Labor of Love | Dining 'Nook' Reveal

Welcome to our new dining nook! I say 'nook' because we don't actually have a room dedicated to dining. So in our #babebungalow our living room does double duty. Having said that, it was really important for me to source pieces that gave us visual space since we are low on actual space. Open back, low profile chairs and a round white table fit the bill. Originally, I wanted a glass table with a  wooden base, but after realizing the glass just sat on top, unsecured, I got nervous. At the end of the day I want my home to be safe and functional above all else. I am completely obsessed with the combo we finally ended up with. I think what I love most about this set, beside it's cool mid century feel, is it's ability to grow with us. When we eventually move to a bigger place we can put these wishbone chairs at a full size dining table with two upholstered chairs at either end. Or we can repurpose this tulip style Ikea table as an eat in kitchen set by adding four more casual chairs.

 Seeing as this is our, count 'em, fourth set in seven years (yikes) I knew I had to really take some time coming up with something that would last. If you're planning on making any furniture or big home purchases, I highly recommend creating a vision board (virtual works best for me) to gather both your practical choices, a.k.a - the stuff you can actually afford, and a wish list, a.k.a - the pieces you wish you could. When you're done you'll feel organized enough so you're not tempted to make any impulse purchases.

It's also important to wait for a sale. I almost always get furniture on sale because I pin it and wait. In this case, I scored 25% off. Signing up for the store's email blasts can help with this. You should also consider asking for the floor sample if you don't mind minor wear and tear. Most places will give you an additional percentage off, and with kids you know it's not going to remain out of the box perfect for long anyway. 

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match. Not everything has to come from one place, and if you've done your homework you can source out the best deal or a killer knock off for a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind the items you want to splurge on (for me it was the chairs) and hit up more affordable spots for the rest. I am also a huge proponent of Craigslist and vintage/second hand stores if you have the balls. And believe me, those routes aren't for the faint of heart. 

 Look at this beautiful detailing.

 The table top is 41 inches in diameter.

Love the variation in the wood!

I hope you love our new space as much as I do and feel inspired for your next home purchase.

Natural Bowen Wishbone chair | Ikea Docksta table

Xo,

T.

Nordstrom | Spring

(Photo: Nordstrom, Savvy dept. // Irvine Spectrum.)

Oh Nordstrom. You have been getting me in trouble lately! Who can resist the sales and free shipping/returns? Not this girl. So in honor of our trip this weekend, I've corralled a few things I have my eye on for spring (or summer as we like to call it in Southern California.) Oh shoot, my babes need to eat this month so these will probably remain on my wish list instead of in my closet. But here's to wishful thinking...

1 | 2  | 3 | 4 | 5

If number two didn't already have you hitting the "add to shopping bag" button, take a look at

THIS ONE in Savvy size.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my new dinning set reveal! It was definitely a labor of love...(more on that in my next post) and I can't wait to share it with you. 

Xo,

T.

Snapshot | My Week In Review

It's Friday! This week has been stressful. Super stressful. The good news is there were also a few sweet moments like this one. Times when we laughed/played/snuggled and wanted to capture it all. 

I know I'm not the only mama who goes through such highs and lows each day, but this week seemed...extreme. On one hand it felt like I've never loved my babes more, and on the other I sincerely wanted to lock myself in the bathroom with a bottle of Patron. (Wine wasn't bad ass enough to make my point.)

I've been all out of sorts, yelled at S and H way too much, and was a poor example of patience and grace. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to know that whatever your week looked like, tomorrow is a new day. Grace is available to us. Let's turn things around and make tomorrow our...

you know the rest!

Xo,

T.

Unexpected

(Quick note: If you missed my post from earlier today...you can check it out HERE.)

After completing Savvy's DIY art (and being a little obsessed with the results) I have been looking for other alternative forms of art, specifically for my dinning area. The criteria is basically the same; inexpensive, stylish and unique.

As luck would have it, I came across this beautiful calendar on my last visit to Anthropologie. The minute I saw it I had visions of an organized framed gallery wall, featuring just the top portion of each print over my brass bar cart. When looking for things to fill your walls don't forget to think outside of the box or go the DIY route if you're trying to stick to a budget. Speaking of which, I could also totally see these straight washi taped to the wall for a fun and extremely economical approach. Your creativity may surprise you. And if not...there's always Pinterest. 

Xo,

T.

16 Months

It's difficult to believe 16 months have gone by with this little boy in the world! Although time is flying by, I also can't really think back to a time before Hudson boy. 

There are so many quirks that make him special, and while some are traits that will stick with him for life, others feel like a hallmark of this age and stage. Here we go:

• He eats like a bird, but when he does eat it's either Veggies Straws or meat of some kind. (Go figure, at this age Savvy was practically a vegetarian.)
• His favorite book is Little Blue Leads The Way. He will sit through the entire book and say "hooray" with his hands up in the air at the end with me. 
• He's a mama's boy, and it soothes every part of my needy soul. 
• He doesn't like to be alone. Just like someone else I know (*raises hand).
• He has a smile on his face 24/7. There just isn't much that will bring this kid down.
• Hudson is super chill. He just goes along with our flow. 
• His new favorite thing to say is "uh ooooohhh." and it's the cutest. 
• He also recently learned to say "ouuuchh" with the most pained look on his face no matter what the offense. 
• He may possibly end up a drummer and a surfer. He's got a serious passion for the water and beats.
• He lights up for his sister. 
• He's got a killer smile + laugh. 
• He thinks he's 4. 

Xo,

T.

All Dressed Up...

 ...and nowhere to go. I love this cheeky clutch, and anything that brings a little humor in general. But enough about that. I want to talk about really important things, like denim. Maybe you gathered from my "anti-rug" statement on Instagram (you can find that HERE), but I am a girl who used to live by a lot of rules. Silly as it sounds, no black denim was one of them. Intentionally abandoning these self imposed rules (on insignificant things like rugs and jeans) is just a jumping off point for bigger things to come. I can't wait. 

 Black denim | Stitch & Feather sweater: similar chunky knit, HERE 

New Balance kicks | Clutch | Sunglasses

Xo,

T.

Weekend Bouquet + What Not

 Old friends, new beginnings, fresh flowers...and I'm officially ready for Monday! Anyway, how was your weekend? Did you do anything new or noteworthy? I'd love to hear from you! But really, I'd love to have each post be sort of a jumping off point for some fun conversation between you, my girlfriends, and I. If commenting here isn't your thang, click over to my Insty. Talk with you soon!

Dress: c/o SUO Boutique | Coat (sold out) similar styles, HERE + HERE | Target booties: (old) similar suede style HERE | Sunglasses | Watch

Xo,

T.