Day 29 of Things I Love: Motherhood

So, for the final day of 2012's Things I Love...
I'm going to be really honest right now, so don't judge me.
 A good girlfriend gave me the wisest words just before I had Tilley-Gray. If you are planning on having children, or in the process, or are a new mom, I want to share these encouraging words with you as well. She told me...

"It's OK if you don't love it at first, motherhood that is. You will love her to pieces, but being a mom is hard. You will eventually love it, I promise."

She was so completely and totally right and I'm so glad that she shared that with me. What she told me is one of the greatest gifts I've been given.

For the first few weeks of being a mom, I didn't love it. It's hard and it's not at all what you think it's going to be. Motherhood is amazing, don't get me wrong, but it's unapologetically difficult. My mom was with me for the first week and after she left, Gray found me sitting in our bathroom floor hysterically crying. Yes, my hormones were out of control, but I felt awful because I wasn't loving being a mom. Then I was reminded of what my girlfriend told me, and the next day I turned the corner.

Motherhood is so unique and unlike anything else. It's amazing to be able to have someone completely love you and need you with no reservation. It's the only time in life that I think that really happens. The way that she looks at me and coos and smiles, and the way she calms so easily when I soothe her is amazing. I love Tilley-Gray with all of my heart. I worry about her at night when she is alone in her nursery. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and tip toe into her nurser,  just to make sure she is OK.

I also love that I have the opportunity to stay home. We have play dates and lunch dates and I fit my work in between when she naps or late at night. My sweet mother-in-law comes on Mondays so I can get a lot of my work done and run what errands I need to run. I have had a baby sitter a few times in the past month, which is so important. But you know what? I miss her when I"m away. Which is nice because that time away reminds me of how much I love her and love being a mom.

Thank you so much for letting me share all of my favorite things with you this month! I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have! Every email, every comment, and every new follower really makes my day and I appreciate y'all for reading this little blog of mine. 


xoxo

Day 28 of Things I Love: Blue & White Interiors

I love blue and white interiors. This may come as a surprise as I generally lean towards a slightly more modern glam aesthetic, but these images pull at my heart strings. One of my favorite taste makers, Carolyne Roehm, has an entire book dedicated to this color duo. Blue and white interiors are so classic, so fresh, and if done right, can be timeless.

What do you think about blue and white interiors?

Day 27 of Things I Love: Pure Barre

Have you tried Pure Barre? I tried if for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it. As a former dancer, a lot of the exercises were familiar, but if you have never danced, you would be just fine going as well. The music was upbeat, the instructor was super nice, and the best part is that a good friend of mine is hooked as well!

Day 26 of Things I Love: Pajamas

Oh, how I love a good pajama. Weekends in the winter are made to cozy up in bed with hot tea, watching movies, and reading magazines. Tilley-Gray wakes up at 5am (we are working on that) so a good robe and a pair of warm slippers have been key in adjusting to this new routine. 

Eberjey's Cat's Meow Playsuit / Eberjey's Lady Godiva Robe / Eberjey's Prisoner of Love Playsuit

Elizabeth Cotton Pajama Set / Arolotte Slippers / Juicy Couture Nightshirt

Juicy Couture Dot Short Set / Juicy Couture Shorts / Shoreline Set

Day 25 of Things I Love: Bauble Bar

Bauble Bar is my new favorite go-to for jewelry. Whatever I'm looking for, or not looking for, Bauble Bar has it. I was recently invited to become a member and have been addicted ever since.

Are you in the market for new earrings? Citron, bows, turquoise, lucite? Yes, please. 

How about necklaces? Clusters of pearls, neon chains, rhinestone bows, and citron stones.

Rose gold, nautical stripes, enamel, rosewood, neon, crystal, and gold; Bauble Bar has it all in bracelets. 

Rings with bling, curved gold good enough for Gwyneth, cocktail rings, and lucite. 

Become a member of Bauble Bar for free and get the inside scoop and discounts on these baubles!

Day 24 of Things I Love: A Lazy Weekend

Sometimes, there is nothing better than a lazy weekend. We don't have one single thing planned this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. In my head, I'm already making lists of things to do, but the husband stopped me before I could pull a pen out and make it official. 

What are you doing this weekend?

Day 23 of Things I Love: A Chic Swimsuit

Living at the beach, I'm in a swim suit the majority of the summer, so it's nice to have options when different swim attire occasions arise. I have always loved a one piece bathing suit, even before I had a baby, and know that this year, a one piece may just be my go-to swim suit.

Miu Miu Halter / Zimmerman Bikini / Diane von Fustenberg Halter
Anthropolgie Bikini /  Miu Miu Bikini / TopShop Bikini / Anthropologie Bikini


Do you have any go to swimsuits for summer?

Day 22 of Things I Love: Polka Dot Bake Shop Sweet Potato Crackers

These sweet potato and cracked pepper crackers are my new favorite snack. I was in Fresh Market yesterday grocery shopping and saw these on the shelf and knew I had to try them. I didn't eat the entire box in one sitting, but the husband had to put them away before it got to that point. They are seriously good. 

Other than being delicious, they are made from a bakery in Charlotte, NC and are healthy and gluten free. I'm not allergic to gluten, but for those of you who are, these are going to be your favorite new snack! If you don't live in North Carolina, you can order them here. 

Day 21 of Things I Love: The Smoking Slipper

I have already told you how much I love a ballet flat, but I also love it's close cousin, the smoking slipper. I bought these last year and have worn them a lot more than I thought I would. It's an old school trend that I'm glad to see come back again. Stubbs & Wooten make the most recognizable, but Charles Phillip, Loeffler Randall, and even Steve Madden make great, more affordable options. 

Charles Philip Denim Slipper / Stubbs & Wooten Velvet Slipper / Steve Madden
Charles Phillip Leopard Slipper / Loeffler Randall Studded Slipper / Charles Phillip Suede Slippers

Day 20 of Things I Love: Sunnies

I love a big pair of sunnies. Living at the beach, I wear sunglasses almost every day of the year and I have quite the collection. I don't discriminate brands too much and love Ray Ban, Chanel, Versace, Tom Ford, Forever 21, Karen Walker, Kate Spade, TopShop,  You name it, I pretty much love them. 

Here are my absolute favorites... 

Ray-Ban aviators

When I can't find mine, I grab my husbands. For everyday running around, these are my favorite.

Karen Walker Number Two Sunglasses

When I'm wearing the classics, these are my favorite sunglasses. I love the tortoise and that the shape is a little bit unusual.

Chanel 

When you are feeling a little Audrey Hepburn these are perfect. 

Tom Ford

You have to have sass in your step to pull these off, but I love them! 

Asos

For those of you who loose, break, or just beat up your sunnies, Asos has great options. These are great to keep in your car and your purse just in case you are caught without a good pair. 

Day 19 of Things I Love: Nespresso

I am absolutely obsessed with coffee. It's a habit that I could not even kick when I was pregnant. I went to the doctor with massive headaches when I stopped coffee cold turkey and he told me to relax and have a cup a coffee. I could have my morning cappuccino or my afternoon iced latte but I had to just pick one. So after the first trimester, I started back my love affair with coffee  and I savored every little drop. 

Thank goodness I have a Nespresso machine because as much coffee as I drink, it has saved me a load of money. Nespresso makes the most delicious espresso, cappuccino, or latte, whatever you fancy, for about a 1/4 of the price of your local coffee shop. Instead of grinding and packing espresso, you buy capsules from Nespresso for about $.50 a piece and just pop them into the machine. 

 How easy is that? (channeling Ina Garten voice)

We have the Essenza C100 and milk frother that is on sale at Linens and Things right now! It's the most basic one that they make and has lasted us for four years. 

One day when I have an office of my own I'm definitely getting the bedazzled machine. 

Who doesn't need a Swarovski espresso machine? Gaudy, but so necessary.

 If you aren't into crystals, you can choose from more than a dozen colors. 
I like the red, the blue, and the citron. 

Instead of grinding the espresso beans and then packing them into the machine, Nespresso makes little capsules that you just pop into the machine. They come in all different strengths and flavors. 

Nespresso has coffee bars all over the world. I've been to the New York and Paris stores and they are amazing, but the coffee in my house taste just as good!

Do any of you have an espresso machine at your house? I promise these are so easy to use!

Day 18 of Things I Love: Upholstered Headboards

 I love how upholstered headboards can go from glam to rustic, from little girls room to hunting lodge. One major piece that I still have to buy for my house is a headboard for our master bedroom. I have been on the hunt for several years now and have never found anything that I just absolutely love. Right now, I'm in the process of designing a headboard and finding fabric to have one custom made. It's actually a lot less expensive than you would think and will be exactly what I want. I can't wait to see the final product!