WOODEN TOYS

I know all natural and organic is completely the rage these days, and I'm not one to lean too granola, but I can't help to love any beautifully designed, wooden toy. I know that most of them aren't as vivid and playful as the typical children's toy, but I guess I have too much of an appreciation for design aesthetic.  Well, I have been keeping a list of my favorite ones to eventually consider for Baby Owens and I wanted to share some of my favorites! What is your opinion on wooden toys? Love 'em or hate 'em?

ONE: These wooden cameras are too cute! I love all the fun color options - they even have a faux instagram camera, ha! 
TWO: How adorable is this zebra cart!? Makes learning to walk seem exciting, huh!? Kidding. Be sure and check out their outdoor grill and kitchen for all your little chefs! 
THREE: If you are a designer of any sort, then you will appreciate the stylish nature of these lowercase blocks! Nothing like an embossed, pretty font to make your day.
FOUR: This birch wood IKEA baby gym is easy on the eyes and bank account. I wish I had a trip to Ikea planned ...
FIVE: I am obsessed with these animal wood figures and definitely have all pictured on Baby Owens' wish list! I wish I could have them all, but at $10 a pop I may have to settle for a few. 
SIX: I had these Dwell Studio blocks on my Baby Owens board, but just recently found them for half price at our BuyBuy Baby - #winning! I have them on display they are so colorful and fun.
SEVEN: These wooden cars are officially all natural and can be used as toys, rattles, and competitive fun! 
EIGHT: With Brandon in the road construction business, I can't help but gravitate towards any type of construction paraphernalia - jammies, toys, hats, shoes, etc. - so, these construction trucks would be ideal for Baby Owens to start getting used to! 

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!

Wow is it a week until Christmas all ready? Time flies when you are having fun! This December has been exciting with all the Holiday parties, Christmas movies, gift wrapping (yes, I love to wrap presents!), fire enjoying, and more - that I have not had much time to post! I am happy to squeeze this post in to share our festive Christmas decor. You may have seen a tiny peek at it here when I posted about our first fire.

Like I have said before - I love Christmas and filling the house with wonderful scents and decor is one of the highlights. I host an annual "Feliz Navidad" party for my girlfriends and that always helps kick to me in to full decorating mode. Here are some details from around the house. I am still collecting my Christmas decorations so each year I have been able to add a few new touches! 

The mantle - those are red and green bulbs (not pink like they look!). I wanted a larger wreath but that was the biggest natural wreath I could find, oh well!

I love my glitter reindeer!

This is a newbie for 2011 and it will definitely be repeated next year - I used this image as my inspiration and created a garland card holder. I bought 18' of natural garland from a local nursery and draped it around the doorway (I used command hooks to hold it) with lights. I used glitter clothespins my co-worker made (via pinterest) to clip the cards on the garland. The more sparkles the better! I was so happy with the way this project turned out! Since then we have collected many more cards, so here is a recent picture + a close up of the clothes pins (via my instagram).

p.s. you can see a tiny glimpse of the new baskets I hung over the buffet.

The tablescape

clippings from our tree are in the center surrounded by popcorn berries, pine cones, candles, and glitter deer (of course!)

Our Christmas china - Old St. Nick by Vietri

Also a newbie for this year - a glitter church, tree, and caroler purchased in Blue Ridge, GA during our couples trip to the mountains! I thought it was so cute and I could not resist the sparkles. It sits a top our buffet behind the dining table. 

The tree! Sorry I don't have a good picture ... this one is taken over our sofa so the bottom half is cut off. Bummer!

I made this DIY burlap garland last year, but with all the wedding festivities I got too tied up (no pun intended!) to post about it. So, I plan to share the directions this year! It adds the perfect neutral, and natural, touch to the tree.

My favorite gift wrap tied up with this red/white twill ribbon

glitter tulle!

Last but not least, one of my favorite Christmas traditions so far is the Homewood tradition of lining the streets with lit Christmas trees. It just seems so magical - I know that sounds cheesy, but it is so fun to ride around and see everyone chiming in. I took this picture one day on my ride home ... I just couldn't resist.

Merry to you and yours this December! I hope you all have a sparkly Christmas.

SKULL OR SHOULDER?

I know several bloggers have posted about the trend of incorporating deer (or any other massive animal's) antlers in home decor, but my post involves a personal encounter. Brandon loves to hunt - deer, pheasants, birds, you name it! And I love when he hunts because it gives me a free weekend of shopping and home re-arranging without him watching! 


Well,  a few weekends ago Brandon shot the big one. I say that because he is very generous when he pulls the trigger ... he likes to wait until he knows it is bigger than his last kill and will make a good "trophy." This is the first deer he has shot in the five years I have known him if that tells you anything. Here is a picture of him with his new bff. (I hope no animal lovers take offense to this post - we do eat the meat and donate some as well)

pardon the phone pic

I have started to decorate Melrose with a few natural elements, but I am not a huge fan of turning her into a hunting lodge or log cabin. I like them in the perfect place. Using antlers, or other natural elements, strategically in a room can be so chic and sophisticated. Especially since they provide substantial depth and height while still being neutral enough to not overpower a room. They are also a great way to offset a room that seems too feminine or glamourous. 


Now that Brandon has noticed I like rustic, natural items, he is gung-ho on displaying his new bff in Melrose. Which I am fine with, only in my style of course! There are 2 options when mounting a deer (that I know of): skull only or a classic shoulder mount. Now, first off I despise the shoulder mount, but after seeing these photos I second guessed that decision.

I think these shoulder mounts were executed in the perfect manner. The last photo with the mount of the black wall is exquisite. All of the rooms are still subtle and neutral without looking like my husband's dream vacation. Although these photos can be convincing, Brandon decided on a skull mount which I am anxious to see. This is what he showed me it will be similar to:

I am possibly thinking about removing the plaque so it is just the skull. These mounts are definitely not as massive as the full head, but can be more discreet when displayed. I like that the antlers are so organic and are not a symmetrical element. There are many more animals you can mount than just deer - one day I hope to have moose or elk antlers (hint, hint Brandon). Check out these beautiful photos:

 hat rack anyone?

love the bleached skull on the white wall and the saturated brown antlers provide just enough contrast against the starkness of the room

What do you think? If you want antlers on a smaller scale, check out these mini collections of mounted antlers.

Ballard Designs and Home Decorators have great options for achieving this look. You can also find real antlers on Etsy as well. 


Another natural element I have become fond of for home decor is turtle shells. Again, the brown and caramel tones are a perfect neutral to mix in with current decor. I am on the hunt for a large one in good condition to display in Melrose somewhere. Here are some inspiration images I have found through the design world.

 naturally chic paired with a pop of gold

 I want this size!

Brandon's skull mount is scheduled to make its appearance in the master bedroom above the bed so I will keep you posted! The master is currently undergoing a full overhaul so stay tuned for B&A pictures! (if the furniture will hurry up and get delivered! I have all ready received two late shipping emails!)


Do you have any natural elements currently displayed in your abode? Or are you a fan of this style? Please share!

all photo sources can be found through my pinterest board