Tag: Shopping

In My House

Neutral Guest Bedroom Favorites

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Our big concrete, egress, guest bedroom project is nearing completion. I’m excited to put some decorative touches into play in the guest room after the new bamboo flooring is installed. I’m keeping the palate neutral and fresh with black, white, and gray. Here are a few of the pieces I picked up to make the room comfortable and welcoming. I’m loving this room so much I just might camp out down there once in a while.

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1. The current bedding in the room is still in great condition and compliments the black wrought iron bed well, so I’m keeping it in place. This Madison Park Larissa damask comforter set is very similar. (JCPenney) 2. I wanted to keep the walls light, but not too starkly white. This super light gray fit the bill perfectly. (Valspar) 3. Anthropologie Volcano candles have to be one of my all-time favorite fragrances. The scent is citrusy and fresh without being over-powering. (Anthropologie) 4. This mirror is pretty and practical. (H&M) 5. This large metal basket is ideal for placing in the corner of the room to store extra blankets in case our guests get cold. (Target) 6. These geometric lamps provide the perfect amount of light for reading and are only $10 each. (Target)

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In My House

My Favorite Dresses for Summer (All Under $50)

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I’m a fan of wearing dresses year-round, but especially in the summer. Dresses are my go-to for work and play. To me, they win hands down against jeans or pants any day of the week. Here are six of my favorites for summer. I own the top three and frequently wear them. I have not purchased the bottom three, and probably won’t because of my strict one-in-one-out closet rule, but they’re three gorgeous dresses that someone out there should be buying and wearing. (Let me know if that someone is you.) All of these picks are under $50.

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1. This black wrap dress also comes in red. It is comfortable and requires zero ironing. It has been my recent favorite for work. (Gap) 2. I usually shy away from horizontal stripes, but the fit of this dress makes all the difference. I wore this one to a friend’s wedding and plan to sport it many more times this summer. (J.Crew) 3. This dress makes me think of the 1940s, and we all know I love everything about 1940s fashion and décor. I have been pairing this with tights, ballet flat, and a cardigan for work, and bare legs and strappy sandals for weekend plans. (Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s) 4. The floral pattern of this dress caught my eye. I think it can easily be transitioned to fall, too. (ModCloth) 5. This dress looks romantic, but also super comfy and I’m a huge fan of ties at the waist. (Loft) 6. This looks like a great casual dress for chasing the kids around the park or even wearing as a swimsuit cover-up. (Anthropologie)

In My House

For All of Your Unicorn Shopping Needs

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We are gearing up for an extra special, unicorn-themed fourth birthday next month and unicorns are pretty much the topic of conversation at our house these days. I apologize in advance to those of you who are tired of the unicorn craze because I’ll admit I’m loving it just about as much as my daughters do. Here are a few favorites.

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1. This cupcake set is perfect for a birthday or just to jazz up a rainy Sunday afternoon. (Williams-Sonoma) 2. My girl will be sporting this unicorn balloon animal tank to her fourth birthday party. (Cat & Jack for Target) 3. Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s sequel to Uni the Unicorn is full of colorful illustrations and tells an uplifting tale. (Available on Amazon.com, but try your local independent bookstore first. We love Mitzi’s Books in Rapid City, South Dakota.) 4. This unicorn pattern makes these great insulated lunch bags extra special. I love that the inside can be easily washed with soap and water or a Clorox wipe. (Pottery Barn) 5. Unicorn boots to add pizzaz to the rainy days we have been having lately. (H&M) 6. I haven’t ordered this unicorn tank (yes, for grown women) yet, but I’m seriously considering. (ModCloth)

 

In My House

Some Spring Favorites (Yes, I Know It’s Still Winter)

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The official start of spring is still a month away and we are supposed to get yet more snow today, but can’t we at least start talking about the end of winter? Here are a few spring items I’m excited to incorporate into my life.

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1. These Easter sprinkles are adorable for cupcakes and cookies. (Williams-Sonoma) 2. I love this butterfly pattern and my three-year-old loves the soft feel of this dress. (Cat & Jack for Target) 3. Lately my daughters spend 99% of their time pretending to be unicorns. These headbands will be in their Easter baskets. (Target) 4. This floral pattern makes me feel warmer. (Loft) 5. A precious book about flowers is perfect for spring. (Anthropologie) 6. My dining room table has been rocking this runner for the past few weeks and I’m loving it. (Hearth & Hand with Magnolia for Target)

In My House

Anthropologie: Stocking Stuffers for Girls of All Ages

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Anthropologie has loads of adorable stocking stuffers and gifts for girls of all ages. Here are a few of my favorites for my seven-month-old, my three-year-old, and myself. I live tragically far from Anthropologie, but all of these items are available on their website, too.

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Column 1 (Baby). A soft and artistic rattle and the most precious of cutlery. Column 2 (Toddler). Preschool reading with a feminist twist and fun hair clips. Column 3 (Mommy). A monogrammed keychain that won’t get lost in my huge bag and adorably packaged soap fragranced with fir, cypress, and lavender.

In My House

Don’t Forget Thanksgiving

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I know a lot of people are getting excited to start decorating for Christmas, but first comes my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving! This year my husband and I will load up the girls and make the long journey (eight hours) to my mother-in-law’s. Even though I’m not hosting the feast, here are a few items I would love to incorporate into the Thanksgiving celebration.

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1. This sturdy-yet-beautiful trivet would dress up the Thanksgiving table and come in handy throughout the year. (Crate & Barrel) 2. Sweater dresses are a great go-to for looking put together while also being forgiving when the second helping of pumpkin pie can’t be resisted. (Loft) 3. These napkins are simple, elegant, and offer a lovely reminder. (Pier 1) 4. This huge Fiesta platter in Tangerine would look great on any table. (Kohl’s) 5. These adorable turkey salt and pepper shakers would make a lovely hostess gift and are on sale for $14. (Pottery Barn) 6. This throw pillow would dress up the living room couch and come in handy for the inevitable post-turkey nap. (Target)

 

 

In My House

A Few Fall Favorites

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The leaves are changing and the air is crisp. Here are a few of my favorite things right now.

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1. I have been living in these mustard-colored pants for the past month. They also come in a gorgeous shade of plum. (Gap) 2. Pumpkin mugs are just so festive. (Pottery Barn) 3. My youngest daughter will be sporting this adorable onesie and hat set because I have to relish the time before she insists on having a say in her costume selection. (Carter’s) 4. Burning pumpkin candles this time of year is a must. This one has been my favorite since college. (Yankee Candle) 5. This fox pumpkin kit is a great way for my three-year-old to decorate her own pumpkin. (Target.com) 6. My mom made us a gorgeous wreath from some of our wedding centerpiece flowers for our front door. This wreath is a similar look that I love. (Crate & Barrel)

 

In My House

Bashful and Blush

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My fellow fans of Steel Magnolias will remember how Shelby selected Bashful and Blush as her wedding colors. Pink and Pink? No, Bashful and Blush! I was horrified by those colors. I generally gravitate far, far away from anything pink, but I’m kind of loving some of the blush clothing items out there right now.

Here are a few things I would definitely wear, especially if paired with neutral black or tan.

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1. I would pair these pink pants with black or gray, not more pink like the model is wearing here. (Banana Republic) 2. I’m loving these sandals and feel they would really set off my recent pink pedi. (ModCloth) 3. I have no weddings to attend this summer, but if I did, I would be buying and wearing this skirt. (Eliza J at Herberger’s) 4. This bag is a great size and this shade of pink would be versatile. (Anthropologie) 5. I love cardigans in every color. (J. Crew) 6. This dress looks so comfortable and feminine for summer. (Loft)

In My House

My Favorite Baby Items

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Our new baby will be arriving soon, and I am grateful to have invested in and registered for some great basic items during my first pregnancy that will serve us well with my second baby. We have had very little to stock up on this time: Some diapers, some new bottles, and a few cute outfits so she doesn’t have to completely rely on her big sister’s hand-me-downs. We’ll also need to pick up a new umbrella stroller at some point because our first daughter’s has been run into the ground.

Here are some of my favorite baby basics that I used constantly with my first daughter and will once again turn to with our new girl. What are your favorite baby items? What were some of the over-rated items you wouldn’t spend money on again?

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1. Aden + Anais swaddle blankets were one of my favorite gifts received when our first baby was born. They wash up beautifully every time and feature gorgeous patterns. They serve as a blanket, burp rag, and wiper of all things gross, but look brand new after each trip through the washing machine. (Adenandanais.com) 2. Because our older daughter was small for her age, she continued to nap in this Graco Simple Sway Swing even when the motor completely died because we used it 22 hours a day. We were happy to invest in a new one for our second baby and hope it is the lifesaver it was the first time around. (Target) 3. The Cuisinart mini chopper doesn’t seem like a baby item, but I loved it for making homemade baby food for my little one. (Bed Bath & Beyond) 4. We used Dr. Brown’s bottles from the very beginning with our first daughter and she never had tummy troubles at all. My best friend and I swear by them. (Available at Target or online) 5. The thought of carrying around a bag featuring images of Winnie the Pooh or teddy bears was too much for this handbag fan to handle. My husband gave me this classic diaper bag for Christmas right after we found out we were expecting our first baby and I still love it. I’ll use it this time around, too, and might even use it as a work tote after I no longer need a diaper bag. (Kate Spade) 6. I loved this Fisher-Price high chair that straps on any kitchen chair. It was great for use at home or trips to Grandma’s and turns into a simple booster seat as the child grows. (Kohl’s)

In My House

Pantone 2017 Color of the Year: Greenery

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Anyone who knows me knows I despise winter and love when spring finally arrives. This year I am even more excited because we have a spring baby on the way. I love Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year, Greenery, because it pays homage to that wonderful time of year. Here are some items in that hue to get you excited for spring!

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1. This tea kettle is far more cheerful than my stainless steel one. (Kate Spade) 2. This nail polish is actually even called Pantone Greenery. (Ulta) 3. A green dress would transition from season to season beautifully. (H&M) 4. I need these sandals even though there is still snow and ice as far as the eye can see. (Coach) 5. Green ankle pants are so much more fun than black. (Banana Republic) 6. Yankee Candle enthusiasts will remember the Green Grass fragrance, a cult classic. Meadow Showers offers up a similar fresh scent. (Yankee Candle)