you are the river

you are the river

I've been cooking up a baby for about seven months now and I'm a little sad to say the nursery is almost complete. I ended up forgoing the $400 round wall shelf in favor of some cheaper Ikea wood wall brackets and saved where I could with the help of Craigslist. Time and time again I have been told by my Mom friends not to spend too much on a nursery that the baby will be growing out of before I know it. Did I spend too much of cute sheets and baby clothes, of course, how could I not. But for the crib, rocker, and rug I did some major online sleuthing and managed to get the high end look with out the price tag.

Loving this soothing dining room color palate...

dwell, aestate, pascal flammer

Wood windows and all sorts of inspiration for an exciting project coming up...

Here's a little sneak peak of an office project I just completed...can't wait to share the whole thing soon!

Sunny Sunday mornings are for dining al fresco. Lately all I've wanted to eat is sweets, which is very unlike me. Instead of going for full on sugar and the impending crash my favorite snack is coconut chia pudding. Its super simple to make, loaded with protein and you can top it with whatever ingredients you like.

Mix coconut milk with salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a glass container until incorporated. Whisk in chai seeds and place in refrigerator overnight to let gel. Spoon as much or as little as you like the next morning, add some berries and sprinkle with ground cardamom (my favorite) or cinnamon and enjoy!

carly jo morgan

This kitchen in a renovated airstream totally blew me away. I have long had dreams of fixing up a little pop up trailer to take on camping trips (even made a moodboard below and was all set to buy one last summer) but those plans have taken a back seat, no pun intended. This gorgeous space may be the inspiration i need to get back into gear...ok i'll stop.

Weekend sewing project inspiration by ilana kohn. Spring weather calls for new spring dresses.

1 head market lettuce (if you can't make it to your local farmers market butter lettuce works great

For the vinaigrette whisk together 2 parts olive oil, to 1 part vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of grain or dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste.

Boil potatoes, let cool, then chop in 1-1/2 inch rounds. In a medium frying pan melt butter, add potatoes and cook until golden brown on both sides. Let cool. Soft boil eggs, let cool then slice in rounds. Drain tuna. Assemble and serve right away!

sfgirlbybay, desiretoinspire

Original article and pictures take www.youaretheriver.com site

Why we are scared to declutter

Why we are scared to declutter

Why we are scared to declutter

The number 1 top tip for an organised home is absolutely simple…declutter. Declutter till all you have left is beautiful, dear to you or practical. It is a thrifty, straightforward and relatively simple way to make your home run smoothly and look its best.

In my view de-cluttering is nothing to be scared of, it doesn’t mean throwing away things you love or value, it means exactly what it says… you are de-cluttering. The stuff that clutters up your life and your home are being ditched and good riddance to it all !

This year I have read two books that have really impacted me:

Stuffocation

Stuffocation: Living More With Less is an excellent book that really makes you rethink what you actually need in your life and how all this stuff is causing us problems

having everything we thought we wanted isn’t making us happier. It’s bad for the planet. It’s cluttering up our homes. It’s making us feel ‘stuffocated’ and stressed – and it might even be killing us.

I agreed wholehearted ly with this and it really set me to thinking about how to step away from this stuffocation.

The life changing magic of tidying

Someone bought me the renowned Marie Kondo book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying: A simple, effective way to banish clutter foreverand I have to say I thought that someone thinking I needed it was in itself was a message to me!

A great book full of very practical tips and I love her message that if an object does not spark joy then just say thank you and let it go. This book taught me a lot and has made a rather huge difference to my life. I have a way to go..my clothes, for example, are straining at the cupboard door but oh both these books really spurred me to make a change.

So why doesn’t everyone de-clutter?

I am in love with decluttering but I know a lot of people hold back. And with good reason really, they fear they have a lot to lose by losing their stuff

Safestore have done a survey of 2,000 Brits and uncovered many reasons why we still struggle with banishing our clutter.

Their key findings are

• More than half of Brits say their stuff makes them feel happy and reminds them of who they are
• But a third of us have got rid of something we now wish we’d kept
• Nearly half the nation wish their parents had kept more to pass onto them
• Nearly 80% of us find it most difficult to throw away photographs
• The biggest throw away regret – items to do with our childhood
• Men are more likely to have things related to their ex hidden away

I can absolutely relate to these findings and actually in response to these worries

1. I would NEVER throw away old photos but I would say get them out of boxes and into albums where they can more easily be enjoyed (and do throw out the many duds)
2. I have a childhood memory trunk for old toys, school reports etc these are an absolute treasure to look back on – but just keep your favourite
3. Stuff relating to my ex is in my best firiends loft!
4. And yes I do wish my mum and dad had left more to pass onto me but not stuff more letters and photographs I think.

So the key lesson I think from Safestore’s research is de-cluttering is fine BUT don’t throw out precious memories or heirlooms in the process particularly letters and photos. Do make a plan for their storage however don’t just leave them clogging up your home.

See, nothing to be scared of!

Original article and pictures take thrifty-home.co.uk site

Why I’m ‘rocking the retro vibe’!

Why I’m ‘rocking the retro vibe’!

What can I say? I’m a child of the ’70’s! I love the whole ‘Retro’ revival we’ve been having these past few years. I’ve even written a few nostalgic posts, including my memories of my first bike (HERE) and the 7 reasons why I think we should have a retro kid’s party revival (HERE). However, I haven’t just been reminiscing about the good old days. After months of hankering after gorgeous retro accessories for my home, I’ve finally settled on a couple of beauties.

Cast your minds back four or five years and any mention of home decor and fashions from the 1960’s and 1970’s was invariably met with a wince from anyone who lived through those eras. I can well remember my own horror when I discovered old photo albums filled with pictures of me and my sister wearing some of the worst examples of 1970’s fashion. However, although I’m not going to be trotting off to the charity shop to buy myself a crocheted dress or brown crimpolene flairs anytime soon, I’ve found myself drawn to some lovely retro and vintage pieces for the home.

Before you begin to panic and click away, I’m not thinking of recreating my childhood home, complete with leaf pattern carpets and Yorkstone fireplace with a shelf for the Betamax video recorder. I believe those particularly ghastly design trends belong in the past and must stay in the past, never be ‘revived’. I have bought a couple of lovely retro items for our home, though, and I’m on the lookout for more.

Such is my love of retro and vintage designs at the moment, I’ve created an entire Pinterest board dedicated to them.

Check out my Retro Pinterest Board, here:

So what little retro gems have I acquired for my home so far?

1. Yellow Retro Alarm Clock (London Clock Company), from Wayfair.

You may recall back in August 2016, my home office featured on Wayfair’s website: Insider Access: Blogger Workspaces #2. The article took a sneak peek into the home offices of three UK bloggers and featured me, Charlotte Dougall from Colours and Carousels and Sam Charles from Strawberry Squeeze and found out how we’d created productive and inspiring workspaces.

My Retro London Clock Company alarm clock was one my featured accessories, it’s bright yellow finish injecting a burst of colour into my simple grey and silver scheme.

My workspace, and my lovely Retro Clock, were featured on the Wayfair website.

I’ve since moved the little Retro clock into the recently decorated ‘grown-up’ living room, where it ties in beautifully with my yellow and teal curtains.

2. 1960’s style telephone, in English Mustard (Wild&Wolf).

Joining our Retro alarm clock in the lounge is our latest acquisition, the 746 Phone in English mustard, based on the 1960’s design classic. I’d seen these ‘digitally remastered’ retro phones in a range of glorious colours in numerous shops over the past year, but resisted the urge to buy one. However, whilst on a day trip to the market town of Ashbourne, in the Derbyshire Dales, I succumbed to temptation whilst browsing around ‘The Village Rainbow’, Ashbourne’s very own ‘Shopping Emporium’.

The Village Rainbow contains a feast of unusual pieces and hidden gems, but it was the Mustard-coloured telephone with a ‘Make me an offer’ ribbon on it, that caught my eye. So I did make them an offer, and walked away with a design icon for the bargain price of £25, (50% off)! Whoop!

I’m delighted with our brightly coloured telephone. It sits perfectly on the small table near the door of our living room. I get a thrill every time I hear it’s beautiful ringing chimes, which instantly transport me back to an era where analogue reigned.

If you’re ever in the Derbyshire Dales, the market town of Ashbourne is certainly worth a visit. There are lots of pubs and cafes as well as lovely shops and boutiques. There’s even a Joules and a FatFace. If you can’t get to Ashbourne, The Village Rainbow has a website where you can order items by phone or mail order, with an online shop coming soon. I thoroughly recommend checking it out: The Village Rainbow.

Even though I’m looking forward to the design trends 2017 has to offer, I’m not quite ready to leave my love of all things vintage and retro behind. In fact, I’m hoping one or two of the glorious wall clocks and mirrors featured on my Retro Pinterest board will be visiting a wall near me soon!

Just look at this Vintage French Beauty! A Vedette Wall Clock from the 1950’s.

Have you embraced the Retro revival in your home? Do you have any special ornaments or pieces from a different decade or era that have pride of place in your home? As always, I’d love to hear from you.

This is not a sponsored or collaborative post. I just love my retro goodies!

Pin for later:

*****

Original article and pictures take maflingo.com site

Why Carpet Is Your Best Friend

Why Carpet Is Your Best Friend

This post is sponsored by The Carpet and Rug Institute.

I have a best friend. He gets along with my husband, helps comfort my child and is friendly with my pets. But I am sure you’ve already guessed who it is! If there is 1 thing I could not live without in this home with all these hardwood floors and tile, it would be my area rugs and carpet in the bedrooms and main living spaces. They are an absolute necessity for me and I think you will agree too. I have partnered with The Carpet and Rug Institute, who is a great resource for knowledge on health benefits and environmental efforts to trends and advice on carpet and rugs, to share why you should have carpets and area rugs in your home.

5 Reasons to Use Carpet and Rugs:

Reason #1: It softens the look of an area.

When you have hardwood floor it can look very sterile and cold. By adding a area rug, the room instantly has a softer look. I love adding a area rug especially to bedrooms that have wood or tile floors. It grounds the furniture and is nice and soft on your bare feet never mind gives you a gorgeous backdrop to your furniture.

Reason #2: It adds warmth to a room.

Wall to wall carpeting adds warmth to a room that otherwise would feel very . . . well cold. When in a complementary and neutral color to the walls, can be a great backdrop to the showcase the furniture. I honestly prefer carpeting in a bedroom. It is so noice to climb out of bed and have your feet sink into plush carpeting!

Reason #3: It frames a seating and conversation area of a space.

Oh this is just so important in my book. As a designer, I think a area rug really pulls the furniture together. If you have a open concept floor plan, like we do in our kitchen and breakfast room, it really helps to divide the space.

Reason #4: It adds personality to a room.

Friends, your personality should resonate in every room of your house and there is no better way to make a statement than with a area rug. If you have been following me for awhile then you know my favorite color is blue since I grew up all my life near a ocean. It truly speaks to me, so of course this gorgeous ikat rug was the perfect piece for me. Use area rugs to pop your favorite color in a room. Trust me, you will love it!

Reason #5: Helps reduce trips and falls.

This goes back to reason #2. Bedrooms should feel warm and cozy and when you wake up in the middle of the night to walk to the bathroom, carpeting gives you traction. I don’t know about you but I shuffle my feet when I am half asleep and carpeting definitely helps this little problem of mine. Hardwood can be very slippery and when you have something down you are less likely to make a disastrous fall.

So what do you think? Are you ready to go shop your heart out on some carpeting and area rugs for your home?? We want to hear your “Beauty of Carpet” story below in our comments!

The Carpet and Rug Institute is giving away a $500 Visa Gift Card to one lucky reader! Click over to visit CRI and use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the page to enter for a chance to win! It’s a great prize!

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST. A BLISSFUL NEST HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT, TRADE, AND/OR PRODUCTS FROM THE CARPET AND RUG INSTITUTE IN EXCHANGE FOR PROMOTING. HOWEVER, ALL OPINIONS STATED ARE OUR OWN.

Original article and pictures take ablissfulnest.com site

Whoops! We can't find that product.

Whoops! We can't find that product.

Either the product is no longer available, or the product code entered was incorrect. You can try using our Search function (at the top of the page) or email us if you have any questions.

More Cute Stuff:

Gypsy Wanderlust Ribbed Velvet Skater Skirt

Femme Noir Lace Cocktail Dress

Kawaii Cakes Japanese Cute Recipe Book

Original article and pictures take www.shopplasticland.com site

Whitebeach Home and Living

Whitebeach Home and Living

Please drop by to view the wide selection of styles.

We have some exciting news to share with you, Whitebeach is now also stocking a new range of limed oak furniture. This beautiful piece above has excellent storage with an adjustable shelf either side and also can be ordered in an 'all lime-washed' finish. Please email robyn@whitebeachnoosa.com.au to place a order.

Along with our popular range of oak beds Whitebeach can now also offer a range of bedheads in a solid limed oak finish.These bedheads are available in the modern and groove ranges as seen on our website and also in this new Lourved design as seen above.Please email me for further information on robyn@whitebeachnoosa.com.au

Our solid oak entertainment units are proving to be a best seller with a contemporary clean lined design coupled with fantastic storage and great looks.This style can be viewed on the website http://www.whitebeachnoosa.com.au/ Please feel free to email me an enquiry.

We also have a fantastic new Capri hall table with shelf which is great for entries and living areas complete with a storage shelf. Please feel free to contact me with any enquires by email or phone 07 5448 1320.

Warm Regards,

Robyn.

Whitebeach, Peregian.

Original article and pictures take whitebeachnoosa.blogspot.com site