Checking In

Hi there. I am wishing so much that I could carve out some time for this little blog of mine, but it's been so hard lately. I did want to check in and share something that's been resonating strongly with me lately. Thinking it may be meaningful to some of you, too...

Hope everyone is having a great week! XOXO

Rikshaw Design Spring Collection

We've made it to the middle of the week, y'all! It's amazing how much faster the week goes by when you aren't confined to your house with a sick little. And the weather the past few days has been so, so, so wonderful. Of course, rumor has it (and by rumor, I mean The Weather Channel) we're in for another cold snap starting tonight, but I refuse to let it get me down. How can I when Rikshaw Design released their spring collection?

Love. It. All.

Y'all, those punchy colors are giving me a serious case of spring fever. If you aren't familiar with Rikshaw Design, founder Catherine Benson launched the company in 2008 with a line of baby bedding and accessories. Each piece is crafted from the softest, most ridiculously comfy cotton voile--the kind of comfy that makes you wish every shirt in your closet was made from it. Hand-blocked prints give each piece a one-of-a-kind feeling without being too precious.

I have a kurta from a couple years ago that is a summer staple, but these new prints have me itching for another. And don't even get me started on the kids line. H has outgrown his kurta, so a new one is most definitely in order. There's really nothing cuter that a little boho boy...

I mean, come on.

My favorites from the new collection:

Classic Kurta in Darjeeling Violet

Embroidered Sleeveless Top in Geo Pink

Children's Kurta in Turquoise Seahorse

Good news for those of us who missed the boat on the Gold Tuxedo Kurta after it sold out last year--it's back! If you're looking for a fab gift for a mama-to-be, check out the play blankets and burp & bib sets. And mamas of baby girls? One word: bloomers. XOXO

(FYI, this is not a sponsored post, just my opinion, which is pretty rad. But if RD needs an east coast ambassador, I'm up for the job!)

On My Radar

It's been another crazy week at our house. H woke up Saturday morning with a low-grade fever and cough that worsened throughout the day, so we spent the evening hanging out at the ER. Fun times. The doc on duty diagnosed it as croup, so the only Rx was lots of rest and popsicles. Of course, when a babe is sick, mama gets very little rest, so I've been running on empty. Lots of big projects and fast deadlines at work didn't help much, either. But H is feeling better, so that's really all that matters.

Although I haven't had time to do much other than wipe noses and snuggle a little boy this week, I wanted to share a few things on my radar...

1. Dhurrie Chair

 

 Traditional shape + non-traditional fabric = my favorite look. Thank you, Anthropologie, for always providing plenty of  items for my lust list.

2. Shredded Kale & Brussel Sprout Salad via Just a Taste

Photo by Just a Taste

I've hopped on the kale bandwagon big time. Smoothies, chips, soups, you name it. This salad looks super easy, super tasty, and within my limited kitchen skills... God, please don't let me chop off a(nother) knuckle.

3. Gap Sateen Fit & Flare Dress

This looks like such a perfect LBD. So crisp with that kicky pleat! I could easily wear it to work with a cardigan, or dress it up with heeled sandals and some pretty jewelry (like this) for weddings/parties. We have two weddings coming up this spring (H is the ring bearer in both, and yes, I am nervous), so this could be an option for rehearsal dinners or receptions. It's gotten mixed reviews online as to fit, so I know I'll have to go to a brick & mortar to buy. Let's just hope it's still in stock once the quarantine on our house is lifted.

4. GardenFort

H is totally into forts right now, so this would be fun for spring/summer. It also looks like the perfect place for mama to hide out with a nice glass of vino.

5. Monogrammed Converse All Stars

My Pinterest is littered with pics of effortlessly cool chicks in Chucks. I'm still not sure I can pull them off, but if I get brave enough to try it, you better believe I'm going to monogram the sh*t out of them.

I'm off to catch up on work and the snot dripping out of a little nose. Kleenex and the Inmans say bless you! XOXO

What to Wear: Now & Later

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Work was completely nuts and I've been trying to unplug more at home, but I'm hoping to make it up to y'all with something good today!

Around this time every year, I start to hate everything in my closet. I'm tired of bundling up, tired of sweaters, tired of boots, tired of flannel. So apparently I'm tired of being an 82 year old man, but you know what I mean. Add to that the fact that it's that tricky stretch between seasons, and I feel like I am dressing like a bona fide wackadoo. But I found something this weekend that might save my sanity, friends.

The magic tunic.

Have you ever bought a shirt, a pair of jeans, some article of clothing that is not only flattering, it makes all your trouble spots (real or perceived) seem to disappear? I found my miracle piece this weekend. This tunic nips in just enough at the waist, hits at just the right place to minimize my thighs, and it's just the right weight that I can wear it now in cooler weather and later when spring finally arrives. It's the Goldilocks of tops! I thought I'd share a little styling inspiration to show how I wear it now, and how I'll wear it later.

J.Crew Factory Chambray Tunic; Stella & Dot Phoenix Necklace and Various Bracelets; Flash Lens Ray-Ban Aviators; Michael Kors Turquoise Hoops (on sale!); Gold and Gray Wood Bracelets; Chan Luu Skull Bangle; 7 for All Mankind Slim Illusion Jeans; Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals in New Nude Leopard; Essie Polish in Geranium (my all time favorite!); Michael Kors Watch Hunger Stop Watch; Old Navy Booties (no longer available); J.Crew Leggings (amazing fit!)

Happy weekend, friends! XOXO

Five on Friday: On My Shopping List

TGIF, friends! Hope everyone's had a great week. The hubs decided to lay the budget smackdown on our household this week, and I am not faring well. Am I the only one who sees retail therapy as a logical way to deal with it? Probably so, and probably why we really, REALLY need a budget. But that sh*t's boring, so this week's Five on Friday post is a roundup of some items that may or may not be in numerous online shopping carts of mine at this very moment.

Ray-Ban Aviator Flash Lens in Green

Online Calligraphy Class with Melissa Esplin (you can see more of her incredible work and read her super fun blog here)

Amanda Catherine Designs "Work Hard & Be Kind" Pencils

J.Crew Toothpick Jeans in Tux Stripe

Graham & Brown Beadboard Wallpaper

Hope everyone's weekend is amazing! XOXO

Spring Style for Little Boys

Happy Monday, friends! Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. I caught up on some work Saturday, and Sunday I slept in until... wait for it... 10 a.m. Y'all. IT. WAS. AWESOME. Best Valentine's gift my husband could have ever given me!

As promised, I'm sharing my picks for H's spring style. Shopping for boys can be a challenge... there are a LOT of bad graphic tees, knit shorts, and cargo pants out there. But thankfully there are a few shops that make it much easier to find classic pieces for little guys. Seriously, what did mamas do before crewcuts?

The whole coordinating color scheme was a happy accident. I love navy, and it looks so great with a punchy shade of tangerine. I snagged this tee at the J.Crew clearance store today because it works so well with the other pieces. 

Heathered Sweater; The Dude Baseball Cap; Anchor Kurta; Plaid Bow Tie; Anchor Bow Tie; Navy Gingham Button Down; Chino Shorts; Chambray Shirt; Hooded Jacket; Chambray Roll-Up Pants; Polo; Sneakers; Wellies; Flip Flops

Where do you mamas of little boys shop? XOXO

Make This, Wear That - Valentine's Day at Home

Hello from the frozen tundra of North Carolina! Today is day three of no school, no getting to the office, no sanity. Heaven help us.

We're not big on Valentine's Day celebrations around here... maybe a bottle of champagne and a handmade card, but that's about as fancy as we get. The hubs is working on Valentine's night again this year (I think this makes 4 years in a row?), so it looks as though H and I will be having a quiet evening at home--at least as quiet as an evening with a 3 year old can be. We'll have our usual Friday night movie (probably Despicable Me 2, as it's been in heavy rotation lately--gotta love Gru and his chip hat!), but I'd like to make a special treat. I'm thinking this might be perfect...

Old Fashioned Pink Popcorn from Cooking Classy

As far as what to wear for Valentine's Day, I'm not a typical red dress kind of gal. I much prefer the idea of a soft pastel like lavender paired with just a splash of red. And I guess I'm in denial about the fact that winter is sticking around for a while, because I am ready to start wearing spring clothes. Snow storms be damned!

Margaret Elizabeth Cube Studs; J.Crew Merino Tunic Sweater; Old Navy Sweetheart Distressed Skinnies; Minnetonka Back Zip Booties; Essie Polish in Fishnet Stockings; Gold & Gray Medium Wood Stretch Bracelets; Rikshaw Design Lulu Scarf

I am loving the new merino tunic sweaters from J.Crew... they're like the swing sweater 2.0. And though I will admit I was a skeptic, I am here to tell you, Old Navy's Sweetheart jeans are pretty much perfect for those of us with more voluptuous posteriors. Great amount of stretch, and they're high-waisted, so they suck in the muffin top really well. I can't recommend them enough. And if you need another reason to give them a try, they are on super duper sale right now. Like, such a crazy good sale I'm thinking of ordering a size down so I can have them when my current ones are too big.

If you are looking for fun bracelets at a fabulous price, check out Gold & Gray. I have three of the wood bead bracelets and I just want more. So fun! And this necklace is at the top of my wish list for spring.

Rikshaw Designs founder Catherine Fitzsimmons has southern roots, but her bohemian flare is what I admire most. I have a Rikshaw classic kurta that I wear non-stop in the summer, so I think adding one of the scarves to my wardrobe is an obvious choice. And for you mamas reading, they have a children's line that is pretty much the cutest ever. H outgrew his kurta at the end of last summer, so we'll be ordering another for this year.

Whether you're big on the "Hallmark holiday" of Valentine's or not, I think it's a perfect opportunity to tell those you love how much they mean to you. Not that any of us need a holiday for that, but sometimes it's a good reminder. XOXO