Thursday, June 19, 2014

Our happy hot mess

It's easy to give off the impression on this blog that everything at our house is perfectly kept and organized.





But what you don't see in my blog pictures of our put together this and our spotless that is that I probably have shoved all of the junk out of the way so that it isn't captured in the shot or that I've edited out the marks on the wall that need to be touched up or the stain on the rug I haven't gotten around to treating.

However, today I'm not shoving the hot mess in the corner while I take pictures or photo-shopping the not-so-pretty parts.
I'm letting it all hang out because it is what it is and sometimes we all need to be reminded that perfect is over-rated, to embrace the imperfections, and that sometimes the daily to-do's should be put on hold so that we can enjoy life!

So here are some glimpses of the hot messes currently around our home that I'm okay with sharing because it's real and even though it might be a mess sometimes, it's a very happy one...

...like our dining room table set up as a sewing station and abandoned mid-project to go for a walk with my mom, dog, and baby.
The curtains can wait. 
Our summer days are limited and enjoying some sunshine is more important.


My sad pathetic droopy DIY wreath.
I should probably take it down and put a better looking one up but it can wait.
There's a baby that needs to be cuddled.


The laundry that has piled up and the clean clothes that have been waiting to be put away for a week now. That can all wait. Heading to the beach to have a glass of wine with Chris and Charlie is more important right now.


Our lumpy disheveled family room couch that needs some fluffing and probably a slipcover wash.
Actually we probably just need to get rid of this thing and buy a new couch!
I'll get around to doing it eventually. 


Our living room closet/changing station that I've been meaning to organize and clean up.
Hot. Mess.
But it can wait!
Taking my afternoon nap to power through another night of 2 A.M. feedings is wayyyy more important.


The big bulky dog crate for our very sweet but sometimes badly behaved dog taking up space in our dining room (and moved into another room when I'm taking blog pictures).
It isn't pretty but it's Rosie's happy home and she is family to us.


This picture frame from my brother's wedding that is on our book shelf filled with pictures that are not Chris and I. I've been meaning to switch out the pictures (for almost a year now) but have yet to get any printed.
It can wait (but probably not much longer).


The hole in our kitchen ceiling that was finally patched but needs to be painted.
It's an eye sore but this hot mess can wait.
We much rather spend our weekend visiting friends and family than painting a ceiling.


Our bathroom vanity that needs some seriously touching up and a coat of wax.
Hot mess.
But, you guessed it. It can wait too!


Because there will always be a laundry list of projects to do and things to put away and organize but life is short and time is flying and even though parts of our home are a bit of a hot mess right now, it is a very happy home and one that I'm lucky to have.

- Caitlin

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Living room: switch outs for summer

The summer season calls for some freshening up around our house and an easy way to do that is simply by switching out throw pillows on the couch for some new ones.
Recently I did just that in our living room.
 I was getting really tired of the same pillows that had been on our couch for last several months so I purchased these striped Pottery Barn ones (currently on sale plus free shipping), and added two coordinating throw pillows that I already had to the couch as well.



The new pillows are linen, which is perfect for summer.




The coral and blue pick up the colors in this painting we have hanging in the room.


Changing the pillows has sort of opened a can of worms. 
Now, I am onto looking for a new fabric to re-cover the large pillows on these rattan chairs.


Here are some fabrics I've been considering:

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily

Ballard Designs

I've also been turning my attention to re-arranging and re-accessorizing our built-ins.
Here's a little peek at what I've been working on:


Styling these built-ins is definitely an ever-changing project that I'm never able to do in one sitting.
I usually do a little, walk away, look at it again, and move things around before it feels "right".


How do you like to make updates in your home for the change of seasons?
- Caitlin

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Playroom plans

A few months ago, I posted about our pump house, which I was debating turning into either an adult retreat room or a playroom. 


Since our house doesn't have a finished basement to use as a playroom, I've decided to make this space one for Charlie.
I know I'll be happy to have a separate area to stow his toys away (the built-in bench lifts up offering lots of storage) and he'll be happy to have his own space to do kid things.

Even though he won't be playing in it anytime soon (these days his agenda is eat, sleep, poop, repeat), I am excited to begin decorating in here.

Below I have started a mood board to help with my vision:


My whole inspiration started with these whimsical pillows that I recently purchased on Groop Dealz for just 12.99 each. I plan on putting them on top of the built-in bench.

via Groop Dealz

via Groop Dealz

via Groop Dealz

via Groop Dealz

I've also fallen in love with the idea of a DIY tee-pee and plan on making one for the playroom.

via Today's Mama
Another plan for this playroom is to paint the wall underneath the shelves with chalkboard paint so that Charlie doesn't have to stick to just drawing on paper.

via Banebakken
Sticking with the color scheme, I'll probably go with a blue or mint colored geometric rug.
Rugs USA has tons of fun affordable options:

Rugs USA

Rugs USA

Rugs USA

Rugs USA
Rugs USA

It'll be a fun room to decorate and I will be sharing the progress with you as I go.

A quick thank you to Lindsey from Better After for sharing our up-cycled oar project and to Laura from Top This Top That for sharing our DIY laundry hamper!

Wishing all the dads out there a Happy Father's Day (especially my dad, father-in-law, and of course my husband Chris)!
- Caitlin

Friday, June 13, 2014

Friday Fashion Fix: LOFT love

As much as I loved being pregnant, I am happy to have a waist again and to be able to hit up some of my favorite stores for some shopping.

Recently, I popped into LOFT and was ooh-ing and ahh-ing all over the place.
Here are some things from the store that I am loving:

Wallpaper Floral Maxi Dress

Floral Print Spaghetti Strap Romper

Paisley Lace Top

Seersucker bustier dress
Scallop Cotton Eyelet Tee

Eyelet stripe softened shirt

Never ever pay full price at LOFT!
They always have some kind of sale going on or about to start.
Right now for example, dresses are 40% off!

Also, LOFT now has a collection called Lou & Grey.
The style is simple, easy, and relaxed. Just how life should be in the summer, right?

Striped Chambray Dress

Stripe Tee Dress

Sunset Sweater

Chambray engineer shirt
Hint of lace sweatshirt

Linen Blush Moto Jacket

Have a great weekend!
- Caitlin