It's a Girl

Oh how we play mind games with ourselves while pregnant. I have anyway. Growing up, I always had the feeling I'd have a girl first (that my family would be made up mostly of girls actually). Think that's because I grew up with three sisters and a brother at the end? Because I always thought I'd have a girl first I was now convinced it would be a boy instead.

Since pregnant, I didn't want to tell people that I had a feeling one way or that I wanted a certain sex. You just set yourself up to be wrong and look bad! I kept mum, except for going into way too much detail (on the above) to people I'm sure didn't really want the entire backstory.

For the past few weeks I've been getting ready for the baby to be a boy. I became really excited about the idea of a miniature Ben running around. His dad would teach him golf and I'd teach him how to throw a ball.

Then we find out it's a girl! Of course, just when I was ready for a boy. The ultrasound tech announced it and the nurse said in 25 years she'd never seen him wrong. Lying flat on the table I could hardly make out anything on the screen, with exception of the spine - that one's easy. It is kind of surreal to instantly have someone tell you what you're having. It's like, "If you say so! I guess I'll start shopping for pink."

I must admit I am really excited. (and that my pink stash was slightly larger than my blue stash). Now on to names, nursery design and all that other fun stuff.

p.s. - I don't know HOW people go 10 months without knowing what they're having. It has helped me (and esp. Ben) connect with the baby/pregnancy so much more. It's also a tremendous surprise to look forward to and a great way to celebrate your half-way mark. And what about all those necessary preparations? Like you have something else going on for the next five months and want to save all that shopping for AFTER baby? I don't get it.

Studio 5 Segment - Going back to "Grandma"

Today I shot a segment with Brooke that she initially titled, "To Grandma's House We Go" - completely frightening right off the bat, however, it turned out to be a great topic for a change. As soon as I started picturing vintage and Anthropologie and not Mama's Family it was so much easier to pull together and put my name on it. Take a look and tell me what you think. It is actually a legit trend for 2010, believe it or not. Below is the video and my article for the website.

(click here to watch on ksl's website)

In 2010, a new home décor trend is coming from an unexpected place: your grandma’s house. Believe it or not, there is a noticeable emerging style that revolves around pieces you might remember from your grandmother’s house. It’s a style that, at its core, revolves around creating more comforting spaces - implementing vintage pieces like patchwork quilts, hooked rugs, needlepoint and even chintz fabric. One L.A.- based designer described it well when he said, “more American pie, less flash in the pan.” Today designer Lauren Oviatt is here to break down this trend and show you ways to make this style a part of your own home.

For the last several seasons we’ve been talking about trends like “transitional” and “contemporary” – I’m not saying those trends are going away any time soon; however, those styles may not be as easy to implement as people would hope. It’s easy to look at a stylish glossy magazine photo and fall in love with the décor in the picture; it seems cool with all the sleek finishes, bold colors and fancy furniture pieces. Most of the time, though, we’re working a sofa we’ve had for a while – or – a lifestyle that isn’t so conducive to white linen sofas and mirrored furniture. Having this new trend that reflects back on a comfortable way of living is refreshing in its simplicity.

1. Color Schemes
One of the biggest keys to successfully pulling off this ‘grandma’ style is to be careful of antiquated color schemes. Choose color palettes that have bright pops of color and other more trendy shades, chartreuse, aqua, mustard yellow and coral (not all at once per say). The safest bet is to look for patterns with light or white backgrounds… guaranteed to look current and fresh.

2. Texture
When we speak of ‘comfortable living,’ we immediately picture deep sofas and chairs, soft pillows and cozy blankets. Nothing is more ‘grandma’ than a crocheted throw or needlepoint pillow…don’t be afraid to try them. However, don’t get sloppy. Whereas our grandmas may have thrown a blanket over the back of the sofa or draped it casually over a chair – a more clean approach for today’s homeowner would be to place a neatly-folded throw over the arm of a chair or the end cushion of a sofa, gently cascading over the front.

3. Making it Personal
You may have hand-me-downs from grandma or your own parents that you’d like to display. Make it personal! Displaying heirlooms in your home is not only a great way of remembering the past but also, the items become conversation pieces and create tons of character. Not into antique pictures? Try displaying old clocks, hang plates on the wall in an interesting configuration, or give display space to anything you have a collection of. If you don’t have family heirlooms (or don’t like what you’ve been given), find a way of making your own. Someday you’ll be passing it on to your children.

The key to remember is that this ‘grandma’ style doesn’t have to be out of date. My advice is to try it in small doses – a throw here, a picture there… and don’t throw good design out the window.

Weekend with the folks & Linds

This weekend was so great & so full of activities and travelers! Lindsey flew in Friday for the weekend to spend some time with Granny. Of course I had to tag along. It is so fun to be around her and I'd been looking forward to her visit for months.

On a whim, my dad decided to come down from Monty to spend Saturday with us. Dean had just finished his state basketball tournament and I guess Dad figured he was already on the road so why not drive 9 more hours. Ben joined us Saturday for lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then the four of us spent the afternoon walking around the Gateway. Before driving back to Orem with Lindsey, Dad insisted we have dinner at the Burger Bar - a dive he'd seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". We drove to Roy. If you don't know where Roy is... it's another 30 miles north of Salt Lake near Ogden. No big deal to Dad! I had to capture the memory - I told the guy taking the picture that we'd driven all the way from Montana to eat there. :) Its always a treat to spend quality time with Dad, I was glad for his 24 hour visit.



Sunday Mom flew in on her way back from Alabama where she'd visited Taryn at their new place in Montgomery. Talk about a jet-setter. Mom didn't want to miss the fun either, so she stopped for a day in Utah to play with me and Linds. We went to the temple with Granny on Monday morning which was really nice. The more family the merrier when you're going to the temple, I think.


What a fun weekend! Its great to live in Utah -- seems like family and friends are always passing through and I get to reap the benefits.

Baby Corry is here

My sister-in-law McCall had her baby today - three days before she was due for her induction. It was amazingly quick, especially for me! I took little Halle (McCall's 2 year-old) home for a nap and when she woke up, she had a sister! Some people make delivery look so easy. I have very low hopes for my own. Expect the worst and then anything else seems easy?

Matt & McCall have named her Corry (McCall's maiden name) and she is a petite beauty. Cute little features and practically perfect in every way. So happy for them - now they're a party of four!

(I'm sure McCall will post more pictures, this is all I had - her blog is here)

Spring Paper

I'm on Horchow's email list - our showroom carries much of the same furniture, accessories and rug lines and I like to see how their buyers choose product and the interesting ways they customize pieces for the public.

One thing I'd love to get into with our showroom is more 'gifty' stuff - not knick knacks but more like stationery, fine bath products and tableware including dishes, glasses and linens. I was inspired this week by some of the new paper introductions from Vera Wang and others featured through Horchow. Who doesn't love to receive a hand-written note? And on pretty paper? Even more fun. These cards certainly aren't the most inexpensive way to say 'thank you' - but what fun inspiration by way of color and pattern design.

Lunch Outing

Saturday we went out to Macaroni Grill for a 'last hurrah' - my sister-in-law McCall is due with her second baby any day now and we just had to do a little lunch for her before #2 arrives. It was fun to catch up with her sister and mom - along with the girls from our side of the family that were there (minus three).

I just keep wondering what her baby will look like. Will she come out with lots of shiny black hair like her (now blonde) sister? Halle was (is) the sweetest little thing and I can't wait to meet the new baby. (McCall is the gorgeous one on the far left that looks not pregnant at all, I should've stood back by her)

Waffles and Fries

A few weeks ago I was heading back to work from a doctor's appointment and, as it happens these days, hunger struck without warning. I wasn't in the mood for fast food and it wasn't really lunch time. Luckily I was driving through a downtown area where each block has at least one bakery/ pastry shop.

Score. I stopped into a tiny place off of Broadway and between 3rd and 4th west (right by Tony Caputo's and Cucina Toscana). The sign said "waffles and frites." It's no secret I love fries and the accompanying fry sauce/ketchup. Why not. I do what I want these days where my appetite is concerned. Correction: I do what baby tells me.

The gentleman inside was clearly the owner - (the shop is called Bruges and he was unmistakeably Belgian) - he recommended the carmelized 'gaufre' (waffle) and homemade creme fraiche (whipped cream). I've learned not to reject the house special. As he pulled the dough from the waffle press I thought, "Oh great, he burned it." Plus it looked small for $5. They packaged the waffle, some whipped cream, and strawberries/blueberries and I was on my way.

It was warm and I was hungry so I sat in my car and had a taste. What I experienced next was hard to put into words... how does one describe the beach at sunset? This waffle was unlike any so-called 'waffle' I'd ever tasted before. Warm, rich, cake-y, carmelized. Simply incredible. Unbelievable. And the creme fraiche: proverbial icing on the cake.

If you are within three hours driving distance from this bakery - make the trip. I promise you won't be disappointed. It will change the way you look at waffles. Find them online here: Bruges Waffles & Frites. They are only open 10-5 so plan accordingly. I have dreams about these waffles and can't wait for my next excuse to get downtown and treat myself to a little $5 piece of heaven. I hear they also have a chocolate-dipped waffle.

p.s. - think I left without trying the frites? you know me too well. I ordered a small cone of fries and they were VERY good. Fresh cut, double fried, but still perfectly soft and not crunchy, just the way I like them. The owner gives you your choice of 'dipping sauce' - a mayo menu of sorts. Very unique. I had the 'mammoth' - fry sauce with a kick. Delish.