I hope you've been enjoying the early days of Spring. I recently paid a visit to the Audubon Center in Sharon, CT where I picked up a few more bird callers. I'd really love to figure out how to put some bird feeders outside of our windows without having them overrun with pigeons. If you're lucky enough to live a relatively pigeon-free life (no offense to the pigeon lovers out there), Birdfeeder.com has a lot of Bird stuff for you avian enthusiasts out there.
See you soon!
xoemily
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*We used Martha Stewart Fine Glitter silver glitter on our homemade invitations because everybody loves to see their name sparkle.
*This was a "pretend slumber party." Before the party started, Sydney and I practiced being a hostess...I was a guest, and she was a very gracious birthday girl.
*Guests arrived in their PJs, we had pillows and blankets laid on the floor to set the stage. Pink lemonade, tea sandwiches, fruit cups, and crudites were served on a low table with china and silverware. Sydney set the table, carefully placing the colorful cotton napkis she helped me make.
*Each girl got a pink tutu and a crown. We played freeze dance, and Zingo--which is a lot like Bingo. Pink frosted cupcakes were served on diy cake stands--plates glued to candlestick bases.
*I was so happy when Sydney said she wanted her little brother Sammy to be at the party too. I let him have a couple of extra cupcakes--it's still hard to understand why you aren't getting any presents when you're only three. But it makes it so much better when you have such a sweet older sister.
Resources:
Birthday Cake Recipes from HGTV
Capes and Crowns via Sew Plain Jane
Twinkling string of LED lights via PartyLights.com
Paper Balloons (not necessarily eco-friendly, but you can keep them vs. throwing away) via Omiyage.ca
Eco-friendly balloons via Party Fiesta Decor
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Pottery Barn has been my default-go-to for home furnishings at various times in my life (what a surprise). Such was the case when purchasing a new sofa six years ago. It just seemed like the easiest thing to do (translate=I am lazy). Now, knowing more, I would have done things differently. For one--I prefer upholstered furniture so much more than slip-covered. Also, I would have chosen a different fill for the couch pillows. As it is, the down just isn't my thang. For one, I'm not patient enough for the constant fluffing, and also--have you ever noticed that the feathers poke through and prick you? It's like the goose is getting back at you posthumously or something. I also made a teensie mistake by letting my kids jump on the couch--it's a bit saggy in the middle. Not unlike my own middle. My point is--I'm looking to remake the sad overused wretch that is my sofa. First step--replace the couch legs. Of course, I want to use legs made from Sustainable Wood. I happily discovered BingLtd--an online shopping, bricks and mortar home furnishings business. Now, if I can just get my husband to turn the sofa over so I can check out those legs.
The next step: Replace the cushions and upholster (rookie style) the couch. Good luck with that, right? I do have a simple (really!) how-to upholster project in my Eco Chic Home book. I'll keep you updated on this little home decorating project as it progresses.
*Photo: Atwood Sectional. $3199. 92"L x 65"W x 27"H. Available in Cabana Hemp (as shown) or Urban Tweed Ink. FSC-Certified Wood Frame. Available at Area 51 Furniture Store, Seattle.
More about the different types of sofa legs:
Continue reading "Decorating How to: Replace Your Sofa Legs" »
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Natural Beauty Items for a Pregnant Lady
Bath and Beauty products by Etsy shop Utopia Bath Ltd recently arrived in the post for me. Sent by a friend of mine from Des Moines (that sounds like a song, right?), the package arrived just just in the nick of time—one the items was a yummy skin balm which is perfect for my big round pregnant belly (4 weeks and counting down). Of course my kids always have to get in on the beauty product action—but that’s okay since everything is 100% organic and chemical-free. I just have to make sure they don’t put the balm on their hair.
A little bit about Utopia:
Besides having products that really work, the owner is a Breast Cancer Survivor who is now restarting her business after recovering from treatment. I know, I had you at survivor. Some of my favorite items in her Etsy Shop are the sugar hearts body scrub, solid perfume, and the seersucker bath robes. Here’s a little more information about this neat little woman-owned, totally inspiring spa and beauty store:
Takes Care of People Hair AND Dog Hair
The best thing you can do for your hair is to wash it less, and when you do wash it, use shampoos that rely on herbs, soy, and other natural beauty ingredients to do their magic. The same goes for dog hair—don’t over wash the poor little guys coat, his skin will get dry and he'll probably shed even more because of it. Utopia Bath didn't forget the four-legged among us--she has a special dog shampoo that will pamper your best friend.
Natural Remedies for Dry Skin
One of the main side effects of radiation treatments for breast cancer--especially for the sensitive skin of the breast area—is dry skin. The last thing you want to do is use any harsh chemicals to treat your skin. What you want is are simple ingredients in a lotion and cream that will sooth and repair from the outside in. Gentle but effective--not every beauty company gets it right. I think Utopia Bath Ltd. has.
A Few Favorites:
1. Little Nook Soy Candle ($12.50 USD)
2. Sole Survivor Foot Balm ($22.50 USD)
3. Beauty Bars with Organic Shea Butter ($7.00 USD)
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My mother had some pretty unique interior design ideas, and she wasn't afraid to try them out on us. Plus, it was the 70's--enough said. She was also really good carpenter--thanks to my Swedish Grandfather who had the most awesome working man's hands. Here's a photo of me about to slide down the fireman's pole that was in our living room. Like I said, the 70's.
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