DIY roped vase

I was recently gifted a beautiful arrangement in a large glass vase.  I loved the arrangement in the purple hue vase, but once the flowers had wilted, the vase became a DIY project waiting to happen.  I purchased 18ft of rope from home depot, pulled out my hot glue gun and in less than 10 minutes I had a vase with texture and color that matched my style and home.  It made me think, what else can I add rope to for a quick enhancement? Perhaps a lamp post or an ugly trash pail.  

Gift Guide: Under $20

I bought this Anthology Indoor/Outdoor blanket while roaming through BB&B a few weeks ago.  It was just $20 and seemed like a great purchase for the summer.  I'm so happy I bought it and we've loved using it.  It got me thinking about what I love lately but doesn't have a heavy price tag.

I've made a list of 9 items, all under $20, that would be great gifts or just make your everyday life better.  See below!

 

// my list //

1. Anthology Out & About Indoor/Outdoor Blanket is perfect for a picnic - $19.99

2. Brass Key Rings make a perfect gift - $16.00

3. Update your bathroom with this Threshold clear, stylish oil-canister soap dispenser - $9.99

4. Make any drink special with this Muddler - $14.99

5. I wear this Mossimo strapless bathing-suit top all summer long with any bottom - $19.99

6. This Metalwork Hurricane Votive has endless uses (geranium) - $12.99

7. I use these clear elastics on myself and Roswelle everyday - game changer! - $4.99

8. Urban Outfitters is my new go-to for super stylish sunglasses! Love this retro pair -  only $16.00!

9. These Old Navy Micro Liner Socks will save your shoes and your feet - $8.94

{Roswelle says thanks for reading!!}

Simply 60's

I've been watching old episodes of Mad Men lately on Netflix and it’s making me want to go back to the basics.  I’m not talking about a cigarette before breakfast and a scotch @10am.  No – I’d leave that in the 60s.  I’m talking about less options. 

  

Black Coffee – Would you like Splenda, Sweet’n low, Equal, Truvia, Stevia, Stevia in the Raw, Sugar in the Raw or granulated sugar?  Cream, Whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk or organic non-GMO milk?  It can be overwhelming. How about just a black coffee, please?  I don’t have to worry about having organic non-GMO whole milk for my coffee.  Plus it stays extra hot!

Less than 10 tv channels.  Paul and I are getting rid of cable for the summer and potentially keeping it that way.  I like the idea of less time in front of the TV and more time talking, reading, or repainting the kitchen cabinets (eek!).

Classic clothes.  Solids, Stripes, and the occasional florals.  White, black, cream, pink, and teals.  Know the colors and fit that look best on you and use it to your advantage.

Get the look: below are some current and classic "Betty inspired" looks I'm loving at the moment. These would be perfect for weddings/showers this summer.

this dress could be formal or casual - less than $100 from ASOS

I love this ASOS dress and it's less than $100!

another ASOS look

the prettiest ASOS dress

H&M Retro Skirt

Friday Favorites

//home//

For the summer, I have been loving all white linens on our bed.  All white sheets, shams, blanket, and duvet cover gives a feeling of airiness, cleanliness, and somehow, sophistication. I love the feeling I get when I walk in to our room, during the day, with the bed made and the bright whiteness of the bed filling up the space.  I used to steer clear of white sheets because they seemed to get stained as soon as I took them out of the packaging, but I've decided it's nothing a little oxi-clean can't get out.

//personal//

I purchased the ChapStick Hydration Lock Day and Night stick for the summer. Paul always seems to be in search of his SPF ChapStick in the summer, and we always seem to only have nonSPF stick laying around.  The yellow end is for daytime, with SPF 12, and the blue end is for night, to lock in moisture after a day in the sun.  

//food&drink//

We eat fairly healthy during the week (weekends are spent overdosing on ice-cream) but that doesn't mean we don't have something sweet at the end of each day.  Lately, we made the transition from Dark Chocolate Almonds every night to just Dark Chocolate Bark.  Trader Joe's 73% Cocoa Organic Dark chocolate bark to be exact.  It satisfies your need from something sweet (73% is an acquired taste of sweet) but doesn't pack on the unnecessary calories or artificial ingredients, at the end of the night.  

//baby//

My mom saved my baby clothes in hopes that she would have another daughter one day, but instead she was blessed with 3 perfect boys after me.  This only meant that once I had my own daughter, my baby would be wearing very gently used, and carefully stored baby clothes (some of them were actually my mother's baby clothes!!).  Roswelle now takes wearing vintage to a whole new meaning and I love the pastel themed, late 80's baby fashion on her - really brings out her baby blue eyes :) OshKosh seems to be a brand that stands the test of time, still looking brand new almost 30 years later.  I'm loving these OshKosh overalls I pulled out from storage this week and I plan to have Roswelle in them all summer long.


Have a great weekend, y'all.  Stay warm out there - haha! <--nervous laugh.

Kohi Coffee

The weather in Boston this week has been cold and wet.  A pretty miserable way to kick off June 2015. BUT we are headed to the Cape this weekend and the weather is supposed to improve, so there is hope! I'm looking forward to wearing flip-flops with sweaters and white jeans.  I'm looking forward to going to bed early and waking up early.  I'm looking forward to watching my niece, Madelyn, and Roswelle play ("battle it out" over toys) in the living room.  And finally, I'm looking forward to getting a latte at Kohi Coffee Co. in Provincetown!  It's a fairly new coffee shop and it's just wonderful.  A small, stylish shop with the beach in the background, and serious coffee beans (Blue Bottle Coffee).  

Two weekends ago, I snapped a few pictures.  I will use any excuse to work on my photography skills, including the simple experience of ordering a Kohi coffee.  I even included a picture of artsy foam on my latte (this annoys so many people...but I love it!). 

If you are lucky enough to visit Provincetown this summer, I hope you visit Kohi Coffee Company as well!

An Herbal Arrangement

For Mother's Day this year, Paul gave me a beautiful flower arrangement from Winston Flower's. The florist shop started as a pushcart on Newbury St. in 1944 and is now the "Tiffany's" of floral shops in Boston.  In my arrangement, I noticed Winston had placed mint and rosemary as the greenery - so smart!  The herbs smell fresh and adds natural color and texture.   

I decided to make my own simpler version. I kept it simple to be able to keep it next to the stove for easy access to the herbs.  Fresh is always best, but for this project I grabbed 3 pre-packaged herb packs of Rosemary, Mint, & Sage, from Trader Joe's.  I hope you feel inspired to try as well! 

On Trend // the Turkish Towel

One of my favorite household items at the moment is the Turkish Towel.  It functions as a towel (both bath and beach), a table runner, a picnic blanket, a hand towel, and even a sarong/wrap.  Both stylish and functional, it can be glammed up or toned down; it's the perfect purchase for yourself or as a gift.   

You can find them reasonably priced on Overstock ($30), Etsy ($24), and designer sites ($55).  I also see them all the time at discount stores like HomeGoods/Marshalls/Ross's.  

All images below are via Pinterest searching "turkish towels."  

{It's wedding season and these towels are perfect party favors or bridesmaid gifts!}

A Honky-Tonk time in Nashville, TN

{luxury of a girl trip: traveling baby-free}

This past weekend I went on my first girl's trip since Roswelle was born.  Nashville, TN was the destination and it was a complete success!  A relaxed city full of good energy with a mix of bachelor/bachelorette parties, families on vacation, and locals! 

For anyone interested, we went to Honky Tonk on Broadway, A LOT. It is a great bar for all!  We had a fancier dinner, all dressed up, at Kayne Prime.  We rented a pontoon boat for Saturday on Presley Priest lake, about 20 minutes outside of Nashville.  Everyone had a blast on the Pedal Tavern  *warning* you actually do have to pedal to get the cart to move!  And finally, we ended the weekend with brunch at The Farmhouse Restaurant.  

Highlight of the weekend for me was getting ready with my girlfriends.  I loved trying on different outfits (some of them mine, some theirs) and having them help me decide which looked best and how to accessorize. In return, I did countless braids and helped out with make-up.  Music is on in the background, drinks are in hand, and we collectively prepare for the night ahead.  

{#adiosTLos}

{my drink of choice for the weekend, coffee}

{we ended the weekend on a super sweet note}

Favorite Things Friday

//personal//

The nyx wonder stick will be my next make-up purchase.  One of my favorite bloggers, The DayBook, vetted this item and I trust her whole-heartedly.  Perfect for those days you just need a little umph.

//food&drink//

I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but I can still appreciate a good, local drink option when I see one - and share it with y’all!  Mystic Table Beer is the perfect mix between casual and chic.  Perfect for an outdoor dinner or a casual birthday party for your girlfriend.  I just love the idea of putting beer in a pretty bottle – I mean, why not?  

//home//

I’m sure you have seen wedding blankets on style blogs and HGTV makeover shows, but the price for one of these treasures probably makes your heart stop.  Anthropologie has a beautiful option with a price most can stomach ($128).  I have this at the end of my guest bed and it adds just the right amount of style and texture to the room.  These are great draped over a bed or chair and can also be hung on a large wall as art or a headboard.  You won’t regret this purchase. 

//baby//

I'm always looking for classic, wooden toys and guess who has them....IKEA!!  These toys take me back to my own childhood and don't make me gasp when I see the price.  This stacking ring set is only $6.99!  Perfect for a gift.


Alright y'all, I'm headed to Nashville for my first girl's weekend since I can remember.  Have a great weekend!

Fajita in a Bowl

While it's nothin' fancy, I typically make dinner 5 nights a week.  Even on the long, busy days, I manage to get chicken in the oven, steam some broccoli, and get some rice cooking on the stove.  To make getting a meal on the table a stress-free experience, I rotate between 5 meals each week - this fajita bowl being one of them.  It's quick with minimal prep (approx. 15 minutes) and its healthy! 

I love meals where I can throw it in the oven and walk away...because this precious peanut pulls...at my leg constantly heart strings.

Below are the simple steps:

1) Toss chicken strips/breasts into a baking dish, slice up some red/yellow bell peppers to throw on top and pour your favorite salsa (instant seasoning) all over everything! Place in the oven at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes (aka free time).

2) About 15 minutes before chicken is done, slice up some avocado & tomatoes, shred cheese (if desired), and start some rice on the stove (...more hands-free time)

3) A secret ingredient is to replace sour cream with plain greek yogurt - you won't be able to taste the difference and it's so much healthier.

4) Pull out chicken, place on top of rice, add sliced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and greek yogurt and enjoy!! 

I love healthy, home-made meals that require little effort -  I hope you try it!

Mid-Century Chairs

I wrote a coupe weeks ago of my love for Amber Interiors' work.  She made my heart skip a beat once again with her latest before/after reveal.  For the first time, I noticed the clean, sharp-edged, relaxed feel of the chairs she uses in the spaces she decorates.  

Mid-century chairs to be exact.  

I love mid-century chairs in pairs, but we only need one. Our living room is small and my current goal is to find furniture that actually fits.  We sold the double sized, double stuffed, extra used chair from Paul's bachelor life (pictured below) and next up we will be selling our oversized (but comfy) couch.

[SOLD!  blocked way too much light and just didn't fit our style.]

I plan to put the new chair right next to the window (the chair currently sitting there now actually lives next to the fireplace).  I want a low profile chair that continues to let the light in the living room.  And see what I mean about the couch being too big?  It swallows the room.  

Some more pictures of the inspiration and look I am going for - I love the sheepskin thrown over it as well.

  

I began my search on my favorite discount websites: wayfair, overstock, ebay, and even craigslist. The prices were still a little shocking; mostly over $300 for what most people would consider a beat up old chair.  I haven't found "the one" yet I don't think, but I've included a bunch of items from my research below in case you are in the market as well!  

Below are my finds.  I've included links as well.  Ignore the upholstery and finishings, you can always change those!  This is about finding good bones for the look.

I love the way these chairs let in the light and the exposed wood is a great color.  Link

I love this pair - the structure is exactly what I'm looking for and I almost purchased, but the shipping was too much. 

Link

Beautiful via Ebay - Link

A little more beat up...but has potential. And a more reasonable price than most.  Link

This chair from wayfair needs little work if any.  Link

I also found some great options from overstock, pictures and links below:

Link

Link

Link

3 Years Married

Paul and I have been married 3 years today!! To celebrate, we were thinking about getting a hotel room in the city and getting sushi at the Legal Harboside roofdeck in Seaport; but while talking this morning (in bed) about how much we love our bed, we decided to have a normal night at home.  Although the weather is supposed to be so nice, I think I may plan a 3 person (Roswelle included) picnic at my favorite spot on Savin Hill, to make tonight just a little more special.  

Last night, on the drive home from the Cape, I was thinking about what it would be like to be married for 50 years, which is the goal.  I thought about my future married self, and what she would reminisce about the 3rd year of marriage.  

I think it would be singing "if you're happy and you know it" over and over again in the car, family time on our big king-sized bed right after Roswelle's bath and before her bedtime bottle, dancing in the kitchen to the Disney pandora station, Lunch dates on the greenway, serious & ambitious talks about our budget and financial goals, being upstairs getting ready for bed and hearing Paul set up my coffee for the morning, Lunge U together, garage WODS together, weekly Bible study on our living room floor, awkwardly learning how to travel as a family of 3, bgood friday nights, the thrill of a friday night movie-rental at home, nightly prayers over Roswelle while she slept in her crib & racing out when she stirred.  

I'd encourage you to make a list of things you loved about your marriage over the past year on each anniversary.  It would be a really fun thing to go back and read together! 

Memorial Day 2015

Roswelle, Paul, and I spent this Memorial Day Weekend at the cape cottage, in Truro, with family! The warm summer days and familiar summer spots were welcomed with open arms, by us all.  This is a simple post of snapshots from the past two days.  

And thank you to all the men and women who serve this great country, and their families who sacrifice as well!  Happy MDW!!

Favorite Things Friday

TGIF!!

This is the first time, in as long as I can remember (maybe ever?), that I have written every day of the week!  I'm hoping writing every day, will be a more regular thing.  

I'm packing up the car to head to the cape, but wanted to share my favorite things this week.

Home:

{meyer's hand soap is no new thing, but the honeysuckle scent is something special}

Beauty:

{I love the Physician's Formula Organic tinted moisturizer.  They also have organic BB & CC cream}

Food:

{I'll be on the road a lot this summer and nothing bothers Paul more than when I bring my coffee mug into the car.  Target has great disposable coffee cups prints right now, bright or a little more subtle, depending on your mood.  I only use these when I can't find my reusable to-go mug, like today.}

Baby:

{monogrammed beach towels are great summer gifts for babies and kids!  I love this kid-size pb flamingo version and the extra large LLbean polka-dot towel pictured below.  Both were gifts and I'm so thankful for them!}

Alright, I'm off!  Have a great holiday weekend!

spend your money well

{this duffle bag is on now my birthday wish list}

Last night, I complimented a friend's backpack and asked her where she got it (I'm searching for a good brand).  She told me it was Krochet Kids, and promptly showed me the inside label, where the signature of the woman who made it was placed.  I loved the style and loved the message.  Later, I checked out the website and was amazed at the stylish, good quality and variety the brand offered.  The idea is that what makes something valuable is the person that made it, their craft or skills place value in the product.  You can actually send a thank you message to the lady, from countries like Peru and Uganda, that made your item. Check out more products and read more about the company here: krochetkids.org

"Every product we make is hand-signed by the person who made it.  Women and thier families are being empowered through the products made at krochet kids intl and the programs we provide." - Krochet Kids Intl.

{would love to wear this on my upcoming trip to nashville}

{this is the bag that got my attention last night}

{they have great clothing for both men and women}

{Paul just bought a pair of similar sweats from bonobos, but now I'm wishing we had spent our money on Krochet Kids - next time!}

*They also have a ton of hand knit winter accessories for women, men and children(!) but I couldn't bring myself to write about winter clother after the winter we just had in Boston.  BUT it will be on my radar come November ;)

Style: 1 Bookshelf, 4 Ways

According to many design books, my style is The Eclectic Sophisticate (1).  I'll think I have my design style figured out and then I see an amazing room on a blog or magazine and I'm thrown into confusion again.   

Case in point, this fun design challenge by the talented Emily Henderson (stylebyemilyhenderson.com) where she asks her readers to vote for their favorite style of "1 bookshelf, 4 ways." I was surprisingly attracted to the Desert New Age (3).   I love the playful, color-filled, relaxed vibe the style gives off.  I think this version is the new "in" style, even in fashion (hello fringe)d.  I love this style because it can be incredibly affordable - vintage, distressed, used, green, raw.

In the end, I think it's important to know what you are consistently attracted to when styling a home or yourself, it will make you the happiest in the long run.  But I also think it's fun to change it up every now and then and have fun, spaces perfect for this are small bathrooms and bookshelves.  

So after all that rambling, the question I want to ask is which style is your favorite?

The Desert New Age:

The Playful Scholar:

The Modern Traditional: 

The Eclectic Sophisticate:

A Simple Salad on a Simple Monday

I was asked to bring a green salad to my niece Maddie's birthday party on Sunday,  and I put together  a winner.  It's a light, sweet, and simple salad which is perfect for summer.  It includes the smallest amount of honey, sliced apricots and fresh lemon juice.  It was a hit at the party, so I thought I would share!  Recipe is at the end of the post.

I liked the salad so much, I made it again yesterday for a picnic with Roswelle.  It was one of those Mondays,  where both Roswelle and I needed to be outside.  She was clingy and I was frustrated and we had two hours together until her next nap.  Less than a half-mile away from our house is a small, shaded spot on the "hill" in our neighborhood; the perfect spot for a picnic.  We didn't need much: a blanket, snacks (this salad included), and drinks. This little 45 minute outing turned my day around - I think we may go again today!

{Blue eyes and milk mustache}

{oddly enough, nothing makes me happier than when she is messy as can be}

//salad recipe//
handful of arugula, dash of evoo & white balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp of honey, goat cheese, sliced apricots, dried cranberries, and walnuts.  I also priced it out based on my receipt; it comes to a less than $4 lunch!

HBD Madelyn Grace!!

Babies are just miracles.  This little life sent from Above, previously didn't exist, and now we couldn't exist without it.  Yesterday, I celebrated a miracle in the form of my cute-as-button-lil'-chicken-nugget, Madelyn Grace Lashway.  Congrats, Rob and Jenny, you survived the first year as new parents.  You three made it!! 

Jenny & Rob planned a beautiful, fun, polka-dot party, full of color and life, just like miss #maddielash!  I had fun capturing all the little details and some special moments from yesterday.  Hope you enjoy them,  too.

{miniature birthday donuts from Blackbird Donuts}

{flying away in her "hot-air ballon"!}

{the birthday shot}

{I have so many memories of my Dad picking at my birthday cake, makes me love this picture of Rob sneaking into Maddie's that much more}

{Roswelle, the 2month pro, showing her how to eat birthday cake}

{timber!}

{underneath the highchair debris}

{Happiest 1st Birthday, Madelyn Grace!, you super-stah you}

p.s. want me to take pictures of your event in Boston?? contact me: saralaurenw@gmail.com.  

I'm embarrassingly cheap. like buy me a coffee cheap ;)

Design Crush: Amber Interiors

{I lovvvvve this bedding she is selling, but definitely can't afford, I'll be looking for something similar though!}

I've recently started following the work of wildly popular interior designer, Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors (amberinteriordesign.com).  I love her consistent use of an all white backdrop, natural wood, green life, and color.  She has the ability to use patterns and bright color but keep the feel of a room clean and airy, a hard balance to achieve for the common folk like myself.  I usually shy away from color or patterns, but Amber has me rethinking my future purchases. 

{I wish I was brave enough to do open, floating shelves in my kitchen}

{this is going in the archives for the entryway in our next house!! I love the oversized round mirror}

{soo much fun for a cottage or a smaller room}

{clean, simple use of different stripes, patterns, and shapes}

{I need to put up some shelves to style}

Below are more pictures of her work that I love:

//all pictures are from her instagram account, pinterest page, and website//

Watching Him Soar

While I was home last week, I was able to go visit my oldest brother, Trey, at the Lanier Flight Center in Gainesville, GA.  This past Fall he passed the Flight Instructor Certification exam and it is now only a matter of time before he has enough hours to fly as a commercial pilot, his childhood dream.  It was Thursday, May 7^th 2015, when I flew with him for the first time, and it was also the anniversary of my Dad’s funeral; it’s been 6 years. 

The 5 of us (my mom, myself, and 3 brothers) have come so far and I couldn’t be prouder of my family.  After the sudden loss of my Dad, it was like someone picked up our lives, threw them in a box, shook it around and then threw the box down a mountain.  It was up to us to put everything back together.   It's been my personal experience that as a Christian family we leaned on our faith, we always maintained a True North and we continued to move forward as a family under a blanket of prayer. But that is not to say we haven’t lost direction along the way and had set backs. It takes years to get to a healthy place in a healthy way, and it's not over.

Trey was finishing his sophomore in college when my Dad passed.  Like all of us, his world was turned completely upside down.  He moved home from Middle Tennessee University shortly after to be home with my mom and make it to Carson’s practices and games.  That was what was important at the time.   He lost credits during the transfer but kept working towards an IT degree at North GA University.  He started dating Anna shortly thereafter and also started taking classes on the side to obtain a pilot license.  His path was unknown and different from the one before my Dad passed, but that doesn't mean it was the wrong path.  After 6 years he is exactly where he is supposed to be in his life.  He got his degree, is marrying the love of his life, and flies a plane for a living.  I couldn't be prouder or happier for him and I know my dad would feel the same!

This past weekend we also celebrated Evan who graduated from Auburn with an Accounting degree.  My mom celebrated mother’s day with her Yankee Son-in-law and grand-daughter who was born in York, ME of all places.  And Carson, at 16, is the tallest sibling and is pumped to be heading into his Junior year of high school with a new football coach.  None of us are where we thought we would be before Dad died but life is imperfectly perfect for each of us.  We miss him everyday but the loss of his daily influence doesn’t define us; his loving impact while we had him here just made us stronger after he was gone.

If you are in the midst of the fog of a loss, as some of my closest family members are, I hope you read this and know there is hope.

My mom's house is in the dead center!

{a smooth landing}

{i want to reach into this picture and give her neck kisses!}

{he loves her so much!}

{Roswelle is currently obsessed with puppies!!...the only thing she puts her bottle down for}