Red Dirt Relaxed Project
I was recently able to travel and photograph an E-Design project I completed last summer. This home is the couple's 18th move! Yes, you read that correctly. You can now pick your jaw up off of the floor. The wife is a real estate agent who really knows how to select a good home and has an amazing sense of style, but after 18 moves is burnt-out of constantly having to decide how to do each of their homes. On top of that, she was getting tired of her tan, red, orange color scheme and wanted a change. She really wanted something that she wouldn't normally select, so she contacted Vive Workshop. We started in her dining room, as it was the most bothersome to her. It is open to the family room and the large table she brought with her just didn't seem to fit. She is also not a huge fan of art. She wanted something that could draw the eye's focus on the back wall, but didn't clutter it with a lot of heavy items. I selected a gorgeous printed wallpaper that wasn't too bold, but added some of the relaxed, fresh blue she was wanting. Because the room is only two walls and the curtains would be covering one of them, we decided to just wallpaper the wall you see when you walk in the front door.
I selected an oval table that was large enough for seating several people, but wouldn't block the walking path. We kept the room pretty neutral besides the paper. We selected natural, white curtains and chairs that paired well with the textured woven shade and rug. White flowers layer on top of the wallpaper to add interest, but not weigh the wall down.
Her entryway needed a small anchoring piece of furniture and nothing seemed right. Then, by a stroke of luck, I found this amazing round table. It adds the perfect amount of character without trying too hard.
Lastly, her family room didn't feel finished. There were cabinets on each side of a large, stone fireplace that felt dwarfed, in scale. She also felt like all the dark wood felt broken up. We decided to make the wall appear as a cohesive set of built-ins. We installed ship-lap above the cabinets and had both sides painted a color that would serve as a transition between the grey walls and slightly golden-hued rock. It's amazing what paint can do! After mounting their tv on the left side, we found a botanical art that she already owned to hang on the opposite side and give the impression of symmetry.
I hope you enjoyed this tour! To find out more about the services we offer, click here.
Nikki
Kitchen Progress
When we bought this house the kitchen was our biggest concern as far as storage is concerned. In fact, both of our moms were very just about freaked when they saw the amount of cabinets and counter tops. The good news is that there was plenty of space; it just wasn't being utilized.
I originally wanted to tear out the closet and pass-through window that separated the kitchen and living room, but the air ducts run through that wall. To re-route would've taken from our already small reno budget. For me, this house is all about the balance of smart updating and budgeting since we know we won't be here for more than a few years.
I drew up some plans and ordered the cabinets we needed. The closet in the kitchen was being used as a coat closet. I'm sure a coat closet is useful in the North, but there was only a VERY small cabinet pantry. I tore out the closet system and built out a pantry.
We are keeping the L-shaped cabinets, but I demo'ed the narrow wall cabinet system and installed a floor to ceiling system and an island. The wall system is slightly deeper and has space for cookie sheets, appliances, our microwave, toaster oven, and our mini-mudroom. Like I said above, I was sure we would need a place for shoes and coats by the door up here when it gets cold, so I designed drawers for shoes and a cabinet with hooks for coats and bags.
We finished the wall system just in time to hang our jackets during this week's cool front. The 6' x 3.5' island is finished and our soapstone counter tops are installed. I have to finish painting the existing doors and replacing the hardware, order and install the backsplash, and order and install lighting and this kitchen will be complete. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and am so excited to share the kitchen with you as soon as it's finished!
xo,
Nikki
Need help creating a home where your family can flourish? Check out our design services.
Thoughts on 30
I turned 30, on Wednesday. I had thought about that day since I turned 21 (the last big milestone birthday). Life is not what I thought it would be at this age. I am no where near where I thought I would be, yet I have everything I wanted. Last year when I was pregnant, swollen, and hot during my birthday I planned on a festive party for the big 3-0 where I could rock a cute outfit with the same body I had post baby #1. It would be a joint party for Matt and I since I was even more pregnant, swollen, and hot for his 3oth last year. We would have all of our friends and family over, make drinks, and let the kids run around chasing each other.
Well, there I actually was sitting in my living room with one kid sleeping in my bed and the other sleeping on the living room floor in his post tornado destruction. You see a painter showed up to give me a hand on some projects that I just couldn't finish on my own. He was planned, but the day wasn't scheduled and he showed up that morning while we were in our pj's. I spent the morning moving all of our furniture around for him. He took over the kid's rooms and I battled with no-nap kids all day because they couldn't sleep in their rooms. Mickey was on and I was too scared to turn it off for fear of waking one of them.
My outfit consisted of a t-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes, and a necklace because I just had to "try" a little on my birthday. I was lucky to even look this decent with the battle I had fought. Almost two months after our move, and our house still looked like a clothes bomb went off because of lack of storage/too much stuff, and there were partially done projects going on in several rooms to add said storage and update the house. I did my makeup in a mirror on the living room floor because the previous owners took all the mirrors and I haven't found/ hung the replacements yet. While I did my makeup Julip was alternating between hanging on me crying and laughing at herself as she tried to eat the mirror. Abram was alternating between total house destruction, at lightening speed, and continuing with his plot to try and choke me out before I hit 31. My day old hair...well it was there and managed to get brushed.
Then I remembered what my Mimi told me. "Take a picture, you'll look back and laugh". So I did; I set up my camera right there and snapped a few. You see my house may be post apocalyptic at the moment, but the weather is great and our new community is awesome...plus, I'm creative and I've got plans for this house. We may not have a big party with lots of friends because we are across the country, but I was busy answering calls all day. My weight might not be ideal and my hair and makeup are rough, but it's because I've had kids in and on me for the past 3 years. This blog may seem slow, but it's because I have lots of projects in the background that are on their way. And I may have been sitting alone in my living room, but my husband was on his way home with gluten-free sushi (a hard find), a paddle board gift, and plans for a night at the fair with our kids. This is my season of life right now and I'm trying my hardest to embrace it. If you find yourself at our house, it may seem like we are a giant mess, but there's a lot of love here...and a cold drink if you need one.
xo,
Nikki
Leaving Texas and a Pictli Discount
Friday was the first day I had internet on my computer since we moved two weeks ago, and I'm gonna say what you already know, moving is hard! The day the moving truck got to our house I was on a plane heading to Florida. That was the easy part (for me), and I recommend all women leave their husband to do the dirty work while his parent's watch the kids haha. Honestly, the bachelorette party I was heading to was for a close friend and had been planned well before our move, so the timing was just a little bit of God smiling down on me and giving me some relief.
I used to go to Florida every year, but hadn't been much since moving to Texas. Let me tell you, if you haven't it's a must. The white sand and emerald water are heaven on earth! I flew back Sunday and went to our empty house to get the last few things and video a little bit so the kid's can see where they used to live. The following week, Matt drove our car up (and plants that I am sure will die in the cold), and I flew with both kids a few days later (it was a feat).
My parent's took the move pretty hard, so when Pictli contacted me about trying out their service, I knew just who I would send a framed picture to. You can choose to upload a picture from your computer, facebook, or instagram which made it easy since my mom walks around showing an instagram picture of them and the kids all the time. After I selected the picture I just chose a frame and I was done with my easy, customized gift. I will say that I wish there was a little more of a square frame selection since most instagram pictures are square...I'm sure that will come with time.
My mom loved it! The quality of the print was good and best of all, she was able to take it right out of the package and display it. It would be a great house warming, wedding, or new baby (to the grandparents) gift. Pictli was nice enough to give my readers a 20% discount until the end of May with the code: NT1504.
Have a great week!
Nikki
Taking In Texas | Part 1
We are down to one last family weekend here in Texas. While moving is stressful and busy, we are making an effort to enjoy what our neighborhood and city have to offer before we're gone. I do some volunteering for a local children's shelter, Parks Youth Ranch. It is a fantastic privately funded shelter for homeless youth in the area. The kids there will touch your heart forever. A few weekends ago they hosted their 2nd Annual children's fishing tournament. They had tons of treats, bounce houses and games, and Matt and I took on the fishing tournament portion since he really wanted to do something for them before we left and loves to fish. It was a great way to get out and help, and my parents brought the our kids out to enjoy the ranch. Abram got to try his hand at fishing for the first time ever. I'm sure this will continue at the lake this summer, but it was fun to watch his excitement when he got to fish next to the big kids.
During the week I try to take the kids running in the double stroller a couple times. It gives me chance to get some exercise while they get to relax. Our neighborhood has several playgrounds that we pass during my run and lately the weather has been nice enough to bring them to the playground. Abram is obsessed with slides and Julip loves to swing.
We also got to say goodbye to a few close friends and family this past weekend with a laid back bbq, in the backyard. Even though it had been raining for days and the backyard was a swamp, we set up the bounce house with a tarp to give the kids a way to get out their energy. Julip was in hog heaven for her first bounce house experience...surrounded by tons of dirt-covered balls to chew on.
We are trying to finish up some of the house stuff during the week to give us some time for one last Houston adventure this weekend. I want a zoo trip and Matt wants a boat trip...we will see who wins. Hope your weekend was amazing and your Monday only takes one cup of coffee!
xo,
Nikki
House Hunting & Egg Hunting
I think I've mentioned here a time or two that we are moving...to Ohio...from Texas...SOUTH Texas to NORTH Ohio to be exact. It will be a big change for our family. We will also pay for good snow advice next winter.
We listed our {first} house a couple weeks ago, after what felt like a decade of talking about it. We had three offers within the first 2 days, one of those being from the first people who saw it. It was a huge relief for me since the staging was all mine.
We lived with my parents the entire week we kept it on the market. Then, we headed straight to Ohio to buy a house while my parents watched the kids. We had about 50 houses on our first list and narrowed them down to 20-something in different areas of Cleveland. We knew nothing about Cleveland so the first few days were just driving around to see different areas. By the time Friday came we had narrowed them down to our top two. It was straight out of an episode of House Hunters {I hate that show}...I always feel bad for the people because there is never a perfect answer. House 1: Location and House 2: Roomy and updated.
In the end, after lots of tears from me, we went with house 1 and paid a little more than we would have liked for a smaller house that is in a great location. We will be down-sizing and cutting out the guest bedroom completely so that will be a challenge. The yard is great, as well as the community, and there is lots to do in the area...the lake is a mile away. Matt has always dreamed about being near the water and this will probably be the closest we ever get to a lake house, so that's what we will call it!
We headed back to Houston, on Friday evening, and had company come in for Easter. I tried to get the kids ready early enough to get their baskets before church. Abram is NOT a morning person, so he refused his shirt and didn't smile until he saw the candy and animals. Julip was just trying to sit up without falling and had gotten a mosquito bite on the middle of her forehead the night before... These picture will be awesome to look back on haha.
It was muggy and overcast for the majority of the weekend, but luckily the rain held out for our Easter egg hunt. We all went to my parent's house after church where we grilled everything you can think of, dyed eggs, watched the kids get WAY TOO into the hunt, and had my mom's Easter strawberry crepes {made gluten-free for me}. I seriously had dreams about them the entire week before!
Abram loved playing with "the boys"; he always imitates everything they do. Whenever they were counting their eggs on the grass, he began throwing his into the grass, yelling " 2, 3, 8, 10, 14, 18, 20". He cracks me up...hope your Easter was fabulous!
xo,
Nikki
Because I Love You | Free Valentine Printables
I whipped up a few Valentine printables for our gameroom shelves. Just click on the pic to pull up and download the 8x10 or 12x12 print for free. If you're on instagram I would love to see how you used the print; tag me @ntag1.
Also, I would love to hear what kind of art you love or wish to see for nurseries, kid's, and teen's rooms. I'm starting on a project that I think you'll love and your input will make it even better!
XO,
Nikki
5 Months | Baby 2
I realized the other day that all of J's clothes were getting too small. Then it hit me that I was still trying to fit her into 3 month clothes. Reality check momma, she is FIVE months old!
Weight: She weighs about 16 lbs, 12 oz and is in 9 month footed pj's. I could hardly believe it when I realized her Christmas jammies were 9 month. This is all happening too fast.
Health: Baby girl got RSV this month. We had just done the RSV test the week before and it was negative, so when she was congested and couching I just started battling it with the nose frida, saline spray, and humidifier. A few days later, she began coughing so much that she would stop breathing and I would have to hit her back, making her throw up and start breathing again. After it happened for the third time in a day I rushed her to the pediatrician. RSV. Luckily, they got her on breathing treatments asap that helped so we didn't have to stay at the hospital.
Sleep: We moved her to her crib this month because she completely outgrew the rock-n-play and would flip to her stomach in it. She sleeps mostly on her stomach and about 10-12 hours at night on most nights. I will forever love her good night time sleep, but the girl is a no nap ninja. The only way she will nap is in my arms (like right now, as I type).
Diet: She eats 8 oz. of Enfamil Gentlease every 3-4 hours. We are also starting to notice she mimics our chewing and we feel so bad eating in front of her. She stares us down like she is savoring every bite. I can't believe we are almost to the point of high chair and food.
Clothes: Julip is mostly in 3-6 and 6 month clothes now and size 3 diapers. Like I said earlier; 9 month pj's. I have so many un-worn clothes that we just couldn't get her in fast enough. I'm also getting a little worried that at the rate she will be wearing her summer clothes in February.
Baby Gear Love: Crib, sound machine, pacifiers, pacifier clips for our spittin' baby, boppy, bob & double bob jogging stroller, double stroller, activity gym, and aiden and anais blankets, the bouncer, nose frida, bumbo, footed pj's.
Crying: She is such a softy (like momma). She cries if something touches her head, if she is hungry, or tired. She is a really sweet baby!
Likes: Sticking her tongue out, eating, watching my face, talking, watching tv, sucking on her hands, looking at her feet, music, her brother when he isn't stealing her toys, trying to sit up, standing for short periods, kisses on her cheek, and going for jogs.
Dislikes: Poopy diapers, loud noises, laying down when she wants to sit up, her car seat, getting dressed, being tired, and baths with her brother.
Sibling Love: Abram is a very helpful big brother. He is always trying to give her the pacifier and brings me a burp rag when I need it. He is starting to get jealous when I have to feed her in the mornings (his hard time of day). He is also starting to get possessive over toys now that she can play with some. He will take them and say, "mine", and then hide them and move onto another toy. He is having to learn how to share all over again.
Milestones: Julip talks and smiles to anyone who will interact with her. She loves to eat her hands and play with hanging toys. She will roll from side to side, but will NOT roll over. She just has no desire.
This month Julip celebrated Christmas, looked at lights, and spent the night at Doodle's.
xo,
Nikki
2015!
Over the years I have gone from welcoming the new year with a list of resolutions of what I want to do, to a few simple resolutions of the type of life I want to live. Change is always uncomfortable for me; heck, I think it is for most people. I once heard a saying from a friend, "when it comes to change in humans, slow is fast". For me that could not be more true, so while the idea of the first day of the new year being like a restart button and suddenly everything changes sounds great; in reality I know that these resolutions will be a commitment I strive for each day of the new year. Maybe by 2016 I will be one step closer to the person I want to be.
Balance and no expectations are my resolutions. After having Julip and going from a full-time working mom of 1 to a part-time work-at-home mom of 2, I am still dealing with a lot of change. There are days when it seems like I try to do too much and days when I feel like I dominate. I am striving for balance in raising my children and pursuing my design career. My worst fear would be to be spread so thin that I stop excelling at these items I feel so passionately about.
I still have my list of personal, family, and business goals but will not put unrealistic expectations on myself. I will also not limit myself; simply live each day for what it is and try my best.
2015 is already proving to be a year of tests and growth for me. Along with goals to grow Mini Magnolia Designs, my online design business, there is also a strong chance we will be moving to another state. We first found out about a possible move when I was still pregnant. Since then the locations and dates have changed, but the chance of a move is about 90%. To say that I'm nervous about moving away from the support of family and friends to a state up North, where it snows, is an understatement.
After changing a lot about the current house we live in, the thought of another house to make my own both excites and exhausts me. I had already bought wallpaper and lights for house updates when we got the news, so I am anxiously holding onto them until we need to make our next house a "home". I would appreciate the prayers and will keep you updated on the progress of our move.
Before we leave I am finishing up a collaboration on the design of a small restaurant space. We start demo this week so I cant wait to share what's in the works! Happy 2015!
xo,
Nikki
A Christmas Playroom | Home Tour
Have you ever had (or have now) a room the is in-between every other room and serves multiple purposes? Rooms like that are some of the toughest to make a usable space out of; ours is about 90% done (still need a cool light) so I figured I would finally post it decorated for Christmas.
About 1.5 years ago I decided I was going to take that poor room into may own hands and start giving it a face lift. I installed a small chair rail and painted the walls white on the top and Benjamin Moore's Witching Hour on the bottom...while listening to reggae music and dreaming of a beach vacation. It made a HUGE difference in making the room feel larger and brighter! I will say that I wish I would've gone a little bit darker on the bottom, as this color can look slightly navy in certain light.
I then tossed the couch and slowly started trying to make the room a usable playroom/man room/office. It really doesn't host the guys much, but I needed to leave up some of Matt's decor so he still feels like it's his house haha.
Free Christmas Printable
Happy Cyber Monday! I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. We always go to visit my family...9 hours away (10 with kids). I just got in late last night and am playing catch up today.
Before I left last week, I decorated the playroom (which is about 90% finished) for Christmas. Included in the decor were some simple Christmas prints I made. While I am busy editing the playroom pics to share later in the week I figured I would "gift" everyone the Christmas prints just in case they need one last thing to finish off their Christmas decor. Just click on the picture to pull up the 8 x 10 pdf printable. Need a larger size? Email me (under the contact tab) and I will get it to you.
xo,
Nikki
3 Months Old | Baby 2
Weight: She weighs about 13 lbs, 4 oz and is filling out most of her 3 month clothes. She will be in 3-6 month and 6 month clothes within the next few weeks.
My behind the scenes "help" haha
he was a little helpful...
Milestones: Whenever we smile or talk to her she smiles back and tries to mimic our mouths and sounds. She has much better control of her head, but still hasn't rolled. When we kiss her cheeks she just laughs and laughs. She has also started to put her hands in her mouth and notice her feet.Those legs are also quite scrumptious these days.
Also, I am guest posting over at The Girl In The Red Shoes today. I'm sharing my breast feeding journey with both kiddos on Julie's Breastfeeding Diaries series. I began reading it back when it first started, and when I had Julip or any time I had a trouble accepting the difficulties that came my way I would refer back to the series to read other's stories. It's a great resource for new moms who are just trying to figure out the best way to nourish their new bundle! Click on the link above to read mine and other's stories.
xo,
Nikki
A Very Mini Magnolia Christmas!
Our Halloween/ Abram's 2nd B-day
The last two weeks have been a hectic, great time with a holiday, a wedding, a birthday, and Julip turning 3 months old the day of Halloween! For the sake of this post, let's start at the very beginning. Abram's birthday party was set for the day after Halloween months ago; due to our good friend getting married the weekend of his actual birthday.
My Friday Five
I'm linking up with Darci and the gang again for 5 on Friday. I'm also going one step further and joining in on, "Oh Hey Friday". We have been busy in every facet of life lately. I cannot believe my baby boy will be TWO in about two weeks! Ahhh!
{ONE}
This made my week; we got Abram's school pictures and I just about died from the cuteness! We know the photographer so she made sure he was lookin' sharp ;). She was trying to get him to say "Julip". He just looks like a little man...with LOTS of hair.
{TWO}
I'm sure everyone is aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you also know that it is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month. This is a topic that is close to my heart. If you read back on my blog, you will see that before my human babies arrived I had several furry babies. Gable was my soul-dog. I got her from a breeder, and when she arrived she was filthy and had worms. She also appeared to have been emotionally abused. I worked with her for 5 years, and we shared an unbreakable bond. Then she ran from a friend that was babysitting her. I searched every shelter in Houston (all 5) every other day for over a month. I also became involved with the rescue community. It was then that my eyes were opened to reality. Only two Houston shelters even try to adopt out bully breeds, and even if your healthy dog arrives at a shelter, there is a three day hold before they may euthanize because of over-crowding, etc. Depressing I know.
There is a happy side!
Most dogs in shelters are incredible! Our last two have come from shelters, and both were already house trained, not sick, and had no emotional issues. They have seen the worst, so they will love you more than you will ever know! They are also all different temperaments (playful, calm, cuddly) and breeds. Bijou is our hound that is a bit crazy at times; being only a little over 2. She loves our kids so much, and is Abram's bud and our protector.
{THREE}
The birthday party is coming along. I am trying not to panic... I get so nervous about throwing parties; it's not the decor or invites, it's the food! Cooking is something that takes a lot of mental prep for me, especially if it's for large numbers. Paint a mural...when can I start; cook...can I hire it out. For now, I'm doing the things I can do ahead of time so that I only HAVE to cook a few things. Plus, my in-laws are coming in and my mother-in-law does catering. ;) I fully accept she is a better cook than me as long as she helps. We all have our strengths.
.JPG){kind=link}
{FOUR}
I figure if I put this next thing in writing it will make me not back out. After eight years of design school and a couple years in the field; I am starting my own children's design business. It is something I have thought about since I got pregnant, but I couldn't quit a paying design job for something that is no guarantee. Then, some crazy "meant-to-be" stuff happened (details coming soon), and I was able to go to working hourly from home for my job. That allows me to start my dream business (they don't compete). I'm working on getting my Mini Magnolia Designs website live and linking everything together. Follow along on the blog/facebook/instagram and be on the look-out because as soon as it goes live I will be giving away a custom room design! Anyone need an amazing Christmas gift?
{FIVE}
Speaking of designs; my daughter's "Make Believe" nursery is a finalist on Project Nursery's October Project of the Month. I couldn't be more honored to have my hard work recognized! Do me a favor and head on over to vote for the "Make Believe": http://projectnursery.com/2014/10/vote-october-room-finalists-2014/
xo,
Nikki
Forever on the Farm
Growing up, my family moved regularly to follow my dad's job in the oil business. We never lived near my grandparents, so seeing them was always an exciting time usually intertwined with holidays and celebrations. Matt moved a few times as well, but they always returned to their family farm, in Louisiana. He spent his time after school working alongside his Grandpa on the farm, and has a strong connection with the land.
When we met, I couldn't even imagine having that kind of history and roots to a place. His Grandpa's Grandpa built the Cajun farmhouse that still sits, nestled under the oaks today. His grandpa was born in, and died in that house. The trees that surround the house were planted by his Grandpa at the arrival of each grandchild; Matt can point and tell me which tree belongs to which person.
When everyone started to move away for work Matt's parents began discussing selling the farm; it was a lot for two people to care for as a secondary job. The sale went through weeks after Julip was born. Everything seemed to happen at once, and before we knew it we were having to make a quick trip to Louisiana to pick up the rest of Matt's memories. It wasn't the kind of goodbye trip we were hoping for with Julip only 3 weeks old and Abram fighting a fever and pink eye, but we made the best of it.
I quickly contacted a friend who was just starting her photography business and asked if she could take some family pictures on the farm, as a surprise for Matt. There we sat as a family of four on a hot, humid August morning; trying our best not to look too sweaty and keep the kids in good spirits. It was Julip's first and last visit to the farm that will forever be deeply ingrained in her daddy's heart.
xo,
Nikki
Five on Friday | Our Week
Today I'm linking up with Darci and some of her gals for 5 on Friday. Matt has been in Ohio all week {for the second week in a row} and just got back today, so TGIF! Having to take on the role of single mom is tough; props to all of you out there!
{ONE}
I am attempting to do the Advocare 24 day challenge for the first time since becoming pregnant with Julip. It is much harder when you are not sleeping regularly, but I finished the cleanse portion Wednesday so now I'm cruising through the max phase. It has really helped us get in a routine for better eating habits again.
{TWO}
I have to join in on the pumpkin posts. I hated nuts when I was a kid, so pecan pie was out of the question. Anything pumpkin brings me back to sitting at my grandparent's house with my cousins, eating pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and scheming about what kind of trouble we can get into. Lesley Graham posted a pumpkin bread on her blog a while back; I enlisted Abram's help to make it this week {after my cleanse phase}. I used honey instead of the sugar so it didn't rise as much as hers. After I refine the recipe I will post a healthier version; just an excuse to keep making it ;). It is AMAZING and perfect for fall...you must try it! I'm totally wishing I was "allowed" to drink coffee right now so I could sit in my morning fog, sipping coffee and eating pumpkin bread on my hypothetical front porch...one can dream.
{THREE}
I am desperate to keep Abram entertained without the tv. Make no mistake, we watch our fair share, but I had a few extra canvases lying around from my etsy days. I put on some Halloween music and we worked together to make a work of art for the playroom. He loved it so much he moved on to trying to paint the walls! Ummm...no way mister. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.... ;)
{FOUR}
We are in full party planning mode for Abram's 2nd b-day. I love the invites; perfect for the terrible two's!
{FIVE}
We had our 3rd annual pumpkin painting party with some neighborhood friends this week. My mom came to help with the kids so I could paint...HUGE help! I bought a small pumpkin so Abram could put his new-found painting skills to use. It looks like a colorful caterpillar to me and I have been so proud of it!
I hope your week went smoothly and quickly, and cheers {with my advocare spark} to the weekend! We plan on doing yard work, cleaning, and party prep...and there is talk of gumbo since it is now in the 60's at night. Crazy Cajuns.
xo,
Nikki
Master Bedroom Refresh | Home Tour
It is my firm belief that a home is always evolving, much like life, change is the only constant. It can take months to years to develop a room if you're on a budget. Our home was our first out of college; actually I was in my master's program for 3 of the 6 years we have been here. We started out with very little money, very little time, and lots of hand-me-down furniture. We were so grateful for the furniture our families gifted us, but started to infuse our personalities and sense of style little by little.
Our master bedroom was the first room we painted when we moved in {can't find a pic of the before right now}. Honestly, if I could paint all my rooms every year I probably would, but Matt HATES to do it. Over time I have been trying to make our bedroom look put-together on a small budget since it is not seen by others often. Right before I had Abram I did a refresh and then again before I had Julip. I still loved the golden color, but needed something to brighten up the room and add some interest to the "focal" wall.
All of our furniture and finishes have to stand up to kids and dogs. The bedding was something that was a real challenge for us since our 65 lb. hound dog sleeps with us. She has black hair than can show easily on white bedding, and anything too delicate gets beat up pretty quick. I know I know...we need to stop the bad habit, but we are softies. We found the turquoise quilt at Target and it was perfect! It can add a pop of color to the room, or be flipped to the other side for a fresh, textured white. I got the bench at Garden Ridge, in high school, when it had zebra fabric. I covered it with this faux leather my Senior year, and have been wanting to cover it again. Until I get the time, I settled with throwing this fur rug from Marshall's on top.
xo, Nikki
2 Months Old | Baby 2
Weight: She weighed 11 lbs, 8 oz at her check up {57%} and was 23.25 in tall {85%}. Abram was always a tall baby and his weight was always around 50% or more, but one thing was quite different...his head size was always on the smaller side. Her head circumference was 15.24" {66%}! No wonder all the headbands I ordered, thinking she would be about the same as her brother, are too tight! Considering she arrived three weeks early she is doing great!
Dislikes: Diaper changes, being cold and naked, her carseat, getting dressed, and laying flat on her back.
Milestones: Whenever we smile or talk to her she smiles back and tries to mimic our mouths. She is ALWAYS sticking her tongue out {since she was born}, and is much better at holding up her head. She will sometimes coo or do a little laugh. When we put her on her belly she just about takes off, and she has rolled to her side on several occasions.
Free "Don't Stop Make Believin'" Printable
Whenever I make simple graphics for my rooms I like to make them available to anyone so they aren't limited in created their dream space. I made a couple versions of the "Don't stop make believing" art print above the crib in my Make Believe Nursery.
You can download the 8x10 PDF by clicking the name above the image.
