Back in Business

Well, I'm back... sort of =) We welcomed our new baby girl, Taylor Elizabeth, into our lives on 4-14-10 at 10:42 a.m.. While the labor part was not ideal, I'll spare you the details, the outcome has been amazing. We are totally in love.

So today is my first post since and while it's not home decor, I had to share. This bag is not only cute, but it's also a great idea. The Mother Child Bag comes in fun colors and is available on The Spoon Sisters website (they have great stuff for everyone). Take a peek...

Lonny Mag: Issue 4

I am loving Lonny Mag and find myself anticipating each issue now. Well... Issue 4 is here for April/May! It does not disappoint, but that doesn't surprise me. Lots of great photos of some amazing decor and also great resources. Below are some of my favorite rooms, but take a look at the whole mag when you get a chance.

www.lonnymag.com

Page 70-71

Page 86

Love this for a baby girl, sophisticated and girly...

Page 110

Inspiration for our navy dining room...

Page 124-125

Black woodwork! It's so chic..

Page 132

This is a ballsy color, but it totally paid off, this transition hallway is gorgeous...

Page 138

Page 150

Page 152

Love the turquoise chair. Find a wing chair on Craigslist or at your local flea market and put an fun fabric on it to hip it up....

Page 198 and Page 200

Knock, Knock...

...who's there? Only the most clever gift and stationary products ever!

I'm a loyal user of Knock Knock's {All Out of Pad}. I tried to go back to writing my grocery list on a plain pad of paper, but it just wasn't the same. Knock Knock has got me hooked. They make some very helpful organizational products, but they also make functional items that will also make you laugh. Take a peek...

All Out Of Pad $8

This is genius. Anything to help keep the kids busy when you are eating out...

Kid's Night Out Bingo $8

The Rate That Wine Pad is a great idea for a party.

Rate That Wine Pad $8

If you are going to leave complaints, at least leave a hint on how to remedy the situation...

Things You Do That Really Piss Me Off $8

Things You Must Do To Make Me Happy $8

How can you not laugh at these, I just learned two new terms...

Parenting Flashcards $11

Slang Flashcards $11

Food Art

Well, it's officially my due date today, woohoo! I know I've been lagging on posts and it's probably going to get worse in the next few weeks, but I came across some artwork I had to share.

Matthew Carden, an award winning food and lifestyle photographer, has found a way to bring a little humor to his work. While he spends most of his time exploring wineries, farms and restaurants throughout Sonoma and Napa, he has now "set out in his work to make viewers more aware of the food that is all around them, and encourage people to experience, enjoy and even 'play with their food'." Check out his website for the message behind these whimsical photos.

If you'd like to purchase one of his photos, check out www.fawnandforest.com...

Who's Ready to Move???

HGTV has posted pics of this years Green Home Giveaway. That's right, they are giving away this gorgeous house to one lucky winner. This years home is in historic New England, not too far from the city of Boston. The sweepstakes doesn't start until April 16th, but you can tour the house online and get yourself ready to enter everyday....

Exterior

I am just in love with this house. Love the simple style, love the porch, love the roof, love the trees, love everything.

Living Room

I'm usually not a fan of red, but this is done very nicely. Love the pop of yellow on the chairs and the fun eclectic coffee table. That's one of those pieces you would probably pass over, but it looks so great in the room.

Kitchen

So, again, not a big fan of red, but how awesome does that island countertop look in this house. I'm too much of a wimp to do that myself, but if someone told me this was my kitchen, I'd be stoked.

I love what they did with the backsplash. Instead of just one color of the mini-bricks they used to two make stripes around the kitchen and it looks awesome.

Stairwell and Tower

How awesome is this stairwell?!?! It leads to this fabulous little office nook at the top of the tower.

Laundry Room

I love how they put the sink in it's own little island. Great idea to have it accessible from both sides.

Master Suite

Love the print on this chair in the Master Bedroom, so cute.

It's all about the wall faucets! Looks so rustic chic, again, all I can say is, I love it!

Kids Room

Back Patio

Thanks Design Sponge

Grace Bonnery of the fabulous blog, Design Sponge, posted some great pics today. So often people think they need to totally gut a bathroom or kitchen to make it over, however, this is not the case. Check out today's post on Design Sponge for more photos.

Just by changing the walls and fixtures this bathroom goes from old to retro cool. The kitchen just needed a little love. Paint cabinets, change the tile and countertops and get new appliances for a total transformation....

before & after: katy's bathroom + shanni's kitchen