Decorgreat

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A Rug Story

One of my 2013 resolutions for my home is to 'finish it.' We all know a home can never be truly 'complete,' as things are always changing, but I have a few specific areas I'd like to focus on. I've started sourcing items to fill the remaining spaces, and keep coming across gorgeous rugs of all shapes, sizes, and prices. Rugs are truly one of my favorite 'home' items, and a great rug can really transform a space. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

I would love one of each, but only need 2-3. Do you have a favorite?

Monday, January 14, 2013

Simple Citrus Kale Salad

Happy Monday! I apologize for my absence - I was traveling the last half of last week and was too busy to sit down and write, but I'm back! Hope you had a great weekend; mine was pretty busy, but relaxing as well.

As you know, one of my new year's resolutions is to get back to eating clean - so far, so good. Over the weekend, I made a simple kale salad that turned out to be delicious, so I had to share it with you all today. This would be a great salad to have on-hand the entire week. Even if you don't think you like kale, you should give this a try...you might surprise yourself!

this photo doesn't really do the salad justice

Ingredients:

1 bunch kale

1 tbs freshly squeezed lime juice (I used the juice from 2 small limes)

1 orange, squeezed

1 tbs olive oil

1 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tbs blue agave

salt - I used about 1/4 tsp

pinch of cayenne pepper

craisins/raisins/nuts/other veggies or fruit - whatever you prefer (I wanted to keep mine pretty simple, so I just used craisins)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and 'massage' them together for at least 2 minutes (this is very important for taste)

Place in fridge, and let marinate 30 minutes + before enjoying

Do you have a favorite salad I should know about?

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

My New Bedding (a long story)

As you know, we made our way to Lala Kerry Cassill on Saturday to pick out new bedding, and boy DID we ever! If you've ever been to this store, you know how amazing it is...these pictures just don't do it justice.

We had the pleasure of meeting, and working with Kerry herself - spectacular!

We found the duvet cover within a matter of minutes - she has so many amazing designs, but this one was just calling my our name. ;) Most of her bedding is reversible - double awesome.

From there, we built up a 'collection' mixing purples, blues, and ivories, and ended up with this:

very pretty, right?

My husband joked that we would probably be back to exchange at least one item - he was right, HA! The purple just wasn't working in our room - it is a gorgeous collection, but something was off - maybe it is our paint color (it is gray, although it looks green in this photo). After my last bedding disaster (don't buy bedding while your pregnant), I wasn't going to wait until it was too late. So, back we went on Sunday to look at other options.

As soon as we walked in, I spotted a gorg floral, red quilt and knew that was it! Such a classic look and it looked great with our duvet and chevron euros that I refused to give up. After another hour, here's what we ended up with...I'm FINALLY in love with my bedding!

Our Bedding Sources:

Duvet: HERE

Quilt: HERE

Pillows: HERE & HERE

Euros: HERE & Chevron is not available online

Sophia scored a new headband, as well!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Today

We will be heading to Kerry Cassill to pick out bedding...I'm giddier than a kid on Christmas morning!

images

Friday, January 4, 2013

Obsessing Over: Castle Textiles

Happy Friday, loves! Hooray for the weekend...any exciting plans? We will be heading to our go-to sushi spot (as we do every Friday), and I can't wait...they have the best garlic edamame, yummm.

I'm currently ob-sess-ing over Castle, ever heard of it? Talk about the most amazing textiles and art ever! Each piece is so fun, carefree, and makes my heart sing...I'm adding purchasing one of the embroidered art pieces to my 2013 resolutions. ;) This would also be a super simple DIY project if you didn't want to shell out the cash.

this beach towel is a MUST for summer '13

all images via

Have a great weekend! xo

Thursday, January 3, 2013

New Year's Resolutions

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I know they aren't for everyone...but I'm personally a huge fan of new year's resolutions. There is just something so refreshing about having a 'clean slate.' That being said, I don't think it's ever too late to start, either. This year, I want to set realistic resolutions for myself...simply because I want to achieve each and every one of them.

1. EATING 'CLEAN' - This one shouldn't be too difficult. I usually eat pretty clean, but lately I've been majorly slacking - the busier I become, the harder it seems to be. In order to keep on track, I will be adding 'menu planning' to this resolution. If it's already in my fridge or pantry, it's just that much easier. Eating clean helps me to feel better, and I really want to set a good example for Sophia as she begins to eat solids. I do have a few splurge items I'm not sure I can give up (or want to at this point), but I think that's ok!

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2. READ 4 BOOKS - Reading is something I (sort of) enjoy. If I have a good book, I'm a total bookworm...um hi, I read all three 50 Shades books in one week, ha! However, I'll admit - I am much more apt to turn on the TV than pick up a book. This year, I will read four books - not too difficult or unrealistic. I've had the book Gone Girl sitting on my bookshelf for a long time, and my mom's book club is reading it this month, so that will be my first book - that way we can dish about it together ;).

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3. GET FIT - Confession: I have been totally slacking on getting back in shape. I've lost all of the weight I gained during pregnancy (within the first few weeks), but I've been doing a terrible, horrible job of getting toned, and it's really starting to get to me. I am tired of feeling 'gross' and SO ready to get in great shape, and January is the perfect time. I know this is one of those resolutions everyone seems to break, but not me, not now - I enjoy working out, it's just getting into the routine that's difficult (even more difficult with a little one), but NO excuses...this has to happen.

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There you have it! Three simple resolutions - I am not going to set myself up for failure by listing 25 things I would love to do this year (become an extreme organizer, for example). My thoughts - if I get on track with these three resolutions, I can always add more at a later date. How about you, do you believe in new year's resolutions?

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Holiday Camera Roll

Happy New Year! Here's a peek at our holiday...5 plane rides, 8 hours in the car, 3 different beds, and a wonderful time ~~wrapped~~ jammed into one week.

We used to be the couple who traveled with two carry-ons, no matter HOW long our trip was going to be. We ~~are~~ were expert packers. This is what we look like now....first stop: Chicago.

two large suitcases, two large carry-on's, and the infamous car seat bag LOL

We took a trip to my favorite.sandwich.shop.ever! I have been craving this for over a year, and finally got to indulge in my turkey with hot peppers...yummm.

My in-law's live in the suburbs, but we wanted to take a trip downtown to visit all of our favorite places. It was so much fun - we got to show Sophia all around the city...she was sleeping ;).

tribune tree

gorg, new burberry store is finally done!

My very first Chicago apartment - Michigan Avenue...oh, the memories! I lived on the top (38th) floor on the corner - you can see my old window (top left).

the most delicious hot chocolate ever

After an amazing Christmas in Chicago, we hopped a plane headed to Iowa. We usually have Christmas at my parent's home, but my sister-in-law just had a baby and this meant minimal travel, so my OTHER sister-in-law and brother graciously hosted a beautiful Christmas. I swear, she is the best hostess and thinks of every detail! See what I mean?

amazing centerpieces

Sophia and her cousin, Gemma

Sophia and Graham - these two are 3 weeks apart!

Papa & Sophia

visiting my brother's new office that he built - so proud!

How cute is this picture of my nieces? LOL - they love each other!

The following day, we headed to my parent's house to spend some time and visit my grandparents. I don't get to see them often, and I really wanted them to be able to meet Sophia.