that's a wrap

If there is one thing I simply cannot stand....well never mind, let me rephrase, amongst the many things I cannot stand, rolls and rolls of unorganized wrapping paper is definitely one of them. And no, I'm not saying that you need to make a whole wrapping room a la Candy Spelling (she has two!) Something neat and organized will do just fine.

Here's a common problem people make: buying oodles and oodles of wrapping paper - One for holidays, birthdays; boy and girl, showers, baby gifts, etc. and ending up with 25 rolls all over the place (I'm actually getting anxious from even thinking of it all!)

And AHHHHH here's a nice little way to get organized, fast!
1. Get rid of all that wrapping paper (yes, I understand you got it on sale, it was a great day - move on, get over it! let your kids trace each other on the white side).

2. Purchase either a large brown paper roll or a white roll, or both (don't get too excited, it's only if you have room). You can actually purchase the paper on huge rolls for about $45 (more or less depending on how much you buy) - but it's worth it! saves on contemplating which pattern to buy, rushing before a party, etc.

3. Now that it's in your house you're done! Okay, here's the EXTREMELY fun part: because your wrapping paper is neutral, you can go to any craft store and buy tons of ribbon varying in colors, materials, and patterns. Not too excited? Check out these cheap ribbons from michaels.com:



Their huge array will keep you in the isle forever! Ribbons retail from about $1.50 +. I love the look of a wide, brightly colored satin ribbon on a brown paper wrapped gift. A neutral Raffia would also look great:


Rafia is a must have around the house - a great way to make a gift look both personable and elegant. Don't forget to neatly store all your ribbon together! Wrapping will never be the same. (well, it will probably be really similar - just a little less unorganized and less annoying to look at).

gaga for oompa

I recently stumbled upon oompa.com while researching rocking horses for a gift. I am hooked on oompa - and trust me, you have to check out their website to understand why. The prices are actually decent (and in this economy they should be!) but the quality is really there. They carry some of my favorite baby brands like BlaBla and OFFI. I was melting for this adorable blocks set by Haba:


"Sakrada Building Blocks" from Haba would brighten up any toy box! The unique shapes are so creative. Retails for about $26. Paint is non-toxic and kid friendly. Check them out at oompa.com.
*Free shipping with purchases over $65.
*Use code HM and receive 5% off entire order
*no tax!

if your lamp is looking a little short these days...

I'm loving my lamp but not really happy with the height. When I ordered my lamps for my bedroom from Lampsplus.com I was really happy with it! The only problem: It was a little shorter than I expected (why I didn't look at the dimensions, not so sure). Here's a way to add a little height and personality to your lamp: Grab your favorite/prettiest hardcover books or funky boxes and stack em - put your lamp on top - and voila! an updated look, instantly.

The "Stacked Ball Acrylic Lamp" at lampsplus.com, retails for about $100 (check out retailmenot.com for coupons). I stacked mine on a vintage Hershey's Kisses box and an old cigar box. I couldn't go much bigger or bulkier because the lamp itself is relatively dainty. This look works in just about every room and adds great character (but doing it in every room is overkill)!

sex and the city and stunning decor!

I was so excited that the Sex and The City movie finally made it to HBO last night - I saw the movie when it first came out and loved the gorgeous redecorating of Carrie's apartment and lil Lilly's room.

Let's check out Carrie's apartment first:



It was thrilling to see such a refreshed look in carries room. Her mirrored vanity and coffee table are ever so elegant and added such Hollywood glamor. Everyone is going gaga over the paint - so let's discuss. If you were ever apprehensive about going for a bright bold color for your walls, check out her apartment and you will be RUNNING to your local hardware store! (the pictures don't do the rooms justice) The gorgeous (custom made) rich blue is similar to C2's Stargazer (c262, check out www.c2color.com). Check out casasugar.com for an interview with Sex And The City production designer, Jeremy Conway for his inspirations behind the decor. Love the "LOVE" wall hanging in the entryway? get it here:
http://www.therugcompany.info/wallhangings/paul-smith/love-too.htm

Now for lil lilly's room...


I've noticed that people either really love her wall color, or they think it looks like pepto bismol. I originally loved it when I saw the movie, but looking at the pics I have to admit, it reminds me a bit of the inside of a stomach. Maybe if it were a shade or two darker it would look a little richer. But here's what I'm loving: the pink, black, and white color combo. It's adorable and didn't seem over-the-top. Check out the traditional wing chair and dresser. Their shapes add sophistication but the stripes and polka-dots have little girl written all over them! A big white lantern or white-painted chandelier could be substituted for the smaller chandelier shown - it would balance nicely with the bright white door and molding. Also, a black and white area rug would look great in here with a white or black dresser (not striped). It's a really stunning room!

a frog worth kissing!

We received a gorgeous gift basket full of treats galore when our daughter was born! This ever-so-perfect basket contained such wonderful unique items - including a hat by Rich Frog. I was so excited that finally, at 15 months it fit my daughter. It is too cute, so original and gets complements everywhere we go...

My baby girl wearing the princess side.

Here's side two (and an understandably restless model!)

The "Princess/Pea Reversible Hat" by Rich Frog, retails for about $16. My daughter usually wears it princess-side out. Both ways are adorable! A dozen+ great selection for boys and girls and very well made. Makes a great gift. Here's a link to their yummy hats: www.richfrog.com

if the shoe fits...

I love little converse sneaks on tots! I'm sure your dads wore them when they were younger, and you probably have a pair too. Converse are timeless and an absolute adorable shoe! Good for all seasons. Here are my favorites:

Chuck Taylor All Star Slip in chocolate are edible! Boy or girl. Retails for about $41 at Zappos.com. I especially enjoy buying things for my daughter that aren't pink! They have a massive selection - from a huge array of colors to Velcro, slip-ons, or laces - they will look adorable!

chairs to you!

My friends over at Just My Shopping had some exciting news for me! They just got some beautiful pieces in and wanted me to check them out! Just My Shopping is an online furniture store catering to everyone with their wide range of styles! It's a great place to check out. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces:

The Zuo Modern Velour Pyramid Chair is the perfect combination of modern and luxurious. Retails for about $460. Comes in a great black and white floral pattern as well. The seat itself is velour microfiber - so you know it's extra comfy! The chic espresso color has almost an eggplant undertone and looks vintage, really making this an elegant piece.


Red is bold and bold is in! I am so head over heels for this amazing ABS "S" Chair by Zuo. The chair retails for $392 for set of two. Made of plastic (kid friendly) and stackable! It's available in white, black, orange, as well as green. This chair would sit beautifully in a stark white kitchen or even around a wooden traditional dining table. Fantastic!

check out justmyshopping.com and use coupon code: 3purplebirds5x and receive an extra 5% off at checkout! enjoy.

bookshelves taken to a new level!

I recently came across an article on how to freshen up a room with a crowded bookshelf. The article said to take brown paper and cover each book with it and neatly write the title along the side of the book. This seemed so drab! I am not a fan of a room that looks like it had far too much time spent on it. Things always look so much more chic when they seem as though they were "thrown" together.

Here's a much easier way to make your bookshelves look put together without all the fuss: group them by color! it's actually that easy - and it makes such a difference, especially if it's in a den or a commonly-used room in your home. Check out this one below (from my sis's house):


These Ikea bookshelves (available in white, too!) retail for about $80 and are perfect for bins of toys and books! The grouped books are ever so pleasant on the eyes. And the combination of stacking the books alongside the standing ones give the shelves much more dimension and personality. Love it!

wall decals - too cool!

I've been checking out room decals for a while now - and they really are a fantastic way to give a room a fresh new makeover without breaking the bank...or your back. Here are a few of my favorite, ever-so-cool wall decals...


"Modern Elegance" from Etsy's Lana Kole is fabulous. The rich detail in the chandelier gives the decal personality, but the clean lines make it chic and modern! Retails $22.


"Circle Tree Wall Decal Modern Funky Larger Size" by Etsy shop Leen The Graphics Queen belongs in a little kids playroom! Add a little 70's with a pinch of modern and tadaa! This great tree is a children's playroom/bedroom decor must! The neutral, yet funky matte colors bring a level of sophistication to a white canvas wall! Retails $40.