A Perfectly Sweet DIY Nursery

Today I am so honored to be sharing with you some pictures of my girlfriend Katey's nursery for her newborn daughter, Mallory.  Katey has become the queen of DIY in all areas of her home, but her talent is really shown off here.  Every time I visit her, I feel like I'm walking around going 'that's amazing!' and 'how did you do that?' and 'Oh! I want to learn how to do that....'  

It's safe to say that Katey, you are my DIY inspiration.......though I haven't quite summoned the willpower to actually DO one of these projects floating around in my head.  

Without further ado, here is Miss Mallory's nursery completely decorated by her Mama and Daddy.  

What a lucky little lady (for more reasons that just this!).

Gorgeous mixture of colors and patterns.  

• Glider & Ottoman from Dutailier, cushions were replaced to match nursery as this was from the first born's nursery.  A tip - after pricing out getting her old cushions recovered, she found it was much cheaper to just order new ones!
• Nightstand - Target.com
• Pink Pouf - Land of Nod Outlet  
• Rug - Land of Nod Outlet - Raised Floral Rug

• Chevron Pillows - Target.com
• Dresser and Changing Table - Katey's old dressers from her bedroom growing up.  Refinished using Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations: http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com/
• Dresser and Changing Table knobs - Mercury glass drawer knobs from Amazon seller Knobs and More Home Decor - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hi?_encoding=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Knobs%20%26%20More%20Home%20D%C3%A9cor&node=228013 
• Lamp & Laundry Hamper - Home Goods

• Artwork - Home Goods
• Pink Chair - garage sale find, spray-painted.
• Pink table - repurposed from the sunroom; was a martini table from West Elm. Spray painted it hot pink.
  
  

• Wall color - Benjamin Moore's Icing on the Cake
• Stencil color - Benjamin Moore's Forget Me Not
• Stencil work - I must note the Katey's handy hubby did all the stencil and paint work here - what a guy!  Tom......are you for hire? 

• Curtains, DIY made with fabric ordered from Carousel Designs.  Find it at http://www.babybedding.com/.

Fabric is called Love Bird Damask; $10/yd

• Jenny Lind Crib - DaVinci by Million Dollar Baby
• Crib Sheet - Carousel Designs.  Find it at http://www.babybedding.com/.
• Artwork above crib:   

1. Sunshine on a Rainy Day print above crib - Etsy seller hairbrainedschemes
2. LOVE print above crib - Etsy seller thewheatfield
3. Needlepoint above crib - Etsy seller bopeepbaby.  It reads "Let her sleep. For when she wakes, she will move mountains."

• the rest of the Artwork - DIY of course!
• Bed Skirt - Pottery Barn Kids

If you have any questions about Mallory's nursery, don't hesitate to ask!  I'm happy to go straight to the source for you.  I am still in awe of all that Katey accomplished while pregnant and running after a 2 year old.....most nights I wanted to just flop into bed when I was in her shoes!

Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl, Katey.

Off to the Sofitel

We have a very fun wedding this weekend, which I spoke about a few weeks ago.  It's at the Sofitel downtown Chicago, and it's black-tie optional.  Of course since the invite came in the mail, I have been trying to figure out what to wear.  As it's going to be 90+ degrees tomorrow......a  long dress is a no-go for me (I believe my Great Gramps used to say I 'glisten' a lot).  ;-)

I got a great deal on this FABULOUS Halston Heritage Dress.  I'm wearing it in the poppy color, but I truly love both.  The poppy is on sale right now at Shopbop for $276.50 from $395...

I'll post pictures next week!  Have a great weekend everyone.

I hate beets

Dear Tracy Anderson,

I hate beets.  I really detest them.  Why must you insist on putting them in your 'power juice?'  Honestly, the juice repulses me.  UGGGG!  What to do?

NO THANK YOU, MR BEET.

For now, I'm going to make my own 'power juice.'  I'll still put some kale in there, and some apple, but no beets.  For the love......you've got to realize there's a serious contention of people out there who feel the same way.  I think beets are like cilantro, you either love them OR hate them.  I love cilantro, I hate beets.

Does anyone have any great smoothie/juice recipes that include kale, spinach, and no dairy?  Just fruits and veggies?

So - enough about beets.  I am feeling the urge to get myself some well-priced bohemian printed pants.  They are the 'it' pant of the summer, and I've found some great ones from Club Monaco on Shopbop for $149, but I'd love to pay under $100.

Here are some fun ones from Forever 21 - which, if you want to try out a trend, this is the place to go.

Mosaic Print Palazzos, $29.80

Dots and Daisies Palazzos, $19.80

Leopard Print Pants, $27.80

Now a few from Free People, always up on a hippie-inspired trend....

FP ONE Pacific Trails Pant, $98 (only available on the FP website)

FP ONE Floral Fields Wideleg Pant, $98 (also only on FP site)

FP ONE Solid Gauze Hippie Pant, $98

Tracey Anderson Meta......revisited

Today begins my re-commitment to the Tracey Anderson Metamorphosis plan.  I'm so excited to get started.  Last time I did TA, I lost close to 15 pounds and got down to pre-baby weight.  All of it was hard - the eating plan, the working out - but it got easier to work with as time went by.

This time, I feel like I have a lot of habits already in place.  I already eat pretty well, and I have been continuing the TA workouts since last time.  However, I have to 'amp it up' and really stick to the diet and exercise on a daily basis for it to work.  I'd love to work off another 10 to 15 lbs to get to my 'goal' weight.

So, I've decided to keep track of my workouts and food plan (and my feelings about my workouts and what i'm eating) on this blog.  My posting might be slightly erratic, maybe funny (because I'd rather laugh than cry about not eating guacamole and chips), and hopefully frequent.  I'm hoping you can laugh along with me and help cheer me on!

I'm off to the grocery store with kids in tow, to get the many fruits and vegetables needed for my 1st week.  Half the battle is making all of the prepared foods you are supposed to eat on the plan........NEED A VITAMIX!

Shopbop 20% off Sitewide Sale starts TODAY!

At 20% off everything, Shopbop's site looks just a little bit more enticing today, no?  Here are some of my must-have summer items I'm loving on SB.  To take advantage of the sale, enter code BIGEVENT at checkout.

Happy Shopping!

Matt Bernson Delphine Demi Wedge Sandals, $187
--not gonna lie, bought these already, LOVE LOVE LOVE!  Must have, i promise you.

Joie Jalliana Romper, $258
-Super simple and chic in black.  I heart this.  

Splendid Very Light Jersey Tank, $41
--I have bought a couple of these each summer; they are fabulous.

Gorjana Chloe Shimmer Pendant, $70
--the perfect length, simple, classy and chic.  a no brainer!  also great for layering.

Jesse Tory Tote, $225
--I have 2 (and counting) TB totes and they are by far the best Tote bag I've ever had.  They double as diaper bags and you can fit just about anything in them!  Loving this Yellow Glow color, and the Fire Orange below.

Jesse Tory Tote, $225

Paige Denim Verdugo Ultra Skinny Jeans, $176
--Can't get enough of this shade of green this season, and made by Paige (one of my denim go-to's)?  Done deal.

Bop Basics Raffia Crochet Floppy Fedora, $98
--Perfect with shorts and a tank, or a swimsuit at the pool.   Either way, protect your skin in style!

Shoshanna Sadie One Shoulder Ruffle Dress, $350
--This lemon yellow color is the perfect way to show off a nice spray-tan!  ;-)

Rebecca Taylor Sequinned Cami Dress, $395
--A bit pricey, but simple and chic.  I have found I can't go wrong with Rebecca Taylor.

Maison Scotch is killing it

Today I received an email from Shopbop about the Spring/Summer Maison Scotch collection.  Seriously, it's amazing.  Honestly, I could probably exist in J Crew, Lulu Lemon, and the entire Maison Scotch collection this summer and nothing else.  They are all killing it right now for me!

I love how it's completely wearable (nothing looks uncomfortable), interchangable with other items in your closet, season-less in a trendy way, and full of color - but not crazy color.

What do I love?  I have attempted to pare down my favorites here.  Clearly the hat is a must.

No 2 Boyfriend Shorts, $137

Great White Denim Jacket, $183

Embellished Fashion Jacket, $252

Jolie Tee, $59

Military Pants, $178

Checkered Shirt, $104

Chambray Rodeo Top, $104

Skinny Belted Chino Pant, $133

Straw Trilby Hat with Sash, $53

Black Tie Affair

Oh I'm so excited.  We just got a wedding invitation in the mail!  The person getting married is a special girl to me, and I can't wait to see her on her big day.  The wedding is this summer, and the reception is at the Sofitel - which is actually where my husband and I had our wedding reception almost 8 years ago.  The exciting part is that the wedding is 'black tie optional.'  Well, my friends, for those of us in the fashion world, that means 'black tie, yes please.' An excuse to get very dressed up and perhaps wear some false eyelashes and red lipstick?  I'm in!

I decided to start the search for what to wear asap, as great dresses are not ones that just fall out of the sky.

To start, this BCBG number is gorgeous.  Amazing color (if you have some color), the draping is divine to hide any bumps or lumps, and I love the one shoulder.

BCBG One Shoulder, $258

Here's another one shoulder option, in an amazing color for summer by Halston Heritage.  I am seeing a pattern.......

Halston Heritage One Shoulder,  $395

Now how about this gorgeous Zimmerman strapless number?  It comes in black and nude, although I think I'd have to be the tannest to pull it off.

Zimmerman Strapless Underwire Dress, $450

I had to include this Marchesa hotness, though the price point is a wee bit more than I can pay, tee hee.  Look at that shoulder!  Perfection!

Marchesa One Shoulder Dress with Pleated Ruffle,  $2995

Finally, what about this Raoul gown?  I love love love the pink, the belt in the maroon color really finishes it and makes it special.  

Raoul Belted Cascading Gown, $715

There are so many more I am finding......but I'd love some help!  Let me know if you've seen anything FABULOUS out there while shopping this season.  And - what do you like, of these?