Home Updates and Home Obsessions

I am starting to feel like our house is slowly coming together.  My main focus lately has been our kitchen and remodeling it.  It is the room we spend the most time in and I figure wheter we eventually add on or sell this house kitchen updates are worth the expense.

So far we have had the built-ins done around the fridge, purchased a new fridge, knocked down the cabinet between the kitchen and dining room, had recess lights installed, and painted the cabinets Decorators White (they were a horrible brown).  This weekend we had our back splash tile laid.  They are actually coming back this morning to grout and finish painting a few cabinets.  I went with white subway tile (I know its what every one and their brother is doing too) but I decided to switch things up and have it laid in a herringbone pattern and do a dark gray grout.

This is a view right in the middle of all the work, after it is grouted I will show more photos.

Our next phase will involve putting in new floors, I am thinking hardwood just to flow with the rest of our house.   I hate the current tile we have and also knocking out a small wall between the kitchen and dining room, it will make the kitchen and dining room one big open room.

Here is a before shot where you can see the stainless back splash before.  The white subway tile really brightens things up. You can also see the ugly tile on the floor I can't wait to replace.

I also worked on cleaning and organizing our porch.  This project got side tracked because of our kitchen work but it is coming along nicely.  I just need a cute light and glass door installed.

It is a great spot because it is right off the kitchen so I can open the door and let the kids play while I cook.

Rug (25% off)

I also tried (tried being the key word) to style under our newly mounted tv.  I have a hard time styling spaces and Matt won't allow anything tall that blocks the tv at all.  

Any thoughts on what to put on there? 

 

Finally potted a new orchid for our den.  See my post here on how to pot and style an orchid like a pro.

 Mirrored Tray Here.

Since I am on a real home kick, I thought I would share some things I am loving for the home.

|| Japenese Florals

I love these Japenese Florals, if I had a spot I would so order them. They had been $900 down to $200.  There are three different prints, they would look great above a couch or in a bedroom.

|| Side Table

I just adore this side table.  It is simple but so sleek looking.

|| Ikat Pillows

I love these blue ikat pillows, they are such a steal for a set of two.

 

|| Callie Glass Desk Boxes

I love the idea of these for jewelry or sitting out on a coffee or console table filled with pretty objects.

|| Quartz Candle Holders

These are now on sale.  I have a similar one pictured below and just love it.  So cute on any table.

|| Felt Banner Bright Side | Keep it Real

I really want one of these cute Felt Banners to hang on our porch!

 

|| Gold Foo Dogs

I want to find a place for this adorable pair.  I love foo dogs and especially love the gold!

|| Amelia Crystal Lamp

Do you guys ever browse the Pottery Barn Teen section?  I always do!  You can find great stuff for great prices.  I love this crystal lamp, thinking about it for my vanity or desk.

|| Black Swirls Triptych

I am always a fan of black and white art. So classic even when it is modern.  This would look great over a couch, buffet, or bar cart area.

 || Round Coffee Table

I love the idea of a round coffee table, especially with kids. This one is stunning!

this version is just as pretty and more budget friendly.

|| Moroccan Tea Glasses

I could not resist these pink glasses.  I love this smaller size for juice, wine, and cocktails.

They also come in a gorgeous turquoise color.

Double Duty Outfit || Work and Play

Work Clothes can be hard.  My sister often comes to me for advice on what to wear to work.  I like pieces that you can wear for work and still look cute if you go out after work for drinks or pieces you can mix in with your weekend wardrobe.  My sister still wants to look cute for work but not spend a ton of money on boring clothes that she can't wear outside of work.

I don't work a 9-5 job but I do occasionally have meetings with companies where I want to want look pulled together and not in my ripped jeans (which I am usually in on a daily basis).

This is a look I pulled together that I think could be business casual but also cute for running around town.  All three pieces are great staple pieces you can mix in your wardrobe to wear a million different ways.

Cardigan | White Tank | Black Pants | Necklace | Tory Burch Flats | Rebecca Minkoff Purse

I think as women it is hard to find dress pants that fit well and are flattering.  The pants I am wearing rock.  The name really says it all, they are called the Wonder Stretch Slim Pants.  Ladies, they have no zipper or pockets so they are seamless and they stretch to fit your body.  Seriously,  so comfortable too.

I wanted to show the waist band and how they fit.  For those curious I am 5'9 and wearing the size 4.   They run TTS, they do hit a bit short on me because of my height but actually like the length.

 ||Wonder Stretch Slim Pants

They also come in this gorgeous mushroom color.  I ordered both:)

I love that they are seamless and a tailored fit. Perfect for work or play.

I want the tank in all 4 colors.  It is great because it is a thicker material and longer.  I love long tanks for layering under sweaters.  This one is cute alone too.  I am wearing a size small.

You can't go wrong with a great white tank.

|| Perfect Layer Tank

The tank also comes in brown, midnight, and ash.

Love the idea of the midnight color paired with white jeans.

I live in this cardigan.  I like that the back is sheer for a slightly edgy look.  It comes in 5 colors.  I want to buy the black next but I fell in love with the light brown color I am wearing.  It is nice because the fit is loose and it is long enough to wear with leggings too.

|| Cardigan

I think a white blouse is always a good item to have in your closet.  Love it with jeans for play or tailored pants for a sleek professional look.  I love the cuffs and neckline on this one.

|| White Blouse

I also like the idea of cute jacket.  This one would be perfect for work and then so cute with a tee, jeans, and heels for a night out.  It reminds me of Chanel or Rebecca Taylor but way less:)

|| Knit Jacket

One last look at my outfit.

You can shop my whole look below.

A few of my other favorites from the Nic + Zoe line carried at Nordstrom that would be great for work or play.  Nordstrom is great because they always offer free shipping and returns and don't forget they price match now too!  I just ordered a Rag and Bone dress and they matched the price where I found it cheaper!

Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post, all thoughts and outfit choices are my own always.

Top 5 Deals for Saturday

 ONE \\ Pom Pom Shirt

My white Pom-Pom shirt arrived from Shopbop.  It is great quality for the price.  The shirt is a thicker material which I really like.

 It is a bit cropped but I love it paired with my shorts for the Summer. I am in a size small.

Also love this blue embroidered blouse by the same brand.

TWO \\ Bloomingdales One Day Home Sale

There are some major good deals.    All the Nespresso machines are on sale.  We got one for Christmas and I am obsessed with it, best cup of coffee.

We have the Virtuoline version that does espresso and coffee.  I seriously get out of bed and look forward to my coffee every morning, it is that good.  Also on sale in the single Espresso model

 This Kitchen Aid Mixer is almost 50% off.  This is one kitchen tool I use often.

Huge fan of these Jonathan Adler Pillows.  Actually considering getting one for Sterling's room.

 Silver Crocodile Frames.  

These may be the best deal.  They were $227 now $50!  I ordered one for our den!

Vera Wang Sheets in such gorgeous colors.

THREE \\ Banana Republic 50% off Certain Styles

I have been super impressed with Banana Republic lately.  Some gorgeous things on sale.

Water Color Pleated Skirt

So pretty reminds me of Tibi, only $55!

 Snakeskin Necklace

Love the idea of this layered.

Kelsey Pump

Love these classic pumps in nude and black.  Great for work or play and an awesome deal!

These pjs look so soft and are only $29!  I have been really into pjs lately.  Also love this Lounge Romper.

Light Silk Blouse

reminds me of Equipment but only $49!

FOUR \\ JCREW extra 40-50% off sale 

Use code SALETIME

I live in these Cece Ballet Flats.  They are on sale + additional 40% off in some great colors.  I own them in black, blue, and nude.

Love this sculpted bracelet set, actually thinking about ordering this for me!

I always love a calf hair clutch!

Shoulder Tie Dress,  thinking I need this for the Summer so cute with the tassels on the ties.

FIVE\\ TATA Harper Gift with Purchase

If you spend $100 on Tata Harper Products which is easy to do you get a free Resurfacing Mask sample size is .25 ounces so not bad. (my favorite item).

A few of my favs:

Repairative Moisturizer

Floral Essence- addicted to this stuff, really helps my dry skin.

Eye Cream

Regenerating Cleanser

 and if you want to try samples of everything this set is a great buy.

Tata Harper Set

Happy Saturday, Happy Shopping!

The Question Of a Third Child

I love this blog not only as a place to share things that inspire me and that I love but also as an outlet.  I find writing very therapeutic.  It helps me clear my head and center myself. 

Lately I have had thoughts of a third child on my mind.

This is something I think about a lot.  I frequently get asked are you done having kids?  Do you want more?  and my answer is honestly I don't know.

I have friends who immediately after they had their second baby said with certainty, I am done.  That's it. Our family is complete.  I don't necessarily feel that way.  I am almost envious of them to know with such certainty how many kids you want.  I am not sure if it is because I had miscarriage and so I feel I am missing that third baby or if it is because I grew up in a family of three.  But some days, most days I desire another baby.  I frequently think about that baby I lost and wonder if it was a boy or a girl and what our life would be like if there three kids.   I still yearn for and miss that baby I lost.

The problem is Matt is ready to be done with two.  He grew up in a family of two and thinks of the financial side of things and he feels two is enough.  He also does not like the newborn period with sleepless nights. And that is ok, I see his side entirely.  Me I think about 15-20 years from now I want a full house at the holidays.  I also long to experience giving birth again.  The two days my children were born were the best days of my life.  You can't even put into words what a true miracle it is meeting your children for the first time.  I think about how much joy the two of them bring me so why not add another.

Can I handle three?  Heck I don't know.  Most days I find just taking care of Sterling and Frances is extremely exhausting.  They are HARD.  Someone always needs something and I feel like I never quite get any time just for me.   I am wiped out and ready for bed most nights by 8.  They are a handful.  I feel like I have a good grasp and routine down for taking care of two.  We run errands and do things just fine alone since Matt often works long hours.  How would I get three kids in and out of the car? I would most likely need a bigger car.  Could I handle three kids alone??  Not sure.

Do I want to be pregnant again?  Not sure.  My pregnancy was ok with both kids, I had no major medical issues,  but the second time around took a toll on body.  From the bad varicose veins to being extremely tired while dealing with Sterling.  Could I handle being pregnant while taking care of two demanding kids?  Not Sure.  Not sure I truly want to be pregnant again.

Also there is the issue of my age and lets be real it was not easy for me to get pregnant with Frances.  Could I even get pregnant again?  I turn 35 this year so I know that equates to having a higher risk of having something wrong with my baby.  I also know that means each year that passes it is that much harder to get pregnant.  Ideally I would wait til Frances was three and have the same age spacing as her and Sterling.  But that would put me getting pregnant at 36 and delivering at 37.  Not sure that is even feasible.  Then what if I got pregnant with twins.  That terrifies me, I want 3 babies not 4.

Then there is the issue of worry.  I worry about Sterling and Frances constantly.  I am a hypochondriac and constant worrier often thinking the worst when things are just fine.   Would adding another child to the worry mix do me in?   Mentally it might- haha.

I wish I knew with certainty that I was done with two.  In all likelihood I will be done with two because I of course don't want to have a third baby without my partner on board.  But I wonder will I think about that third child for the rest of my life?  and always feel like someone is missing?  Who knows.  I do know I am beyond grateful that I was blessed with Sterling and Frances Moon.  They give new meaning to my life and bring me so much joy.  They are everything to me and that is what is important.

So maybe just maybe two is all I am meant to have. Two is enough for me. I plan to live in the moment and savor my two children not dwelling on what if I did or didn't have a third.   I trust God and his master plan.

Moms of two and three and kids would love to know your thoughts.

and because I could not stop laughing when reading these.

Seriously these are hilarious.

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