BABY OWENS

oh man ... where do I begin? I can't believe that the holidays and 2012 have come and gone. We had a wonderful Christmas and New years celebrating with friends and family. I truly enjoyed my long holiday break and mostly blame my blogging hiatus on many days of doing nothing, but relaxing and soaking up the time off. Woking on a computer didn't even cross my mind, so I took advantage and had some "me" time. So, I apologize for the long absence, but hopefully it will do my creative mind some good. I felt like I was getting in a design/creativity rut ... 

Since I quietly announced on Instagram and hinted on the blog about our future nursery, that I am expecting, my mind has been racing all things baby! I knew from the get go that I wanted to do a fun "gender reveal" party with close friends. I can't wait 9 months not knowing, but waiting a few days to find out with friends and family really excites me! And, guess what!? That time is finally here! We are hosting a small get together this week and will be cutting a cake (dyed either pink or blue on inside) to reveal to ALL (yes, we won't know until we cut the cake) the gender of Baby Owens! We are both so excited and can't wait to find out! I have a lot of fun design details prepared for the party so I can't wait to show you pictures from the night. 

Brandon and I decided to try out the IntelliGender test at 14 weeks to see what it predicted. I've had a few friends that this has been accurate for, and a few that it has been completely wrong. I mean, it is a 50/50 chance!? So ... here is what it said for Baby Owens:

It without a doubt quickly turned to dark green, meaning BOY! Boy or girl, Brandon and I will be completely happy and ready to have Baby Owens in our lives. I'll keep you updated on the gender and I hope to post more inspiring and creative posts starting this week! Hope you all have had a wonderful start to your new year!

BIKER CHIC

I've been quite taken lately by the biker chic trend. Simply throw on some boots, a simple white tee, skinny jeans, add in a statement print or accessory and top it off with a leather jacket and you have yourself an effortlessly chic outfit. If you're not convinced, check out these gorgeous examples. 

Sold yet? A nice, leather jacket is a perfect staple item that never goes out of style. I know, I said that same line about Barbour jackets, and these couldn't be more opposite, but both are considered classic and timeless. I posted about one motorcycle jacket in my Christmas wish list, but now I have found a lot more that I would love to own. I am really lusting for #7 by Fossil. Hopefully Santa will see this before the 25th! Which is your favorite? 

ONE : TWO : THREE : FOUR : FIVE : SIX : SEVEN : EIGHT : NINE : TEN : ELEVEN

UPDATE: melrose guest bedroom2

I took some quick pictures to update you on the status of Melrose's second guest bedroom. It is no where near done, but I thought it would be fun to share the progress. If you remember, I posted some inspiration images revolving around twin beds and these mock ups here -

Since then, I have purchased the bedding and bed frames, installed the gold curtain rod, hung the olive curtains, purchased the jute rug, and found a few other odds and ends.  I've been heavily debating on what type of dresser to get to fit between the beds (this one picture is no longer offered) - full of drawers, an open shelf, black, wood stain, cream or white?!?! So many choices! I think I have finally settled on a black stained piece with two small drawers on top and an open shelf for easy storage (baskets would be perfect) below. The wide dresser on the opposite wall (the awkward blank space is the above layout) is still up for discussion and seems like the never ending search. Here is an updated front layout -

Don't you love the clouds in the windows!?

I have also decided to go a different direction on the lamps. The original cream ceramic ones just seemed too big for the room, so I found these gold adjustable desk lamps that are much more size appropriate. Here is a sneak peek at the guest bedroom is real life so far ... 

So obviously the tan wicker tall dresser will be removed and I'm still waiting to purchase a natural cow hide rug to layer on top of this chevron jute rug. The only section not featured in these photos is the opposing wall that will have a wide dresser with a mirror above. So, what do you think so far!? 

It sorta reminds me of this boys' room I spotted on pinterest recently - 

I love the antlers and natural elements used in this room. And those are definitely RH iron beds I spot too! 

If you caught my instagram news from over the weekend then eventually the room is going to look something like this with the addition of a you know what! Stay tuned ;)

If you want to see all my options for the guest bedroom, check out my pinterest board! Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and weekend!

THANKSGIVING

Our Thanksgiving was great -- we enjoyed a day of beautiful weather, delicious food, and good company. I hope yours was just as nice. I thoroughly enjoyed my break and it has taken me a while to get back into the swing of things! Here are some snapshots of our fun filled day at Melrose.

cheese and meat sampler

horseshoes in the backyard - Brandon got a ringer to win us the game!

the buffet ready to start the dinner line

The set up! This picture makes my mouth water.

I ordered this magnolia leaf garland to use as the table centerpiece (per pinterest of course) and accompanied it with some dried okra pieces from a friend. I've dressed it up with some sprigs of holly berries and candles to extend it's life into the Christmas season as well!

the main attraction!

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

I know most of you all ready have your shopping complete, but I have just begun! Hence the late post of my Christmas wish list! Better late then never. I love looking at all the gift and wish lists on blogs right now - I get some of my best gift (and wish list) ideas from them! It's like finding little hidden gems amongst the world wide web.

ONE: black spotty fingerless gloves: how cute are these? 
TWO: biker jacket: I am really digging the cropped leather jackets this fall and this one isn't too pricy to get my taste. My dream would be a real leather camel colored one ... (maybe like this one?)
THREE: kate spade rose gold watch
FOUR: kate spade locket
FIVE: capri blue giant mercury jar: I LOVE this candle and a giant one would be fabulous ... please join me on my coffee table this holiday season!
SIX: brass plant mister: not only would this be perfect for sprinkling my indoor boxwoods and succulents, but also adorable to keep on display
SEVEN: slipper with leopard tassel: you can't have enough black flats 
EIGHT: floating lily candelabra: I haven't fully decided on a good table piece, but I think this one would be fun regardless (and it's on sale, whoop whoop!)