A Splash of Blue

BlueHomeDecor

Blue is most certainly having a moment, and I am more than happy about it. As someone who typically gravitates towards neutrals, I am working to step out of my comfort zone and welcome more color into our home {and my closet!}. I’m going to start small with some printed pillows and throw blankets for our bedroom, but this rug may be next on my list. I would also love to add two of the navy x-benches under an entryway table and this lamp to a future office.
Happy decorating!
xo
An Easter Soiree

BT Easter 2015

Shop the Post: Happy Easter Egg Card / Wildflower and Fern Candle / Jolie Napkin Set / Phoebe Egg Platter / Burmese Blue Vase / Mixed Double Old-Fashioned Glasses / Striped Candles / Golden Rabbit Vase

Spring time. Sunday dresses. Deviled Eggs. Treats galore. These are just a few of the reasons why I adore Easter. I have such fond memories of childhood Easter’s spent hunting for eggs with my sister, masterly crafting beautifully dyed creations and digging into my dad’s delicious easter egg salad. Now, as an adult, I get excited by decorating the house, picking out an easter dress and whipping up a tasty family brunch. Each year I seem to approach my table setting with a new vision. Having just moved back into our newly remodeled house (see #deppahaven here) I am even more excited to host loved ones for a delicious feast this year. I’m all about fun and bright colors in our new digs and my Easter picks this year reflect the same. Vintage inspired glass ware for cocktails and deviled eggs. A modern bunny vase with a touch of gold, napkins that speak for themselves and candles that sneak in an everlasting love for stripes. It’s going to be an eclectic table this year and I just can’t wait!

What are your Easter traditions? Do tell!

xo

Perris

The Organized Closet
With the first day of spring quickly approaching, I’ve got spring cleaning projects on my mind. With the closet, I find it best to decide if you want to keep, donate or alter each item. Often, we keep pieces in our closet that don’t fit correctly, and they end up going unworn for months or maybe years {guilty}. Do yourself the favor of either going to the tailor or donating the item this spring. You will have a new, refreshed feeling when putting together outfits each morning when your clothes fit correctly or when you’re not feeling guilty about that jacket that still has the tag on it from two years ago.
In addition to my tips above, here a few of my favorite space savers:
+These baskets from Target house my scarves on the top shelves of my closet
+ These drawer dividers from Ikea help keep my undergarments nice and neat
+ This hanging shelf stores all of my workout clothes

Happy organizing!
xoxo,
The Organized Desk

DeskOrganization

With spring and spring cleaning right around the corner, I thought I would share some of my favorite organizational products throughout the month. I spend quite a bit of time at my desk so I like to make sure it stays tidy and that I’m maintaining a space that will foster productivity. One of my favorite tips is to incorporate trays on your desk to house various objects. I use this tray to store my business cards, lotion, jewelry and any other miscellaneous items throughout the day, and it helps make my desk space feel styled as opposed to disorganized.
What are some of your favorite organization items?
xoxo,

Show and Tell- Volume 9

Show and Tell vol 9

 

Clockwise From Top Left: Gold Task Lamp / Artisan Painted Canoe Paddle / Pastiche Orb Chandelier / Wood Tiled Dresser / Pom Pom Basket / Faribault Stripe Pillow / Faribault Plaid Pillow

What better way to return to the blog than with a show and tell of my latest fun finds! Fall is in full effect in Minnesota resulting in gorgeously colorful foliage, hearty cooking and the beginning of cashmere sweater season. My remodel project is also moving full force ahead so I’m spending these lovely brisk weekends scouring markets, shops and sales for special items to decorate our “new” home. Faribault Woolen Mill has long been a favorite local company of mine so I was elated to hear they are partnering with West Elm this season to bring cozy plaids to a wider market. While their throws are a staple, I have my eye on these stripe pillows. To tie in the nautical theme to our lakeside abode I am loving beautifully crafted goods like these artisan painted canoe paddles and statement lighting. Speaking of lighting, that has been my biggest struggle thus far. I’m finally in a place where I adore each and every one of our light selections and now am focused on the slightly easier task of sourcing table lamps. Sometimes the best finds are in the least expected places…like this gem from Target. And while I’m browsing the big retailers I can’t help but fall for these side tables. Part beachy, part modern and part unexpected. Just like my new favorite basket (minus the modern).

What are you lusting after these days?

Show and Tell- Volume 8

Show and Tell- vol 8

 

Clockwise from top left: Parsons Wall Mirror / Mon Cher Journal / Embroidered Banner / Sailing Ship Kite / Clara Earrings / Charlotte Street Tablecloths / Linen Duvet Cover Set / Juliska Pet Bowl Anchor Wool Baby Blanket / The Laundress Signature Detergent / Marble Fruit Bowl / Gold Cherry Blossom Washi Tape

Summer summer summer…it’s a fleeting season and I can’t get enough. As we being to near Fall I’m scheming strategies to infuse the delicious energy of summer into my home year round. I’ll start with this amazing stripe linen duvet set from Parachute Home. Soft, beachy and beautiful. Winter will without a doubt call for layers of warm blankets so why not keep things nautical with this gem. Add in a whimsical white ship and an adorable hanging banner and my lakeside guest room is complete. Polka dots will add cheer to the dining table year round, particularly when topped with a pretty marble bowl filled with seasonal fruit. Since laundry is unfortunately not seasonal (I wish!) make it fun by throwing on some fancy baubles and washing with these beautiful detergents from The Laundress. To keep the pup happy, spoil him with a fancy new dog dish that will double as decor. When all else fails and you really need a boost of summer energy, look back on your journal to relish the dog days of summer!

Going Nautical

going nautical

 

Clockwise from top left: Anchor Dog Toy / Stripe Boatneck Tee / Hello Throw Pillow / The Ropes Bracelet / Petit Bateau Newborn Bodysuit / Ahoy Bath Mat / Sperry Metallic Boat Shoe / Stripe Gent Tie / Gold Anchor Monogrammed Stationary / Sea Bags Tote

 

If you follow me on Instagram, you’re already familiar with my love for stripes and my recent move lakeside. Lucky for me the two go together quite nicely, giving me the perfect excuse to embrace my inner sailor this summer. I’m clearly not the only one adding nautical flair to my life. Jcrew currently has a few nice collaborations with fabulous Maine-based companies crafting pretty goods out of nautical ropes and reclaimed sails. These are great additions to classics like the Sperry Topsider which is now available in just about every color and pattern combination you could dream of. I surprised my hubby with these for his birthday and let’s just say anything from the Gold Cup line is THE most comfortable shoe ever. I’m counting the days until their Women’s version of the line comes out this Fall. Nothing goes better with a pair of Sperry’s than a classic striped top. For the real deal, opt for this Saint James version. This company has been turning out nautical inspired wear in Normandy since the 1800’s. More budget friendly options can be found nearly everywhere including here and here. You of course must include your little ones in the stripes frenzy as well. Leave it to another fab french company to turn out this cute getup. Once you’ve finally hit your stripes quota, turn to home decor and personal stationary as mechanisms to add a little seaside love into your life. (and don’t forget Fido in all the fun!).

Wherever you spend your summer I hope you’re able to enjoy the water somewhere!

Kitchen Inspiration

Cottagewood Kitchen concepts

My husband and I are deep into remodel planning mode which means version upon version of architectural drawings paired with plenty of pretty mood boards. My mind is constantly spinning with ideas (thank you Pinterest)  resulting in numerous design changes as we go. For any of you who’ve gone through an extensive remodel, you understand that the endless options are sometimes hard to sort through. Creating mood boards not only makes me happy but it helps keep us on track with what we really want out of each room of our house. This is a sneak peek of our current kitchen inspiration. Wood ceiling detail, pretty colors and fabulous tile….bring it on!

 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mothers Day Gift Guide

1 Sugar Paper Card 2 Jennifer Meyer ‘mum’ Necklace 3 Rifle Paper Rorschach Notebook Set 4 Beautiful Flowers 5 Stella & Dot Demi Earrings 6 Jonathan Adler Pillow 7 Nine Space for Jcrew Beach Towel

Mother’s day is a little over a week away which means it’s time to put those thinking caps on and find a lovely gift for your dearest mom. After just spending ten solid days of quality time with my own mom, I a reminded that there is nothing more special than a mom. She is the woman who birthed you, raised you, fed you, taught you so many life lessons and ultimately (at least in my case) is one of your closest friends and confidants. That said, shopping can be tricky for the mom who has everything so I like to stick to something small that I know will put a smile on her face. A good place to start is a fabulous card. There are so many good options here but I usually resort to my favorite, Sugar Paper. In addition, you can never go wrong with beautiful flowers. When sending long distance I typically shop here, otherwise for local delivery, Spruce will not disappoint. If you’re upping your game and opting for a more substantial gift I’m loving this beautiful summer beach towel (doubles as a throw?), Jonathan Adler’s fun pillows, Rifle Paper’s new journal set and these simple earrings from Stella & Dot. I’ve also long had my eye on Jennifer Meyer’s ‘mum’ necklace, developed in collaboration with goop. Perfect for the new mom who is celebrating her first mothers day. Lastly, if you’re still struggling for ideas and live in Minnesota, come by the Lovin’ Local Event next Wednesday May 7th for some mothers day shopping, beats and bubbles.

Happy early Mother’s Day to all of you moms out there!!

Show and Tell- Amsterdam Edition

Show and tell- ams

1 Sukha Wall Hanging 2 Dutch House Number 3 Vanilia Blouse 4 Rituals Fragrance Sticks 5 FLINK Pillow 6 de Waldaad Bench 7 By Molle Table Linen

Greetings from the land of tulips, canals and cheese! While I have had the pleasure of stepping foot in Amsterdam once before, ten days here has allowed me to truly soak in all this amazing city has to offer. In typical “girls trip” fashion, my mom and I have been doing nothing but eating, drinking, shopping and walking. And let’s be honest…our suitcases are filling up rather quickly! With multiple stops at fabulous shops, we’re getting to know some people on a first name basis (this is a good thing, trust me)! I could easily decorate my whole house from here (but my husband would have my head) so I’m sharing just a few of my favorite finds while they’re still fresh in my shopping mind.

Step into the dreaminess that is Sukha Amsterdam and you will not be disappointed. Sukha means “joy of life” in Sanskrit and this store is seriously a joy to behold. With charming doodles like this and amazing pillows like that, you could browse for days. The young woman behind that pillow has a beautiful line called FLINK Netherlands. She helps define Dutch Luxury by using the most high-quality wool (knitted in an old Dutch knitting factory) to create the most divine blankets, pillows and scarves. FLINK is not the only line committed to a growing movement that celebrates the beauty of local production. By Molle, uses only natural materials to make all of their products. From the undyed wool of Swedish and Norwegian sheep to the flax for their linen from the Atlantic Coast- By Molle embodies sustainability and true craftsmanship. This gorgeous table cloth is already coming home with me (not surprisingly, it’s striped!). Clothing companies like the Dutch brand Vanilia are also committed to corporate responsibility. With just twelve small collections released a year, their charming stores are beautifully curated with unique pieces you can be pretty sure not many others will own  (like the new favorite oversized blouse I will be living in). If I had more room in my suitcase I’d be adding in some amazing vintage furniture from de Waldaad (like this bench!), a charming custom made house number from Alfons De Letter and yummy scents from Rituals.

I guess another trip is in order come new home decor time!