How To: Prepare for a Project Involving Sanding...Lots of Sanding

Prepping for the big kitchen project this week was not fun, not fun at all. But I'm so glad we did because we hopefully will save ourselves a lot of unnecessary dusting by adequately preparing for the project.

First, we moved everything we could from the kitchen, dining room and living room, down to the basement.


Talk about feeling claustrophobic.

Then, we covered everything that had to stay upstairs with dropcloths of all shapes, sizes, and materials.


Finally, since our kitchen has two entrances and a cut out, we duct-taped more plastic drop cloths all three access points to keep as much dust in the kitchen as possible.


Finally, we turned off the air conditioning in the house. Thankfully it's been a cool couple of days in the DC area.

Here's hoping all this prep truly pays off!

Will post the new kitchen walls as soon as the house is put back together again. Anyone else in the middle of a big project?

Today's the day

It's finally here -- today is "DT" Day, or "De-Texture" Day in our Kitchen. While I got a ton of fun things done over the weekend, which I can't wait to blog about, Christian and I spent a lot of yesterday evening prepping to have the horrid wall texture removed from our kitchen. I'll be back with pictures of the prep work tonight. For more information on the project, and a picture of just how awful the texture was, check out last month's post.

Summer's here!

It's official, summer is here! This weekend I've spent a few hours outside, adding to the curb appeal of our home. The project's not done yet, so in the meantime, here's a sneak peek:



Have a wonderful weekend!

Louis: Latest Obsession

Some day... when I have an dining formal room... I wish for chairs like these to surround my table.

Camille Collection Dining Chair, Arhaus - $449

Louis Chair, Pottery Barn - $349

Louis Leather Side Chair, Ballard Designs - $559

They work with so many styles and are so classic. And if your taste in colors change over the years, you can reupholster the seats and backs for an instant update.

Style Advice: Shoe-In Suggestions

Yesterday Erica asked for shoe advice for a beautiful new Nicole Miller she snagged for an amazing price! Thanks to those who sent us your suggestions!


Last night I spent some time trolling around Zappos and Piperlime for metallic sandals for under $100. Because the dress is a dynamic saturated print, I think a light metallic sandal would work well as it's neutral enough so that it won't distract from the print, but will still add a little something more than the ivory peep toes. Besides it's summer -- what better time is there to wear a sexy sandal?

So, without further ado, here are my top picks for Erica's knock-out Nicole Miller dress:

Nine West Mushu:

Silver:


Light Gold:Nine West MochaNotice I didn't pick any embellished sandals -- I think embellishment would take away from the dress and be a bit too busy.

Nine West's Mushu (in Light Gold or Silver) is my top pick -- I like the way the curvy straps compliment the flower print.

But what do all of you think? What should Erica pair with her fabulous find?

Style Advice

I recently found this amazing Nicole Miller dress at Lord & Taylor and now I'm looking for some helpful style advice.

Poppy Print on Reverse Stretch Charmeuse dress, original price $355.

The dress fits like a glove thanks to the fitted bodice inside, no under-garments required. And, the day I bought it L&T was having a 40% off sale for card holders (lucky for me I have a generous mother who put the dress on her charge card and I wrote her a check). Plus, by some miracle, I actually found it on the sale rack in my size, which never happens, so I ended up paying $147 for a $355 dress. Score!

Back to the advice though... I can't find shoes! I bought a pair of these ivory peep-toes but they are too boring for a dress this fun:

Gordona Ivory Patent Croc, Bandolino - $68


HELP! I need to find shoes this week because I'm hoping to wear the dress on Saturday! If you have any suggestions, pretty-pretty-please send them my way!

ANTHROPOLOGIE: For the Gift Giver

If you're a "girl meets home" kind of a gal, you might find yourself shopping for bridal shower and wedding gifts this time of year. I tend to stick to the bride's registry for most of my gift giving (ask and ye shall receive), but for bridal showers I like to supplement a smaller registry item with something flirty and fun. My go to store: ANTHROPOLOGIE.

My favorite bridal shower gift for a bride-to-be has to be an apron from Anthropologie. What nearly-wed doesn't need a cute accessory for the kitchen? Pair a full or half apron with a few cook's tools; spatulas (in a coordinating color), rolling pins, cookies sheets, etc. That way your friend can look the part as she makes something sweet for her husband, or herself (in most cases). Here are a few of my favorites:

Sunny Rose Apron, $32

3-D Toile Half Apron, $28

And, depending upon which apron you pick, you might find a coordinating oven mitt or pot holder... so cute!

Maude Oven Mitt, $12

And these Florist Measuring Cups ,$36 are too pretty to keep in a drawer... any bride would adore a set of her own!
So future brides, be prepared... chances are if I'm at your shower, you'll be opening up one of these beauties! Need more bridal gift ideas?... let me know and I'll see what I can do to help!