Color Fun in the Kitchen...for Now

Hi Ho!  Hope everyone is having a great week.  We are gearing up for Halloween and the many parties, activities, gatherings we have approaching.  Today I thought I'd take a break from fall and share a little summer project we did.

During my summer break I failed to share some DIY curtains with you.  I got really tired of staring at naked windows (gasp!) so while perusing Hobby Lobby one day, I stumbled upon a fabric I absolutely love.  It's all my fav colors in a chevron.  To.  Die.  For.

So...I made some curtains!  I use the word 'made' in the loosest fashion as I am no seamstress.  In fact, no needle was brought to this fabric.  I used heat bond and it works great. I highly recommend.  I consider myself pretty good in all thing home related, but I did not get the sewing gene from my fabulous seamstress of a mom...

I'm loving the color...

However, now that I've put this little dresser on this wall (which I love for storage purposes), they are too big.  The curtain is trying to suffocate the dresser, the dresser is letting angry words fly.  It's becoming a scene.  So, in the effort of keeping things around her G rated, I think these bad boys will be moving up to my new studio/office.

I haven't shared this room with you yet, but I can't wait.  It is everything I love.  Maybe too much so, but I don't care!  It's my fun room and these drapes will fit right in.  And hopefully not start any fights...

This is an easel...in case you weren't sure!

So there's how we lived all summer...but you know me.  Nothing stays put for too long!

These cute little stools were on clearance at Target this summer and I scooped them up for future playroom/family office use, but I'm loving them in the kitchen for right now.  Perfect for playdate lunches.

Any switcheroos at your house lately?

XO,
  Sara

Halloween Crafties!

Hello Friends!

 The haunted holiday is fast approaching and Little and I have been crafting it up to decorate for the occasion.  Michaels is kicking it with some amazing craft kits this season.  They include everything you need to make a cute craft and they're super affordable.  Win win!!

We started with these super cute bat and spider friends.

We had a big debate over whether or not the bat was really an owl.

Little thinks it is definitely an owl, although the packaging clearly states 'bat'.  He is convinced they made a mistake.  I'll let you decide for yourself!

 After a little gluing, we had some fun little friends to decorate our counter top!

Have you done any crafting this season?  We have some fun Thanksgiving crafts on deck for next month.  Thank you Michaels for understanding life with an artsy four-year old!!

XO,

 Sara

Fall Decor on a Budget - Restyle, Rework, Reinvent

Look at me with some regular posts!  You know I love fall and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to share how we've brought the season inside.  Today's post is brought to you by the letter "R".  Three "R's" to be exact.  Restyle, Rework, Reinvent.

Last year I went with a rustic glam look with gold and silver pumpkins and pine cones.  You can check that out here.

I followed the same color pallet this year, but reworked some of my vignettes to keep it fresh.  I'm a firm believer in using what you have and making it feel fresh.  Mister had some extensive work done to his car recently so new decor just wasn't in the budget.  Does that mean we sit around and let everyone else have all the fun?  No way!  Restyle, rework, reinvent!

My favorite way to start any new decorating project is to take everything I have to work with and put it all on one table.  Then, I "shop" from there.  It's pretty fun and I always come up with a new way to use things I already had.

Here's a look at our fall entry...

It really just makes me smile every time I pass by.  And isn't that what decorating is all about?

Our dining room is very visible when you enter our home so it also got a little pumpkiny glam.  I just love the way the tray corrals the big pumpkins.

Little collected all the pine cones.  He was very excited to help!

The mantle is full of color and texture.  I love the mix of bright foliage, rough nature textures, and pretty mercury glass.

The acorn art was a special project with Little.  I'll post more about that later...

So there you have it.  Not a dime spent, but a whole new look from last year.

Are you restyling this year or making a few stops around town for new decor?

XO,
  Sara

Style Files - Little's Fall Must-Haves

Like any fashionista momma, my little one has to have fresh fall clothes too!  His are more out of necessity than being on trend.  He grew a good 4 inches since the end of spring...Mini Mister?

This year, I got most of his clothes from Gymboree.  Boy do they know 4 year old little boys.  Little is into all things bugs, dinos, and space right now and Gymboree knew it...

Since I am still a girl and new to this whole bug thing, I shied away from these items, but brought home some adorable space and prehistoric finds.


 
These shirts were right up his alley...and they had some adorable little shoes to coordinate.  Hey, I have to take advantage of getting to dress him while I still can!



Today we actually had our first rainy day since acquiring these and you'd better believe they went to preschool!


 How cute are these?!?


And for cooler weather...





I also picked up a few staples at Target.  They have great clothes for little kids.  I do have to say though, I am less than enthused with the bigger boy selection.  My son is tall, but still young.  I'd rather not cover him in Tony Hawk gear and anime characters.  Just me?

Carter's had a few shirts that passed my exacting standards.  Hee hee.  I'm kind of picky when it comes to what goes on my child.  I thought this was cute, not to mention, accurate!



For bottoms, we go for GapKids jeans.  They hold up really well and come in great washes.  We usually need at least 3 pairs as this is usually what we wear all week.  We do have some track pants and khakis for play time/dressy.  I try not to go too crazy as he'll outgrow it all next week! ;)

What are your kiddos wearing?  Do you let them pick their clothes out yet?  Little has started too.  He's doe a pretty good job, but if he had his way, he'd wear basketball shorts every. single. day. of. life. Love that boy.

XO,
  Sara

Style Files - It's Fall...What are you Wearing?

Howdy friends! I know, I know. I said I was back...and then I wasn't. I underestimated getting back into the swing of school, and baseball, and home life, etc. I've been taking things slowly, not rushing into a million projects and I love it! I see other blogs I love whipping out all sorts of cute new material, which used to make me feel panicked, but now, it's my pace. It may be too slow for some of you, and I apologize for that. I'm just trying to keep a good balance these days and so far so good!

 All that being said, it is now my favorite season and we can't jump into fall without first talking about what we are going to be wearing. I'm seeing a lot of leopard, stripes, plaids, navy, and preppy/traditional looks out there. All things I am on board with!

 Here's what I'll be wearing:



This dress is so much cuter on than in the picture.  For some, this may be too much of a full-body print, but I personally think leopard works as a neutral.  A very "spot" on neutral.  Get it?

I also scooped this dress up in this fun paisley. Very comfortable, flattering, and a show stopper!  Do I even need to tell you these are from Tar-jay?



Target is killing it with the fall staples this season!  I got these shells and I've already worn them several times.  Again, classic patterns that can mix with red pants, denim, a pencil skirt.  I recently wore the leopard shell with black shorts and flats for dinner with friends.




I'll still be rocking my assortment of chambray shirts this fall.  I have three now in three different washes.  They each give a different look.  Look for one that is relaxed, long enough in the tail, and looks good with cuffed sleeves.  This staple will take you all the way through spring.



I have quite a collection of cardigans.  Okay.  I lied.  I have an ENORMOUS amount of cardigans.  But, when you find a look that works for you, you go with it!  They are so versatile and just adding a new seasonal color refreshes the old staples in your closet.  A very affordable way to freshen your look!

Here are the colors I've snagged for the season.  Now if Atlanta would just realize it' fall...we're getting there.



I know.  I might be part cheetah.  Trust I won't put all the pieces together in one outfit!  It's a staple I tell you.  A staple!  Leopard always circles back around...



If these colors don't say fall, I don't know what does.  Love them!

Now, I have tops pretty well figured out, but I've been feeling the need for some really good jeans.  My friend swears by Not Your Daughter's Jeans, so a trip to Nordstrom may be in my future.  Oh wait!  We just had to replace the entire back end of the Mister's car.  Guess I'll have to make some more sales on ebay before that happens!!

          

Later we'll talk accessories.  You know I love to accessorize!

What are you wearing for fall?  Coming up I'll show you what Little will be wearing.  Can he just stay small forever so he can keep wearing cute clothes...that I pick out???

XO,
  Sara

Wait? Is That Really You?

I know.  I took the summer off and I didn't even warn y'all.  I didn't really plan for it, but when school ended, projects ended, blogging time ended, me time ended.  Instead, my days were full of sunscreen, water guns, Popsicles, and picnics.  And you know what?  I wouldn't have it any other way!

I have missed blogging and my loyal readers (even if most of them are related to me!)...The great thing about an extended break is all the new material I will have!

Little is safely back into school.  Pre-K.  Is it weird that this year is strangely bittersweet for me?  I love preschool.  I love that it means he is still small and needs me.  I am deathly afraid of Kindergarten.  I didn't think this would be the case since I was a teacher, but he is still so little!  The lunchroom, the class sizes, the loooooong day.  I. Can't. Handle. It.  Okay.  I had to get that out.  I will say, I've been making a point to enjoy our lunchtimes together, the Fridays he has off from school, and the laid back vibe that is preschool.  Such a sweet time.



The newest update I have for you is that I am now on Instagram.  I even have some new fancy picture editing apps!  It's a fun way to share a bit of the behind the scenes of Nest Your Best, the things that don't make it onto the blog.  Find me @nestyourbest !!  I'd love to have you come aboard!

Here's a quick picture recap of our summer...


                    
          We got in a quick getaway to the beach before school started.  Sandy, salty, and happy!


                        


                        
     I made some pretty amazing cookies for our tennis finals.  Yes.  I did just pat myself on the back....




                             Mister and I celebrated 7 years.  Time sure flies!

                             

                               We took Little to his first Braves game.  He was in total awe.


                      
                                       We did a lot of swimming and ate a lot of popsicles!


                      
Little and I went to the kids' summer movies every. single. week.  And I LOVED it!  Such a fun little date!


                 
                           We have "Back to School Cake" at our house.  Very exciting.

Now...back to work for this gal!  I owe you some fun crafties, a few style files, and some organizational tips.  I'm on it!

Have a fantastic weekend!  It is still summer afterall...for a few more weeks.

XO,
  Sara

Spring Shoes!

Yesterday I showed you a few spring fashion finds.  Now to foot wear! Today, I'll show you the shoes I've fallen in love with...
I tend to live in flip flops from April to October around here, but I am also no stranger to heels.  Very high heels.  They just make me feel so girly!

I already have a similar pair of these in black so I knew how useful they are.  I've already worn them 3 times!

                                       

These are also a great neutral for all your summer shorts and dresses.

                                         

Okay.  Last pair.  I promise.  These are Dr. Scholl's.  I know.  I couldn't believe it either.  It's a double bonus because they are cute and super comfy.  And striped... :)

                                          

Alright.  I lied.  One more pair.  I don't have these...yet.  But they are calling my name.  How cute would these be with boyfriend shorts and a white slouchy tee?  Do you get presents for Cinco de Mayo?

                               

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  We have a baseball game, a birthday party, and a tennis match.  Hopefully I'll have a few minutes to work on some projects I have planned for around here!

XO,
  Sara