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Becoming a stay at home mom (+ a few tips I've learned so far)
I've had many different roles in my career, and my most recent transition to being a stay at home mom has been the most challenging and rewarding yet. I've wanted to be a mama for as long as I can remember and had always hoped for the opportunity to stay home with my babies. I knew being a stay at home mom wouldn't be easy but wow did I underestimate it. Instead of the home cooked meals and projects I had envisioned, I'm lucky if I get to shower. Instead of daily exercising and trying out creative activities, it's more like figuring out how many times you can re-dry a load of clothes to avoid folding them (mamas, I know you feel me on this...). I can't tell you how many times I've grocery shopped only to realize I forgot to get the main things or how often I count down until bedtime and then spend my evening looking at photos of the baby. How's that for reality? While the transition has been a big one, there is absolutely nothing else I would rather do and I am forever grateful to have this precious time with Mills and for a husband who values and appreciates all that I do.
I have girlfriends that are stay at home moms, some that are full time or part time working moms and it's amazing how "mom guilt" finds it's way in either way. The reality is that there's no one way to be a mom and that no matter what, it is a hard but beautiful job. Here are a few tips to the whole SAHM gig that I've learned so far...
clean up as you go :: it's easy for the day to feel like an endless cycle of cleaning up messes so for me, it helps so much to clean as I go so that it doesn't pile up and take over. Little things like cleaning the dishes as you prepare lunch or taking a few minutes to tidy up the toys at the end of playtime can help so much to keep you from spending every free moment cleaning up yet another mess.
have a plan for the day :: this one is so critical for me because it seems like every time I turn around it's time for a bottle or food or a nap. If you have a plan, then you can take advantage of that time between naps to get out and about to run an errand, head to the park, or meet a friend. If you aren't intentional about your day it can fly by without getting anything accomplished which can be frustrating. Just like for a job outside of the home, scheduling your day and having a plan for what you need to get done can help keep you on track and maximize your time. For us, with Max's schedule changing so often and me being home, we live and die by our shared calendar. Scheduling even everyday activities, like grocery shopping or time for ourselves or with friends, really helps us make sure that we're on the same page.
be present :: sometimes the best plan is to have no plan and just be present. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the to do list or your phone that you forget how special the little moments happening right in front of you truly are. Being a stay at home mom means that you are there for the simple in-between moments, the extra snuggles and the new discoveries and that is the most wonderful thing so be sure to soak it up because it flies by. One day you will miss the mess, the noise, and the baby who wants nothing more than to be held.
give yourself grace and credit :: being a stay at home mom is not easy. When asked "what do you do" I often find myself overcompensating -"I am a stay at home mom... for now at least while he's little... and then we'll see... I might do design part time..". Why do I do that!? Why do I feel like I need to explain myself and my decision to stay home with my son? Being a stay at home mom has been the most wonderful and fulfilling thing I have ever done. Sure, it can also be lonely and exhausting at times but it is so worth it. It's okay to love it, it's okay not to love it - what matters is you're doing what is best for yourself, your baby and your family and that is incredible.
Sometimes simply knowing you're not alone in your feelings and experiences surrounding motherhood can make all the difference. Motherly is one of my favorite resources for mamas and their "this is motherhood" video series is so beautiful and inspiring (queue the waterworks!).
On my radar // Anthropologie Home Spring 2019
The new Anthropologie Spring Home Journal came this week and oh my they have outdone themselves. This season, "A lived-in home - one that exudes charm and personality - is at the heart of the new collection" and while that charm and personality is what Anthro is known for, I am excited to also see a focus on more neutral styles and even a collaboration with Joanna Gaines! This Spring collection does a beautiful job of showcasing the many styles of Anthropologie Home from bold and whimsical, to neutral and layered and all of the quirky collected looks in between.
As a Home Stylist for Anthropologie, I loved helping clients achieve the beloved "Anthro look" while blending with their own personal style and I think this season's collection offers more than ever before to make that possible. These are a few of the gorgeous and quirky pieces on my radar (now, if only I still had that employee discount...)
Madelyn Faceted Sconce | Grecian Bust Pot | Jessa Beaded Chandelier | Hourglass Indoor Outdoor Side Table
Daniella Buffet | Rara Pendant | Tufted Anjulie Rug | Lucienne Inlay Cabinet
Did you know Anthropologie offers complimentary home styling services? It is truly an incredible service and a great way to discover all that Anthro has to offer. Learn more or find a design center location near you here.
// images all property of Anthropologie //
Did you know Anthropologie offers complimentary home styling services? It is truly an incredible service and a great way to discover all that Anthro has to offer. Learn more or find a design center location near you here.
// images all property of Anthropologie //
Edgewood Cottage Update // How to Mix and Match Dining Chairs
It's been a while since I've shared our progress on our Edgewood Cottage and you may remember this post with my inspiration for our mix and match dining chairs. I have to admit I was a bit worried it was going to turn out to be a total hodgepodge but I am so happy with the final look! We still have a long way to go for this dining space... the rug is too narrow, the chandelier is outdated and too high, the tiny white console has got to go and I would love a large scale buffet and mirror or artwork above... but I want to take my time to find the perfect pieces that I truly love. Once we have everything else in place I think it will be the eclectic, collected look I've been dreaming of. Until then, we're loving our mix and match chairs and even added a highchair for baby Mills which we are so happy blends in with the rest of our home. Achieving the mix and match look without it feeling random can be tricky, so here are a few tips for how to get the look:Keep the scale consistent :: go for chairs that are similar in scale and have relatively the same seat and back height. The consistency of scale will help tie together the variety of shapes and finishes.
Go for sets of three :: having three of the same chair, spaced diagonally from one another, will help it from feeling too random. For example, since we need 8 total chairs I chose to do 3 natural wood, 3 dark walnut, and 2 black - this way I can space them out "randomly" but still have visual balance (we swapped out one of the natural wood chairs for the natural wood high chair but you get the idea).
Consider the style, era and material :: while I love an eclectic look, grouping chairs of all different colors materials or styles can feel overwhelming and disjointed. Using chairs with a thread of similarity will help it feel intentional.
And just like any home or decorating project, just give it a try and see how it feels. You may have to tweak or change it up but that's what makes it fun! Stay tuned for more progress - because I have the spring cleaning / home refresh bug something serious.
And just like any home or decorating project, just give it a try and see how it feels. You may have to tweak or change it up but that's what makes it fun! Stay tuned for more progress - because I have the spring cleaning / home refresh bug something serious.
8 Clever Design Ideas For A Quick Room Refresh // Guest Post by Decor Aid
Allow us to introduce ourselves: we’re Dรฉcor Aid, an international interior design firm based in NYC. We focus on matching you with the best interior designer for your needs, pulling from a roster of over 500 designers that work with us worldwide. We’re excited to pass along a little interior design insight from our expert designers for the Something Lovely readers. Read on for a few smart and skillful tips to upgrade your room with ease.
The idea of renovating a room often sends many people’s heads into a tailspin of ‘how much will this cost?’, ‘how do I choose a style?’ and ‘where do I start?’. But a room update doesn’t always imply a huge upheaval or a painstaking redesign that requires an outrageous budget. Oftentimes, you can completely change the appearance of your room by implementing small—but smart—changes throughout the space.
No matter if you’re looking to update your bedroom, living room, kitchen, or any other type of room you might have in your home, these are tips that are universal in modifying any space. Find inspiration with some of these clever ideas and see big changes.
1. Paint the Trim
When we choose a paint color for a room, we’re often too focused on the main wall color to notice that the trim can transform the look of the space, too. Most people commonly go with a white trim, as it’s bound to match any color. However, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your space but still get enjoyment out of your wall color, consider repainting the trim in a new color.
One of the most simple but effective tricks can be seen in a white wall with a black trim, which brings drama and depth through contrast. But you aren’t limited to neutrals— try colors that you wouldn’t normally consider, like red, turquoise, or aubergine, which are some of our interior designers’ favorites. Those with a blank white wall have the holy grail, with every opportunity to choose an unexpected color and seamlessly bring in a vibrant new shade. Be a little bit more adventurous with your color and see how it changes the room.
2. Add Vibrancy
In the same vein, don’t be afraid to invite a bold new color into the space. A trend on the horizon to take notice of is the addition of unapologetically vibrant colors, like yellow, teal, magenta, or red. This ads a punch of color that expresses your own style, and guests will consider your design all the more bold for it. You’d be surprised at how a room can still appear elegant, put-together and sophisticated even with the inclusion of a loud color. The trick is in the edit. You should consider using either a handful of small objects or accents in a bold new shade, or stick to a single large-scale statement piece, like a sofa or a lounge chair.
3. Replace Hardware
Instead of tossing an outdated credenza, redoing your cabinets, or investing in new bedside tables, refurbish them with new handles, knobs, or drawer pulls. For a modern, minimalistic look, our designers prefer flat bar handles or pulls fashioned in brass or gold. This also gives you the freedom to better match your metals to to the current shade of the piece, or repaint as to give the whole thing a new look. You’ll find many knobs are decorative, with ornate details painted into them, so leaving your pieces as a blank slate is also no problem.
4. Incorporate Some Feng Shui
The most cost effective option on this list, feng shui can breathe new life into your home with simple rearrangements and improvements to flow. Feng shui uses the idea of energy to create harmony within an environment, which can be performed by arranging your furniture in a particular way. Reconsider the layout of your home, and incorporate elements from feng shui into it to create a better flow to elevate your home. This can be as simple as maximizing the amount of natural light you get while sitting on your couch, or feeling more in harmony with your household by repositioning chairs.
5. Use Lamps as Art
While lamps add necessary and valuable light, there are numerous creative options that mimic the appearance of a piece of sculptural art. Include a new piece that’s functional and appealing to the eye with a unique lamp that adds to the overall interior design of your space. Filling an end table or bringing life to an empty space has never looked so bright with an element that truly catches the eye.
6. Add Floating Shelves
If you’re looking to maximize your available space and make your accessories appear a bit more organized, look to floating shelves. Floating shelves are more pared down and sleek looking than a traditional shelf with exposed hardware, and it gives you the opportunity to bring a bare wall to life. While a piece of art may take up the same amount of wallspace, with floating shelves you’re able to include more photos, books, or trinkets, in a more organized fashion within the same amount of space. It’s an excellent way to streamline and reimagine your decor while freeing up room.
7. Include Graphic Elements
Graphic elements are huge in the world of contemporary design trends. You’ll find many wallpapers going for bold shapes, rugs featuring geometric lines, and art getting more and more minimalistic but remaining just as eye-catching. Graphic shapes are taking over in all forms of design and decor, with pared down colors like black and white being used to supplement the rest of a room. This modern twist on patterns and prints is striking and always attracts the eye. Simplicity is key, but keep your lines bold and your colors loud. If you’re looking to amp up your room, include a graphic print in your room. Our designers recommend a geometric wallpaper on an accent wall or a handful of bold but minimal throw pillows.
8. Layer Your Rugs
This is a relatively new trend that has increased in popularity within the last few years. Layering your rugs helps to better designate spaces and the lines that dictate them, but also allows you to have your cake and eat it too when choosing rugs. One of our designers’ favorite methods to adding a little extra glam to a space is to layer a faux fur rug on top of a more traditional Persian rug, so that the solid fur lays over the pattern in a way that is appealing to the eye. Layered rectangular rugs can also bring some more visual order, and give the illusion of a space within a space.
For more information, inspiration and interior design tips visit Decor Aid and Decor Mag.
8 Clever Design Ideas For A Quick Room Refresh
No matter if you’re looking to update your bedroom, living room, kitchen, or any other type of room you might have in your home, these are tips that are universal in modifying any space. Find inspiration with some of these clever ideas and see big changes.
1. Paint the Trim
When we choose a paint color for a room, we’re often too focused on the main wall color to notice that the trim can transform the look of the space, too. Most people commonly go with a white trim, as it’s bound to match any color. However, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your space but still get enjoyment out of your wall color, consider repainting the trim in a new color.
One of the most simple but effective tricks can be seen in a white wall with a black trim, which brings drama and depth through contrast. But you aren’t limited to neutrals— try colors that you wouldn’t normally consider, like red, turquoise, or aubergine, which are some of our interior designers’ favorites. Those with a blank white wall have the holy grail, with every opportunity to choose an unexpected color and seamlessly bring in a vibrant new shade. Be a little bit more adventurous with your color and see how it changes the room.
2. Add Vibrancy
In the same vein, don’t be afraid to invite a bold new color into the space. A trend on the horizon to take notice of is the addition of unapologetically vibrant colors, like yellow, teal, magenta, or red. This ads a punch of color that expresses your own style, and guests will consider your design all the more bold for it. You’d be surprised at how a room can still appear elegant, put-together and sophisticated even with the inclusion of a loud color. The trick is in the edit. You should consider using either a handful of small objects or accents in a bold new shade, or stick to a single large-scale statement piece, like a sofa or a lounge chair.
3. Replace Hardware
Instead of tossing an outdated credenza, redoing your cabinets, or investing in new bedside tables, refurbish them with new handles, knobs, or drawer pulls. For a modern, minimalistic look, our designers prefer flat bar handles or pulls fashioned in brass or gold. This also gives you the freedom to better match your metals to to the current shade of the piece, or repaint as to give the whole thing a new look. You’ll find many knobs are decorative, with ornate details painted into them, so leaving your pieces as a blank slate is also no problem.
4. Incorporate Some Feng Shui
The most cost effective option on this list, feng shui can breathe new life into your home with simple rearrangements and improvements to flow. Feng shui uses the idea of energy to create harmony within an environment, which can be performed by arranging your furniture in a particular way. Reconsider the layout of your home, and incorporate elements from feng shui into it to create a better flow to elevate your home. This can be as simple as maximizing the amount of natural light you get while sitting on your couch, or feeling more in harmony with your household by repositioning chairs.
5. Use Lamps as Art
While lamps add necessary and valuable light, there are numerous creative options that mimic the appearance of a piece of sculptural art. Include a new piece that’s functional and appealing to the eye with a unique lamp that adds to the overall interior design of your space. Filling an end table or bringing life to an empty space has never looked so bright with an element that truly catches the eye.
6. Add Floating Shelves
If you’re looking to maximize your available space and make your accessories appear a bit more organized, look to floating shelves. Floating shelves are more pared down and sleek looking than a traditional shelf with exposed hardware, and it gives you the opportunity to bring a bare wall to life. While a piece of art may take up the same amount of wallspace, with floating shelves you’re able to include more photos, books, or trinkets, in a more organized fashion within the same amount of space. It’s an excellent way to streamline and reimagine your decor while freeing up room.
7. Include Graphic Elements
Graphic elements are huge in the world of contemporary design trends. You’ll find many wallpapers going for bold shapes, rugs featuring geometric lines, and art getting more and more minimalistic but remaining just as eye-catching. Graphic shapes are taking over in all forms of design and decor, with pared down colors like black and white being used to supplement the rest of a room. This modern twist on patterns and prints is striking and always attracts the eye. Simplicity is key, but keep your lines bold and your colors loud. If you’re looking to amp up your room, include a graphic print in your room. Our designers recommend a geometric wallpaper on an accent wall or a handful of bold but minimal throw pillows.
8. Layer Your Rugs
This is a relatively new trend that has increased in popularity within the last few years. Layering your rugs helps to better designate spaces and the lines that dictate them, but also allows you to have your cake and eat it too when choosing rugs. One of our designers’ favorite methods to adding a little extra glam to a space is to layer a faux fur rug on top of a more traditional Persian rug, so that the solid fur lays over the pattern in a way that is appealing to the eye. Layered rectangular rugs can also bring some more visual order, and give the illusion of a space within a space.
For more information, inspiration and interior design tips visit Decor Aid and Decor Mag.
Hello and Welcome
Hello friends! With it being the start of a new year and my ninth year blogging (wow, what!?) I wanted to take a second to thank those of you that have been following along and introduce myself to those of you who may be new. I'm Lauren - I am an interior designer, home stylist, blogger and most recently a stay at home mom. I love sharing my inspirations, adventures and tips here on my blog.The posts here on Something Lovely look quite different these days. When I first started this little blog of mine I was a recent grad looking for my voice in the design world. Over the years, it has evolved alongside my life and I've shared everything from design and inspiration to travel, marriage, moving, pregnancy and most recently motherhood. Something lovely has become my diary that I share with the world, it is my hobby, my creative writing outlet and how many of my friends and family keep tabs on me. I love hearing from people who follow along, from childhood friends to businesses and fellow bloggers, I am always flattered and sometimes shocked. I recently realized just how much of my life has been chronicled here and how fun it is to look back and see what I was sharing or experiencing one, two, or even eight years ago. So much has changed and in a way so much has stayed the same. Something Lovely has grown and changed with me and I am grateful that I still truly enjoy blogging and write new posts because I have something to share.
For those of you who have been here since the beginning, thank you! For those of you who are new or may have stumbled across my blog, welcome! Lately, the posts seem to be few and far between but I will be sure to continue to share along the way as I embrace motherhood, decorating our edgewood cottage, marriage, family, friends, and all of the lovely moments in between!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! We're getting back to reality over here after a wonderful Christmas with family and a little beach getaway to ring in the new year. We spent a few nights down in Seagrove beach and it was so wonderful to slow down and relax, just the three of us. Max and Mills got such special uninterrupted time together and our little man is just changing so rapidly before our eyes. Everyone always said "they grow up so fast" but my god they weren't kidding. Just since last week, Mills has two teeth popping through, he has started sitting up on his own and is fascinated with touching everything in sight. With so many firsts, it got me thinking about all of the things we've done for the last time with him (like his last sink bath - big boy loves the tub now!) and how much he has changed which made my mama heart so happy and nostalgic all at once. On one hand, I miss those newborn grunts and swaddling my tiny boy and on the other, it's so amazing to get to know his little personality and watch him learn and explore the world around him, and of course I think of all of the mamas out there who would give anything to see their babies grow and change. So along with my typical new year's resolutions of healthy eating, exercising blah blah my goal for this year, and for all of motherhood, is to cherish the stages and moments as they happen because each stage, good and bad, is precious and fleeting and I'm so grateful to be mama to this growing, changing boy. Here's to a new year full of savoring the special moments, big and small.
On my radar // Baby's First Christmas
Christmas is right around the corner and we've already been stocking up on gifts for baby Mills' first Christmas! It is just so fun to buy him things and watch him as he discovers a new toy or activity, and with so much baby gear out there I really have to rein it in. Since he'll only be 6 months old it's really more for me and Max at this point but it's still oh so fun. I'm getting so sentimental just thinking about it! These are a few of the things on my radar for baby boy's first Christmas including toys, books, clothes, something useful, something to grow into, and something personalized!
Bumpkins sleeved bib + Happy Mat :: we're starting baby foods soon so and I hear that these are life savers
First Years Stack Up Cups :: the simple toys are always his favorite
Fisher Price Classic Infant Trio + Maxim Preschool Collection ABC Block Set :: can't go wrong with the classics
Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug 'n Secure Grow With Me Swing :: this will be so fun come spring
Cuddle + Kind Benedict the Bunny :: is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen!? These precious little dolls are hand-knit and help feed children - for every doll sold, they give 10 meals to children in need.
Carl's Christmas :: Carl books are just so sweet - my mom collected them and I can't wait to share them with Millsy
Cloud Island Play Mat :: the perfect little comfy spot for tummy time in our living room or on the go
Footed Thermal One Piece :: we love Old Navy's soft (and affordable) baby onesies
Vans Slip On Crib Shoe :: got to have a little california style for this boy
Joovy Spoon Walker :: I debated between this and the skip hop activity center but I figure this gives him mobility and has a big enough tray for all his favorite toys. Can't wait to see him wheeling around the house in this thing!
Sharp Tooth Studio Custom Name Pennant :: this little etsy shop has the cutest pennants - perfect for gifting
What's on your Baby's First Christmas list?
Family Photos with Rachel and Noah Ray
I love family photos and think it's so special to document the milestones and precious moments in your life. When Mills was born I couldn't wait to have photos taken of him. Since he was a preemie we weren't able to do newborn photos but by four months he was healthy enough for visitors and it turned out to be the perfect time to capture his little personality. We were so excited to work with Rachel and Noah Ray who did our engagement and wedding photos - it was like being reunited with old friends! They did such a beautiful job and captured such sweet moments with our precious Mills. We love their ability to capture real moments as they unfold as well as the details of our home and this special time in our lives. They took so many great photos, these are just a few of my favorites of our family, our home and sweet Mills at 4 months.
Thank you Rachel and Noah - we will cherish these forever!
// Find our more about Rachel and Noah here - we cannot recommend them enough! //
Edgewood Cottage // Mix and Match Dining Chair Inspiration
We've been in our home five months now and with things finally settling into a bit of a routine, we're starting to work on getting it just the way we want it! One of the things we loved most about our little edgewood cottage is that it's old (built in 1949) but updated enough that we don't need to do much - just some loving touches and the fun stuff. Of course I'm already dreaming of a total kitchen remodel and adding on an outdoor room but for now it's all about the furniture and details.
First on our list was a front porch swing and I love it so much - it's such a great spot to spend the evening, swinging and watching the neighborhood kids play in the front yards. Next, we replaced our tiny little ikea sofa with a big comfy sectional and now the whole family can stretch out and lounge comfortably together and it's amazing! Up next is our dining room - we're hosting Thanksgiving this year so we want to be sure we have plenty of space for the whole family. We got a beautiful farm table that seats eight and have been using four hand-me-down chairs until we figured out exactly what we wanted. While I originally thought we would get all new matching chairs, the hand-me-down chairs have really grown on me so we're planning to keep those four and add in a variety of vintage inspired chairs (only because I wasn't able to find actual vintage ones in good shape). I have always loved the eclectic mix-and-match look and after finding these beautiful collected dining room spaces as inspiration I don't think I can do it any other way! Achieving the casual and collected look without it feeling random or haphazard can be tricky and it is so hard to pull the trigger on decisions for my own home but I have a feeling I am going to love it. Stay tuned for an update on how it turns out and tips for how to get the look!
(via Wit & Delight)
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| via MyDomaine |
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| via Emily Henderson |
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| via the Everygirl |
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| via New Darlings |
Babies don't keep : Some much needed perspective in the morning mirror
When I look at my sweet Mills I feel like he is getting so big - that tiny little fragile bird that I once knew is now a chunky, smiley, chatty little infant! (Time slow down!) But this morning as I walked by the mirror in our guest room and caught a glimpse of mills all snuggled up on my chest I realized just how tiny he really still is, and in true Mills Harry fashion he flashed his precious grin. This is not normally the type of photo I would share here on the world wide web but in that moment I got a dose of perspective that I so desperately needed - stop worrying, these are the moments that matter, start savoring every minute.As a new mom, I'm realizing more and more that the days are long but the years are short. I get so consumed with his development and his growth and what I should be doing to help him along the way - is it time to drop the swaddle? Paci or thumb? Did he get a long enough nap? Did he get enough play time? Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong? The list goes on and on. I get so focused on doing everything just right that I forget to really take him in and be there in the moment. This is my biggest fault - overplanning and overthinking instead of just being present.
Parenthood is exhausting and overwhelming, beautiful and rewarding and the most incredible gift and responsibility I've ever had. Babies don't keep and this little one is growing right before my eyes. When I stop to really take him in I realize that I will never get this day or this moment with him again and it makes me just want to soak up every second. So I'm going to spend less time worrying about all the ways I might mess him up and instead hold him a little longer, snuggle him a little tighter, lean on my instincts more than google and embrace those middle of the night feedings because some day, sooner than I want to admit, he will be a rough tough little boy who doesn't want to snuggle up in my arms like he used too.
So thank you guest bedroom mirror, for giving me a glimpse at my beautiful tiny boy and reminding me to soak up every second.
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