Bathroom Renovation: Wet Room

Hi there. So I was away for awhile, got some sun, avoided reality, and am now back and settling back into it. Posting has been spotty, but this warmer weather and sunny days always motivates me to write more. So here is to hoping. 

A huge project on my mind right now is one that will hopefully be happening this Summer (let the permit gods bless us with a fast turnaround). We are doing a few small additions to the house, one of which will expand our master bath. I have been pouring over images for inspiration and ideas and working through sketches with the architect. One idea that came up was a wet room. Or really a huge shower with a small tub in it. I maybe use our current tub 3 times a year, maybe. So a tub is not a huge priority, but we still need one. The idea of a wet room seems like a good space saver for our particular floor plan. Here are some ideas: 

source unknown 

via: Dyna Contracting

via: David Coleman / Architecture

via: Shirley Meisels

via: Chris Pardo Design - Elemental Architecture

via: Nest Architectural Design, Inc.

via: Jane Kim Design

via: Jody Brettkelly

via: Glass Doctor

What do you think??? 

Our layout would be a steam shower with glass with the tub towards the back, two shower heads on each side. And don't even get started on tile and finishes, plenty of narrowing down to do before I start sharing. One step at a time. 

xo

Erin 

Rifle Paper Co.

Why do girls have such a soft spot for paper? Pretty calling cards, loopy monogrammed stationary, letterpress greeting cards, we love it. Guys could care less and usually rely on office supplies and gifts from Mom. Too bad for them that would not get as excited as us for this ridiculously sweet paper shop, Rifle Paper Co. I am totally obsessed with their illustrations and the ability to customize it. The style is vintage with a bit of kitsch, in a good way, and pretty. I came across them when I saw this adorable family portrait on Pinterest. 

It is their stationary that was framed for their house. How sweet is that? 

The floral prints slay me. I worship these calling cards, thinking about getting them as my new business cards. 

A bright citrus print would be cute in the kitchen. 

Love this cowboy invitation for a little boy's birthday party. Doesn't it remind you of Wes Anderson movies a bit? 

The different ways you can monogram stationary is lovely. The little portrait ones are amazing. The floral monogram would be perfect for a wedding gift to the bride. 

The wedding invitations are so pretty. I would have died to have any of them as mine. 

How perfect would this be for a shower invitation? 

Maybe the most perfect valentine cards ever. 

Might be doing some damage on this site today. I can't help it, just like how you might not resist either. 

xo

Erin 

Bacon, Arugula, & Mozzarella Mini Stratas

I mentioned that I was going to be making a variation of this strata recipe for a brunch menu. If you have never eaten or made strata, it is essentially an Italian bread pudding. Best part is that you make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge. I have even made them two days ahead with success. You can vary this recipe however you would like. Change up the cheese, veggies, meat, add in herbs, spices, whatever you like. You can also use any type of bread, especially any that has gone a bit stale. I prefer challah because it is light and airy. Serve this with fruit and mimosas for the perfect brunch.

Bacon, Arugula, & Mozzarella Mini Stratas
Forks & Amusement 2012
serves 6-8

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups cubed challah
8 oz fresh mozzarella, dried and diced
3 oz baby arugula (about 3 good handfuls)

3 cups milk

10 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare two muffin tins by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat the oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Cook the bacon until just crispy. Turn off the heat, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate. Turn the heat back up to medium high. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Turn off heat and set aside.

Fill 18 of the cups with 1/2 of the bread cubes, then 1/2 the mozzarella, 1/2 the onion mixture, 1/2 the bacon, and a few arugula leaves. Repeat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Using a ladle, fill each of the cups to the top. Do not worry if they over fill. If you have extra egg, push down a bit on the bread so it soaks up more of the egg. Use as much as the egg as you can.

Sprinkle the top of each with Parmesan cheese. Chill, covered with plastic wrap, at least two hours and up to two days.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm or room temperature.

xo
Erin

Stork Stack

While moms always enjoy receiving something from their registries, sometimes it is nice to receive something totally unexpected and original. 

I was lucky to receive a subscription to Stork Stack and have loved the monthly deliveries from this fun company. 

Every month a cutely wrapped box is delivered to my doorstep containing five baby products that work great for the age and gender and my baby. So far I have gotten everything from baby leg warmers, to cookies that help with milk production, to hand made rattles. 

It allows you to try some new products and discover ones you did not even know existed. As a gift you can purchase them in different time increments to fit your budget. You can also give a Shower Stack that you could bring to a shower, then tell her about the fun boxes that will arrive in the months to come. 

The packaging is adorable and so far I have loved all of the products I have received. Can't wait to see what is next! 

xo

Erin  

Bella Bridal Shower

Sorry I have not been updating, but I am working on some things around here that I cannot wait to share soon. My posts may be a little sparse in the coming weeks, but I promise to share what I am working on and try to keep up as much as I can. 

One project that had my attention the last month is a bridal shower I threw for my future sister-in-law. I adore her and it was so fun planning this fun day with my mom. 

My brother and his future Mrs. got engaged in Italy, so we used this as inspiration for the entire event. Starting with the invitations....

These were custom printed from Envy Marketing, which I found on Etsy. The venue is one of my favorite Italian spots in Chicago, Quartino. It's rustic charm, delicious food and impeccable service was the perfect place. 

Her favorite flowers are peonies, which were incorporated into the arrangements along with beautiful romantic bouquets. 

We worked with Debi Lilly, from A Perfect Event, for all of the floral. And once again (she was my wedding planner) she and her team put together the most gorgeous flowers. 

She also used silver trays, julep cups, and mercury glass votives, which the perfect combination with the rustic wooden tables and candelabras. 

For the favors, we ordered these custom cookies to match the invitation shape. Their monogram was scrolled on them and they were tied with dried lavender. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the afternoon was filled with prosecco, pasta and laughter. The perfect combination. 

xo

Erin