Dear Clients,

Please, oh please, will one of you let me decorate your bedroom around this AMAZING line from Barbara Barry??

It's on killer sale now at Macy's. And I'm sure eBay will be good to us for filling in the gaps.

And doesn't it remind you of my favorite fabric/wallpaper Chenonceau from Schumacher?

Campaign Furniture

I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with vintage campaign furniture.

Did you see Vanessa De Vargas' kelly green campaign style console in the latest Lonny? {By the way, if you're not reading Lonny (a FREE online magazine) you're really missing out!}



Campaign furniture can be pricey, especially in vintage furniture stores (where they know what they have) but sometimes you can luck out on Craigslist. I recently bought a pair of dressers with removable shelves for our bedroom, which is slowly but surely getting decorated.

CL seller's photo (not too appealing, right? It's all about the potential!)

The set was $60 and was in decent condition (not too many scratches) but it was DIRTY!!


Check out the nasty, dingy brass hardware before:


I used Bar Keeper's Friend to soak and scrub off all the grime.

Then it was time to paint. I wiped down all the surfaces really well and vacuumed out the inside of the dressers. Everything was primed with Zinssers using a mini-roller.


Then I used a brush to paint all the corners and awkward parts of the dressers and shelves.


A mini roller was used to apply two to three coats of paint (Benjamin Moore's 'Hamptons Green' in semi-gloss latex).

This weekend our bedroom is getting all the finishing touches, so come back next week for the reveal and projects recap. Though, I have to say, my motherly instincts are telling me that I'm going to have the baby sooner than later...?

On My Christmas List: Leather Accessories

I really love the look and feel of leather and I'm finding it has a large presence on my "It's a Reach" Christmas list. In my mind, I'm able to justify the higher price tag because leather wears so long and so well.

I had asked for a new Boat and Tote for Christmas (black, monogrammed, in the extra large size for all my paint decks and fabric samples). But I'm seriously rethinking my request after seeing this bag ($143) on the Jeune Marie blog.


Big enough for schlepping all my work stuff? Yes


Mostly durable canvas like the Boat and Tote? Check

Buttery cognac leather? Double check.
Oh, but what's this? A bit of golden sparkle in the form of a monogram?? Yes, please!!


I also would LOVE this leather iPhone case ($98) from AB Sutton, as seen on Elements of Style.


Isn't the peacock blue leather beautiful? And I know the case will come to good use, since I drop my phone about 10 times per day.

If you're looking for a really great, practical wallet that's on the bigger side (it doubles as a clutch), look no further than HOBO's Rachel Vintage wallet. I bought mine two years ago at a Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale and it still looks great. It holds all the essentials and helps me stay organized with just enough pockets and zippers. And it comes in just about every color under the sun.This one's on sale.
I would love some new belts (motivation to get my waist back after this baby finally comes out!). Why look further than J. Crew?


And maybe a pair of very versatile leather gloves while I'm at it? The camel color will go with almost every winter coat I own.


Oh, if I had $400 to spend on a watch right now, this one from Coach would be all mine. I love the look of a vintage men's watch on a woman.


My all-time best clothing/accessories buy? A Chloe Heloise bag from Last Chance (Nordstrom's returns clearing house in Phoenix, AZ) for $75. I get compliments on this bag everywhere I go. I love, love, love it.


I could really use a new pair of tall brown boots. These, from Frye, have been calling to me...

(Save $100 if you're an 8.5...)

What about you? Any luxurious leather items on your Christmas list? Do tell.

Hack of All Hacks

There are so many ways to get more mileage out of our IKEA purchases. There are entire websites dedicated to doing this - IKEA Hacker is a great one.

But this project, courtesy of Lindsay at Penny People Designs, is my all-time favorite.

The equation for the perfect cheap nightstands:

The IKEA Rast dresser. Cost =$39.99 ea.

+ Creamy white oil based paint (the suggested shade is Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace)


+ Minwax wood stain in a deep shade (like Dark Walnut)


+ Gorgeous brass ring pulls (these from Bellacor are my new favorites)


= this loveliness

image via Penny People Designs blog

Couldn't you just die? Such an easy and impressive project!

Plus, I spy a Crate and Barrel Colette bed, which can only ever add to the beauty of a room. And in case you're wondering, like I was, what the wall color is, it's Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray. Nice choice.

A Few Things to Discuss

I've got some Christmasy things on my mind today.

1) Mistral Grapefruit Red Currant Soap smells so dang good that sometimes I am tempted to take a nibble on my hands after washing.

Great gift idea.
2) Speaking of good-smelling things, thanks to Blueprint Bliss, I am going to pick up a couple of generic brand Pine candles from Walmart for $3.50 each. They are supposed to be a good (cheap) substitute for a favorite holiday candle of mine, Frasier Fir by Thymes (about $30 ea)
3) If I didn't already have a tree skirt, I would totally try this easy DIY project from Isabella and Max Rooms.


4) My sista Caitlin has an awesome Christmas Gift List going on her beautiful blog. I'm completely smitten with the work of this etsy artist that she posted about. Most of the artist's watercolor paintings are only $25-45. Who wouldn't absolutely love to get original art for Christmas??

Evening, July Lake, by Harry Stooshinoff

This one's much bigger and more expensive, but I really love it.


5) Another way to gift some art (though it's hardly original) - I spotted a peacock blue Keep Calm poster at AC Moore for $11. Just in case someone out there doesn't have one.


6) I made Darby's Cinnamon Honey Butter for Christmas treats to give to neighbors and friends. The recipe is CRAZY easy and so very delicious.

image by Darby

7) Another easy and delicious Christmas treat that seriously hits the spot? Homemade hot cocoa. YUM!

8) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the laboring advice! So may great suggestions that I'm sure will come in handy very soon. I'll be sure to report what worked best for me.

Antique Button Sample Cards

One of my newer clients has a framed collection of antique button sample cards hanging in her home office. Isn't this a beautiful grouping?



You can start your own collection by stalking eBay with this search. There are lots of inexpensive options, if you're willing to be patient.



But if you're willing to front a little bit of an investment, I'd spring for this collection. The colors are STUNNING.

Advice Wanted: Attention Mamas!!

One of the best parts about having a blog is having access to lots of people and their opinions. This post has nothing to do with interior design (other than the pretty nursery pics - the design is by Angie Hranosky) and that's why I'm posting it on a Sunday night. Thanks for letting me get personal here sometimes.



I am quickly approaching 39 weeks. The end of this pregnancy is very near. I had two very, very different labors and deliveries with my other girls. I expect that this one will be equally unique.



SO!! I want to hear your best advice on labor pain management! What worked for you??

My husband and I have started a list of things to try this time:

Bouncing on an exercise ball
Listening to calming music
Walking, Sitting or standing instead of lying in the hospital bed
Hypno-birthing/extreme focus technique

Not so much interested in the bath idea once my water has broken.

Any quick pieces of advice would be greatly appreciated! You guys are the best!