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!!

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

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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London 2012: Olympic Opening Ceremony

In about 45 minutes, the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics will begin on the west coast. From the still shots I’ve seen online, it looks like a very long, Cirque du Soleil show. There are rumored appearances from nearly every person (or character) England has produced in the last century. Personally, I prefer to DVR this part so I can fast forward through the less exciting parts…like when all the athletes walk in. I know the Olympics are all about the athletes, but c’mon, do I really need to see them all aiming their cameras at the cameras??  

For the next 17 days, I will pay homage to the Olympics and the host nation in my own way, so stay tuned…

First up, these amazing poster illustrated by Paul Rogers.  

Five-colour screen print posters for Kemistry Gallery, London

Bunheads: Is Anyone Watching?

I fell in love with Gilmore Girls the second I started watching it. I saw so much of myself in Rory and identified closely with her relationship with Lorelei. When the promos for Bunheads started, I felt a mixture of excitement and hesitation. ASP (Amy Sherman-Palladino) has written/created some of my favorite TV, but let’s be honest…Bunheads is a silly name for a TV show. I didn’t even take it seriously until I heard that it was created by ASP.

After watching the last few weeks, one thing is clear: ASP has a knack for small town drama. She creates quirky characters and like Gilmore Girls, the show is full of fast talking, pop culture reference filled mini monologues.

So far, it’s almost like a copy of Gilmore Girls. I’ve counted 5 recycled actors in the first five episodes! You know what? That’s ok with me. This is the kind of TV that makes me happy. It’s the kind of TV that brings you a little joy every week and makes you sad when it’s over. It doesn’t need ridiculous medical mysteries, bombing/shootings, endless bed-hopping, or cheesy sweeps clichés (I’m calling you out Shonda Rhimes). I truly hope that ABC Family will give this show a chance, especially since Secret Life of the American Teenager (the WORST show ever created) is in season 5!

Anyway, as we all know, the black swan fueled ballerina trend has been over for a little while. Maybe Bunheads will bring it back! These are some of my favorite ballet-inspired accessories.

Alexandra de Curtis Box Clutch | Chloe Ecru Ballerina Flats | Lanvin Tulle & Pearl Necklace | Chan Luu Cashmere & Silk Scarf

Summer Movie: Ted

Last weekend, I was among the droves of people who flocked to the theater to see Ted. This uncouth, vulgar, yet adorable teddy bear made me laugh for almost two hours! It was a fun movie…for ADULTS. I was shocked to see a very young boy with his mother come out of the theater behind us. Now, I watched my fair share of R-rated flicks as a child so I’m definitely not here to judge, but seriously? Anyone who has seen the previews can gather that it’s not just foul language that earned the R-rating.

Anyway, here are some more kid-friendly teddy bears. They might not hug you back, but at least they don’t swear…or do drugs.

All teddy bears available at www.frenchtoastonline.com this Fall.  

Photo: Universal Pictures

Great Inspirations: You've Got Mail

You’ve Got Mail is one of my favorite movies of all time. I’ve seen it more times than I can count. It’s hard to believe that movie was made 14 years ago. Aside from the fact that no one uses AOL anymore, this film is still completely relevant. The Shop Around the Corner is the ultimate little children’s store and Kathleen Kelly is the perfect shop owner. She’s invested in her customers, her community, and her loyal employees. Even though she eventually goes out of business, her delightful business has always inspired me! I can think of no greater tribute to the late Nora Ephron, than to keep watching her films and to keep being inspired by them.

These are some of my favorite things inspired by one of my favorite characters, Kathleen Kelly.

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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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