Halloween Decor

As much as I love decor, I am not a huge holiday decorations person. Clutter and stuff makes me itch, which makes my holiday decor game pretty weak. 

I am recognizing that my kids caring about holidays and the magic of it all is pretty fleeting. And at the ages they are at now a more fun house for the holidays would make for good memories. 

So I am going to up my game this year and I am starting with Halloween. 

But let's be clear, I am not blowing up the house and stuffing every mantel. 

Just a few fun things with big impact so that my kids smile bigger and the season is just a bit more fun. 

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1. A cute striped rug or runner is so perfect to break out for Halloween! Thinking a runner in the kitchen or entry would be fun. 

2. I can always get behind a wreath and this bat one is sweet. 

3. Obsessed with these bat plates! There are also matching bowls. 

4. A swarm of bats on the wall is always fun

5. Lizzo fans will love this door mat

6. Amber glass pumpkins perfect for candles or little lights

7. Drippy, flickering candles that work on a remote. 

8. Cute felt ball garland for the mantel. 

9. Love these gold skeleton candles

10. How fun are these skeleton hands making signs for the garden? 

11. Chic black pumpkin lanterns 

12. I have these big spiders and the kids went crazy for them last year

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Currently Coveting: For The Home

Spring fever has started, which for a Midwestern is rough. At least two months of cold weather to go, and counting. For those of you in warmer climates, I want to be you. 

With Spring Fever comes the urge to purge, one of my all time favorite hobbies (you wouldn't know it if you saw my kids rooms, but I swear it is true). And the biggest bonus of emptying clutter is seeing the spaces you are in more clearly and what might be added. 

Smartly, of course. 

After the clean out is done, add a few items to enhance your space. And of course make you happy, most importantly. 

Here is what is on my current wish list. 

1. This pretty mirror would bring some whimsy to the dining room. 2. Always on the hunt for a good runner, loving this one 

3. A modern print would add a great mix to usual antique wall art  4. Worship these ceramic canisters for pretty open shelf storage  

5. Mary could use these pink velvet drapes in her room. Other colors and great price  

6. An abstract painting that would bring some color into a space  

7. Blooming magnolia branches before the real thing starts. Silk is also an option, really 

8. Our family room couch needs a refresh. Thinking these bloom and print pillows would be a good mix  

9. A large white washed platter for my coffee table to hold remote/candle/candy 

10. An extra set of silverware in brass is so fun. These are on super sale 

11. Our kitchen has no clock, its weird. This wood one would bring some warmth 

12. I have a few of these classic French glasses and they are perfect for little hands. and big clumsy ones too.  

13. Having a few favorite photos in black and white  placed in these rose gold frames would be SO pretty  

14. A marble butter keeper to feel fancy for under $20

xo

Erin 

Making Spirits Bright

There is little that someone of any age can get excited about, but twinkling lights and the anticipation of sweet family time with all the trimmings has got to be one of them. I am not a huge fan of too much decor, but I love a festive touch around the house. There are so many ways to get into the spirit without having it look like actual elves live in your house. From changing out a throw pillow, to hanging a wreath, to some fun tableware to break out for guests, the options are endless. 

1. A modern take on an amaryllis vase. (great gift)

2. A plaid pillow cover is an easy switch out with a big impact. 

3. I like how they show this stocking holder on the mantel with garland. 

4. This lighted sign would be so fun in the kitchen or above the bar for a party. 

5. A cute way to display all of those beautiful cards you get. 

6. These green tumblers would be a fun pop on a table.  

7. A sweet candy stripe needlepoint stocking.

8. LOVE this wreath holder. Would put our family name. (would make an awesome gift!)

9. Would love to put silly faced pics of everyone in these stocking holders. 

10. These fancy LED burst lights are so pretty or I swear by this remote controlled option too. 

11. Those rose gold ball garland is perfection. 

12. Obsessed with this modern take on a classic candle holder. A few of these down a table would be so pretty. 

13. The prettiest advent calendar I ever did see. 

14. Lighted faux boxwood garland you can use year after year. (no mess!)

15. Good looking faux pine trees are so sweet in a corner or no a mantel. 

16. Love a fur moment on the mantel. 

17. Pretty gold leaves that would be perfect on a mantel. 

18. A Monogram tablecloth that also comes in blue/green. 

19. & 20. Would love to put these lighted branches in a pretty ceramic vase. 

21. I am a sucker for a pom pom. This cosy throw would be fun on your sofa. Also comes in red. 

22. Change out your fruit bowl for something festive. 

xo

Erin 

Storage for Sanity

These winter months keep us inside where the mess never ends and the toys seem to multiply in every room. My house currently looks like a tornado ripped through it. Who invented all of the toys with all of the little pieces?! A place for everything would be nice, not just all of the random baskets I have layer around. Storage can be hard to find that can actually blend in with the rest of your decor. But there are options that are not only great for toys and books, but adult messes too. 

1. Mix and Match. Love these. Land of Nod $199

2. How adorable are these hat boxes? Restoration Hardware $39-$69

3. A linen covered storage bench could go anywhere. Hayneedle $205

4. Coral is a fun addition to the typical basket. Target $29

5. Love the patina finish and the fact this is on wheels. Restoration Hardware $199-$295

6. A place to corral all of those books. Land of Nod $149

7. Preppy basket with a lid from Serena & Lily $98

8. A short book case for shot people. Serena & Lily $698

9. A sweet and simple storage trunk. Hayneedle $125

xo

Erin 

Simply Decked Halls

Though I never really go ALL out with the decorations, I do like things to be festive around here. This year though everything feels better when it is simpler. 

The tree has only plastic ornaments that will not break. Kind of a bummer in the looks department, but this way the kids can decorate and undecorate the tree to their hearts content with no breakage. Which is really fun to watch. 

Then there are the mantels. Usually done up in garland and lights and this year I was just not feeling that. A more modern aesthetic and clean look was what I craved, so just a couple wreaths and twinkle lights surrounded by the usual suspects. 

Loved making this guy into Rudolph. 

And no, I do not have those fun, matching family stockings. But I love the ones we have.  

And outside, just enough lighting to make the house look merry. 

Of course there are some out on the column. But just like the blogs name, the imperfectness of the entire holiday is what makes it real and not a fantasy. 

I know my tastes in design will change on a constant basis, so it is fun to switch it up each year. Next year there could be a light show and tinsel on every surface. Who knows? 

And in other big big news. Baby girl had her first day of school this week and she rocked it. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: For the Home

It can be hard to pick out items for some one's home. Nothing that makes too much of a statement and something that can be discreetly placed in many places is best. There is so much to sift through, but here are a few of my favorite items for the girl who loves making her house a home. 

1. I love this little plate for a jewelry or key catch all on a nightstand or entry table. C. Wonder $35

2. For the girl who loves to bake, this rabbit cake stand is adorable. Lulu & Georgia $78

3. A design book from one of my favorite bloggers. Includes some of her essays that I love, plus looks great on a coffee table. Elements of Style $35

4. A bright Mexican serape would look great as a throw and is so unexpected. Lulu & Georgia $50

5. Coasters that feel like art. $75

6. The ultimate tray for the hostess. Alexandra Von Furstenburg $220 (other colors too)

Check out all of the other gift guides: 

Girl on the Go

Classic Shoes

Cozy Sweaters 

Bags to Covet 

Lovely & Lounging 

xo

Erin 

Time for Wreaths

I never go over board with the holiday decorating, just enough for our house. But what is always lacking is my wreath game. There is usually a scramble for a fresh Home Depot special that looks sad and can barely be salvaged with a red bow. So in an effort to do more in advance this year, I started my search. Almost all of these are dried, so they can be reused again and again. Which makes next year even easier. 

1. Simple and classic. One Kings Lane $99

2. Boxwood has always been a go to. West Elm (varying sizes)

3. Love the subtle glitter with the burlap. Pottery Barn $79

4. Pre lit wreaths are genius. West Elm 59

5. So pretty and girlie. One Kings Lane $99

6. Love the shine on the magnolia leaves One Kings Lane $99

7. This is such a fun way to use birch bark. Nordstrom $64

8.  I worship these LED lights. Makes lighting anything so easy. West Elm $24

9. This eucalyptus is gorgeous and would smell great. West Elm $59

Some of the One Kings Lane options are on a flash sale and only available for a few days.  

xo

Erin 

Summer Wine Night

I am far from a wine expert, but there have been many glasses in my life. At this age, I know what I like and I also know when it is worth it to splurge on a bottle. Which is kind of all of the time. But, there are plenty of well priced wines that you can enjoy time and time again, here is a few of my current favorites that you can find at most markets and if you are lucky, Costco. 

Lunatic Red Wine: A smooth, very drinkable red even for those that do not like them too full bodied. 

Honig Sauvignon Blanc: I have actually been to this vineyard and was psyched to see it carried my local market. It has that bite that you would expect from a sauv, but goes down smooth. Great with summer salads. 

Miraval Rose: Picked this up at Costco and it was a great discovery. Bonus, Brad & Angelina are the owners. Makes it super fancy. ha

Decoy Zinfandel: Zinfandel (no white zin!) has seriously grown on me this summer. Full bodied, but still great on a hot day. 

I have also been looking for some wine glasses for the patio that do not look plastic, which then spiraled into this outdoor place setting. Now I want everything... 

1. Chic white beaded melamine plates from Pottery Barn $17

2. Modern bamboo tiered serving tray from Nordstrom $68

3. Gold flatware is such a fun statement. West Elm $29 per set

4. So I can relax on the patio with the kids and no worry about glass. World Market $13 for set of 4

5. Block print is on my radar right now and this tablecloth is gorg. Furbish $70

6. Pretty outdoor tumblers from World Market $4 for set of 2

7. This is such a cool take on the lantern. West Elm $29 (on sale)

8. Obsessed with this copper pitcher from West Elm $29

What wine is your fav find right now? Would love to hear. 

xo

Erin 

Memphis Recap

We had the best weekend in Memphis. Though it was beyond steamy, the Southern charm of this city and it's people get me every time. 

We were there to throw my mother in law a birthday party. The flowers we ordered turned out gorgeous, from La Fleur. We also got some old school polaroids cameras to make a book for the birthday girl to remember the night. Things got interesting as the night went on, so fun. 

The food was done by Another Roadside Attraction and everything was delicious. we opted for a traditional barbeque spread with ribs, brisket, potato salad, and corn bread. We added some watermelon with feta and mint and Matt's uncle made the most unreal smoked salmon I have ever had (side note: I usually am not a fan). Apparently he made it in one of those Green Egg Grills. I am going to try and get the recipe to share. 

My Aunt's house is so gorgeous with Southern touches you would expect and some you do not. 

Hello hunting room. Apparently this is a pretty standard room for the Southern gentleman. I worship her front entrance with the arched doors and lantern with graphic wallpaper. And nothing made me happier then there pool area with copper bar. 

And of course there was a front porch we all hung out on, too.  

With this handsome guy. 

I posted what I brought on Friday, but here is what jewelry I opted for. Lucite bracelet from Alexis Bittar and my favorite vintage necklace. 

On Saturday we went with some other out of towners to the Peabody to see the ducks, which apparently is the event of the century given the crowd there. They have special ducks that parade into the elevator. I got to drink champagne while watching, which was the highlight. The hotel itself is gorgeous and the flowers there were unreal. Beautiful place for drinks or tea. 

After we had some time to kill before dinner and kit up a local dive, Bardog, with a juke box. We did not eat, but there is apparently a phenomenal chef there making really delicious updates on American classics. 

We had dinner in the private wine cave at McEwen's. 

It was so good. They had a large selection of Southern classics with modern twists, including tons of small plates for sharing. And let's not forget the warm biscuits on the table. The roasted mushroom salad with candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic glaze was heaven. 

If you are ever in Memphis I also reccemoned Germantown Commissary for authentic barbecue, the Botanical Gardens are beautiful and apparently have a great outdoor park or kids, and of course Graceland. While it is not the best spot to visit, it is kind of something you have to do and the decor is worth seeing. Sun Studio is also great for music lovers. 

I hope you had a great weekend too! Any other spots in Memphis that are a must see? 

xo

Erin 

Interior Inspiration: Summer House Santa Monica

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to Summer House Santa Monica for the first time. Though the name makes it seem like I ventured away from Chicago, this spot is actually located in Lincoln Park. The name of this restaurant totally does it justice. Once you walk in you immediately feel the tranquil, coastal California vibe. Light and bright with a lovely outdoor patio and flanked by a white planked bar that makes you feel like you are saddled up by the beach. The best part is that (and perfect for when you want to feel like you escaped in the middle of winter) there is sky lighted courtyard that makes you feel like you are dining al fresco. Shades totally required. The food was also delicious and light. 

Being in this atmosphere made me crave that California feeling. Even though I grew up in Chicago, my family and my heart really is in sunny So Cal. It inspired me to put together some interior ideas to bring this fresh and coastal feeling home. 

1. Brass Urchins $45 / 2. Tortoise Mirror $250 / 3. John Robshaw window panels $125 / 4. Moonshine Vase $45 / 5. Burmese Blue Vase $62 / 6. reclaimed pine console table $550 / 7. Serena & Lily Stool $295 / 8. Furbish rug, various sizes / 9. Lulu & Georgia table lamp $219 / 10. West Elm Down Sofa $1299 / 11. Furbish lumbar pillow $88 / 12. Pedestal Table $399 / 13. West Elm striped chairs $850 / 14. West Elm Terrarium $29 / 15. Serena & Lily Side Table $495

xo Erin 

Tasseled At Home & In the Closet

I mentioned that I had bought these Serena & Lily tasseled window panels a few weeks ago and I am happy to say they are up. 

I needed something sheer to let in a little light, but also just enough coverage for privacy. I am loving the tassels (they come in a bunch of colors) and the crisp white with the navy accent in my bathroom. I actually am thinking of one of the other colors in a bedroom. 

And since my love for tassels and poms goes beyond this purchase, I put together some other favorites that would be fun additions to my closet and home this summer. 

1. Worship this navy and white pom pillow from Anthropolgie $58

2. Seriously coveting this J. Crew statement necklace $150

3. How fun is this pom bikini bandeau top? Asos $34

4. This Kendra Scott necklace is a great length and comes in many colors $80

5. This preppy mini bag from Tory Burch is great for summer $250

6. I own this in white and LOVE it. On Sale! J. Crew $59

7. This throw would look great in my living room (more colors) West Elm $29

8. These Ben Amun tassel earrings would be timeless $240

9. Love this Chan Luu as a scarf or a sarong $90

10. These nude sandals are hot. Nasty Gal $78

11. Perfect pillow from Furbish comes in a few colors $60

xo

Erin 

Alexander & Company

I visited the super charming home of a friend last week and she had the sweetest wedding present hanging on her wall. At first glance these prints look like any other vintage print, but really they are custom made for the bride and groom to remember their day in a special way. 

They also have fantastic save the date cards and post cards. 

They are made by a local Chicago company called Alexander & Company. You simply fill out the information (including hair color for the bride & groom print, how cute is that?) and you have a custom print for a wedding gift. They come in many sizes and range in price from $200-$500 depending on printing and size. There are a bunch of options to choose from, so something for every couple. 

And as if that is not cute enough, I am kind of obsessed with these prints for kids rooms or nurseries. 

So fun, right?! Would look great in a kid's room or part of a gallery wall in a hallway. 

Love when I come across great finds in my own friends' houses. Thanks Ali! 

xo

Erin 

Patio Prep: Outdoor Chairs

The Adirondack chairs that we had out back died last summer and it is time for some replacements. We have black iron patio furniture that is not my favorite anymore, but can withstand any weather and never has to be brought in or covered. So it stays. This is what it looked like last summer. 

That bench has also been relocated to our mudroom, which was seriously needed. At this point I can barely even decide what kind of chair let alone what style I want. But, here is what has peaked my interest. 

Serena & Lily / Terrain

Both of these options would have to be stored indoors most of the time, but I love their vintage feel. The beach chairs are something unexpected too. 

Ballard / Pottery Barn

The chaise is a great option because we do not have any of them right now. The Ballard chaise would hold up in any weather and I love the lines and simple design. Plus I can have a custom cushion made in a fun fabric. Or do I just go back to the classic Adirondack? 

Crate & Barrel / West Elm

I love this more modern take on the Adirondack. Plus, it would be nice to have a wood element out there. The rustic feel of the West Elm chaise also goes very well with the style of our house and a nice juxtapose to the furniture we have now. 

Think I am leaning towards a chaise. Once we get our landscaping under control for the Spring (sometimes I love all the land we have and sometimes I want to cry about it) I will know more about budget, which of course drives all of this. Both the wood option and the iron one would look great and my head is already swirling with fabric ideas. Stripes? Solid with Piping? Ikat? Yep, something else to torture myself with. 

Any other great outdoor chairs you have come across? 

xo

Erin 

Just Add Antlers

I am back from the sunshine and gearing up for another frigid week. Being away is so nice, but sometimes coming home can be the best. It reminds you of why you love where you live. Minus the polar vortex, of course. 

Ever since we got home, I have been in full organize/decor mode. Mostly to try and clear all the clutter created by the babes or their stuff that is. But also a little refreshing makes spaces feel newer, even if it is just moving a vase from here to there. One new item that I have added to the abode is this set of elk antlers I scored at a local antique store. 

They were originally slated for above our bed, but they were too tall. So they have found a home above our back door that leads to the mudroom/laundry/garage. I actually think this is a better spot in all. 

These babies are no joke, heavy and super tall. Why this space makes more sense is it brings your eye up more to the vaulted ceiling that only runs along one side of the kitchen/family room. 

I have used antlers before in the faux variety in the dining room. Because we live in the country, a little nature seems very appropriate to incorporate into the decor. 

If you are looking for real antlers such as these, the best resource is your local antique or thrift store. Ask the owner to be on the look out in their shopping and they can find you one if they do not have one already. Ebay and Hunter's Alley also usually have some. 

You can find some great faux options at West Elm. 

These run only $99-$199 and are papier-mache. 

This Etsy store is where the deer head is from in my dining room. 

They have every color combination that you could want and animal. These are plaster, so the quality is better. Also under $100. 

The woman who runs the antique store that I got the antlers from said "you can never go wrong with nature," when I was contemplating the purchase. Which is kind of cheesy, but so true. Look how a little nature has made a big impact in these spaces. 

Such a cool collection of antlers...

Love the mix of something rustic with the modern kitchen finishes... 

Even antlers can be femme...

They are such a great addition to this vignette... 

Happy antler hunting. 

xo

Erin