Introducing Gwenyth Eileen

My little(est) sister Tessa and her husband Duffy welcomed their first baby into the world today.  Gwenyth Eileen weighed and measured the same as her three preceeding girl cousins (also first babies for me and my sisters), Reese, Olivia and Blair Kelly, at 19.5 inches at 7lbs 9oz.  What wonderful birthing genes our mother gave us! Baby Gwenyth was a week early but a healthy and beautiful little baby. I wish Cincinnati were just a little closer to Utah - I positively can't wait to meet her.  What a sweetie ... don't you agree?  Tessa wrote an email to Dean (on his mission) telling him about her labor and delivery and said, "I can't believe all I had to do was be pregnant for 9 months to have her here."  I love how she put it.  How perfectly sweet a brand new baby is to a loving mother and father - there is no more precious time I can think of in life (so far anyway!).  So happy for you Tessa and Duffy, here's to parenthood!

(p.s. Eileen is my Granny's first name, my mom's mom)

Bird on a Wire - Family Photoshoot

At the end of last summer I wanted to have some family pictures taken and it coincided with Blair turning one.  My friend Nicole, an old friend from the dorms (but an unforgettable one!) has a photography company based in Portland, Oregon and on a vacation to Utah she agreed to take our pictures.  I was thrilled! I have admired her (and co-photographer hubby Alma's) work since Bird on a Wire's first shoot.  Their photos have a casual beauty about them.  Wonderfully honest, un-doctored and yet still ethereal.  I knew we three were in good hands. 

It was so great reconnecting with Nicole and meeting Alma. We had a great afternoon at Memory Park in downtown Salt Lake.  I love that park. Ben and I would go there a lot when we were first married and lived nearby.  Part of our wedding video was filmed there too.  Loved going back, especially that time of year.

The pictures are wonderful.  Since having a baby I get really sentimental looking at family pictures.  Pictures of anyone's family, not just my own.  There's something wonderful about seeing what two people can create and also the moment in time those pictures capture.  These pictures are so special to me. I keep thanking Nicole for her talents but it never seems enough.  I'd recommend her a thousand times over.  Her website is great too.  The 'about us' page is awesome, totally 'Nicole'. She recently posted our shoot (graciously giving me time to send out our v-day card) so I thought I would too!  Here are a few pics from our shoot and if you really like us and want to see more, you can follow this link. Bird on a Wire : Lauren & Ben.

Studio 5 : "Tray Chic"

Today's segment was really great. I came up with the idea of "Tray Chic" and had a fun time exploring my creativity in pulling four displays together, each for a different area of the home. Enjoy! Click here  to redirect to the Studio 5 website and read my article below.

With the need for organization in our lives and the overabundance of stylish accessories and beautiful trinkets to put on display, we must have a way to be organized and still fashionable, don’t we?  Trays offer a wonderful opportunity to corral all sorts of objects that make things seem pulled together.  Instantly things become both beautiful and purposeful!

Today designer Lauren Oviatt gives us four ways to create beautiful vignettes on trays and shows four different spaces in which to use them. 

Entry -- There must be a catch-all somewhere in the house, best to keep it looking pretty!

Ideas: tray for keys, bowl for coins, note pad or space for letters in/out, live plant or fresh flowers, photo frame.

Family Room – Add something unexpected or decorative to bring out the ‘interesting’ amongst all the ‘functional’.

Ideas: covered box for remotes, magazines, board game or deck of cards, chic drink coasters, candy dish, preserved greenery

Kitchen – Make everyday items eye-catching by grouping them for visual impact while keeping them close at hand. Consider using coordinating colors in display and varying object size and height for overall appeal.

Ideas:  salt & pepper, salt pig, timer, olive oil, flower in bud vase, fruit, casual cut flower arrangement, spoon rest, kitchen towel

Guest Room -   No better way to thoughtfully welcome a guest than to carefully curate a personalized ‘welcome’ in the form of a lovely bedside or guest bathroom tray.  It will transform your guest room into a stylish boutique hotel suite.

Ideas: water carafe, books, note card & pen, fresh plant or flowers, candle, hand cream, midnight snack

Girls Getaway : Las Vegas

 My friend Keri has some pretty good connections.  Back in January she put out the feelers for a girls trip to Vegas to escape the cold... I think I was the first to respond... where do I sign up?  We took off for two nights and stayed atop Planet Hollywood in a high-roller's suite.  It was incredible.  I felt like the ultimate free-loader but it was amazing!  Keri, Danielle, Kenzie and I shopped a bit, ate a bit (a lot), walked a bit, and talked a lot over the course of a few days. It was so relaxing and energizing at the same time. I remember walking around the shops at Caesar's and remarking with the girls, "Isn't it strange and wonderful that we are really on our OWN timeframe? We don't have to rush here and there to appease our kids, we don't have to stop to change diapers or have a quick bite.  We don't even have to worry about getting home before our husbands go crazy on baby duty"... (there was no coming home, sorry guys!)

 

 

 view from our room - it was even more stunning at night watching the Bellagio fountains

our suite below - it was awesome but also kinda sparse... we could've had a party w/ 50 people here!

 lunch at Max Brenner - yum! worth ALL the sampling we did

 

 we stayed up chatting pretty late both nights and Keri fell asleep mid-coversation... poor dear!

 lunch at Cabo Wabo Cantina - amazing people watching from there...

I had a blast getting away and also getting to know these girls better - Kenzie is moving just up the street and Keri and Danielle are already on the street. :)  I am lucky to have wonderful, fun and generous friends! Thanks Keri for a wonderful time.... can I pencil an encore trip in for next year??

Blair Lately

I've been meaning to publish this post for a while... the 18 month stage of life is such a fun stage.  Trying new words every day, exploring new places, climbing new things, soaking up so much! I spilled milk on my shirt today and said, "oh shoot" - Blair immediately said, "oh shoooot!" I guess it's time to make sure I'm keepin it clean, right?  I recently synced my phone pics to the computer and wanted to post a few of my recent favorites of Blair.

You can't really see this in the pic but Blair was hunched over one day pointing to her belly button.  For a while, it was so cute. She pulled her shirt up to point to it,  you know, just making sure it was still there.

She is recently fascinated by shoes and loves to try on whatever shoes are around. If she finds my shoes, she'll bring them to me and say, "Shoo! Mon!"  over and over until I put them on. Now we have to hide shoes because how can we tell her no?

 In the evening when Ben is watching basketball downstairs or I'm up cleaning my closet (perpetually disastrous) I'll take Blair up for some quiet time.  She'll lay on our bed so quietly and always wants to watch "Caillou"... for some reason she only requests it when we're upstairs. Ever heard a tiny little voice say "caillou" ? - so cute.

Lindsey, Blair is ready for her summer on the farm.  Did Olivia get jealous when I texted you this pic?

Blair is very interested in utensils lately. Right after this meal I decided it was time to buy plastic forks.

She's still trying to figure out how to hold the spoon and fork to make sure the food gets into her mouth. Spoons are still posing a challenge.

Studio 5 : Designing with Prints

My friend Danielle graciously allowed us to use her living room today for what was to be a live segment 'on location'. Due to the political happenings in Salt Lake our sat truck was reassigned... as if design segments aren't more important than a session of congress?!  Instead we shot the segment ahead of schedule that morning and then I headed to the studio to chat about it live.  I'm still hoping for the opportunity to be live on-site.  I would totally hold a fake mic and say something official to wrap it up like, "now back to you!" 

I was thrilled with how the room came together. Danielle has innate design sensibilities... she must have been a stylist in a previous life! These are things I pictured her choosing anyway, which made the room feel that much more complete afterwards.

Click here to redirect to the Studio 5 page hosting the video or click below and read my article here.



 

Start with a LOT of color

When trying to inject more color into a space, I like to start with a broad color palette.  I try to find a fabric that has at least three different colors.  That way you can have fun pulling out those colors in other features in the room like accessories, throws and rugs.

Think beyond pillows

Pillows may be a quick fix, but there are so many more opportunities to play with prints and texture.  Think about going vertical with printed drapery.  Even a semi-sheer will add another dimension to the room that makes the space feel more polished and interesting.

Don’t forget the details

Once the foundation of color has been laid and the larger items are in place, think about the details.  Colorful accessories, lamps, throws and art in coordinating shades help the eye move around the room and enhance the color palette you’re putting in place.  Accessories are a MUST for adding the personality and character to every space.  

 Danielle and I were having a good laugh as I practiced my lines... should've snagged her for a pic to capture the memory together. thanks Danielle for letting us in!

Studio 5 : Hallway Help

We created a special out-of-studio piece for today's segment.  Thanks Sara for letting us into your home! I really enjoy getting out of the studio - any pre - produced piece is a lot more work for the production crew but adds another layer to the segment.  Click here to redirect to Studio 5's page or you can watch the segment below and read my article that goes along with it.


 

Hallways: We all have them but what do we do with them?  Whether you have an expansive entry corridor, gracious staircase wall or a narrow back hallway, today designer Lauren Oviatt gives us her insider ideas to bring out the ‘WOW’ you never knew you had. 

1. Bigger isn’t always Better

Most hallways are four feet wide… and most people walk right down the center, only two feet from the wall.  Framed art or pictures in a hallway need to be appropriately sized so they can be noticed and appreciated.  Anything too big will just feel oppressive in such a narrow space.

**Rule of thumb: stay within the range of 4"x6" and 18"x20" image size.

2. Keep Frames similar

One of my favorite looks is a gallery wall or photo grouping in which all the frames are the same color.  Choose black if you are feeling dramatic and play around with different styles of frames.  If a classic palette is what you’re going for choose all white frames, or for a little something extra, choose frames that are gilt in gold or silver. It just doesn’t get any more timeless.

3. Go linear

This tip is no fail – choose five identical frames and place them horizontally along your hallway.  It both simplifies and lengthens your hallway in one simple step.  For a true ‘art gallery’ look – center the pictures 56 inches from the floor. 

 4. Seek the ‘End of Hallway’ Opportunity

All hallways must come to an end. If you’re lucky enough to have a wall at the end of yours instead of a door it becomes another opportunity for a adding charm and personality to your home.  One of the oldest tricks is to place a good-sized mirror at the end of the hallway – it expands a usually small space and magnifies any natural or incandescent light sources nearby.  It’s no fail.  If you have a bit more space to fill, think about a low-profile bench or console table that you can accessorize.

**

5. Break Outside the Box

Hallways and other secondary spaces are a great place to have fun with things you feel might be too crazy elsewhere in the house.  Use bright colored frames, hang collections of letters or other sculptural pieces you love.  Frame your kids art pieces or other sentimental things to create a special collage.

photo credits :** lindsay bond, segment credits: eric roth/ frank roop, forum phi, caitlin wilson

From Our Hearts to Yours...

Studio 5 : Contributor Social

I had a wonderful time at the Studio 5 Contributor Social & Workshop yesterday.  Usually I don't get to meet other contributors unless we are scheduled for the same show on the same day.  What a treat to rub shoulders with dozens of them at once.  I was expecting a good time but what I walked into was an Amy Atlas worthy red-carpet event. 


Check out this treat table! When I arrived and there was a considerable line at the table, understandably so.  The treats were 'selling like hot cakes' - lemon lime soda, coconut cupcakes, macarons, key lime tartlets, jello shooters, layered cake parfaits and the best part... popcorn cake pops! They were covered with marshmallows cut to look like popcorn (genius) and 'butter-colored' glitter dust.  What a spread! I could hardly resist trying them all but I could only hold so much.  Delish!

It turned out to be a very enjoyable and informative afternoon - full of great dialogue and feedback from the producers, anchors and contributors themselves. Did you know that Studio 5 is the top-rated show nationwide in its market?  There are dozens of locally-produced lifestyle shows across the country and Studio 5 claims the top position.  I am not surprised, the staff and producers work tirelessly to make each show better than the one before - their enthusiasm and passion for great TV is so impressive to me.  I am privileged to be part of Studio 5 - to work with and learn from the best.

I may or may not have made off with an extra cake pop or two and a goodie bag full of white chocolate fudge popcorn.  Blair was very keen on the bright-colored packaging and even more, the sweet treats inside.  Look at her devouring the popcorn.  I wonder where she learned to stuff her face like that... she took pictures of me eating too... making that same exact face!

This Makes Me Happy

 

Every so often my sisters and mom log on to google + and we all get to chat.  From freezing cold Canada & Montana to Utah and from Cincy to Tyler, Texas... it feels like we're sitting around the family room sharing a pot of hot chocolate, chatting before bed.  Come as you are, have a good laugh, show us your growing baby bump or that 15 year-old Atlantis sweatshirt, don a mustache or reindeer nose (thanks google)... it is wonderful reconnecting with the women I think are the most wonderful women in the world!

Quick AZ Getaway

A few weekends ago Ben had a trip to Arizona for work.  He would have gone alone but for the fact that my Dad also had a weekend work-related meeting and my Mom was tagging along with him.  Not a tough decision, Blair and I were tagging along too!  Ben and Dad were attending two separate meetings only a few hotels away from each other.  They were pretty busy, leaving us girls to all the pleasantries Scottsdale has to offer!  It wasn't quite warm enough to swim but it was perfect shopping weather as it turns out.  It was a quick two days but no shortage of quality time with my parents.  I love them and it's always a treat to vacation with them.


Blair was enthralled by the ducks near the lake at the Fairmont.  She has never 'fed the ducks' before and much to my surprise she wasn't afraid at all.  A few of the ducks ate bread right out of her little fingers.  I had a flash of "America's funniest home videos" gone wrong and decided to help her throw the bread instead of risking a lost finger. She is one curious little child!

On an educational note, we visited Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's western U.S. campus.  It was minutes from our hotel.  We took a very informative 60 minute tour.  Blair was interested in taking her own tour. She escaped the stroller and was off.  The elderly lady docent was noticeably anxious (the entire hour) at Blair's curiosity and short attention span for her "colorful" Taliesin West factoids.  My mom said it best (under her breath of course), "Lady, you be the tour guide... I'll be the mother." 

  drafting studio for currently enrolled students

(closeup of door hardware in photo above, totally cool)

Studio 5 : An Inside Look at Lighting

For today's segment I was granted permission from four of our most wonderful clients for a sneak peek inside their spaces.  What a treat to be able to show viewers a few of the projects we've been working on - and what we take pride in!  Click here to redirect to the Studio 5 site for the video. The article I wrote is below.





One of the most instant ways of transforming a space is by installing new, eye-catching light fixtures. Today designer Lauren Oviatt is taking us inside some of her firm’s recently decorated spaces. Follow her for a sneak peek at some beautiful lighting installations and get her tips on how to light up your own spaces.

1.             Formal is Fine

Even though many design trends seem to lean toward contemporary looks, there will always be a place for well-intentioned traditional light fixtures.  This home was newly constructed and the client has very formal, traditional taste. The entry of this home conveys the mood of the entire home from the moment you step inside.  Notice the large Swarovski chandelier hanging high above the sweeping staircase and the coordinating sconces on the wall.  I love this look because it’s like a few crystals dripped off the piece and landed below creating a focal point closer to eye-level.   

The Best Part: What works here is that the lighting agrees with the space, traditional on traditional – it is scaled appropriately and creates an exquisite look.

The second space we’re going to show you is the dining space of a smaller kitchen.  You can see how the light fixture itself takes the room from clean and traditional to over the top and wow!  In my opinion, every girl needs a little crystal somewhere in her life.  It is a little outside the most traditional realm to install a fixture this bold in style and size but the drama is what I love most about it.  It’s unpredictable and glamorous.

The Best Part: Take risks in design!  Don’t be discouraged by a small space – make it stand out by installing an outstanding over-scaled piece.

2.             Trending Transitional

This client has just completed a full-scale remodel of her main level and what she came away with is a beautiful open living space enveloped by warm, neutrals and luxurious textures.  This light fixture is placed over a rectangular dining table in an area adjacent to the kitchen.  Notice the lack of chain holding the fixture from the ceiling: we eliminated it and instead used custom cut pewter rods to further clean-up the look. So much to say about this beautiful installation!  The gauze-like shade glows at night and for me this piece seems understated but is just as stunning as a chandelier that is dripping with crystals. 

The Best Part:  The best light fixtures are not only lovely to look at, but functional as well!  The idea of a two-light chandelier over a rectangular table is not only a very current trend but also an incredibly functional concept.

3.             Creating a Continuous Flow

It can be overwhelming to tackle all the lighting in a house at once. You want to make sure the light fixtures flow easily from one room to the next while adding a sense of individual personality and interest to each space. In this home, the clients brought together many antique and Asian pieces from their travels across the world.  The lighting in these rooms agrees with the more traditional style of the house while giving a nod to the antique and worldly aesthetic of the furniture and décor.  The pieces work seamlessly but are not so similar that they’re tiresome and overlooked.  Also, these pieces will always be timeless because of their classic shapes.

The Best Part:  Instead of ordering all your lights from the same collection, think of unifying one aspect – whether it be the finish of the fixtures or a unifying shape or glass element.  Listen to each space individually and then go back to your design criteria. You’ll be so glad you did!