Playdate

Blair is truly fascinated by little people, and I mean kids.  Or anyone smaller than the two people she is around 99% of the time.  She turns into an excited little observer.  So much to see! So much to learn! I can see the excitement in her face (and in her squeals and those hilarious ankle rotations). 

My fun neighbor Danielle's little girl is two months older than Blair - and is leaps and bounds ahead of her.  Eight teeth and counting, motoring all over the place and more.  I really enjoy when Blair gets to play with other babies and kids - I don't want her to be an isolated only child.  It's always felt strange to think that she'll forever be my 'oldest'.

I tried to take a few shots of them playing together - even with continuous snapshot mode most of the pictures were blurry.  The sequence of photos I found so appropriate - Sienna is running circles around Blair! The caption under the last picture would read Blair saying, "hey, where did you go?" (Sienna was already in the kitchen at her favorite tupperware hangout.)

Studio 5 : Five High - Impact Decorating Ideas

Great segment today.  I loved pulling this together because there are some elements of design that might be considered secondary... today we gave them front-row treatment.

You can watch the segment right here by clicking the window below, or click here to redirect to the video and article on the Studio 5 website.

Florals & Greenery

This time of year aren’t we all dying to bring some bright pops of color into our homes?  From picking up a bunch of tulips at your local grocery store to putting together a more lasting ‘preserved’ bouquet, both fresh and ‘faux’ arrangements add much-desired color and life to your space.  You don’t need a designer sourcebook … it’s easy to find flowers and plants in many shapes and sizes at your local market or garden center.  The best part is – you can customize your selection to fit both your personal style and color palette. 

Drapery

Valances and cornices are great, but I’m talking about floor to ceiling drapery here.  One of the quickest ways to add impact and drama to any space is by installing full-height drapery panels on the windows in a room.  They have an instant ‘coziness-factor’ and add a softness that can’t otherwise be achieved. This is one area where designers know – you get what you pay for.  Spend a little extra time choosing a luxurious heavyweight fabric (note: I didn’t say dark color) and make the smart choice to have them professionally lined and constructed.  You’ll never regret it.

Silver Accessories

While we’re on the topic of no-regret decorating… let’s talk about silver accessories and similar home-décor details. Metallics seem to be the continuing hot-trend, however, sterling silver pieces are like the dependable big brother and create a very similar look.  They are a classically traditional choice that will always be fashionable to display.  Think about collecting sterling silver frames and small jewel-box accessories to display together.  Consider adding eye-catching details like new polished nickel hardware on furniture or built-in cabinetry or shiny new bathroom accessories grouped on a modern silver tray.  Your eye will be drawn to the shiny hits of silver all around the room.

Wallpaper

Nothing creates more high-impact than wallpaper these days.  So often we see photos of stylish rooms designed with at least one wall devoted to some serious wallpaper patterns or similar stenciling.  Talk about drama! I think this trend is a much-needed replacement for the ‘accent wall’ of the 90’s. Do : wallpaper in small doses but maximize the impact by choosing a bold stripe, geometric or floral.  Don’t : wallpaper or stencil every room in your house just because it’s on-trend.  You’ll scare off the neighbors.

Paint

Re-painting any room is an easy and surefire way to add impact.  Paint selection is one of the most important decisions you will make when pulling a room together and can easily make or break any space in my opinion.  A well-chosen wall color makes everything in the room sing while the wrong color choice has a horribly negative affect on both the furniture in the room and the people who live there!  My tip here is test, test, test! Paint swatches on all four walls and check the color at all times of day and especially under lamp light at night.  Paint isn’t permanent, but it can be a time-consuming process so do your homework first.  Log on to Oviatt-Pratt & Associates’ Facebook page for six of my favorite foolproof paint colors.

Lacey's Baby Shower

This weekend was crazy.  Why is it that my social calendar is pretty much bare (embarrassingly bare) 99% of the time, and then I have ten events in one weekend? Well, not ten, but three. That is a lot for me.

Friday was Chelsey's wedding reception. She's a good friend from design school. I have no pictures but it was a lovely event. Cucina Nassi is a beautiful location and Chelsey's hand was in every last detail. So happy for her.

Saturday was my dear friend Lacey's baby shower. She is due in about five weeks with her first little one. A boy! When she found out what the sex was she announced to me, "A friend for Taryn's baby and a future hubby for Blair!" I have always loved the idea of a betrothal.  He is sure to be handsome and stylish (with great hair) and a sweetheart. What else would you get from a couple like Lacey and Ashton?  The shower was so great. I stuffed my face with all the delicious food and treats.  There were a LOT of people that came to shower Lacey with gifts... I'm telling you, they're a popular couple.  I am so happy for her and can't wait to meet their precious little one very soon.

I got to see Abby twice in two days! Her family grew up with Chelsey's. How fun to run in the same social circle with her. :) Saturday evening was the annual auction for the Mali charity that my mother-in-law co-chairs.  Such a great event and cause and super exciting to dress up and have a night out on the town with Ben (sans baby).  The Grand America is so beautiful and lavish - and always reminds me of Meghan's wedding.

Post-Baby Swimwear

One of the most scary things on my mind right now is the impending first trip to the pool and the inevitable wardrobe shift. Don't get me wrong. I'm excited for warmer weather. And I can't wait to introduce Blair to the pool.  With the way she kicks she won't even need lessons.  I'm gathering 'resortwear' for her (too fun! can't help myself) and I can't wait to see her in her swimwear.  Me in swimwear? Different story.

I remember Audrey and Michelle (PC friends) telling me having a summer baby was actually a good thing because you had almost a year before you had to be back in a swimsuit.  They were right. But now that 'almost a year' is here,  am I feeling pool-ready? Not so much. I'm pretty much over the idea of ever wearing any of my bikinis again. (actually, I'm saving them for some exotic getaway with Ben where no one knows me or gets close) I joke about having a bikini bonfire.  I probably should have one.  I thought it would be a few pregnancies before I completely morphed into a different body. Am I completely off base here?

To paint a picture of what I'm experiencing - please see objects "A" and "B". We could do a little game where you try to guess which was 'before' and which was 'after' - but let's not.

That's me completely blocking Lindsey from the camera's reach, she's pregnant here as well, for the record. And don't even comment on what I'm wearing. I can't be held responsible for it. It was hotter than Hades that day and yet I found myself not wanting to completely terrify the poor, unsuspecting people near me. The reason I left the umbrella's shade was to give my swollen feet a rest.  And to think I was trying to strike a flattering pose here! Let's laugh, shall we? Please. Otherwise I'll cry.

 

Presently I'm just somewhere in the middle. Neither +60 lbs. nor frolicking carefree on sandy beaches. Which leads me to my poolside dilemma.  Will I look like a complete moron wearing my husbands t-shirts and basketball shorts to the pool? What about in the pool?  When Tessa was visiting last month we came across this bathing suit online and I fell in love.  Nearly bought it but then realized that it was probably much more cut in on the sides than it appeared. And I don't need my 'wobbly bits' (ala briget jones) hanging out. Not pretty. But I absolutely love the pattern. Don't you?

black scallop suit

For a close second,  with twice the fabric and half the price tag, I ordered this one below. The color combo is even better in person. I like the way it has a bit of pattern to hide those mid-section woes but isn't too flashy.  The reviews said it ran big so I ordered a smaller size and we'll see if it works to my advantage or not. I could have used a bit more 'help' in the top portion of the suit but otherwise no complaints so far.

 striped suit 

I still have this bathing suit from last year.  It sorta fits if you count being able to pull it on 'fitting'.

vintage inspired suit

Anyway, welcome to my life. I am even more wardrobe challenged since having a baby. I struggle between wanting to dress fashionably for work and outings and needing to wear the comfortable pieces that chasing a baby requires! Not only am I a different size, but my shape is drastically different than it was before. Ben's grandmother summed it up nicely when she related what one of her friends said to her after having a baby. "I used to have an hourglass figure. Now, I still have an hourglass but all of the sand has gone to the bottom."

Any advice?  We are heading to SG in a few weeks for a mini vacay - I know that's not enough time for a total body transformation, but I'm open for suggestions for summer time.  Diet tips? Exercise advice? Fashion help? Anyone?