Casual Friday: July 7, 2017

It's been a jam-packed week behind the scenes. Not only with the 4th of July (which we enjoyed so much!), but I also designed and ordered everything for three rooms/spaces that we'll be making over THIS month--two of which are not in our own home. It's always so fun for me to design for other people and to let my mind explore other possibilities and styles I don't have the chance to implement in our own home. I'll go into a lot more details in a future post, but one is a non-traditional kids' space and one is a master bedroom. The bedroom we'll be making over in a quick 2-day period, in real time on Instagram Stories at the end of the month. My sister said, "What are you going to do if you have your baby?" I guess that will be a very exciting can't-miss story, huh! (Truthfully, I don't know what I'll do. Eek!)

One note about makeovers and designing for other people--we are often approached by companies for big room projects or makeovers. Instead of re-doing rooms in our house over and over, there are many times, brands allow us to pay it forward. Sometimes it's a large enough budget where we can travel anywhere and come to your homes across the country. And sometimes the budget only allows for us to reach out locally to see who we can help right here. BUT! I've been getting so many messages and emails about opening up a design consulting service again where I could help you digitally. It sounds so wonderful and tempting, because I truly love that side of this work, but the truth is, right now I just can't squeeze it in to my day. Chris and I talked about it and thought, for now, maybe I can share one reader space mood board/design (I'll obviously have to come up with a catchier name) a month here on the blog? Hopefully it will beneficial to even more than just the person that sent it in, too! Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea.

Other fun things this week!

• I'm always looking for affordable frames with big mats and I hit the jackpot this week. I was looking for a few frames to stack on the wall above the nightstands in the master bedroom I designed (like the photo above via Studio McGee) and I found these 21.5'' H x 17.5'' W frames that hold a 5x7 photo for less than $20! Unreal! They are called "signature frames" because they are meant to hold a bunch of signatures all around them, but I can't wait to pop in some sentimental photos (or maybe small art?) and hang them horizontally with a clean white mat. They come in white and black. 

• Many of you have contacted me, distraught, that the mobile we used in our nursery is no longer available. I hate it when that happens! While it's not the exact same, I did find this one, that's similar with an even lower price tag. I love the antique brass finish and the artistic look.

• We are going to go look at a couple more cabins next week, but for the most part, we have decided to put a cabin purchase on hold until after the baby arrives. For no other reason than we feel like we ran out of time, and maybe lost some energy, too. House hunting is exciting, but also a little exhausting and in many experiences, ours included, it can be heart-wrenching, too! This article about the 5 Reasons the Highest Offer Won't Always Get You The House, was a good read for me to finally get over the one that got away. And no worries, renovating a cabin is still on the top of our to-do list.

• In case you're looking for modern airstream inspiration (because, who isn't!?) @themoderncaravan, on Instagram is a must follow. They are currently renovating a 1976 Airstream Sovereign and it's ridiculously good.

• If there was a perfect summer tote--this is it. Lightweight and sturdy with the best patterns (I love the cobalt stripes!), large enough for a towel and bathing suit, a good book, suntan lotion, and snacks. With a cross-body option! It's fashionable, yet easy--and only $30!

• Lastly, I put up a post (and giveaway!) yesterday evening if you missed it. Check it out here.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!