Royal Baby Fever

It’s been quite the week for celeb babies. Penelope Cruz quietly gave birth to baby #2. Jimmy Fallon became a dad, and also proved that he’s really great at keeping a secret. Oh yeah, and Will and Kate welcomed the new heir to the throne. George Alexander Louis was presented to the world last Tuesday, golden easel and all. Proving that the “Kate Middleton Effect” is genetic, George’s blankets and various baby accoutrements have been selling out all over the UK!

For everyone out there still suffering from Royal Baby Fever, have no fear. You can still pamper your little prince or princess in Royal fashion (and thanks to some very American designers).

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Julia's Picks: Wonderful Wizard of Oz

 

I know the Wizard of Oz was released nearly 74 years ago, but a remake still feels “too soon.” Regardless, I LOVE the Wizard of Oz and couldn’t resist pulling together some of my picks to create the perfect Oz inspired nursery. I especially love the Blazing Poppies wallpaper!

For the Walls: Anthropologie Blazing Poppies Wallpaper $148

Furniture: Room & Board Moda Crib and Dresser $1099 & $1499 | Land of Nod Retro Rocker $375

Accessories: Pediped Red Glitter Maryjanes $38** | North American Bear Topsy Turvy Doll $28**

Reading Nook: Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair $79 | Clothbound Edition Wizard of Oz $16.99**

For the Floor: Capel Rugs Jagges Yellow Stripe Rug $628

**Coming Soon to French Toast!!

Ho Cho & Kitchen Renovations

Why is it that no matter what age you are, we all feel the need to ask the proverbial question: what did you get for Christmas?? Even as an adult, we still compare notes after the holiday. At work, my fiancé and his coworker compared Home Depot gift cards. My BFF and I discussed iPhones and coffee makers…a far cry from the days of Nintendo games and ‘NSYNC cd’s. Even though the gifts might change as we get older, the sentiment still remains: we want to make sure we got better gifts than our friends.

This year, we were thrilled to find that Santa brought us a Keurig coffee maker. It sure was a surprise considering neither my fiancé nor I drink coffee. But ever so thoughtful, Santa was sure to include Hot Cocoa! We were also lucky enough to get a minor kitchen renovation for Christmas, so we spent the last few days sipping hot cocoa in our beautiful new kitchen (the first finished room in the entire house). Please enjoy a look at the “original” kitchen. Last year when we bought it, this is the sad sight that greeted us. I’ll post pics of the “new” kitchen soon!

 

Julia's Picks: Breaking Dawn Part 2

I’m not ashamed to admit that last night I went to see Breaking Dawn Part 2. Yes… I went to see it opening night. While the first movie remains almost unbearable to watch, I must report that the final installment was quite entertaining. Aside from a few campy moments (the love scenes, the “hunting” scenes, and every moment the Volturi were on screen), I was happy to see that Breaking Dawn didn’t take itself too seriously.

Since Edward and Bella become parents in the final chapter of the Twilight Saga, it seemed fitting to draw inspiration for a nursery. My personal fave is the modern crib. It would look perfect in the ultra-modern Cullen residence.

For the Walls: Anthropologie Woods Wallpaper $198|Enzo Mari, Uno, La Mela 1963 $550|Larry Keahey Seattle Print $188

Toys: Wolfpack $8 to 22|Rattle inspired by Bella’s Ring$85|Little Sapling Toys Wooden Blocks $28

Lighting: Antler Chandelier $1917

Furniture: Spot onSquare Roh Crib $1522|Nurseryworks Empire Rocker $800**

For Mom: Timi& Leslie “Charlie” Diaper Bag $159**

**Coming soon to French Toast

Dwell Well

With the store opening in just six days, I am in full on panic mode. As it turns out, you can’t just go get a crib mattress anywhere in this city. Unless, of course, you want to sacrifice complete quality and standards (yes, I am a baby gear snob), or wait two weeks and pay for shipping. Since we won’t be selling crib mattresses in the store until next year, I was left with the task of finding a high quality, plush looking crib mattress to display some of the beautiful Dwell Studio bedding we have in store. Of course, I avoided this detail until the last possible minute and now I’m left with my fingers crossed hoping that it will arrive by Friday. Oh well, I guess I’ll just add it to the ever growing list I’ve titled “things I never dreamed I needed to know, but now I do.” In the meantime, please enjoy the first look at Dwell Studio bedding we have in stock now. Pictures of the store coming soon!!

London 2012: Equestrian Inspired

I must admit, the equestrian events are somewhat of a mystery to me. Sadly, I didn’t grow up riding horses or playing with ponies like so many little girls. Unless you count My Little Ponies (GenerationOne), which no one ever seems to really remember. I’m pretty sure Bon Bon and Moonglow would dominate the Olympics BTW.

I stumbled upon these great pics over Kelly Green Interiors. I bet a million little girls out there (and women like me) would pitch a fit to have this wallpaper in their rooms! This lovely little lady looks like she stepped straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad. I wouldn’t mind having that saddlebag either…

London 2012: Going for the Gold

Thanks in part to the girls of the USA Gymnastics team; the US is still topping the medal count. Medals are great, but let’s be honest…everyone covets the gold.  

Sadly, most of us are not among the elite. We will never get a chance to be adorned with a gold medal. Oh well, at least we can shop for all things gilded instead…

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Julia's Picks: Snow White and the Huntsman

When I heard that Hollywood was releasing not one, but two Snow White movies this year, I was pessimistic. Do we really need two? My disdain only grew when I found out Kristin Stewart was cast in the title role. Lily Collins is adorable, but really? Bella Swan as some bad-ass Snow White… Since I saw Mirror Mirror, it only seemed fair to give the Huntsman a chance. These two versions could not have been more different.  While Mirror Mirror was bright and colorful, the Huntsman was dark and practically colorless. I’ll give KStew some credit; she did a good job…even though I kept waiting to see Edward running around in the trees in the Dark Forest.  

Anyway, I have to imagine if Queen Ravenna was out shopping, these are some of the things she might pick up…

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Julia’s Picks: Mirror Mirror

With this year’s multiple retellings of Snow White, it only seems natural to draw a little inspiration. Rather than duplicate Disney’s classic red, blue, and yellow palette, the makers of Mirror Mirror created ornate sets and lavish costumes that pay homage to the 1937 classic, but have something all their own. As I watched this adorable movie, I couldn’t help but think that Lily Collins was born to be a Disney princess, even though this film was not made by Disney (gasp)! Yes, shocking. Here are some of my picks for your home inspired by the film Mirror Mirror…

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