Friday, September 27, 2013

10 Fall Musts

Fall.  It's here and I'm just so happy about it....I only wish the weather would get cooler a little faster!  While most people get outdoors during the summer, Red and I tend to hibernate from the heat (minus beach/pool days).  So for us, Fall means much anticipated time outside.  If possible, I feel like cooler temperatures make me feel more alive.  And of course, it is the best running season.  Cheers to Fall!  Here are some things I hope to accomplish this Autumn:


1. Find a good butternut squash soup recipe
2. Make my own candle
3. Rent a cabin for the weekend
4. Get creative with pumpkin carving/decorating
5. Apple picking, followed by lots and lots of apple baking



1.  Host a bonfire and s'mores party
2.  Go biking downtown
3.  Make R a halloween costume
4.  Enjoy a low-key Fall picnic
5. Bake something equally sweet and horrible for you




Monday, September 23, 2013

Kids Rooms- a touch of whimsy

We have been in Northern VA for the weekend (I don't think I've mentioned it before here, but that's where I grew up) visiting with family.  We got to meet our newest niece, and my heart has been full watching R interact with all of her cousins.  There is something nostalgic about it that reminds me of my childhood and the great memories I have with my own cousins.  
It's the same way I approach decorating her room.....it takes me back and I start imagining what I would have loved as a little girl.  Before R came along, I don't think I knew that a nursery/children's room could be so fun to design.  I'm already scheming about her big girl room (and that's not going to be for a while!).  It's a space to have fun, to learn, and to encourage the imagination/creativity.  With that in mind,  a children's room should be anything but cookie cutter.  I love how sweet and unique these four rooms are, and each with a touch of whimsy.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Moody Lighting

We have had stormy weather over here lately....the sort that wakes you up suddenly in the middle of the night.  Yesterday it seemed as though the sun didn't even come out until late afternoon.  On days like that I love nothing more than to stay home in lounge wear and forgo the to-do list.  This space with its dark walls fits the mood.  Of course I also have some Friday links for you....see you next week!


   
Love Marie-Chantal's children's lookbook
Kelli Murray's workspace
I made my own laundry soap using this recipe.....and I love it.
This house tour
This amazing DIY using copper tape, just wow!
Loving the Nate Berkus Fall line for Target
This Norwegian Home
Itching to try my hand at this DIY
An interview with creative director of West Elm, Vanessa Holden


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Bookcase....

Remember this post?  Well, I'm finally getting around to sharing our ladder shelf with you.  I realize it's not so original, but I really love it.....especially considering it cost us a grand total of $30.   Though I'm still not done with styling it (or the entire office for that matter), I am happy with the direction it's taking.  The wooden crates have moved from R's old room to our office, due to her new "climb everything" stage.  Good news is the crates actually store way more books than they appear, and I finally have a place for my oddly shaped crafting items.  This will have to serve as a sneak peak until I can share the rest of the office with you.
 I found the old ladder on craigslist for $20.  While still a simple DIY, we had to make the shelves level by adding another piece of wood under one side of each shelf.  We also connected the two pieces of wood using a metal bracket. I won't insult your intelligence by going into further detail:).




Monday, September 16, 2013

Couch Round-up

I would say that I'm a chair person, not a couch person.  If the hard part in chair shopping for me is choosing among the plethora of chairs that I love, the hard part for buying a couch would be finding one that I'm super excited about.  Lately though, I've been seeing numerous couches that I really like....and since buying a couch is very low on our priority list, I thought I would share them with you.

1.  This is the typical sort of couch that I'm drawn to....clean lines with a cozy touch.      

2.  Lately though, I've been really loving a nice leather Chesterfield sofa.  You can't go wrong with this classic.
(anyone know the source beyond pinterest, let me know)

3. Ok.  This one made me stop in my tracks.  LOVE.

5.  Another perfect combination of design meets cozy.  It also looks like a really big safari chair, which I love.


PS.  Aside from Pinterest, I'm not a huge social media person, but I did get an instagram account for RestlessOasis if you would like to follow me there.  My private account is for close friends and family, I'm sure you understand:).



Friday, September 13, 2013

Friday Fave

I can think of no better way to end the week then with this gorgeous room.  It's simply perfect.  I would gladly curl up on that couch with some tea and a book all weekend.  Red has been out of town this week and I have been painting every night in effort to surprise him with a painted office (no more lime green walls!).  That has meant taping during nap time and painting into the late hours after R's bed time.  It was worth it though, and my tired self is glad I did it! TGIF, and see you all next week with a fun DIY!    

Oh, Paris
Planning a party? Here are some fabulous party garlands ideas
Loved this idea when I first saw it, and finally got around to getting some for R
I adore this house
Make your own caftan for next summer
Very excited about Erin Loechner's new site, seems right up my alley
A glimpse at Kelli Murray's home on Design Sponge
Ikea 2014 is looking good
This dress
Phillip Lim for Target!!!  I might be one of those crazies lining up before the store opens...
If you want to cry....
Pre-order your Kinfolk cookbook!
Oh Joy's Studio makeover
Love this DIY
How do you feel about Birkenstocks coming back in?


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

DIY Pom Pom Garland

It all started when I spotted the below pom pom scarf from Anthropologie.  I was immediately drawn to the colors, and while I didn't love it as a scarf I did love it as a garland for R's room (hopefully you aren't sick of her room!!).  So, I bought a bunch of yarn and thus came about the easiest DIY ever.  It took me thirty minutes(if that?).  
1.  If using two colors, tie them together  2. Wrap them around your four fingers, until it's decently thick 3.  Slide fingers out and tie the coil in half  4. Cut the loops on either side 5.  Now you have a pom pom, just trim it and you're done!  6.  Not pictured, but I put some yarn through my needle to tie all the pom poms into one long garland.

The finished product:






Friday, September 6, 2013

Back to School- for the youngsters

Since R is just now entering the toddler stage, I haven't given kid activities too much thought, but I'm suddenly realizing that this season is fast approaching.  Part of me wanted to share with you my endless list of favorite back-to-school clothes, but I think most of us need inspiration elsewhere.  Because let's face it, I like way more little girl clothes than R could ever wear.  So instead,  here are some picks for that little toddler/pre-schooler in your life: 


and then for the older kiddos......


Ps.  Somewhat unrelated, but I have a new niece and I'm just too excited not to share!  


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Back to School- the Supplies edition

Maybe school supplies has changed to "organizing my office" supplies, but either way it's still fun.  I don't know about you, but my office still needs a lot of organizational help!  Here are some of my favorite storage solutions, ideas, and gadgets for the office.  Oh, and congratulations to Staci on winning last week's giveaway!




Monday, September 2, 2013

Back to School

Happy Labor Day!  This week I thought it would be fun to do a back-to-school series starting with this Fall look.  I would definitely describe my style as classic with a few trendy items interspersed here and there when the budget allows.  I haven't done a fashion post in a while.....partly because I'm very aware that I'm no expert, and partly because I don't want the blog to focus on "stuff" and accumulating more of that "stuff".  I want this space to be a source of inspiration and not the start of discontentment.  Because, really, I love fashion and yet have to work with a limited budget.  So today, I just want to start with a classic look that I love.....a blazer with boyfriend jeans and I added in a few accessories.  Even something this simple may take a couple seasons to put together on a tight budget, but I have found that quality over quantity is best.
*The below picture is from a new favorite fashion blog, Polienne.
1. leopard flats
2. blazer
3. messenger bag
4. shades
5. hat
6. boyfriend jeans
7. flats