Summer Weddings

J Crew wedding dress {1}
$225 - jcrew.com

Eliza J one shoulder cocktail dress {2}
$138 - nordstrom.com

BCBG Max Azria one shoulder cocktail dress {3}
$248 - nordstrom.com



This year we have two weddings to attend. The first is in Chicago in August and the second is in NYC in October. I am already busy planning my outfits for the August wedding! I thought it would be fun to have YOU, my readers, vote for my dress! Once you have picked the dress, I will give 3 choices for all of the other items- shoes, jewelry, purse, etc.  
So, let me tell you a little about this wedding. It is in August right outside of Chicago.  The ceremony is a  Catholic mass in the late afternoon. The reception is immediately following  at a Country Club.  So, there will be no outfit changes.  The bridesmaids will be wearing navy and the bride will be wearing, of course, white! Given these details....what do you think?  Please VOTE by COMMENTING to this post. #1 is the Blue #2 is the pink and #3 is the purple.  I can't wait to see what you think! 
VOTE NOW!

Girls' Bedroom

My little girls are getting bigger.  I know this is inevitable, but it doesn't mean I like it. They have been in big beds for 1 year now.  In that year, our focus has been keeping them in their beds, not decorating their beds!  Now, that they love their beds, I am ready to make them love their room.  Their nursery was classic-Soft pink walls, black and white toile bedding and creamy white furniture. (See it Here) I used the toile bedding as inspiration for a French theme.  Over their beds were painted " Bonne Nuit K" and  "Doux Reves E". (Good Night K & Sweet Dreams E).  We invested in furniture that would grow with them, so those pieces are staying.  Everything else is up for change.
Here are some inspirations:

{ designer Alix J. Bragg} 

This room is so sweet and serene. I love the dollhouse in the corner and the all white bedding.

{photo from decorpad}
This room would be keeping the French theme from their nursery. I love the soft slip-covered headboard.

{photo from decorpad}
This traditional room is so dreamy. I love the soft lilac and butter yellow.  The built ins and window treatments are just gorgeous.

{photo from decorpad}
I love the creamy walls and furniture that let the pink window panels and pillows really pop.  This would also be very easy to grow with my little ones. 

My philosophy for the bedroom is to keep it serene, relaxing and perfect for sleeping. Light, airy fabrics and calming colors work to create a place to unwind. Especially for children's bedrooms, I stay away from stimulating colors and loud activating toys.  Only books, soft toys and calming items will make the cut! 

So which is your favorite?  Please leave me a comment and let me know! 

LOVE her!

I just love Gwyneth Paltrow. She has and does it all! She is an amazingly talented actress (hello, Oscar Winner!), singer (Am I the only Gleek out there?), and blogger (Do you, Goop?). Not to mention that she is the wife of Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, has two beautiful children and is completely dedicated to health and nutrition. She has now added to that amazing resume- Cookbook Author! Have you seen her new cookbook My Father's Daughter? Once again, I am smitten with Gwyneth!

photo courtesy of justjared.com

I scooped up her book up as soon as I saw it, and it has not disappointed! Although she is not a vegetarian, she notes all vegetarian and vegan recipes. She also details how to "Make it Vegan" or "Make it Kid Friendly". Her detailed list of a well stocked pantry is great for new and vetran cooks, alike. My favorites are the White Bean Soup, Fish Tacos and the Sweet Potato Ravioli. I may also have to try the Fudgy Chocolate Brownies!

What do you think of Gwyneth?