I'm heading to Ikea on Saturday afternoon and since it's easy to get lost in that big blue box, I've come up with a shopping list so I can stay on track. (Or at least in the right "neighborhood.")
As you can see I'm looking for shelves, window coverings, picture frames, and pots. And it just so happens that everything on my list is white.
LACK Wall Mount Shelves: I'd like to pick up two of these to mount on the walls in our home office that doubles as a guest room. We've taken to stashing books under the day bed in this room and it's about time we gave them a proper home.
MERETE, OFELIA, and AINA Window Panels: I'm looking for a set of off-white curtains for our sun room and I'd like to compare each of these and walk out with one lucky winner.
LUMMIG & DAMPA Curtain Rods: Along with the curtains I'm looking for rods to hang them on, duh.
RIBBA Frames: I have a ton of empty walls and I want to create a gallery to display black & white photos from our wedding and such. I'm going to stock up on 8-12 of these frames in white.
KARDEMUMMA Pots: Last weekend we picked up 5 indoor plants to bring some green living into our home. I'd like to transfer them into something other than the plastic containers they're in now. Can't go wrong with white!
I'm also going to look for a small runner to put in front of the washer and dryer in the basement. I didn't see exactly what I was looking for online, so I'll have to scope something out in the store. Another thing on my mental list is pillar and votive candles. And possibly an outdoor citronella candle to keep bugs at bay. Hopefully I'll have a car full of loot come Saturday afternoon!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Need New Rug...
Back in January I bought a new rug for our sun room from Crate & Barrel. It was after the holidays so everything was on sale and for under $200 I got a large brown looped wool rug. As far as rugs go... I liked it... served it's purpose and looked nice. Then in March we got the puppy. She cost more than the rug (but worth every penny). She also decided that she liked the rug... so she started digging. Or at least trying to dig... now the rug looks not so nice. Once we figure out a way to break Kasey of the digging habit, I'm going to order one of these:
Oh the joys of puppies! Good thing they're cute.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Before & After: Bathroom Cabinets
A few months ago Erin updated her bathroom cabinets with a fresh coat of dark brown paint. Ever since I've been pea green with envy. So this past weekend I decided that it was time to give my cabinets the same TLC.
Enter the before:
Enter the before:
Notice the honey oak cabinet doors... they don't match the rest of the color scheme in the bathroom which consists of browns and blues. On Saturday morning I stopped at the neighborhood Home Depot to pick up a quart of the new Behr Ultra Paint+Primer in One. I went with Espresso Beans... or was it French Roast? Eh, either way it was dark brown to me.
Before painting I cleaned the surfaces and then used Liquid De-Glosser to remove the poly finish on the doors and frames. This was much faster and less of a mess than sanding and I highly recommend it if you have any projects in the near future that would otherwise involve sanding.
Next I taped to avoid any mishaps... then painted and primed, in one!
Enter the after:
What a difference a coat of paint makes. I also picked up 4 simple knobs to further enhance the makeover. The entire process took a few hours between Saturday and Sunday (just had to give the paint time to dry) and it even inspired my husband to start thinking about the last project we've been talking about for the bathroom... tiling the floor. He is planning to do it the weekend before July 4th!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Early Summer Sale at Ballard Designs
Hooray! Ballard Designs is offering 15% off all merchandise through midnight tonight (June 16)!
Like many of you, now that summer is here (well..almost officially here), Erica and I have had the great outdoors on our minds.
Here are some of my favorite outdoor items at one of my favorite retailers:
Outdoor chair cushion
Christian and I have a hand-me-down metal patio set from Christian's parents, which I plan to refinish in black! I'm loving blues and greens right now, so I'm trying to decide between one of the following patterns...
Indigo Batik (I must admit that right this second I am leaning toward this pattern)
Capri Stripe
Phoebe Green
And finally, who am I kidding, I also still love black and white damask, despite the fact that it is completely over-saturated in the market.
9' Auto-Tilt umbrella
Of course, I would need a matching umbrella for my new set :-)
Extra large Grecian Urn
Love this in all three colors. A girl needs something to contain all of her gorgeous flowers! For example, check out the pink dahlias I scored at a local nursery a few weeks ago. There are no fewer than 12 beautiful blooms on each plant right now -- they are thriving!
Bamboo Place Mats
Aren't these fun? Not only are they perfect for summer, they come in antique white and are on sale for $14.99. Only trouble is, I can't quite tell how many is in a set (1, 2, 4?).
What are you planning to buy at Ballard Designs during this sale??
Monday, June 15, 2009
Bootcamp: Workout Fashion
Last weekend Erin and I started a boot camp program that meets every Saturday morning on the tennis courts in my neighborhood. The program lasts for 10 weeks and is pretty intense. It's actually called, Get What you Came for Boot Camp, because the instructor usually yells, "get what you came for" at the top of her lungs at least 3 times in any given workout. (I know this because I take her aerobic weight training class at the gym during the week.)
Prior to classes starting we were told to write down our fitness goals and at the end of 10 weeks we are going to reassess our progress. Of course we came up with a few personal challenges, but when Erin and I have an event on the calendar... one of our first goals is always finding something to wear! So we both put together a list of our top workout basics...
Erica's Picks:
1. I personally love the C9 by Champion collection of tops from Target for their price and style. I have several of these tanks including this green mesh tank with thin straps, crucial for those outdoor summer sweat sessions. Layer it with a sports bra that has thin straps for even less tan-line threat.
2. There's nothing worse than doing an overhead press and having your shirt ride up just enough to expose those unsightly love handles to the world. (Ok, maybe there are a few things that are worse but not by much.) For that reason I favor the Everyday Long Bra Top by Nike.
3. I can't get through a workout without a dependable headband to keep fly-aways from sticking to my face. Goody makes these headbands with rubber stiches that ensure your headband stays put, even during jump-jacks.
4-6. Shorts! Summer = time to show off those legs you've been hiding all winter. Find a pair you like and you might even find that you actually enjoy squats and lunges. My favorite running shorts are the Nike Tempo Track shorts and the Under Armour HeatGear Quick Step 3" inseam shorts. And yes, I am that girl who wears tight, short, spandex to workouts.
7. Polar F11 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch. Once you have one, you'll never go back. I love to see how many calories I just burned after a workout... usually I see a number and equate it to food. For example; 700 calories = 1 margarita + chips and salsa (guilt free no less!)
8. Shoes are so important to a workout. I'm still looking for a cross-trainer but something like these Nike Zoom Quick Sister shoes would probably work. Be sure to get shoes that are specifically designed for the type of exercises you're doing. Running? Buy running shoes. Indoor aerobics class? Studio shoes. Walking? You get the point.
9. Just for fun I'd like to start swimming laps a few nights a week. I saw this TYR bikini on MTV's The Duel and had to have one. In fact, I just ordered it from Zappos this morning. It's the sexiest looking sporty bikini I've ever seen.
Erin's Picks:
Prior to classes starting we were told to write down our fitness goals and at the end of 10 weeks we are going to reassess our progress. Of course we came up with a few personal challenges, but when Erin and I have an event on the calendar... one of our first goals is always finding something to wear! So we both put together a list of our top workout basics...
Erica's Picks:
1. I personally love the C9 by Champion collection of tops from Target for their price and style. I have several of these tanks including this green mesh tank with thin straps, crucial for those outdoor summer sweat sessions. Layer it with a sports bra that has thin straps for even less tan-line threat.
2. There's nothing worse than doing an overhead press and having your shirt ride up just enough to expose those unsightly love handles to the world. (Ok, maybe there are a few things that are worse but not by much.) For that reason I favor the Everyday Long Bra Top by Nike.
3. I can't get through a workout without a dependable headband to keep fly-aways from sticking to my face. Goody makes these headbands with rubber stiches that ensure your headband stays put, even during jump-jacks.
4-6. Shorts! Summer = time to show off those legs you've been hiding all winter. Find a pair you like and you might even find that you actually enjoy squats and lunges. My favorite running shorts are the Nike Tempo Track shorts and the Under Armour HeatGear Quick Step 3" inseam shorts. And yes, I am that girl who wears tight, short, spandex to workouts.
7. Polar F11 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch. Once you have one, you'll never go back. I love to see how many calories I just burned after a workout... usually I see a number and equate it to food. For example; 700 calories = 1 margarita + chips and salsa (guilt free no less!)
8. Shoes are so important to a workout. I'm still looking for a cross-trainer but something like these Nike Zoom Quick Sister shoes would probably work. Be sure to get shoes that are specifically designed for the type of exercises you're doing. Running? Buy running shoes. Indoor aerobics class? Studio shoes. Walking? You get the point.
9. Just for fun I'd like to start swimming laps a few nights a week. I saw this TYR bikini on MTV's The Duel and had to have one. In fact, I just ordered it from Zappos this morning. It's the sexiest looking sporty bikini I've ever seen.
Erin's Picks:
A few quick notes on Erin's picks; as you can see, she outfitted herself in the most stylish and flirty workout tank possible. Pair that with the Ultimate Shorts from Nike, and she is ready to hit the ground running, squatting, lunging, etc. Since we were told to the only things we needed to bring to Bootcamp were weights, water, and a mat, Erin scouted out each of these items and included them in her picks. I think she'd agree that one thing she would have incorporated had she discovered them sooner are Love Bottles. These glass bottles are perfect for anyone who is aware of the dangers associated with specific types of plastics.
I'm pleased to report that we've survived two weekends of Bootcamp and are feeling more fit and shapely already! Looking good while working hard too!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
We'll be back soon!
Hi guys, It's been a busy couple of weeks for Erica and I.
Between work, traveling, weddings, an anniversary, and birthdays, we are wiped out!
We'll be back with new posts by this weekend. Thanks for your patience!
Between work, traveling, weddings, an anniversary, and birthdays, we are wiped out!
We'll be back with new posts by this weekend. Thanks for your patience!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bridal Registry Top 12
With the 2009 wedding season underway, so many of us are sifting through friends' wedding registries, hoping to buy something that our favorite couples will love and, most importantly, use often.
Both Erica and I married our husbands in 2008 and over the course of the year have found ourselves using a few more items than others (though all gifts are loved and much appreciated!).
From everyday cooking and dining to weekend entertaining, we've compiled a Top 12 list of registry items we've used most often over the last year.
Clockwise from top left:
1. Everyday dinnerware: Who doesn't need everyday dinnerware? Whiteware, like the one above, is offered at any major department store and boutique retailer like Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma. Not only is it affordable but you are guaranteed it will be used absolutely everyday. Erica favored Williams-Sonoma's Everyday Restaurant Dinnerware; I picked Pottery Barn's PB White. We love them both!
2. All-Clad stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: I use these every time I cook. Not only are they pretty and functional, but they are also dishwasher-safe and have a lifetime warranty from All-Clad.
3. Platter or tray with handles: We love our platters and trays with handles! They are great for Friday evening cocktails at home, appetizers, and weekend meals. Check out some of our favorites at Williams-Sonoma here. Pottery Barn also has some great items.
4. Cuisinart Food processor: I probably pull out my food processor once a week, whether to make my favorite Italian-style hummus, homemade pesto, or to attempt another pie crust. Highly recommend this kitchen appliance.
5. Serving bowl: While I don't have this particular bowl (yet!), I do have a couple of plain white serving bowls and could not more highly recommend them. Whiteware is great because you can mix and match it with any solid or pattern. A serving bowl like this makes family-style meals a cinch. And, you can use it in a centerpiece when not entertaining.
6. Hotel napkins: Love this set from Williams-Sonoma, and at 12 for $32, the price is tough to beat. The great thing about these napkins is that they are solid white, so you can easily bleach any food stains right out them. I pull these out every time I entertain. Love them.
7. Calphalon Multipot: Oh my. I use this at least twice a week because we love pasta and steamed veggies in my house. Not only does this multipot come with a large pasta basket, but it also comes with a smaller basket that is perfect for steaming vegetables. And, it's dishwasher-safe!
8. Cheese knives and board: A must for every entertainer or entertainer-in-training. What's easier than slicing a baguette and displaying a great cheese as an appetizer?
9. Wine glasses: A nice everyday set of wine glasses -- that are dishwasher-safe -- will be imperative for those rough days at work or weekend entertaining. This Pottery Barn Caterer's Set is only $49 for a box of 12!
10. Table linens: This is one thing I wish I had registered for -- a nice set of hemstitched linens. Placemats are great for everyday, but a quality tablecloth will serve you well for years. Check out Williams-Sonoma hemstitched table linens, they are beautiful.
11. Santoku knife: This is my favorite knife, hands-down. It's so versatile, you can use it to slice and dice your way to domestic goddess status. Be sure to hand wash it: While a good knife is technically dishwasher-safe, your knife will dull more quickly than your brain at the new Terminator movie (no offense, Christian and Jared).
12. Apron: Who doesn't need an apron? Keep your clothes splatter safe and look super cute all at the same time. Erica has had quite a bit of success at Anthropologie, which has some adorable full and half aprons.
There you have it -- our Registry Top 12. What items would you also include?
Hope you find these selections helpful as you shop for your favorite bride, or as you create your own registry!
Both Erica and I married our husbands in 2008 and over the course of the year have found ourselves using a few more items than others (though all gifts are loved and much appreciated!).
From everyday cooking and dining to weekend entertaining, we've compiled a Top 12 list of registry items we've used most often over the last year.
Clockwise from top left:
2. All-Clad stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: I use these every time I cook. Not only are they pretty and functional, but they are also dishwasher-safe and have a lifetime warranty from All-Clad.
3. Platter or tray with handles: We love our platters and trays with handles! They are great for Friday evening cocktails at home, appetizers, and weekend meals. Check out some of our favorites at Williams-Sonoma here. Pottery Barn also has some great items.
4. Cuisinart Food processor: I probably pull out my food processor once a week, whether to make my favorite Italian-style hummus, homemade pesto, or to attempt another pie crust. Highly recommend this kitchen appliance.
5. Serving bowl: While I don't have this particular bowl (yet!), I do have a couple of plain white serving bowls and could not more highly recommend them. Whiteware is great because you can mix and match it with any solid or pattern. A serving bowl like this makes family-style meals a cinch. And, you can use it in a centerpiece when not entertaining.
6. Hotel napkins: Love this set from Williams-Sonoma, and at 12 for $32, the price is tough to beat. The great thing about these napkins is that they are solid white, so you can easily bleach any food stains right out them. I pull these out every time I entertain. Love them.
7. Calphalon Multipot: Oh my. I use this at least twice a week because we love pasta and steamed veggies in my house. Not only does this multipot come with a large pasta basket, but it also comes with a smaller basket that is perfect for steaming vegetables. And, it's dishwasher-safe!
8. Cheese knives and board: A must for every entertainer or entertainer-in-training. What's easier than slicing a baguette and displaying a great cheese as an appetizer?
9. Wine glasses: A nice everyday set of wine glasses -- that are dishwasher-safe -- will be imperative for those rough days at work or weekend entertaining. This Pottery Barn Caterer's Set is only $49 for a box of 12!
10. Table linens: This is one thing I wish I had registered for -- a nice set of hemstitched linens. Placemats are great for everyday, but a quality tablecloth will serve you well for years. Check out Williams-Sonoma hemstitched table linens, they are beautiful.
11. Santoku knife: This is my favorite knife, hands-down. It's so versatile, you can use it to slice and dice your way to domestic goddess status. Be sure to hand wash it: While a good knife is technically dishwasher-safe, your knife will dull more quickly than your brain at the new Terminator movie (no offense, Christian and Jared).
12. Apron: Who doesn't need an apron? Keep your clothes splatter safe and look super cute all at the same time. Erica has had quite a bit of success at Anthropologie, which has some adorable full and half aprons.
There you have it -- our Registry Top 12. What items would you also include?
Hope you find these selections helpful as you shop for your favorite bride, or as you create your own registry!
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