Preparing for Baby - Travel Essentials

Oh my goodness....the time is almost here for this first-time mom.  I hit 37 weeks a few days ago and it finally set in, we are at the finish line.  I have been reading every.single.review for every product and wanted to share what we have so far.

My husband assembled the stroller and was amazed at how quickly he had it done.  He can tend to be impatient on projects like this but had it put together in no time.  We are trying to stick with just essentials, versus every possible item so for taking the new little one out and about, here's what we ended up getting.

Preparing for Baby - Travel Essentials by eporter-217 featuring handbags totes

Tory Burch handbags tote
tradesy.com

UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat in Pascal
buybuybaby.com

High Road Gray TissuePockets™ Car Backseat Organizer
zulily.com

Favorite pins of the moment: Around the house

I was hoping to share a couple style pins but I haven't got any new ones....boooo!

I am in real estate for work so I often keep an eye on new trends and ways to decorate model homes.
This pin is almost unreal that such a transformation can be achieved in such a small space.  Wouldn't you agree?

This idea is so simple and just as awesome.  These style lights were on trend for many years and it can be frightful to take them down and replace.  Mainly due to the uncertainty of the drywall and paint behind it.  This makes an update beyond easy.

OMG...is this the best or what?!  Perfection for an old TV cabinet.

Another major small space reno....gorg!

Our return air is in the ceiling BUT if it was on a wall and visible, this would be ideal.

I am overdue for a family room update.  I can easily find stuff I love but it can be tricky to have them work in my space.  Here is a happy medium.  Grays are all the trends this year and this is on point.

What are your Spring projects?  I found my online motivation, just need to get to work and put these into action!  :)

Christmas Tablescapes

The happiest time of the year is finally here!  I am hosting Christmas Eve dinner so pretty tablescapes are on my mind.  I looked online at Pinterest of course, for some inspiration and found some great ideas to share.

Thanksgiving Centerpeices & Table Setting Tips

The most delicious week of the year is here!  My sis, Holly is hosting Thanksgiving this year and has gone above and beyond to plan for our family feast.  I plan to help with the table settings and was looking online for inspiration.  There will be 20+ people in attendance so my sister had some outdoor seating built for us to use.  The rustic table and benches each hold about 12 people.  I cannot wait to see the finished product.
Here are some table settings that would work perfectly.  A little rustic, mixed with natural and playful touches.  I will probably end up combining a couple looks.  It seems like these types of things just end up coming together once you get started.  Here are some of my favorite looks for the occasion.

Guest room update

Fall has me the in mood for decorating.  I have been working to declutter and organize as much as possible.  I moved my efforts to our guest bedroom this week.  I still have some work to do but I am chipping away at updates.

We have a new HomeGoods store nearby.  While I have only been there a few times, I have managed to find something fresh each time.  I got some new lamps a month or so ago.  They are a slate blue/gray color with linen colored shades.  I really wanted to go for the coordinated but not matched look but I am almost convinced you can't plan for it...it has to just happen.

My newest update was a new headboard.  Have you heard of Joss & Main?  It has some super deals and really fast shipping.  I had been to Pier One and found some nice headboards and I cruised thru Ikea but didn't really see much that I liked.

I looked at Joss & Main, actually looking for rugs and found a simple headboard that I decided would work for my guest room.  I have been b-e-g-g-i-n-g Simon to change the one in our room but he is a creature of habit and takes a little while to sell.

So, here goes.....my before and after.

Nothing too crazy, but a nice little freshen up.  There were lots of headboard styles but I decided on an oatmeal colored headboard with a little shape and nailheads to finish it off.  Finding ANYTHING less than $300 is a challenge (queen bed) and I scored this for $168.00!  

So exciting.  It has finished legs that only need three screws each to assemble (and the holes were pre-drilled).  Whatcha think?  

Check out the headboard on their website here.

Setup the bar + Set the table

So, I am loving all the adorable options available for home entertaining.  We often have parties at our home and I love to splurge for the extra touches to make the events memorable.  I recently took a stroll through my local C.Wonder and there are so many great accessories, you can get nearly everything you want and need all in one spot.  Here are some of my favorites.  they also have some cute white & gold dishes, wine chiller and cocktail shaker {shown here}.  Looking for a few easy drink ideas?  {Check these out}

Setup the bar + Set the table by eporter-217 featuring C. Wonder

Home Office Decor Ideas for the New Year

I am pushing myself to get into the organizing feeling the new year typically brings.  I decided to start in the smallest room of my home, my office.  I don't use the room too often and I noticed that it has somewhat become a spot for storage.  I am headed to IKEA to freshen up this space in hopes that the feeling becomes contagious and I continue throughout the house.
I am going to start my decorating by moving items around that I already have and then add new pieces as I come across them.  Here's a look at a few things I found to give me a starting point for shopping.  I actually have an antique desk that I inherited that is in my office now so I will be keeping that and doing a little updating to the accessories around it.
Have you starting any new projects?

Home Office Decor Ideas by eporter-217 featuring a black desk chair

Jewelry Storage Options

As statement jewelry has become more popular I found my collection to be overflowing across my dresser.  I saw the jewelry cabinet on the top left in a Pottery Barn mailer and just loved it.  The only thing is I wish they had a free-standing option that can be moved easily.
All of the cabinets shown have pre-designed organizers inside, perfect for storing jewelry.  Some even have lock and key options.  How do you organize your jewelry?

Jewelry Storage Options by eporter-217 featuring a wooden jewellery box

Pottery Barn jewellery box / Jewellery box / Home decor / Wooden jewellery box / Antique Black Adjustable Full-Length Cheval Mirror & Jewelry Wardrobe

Around the house wishlist

Spring fever has finally kicked in.  I am in the mood to complete a couple projects I have had on my list.  I bought a really pretty square mirror for my foyer but haven't found a table to complete the look.  Here are a few modern entry tables I found that would work.

I have a small linen closet sized area that would make a perfect wet bar area.  We'd only have enough room for one cabinet for storage and an upper cabinet for display but I think it'd really spruce up the room.

Last but not least, I have had a tile back splash on my mind for a while but haven't made much progress finding the look I want.  I like the simplistic look of the white subway style tile but our kitchen cabinets are raised-panel so they lean more towards traditional versus contemporary.  I think of the the more decorative designs would be a better fit.

What projects are you dreaming of?

Around the house wishlist by eporter-217 featuring distressed furniture

Christmas gift ideas

OMG! It's the 25th and that means Christmas is just two months away.  I am not usually an early Christmas shopper but the ladies in my office have been chatting about their holiday buys and I saw online that Pottery Barn had a sale last week so I decided to order a few goodies.

The mason jars came in and they are adorable.  I got several of them personalized for different people on my list.  PB blankets are always a good gift.  I have had mine for nearly 10 years and have purchased them as gifts over the years and always get good feedback.  My ornament hasn't come in yet but I can't wait to check it out.

Christmas gift ideas by eporter-217 featuring a cable knit throw