Thursday Randoms

A new year calls for a new scent, and I'm really loving this one...I'd even go as far to say it's one of my all-time faves! Notes: caramel, musk, vanilla, and benjoin. You can purchase it here (best deal I've been able to find).

Check out this amazing DIY - I really want to do this...I love super inexpensive DIYs that make a BIG impact. 

I may or may not have gone back to Lala (Kerry Cassill) and bought a few more pillow cases...I think I'm addicted. I'm planning on adding these to our guest bedroom. 

Our holiday card...happy new year! 

Next week, I'll be sharing our entire kitchen renovation with you all...woohoo! I've been holding out in hopes of adding a chandelier, but have realized, it's time to share - I can always update if we end up getting a chandy installed, right? 

the ginormous marble slab that started it all... 

Happy Thursday, loves!

Label Love::Free People

Free People is one of my favorite stores/labels...I was browsing through their store today, and had to share a few of my favorite finds with you all. . . 

all images via free people

just dreamy, don't you think? 

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:

Anthropologie

West Elm

Anthropologie

Serena & Lily

Overstock

Anthropologie

Lulu & Georgia 

Overstock

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

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? 

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! 

  

Today

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

images

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