COMING UP: our two year anniversary!

Next Tuesday, February 26th, officially marks our two year anniversary! February is always filled with lots of love for us since it involves Valentine's and our anniversary - but I have a feeling both of these celebrations may be combined in the future! We had a low key Valentine's this year; I decided to put my preggers feet up and relax and let the hubby plan dinner - it consisted of steaks, salad, mac & cheese, and asparagus. Totally a "man" meal, but it was all delicious to me! 

This year for our anniversary, plus a semi-baby moon, we are headed to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for a little R&R this weekend. With Baby Owens due the first of summer, I really wanted to escape this cold weather and have my own summer vacay pre-baby, but that ended up being too much so we decided on the beautiful Blackberry Farm! Have you heard of it!? It has been featured in Garden & Gun and Southern Living, and is known for it's fabulous food and view of the Great Smokies. I love trying new food, and since I can't partake in the wine, I think I will divulge myself in a variety of delicious foods! 

Check out these images of the property:

all photos via

We are really excited! We have a couples massage and skeet shooting on the agenda so it should be interesting! The farm has lots of outdoor activities like horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, bike riding, etc. but I thought the hubby would enjoy the skeet shooting and it would be something fun to do together. Keep your fingers crossed! 

Yay, today is my Friday! Hope everyone has had a wonderful week and has a nice weekend!

FASHION FAVS: maternity wear

Hi all! Happy Valentine's Day! Do ya'll have any special plans? The hubs and I don't have anything extravagant planned, but our anniversary is at the end of this month so that will be our real celebration! Well, I know I promised the blog wouldn't turn into strictly baby inspiration, but I wanted to share some of my latest maternity fashion favorites since it can be a daunting task to shop for. 

It is tough to fathom spending money on clothes that you only wear for a short period of time, but I believe you can invest in a few pieces to last you through the pregnancy while also purchasing items that will work during and after the baby. I know a lot of people just enjoy to be comfortable and cozy during pregnancy, but me on the other hand, I like a nice mix of comfort and style! Regardless of your preference, here are some great basics that I have loved since being pregnant ... 

ONE: forever 21 chiffon shirt - I have a ton of these types shirts from pre-pregnancy that I can still wear, plus any that I purchase now, I know I can wear afterwards! Double whammy!

TWO: old navy polka dot chiffon button up - If you caught my leather jacket instagram/post, this is the shirt I was sporting underneath. It goes with anything and is cute, but forgiving! With chiffon shirts, I always look for length so that I know my hinny is covered if I decide to wear it with leggings - and this shirt provides good coverage!

THREE: asos swan sweater dress - This was one of the first pieces I ordered online and it was such a great buy. The light weight material makes it perfect for spring or with a pair of leggings it is warm enough for our recent chilly weather. You can't beat any a-line dress during pregnancy -- and how cute are the swans along the bottom!?

FOUR: fleece lined leggings - I found mine at anthropologie, but I know there are lots of options out there. These are amazing for chilly days when thin leggings just won't cut it. I really love that they are thick enough so you can't see through them too. I have 2 pairs of black and 1 pair of gray and alternate them almost every day!

FIVE: anthropologie colorblock shift dress - You can't help but love this colorful, relaxed fit dress for parties and showers, or for when you are just tired of being "comfy." At a reasonable price, it is a good dress to invest in and get a lot of wear out of (pre and post baby!). Definitely one of my favorite purchases so far!

SIX: forever 21 button up blouse - It's nice that the trend right now is long, flowy chiffon tops because they are ideal to throw on with a tank and stretchy pants. 

SEVEN: j brand skinny maternity jeans - I knew I wanted to splurge on one nice pair of jeans to wear throughout the pregnancy and I just happened to catch these on sale. I thought, I all ready feel bloated and look like a whale so I don't want to be stuck in a pair of frumpy, saggy maternity jeans! These are still comfortable with room to grow and I can wear them with boots, flats, or sandals in the summer. So glad I invested in a pair of these! **Since then, I have also purchased a pair of H&M maternity jeans with the pull up extended top and they are reasonably priced and stylish as well. I would have included those in my list, but they aren't on the website!

EIGHT: jcrew chambray pullover button up - I have pretty much lived in this shirt + black leggings and boots for the majority of my pregnancy. You can easily dress it up or down, but it is always stylish!

NINE: camisoles - I don't have this exact brand, but any long camisole would get the job done. These are ideal for layering under shirts that have now become "cropped tops" due to the expanding belly or just to conceal under a chiffon top. I'm about to wear all mine out!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my maternity favorites - and it wasn't too boring for you non-pregnant followers! I think it is a great mix of items that are long lasting and stylish! Do you have any favorites to share? I'd love to hear more options! 

MY VERSION of biker chic

Now that hunting season is officially over, two of my friends and myself took advantage of daddy babysitters and hopped in the car for a girls night out trip to Atlanta.  Our first stop was Scott's Antique Market (I know, 2 months in a row but it's worth the trip!) where I found the perfect off white cow hide rug for Baby Owens' nursery! I can't wait to see how it looks in the room. The rest of the weekend was spent eating delicious food, gabbing about life, and enjoying a night of peaceful sleep. I'm trying to soak it all up while I can before Baby Owens makes his arrival!

You may remember my biker chic post before Christmas of me lusting after a leather jacket and my collage of some great options. Well, ya'll may have seen my instagram, but I finally snagged myself one this past weekend! It is faux, of course, but I really like it and wore it the same night I purchased it. It's from H&M and I opted for the light pink option (it looks more like a soft cream in person) because of the gold hardware. I love the cut and quality and you can't beat the price! So, if you're in the market for a reasonably priced, stylish leather jacket, try this one!

Here's my 23 week preggers self sportin my new jacket before dinner out in Atlanta - it's currently a little snug, but hopefully it won't be for forever! What do you think?

ROCK A BYE baby

When I was at Scott's antique mall in January, somehow I became fixated on vintage rocking horses. I don't know what made me take notice to them, but once I spotted 1 - I spotted 20. Unfortunately, any of the super cute, truly vintage ones were mega pricy so I was about to give up when I noticed this precious, petite little guy. He is definitely for younger toddlers (standing at a massive 2 ft tall), but it was in my price range and I loved the rustic, gender neutral colors - immediately I knew it would be perfect for Baby Owens' nursery.

After looking through some of my inspiration pictures, again, I started to spy rocking horses (or any animal, really) left and right. They are truly a classic, vintage piece perfect for any kids room. I think it will be something fun to keep in the family and pass down. What do you think? Check out these inspiring nurseries.

This is what I imagine when you say - classic, vintage rocking horse - all wood, shaggy main and tail, and perfect height to hop up on to. If only this size would have been available in my price range ...

May not be a rocking horse, in fact I'm not positive what animal it is, but it definitely rocks and you can ride it. It looks so cozy and sweet! I love it's texture paired with the floating butterflies next to the clean, white walls and streamline crib. 

This is such a fun way to show off artwork - I've recently seen several creative ways of how to display art projects around the house ... but that's for another post! 

The simple, all wooden models are definitely very popular - an easy decision so that it doesn't compete with the rest of the nursery decor.

A nice, safe option with a back rest ... we don't want any babies falling out! 

I love this entire room - I would never have the guest to put all these similar color tones together and patterns, but it all works perfectly together. That cherry rug in the center is right amount of pop to play off of the blues. I'm also in love with the mini doll beds all lined up - how precious. Can you spot the vintage rocking horse!? 

That's it for now! I can't wait for the day when Baby Owens' can try out his rocking horse for the first time. Do you think he will like it!?

UPDATE: guest bedroom to NURSERY

Hello all! It seems wild that I just did an update post on Melrose's guest bedroom, and I all ready have another update to the room to share with you guys!  I knew all along that this room would eventually be a nursery so it shouldn't be that crazy to me.

I knew I would keep the same color palette of olive green, black & white, cream, white, and gold accents regardless of the sex, and then just add in touches of pink or orange if it was a girl or boy. As you all know, we are having a precious baby boy, so orange is the winner! Don't mind my crazy photoshop skills, but here is what I have mocked up so far for the nursery ...

We will leave one of the twin beds in the room and replace the other with a sitting nook and crib ...

I want to keep this side of the room simple and fuss free with all the focus on the crib and the hand knitted mobile. I know I am branching out and doing a pretty, accent chair rather than a rocker or glider, but this corner doesn't have much room and about 20 feet away in the den is a comfy recliner that rocks ... so I'm going for style points in the nursery!

This wall is opposite from the window and is sandwiched between two doors - a closest and entry. I want to hang a few of these acrylic book shelves on the back of each door since I don't have room for a bookshelf. We will use this dresser as a changing table and storage for all the baby goodies.

Here is an overall style board for the nursery. I want to hang this series of black of white vintage horse prints above the twin bed (opposite wall of the crib) and I'm still looking for a light cow hide rug to use. I'm really loving the direction of the room and I can't wait to see it all come together. 

check out all the sources on my nursery board

So, what do you think? I know it doesn't seem too "baby" but that also isn't my style. I want the room to be functional before and after the baby and not limited strictly to a nursery. I have updated the room a tad since the last pictures I posted -- I added the night stand and have made an attempt at bedside lighting ... but I'm not 100% sold on the lamps. I need your opinion! Here is a quick phone iphoto to give you an idea -

 [ignore the knick knacks on the table] 

I like how they are directional and don't occupy too much space on the table, but I can't decide on the darker brass finish or if they are too tall and slender. They are much daintier than I imagined which is good, but now I can't tell if the center post looks awkward next to the bed frames!? What's your opinion? I don't really have another idea except for maybe these gold task lamps, but I think they will definitely be shorter and chunkier. I'm leaving them for now and they are starting to grow on me.

That's what I have so far for Baby Owens' nursery! For so long I've had so many ideas running through my head, so now I'm super excited to have settled on a direction that I love. And now is the fun part, seeing it all come together! I'll be sure and keep ya'll posted ... 

LUSCIOUS SOFAS

Ever since we moved into Melrose I have dreamed of replacing Brandon's bachelor pad sofas (yes, he has a matching pair) with two vintage leather club chairs and a beautiful, luscious velvet sofa. The richness of the velvet would be a perfect contrast to our stark white walls and neutral decor. I am drawn to darker shades - olive, sienna, gray - and these rooms just influence me even more. 

sources via

Here are some sofas I have had my eye on:

This mink velvet with brass nailhead accents is gorgeous. The lines are simple and classic and you could always find a place for this sofa in your house. 

the balmoral sofa from jayson home

I love how full and comfy this sofa appears - and it is just as stylish without all the pillows! It looks fancy and sophisticated without being uptight and rigid. 

the holloway sofa by jayson home

I am head over heels for this sienna toned sofa - not too dark, not too light ... it's a nice neutral that still grabs your eye. Although I love the tufts, I think the husband would say it isn't "comfortable" enough ...

shoreditch sofa by jayson home

This olive green is amazing. I would bring this home right away and love it for forever. I doubt I could ever afford this exact one, but it gives me inspiration!

the highland sofa by cs post & co

the morgan sofa by jayson home

Currently, At Home in Homewood has a lovely gray velvet sofa that I sit on and lust over every time I'm in the store. I know it loves me too. I guess Baby Owens needs a crib and nursery before I decide to replace a sofa! Here's to dreaming ...

GENDER REVEAL PARTY

So, last Thursday night was Baby Owens' reveal party and it was an absolute blast. We had so many amazing friends join in on our excitement and it meant the world to us! The party couldn't have been any better! 

To our wonderful friends that attended, and especially the ones that drove just for the night -- thank you, thank you, thank you for being such a blessing to us! I can't even put into words how grateful we are, but please know how much we appreciate your support and kindness. 

On to the details! Here is the invitation I designed to email to our guests. I used the chalkboard background and elements throughout the rest of the party details. 

Here are some room shots before the party kicked off. I custom ordered the tassel banner and mini cake topper from Tuck & Bonte. I chose a gender neutral color palette of blush, cream gold, mint, and baby blue. I love the way it turned out and will definitely be saving it for future parties! We had the hot chocolate bar set up in the dining room, voting booth on the buffet, and chili bar in the kitchen. 

I designed ballots and stickers for the guests to participate in the reveal. Everyone loved submitting their vote and watching the Owens precinct develop. 

I left up some of my "wintery" Christmas decorations for the party and decided to clip baby pictures of Brandon and I on the garland. Brandon was one cute little boy!

We tallied the votes before cutting the cake and the leading candidate was BOY! Brandon sported a pink shirt in the beginning, although I think he was secretly hoping for a boy, and then changed to blue once the cake cutting was over. He is so silly!

How beautiful is the cake!? The talented Laura Burton from Uprising Cakes made it and I could not have been more impressed. The ombre with ruffles was gorgeous, not to mention mouth watering delicious!

Brandon and I are elated about having a precious baby boy! Now that we know the sex I can really get started on the nursery! But don't worry, I won't post only about baby stuff! Thanks for all the sweet wishes and congrats!