Rockabye Baby

One of the nursery items that has me stumped is the rocking chair. It's on every must-have-before-baby list and, honestly, I don't quite get it. I understand that the rocking motion is soothing to baby, but wouldn't nursing your baby in a loveseat or club chair work just as well, and possibly be more comfortable? Or maybe that's the whole point of a rocking chair... to be slightly uncomfortable so you don't fall asleep while feeding your baby in the middle of the night. If that's the case I totally get it.

Christopher and I have been on the hunt for a good nursery chair, but everything we find is so blaaa. And they're expensive... as necessary as they seem to be, I can't bring myself to spend $800 on a chair that I don't love. Fortunately, after a little digging online, I was able to find several modern, affordable (ish) rockers, with clean lines. They exist! Here are my top contenders for the nursery right now:

Eames molded plastic rocker: I've wanted this rocker to grace my house for years. Look at that mid-century beauty! When I showed it to Chris, he said it looked like the most uncomfortable thing in the world. And as much as I appreciate the work of good old Charles and Ray, I don't think I can bring myself to spend $500 on a piece of molded plastic with questionable comfort. That said, Overstock.com has a pretty tempting knock-off on sale for $100...

Joya Rocker:  This rocker is at the top of my wish list for a nursery chair. Those walnut legs are fantastic and it looks deep enough to melt into, even during a 3am feeding. Bonus points for being an heirloom-worthy chair with substance that would look great anywhere in the house, not just the nursery.

Luca Glider: Honestly, I haven't found very many gliders that I like... compared to the curvy, exposed legs of rocking chairs, gliders seem so heavy and boxy. But the clean lines of the Luca Glider have me sold, and I love that you can customize the fabric and piping colors online. Charcoal and yellow would be a fun combo for any nursery, and is gender neutral enough to last a few babies.

Poang Rocking Chair: Have you ever sat in one of these things?! Super comfy. I'm honestly not a huge fan of the original Poang design, but I think the rounded feet of the rocker really compliment the overall shape of the rocking chair version. Of course, Chris and I love all things IKEA, so we would have no problem picking one up, especially with the $170 price tag. I only wish it came in a color that fit our nursery palette... maybe there's an easy way to recover the original cushion?

Nurseryworks Sleepytime Rocker: I think I like this one so much because it's like a smaller, cheaper version of the Joya rocker. I don't know if the shorter back would be uncomfortable for myself or Christopher since we're both pretty tall, but I bet it would be great for a shorter parent, or perhaps in a nursery where space was an issue.

Solutions Glider and Ottoman: Ah yes, the homely yet practical sister of the group. This is the only chair Chris and I have been able to try out in-store at our local Babies R Us, and it honestly looks much better in person. It's the only one we would even consider from Babies R Us, actually. The traditional, exposed glider base is a bit of an eyesore, but I guess I've seen worse. And you can't beat the price: $230 for the chair and ottoman.


Mamas out there, do you have a rocker or glider in your nursery? Is it worth the expense? Have any of you tried out one of these chairs before? I'd love to get a little feedback!

Terrain Kitchenware

Hammered Copper Saucepan | Curious Bird Tea Towel | Maple Syrup | Buttercup Whisk

I have been loving everything Terrain has stocked their shelves with lately. If you're Christmas shopping for your mother or a dear foodie friend (and can afford to splurge) you might just find the perfect gift. I mean, have you ever seen such a beautiful whisk?!

House of Maryanne Vintage

 

I'm super in love with these 1960s inspired looks from House of Maryanne's fall look book, True Prep. Every fall, I always dream about all the stylish outfits I'll wear, but I almost always end up wearing my favorite yellow cardigan and worn leather boots every week. Maybe I need to remedy that with an oxblood capelet. Who am I kidding, I would never really wear a capelet. That lacy white dress is another story, though... 

via One Sheepish Girl

New from West Elm

Scandinavian bird hook  |  Kitchen conversion tea towel 

Ribbon bar stools  |  Gemma Orkin blue bird pillow

West Elm has been cranking out a ton new products for summer and I'm in love with pretty much everything from their July line. If I could afford it, I think I would probably furnish most of my house in West Elm. Seriously, that store can do no wrong.

Classic Coats for Spring

Can we talk weather for a little bit? This spring has been so bizarre -- 80 degree days in early March, snow in April, and now a projected forecast that doesn't hit 60 for a very long time. I really can't complain as long as the sun is shining, but it's just weird. The days aren't cold enough for a winter coat, but they aren't warm enough to go coat-less, either, especially in the morning.

I haven't had a "spring" coat for a while now, and lately I've found myself wishing that I had one.... a classic coat with fun details, like any of these:

1. This polka dot raincoat reminds me of something I would have worn as a little girl. I just can't decide if it would be cute or weird paired with bright yellow Wellies... but I vote cute.  2. Striped, hooded, jersey-ed pea coat: all of the best things in life rolled into one. Thank you, Anthropologie. Too bad it's $300.  3. You can't go wrong with a classic tie-waist trench coat, and I love this deep brown color and the quarter-length sleeve tie backs.  4. I have a super-crush on Dear Creature's Portobello double breasted coat. The vintage silhouette, the ribbon trim, the applique pockets.... I'm pretty sure it's true love.  5. The fun dotted print of this trench from ModCloth is the perfect combination of timeless and . 6. I don't know about you, but I love pea coats in general -- this one comes in such a pretty blush color and is only $29.99!


Of course, I've waited too long to find a lightweight coat in stores -- most retailers have switched out their spring merchandise to summer swimsuits, shorts and sandals. If I want one of the above coats I'd better make a decision quickly. Do any of them strike your fancy, or do you already have a spring coat of your own? I might end up with the Target pea coat... and I think I'm going to stalk polka dot trench and see if it gets any cheaper.

Ruche Enchantment

Be still my heart! Ruche just launched their newest lookbook for spring and I am completely smitten. Every page of the book (aptly titled Enchantment) is an absolute dream... kites, braids, soft colors and gorgeous spring clothing.

Those shoes. They will be mine.

The pinks and creams, feminine details and vintage accents make my heart ache for warmer weather. I told myself I would enjoy winter this year, but February is so tough. I can only scrape ice off my windshield so many times. It probably doesn't help that my winter wardrobe has been reflecting my mood lately: a dull, depressing mix of blacks and grays. Perhaps I can ease the transition with this and one of these.

I cannot wait for budding leaves, dresses, freckles and bike rides.

All photos by Elizabeth Messina for Ruche.

Sweater Weather

Guys, I love cardigans. You know that, right? They're versatile, stylish, warm... I don't think I could get through Michigan winters without my reliable stock of cozy cardigans.

But as you can see, my collection is decidedly lacking in red/orange and blue. This needs to be fixed. I currently have my eyes on this open-weave rusted beauty and this dashing teal number... just the pop of color I need to get me through February.

I know I can't be the only one out there with this many cardigans. This is normal, right?

Catbird Rings

I'll admit, as much as I love giant cocktail rings and vintage spoon rings, I'm not much of a ring wearer myself (other than my engagement ring and wedding band, that is.) They always feel so foreign on my fingers. But I think I could change my ways for one (or all) of these gorgeous rings from New York boutique Catbird...

Nora Ring

There's something so pretty about the delicate and subtle details of these rings, like the wheat pattern in the above Nora Ring (which has a corresponding "Nick" pattern for men. Love it.) The hand-hewn texture and soft brushed metal are just dreamy.

Clockwise from top left: Silver Ampersand Ring | Tiny City Band | Rosegold Heart Ring

Gold Alphabet Ring | Thin Band | White Diamond Seed Ring

I've been seeing a lot of gorgeous stacking rings lately and I'm totally on board with the feminine, whisper-thin bands. I love the idea of stacking a baby's initial and birthstone as a gift for a new mama, or stacking your lover's initial with a gemstone and a heart.

Did I really just say lover? Yes, yes I did.

Hexagon Ring with Champagne Diamond

Twig Ring

I seriously can't get over how old-world beautiful that Hexagon Ring is... such a great twist on the diamond solitaire. Pretty sure it needs to be on my finger now.

Catbird works with local New York jewelry designers to offer a ton of beautiful, unique jewelry and handmade gifts, but I think their ring selection is my favorite. Pretty, pretty.

Rifle Paper Co. 2012 Calendar

Right around this time every year, heaps of calendars start popping up all over online. This gorgeous 2012 Botanical Calendar from the amazing folks at Rifle Paper Co. is definitely a top contender for my wall space. The color palette and floral illustrations are wonderful.

Forever 21 Necklaces

from left: Lovely Locket $2.80 |  Antiqued Jewel Pendant $4.80 | Moose Charm $1.50
Leaf Cluster $1.50 |  Delicate Dove Charm $1.50

We should probably not talk about how many Forever 21 necklaces I own. It's so hard to resist their call every time I walk in the store... especially when they're only $1.50!

These dainty gold lovelies are have just the right amount of vintage charm and quirkiness. They would be great stocking stuffers (hint, hint, husband of mine who reads this blog...) I've had my eye on that antiqued jewel pendant for a while now.

West Elm Christmas!

Yesterday, West Elm sent out an email announcing their newest holiday decorations. Hooray! I look forward to their modern, clean-lined holiday collection every Christmas, and this year does not disappoint. Take a peek at a few of my favorites...

Snow Globes, $25 each

One of those snow globes should probably be sitting on my desk. Soon. I especially love the mercury glass and porcelain pieces (although nothing will ever beat the origami ornaments from last year's collection... I have the reindeer and the squirrel!)

Modern Santa serve ware, $10-39

Mercury Owls, $14-19

Half of the proceeds from these little guys go to St. Jude Children's Hospital

Modern Nutcrackers, $29-$69

The modern white and tarnished silver are so fresh compared to the over-saturated reds & greens of the season. And I'm so glad they brought back their Modern Nutcrackers - I loved them so much last year but didn't think to snatch one up when they went on sale.

And by the way, I apologize for currently being that girl that jumps to Christmas when leaves are still on the trees. I'm still totally loving Fall and I promise I won't trim the tree until after Thanksgiving.... but Christmas is my absolute favorite!

Uncommon

Let me tell you a little story about my phone. Currently, she lives in a thick, black Speck case that does nothing for her sleek silver figure. It's very utilitarian (read: ugly.) I can't complain because it was a freebie, but I've been wanting a cute and sturdy case from day two. Enter Uncommon, a company that allows you to pick your case body, upload an image, and they'll print the design directly on the case for you in scratch resistant ink. Genius.

I love the fact you can create your own case, but I typically have a hard time designing for myself. Fortunately, Uncommon also has a great artist series. My personal favorites are the Hare design and all of the Jill Bliss covers.

Then I found these beauties on Katie Daisy's Flickr........ 

Case illustrations by Katie Daisy 

I want them all. I can't get enough of Katie Daisy's work -- the colors, the details, the emotion. From what I can tell these are just prototypes, but I hope she decides to illustrate a few cases for Uncommon. I'd definitely buy one... probably one of the bottom two designs, perhaps the blue one. Please and thank you.

Wish List: Big Girl Paycheck

Today is Friday, dear friends... and Friday means payday. Since having a full time job, this is actually the first payday I've had with a full salaried check. Although the mister and I are saving up for a house down payment (and lets not forget all our bills and college debt), I'd like to take a minute and dream about all the wonderful things I could spend my big girl paycheck on instead....

1. Bronze and jade are a gorgeous combo, and this necklace from Urban Outfitters gives a polished nod to the geode trend. Yes please.  2. I would love to own an original painting by Michelle Schneider someday. One of my new favorites is "Her Faithful Friends."  3. The first DSL I ever learned to shoot with was a Canon Rebel. I think I'll always been a Canon girl at heart, and I'm hoping this will be my next major purchase.  4. I may just buy this gorgeous skirt from Ruche today, via Rachel on Pinterest. It had me at high-waisted bow. 5. I know thou shall not covet thy neighbor's bike, but I am SO JEALOUS of Abby's gorgeous turquoise and cream Trek bike, Ingrid. I want a twinsie. Real bad.  6. The butterfly motif is usually a little too girly for my tastes, unless it's a real and beautifully displayed Sea Green Swallowtail. The slightly creepy fact that it's a dead bug in a glass balances out the prissiness, methinks.  7. I've been wanting these Tiny Twig hair pins from Woodland Belle for three or so years now. I just need to cave in and buy a pair already.

Who needs groceries or gas for your car when you could have so many preeeety things! If I were completely out of my mind, I would also buy this dress from Anthropologie. Not really, come on. But it's so gorgeous. And impractical. I would never.... but I totally would. Where would you wear a dress like that, anyway?

Have a lovely weekend!

West Elm Sale!

Well, well... look what's on clearance at West Elm for $9.97:

Seriously. I want these Log Bookends. I'm not sure I'd even use them as bookends... I bet they'd look great on their own. I would also like this, these, and one of these. 

Please and thank you. 

Midland Arts & Antique Market

Is it really Wednesday already? Yesterday was so warm and sunny I spent most of my afternoon outside reading on a blanket and doing housework with the windows wide open, and most of Monday recovering from all the awesomeness (and lack of sleep) that happened this past weekend. Goodness.

I took off work on Friday to venture down to Indianapolis for a girls weekend with Rachel and Arissa, two of the most amazing girls and the best college roommates ever. The drive down was only about 3 hours (although I somehow made it home in 2.5) and it was a wonderful weekend full of avacado-artichoke pizza, cute little shops on Mass Ave, pay by-the-ounce frozen yogurt, strange performance art, cheap sushi, and some of the smoothest espresso I've ever tasted.

Midland. Note teeny-tiny Rachel in the lower right hand corner for scale purposes. This place was HUGE. 

One of the weekend's highlights, by far, was Saturday brunch followed by hours spent at Midland Arts & Antique Market. Although only 2 of their 3 factory-sized floors were open, we still had an overwhelming amount of antique and vintage goodness to look at. I doubt we even looked at it all. 

Once inside, I nearly hyperventilated from the sheer amount of stuff -- and some of the prices. We decided it was best to start at the top where their cheapest items were located, and work our way down to the more expensive stuff. Rachel ended up with a few things and Arissa bought a wonderful vintage globe, but sadly, I walked away empty handed. I was watching my budget for the weekend, and since I didn't find anything I absolutely had to have, I window shopped instead. Here are a few of my favorites...

Clockwise from left: 1. This mustard mid-century chair was in pristine condition.  2. Under a pile of stuff I spotted a fantastic 1912 framed yearbook photo... too bad it was $92.  3. I had to think twice about buying this elaborately decorated reader, but because of the sticker damage I decided against it.

1. I'm kicking myself for not buying one of these antique apothecary jars, but I couldn't tell if the labels were originals or reproductions. At only $9, though, I should've picked up the center bottle anyway.  2. A few of the booths at Midland featured original artwork. These symmetrical rabbits by local artist MaryAnne Thanh Tam Nguyen were my favorite.  3. Hello, adorable typewriter. I like your coloring a lot.

1. This was the first display I saw -- vintage marquee letters! Sadly they didn't have an R available.  2. For some reason I totally loved these vintage high school storage bins... and vintage chemistry beakers were everywhere. Trendy, trendy.  3. A stack of well-traveled and well-loved suitcases to match my shoes. 

Booth #3 was one of my favorites... they had minty green walls, wonderful handwritten signage, and of course this German chicken skeletal chart. We all know how much I love charts. 

If you're ever in the downtown Indianapolis area and have a few hours of free time, a trip to Midland is a must. Like most antique malls, it's about 50% awesome and 50% junk, but if you look hard enough (or if you're willing to pay) you could walk away with quite a bit of beautiful stuff.

Oh BHLDN...

I'm sure you've seen Anthropologie's lovely wedding line, BHLDN. Gorgeous stuff, I know, but when they introduced their collection last fall I (surprisingly) wasn't oohing and aahing over everything I saw. I guess that since I was newly married and completely burned out on wedding planning, I no longer cared that much about gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

But of course, the creative team at Anthropologie always has something else up their sleeves. They just launched BHLDN's Decor section today, giving me reason to drool yet again:

Craven's Garden Tablecloth | Stout Spigot Cruet | Knotty Pine Treat Pedestal

Birch & Spade Tealight Holders | Black Forrest Lantern | Vintage Greenery Kit 

The entire line (aside from the glittery banners and tissue paper poms) is just as suited for home decorating as it is for a wedding. Some of the items are a bit steep in my opinion... (no matter how pretty, who would honestly spend $300 on a 4 gallon drink dispenser!?) but they have a lot of affordable items, too, like these beautiful $10 handmade porcelain flowers and this shapely $8 dessert plate.

I know I'll never buy that cupcake stand... not for $150, at least. But I'll bookmark it for now. Maybe after wedding season dies down it will go on sale for about, oh, $30. Ha. A girl can dream.