Mothers Day Gift Giving For Every Style

Mommy and Me Set etsy

Mothers day is a special time of year when we get to spoil moms and mom-like figures in our lives.  We found some unique ideas for her that she will actually use and enjoy!

For the Casual Mom a simple conversation tee that sums it all up:

Queen Bee Tee  waxingkara

For the Dress Up Mom the perfect spring garden party clutch:

Flower Beaded Clutch anthropologie

For the Sentimental Mom a nest necklace with all her chicks on it:

Nesting Bird Necklace uncommongoods

For the Bookworm Mom something personal to keep her reader cozy:

Needlepoint Monogram Nook Cover landsend

For the Garden Mom a little project to do together and grow for seasons to come:

Hen and Chick Growing Kit redenvelope 

For the Active Mom the perfect go anywhere handle anything skort:

Denim Bettona Classic Skort Athleta

For the Sporty Mom a wristband to track all your data for her busy life:

UP Wristband Jawbone

For the Traveling Mom a tote and cosmetic bag made to last:

South Cosmetic and Tote Bags
with Monogram
markandgraham

For the Teacher Mom a wall hanging to remind everyone of her favorite lessons:

Family Rules Wall Canvas wisteria

For the Baker Mom the ultimate kitchen mixer that looks gorg too:

Kitchen Aid 5qt Stand Mixer Target

For the Foodie Mom a collection of unique inde sweets and treats:

The Mother Load Gift Assortment newyorkmouth

Finally, for the DIY Mom a project that you can make for her:

Easy Child Silhouettes DIY cottagehill

Remember, whether you break the bank or glue together a macaroni embelished trinket box, the biggest gift you can give Mom is hug, kiss and a really big thank you. Now go call your mother! Happy Mothers Day!

Design Day Friday: William, Kate, The Bump and The Union Jack

I must admit I have always had a bit of a Brit crush. I remember waking in the wee hours of the morning to watch Charles and Diana marry, then Andrew and Fergie and later to watch Diana being laid to rest. I was so captivated by the tradition, the grandeur and the elegance of it all. Recently, as I was working on my current archaeology project also know as "the garage," I discovered a tea cup that my mother gave to me. It was a commemorative piece to celebrate the marriage of Charles and Diana. I smiled. I thought about the hours I would pour over magazines and draw my "someday" princess wedding gown in my notebook. I even tried my hand at drawing a sketch from a photo of Diana on the cover of Ladies Home Journal. Now, William and Kate have sparked another royal crush. This time its hip and young and fresh just like the couple and their bump-to-be. This British invasion has crossed into the design world. We are seeing those traditionally English elements and icons with non-traditional twists from rocker chic to whimsical fabulous.

Jeeves and Wooster Pendant Lights

Lumbar Pillow

Dog Collar

Vintage Wash Quilt Set

Book Page Wall Art

Queen Wall Clock

Baby Shoes

Turkish Hoodie Towel

Union Jack Sofa

As I always say the key to pulling this off is to only use one statement item in a room. If you create a "theme-y" looking it will come off as cheap and cluttered. Keep it simple and highlight your focal point. Cherio!

Design Day Friday: The Clock on the Wall

peaceloveanddecorating.com

Clocks have long been a staple in homes, even revered as fine pieces of engineering and craftsmanship. However, the functional use of wall clocks is almost obsolete. With our myriad of technology and gadgets, most of us look to our phone, computer, dvd player, cable box, stove or microwave for the time. In fact, the days of teaching kids to tell time using the big hand and the little hand are fading into the digital world. But the  beauty of a clock still holds a place in good design. It brings shape, depth and style to a room and also ads a sense of home-y familiarity. Clocks offer an alternative to wall art and can be used to break up a large wall, add to a grouping of art and wall accessories and hang in places that other objects might seem awkward. In an effort to showcase the timeless (pun intended) accessory, I have collected some lovely clocks worthy of hanging in a place of note.

Jcp.com  

Lampsplus.com

Target.com

Ikea.com

anthropologie.com

potterybarn.com

westelm.com

lightinthebox.com

hayneedle.com

Isn't it about "time" you changed the old clock on the wall? Select a timepiece that really expresses what makes you tick and don't forget to check the time now and then. -Ta

To Target To Target: What's New and What We Love

Spring has sprung and there is a fresh new crop of goodies at Target and a few new ones on the way. Here is a list of my don't miss top picks:

If you haven't heard, Justin Timberlake has a new "album" (I still call it an album). If you pick up up your copy at Target you can get their exclusive bonus tracks. I must say I am kind of all over this one, but its hard not to get carried away by the musical stylings of JT....or Michael Bublé because....Bublé is headed to Target stores on April 23 with his album "To Be Loved" and three exclusive bonus tracks, "It's a Beautiful Day," "Melancholy Baby" and a cover of the Ronette's "Be My Baby." 

I told you about the spring debut of Kate Young for Target on its way in April. Next,Target has yet another design collaboration coming soon, but this one has the potential to provide 10 million meals to hungry Americans. The line FEED created by Lauren Bush Lauren will be hitting stores in June. The designs are fantastic and it is hard to pick favorites. 

Last year, Target launched its house brand of home decor products called "Threshold." As usual they are on trend with affordable options. The look is bright and bursting with pattern and texture. There are many items offered in this line, but I posted some of my favs:

Finally, if you have your eye on an item at Target and have been reluctant to pull the trigger. Keep an eye on their daily deals online. They offer 24hr special pricing on big ticket items as well as small ones. When I see a good one coming, I will alert you so, stay tuned so you don't miss out! 

This Sunday, is your chance to snag a cute little accent chair to perk up your room. 

Design Day Friday: French Vintage White

There is always something enchanting about French and old European style rooms. The trend is not new because, really, it is not a trend but a classic style that has modified itself over time. For the past few years, there has been a tendency toward it's very feminine incarnation, lots of ruffles, ornate cabinetry and muted lace.  Lately, a cleaner more gender neutral version has come about by using sharper lines and adding industrial and rustic materials in varying shades of whites and neutrals. The old world style still holds its key ingredient of mixing many raw and organic textures and the purity of soft whites as if each piece tells its own story.  I found these rooms as inspiration for my design board picks this week.

Both of these rooms have the perfect formula for combining the old world elements and modern lines. The danger is making a room like this cluttered or busy. Here are five key ingredients to successfully pulling off this look. 

shadesoflight.com

peaceloveanddecorating.com

WorldMarket.com

WorldMarket.com

1. Wire and Metal with Petina - Add utility items like baskets and wire accent tables. Lighting is less ornate. Stay with a simple shape that incorporates recycled or blown glass as opposed to crystal and fine wired metal instead of ornate ironwork.  Hang multiple pendents in a linear group instead of a single centered chandelier. 
2. Weathered Wood - The wood farm table is the cornerstone of this look, whether in the form of a coffee table or long gathering table, the idea of entertaining and enjoying good company is what appeals most to lovers of French Country style. Rather than a high polished traditional finish choose a white washed stain or reclaimed wood construction.



lightingdirect.com

3. Wall Collections and Open Shelving - In each of the photos above the walls are decorated using collections of art or dishes. Subtle framing in washed woods or soft metals and ceramics in uniform patterns create beautiful displays in one cohesive unit. Open shelving with stacked displays of place settings and glassware give the room personality. Keep the dishes all white for contrast against the wood tone. 



Grandinroad.com

4. Botanicals and Glass - Lovely botanicals and re-purposed glass are kept in groups of a single variety and repeated around the space. They are complimented by the addition of mercury glass, crockery or bell jars. 
5. White on White - The shabby chic feel of a old European inspired room is found in the upholstery. Slipcovers and layers of white on cream tones are the icing to these heavenly spaces. Don't be afraid to mix tone on tone patterns and textures in several hues of naturals and whites. 

potterybarn.com

Ballarddesigns.com

French country style gets its appeal through relaxed comfort and old world charm. Add your own family artifacts to tell your own story. The key is layers of simplicity with touches of elegance and history. Au Revoir, Mes Amies!