Fallin' for World Market!

World Market's fall line recently caught my eye.

During my escape (oops! did I say that?)

from the cottage and from the babe,

I stopped at some of my favorite stores

to re-energize and to get my design fix. 

World Market (Cost Plus) is one of those stores

 that never seems to disappoint.  Lately, they truly get it.

It's great for those of us who love a look but who may not want

to commit to the trend or empty out their pockets.

My kind of place!



I snapped pictures of some finds while I was there.

Then I jumped online to see what else they would eventually get in for the season.

Without a doubt, I would purchase this armchair.

The upholstery is a zebra print linen and is nice to the touch.

The wood is weathered gray.

Nice, World Market!

The chair normally retails for $249.99. 

Right now you can snatch it up for $219.99.

Ikat print has increased in popularity over the past few years.

This chair features walnut spindle legs and pewter nail head accents.

Personally, I wouldn't use more than one of these chairs in a space.

I do, however, think that it would be a great addition to an office or

a space where the chair could really stand on it's own.

For a limited time, you can purchase the chair for $99.99!

This rolling steamer trunk bar stopped me in my tracks.

I'm not sure it's something I'd use here at the cottage,

but it's a unique piece to have in a room.

Here is a picture from the website

that shows how it looks from the outside.

The trunk is wrapped with straw hemp and is trimmed with faux leather.

You can get one for $449.99!  It normally sells for $649.99.

We're seeing cowhide in the design world a lot lately.

Cowhide is great on it's own or when it's layered with other rugs.

It's $329.99.  Unfortunately, it's not a part of the dining sale.

Sign up to become a member and get 10% off :D

Here are a few other items I found while browsing online.

The mix of wood and metal is sure to be a conversation starter.

I can see this looking great in a breakfast nook!

This table is a part of the dining sale and will run you $319.99.

I've got an obsession for all things rattan/wicker

 (you name it...I love it!)

I would adore these placed around a table.

A comfortable yet chic look!

$255.98!

Cuuuttte. 

Love the pearlized look!

Actually, a lot of their flatware is pretty snazzy.

Take a lot for yourself!

On another note, I can't believe it's September.

Time for football, sweatshirts, and warm beverages.

My summer flew by due to the birth of my son.

He's such a great little guy.

We have been battling a milk protein allergy and acid reflux.

Not easy.

Let's just say I got the baby 411 down now.

I know what works.  What doesn't.

In a future blog entry, I plan on highlighting some of my favorite baby items.

Stay tuned!

Anyone going to the Country Living Fair this year?

Hopefully, one of our lovely family members will watch Carlo

so that Rob and I can attend.

Anyone reading this? HAHA!

We do plan on going to the Columbus, OH show.

Let us know if you will be there!

Enjoy your long weekend!

*photos courtesy of world market and country living

The Kitchen Reveal

The time has finally come.

Our kitchen is complete.

Minus window treatments

and a possible change in light fixtures.

{Especially the one over our table}

If I have something too long or make an impulse buy,

I tend to change them down the road.

While I do like our pendants, I'd switch them out

for the Visual Comfort Sloane pendant any day of the week!

Maybe someday...

I'm pretty pleased with the final space.

It proves that you don't have to gut a kitchen

down to the studs to make it current.

Here are a few before shots.

Here's how it looks now.

It's not the easiest kitchen to photograph

 as it's broken into different work spaces.

I'm definitely not a professional.

The cabinets and walls got a fresh coat of paint.

The countertops were removed

and butcher block and honed marble were installed.

All hardware was swapped for polished nickel.

All the appliances were removed and replaced

except for the double oven.

A farmhouse sink was added.

All of these changes make for a perfect kitchen for our family!

Thanks for taking a looksie!

Bano Beauties

hello there, blog friends.

It's almost been a month. Blush. 

Who would have thought that caring for a newborn

 would occupy my every moment?

;)

I don't mind too much.

Carlo has the most beautiful peepers.

He's so observant and doesn't like to miss a thing.

Hence, mama not having time to surf blogland.

I feel like a broken record {really}.

Well, the marble island countertop is scheduled to be installed next Tuesday.

It's about flipping time.

I apologize, but I'm at the point of pure and utter irritation.

Once it's in, I'll upload pictures immediately.

Since the kitchen project is coming to a close,

it's only natural that I'd find something else to

day dream about and spend money on.

The kitchen and the master bathroom were two of the big projects

I foresaw before purchasing the cottage.

Remember this beauty?

Great bones, no?

The tile though...bleh!

It's too bad because the quality of the stone is quite nice.

And the limestone countertop and seat in the shower probably

cost the previous owners a pretty penny.

While this bathroom won't be an overnight project

{heck...nothing we do is overnight}

I'm beginning to gather inspiration for the space.

I'm loving the paneled walls and the wall mounted faucets.

Again, wood on the walls.  I also dig the vessels and their bridge faucets.

Can you tell I love me some dark wood mixed with clean white fixtures?

Tile soaring up the walls!

Antique cabinet re purposed. Lovely!

Hex tiles and marble.  Can't go wrong.

All very different but beautiful banos.

It will be a challenge for me to decide the direction of the room.

Too many great looks!

We'll be tackling the master bedroom, as well.

Mommy and daddy need a retreat, no?

I'll be back in a splash.

*photos courtesy of unknown, the polished pebble, country living, bhg.com, bhg.com, milk and honey home, kristen panitch, tuesday's with dorie, milk and honey home, my design dump, the reformed ranch, traditional home, two ellie

The Two Babies in My Life

Without a doubt, he'll kill me when he's older.

Until then, I'm going to enjoy!

Thanks to Aubrey Adair Photography

{she's the very best!}

What a kind and sincere woman.
We enjoyed our day with her
and she took excellent care of Carlo.
I couldn't have felt more at ease.

These photos are so me. 

Thank you Aubrey for capturing our little man.

On the home front, things have been slow.

We've got an infant on our hands! 

Boy...are they not kidding when they say enjoy sleep now.

First time mamas, listen to this advice.

While progress is slow, the plate rack above our refrigerator is complete.

The linen buffalo check (obsessed!) sink skirt is also on display.

I've had a marble dilemma for weeks.

I haven't been able to find the perfect slab.

I'm thinking this may be the winner.  We shall see!

So that's what's been occupying my time.

The two babies in my life.

The real one

and

the kitchen.

I'll be back as soon as I can!

I'd Like To Introduce...

the newest addition to our family,

Carlo.

Carlo Anthony was born on June 26th.

He made his way into the world a tad early {in my 36th week}

He weighed in at 5 lb. 12 ounces and was 18.5 inches long.

To my surprise, labor and delivery was just fine.

While I was in labor for approximately 11 hours,

the delivery lasted no more then 15 minutes.

To be honest, I expected a rough delivery due to my

really really rough pregnancy.

This little guy wanted out.

Capital O-U-T.

His personality is very much that way.

Rob and I are so in love.

My emotions are through the roof, as I expected them to be.

I look at my son and feel a sense of overwhelming joy

that I can't quite explain.

It's the greatest kind of love that exists.

Needless to say, Rob and I have been preoccupied.

He's quite the handful.  But worth it of course.

This upcoming Wednesday, the hubs and I will celebrate our third year of marriage.

Honey, I love you more each day.

You are the epitome of a perfect husband.

You are even a better daddy.

Thank you for walking along side me during this pregnancy.

I know it wasn't an easy chapter.

We have some challenges along the way,

but there isn't anyone else I'd rather tackle those with.

For my design folks...I'm having decorating withdrawal!

What's postpartum?  I have something much different.

Being stuck in a house and missing blog land. 

That's the problem.

Our kitchen is one step from completion.

The honed carrara came in but I wasn't particularly fond of the color.

I'm currently waiting for a new piece to come in.

Then the kitchen reveal.

See you around, friends!