Bedding Favorites

I hate actually having to change bedding but something about fresh, clean sheets and a kinda sorta but not really made bed gives me the warm and fuzzies. I'm a sucker for neutral colors and simple prints but love fun, bright or bold throw pillows. Spring cleaning is on the horizon and always a perfect time to get rid of old bedding and bring in something new for the season. White is my go to but I tend to go inexpensive #becausekids #becausecats #becauseimaccidentprone. But go for the splurge if you've had your eye on something for awhile! I rounded up our tried and true faves and a few wishlist items too! 

Organizational Favorites

Maybe it's the New Year, maybe it's nesting, maybe it's just me and my weird obsession with baskets. Whatever the case may be I have been on an organizational rampage, tearing through every room in my house trying to clear the clutter and corral the crap. It's been fun to figure out the spaces where organization is needed then find appropriate items to get things in order. I've been getting rid of so much that we don't need, simplifying in general and loving how even the smallest changes can make such a big impact. When everything has a place and everything is in it's place there's such a sense of peace in the house. I mean it lasts 2 minutes when the toddler is around but at least when I go to put something away I know that doesn't mean tossing it in a drawer or a closet then having to search for it later. I rounded up all my new and old favorites if you're on the organizational train too!

Living Room Inspo

The living space in the front of our house is supposed to be a dining room. Since we moved in 2 years ago it's yet to resemble anything close to a dining room, or really any other standard living space. It's just been our whatever room. Our giant turtle tank landed there and stayed and over time Fallon's toys were moved there as to not clutter the family room. Finally enough was enough. The turtles have been relocated to our basement and seem to be actually much happier there. And suddenly it was all very clear what exactly I wanted to do with that room. 

Our family has no current need or desire really for a formal dining room. In a three bedroom house there has to be somewhere on the main floor for the kids to play and that is the perfect space. And it just so happens there's room for a cozy nook with a coffee bar for mama. Who needs a dining room when a playroom with coffee is exactly the kind of space for our family? It's all coming together and I can't wait to show off the final design but in the meantime, here's a little sneak peak. 

Galvanized Organizer / Light Fixture / Wire Shelving Unit / Area Rug / Throw Pillow / Chair / Cube Organizer / Buffet Table / Children's Table Set

5 Coffee Table Books

Have you ever walked into someone's home and noticed a stack of books on the coffee table? I always zone in on them in pictures too. I'm curious about the titles, if I can make them out, and I wonder if they actually read them or if they're simply part of the decor. Books give a house that cozy, homy feel so I wouldn't be surprised if some people have never even cracked open the ones that sit on that coffee table. But today I want to share with you 5 books that look nice on my coffee table or my nightstand but I have actually been reading. If you just want them for decoration, I can't blame you. I'm not judging either way.

The Year of Cozy - Written by a fellow fall lover and full of fun recipes and crafts, all divided by season, which totally speaks my language. 

The Magic of Motherhood - If this book doesn't remind you that we are all in this together as mamas, I don't know what would. It's a real + raw feel good read.

Gentle Babies - Essential oils have recently become a big part of our lives and I love learning more about how to use them most effectively for Fallon. 

The Magic of Tidying Up - If you are overwhelmed by the thought of sampling your life even just a little, this makes it a lot easier than you would ever think.

Celebrate Everything - If you ever want to plan an unforgettable party, you have to read this. Or maybe you just love all the inspiration and happiness of celebrations. 

How To Make An Entryway In A Small Space

Some homes have a mudroom, some have a foyer and some have a big hallway when you walk through the front door. My home has none of these so when we first moved in, my plans to update did not include an entryway. But thanks to all the beautifully styled options on Instagram and Pinterest, the creative juices started flowing over the winter.

Our front door is the main point of entry for any guests we welcome into our home. The stairs are off center with the hallway to the kitchen to the left and the dining room just beyond. The walkway to the powder room to the right and we have 4 windows across the front of the first floor of the house so there isn't much wall space. It didn't help that light switches had been placed in the center of the wall space that was available. But sometimes fewer possibilities are easier to work with.

The storage/shelving unit combos sold specifically for entryways are a one shot deal and fit well into many spaces. But when you're working with about 6 feet of wall space and a foot deep of floor space, you have to think outside the box. A simple bench and hanging shelf unit with hooks were the 2 pieces I felt would look best and be most functional. Unfortunately I can't link the exact ones I have as they aren't available anymore, but you can find many similar options here, here and here.

The walls had already been painted Silver Chain by Benjamin Moore so it was a shame that the wall had to be cut to move the light switches. Luckily my brother-in-law is an electrician and did it for us one day and Chris patched and painted afterward. But I was surprised at how little time it took and I would have absolutely paid someone to do it to get my entryway. Your light switches can be moved people! Make sure you measure the space and map out how much of it you want taken up by furniture. Using all the available space isn't always the best way to go. Pick your pieces to flow with with other surrounding areas but don't forget practicality is key! I really just wanted a nice area to put our keys and sunglasses and something to hang Chris's hats and my bags. 2 shelves, 4 hooks and a simple bench were perfect to hold all these things plus add a decorative touch. 

I am honestly so happy with the way it turned out and still amazed that just moving light switches and adding 2 small pieces made such a huge difference. It is one of my favorite little spots in the house. And now we don't spend 10 minutes looking for keys because they somehow ended in the fridge. Hopefully I'm not the only one that has happened to. 

I'm Lovin' It

I've decided that sharing things I'm currently loving shouldn't have to be reserved for Fridays. So these posts will just pop up from time to time whenever I feel like it! I somehow managed to roll into this weekend with my house clean, all the laundry caught up and my hair washed. Chocolate chip cookies were baked yesterday afternoon and we spent the evening with family. It may never happen again but man did it feel good. 

If you haven't noticed, I've been wearing the same pairs of slip on sneakers all the time lately. I saw these at Target last week and for $25 they had to be mine. 

One of our favorite brands for swaddle blankets just released some super adorable new prints. I am swooning over the grapefruit blanket and the fairy garden quilt for Fallon. 

I find myself in v neck tees so many days, worn alone or underneath a jacket or cardigan. I have several brands and styles but I have found a favorite. I might have to get every color!

A goal for this year is to simplify my life, starting with getting rid of things we don't use. This book is great if you're trying to do the same! 

We're also trying to get some better organization throughout our home so I picked up some new baskets to hold all the things we keep underneath our coffee table. It looks much nicer and everything now has a place so it can be put away. 

It might sound counterproductive to be buying more while attempting to simplify. But the idea is to get rid of what we don't love or no longer has a purpose and have things that make sense in our life. No dog bed has made more sense than these Coolaroo loungers. The dogs love them, they're super easy to clean, they're not total eyesores and you can vacuum right underneath them!

Happy weekending friends!