Shower time

This past weekend we had lots of fun throwing my sister's bridal shower.

The colors of the invitations we used (pictured below) led to the color scheme of the party: peach and light blue.

Wedding Paper Divas

The venue was a no brainer: Jackson of course (my brother and sister-in-law's house that I have posted about here and here):

We had fun adding a few DIY touches to the shower.
For example, instead of buying or renting napkins, my mom made them out of a bed sheet she purchased at Home Goods.

Instead of napkin rings, she found these nautical wine glass tags at Michaels and I made the seating cards out of craft paper.

The favors were another fun DIY project.

We ordered Essie nail polish from this site and I wrapped the tops in washi tape and hung the tags using baker's twine.

 

The food was summery, delicious, and catered by the same woman that catered my brother's wedding.

Here's a peek at the cocktail table:

The name of the signature cocktail was a play on the groom's last name.

Rosie's cousin Abbey was in attendance, matching the tablescape of course.

Charlie was also in attendance but slept through most of the action.

The soon to be newlyweds!

Congratulations Brad and Jamie! Looking forward to the big day.

- Caitlin

Less is more mantel

I'm finding through decorating our house that just a few bold accessories sometimes looks better than  a lot of little tchotchkes (100% had to look up the spelling).

Recently I tried to follow that with our mantel, which has sported many different looks over this past year (see here, here, here, and here):

Now, the mantel has a much more simple and clean look.

Just two big accessories on either end and that is it.

Initially, I was tempted to add more to the mantel, thinking it looked too bare.

But after a little time, it grew on me and now I am really liking the simplicity of it all.

The wicker and glass hurricanes are from Pottery Barn and are filled with mini ferns.

Which do you prefer?

A mantel with a lot on it or just a few accessories?

- Caitlin

Friday Fashion Fix: Maxxinista

I'm not only a bargain hunter for my home but also my closet, which is why I frequent stores like TJ Maxx for some guilt-free shopping.

Recently, I found out that they now sell clothes online and the best part is that returns are free in store.

Below are a few finds I've picked from their website, all of which are under $40.

Crepe Tank with Embroidery

Exposed Heel Open Toe Bootie

Sandals With Heel Strap

Tapestry Convertible Clutch

Crochet Inset Top

Printed Top Maxi Dress

Cotton Stripe Dress

If you spend $89, enter code SUMMER for free shipping.

Enjoy the weekend!

- Caitlin

Fresh start for the family room

Today I'm sharing a look around our family room:

 

Kind of looks like we just moved in or got robbed, doesn't it?

 

Well, what's happening is that we haven't been happy with the way it was looking mainly due to the fact that it was one of those rooms where we sort of just put all of our left over furniture in and called it a day. 

 

Also, with all the other more important rooms in the house to decorate (our bedroom, the nursery, etc.) this room has sort of fallen to the wayside.

 



 

Until now.

In an effort to kick start getting the family room furnished the way we'd like, we decided to empty it all out and start fresh.

We were able to sell the furniture we no longer wanted (yes, someone actually bought our sad lumpy couch that I shared here) and now we have some extra cash to put towards furniture that we will love.

 

I'm excited to get started on decorating in here because it has a lot of character and potential...

 

...and now that it is empty, it is easier to have a vision of what we want the room to look like.

 

Until that vision comes to fruition, Rosie and Charlie have a rumpus room to enjoy.

That's Rosie's excited face by the way.

 

As for what kind of look we will go for in this room, I'm still not entirely sure and will be turning my attention to Pinterest for some inspiration.

 

Here are some looks that I am liking:

 

Elements of Style

Savvy Home

 

Source Unknown

 

Coastal Living

 

Home Décor

 

I'll keep you updated as we go!

 

P.S. Check out Charlie's nursery feature on Apartment Therapy. Yay!

 

- Caitlin

Summertime seating

I have major guilt when it's sunny and nice out in the summer and I'm doing stuff indoors.

So, I try to get out and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible.

Before we know it, it'll be 30 degrees again and I will be dreaming of being able to lounge out in this area we have on our patio.

The chairs were a garage sale find though I can't take credit for finding them. 

My mom scooped them up for us for like 15 bucks!

It's really nice to have a personal garage sale hunter when I am unable to go out myself.

The blue geometric pillows and throw blanket are several years old.

I like saving money by using stuff I already have and brought these out to add a pop of color.

Thankful for another beautiful summer day!

- Caitlin

New look for the nook

Happy Saturday!

Today I'm sharing a new look for our kitchen nook.

I was getting sick of the same accessories that have been sitting there for the past year so I recently freshened up the space with a little re-arranging.

Like the previous accessories that were on the shelves, these "new" ones are mostly garage sale finds.

I filled these three large jars with granola, sugar, and peanuts.

There's no such thing as having too much sparkling water in this house.

Plus, it looks nice in a basket.

Hydrangeas a la Trader Joe's. 

My favorite!

We have the same pillows on the built-in seat as last year so I'm thinking it might be time for an update. I've been on the hunt for new ones or fabric to make new pillows out of but haven't found anything that I love yet.

It is refreshing to have a new look in this area of the kitchen.

Just a switch out of some accessories and it is like a breath of fresh air.

Have a great weekend :)

- Caitlin