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Land of the Free | Outfit to Room

July is always a crazy month around here with the 4th, my birthday, and Matt's...now add some serious nesting into the mix and we all might as well just run around the house screaming and dancing...it gets crazy!

"Pixie's" nursery is about 85% complete as far as work goes. I'm waiting on some back-ordered curtains to come in before I continue with the artwork and finishing touches {gotta make sure I like it all together}.

I have also been really into fresh, beachy, gender neutral nurseries lately. Maybe it's because of summer or that I am inspired by the upcoming holiday. I decided to put an inspiration board together to show how inspiration can come from anywhere.

If you've read anything about Abram's nursery and my design style you will know that I'm not into themed nurseries/rooms. I actually do use some sort of theme most of the time, but only to guide my ideas into something more. This board is a great example. I was inspired by the outfits, the 4th, the beach and thoughts of summer; I love that it is not in-your-face red, white and blue.

The chandelier is my "firework" and the mixture of glam, gold accents with natural elements is a great way to achieve a balanced, neutral look without being too mundane. Enjoy.

Have a Happy Fourth!!!
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Nursery Inspiration | Rockers & Gliders

Rockers and gliders for the nursery have come a long way since the days of watching my mom rock my brother in his cow nursery...or was it Noah's ark {can't remember}.

When I first started searching for a rocker for our first nursery I was totally overwhelmed. There were soooo many options and it seemed like all the ones I liked were the price of a dining room table or couch for the living room. I am all for quality, comfort, and style while rocking my baby to sleep, but when my child is old enough to have sleep overs on the couch with me I want to actually be able to still afford one. Luckily, there are plenty of great chairs that don't compromise style and comfort for affordability.

Out of all the pieces of furniture in Abram's nursery, the rocker is the one I get the most emails about. Since I won't be doing the rocker search for this nursery {re-using our other one} I decided I would help out some parents who need some quick guidance. Obviously the quality will vary based on price, so before you order make sure to read the reviews and return policy.

All of these rockers and gliders can be purchased for under $1,000 {I tried to keep it on the lower end of that range} and are a variety of styles. Here are my top 10:

1- Rock Point Rocker {$162}: If you are looking for a simple wooden rocker this one fits the bill, buts adds a pop of color for a lower price tag than some. {Similar-Land of Nod Classic Wooden Rocker}

2- Holden Modern Rocker {$200}: This simple, modern rocker definitely has the "less is more" look. It would be perfect for a neutral nursery, and brings in the modern while keeping the warmth of wood.

3- Bentwood Rocker {$200}: If you are looking for a whimsical rocker with a vintage flair this is the rocker for you. In fact, you can probably find a true vintage rocker of this type on websites like craigslist. Luckily if you want the look there are several sites to choose from. Just imagine this rocker with a pop of color or maybe with some added upholstery for the more colorful nurseries. It could definately be your nusery's statement piece. {similar for less}{similar}

 4- Enchanted Cherish Glider {$354}: This is our rocker {Black and white stripe}. After 1.5 years of use we still love it. I am 5'3" and my husband is 6'2" and we can both sit pretty comfortably in it; it's plush and comfy. We love the pin-stripe look and the black and white is versatile with almost any nursery color scheme. My husband's one complaint is that it doesn't recline. My complaint is that the back cushion is sewn to the back so it is hard to fluff. Oh and for light colored furniture, scotch guard is amazing. {Similar- PBK Glider} {Similar- Land of Nod Glider}{Similar- Serena and Lily}

5- Eddie Bauer Chair and Half Rocker {$400}: Great for the parents that want to sit together or for family stories since it is a little wider. {Similar for less}

6- Grayson Rocker {$400}: I saw this shortly after having my son and wished I had seen it sooner. This rocker is so unique for a nursery. Although the arms aren't upholstered, a pillow could provide extra cushion needed.

7- Eddie Bauer Wingback Rocker {$400}: This rocker has the classic appeal of a wing back chair and the comfort needed for long nights with the newborn. If you are going for a classic or gender neutral nursery, this rocker would be a great affordable option as opposed to some of the more popular brands. {Similar- PBK Rocker}

8- Modernica Arm Shell Rocker {$435}: This modern rocker comes in a variety of colors to fit your nursery scheme. It would be the perfect fit for a more contemporary nursery or a smaller room that cannot fit the larger, upholstered rockers/gliders. A couple of bonuses are that any spills or accidents can easily be wiped up and it will easily transition into a great chair for your child's room/playroom later on. {Similar for less} {Similar-Land of Nod Rocker- Same Price}

9- Little Castle Charleston Glider {$450}: An upholstered glider with more contemporary lines and a choice of colors. The tufted back and subtle pattern in the fabric adds to the look without competing for attention. {similar} {similar- Land of Nod Luca Glider} {similar- Enchanted Glider} {similar- Rockabye Glider}

10- Nurseryworks Empire Rocker {$900}: This was the rocker I dreamed of for our first nursery. Unfortunately I wasn't working at the time so it wasn't in my budget, but if I had a closet of rockers to trade out this would be the one I would want...in my room...to sit in by myself. ;)

Feel free to "Like" my brand new facebook page for post updates, tips, and inspiration. Plus, you will be able to influence some of my future DIY projects.

Have a great weekend!
Nikki

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Backyard Progress | Outdoor Inspiration

I haven't shown many pics of our backyard because when we moved in it was horrid. Seriously. It was a slab of concrete, an ugly palm, and hot hot sun {no shade}. We never went out there.

A couple of years ago we made a flower bed by our master window with azaleas and a magnolia tree. Then, last fall we tackled the back corner flower bed. We added four trees that are still maturing, but will hopefully provide some shade. We cut down the palms and most of the holly bushes, and raised and completely replanted all new plants. Most have started to come back this spring and I am so anxious for them to fill in and give us some color!
On the agenda for this spring:
  • Build the hard top gazebo we bought 
  • Extend our porch with some pavers to give us a place for the gazebo and soon-to-be furniture
  • Finish the rock border around the beds
  • Get a sandbox
  • Oh and yes, the house needs to be repainted, but that is on another to-do list. 

I am desparately trying to make our backyard a place we can enjoy as a family. If you follow me on pinterest you may have noticed that I have been pinning some outdoor inspiration like a mad woman. Here are some ways to liven up your backyard this summer:

Create some imaginative areas for kid's activities. I LOVE this playhouse...I actually love their whole house.
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Spaces for gathering in the shade allow you to stay out without feeling too uncomfortable. I have always been obsessed with the back porch at the Hunted Interior. LOVE the live edge table and pops of color!
Find and group plants that give you some color at different times of the year; colorful leaves, flowers, berries, etc. I tried to do groupings in our backyard...verdict is still out on how well I did.
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Shade and lighting...enough said. 
Oh and I have got to get my hands on a swinging chair or hammock. My grandmother offered me her 2 vintage swinging chairs and I cannot pick them up fast enough!
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Nursery Inspiration Board

Last week I hit the 20 week mark and we confirmed that we are indeed expecting a little girl. We celebrated by painting some of the walls in her nursery this past weekend while it "poured down" outside...it was supposed to...it didn't :/.  I had created an inspiration board a few weeks ago, then edited it...so here is the edited version. I'm sure a lot will change as the room progresses.
Treat Art // Radiance Art // Jenny Lind Crib // Chandelier // Black and White Striped Glider // Floral Fabric // Circle Pillow // Faux Fur Pillow // Teapot Hooks // Alice In Wonderland Book //  Hanging Glass Planters // Daylight Art // Rug 
I am not someone who can do a totally themed or one-color room. I get bored waaayyy too quick.  Abram's nursery had an "adventure-ish" theme that started with a patterned fabric I liked, a saying, and a few dog paintings. I LOVE mixing several colors and patterns so things can be easily changed as time passes and tastes change.
This nursery was much harder to get the ideas rolling. I didn't want anything princessy, but still wanted to celebrate the "girl" spirit. Back in December, before I even knew I was having a girl, I saw some beautiful colored butterflies and moss displays at West Elm that I LOVED and came up with the theme "Make Believe" which could go in almost any direction.
I kinda combined Alice In Wonderland, secret garden, and glam/rock in my head. At first I was sold on fresh white walls and a bright floral focal wall behind the crib. Matt quickly vetoed that because of the thought of wall paper...bummer. If anyone wants a nursery like that I will be happy to help you design it; it would be so cool!  
Our family has been to the Hard Rock, in Vegas, several times and I have always loved the dark purple, moody, rock, velvet feel of it so I am trying to incorporate some of that. I love love love the Ikea chandelier because it reminds me of raindrops, but it might be too tall for our 8' ceilings so I am searching for an alternative. I am re-using the crib and glider from Abram's nursery so those won't add to the budget {if you don't count his big boy room update} ;)}. I am also painting a dresser that was given to me by a relative to save cost.
The nursery has so far evolved from more woodsy to a little more edgy, but I have some great ideas to tone down the drama. I really wanted to inspire her to dream and use her imagination. I also wanted to use floral, dots, and stripes to create a girly backdrop for some moodier pieces. I'm really into the idea of a deep purple and gold dresser right now, but that could change by next week.  I've also got some ideas for some cool textural items and imaginative decorations.
Stay tuned for updates...
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Easter Ideas for Toddlers

I'm not sure if I said it yet, but happy Spring! We are watermelon addicts over here so we kicked off our spring with my husband picking the most perfectly sweet watermelon you have ever tasted...amazing!

Anyway, I got my Parents magazine in the mail and saw all of the Easter crafts; like putting purple food coloring in the kid's milk {genius}...I cannot wait to do that next year! It inspired me to start searching for my Easter basket gifts.

I am so excited for Easter this year! This will be the first Easter in a couple years that we get to stay home, and my parents now live near us which means I get some of my mom's Easter Strawberry Crepes {recipe coming soon}.

I always have trouble picking {narrowing down} gifts and try to buy Abram gifts that I know he will use instead of little trinkets. This year I am focusing on creative toys and things he will need for the summer...what a fun summer it will be! I also have gotten a few things for baby girl that I may include in her "basket" so I don't feel guilty. ;)

Here are some ideas by category, but they can be easily combined into the perfect basket for you!

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Snuggle Bunny
We don't let Abram watch much tv yet, but sometimes he has these after school meltdowns {diva moments as we like to call them} where some grapes and cheese and an episode of Veggie Tales is all that will calm him. I also love the idea of getting him a book for each holiday and I remember reading the Berenstain Bears Easter book when I was young; it was my favorite.

Fox Sleeping Bag // Boy Stuffed Animal // Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story Book // Throw Pillow // Veggie Tales: Easter Collection // Woodland Nightlight // Girl Stuffed Animal // Cloud Pillow // Pinkalicious: Eggstraordinary Easter // Toddler Pink Flamingo Slippers

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Water Tot
My parents are getting a pool and I cannot be more excited, so I have already bought Abram two swimsuits, and a few cover ups for my enlarging bod ;). I also got him some beach toys for his basket so he can play in the sand when we go on our trip, in May.

Boy Beach Towel // Ship Print trunks // Beach Toys // Sprinkler // Rugby Stripe Cover-Up // Kiddie Pool // Ruffled Swimsuit // Girl Beach Towel

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Outdoor Play

We are obsessed with being outside and active these days. Anything and everything he can get his hands into, he will.

Boy Ball // Bubble Machine // Golf Clubs // Adirondack Chair // Tree Swing // Girl Ball
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Little Creative

I love the idea of inspiring imaginative play; whether it is dressing up, playing music, dancing, or drawing. There is no greater thing than seeing my little guy's wheels turning as he decides what to do next with no clear rules. 
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Style Maven
We have these sunglasses from last summer and I LOVE them, but he will not keep them on so baseball caps and hats will be a staple for us this summer. I also ordered this big plaid bow from Crew & Lu and already have it in little misses top drawer. It just seems so Southern...I cannot wait to see her in it!

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