Just in Time for the Weekend

The time I spent with my family was great. We did a whole lot and a little bit of nothing. The weather was not the best, but we sneaked in some golf, park time, and walks in the city. 

In the last few weeks Spring came and it has been fun to see what is popping up in the garden. Since we did not move until June, there have been some surprises. 

Lots of pretty blooming trees. 

Wildflowers and daises to pick. 

 The lawn is in good shape. 

 When the petals started falling it looked like snow. 

Since I have a black thumb, my Mom (and Dad) was kind of enough to do some gardening that hopefully I can keep alive for more than a week. 

These babies will fill in soon and make this bed fun to look at all summer. 

 Pretty pots, which we found at Ikea for $40. 

 Fun succulents for the table. 

 Lots of herbs to play with in the kitchen. 

There is nothing like not having to buy flowers at the market and clipping them from your backyard instead. I have been bringing so many in and loving it. 

And if you are looking for an easy, fruity dessert to serve this weekend, try this one from Martha Stewart. Raspberry & Peach Galette. The pastry is delicious and you just wrap up the fruit with it. Wish I could take credit, but Mom strikes again. 

This is pretty much how I am spending the sunny days so far. He can't get enough of the yard. Nice comb over little man. 

Happy weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Focusing In

Have you noticed all the quotes on Pinterest and Instagram referencing being "present." I am not one to pin quotes or share them much, but the general message is to stop focusing on the past, enjoy the present, and try not to worry about the future. I am a huge scheduler, like even with the dumbest every day things, I am always thinking about what is next on the agenda instead of just enjoying whatever is currently happening. So I am going to try and do what all the "sages" of the Internet are putting out there and focus in on the now and appreciate it. 

My parents are here for an extended visit, so I am going to take a little break from writing and hang out with them, the family, see some friends, play in the yard, eat Popsicles, go out for pancakes, play golf, generally just have a little staycation. We always tend to stay pretty busy, so hopefully I will get some solid sleep as well. 

I hope you all have a "present" weekend and week and I will report back on whether that is even possible for me and if I notice a difference in my overall happiness. 

If I could drink wine right now, I can tell you that would help immensely with my overall happiness. 

Meanwhile, I feel like I woke up six months pregnant yesterday. So I guess this is happening...

xo
Erin 

PS: Sorry for the annoying amount of quotes in this post. Just noticed that, yet felt they were necessary. #quotesarethenewhashtag

Al Fresco at Your House

When you are inside for most of the year you want to spend every moment outside once it gets warm out. A few bees and sometimes too hot nights are worth it just to enjoy dinner outside with friends and frosty beverages. Here is a simple Italian menu that is delicious, perfect for the season, and easy to put together so you can enjoy the evening as well. 

Appetizer: Ricotta & Rosemary Crostini Drizzled with Honey

Salad: Arugula, Burrata, and Melon Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Main: Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Dessert: Watermelon Granita 

I use all of the recipes through the summer and love how many of the steps are done in advance. 

This meal would be great sitting at this table, at sunset, with lots of laughter coming from your friends. 

1. Minty fresh tray to serve drinks and apps from C. Wonder $78

2. Simple stripes always look great on a table, Anthropologie $88

3. Obsessed with this Serena & Lily bamboo bar cart $395

4. Anthropologie Dinner Plates, love this print $18

5. Love these gold striped glasses $54 for set of 4

6. The wooden handles on this flatware is so chic from Sur La Table $69

7. At such a great price, these World Market director's chairs can handle all your guests $16

Happy Summer. 

xo

Erin 

Easy Breezy

There is nothing like that dress you can throw on for a day of errands or brunch with friends that is comfortable, cute and still flattering. 

Just like this girl...

Photo via: French Voguettes

A swing dress like this is always going to fit, never going to need readjusting, and perfect for warm (hot as hell) days. 

Plus, bonus for me I can fit my bump in many of them. 

Here are a few cute ones that would look so great this summer...

1. I just ordered this one from Asos $58

2. I like the short sleeves on this option from Asos $36

3. A silky option from Anthropologie $208

4. Poppy tunic from Madewell $110

5. Lacey and bright by Free People $98

6. Love the soft color of this by TFNC $58

xo

Erin 

Spring Updates So Far

With the nursery underway and a few small projects around the house either just finished or about to be, this Spring is feeling great in the house. Which I guess is not really new anymore, but still feels like it every time I drive up to it. 

Since we did not move into until June last year, we had no idea what would be sprouting up around the property. I can tell you that our beds and lawn just love weeds. Love them. So now we know that every Spring there will be a serious clean up, but then some sweet surprises as well. 

We have a lot more flowering trees than I expected. There are two of these flanking the house and I cannot wait to see what it looks like when these babies pop open. 

My new "office" area is kind of my obsession right now. This desk used to be where the nursery is going and never got used. We slid it into the end of the laundry room and it is fantastic. on a day like today, with the windows open, it feels like the best work space in the world. Still need some organizational items to spruce it up, but not worried about it. Notice my "co-worker" below. 

Upstairs there are a lot of blank hallways. I finally started a gallery wall I hope to continue to fill in with new finds as time goes on. It is nice to get a few things up so I can be motivated to find some new treasures to add. 

I wrote before that I had finally made a purchase for the hallway off the kitchen to the master and when I was away they went up. I LOVE them. 

I had been obsessing over how to decorate our living room that you walk into right from the front entrance. It is a great space that will be cozy and fun for entertaining. And during the process of trying to figure it out, I gave up. Really we do not need another living space right now, especially since the basement is done. So instead I turned it into another play space. Throw in some random seating, toys, and a cute tee pee and it gives the little man a place to grab his attention for a little while. Once we know what we really want the space to be, we will finish it. 

I usually want everything "finished" but for now this goes with our lifestyle more. 

And in case you do not follow me on Instagram. Check out my Bensimons that I rocked yesterday from  the previous post. Love them. 

Painters should be coming next month to update the master, great room and the nursery. Picking colors now and excited for that to get done. 

xo

Erin 

Summer Kicks

I am a pretty dedicated Havianas girl in the summer. So easy to slip on and they never bother my feet. But, sometimes you need to cover up, walk a little longer, or hide the fact that you are between pedicures. Considering that Keds are making a comeback, I think it is time for some summer sneakers. 

1. Soft suede in chic black by Emerson Frye $185

2. I own these and love them. Comes in a ton of colors. Bensimon $55

3. Minty fresh and comfy. Superga $65

4. I mean, they are classic and in eyelet so sweet. Keds $49

5. A cross between the classic Chuck and a boat shoe by Converse $49

6. Retro fun by Nike $85

7. Canvas skimmers lined in gold by Tory Burch $94 (on sale)

8. These remind me of college, and I like it. Puma $64

xo

Erin 

Mother's Day II

I went back and read my post last year, for my first Mother's Day as a mother.

I cried. Tommy was only three months old and my post was so right on and it feels like that was SO long ago. Weirdly long, yet he feels like he has gotten so big so fast.

I wish I could write something as charming and sweet as that, but pregnancy brain has my mind on baked goods and reality tv. I am surprised that I can still write in full sentences.

This Mother's Day I am going to enjoy this guy running around and destroying my house...

then let Dad pick up the mess. This only after I get to sleep in and then taken out for pancakes.

I hope all the Moms out there (especially my own) get spoiled with extra snooze time, something yummy, and above all lots of love. You deserve it. 

xo

Erin 

Shorty Swing My Way

There is something so easy about a pair of patterned shorts and a t-shirt for the summer. Or maybe even a boyfriend-style white button to dress it up a bit more. Add wedges or your favorite heels that make your legs look great and that necklace you cannot seem to live without. There are so many fun patterns this Spring to choose from. I am looking only in the elastic waist band variety, but want all of these in a line up in my closet. 

1. An embroidered ethnic pair from Zara $89

2. Leafy green chic by Joie $128

3. Sequin and sparkly amazing-ness by DVF $265

4. Soft leopard from Haute Hippie $195

5. Silky ikat by Joie $178

6.Abstract black and white from Zara $39

7. Preppy anchors from J. Crew $54

8. Watercolor floral from Gap $39 (also available in maternity)

9. Techno floral by Clover Canyon $198

xo

Erin 

Honestly

I have gotten a lot of questions about the Honest Company, so I thought I should share what has worked for us and what has not from Ms. Alba's new venture. 

If you do not know, the Honest Company provides eco-friendly, non toxic products via the web and delivered to your door. They offer baby supplies (from diapers, wipes, to lotion), cleaning products, and some toiletries. It is always nice to find products that are natural to use for everyone in your household when they actually do their job. 

Let me say that unlike many bloggers, I have not received any free gifts or promotions from the site and if I did that would be the first thing you would know. So this is a totally unbiased opinion. Although if Jessica wants to send me some swag, feel free girl. 

I started using the diapers when he was about a year. Many people have complained of leaks and I have to say I have not had any trouble. We still use Pampers overnight diapers at night, but supposedly Honest is going to have some of those soon. The patterns are all super cute, as are the plain white ones. They run true to size as any other brand. 

The wipes have not been my favorite. I am only using them to clean up faces and hands after eating and on the go, since the travel size is perfect to slip into a purse. I would say they have some work to do to make the wipes as effective as the Pampers ones I usually use. 

I LOVE the Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray. I use it everywhere, especially in the kitchen. It smells amazing, but also can get out grease on your stove or a stain on your counter with ease. I will be trying some new products since this was so great. 

The sunscreen is the only other product I have tried and it is really nice. It is a greasier formula, but smells good. So far no red noses when using it over here. I have tried it as well, but only on my bod since it seems to greasy for my face. 

You can order each individually or do a bundle a month. I chose individually because I am a control freak about having stock around. The bundle (for baby or household products) can save you some money. I had always used diapers.com before, so I am used to the speedy delivery, which you have to pay for with Honest. They do offer free ground shipping, though. 

Next up in my box is the laundry pods. Interested to see how those go and will let you know. What has your experience been like? Overall, I think the message and products are great and hopefully they continue to improve and expand their line. 

They offer free trials, get started here if you like what you hear. 

xo

Erin 

Met Gala 2013

So much to cover from last night. What did you think? The Met Gala is the best red carpet of the year. So many risks, some that pay off, some that really don't, but so many to see. The exhibit itself honors punk in fashion and some attendees took some nods to the theme in gorgeous ways. Others, not so much. 

Here are some of my top looks...

LSD's gorg Victorian meets punk looks polished, yet playful. 

It feels like Rooney has worn this before, but the dress is beautiful and only she can pull off dark lipstick like that. 

Normally, I hate gloves. But I love Kerry's leather set with her gown. 

Kate looks HOT and effortless in Balmain. Killed it.  

This is such a great example of a cape gone right on Aubrey. Kind of obsessed with her. 

Allison is perfection. Love that she can pull off so many different looks. 

Cara can kind of do no wrong, right? Spikes, plunge, braid. love. 

I know a turban is controversial, but Chloe's look is flawless. Except the make up. 

Lots of see through and cut outs last night, but Alexa's are my favorite. 

Love the mix of sexy and sweet on Carolyn. 

Hailee is growing up, but I love that she is not going too fast. 

Rosie beyond gorgeous, like in a sick way. This Gucci is very unique, but she could probably have a paper bag on and it would look great. 

This risk looks fantastic. SJP loves herself a headpiece and the dress is really pretty. 

The genetic craziness of the Brady's is almost depressing. He looks pretty smashing in blue and though her dress is not my favorite, if I looked like that I would wear that too. Collectively a best. 

Is it weird that I love this? simple white gown with an insane studded jacket. The hair confuses me, but I like what she is wearing. 

If Anne lost the feathers, I would actually think she killed it. She annoys me now, but this dress is insane. 

These girls are filed under my boring list...

Come on ladies, you are gorgeous and this is the Met Ball. Not your cousin's wedding. 

Also a disappointment...

It is like she wanted something more matronly after her sheer dress last week. The color is fantastic, but she is too young for it and the styling is strange. 

The look on Kanye's face says it all. Why is this creepy glove touching me? I do not understand this AT ALL. 

Some more of my least favorites...

I bet Minka's dress looked better in person, but she is really covered up for a 20-something siren. 

Miley bugs so bad. The end. 

Karolina's dress is too casual and just wrong. 

LOVE Elle, but the makeup with the dress is too much. 

Heidi looks like she is going to prom again. Boring, and blah. 

Madge, at least put on some hot pants. 

Cameron looks scary. Her hair is too blonde and the cape is too overwhelming. The color is gorg though. 

Ugh, Beyonce. This is a hot mess.     

Can someone explain this to me? 

Nicole has one of the most amazing hair cuts right now and this is what she does with it? The dress is pretty, her make up is great, but the hair makes no sense. It is just odd. Wish she had not done that because I love her. 

When have pants under a skirt EVER worked out for the person wearing them? 

Nina weighs about four pounds and this is crazy unflattering. Jessica's is not THAT bad, but it just does not work for me. 

So what were your favorites? There were so many others to comment on, but this was long enough. Diane looked great, so did Marion. The Courtin-Clarins girls were also pretty amazing. 

Too many to put up here! 

xo

Erin 

Nursery Update

How come the weekend has to go by so freaking fast when you are on a trip with your friends? It was so hard to say good bye yesterday and now I am only left with my random giggles throughout the day remembering some of the hilarious moments. I guess it always gets you excited for the next time. 

I have made some actually progress on the nursery design and have ordered a few things. I feel like once the room is painted next month and the wallpaper goes up, I will be able to figure a little more out. For now, most of the big stuff is done. 

I ordered a custom campaign dresser from The Papaya Tree on Etsy. I decided a dresser/changer is something I am going to get use out of forever and splurged. The photo above is just an example and the coral color next to it is similar to what it will be painted. It will have a glossy, lacquered finish and will be such a great pop in the room. 

The wallpaper I got on an insane discount from this site. It is a York wall covering, but they no longer make it in this color. I am going to just paper one wall and paint the rest of the room white. 

The crib was also on sale at Wayfair. Just a classic Jenny Lind with its charming spindles. Hopefully the quality is good. 

I have been eyeing this chandelier lamp at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child for awhile. Today it went on sale and I went for it. The room does not have any overhead lighting, so floor lamps will be all the lighting for the entire room. It is so girlie and classic, so a good mix with the modern pieces. 

I already own this glider from Room & Board. It lives in Tommy's room, but I am going to steal it for baby girl and get him something else. Gliders can be so pricey and he could care less about rocking now. I worship this glider and it was worth every penny. It is large and comfortable, even for Dad, and the fabric cleans really well. 

Things are coming along! Bedding for the crib and the twin bed we have in the room is next, along with a rug. I found this soft one for such a great price, but need to see it in person. 

xo

Erin 

And I am out...

Photo: Bruce Weber

There is something about a girls-only trip that makes life just so much better. Don't get me wrong, I love traveling with the little guy and I have had plenty of fun out of town with the big guy, but a trip where you are not responsible for anyone else but yourself is pretty liberating. 

It is also nice to just get away for no reason at all. No wedding, no bachelorette, no shower, no work, no event at all. Just hanging out, catching up with no reason to look at the clock, count calories or drinks, no bedtimes, nothing but pure joy of of being with the company around you. 

So here is to a plane ride with a full stack of magazines and bloody (sigh-virgin) Mary's, reverting a bit back to college life (except with more sunscreen and better wine), and zero responsibility. It is nice to get a break from that, right? 

Have the best weekend. I know I will. 

xo
Erin 

The Reductress

If you are or have ever been a fan of the The Onion, meet the new "she" version that is honestly freaking hilarious. The Reductress is stocked with sartorial articles that you know are based off real information that is so ridiculous, it might just be the next new thing in parenting/dating advice/marriage counseling/celebrity gossip/etc. 

It is the perfect online distraction. Check out the article my friend, Courtney, wrote. The entire site is written by women who clearly can see that the online content for women is insanity and crazy easy to make fun of. But in a really smart way. Love it. 

xo

Erin