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!

Weekend Project: Cleaning Your Cast Iron

I came across this great tutorial from Lodge on how to clean your cast iron. It's simple and the music is kinda jazzy too!

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!

Design Day Friday: Breakfast in Tiffany Style

Northstar Stove

Its no secret that I love all things vintage, especially movies. You can't have a discussion about favorite classics without someone bringing up Capote's "Breakfast At Tiffany's."  In honor of the big awards season and just because a girl can dream, I have put together a few finds that add a touch of Holly Golightly to your morning. The color Tiffany blue is a movie star in its own right. Its not just on those heart stopping little boxes anymore. Some of the items, like the Northstar Stove above are luxury items, but I found a few yummies for those of us that do not have a Hollywood budget but still want a touch of Tiffany's in our world.

Sur la Table

Everyone loves the KitchenAid® stand mixer. Its not only a perfect pop of that signature robin egg blue for your counter top, but it is a worthy and functional investment in your cooking arsenal. 

Zazzle.com

"Oh Cat!" Don't forget your stylish furry friends. You can even have this one personalized. 

Etsy.com

Wall art is so critical in pulling together a finished look in any room. I love these prints because they add great pattern and big impact. You could go with an Audrey Hepburn canvas and that is perfectly fine, but its sometimes best to be less obvious and "theme-ish."  The look is more interesting.

Tiffany & Co.

Williams-Sonoma

Of course, this room is Tiffany inspired so how could I not select something from the mother-ship itself? This adorable platter is from Tiffany & Co. An homage to their unmistakable bow and box.  In keeping with Holly's famous opening scene breakfast,  it is only appropriate that you adorn this sweet platter with some wonderful pastries to accompany your coffee.  If you are not a baker, no problem. Williams-Sonoma offers several options and you'll think you just stepped out of a world class bakery. They even have packages delivered to your door once a month for you to bake and enjoy.

Portmerion Dinnerware Sophie Conran

As I always say, design is about surrounding yourself with what you love. Express yourself in your home decor and have fun with it. You should wake each morning look across your coffee and say "Did I tell you how utterly and divinely happy I am?" Wishing you the most lovely start to every day. Ta! THM

Kitchen Couture

I am known for my collection of aprons. Its a nice pick me up to put on a fun and flirty apron after a long day when you may not be feeling quite so fashionable. Aprons now come in so many beautiful fabrics and with as much detail as a piece from your wardrobe. They are truly a little bit of Kitchen Couture. Some of my favorite patterns such as, Scarlett Blossom and Pink Chocolate are now available for you to purchase in my Happy Home Maker Shop. This one featured in the photo above, is an adorable cant-go-wrong basic in Sassy Black. Yes, it has a cell phone or ipod pocket! Make sure to grab yours or it makes a great Hostess gift.