Book Club

I'm not a fan of books that aren't board books UNTIL my daughter received this great book from her Great Grammy! Anyone remember the book If You Give A Moose A Muffin? For those that haven't read it, it's basically all in the title and continues with this long hysterical list of demands the moose makes because you gave it the damn muffin in the first place. If You Give A Pig A Party by Laura Numeroff is oh-so-cute and ever-so-funny (alright I'll stop it already!) and follows the same idea.

Check it out at amazon.com for about $8.50.

The book was available at Kohl's as a part of their Kohl's Cares for Kids program in which 100% of proceeds support health and educational opportunities for kids! It looks like they've sold out, but the matching piggy is still available for $5 and it's for a good cause. Makes a great gift too! kohls.com

happy to help

Thanks to Sarah for sending me this great pic of her living room with (drum roll) Color Coordinated Books!!

Here's a pic:

Sarah - I love it!

if the customer service is THAT great...

I have some sad stroller news for everyone:
Our beloved Bumble Ride Flyer (yes, the one I had to have) is a total goner. The front wheels won't lock anymore so Bumble Ride so graciously sent me a giant box and arranged for someone to pick it up, drop it by a stroller mechanic and drop it back off at my abode. When it returned from the stroller repair shop (are you also picturing mechanics in greasy jumpsuits fixing strollers in a old garage?) I was thoroughly disappointed to find that the frame that had supposedly gotten fixed was now cracked. SHIT. I called and complained (like a 2 year old) and we somehow ended up with not only a new frame for our old stroller, but another stroller as well. It's still in the box and came with a lovely house mouse. Cheese, anyone?

This whole process feels like attempting to quit the gym...and then ending up with four more years of procrastination. Except my four more years are more like many more years of crappy strollerhood.

And on that note:
Seagrass color (green and blue) Bumbleride Stroller for sale - brand spankin new in box (no mouse, as we checked and sealed the box) best offer...check out a pic at www.bumbleride.com. Contact me for more info (and hey at least it's pretty!)

more purple birds

I decided after 1+ years of changing Little Peanut's two crib sheets from her usual Martha Stewart green with white stripes and just plain cream, to purchase some I-enjoy-looking-at-her-crib-more-than-she-does sheets. And what a difference they make! Fitted sheet is by DwellStudio for Target, about $10. Super soft and pretty - and I think pretty cool, too!

Here's a snap of them...

and wuddya know?...lots of purple birds (not at all on purpose, promise)

moo knew?

A few weeks ago a cute little cow creamer started showing up everywhere! I saw it at Pier 1, at Wegman's grocery store, at my sisters in-laws home...all over town! It looks like Chuck Williams, aka the brains behind the successful Williams Sonoma, knew he had something fantastically timeless when he first saw the cow creamer. It originally came in a print, and Williams asked the manufacturer if it could be produced without all the hoopla. That was in the mid 50's. (We can thank him for convincing Kitchen Aid to make their mixers in all those great hues, too!)



Made of porcelain, dishwasher and microwave safe, Williams Sonoma's Cow Creamer retails for $28. So elegant and goes in just about any style kitchen with it's clean, white, sculpture-esque feel. williamssonoma.com




Like the look but not the $$? Check out this one above, from target.com. Also Porcelain and only $10 and maybe slightly underfed?

notes worth taking

I am a complete and utter list person. What does this quite mean? Weeelll, it means that without a piece of paper and pen in my purse, by my bed, in the kitchen, and every other place in my house, I am a total mess. Plus I love love buying new cute notebooks to store all my lists (lists of things to do, things to buy, things to cook, etc)

Purchasing fun notebooks, calendars, and organizers is truly an exciting activity for me (yes I am that person standing in the "day planners" isle at Staples with four planners in hand deciding if I'll get bored looking at purple everyday, or if the blue bird print will bug me after a month).

Here are some adorably sweet notebooks to get you inspired too!

Robert Le Heros Journals are exceptionally chiq and very well made. I love the elastic strap for extra durability. His patterns are bold but very clean and refreshing. Retail for about $19. www.shopwritersbloc.com

I am a big Etsy Fan. Check out this great planner from Etsy shop Clann04.



Made from a recycled food box, this planner is truly one of a kind! Retails for $7 + shipping. Worth checking out - choose from Milk Duds to DiGiorno, lots of shapes and sizes. Very cute! Prices range from $4-$20! www.etsy.com

Barnes and Noble has to have one of the greatest selections of calendars, organizers, planners, and journals I could wish for! I can easily spend lots of time peeking through all of them. Plus, if you have a membership or a sister with a membership you get a pretty percentage off and maybe you could grab a coffee and book or two on your way out!


I love this planner by Silver Lining. Retails for about $8. Great color palate and very durable! www.bn.com

Happy planner-seeking!

a wallpaper wonderland

Wallpaper lovers get ready to ooh and aaah. I was warmly welcomed to take some snaps of this truly gorgeous dining room. The pictures speak for themselves--check it out:

Three questions for Rachel:

one. Did you have a particular vision in mind before decorating?
I did not have a vision for the dining room. It started out with the wallpaper and it was not really about the color scheme but about which paper I liked the most.

two. What drew you to the wallpaper?
I liked it because it was traditional but with a modern touch. After the wallpaper was chosen, everything was built on that.

three. At what point did the room feel complete?
For me, the moment the whole thing came together was when we chose the light fixtures. We brought in samples of the wallpaper and curtain fabric and explained the feeling of the room and the lady designed them for me on the spot, complete with drawings and color scheme included! It was actually a really cool experience.

A couple cool facts worth mentioning...

* wondering about the magnificent art on the console? it's a one-of-a-kind and painted by the owner's mother, an artist!

* take a close look at the ceiling and you'll notice it's textured wallpaper - so elegant!

Rachel, thanks so much for welcoming me into your lovely home.

still looking for clothes for your tot this summer?

I'm always pleasantly surprised when I stumble upon great prices for clothing for my daughter, especially when the clothes look like I spent much more.

Check out this adorable dress from The Children's Place:


Sunshine Halter Dress is on sale now for less than $12. The burgundy color in the center of the earthy dress adds a rich touch along with the orange lace trim along the neckline. Adorable! childrensplace.com

coffee tables and coffee tables

I was recently searching the web for a cool, refreshing coffee table - here were my requirements for the perfect table:

1. table must not be ugly
2. table should not look like a place to throw junk on - rather a functional, yet respectable piece of furniture
3. table must be kid-friendly
4. table cannot be rectangular (aka resemble my old one)

and just for extra credit....

1. table can be used as conversation starter with guests
2. table can receive oodles and oodles of compliments...from my husband (this one made me giggle)
3. table can magically transform into homemaker when I'm too busy (well, it was worth a shot!)

Because I purchased our last coffee table thoughtlessly quick, I am much more inclined to take my time and find the perfect table.

I stumbled upon allcoffeetables.com and was immediately pleased with their broad range of shapes, colors, sizes, textures and so on.

Innovations IRock Collection is ultra bright and ultra modern. Legs are metal chrome. Choose from white, red, orange, yellow and black (below).

Retails from about $150 to about $250 depending on size and height. Pick and choose your color and size combo. I absolutely love these!

If you like the minimalist look and want something very simple and less trendy (because you would like to keep your furniture around for at least a couple of weeks) check out Square Cross Table by Furniture FX, for $280. Available in black or white.

If you've got little ones, or just aren't a fan of the sqaure, FX makes a round version as well! For something a little more substantial, check out this one, below:

The Tema Tokyo Square High Table is available in beech, cherry, walnut, wenge, and white finishes. Retails for about $490.

You can never go wrong with a simple glass table - it will last a while in both style and durability. I happen to love this one from justmyshopping.com:


RTA Home and Office Coffee Table has an aluminum base and a durable 8mm clear tempered glass - very easy clean and very affordable at $99! plus use coupon code 3purplebirds5x and receive an extra 5% off at checkout - that's a good deal!

kitchen beautiful

Buying accessories for your kitchen is like painting a blank canvas; the possibilities are endless. Whether it's new wall hangings, dish towels, chairs and tables, your kitchen accessories and furniture can change as often as buying a new pair of shoes. I was so excited to snap some shots from Lauren Mishaan's fabulous kitchen. Take a peek:

La Cocina

Lots of counter space!

Functional work area

Bright modern barstools for a splash of color

personal touches

spacious eat-in kitchen

Lauren fills in the blanks with me:

1. If you could describe your kitchen in one word it would be refreshing.
2. Your inspiration for the room was industry sleek.
3. What you were essentially looking for was a kitchen the whole family could live in and has an open space.
4. It was imperative to have an island, splash of color, and be kid friendly.

Lauren, love your kitchen, thanks so much for letting me check it out and share it with everyone!

curtain call!

I recently ventured off to my childhood friends' lovely abode and couldn't help but notice her adorably white shabby chic shower curtain. Here's the thing, she told me it was from Anthropologie maybe a few years back, so when I went to check it out on their site, only but one was left and it in fresh tropical shades of blue and green. Check it out:

100% cotton, machine washable (as all curtains shown here are) and ever so frilly! retails for $118. anthropologie.com

If the color fading look isn't your thing, but you're liking the layering idea, check out The Ruffled Shower Curtain By India Rose at burkedecor.com:

I'm loving her bright colors! Choose from white, persimmon, avocado and magenta. Retails for $96 with free shipping! burkedecor.com. Have a low window in your home? try using two shower curtains instead of drapes!

If you're not looking to make such a bold statement (why you wouldn't want to? I don't know!) check these ones out:


I adore the delicate rows of ruffles. Snow Field shower curtain retails for $98 at anthropologie.com.

Love the look but not the $$$? Ditto, so check out this one, above, from target.com. 100% Polyester, so no need to worry about it shrinking in the wash. Retails for about $30.

pillowhappy all over again

etsy's pillowhappy has got to be one of my very favorite shops! With her extremely unique, modern clean lines and lovely craftsmanship, pillowhappy has so many beautiful pieces to offer. I can't take my eyes off this gorgeous pillow :


Modern Colorworks pillow is a work of art on its own! retails for $118. Not only beautiful but comfy too as it's made of soft fleece. etsy.com

3 questions for pillowhappy shop owner, Shellie:

What was your inspiration for this pillow?
I was flipping through a magazine and saw this amazing rug that looked like a piece of modern art with lots of color and movement. I had to do my own in pillow form.

If you had to describe your work in one word, what would it be?
Happy!

Shellie, your pieces are so unique. What is your favorite piece from your shop?
I'd have to say the rose pillows because they're interesting little pieces of art, look real, are so soft for actually laying your head on, and are machine washable. I have the pink one on my couch, and I literally can't wait to lay on it! and it's pretty.



Check out the Red Rose Pillow, above. Choose from dark red, orange/red, pink, creme, or black. Retails for $58. And, true to it's description, sits perfectly in just about any style home! gorgeous! great gift idea too!

great Hunter boots sale - one day only

(Hunter boots in hand) Thank you everyone, thank you... I'd also like to thank my wonderful mom for emailing me this great deal to share with you all, enjoy!

I'm so excited to share this great deal that I honestly feel as though I've just accepted a (Tony? Grammy? great-deal-relay-person?) award!

As I've mentioned, I am a big fan of Hunter boots! Their "Original" style retails for a little over $100. Let's face it, we're in a recession and spending $100 to feel good in the rain may not be your tip top priority at the moment, and very understandably so.

But here's some great news! 6pm.com, aka zappos.com's warehouse, is having a one -day- only sale - and these babies, in "dolphin" only (as shown here) are 57% off! They are now retailing for about $50 + shipping! They are a good neutral color and perfect if you find their other colors a little too severe!

Happy Hunter shopping!

cb2, I heart you!

I am BEYOND excited, elated, jumping for joy (you get my drift) that CB2 finally put their Sunny Arm Chair and Inside/Out Dining Table on sale!

check out all the prettiness!


Sunny Arm Chair is now on sale for about $70 - a lovely 30% price adjustment from the original $100 it retailed for. Comes in bright yellow, fresh white, and, my all time favorite: the most crisp modern shade of blue your heart could long for....ahhh (I think I smell a future paint color on my walls!)... Here's why I am especially drawn to these chairs:

-They have a restaurant feel to them, which makes them great for both indoor and outdoor!

-They also stack, which is a big plus for small spaces and for future storage.

-They are extremely durable and easy to clean!

I would recommend only buying this chair in one color as an array of colors would be a bit overwhelming on the eye.

I happen to also adore the Inside/Out Dining Table - on sale for $250 (orig $300). Painted in hi-gloss white and rust resistant it's very practical for indoors or out - and I love the glass table top - super easy for wiping spills and creating the illusion of a bigger space (Windex, anyone?) cb2.com

zoo inspired

What better way to spend the holiday weekend then with your family! I Had such fun the other day at the Central Park Zoo. Besides spending quality family time with my BFF's, I was so inspired by some of the beauties there too!

Before I go on, I need to confess something: I didn't catch the type or name of these two birds - (yikes!) My sincerest apologies. I know, so unprofessional and I realized this way too late. I seriously contemplated making something up, I just didn't think that would be too fair of me to do to my loyal readers




AHHH now that that's out of the way...check out the bright color of this beautiful birds' feathers! Brights and bolds, as I've mentioned in the past, make such a dramatic statement that even the most discreet accent piece can do wonders.



The Marius Stool from Ikea is ideal for small spaces. For less than $6 a piece (about the cost of a frappaccino) these bright modern stacking stools are a must if you're constantly figuring out where you're guests are going to sit, or even if you're simply looking for something to brighten up the room a bit (without spending a bit)! ikea.com for more info.

I had to snap a pic of this lovely bird, as it reminded me of one of my favorite throw pillows

Since, apparently this post is making an honest blogger out of me, I have one more confession: I'm not the biggest fan of zoo's, or at least, I wasn't the biggest fan of them, but after this past trip - I have to say, I'm a little anxious to get back and see what else is in store for us!

glad I bought this....

As I've mentioned in the past, a simple throw pillow can give your room the face lift it needs. When placed correctly, pillows of different shapes and textures add a lot of elegance and character to your bed, couch, chairs, etc.




I purchased a couple of these Remy Shag Pillows from Crate and Barrel (crateandbarrel.com) on sale for about $30 each. Placed in front of a traditional bright throw (knit by my Grandmother!)

A closeup of the beauty!!

I love the contrast. When looking for new accessories, I tend to search for items that I could easily place in just about every room in my house - which makes it easy to switch things up when I'm getting bored with a look.

sunblock = sunsuit

Yay and thank you to all the wonderful stores out there who are actually catering to something a little more important than a cute lil bikini, tankini, and bathing suit this season!

This past year, non-beach specialty stores carried a few bathing suits for your little one that covered thighs, neck, and shoulders. I happen to love a cute ruffle-y bikini on my peanut, but her sensitive baby skin is so much more important. I snatched a great one from the Gap with UPF protection that still happens to fit her this year. Check out these adorable ones!

Throw this adorable surfer top over your toddler - retails for $16.50. UPF 50+.

While I prefer as much skin covered as possible, this adorable tankini from Gap is so cute and still protects with UPF 50+ (just make sure to slather on lots of sunblock!) Striped Tankini on sale now for about $15, gap.com

have a fun and skin-healthy summer!

pretty accessories

I'm a big fan of putting fresh flowers all over the house - but flowers can get a lil pricey and the upkeep can be a lil annoying - For a while I was putting fresh lemons and limes in a bowl, but for some reason they were rotting faster than I could use them all (I'm no Giada, okay?) here's a no- fuss way to add a little personality to your table, console, nightstand.....

In the fall and winter seasons I like pine cones. I found mine at my local Shop Rite, but you can always grab a few from your backyard (just make sure to clean them well before putting them in your home.) They look so pretty and fresh in just about any kind of bowl and add so much warmth (mine were scented, which I wasn't such a fan of).

Check out vandykestaxidermy.com for a package of six pine cones for three bucks!

In the spring and summer seasons, I recommend saying g'bye to the pine cones (until next time) and switching it up a little.

I have to hand it to bedbathandbeyond.com for having the greatest selection of table accessories. Amongst my favorites are these;



Mosaic Glass Balls are so pretty and rich looking! Two color choices, sold as a set of three, and retail for about $25 (be sure to bring your million coupons they send in the mail!). They look so much more $$$. I happen to be a big fan of the chocolate colored ones.



Check out these rustic, contemporary Batok Balls. About $15 for three. I love the idea of buying quite a few of these and placing them in unequal amounts in a couple rooms in the house - it creates a cohesiveness throughout the home.

Here's the best part yet: when you're sick of looking at them, carefully store them away - when you're ready to take them out again, you'll feel like you've just bought yourself a pretty bouquet of flowers!

enjoy!

personalized gifts

here's a way to give a gift with a little more thought....personalize it! Check out these great soaps at potterybarn.com:

On sale now for $29 with free shipping. So pretty!

Adorable online store worth checking out: threehipchicks.com! Check out their Personalized Wooden Oval Pendant and Necklace. So great for summer. Retails for $45.50. Choose from nice variety of shapes, fonts and necklace colors - you can also purchase just the pendant.

Love the Monogrammed Large Oval Shell Pendant too! Retails for $21 - check out their gorgeous silk string too!

shoes for thought

I spotted my extremely stylin friend gracefully stepping out with the most beautiful pieces of artwork on her feet. I explained to her that the second I laid eyes on that sugary sparkle mix of pinks and creams, it was as though I was stepping into a whole new world of glittery-goodness (well, I didn't explain it exactly like that, but pretty close!)




Almost too pretty to wear, Miu Miu Perla Sequin Platform Pumps are show stoppers (my friend's pumps were platformless and equally gorgeous). These shoes truly are a piece of art - and a design inspiration as well.


For those who love the eclectic look in their home - a bit of this, a touch of that - a glittery Hollywood glam piece could really do a room justice. Throw pillows are a great way to update a room without breaking the bank. I found this one today at overstock.com. The Carol Basket Weave Pillow retails for about $66. Woven in Metallic leather - I love that it's not too over the top, yet still very elegant.


I also love Jane Seymour's Mirrored Gemstone Pillow. Retails for $50. Very elegant and I love the texture! overstock.com



Check out the Sheesha Pillow (a la Olivia Palermo) at Jayson Home and Garden. Retails from $205-$345. Very clean lines and modern with a touch of glam - very pretty (and pricey!) jaysonhomeandgarden.com