less than ideal. Take a step back and look at your front entry way. Does it have depth and texture already with the existing structure, materials and plantings? If not, add in a few layers like big leafy green ferns or hanging plants, updated house numbers or an eye catching welcome mat. If your front entry space is located on a porch, add a cozy seating area for extra welcome. The goal is to be inviting to both guests and residents so go the extra mile to create that message visually

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schlage. The opinions and text are all mine.

Shore Bedroom Makeover

2017-06-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

It doesn’t feel that long ago but we bought our little apartment on the Jersey Shore more than 10 years ago now. Our lives were very different back then and this little getaway has changed as drastically as our lives. We renovated the bathroom and kitchen and carved a kid’s room out of the living room space. It was finally time to tackle our bedroom. It had never been a priority before but a restful place to lay our heads has suddenly taken on new meaning.

This is how we found it the day we decided to purchase it.

Let’s just say Better Homes & Gardens wasn’t going to come calling anytime soon. We did a few patches here and there with some ikea furniture and paint but it never felt like a truly well put together, restful space.

I’m happy to share it’s finally a totally different room thanks to some help from my friends at Hayneedle.

The anchor of the room is the Linen Tufted Wingback Bed which is a beautiful shade of navy. As you can see, I didn’t want to go too crazy with the coastal vibe but I wanted to have just the suggestion of the shore.

Since there were already a lot of rectangles in the room I wanted to add some more organic shapes and textures. I started with the using these round end tables in place of traditional nightstands.

The walls were painted a dramatic deep grey (BM Kendall Charcoal) but needed a little artwork to break it up. The abstract artwork stopped me dead in my scroll – the perfect shade, organic shape and nod to the sea without being something too on the nose.

For lots of extra storage as well as a warm infusion of natural wood, we put this long 8 dresser chest of drawers along the long wall. This thing holds sooo much and looks lovely doing it.

Finally my absolute favorite addition is this modern update on a wingback chair. Tucked in the corner, it’s the perfect spot to flip through a magazine or put on your sandals before heading out.

I’m so happy with this room now that I catch myself peeking in there every chance I get!

Source list:

Bed

End tables

Drapes

Disclosure: Some of the products featured in this post were provided by Hayneedle but all of the opinions expressed are my own.

Outdoor Movie Night at the Country Cottage

2017-06-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Remember the fab DIY circular patio and firepit I shared last year? Well, it got a serious upgrade in the form of an outdoor movie theater set up this season.

You will have to excuse the less than stellar image. The truth is, we were having too much fun out here and I just never got around to taking a great photograph. But I think you can get the idea.

It's not something they keep up permanently but rather bring it out when the situation calls for it. I think Aggie's first viewing of the Wizard of Oz was certainly occasion enough.

For those that are curious about the details, the projector is a refurbished home theater projector. I was really shocked how clean and crisp the picture was even with the ambient light around the patio in the form of the outdoor string lights. The only downside to this projector is that the built in speaker isn't great so my brother uses a separate speaker instead which worked perfectly.

As for the screen I had just assumed they would hang a white sheet up between the trees. Little did I know that a sheet just won't work very well b/c the light goes right through it so they were going to need something a bit more heavy duty. They used this portable projector screen, added heavy duty grommets to the edges and built a frame out of pvc pipe that was easy to put up and break down as needed.

With the fire roaring and everyone kicking back in the adirondack chairs, it's a pretty amazing set up.

Airstream Envy

2017-06-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's a good thing I don't have a large backyard. Otherwise I would be even more obsessed with scoring an airstream. I have no interest in camping but using an airstream as an outdoor bar or patio anchor is pretty fabulous.

sources: byron bay / airstream classifieds / autocamp

I know, I know. I'm late to the party. But you'll have to excuse this city girl who knows nothing of these metal boxes on wheels. I didn't realize you could roll an entire extra room on your property! Granted, my backyard is too small to roll anything onto but I can dream right??

So without the ability to obsess about actually owning an airstream, I've added vacationing in one to my bucket list. Notice I didn't say camping. Autocamp seems pretty amazing. As does this Airbnb.

Anyone have one? Does it get musty/hot in there?

Update the decor of any room in 10 minutes!

2017-05-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

There are lots of ways to update the decor of a room - fresh paint, new furniture, better lighting. But there are few better or faster ways to make a quick change in almost no time at all than to update the door hardware. It's a small and easy change but the impact is big.

If you know me, I'm a hardware junkie. I fell in love with the limestone partially because of the door hardware. Even though the rest of the house was a complete disaster, the hardware was the window into the past that lured me in and inspired me to take on the challenge. I love to visit architectural salvage shops and pour through their vintage hardware for great finds. There is something oddly sentimental about a good doorknob to me. I imagine all the hands it touched over the years - like a small bit of history saved. Even when used in less than traditional ways, I'm a sucker for a good doorknob.

Practically speaking, the right door hardware has outsized visual impact. Think of a great doorknob as the great pair of earrings to pair with a classic dress. Small in size but can instantly update a space. Best of all? Replacing an old doorknob with a new one could not be easier! It requires no special tools or skills - simply unscrew the one you have, pop in the new one and screw together. Voila!

I had been wanting to change out the door hardware in our shore apartment for ages but it never made it high enough on the to-do list. A few years back we renovated the BATHROOM but left the door hardware for a future project. Then hurricane Sandy hit and we renovated the KITCHEN, but again, we never got around to tackling that door hardware. There has always been a mishmash of colors and styles that drove me a little crazy. It's a small thing but the wrong door hardware always screams "thrown together" to me in a way that is never a good thing.

So when Schlage contacted me to see if I was interested in partnering with them, I jumped at the chance. Having used Schlage locks for years already, I knew I was getting a quality product that would last and would feel sturdy to the touch.

Since I like to mix metals as my tastes change, I wanted the knobs to be versatile to work with any finish. I selected SCHLAGE'S BOWERY KNOB WITH GREYSON TRIM in matte black for the closet, bathroom and bedroom doors. Bravo to Schlage for making a great matte black finish that goes with just about any style. It works as well in a coastal style home like ours as it would in a modern or industrial space.

With so little time invested, I finally have matching hardware unifying the apartment and updating the style at the same time. What a difference an hour can make when you have the right materials. I could not be happier with the result!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Schlage but all opinions expressed are my own.

Office Makeover Color Dilemma

2017-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

My office used to be one of my very favorite spaces. Clean and serene and just for me. But with the additional of 2 extra people, the places where I would store my supplies got taken over by clothes and diapers and toys. So my little office has become a dumping ground and just not a fun place to be.

rug | shelving

Which gives me perfect license for a makeover. I want to use some of the art I have laying around unhung as well as create plenty of open storage for my other treasures that don't have a good home. I also plan on using crates and boxes to hide some of the clutter as well.

This was the before we got there and here is what it looks like now.

I think i'll keep my current desk just b/c it does the job but mostly because I haven't found a replacement I really love yet. When I do, I'll pounce.

My big dilemma is wall color. I've really enjoyed the bright color that has been in this space up until now but since I'm changing it up, I think a new color is in order. A pale grey was my first instinct but it's a bit boring. I love black rooms so I've considered that but I'm resisting for this room. I get good enough light to do all white but again, I'm not loving it. I'd love to do a greyed down green ala Laduree but I don' think it works with my furniture. Usually I have a color idea right away but this has been holding up the whole works. Any suggestions?

Dining Room Refresh

2017-05-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Normally I like a big "pow" makeover. I'm afraid this is more like a soft "piff" but I'm still pleased with how a few small, inexpensive changes made the room feel new again.

Pardon me for not setting the table for the shot. I know that is what other bloggers do and I totally get it - it just feels a little empty without all the dishes laid out just so. But I don't seem to have the free time I once had. I wonder why? :)

Did you spot the new additions? The sugar mold, chalkboard and curtains are all new. I do want to eventually switch out the end chairs but I haven't found anything I just love yet (that will also stand the test of time with 2 little ones). I feel a little guilty replacing something perfectly functional but it has been 10 years so it feels time for something different. Any suggestions? I like having something a little different for the end seats.

Bonjour: Paris Surrounds

2017-04-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

We just got back from a weeklong trip outside of Paris. That's right - I said outside. As you can probably guess, we absolutely adore the city of Paris (which is why we visited in 2007, 2012, 2014, and 2015) but opted for a different trip this time. Partially because I felt dealing with a baby, stroller and 4 year old on the Paris metro would be less than relaxing and partially because I had always wanted to see some more of what lay outside one of my favorite cities.

We stayed in a villa near Disneyland Paris splitting our time between the park and some other more grown up friendly pursuits in the surrounding areas. We could have taken a train into Paris at any time but we managed to kill all of our time without even thinking of going into the city. We spent one day just relaxing and taking in the local town and then the rest of our time out and about.

Our primary target was Disneyland Paris. I've always been curious about it and having a princess obsessed 4 year old seemed like the best excuse to go. Agatha loved it, of course. As an adult, I feel like it was a pretty poor excuse for a Disney park. All of the expense and the crowds without the great execution I've seen at Disneyworld. The lines for everything - including buying a snack or souvenir no less the rides - were incredibly long. Based on the fact that many rides and stalls seemed to have unmanned areas that could have accommodated double or triple the guests, it seemed the park was operating on half staff with a full crowd which was very frustrating with small children. I could go on but I won't except to say it was disappointing. That said, it was in France so it's got that going for it!

Now on to some great highlights. We visited Vaux Le Vicomte - which was wonderful. Shades of Versailles without the crowds - we practically had the whole castle to ourselves. Sadly they didn't allow strollers in which mean only Agatha and I visited but it was still a lovely afternoon. They even had princess dresses for kids to play for a small fee. Naturally I found the servant's quarters far more interesting than the grand halls. I wonder what that says about me?

Another highlight was a day spent in Reims which was about an hour away from where we were staying. We had a lingering lunch in a local cafe and then took a champagne cave tour with Veuve Cliquot. The brand and it's found has such an interesting history and of course there was tasting at the end. Thankfully they were no phased in the least to have children there (I was a bit worried it might not be practical to bring them) and it was my favorite part of the trip.

All in all, it was a wonderful week.

Trends I Defend: Coffee Bar

2017-04-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

You might notice I don't often talk about what is on or off trend here. That's mostly because I feel like almost anything - whether super new or seen everywhere - can be done well, when done right. So rather than bashing what's out, I thought it would be fun to discuss some great trends (despite being oft seen) we can defend.

jen woodhouse / martha stewart / funky junk interiors

As someone with a small kitchen this is a favorite. Kitchen coffee bars - little stations where a homeowner's coffee maker, cups and fixings are all out and at the ready. A luxury I so wish I had the room for since my coffee consumption has skyrocketed since having kids. I like to think of it as the modern bar cabinet. Who needs booze when you can have caffeine?

apartment therapy / the happy housie / driven by decor

While an elaborate station is pretty swoon worthy, I've seen some lovely takes on it using rolling carts, 3 tiered trays and simple baskets like the examples above.

I don't have a full on coffee bar but I do have my coffee corner but it's just not the same as having everything out and ready to go any time you need a boost. My next kitchen will definitely have one.

What do you think about this trend? Is it here to stay? Do you have a coffee corner? Is it as functional as you imagined it?

If I Were A Hoarder: The Under $100 edition

2017-04-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've been on the hunt for something very specific on craigslists, yard sales, ebay, etc lately. Of course I haven't found what I'm looking for but I keep finding other great pieces I just don't have the room for. But oh so tempting! So I present to you If I Were A Hoarder: The Under $100 edition. Someone buy these before I do.

Wooden Chest $80 | Flip top table $100

The chest looks pretty lovely as is - would make a great nighstand. The flip top table would be perfect painted with a giant vase of cherry blossoms in it gracing a hallway.

Cedar chest $70 | Tolix style cafe table + chairs $50

The chest would make a great coffee table or end of bed storage piece. Those feet! And I'm loving this little cafe set for a playroom or kid's space repainted in another color.

Wide wooden sideboard $80 | Vintage children's desk $30

The sideboard listing doesn't give dimensions but by the looks of it would be perfect behind a sofa or used as a tv stand. And what can I say about old school desks? I'm kind of enamored with them.

What do you think? Anyone in the mood for bargain hunting?

10 Easy DIY Spring Wreaths to Suit Your Decor Style

2017-03-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I generally don't decorate for seasons. Not because I don't appreciate seasonal decor but I tend to put all my energies into Halloween and Christmas and I'm just all decorated out after that. But I've seen some great spring wreath projects lately that I wanted to share. I pinned this giant hoop wreath ages ago and it's been lingering the back of my mind every since. It got me to thinking that the wreath on a homeowner's front door can say a lot about who lives inside. Am I right? So with that in mind, here are a few inspired ideas that might suit your personal style (and won't take more than a lazy spring afternoon to make!).

Clean lines? Mid century? Try a naked wreath.
artzy creations | made from scratch | gardenaholic

The whole "naked" wreath trend is amazing. All of the graphic punch with 1/10 of the work! Glue pretty much anything pretty to a metal craft ring or embroidery hoop and you have an easy modern focal point for your door.

Farmhouse vintage more your style? Go with old charm.

create craft love | random thoughts | create craft love | midwest living

Ditch the wreath altogether and drag something with a bit of rusty charm out of your garage and fill with flowers or greenery. Voila! Instant classics.

Traditional with style? Go for a updated classics.

sugar and cloth | your cozy home | alison michel

Just a slight twist on your standard wreath but something a little different than the everyday.

Now to only pick one style and actually make one. Or in my case 2 since I have double doors. Anyone else getting a hankering to add a little spring decor to your house?

A modern surprise in old Brooklyn

2017-03-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ever walk past a home and be totally stopped dead in your tracks? That's what happened just a few blocks away when I saw the result of this renovation. It was obviously a renovation because the style of the home is so outside what you normally see (as you can tell from the surrounding homes). A little google search revealed the gorgeous interiors as well.

via Barker Freedman Design

Despite being a hard and fast old home lover, I adore what they did here. I wonder how the neighbors feel about it being out of context though.

Perhaps because I live in an old home, some part of me is drawn to clean modern spaces. Lots of white and light without all the fuss.

What do you think? Are you a slave to sameness or do you appreciate the stark difference in style? Do you crave a different style than you are generally drawn to?

Spring, can you hear me?

2017-03-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

The weather has been nuts here but I'm over winter and ready to go outside. Last year I got all the major furniture pieces all ready to go just in time to be forced back indoors by the Zika threat (since I was very pregnant at the time). This year I'll just need to do some sprucing and planting and it will be spring ready. Now if only the weather would cooperate!

I always struggle with accessories - I don't like a lot of clutter but I also want it to look finished. Anyone have some outdoor accessories they just love to share?

Our biggest problem back here is mosquitos. You would think living in a big city would mitigate that but for reasons I don't quite understand, its mossy city back here. I've tried all kinds of things but few things work for long. What does everyone else use for bug control? I'd rather not have to douse ourselves in bug spray every time we step outside.

Magnolia Market Madness!

2017-03-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month I made my visit, er blogger pilgramage, to the Fixer Upper mothership in Waco, Texas: Magnolia Market

Not exactly the most convenient shopping trip from Brooklyn but I was in Austin, Texas for a girl's weekend so I knew I had to go. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it turned out to be a lovely way to spend a few hours.

Let's get the not so great bits out of the way. First, the place is mobbed. This is coming from someone who is used to be crushed with people on the subway everyday so it really is crowded. I didn't find browsing in the shop to be so relaxing b/c I was getting pushed this way and that.

Second negative is that we visited on a day it had rained the night before and the outdoor area was a muddy mess. Not a big deal but should you go on a wet day, bring your wellies.

On to the positive elements. The displays are beautifully done and quite inspiring. The style that made the whole country fall in love with Chip + Jo is very much present in everything. The staff are super sweet and helpful. Maybe everyone in Texas is as nice but coming from NYC, its a lovely treat. The prices are not crazy. You won't find any super deals either but considering the crowds, they could probably charge twice as much and still be packed. The bakery serves up really yummy cupcakes and cookies - the line is long but it moves relatively quickly. The outdoor area is fabulous - even in the mud I was impressed - a great large area for playing, swings, gardens, etc. You can tell this place was made with family in mind which is pretty amazing. The whole complex is a little slice of fun for anyone decor obsessed.

So all in all, a great day out and worth a stop if you are in the area.

Shore Bedroom Makeover

2017-03-03T09:51:00.001-05:00

It's almost spring which means I'm dreaming of long weekends and lazy days at the beach this summer. We've had this place for 11 years now and we've been updating it slowly - we started with a bathroom, then the kitchen reno, and last year we carved out a kid's bunk room from the living room. It's time to reclaim the master bedroom as a grown up hideaway. For the past 5 years, this room has been a mishmash of old Ikea furniture, playpens and diaper piles but no longer!

The bedroom is getting a total makeover starting with new paint and some new furniture pieces. I can't wait to get started!
Upholstered Headboard
Wingback Chair
Dresser
Rug
Nighstands

I'm still on the lookout for the right drapes - white blackout drapes that don't look cheap but aren't insanely expensive seem to be eluding me. I could use some lighting as well. And finally bedding - the never ending quest for the perfect comforter. (No, still haven't found the unicorn yet). I'd love to hear some suggestions.

Reading Corner aka "Mom Nook"

2017-02-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

One of my oldest friends has been renovating her bedroom for an eternity so when I had the chance to work with Hayneedle on small furniture project, I immediately thought of her space. She is a hard working mom of two energetic boys and I knew she could need nothing more than a little corner just for herself.

For complete list of items used, check out the source list here.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hayneedle but all opinions expressed are my own.

DIY Ring Valentines + Free Printable

2017-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm probably violating some kind of blogger rule here but I tend to do holiday projects at about the same time the holiday occurs. Which is why I'm sharing this just one day before Valentine's Day. Ok shoot me - I'm a last minute mom. That said, I think these turned out pretty cute.

Not pictured (because I was just too lazy to take more photos) is how Aggie wrote her name on the back of each one and water colored each gem. She also stuffed the bags so I could put the hang tags on. Obviously I did a lot of the work here but I wanted to do it with her, not for her - and these ticked the box.

I used these flashing sparkly rings loaded into small ziploc bags but you could just as easily slap these tags on a prepackaged ring pops and call it a day.

Any other last minute moms need a hand? You can crank out a classroom quantity of these in no time. Download the free printable here.

DIY NETFLIX + CHILL BATH CADDY

2017-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know all you hopeless romantics out there are looking for the perfect handmade Valentine for your schmoopy. Well move along! This DIY homemade gift (which is perfectly acceptable to make for yourself!) is for all the lovebirds who just want a few minutes alone in the bathtub with their favorite tv show and beverage. Is there a bah humbug for Valentine's Day? This bath caddy is the embodiment of it. This is 'Netflix & Chill' for grown-ups. Can I get an "Amen"?

This project is super simple and if you happen to have a router (or can borrow one for a few minutes) you are set. Simply cut a board to the width of your tub, mark out the appropriate size divots for your smart device, votive candles and wine glass of choice. The first step was to use a corner round bit to finish up the rough edge of the board. I used a straight bit to cut out the slot for the iphone, votives and wine glass. Voila! I think it would look even better stained but I was too impatient so I took the easy route and got the bubbles going.

Happy Valentines Day lovers and loners alike!

What to Know About Renting Your Home for Filming

2017-02-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month, we had a really exciting opportunity fall into our laps: a television crew wanted to film a couple of scenes in our house. The whole experience was completely fascinating and we got a glimpse into the industry and all that goes into each and every second of television. We also learned a little bit about what it's like to rent our house out for filming. For those who are considering doing the same, I thought it might be worth sharing a few tidbits.

1. Usually the bridesmaid, rarely the bride. The question we got asked most is how did they find us. Years ago, we were approached by a location scout. He wanted to know if we would be open to filming at our house and could he bring a crew over to take a look around inside. Intrigued we agreed to a visit but did not get picked for that show. We did, however, get put into a catalog of possible locations so a few times a year, we get a call from a different show/movie/commercial to see if we would still be open to it. Generally the team is seeing several different location a day so they stop by for a quick look see and then move on to the next option. In all those visits, this is the first time we were actually picked. So in other words, your house may be mercilessly rejected often before its ever picked and you will have no idea why. It's not personal, it's business.

2. It's Complicated. No matter how simple the description of what is being done seems, it's going to be way more elaborate than you imagine. In our case, one day of shooting required 2 whole days of set up and one day of restoration. And in those days there is quite a large team working very hard for very long hours. This particular television show had a fairly large crew. Some shows will have a smaller team while movies will have even more people. No matter what, there isn't a detail that isn't thought through carefully.

3. It's a Whole House Thing. Even though the crew was only technically using the main floor our house for filming, they essentially took over the entire house. From running endless cables in our basement to using our bedrooms as green rooms to keeping the doors wide open all day - don't expect to be able to live around them easily. That was our one big mistake. If we are ever lucky enough to get to do this again, I will fully move out for the entire time they are prepping, filming and restoring. Without kids it would have been a challenge but with them, it was virtually impossible. That said, you can't just fly to another country either - having someone in the house while the crew was there was pretty key when they needed to find something and when they were restoring everything on the final day.

4. Let It Go Not surprisingly, we are pretty protective of our house. So it was a bit stressful to see a big team descend and make changes, hang lights and do other things that could have done damage. But that is why they are there and you have to just take a deep breath and let it go. I had faith that the production company would repair anything that was damaged.

5. It Gets Weird I was personally super excited to see what changes the set decorators were going to make. Maybe they had some good ideas I could adopt? But I will warn you its super disorientating to walk into your home and most of your personal belongs and furniture has been replaced and rearranged. I didn't expect it to feel weird but it totally did!

6. Prepare for the Dirty Looks While the inconvenience is primarily yours, your neighbors will also be put out come filming day. In our case, they closed a few blocks for parking and turned our block in a bit of a zoo. We are very lucky that our neighbors are all good and decent people so they never said a word but I'm sure there was some mumbling under the breath. It was only one day so I hope they have forgiven us for the disruption.

7. Work with the Right People This was a bit of luck because we really knew nothing going in but we were very fortunate that this production company was a pleasure to deal with every way. First off, they provided us with proof of substantial insurance going in so we knew we were covered just in case something was damaged. Their rental offer was fair and they helped us make arrangements to stay offsite on the day of the filming. Once they got started they treated our home with respect and any small dings or scuffs were remedied before they left without even asking us. I imagine not every crew is as careful or as respectful so keep this in mind.

All in all, we had a positive experience and would recommend it if the opportunity arises.

A moment of house zen...

2017-01-30T10:10:00.001-05:00

Whenever I'm feeling stressed, I take a mental vacation on the internet to look at pretty things. Who is with me?

On that topic, look at the amazing job Brooklyn Home Company did in this house. The people that live here are clearly too cool to want to associate with the likes of me but I think we could be besties if they just give me a chance. Kidding. Sort of.

Great Renovations: Melinda's Mud Room

2017-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Great Renovation post is such a wonderful illustration of how different a space can look when put into the right hands. A mudroom in of itself is a luxury in any form but it often can become a messy catch all. A space that is forgotten in favor of other 'more important' projects. Not so for Melinda of House 214 Design who transformed her mudroom into something spectacular both in function (who wouldn't kill for for that storage??) and form?

Melinda's whole house is a stunner but this is the space that I seem to catch myself doing a double take every time she shares it. Check out more of her work on her House 214 Design and don't forget to follow her insta feed!

Source List

Paint | Martha Stewart Schoolhouse Slate

Hardware | Restoration Hardware Aubrey

Floor | The Tile Shop (Natural Slate)

Light Fixture | Vintage find

ICYMI: Click on any of the images below to explore more great renovations features.

Beauty & The Beast Party | Tale as Old as Four...

2017-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

The past few months have been a bit of a whirlwind. I'll admit I'm struggling a bit getting my mojo back - balancing 2 kids and being back to work full time is a balancing act I haven't yet mastered. Some things fall to the bottom of the priority list but I still love a good party!

Aggie's fourth birthday was celebrated with a Beauty & The Beast theme and a house full of 4 year olds. I went pretty simple on the decor this time around - a rose in a cloche, an antique clock and a stack of books decorated the cake table. A small table with a selection of tiaras and crowns and septors made up a "Coronation Station". A simple DIY bellini bar that was much appreciated by the parents (non alcoholic "princess punch" was an option for the kids) and a grilled cheese station rounded out the menu. For entertainment, we went full on cheese and had Beauty & the Beast stop by to read stories and sing songs. It was an exhausting day but this age is so magical and she loved every minute. I'm glad we got to do it for her.

Great Renovations: Kyong's Black Floral Bathroom

2017-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

As a lifelong New Yorker, having a small bathroom is just one of those things that most of us live with at one time or another (or forever!). A small footprint can be functional but it's often a challenge to make it beautiful at the same time. Enter Kyong who did such an amazing job with her renovation, I want to pack my bags and move in. You've already seen her kitchen so it's no surprise her bathroom would be as stunning. Her powder room is this week's Great Renovation.

She took a piece of this bedroom and created a stunning powder room. The wallpaper is eye catching and the brass accents are perfection with it. The herringbone floors! The black high gloss door!

Source List:
Wallpaper
Lighting
build by northstar builders
interior design by white + gold
photos courtesy of blush photography

ICYMI: Click on any of the images below to explore more great renovation features.