Never one to stress much about anything on the home-front, my husband started to panic this past weekend.  He wants a crib and a glider ordered for our little one, stat.  Of course, with this came opinions on what the crib should look like and a desperate attempt to get me to focus by taking us on a family trek up to a huge baby store in Maryland.  (Mind you, getting us there Monday night about 40 minutes before it closed, lest I get too enthused….he didn’t want to shop long).

Anyways, the trip only served to accomplish two things. 

First, we realized there is no way we are going to convince Maddie that she should forgo her “cot” (husband is an Australian and this is what they call cribs) for her new little brother.  In fact, she was running around the store with glee…..letting us know exactly which “cots” she wanted for “Baby H”.  They were all decked in pink, of course!  With the transitions of a big move and a new baby on the horizon….there is no way I am going to displace her….even though I know that she’ll be ready for her “big girl” bed probably the day the little one is ready to move from a bassinet to a crib.  Oh well, such is life.

Second, we learned there are so many options for cribs….and are now only more confused.  I am in the cheap and “disposable” camp (with good safety ratings, of course) as this will likely be our last.  As such, I am leaning towards more modern styles as I do not particularly care if they are dated in a few years.  Of course, my husband gravitated to the big solid wood “investment” pieces.  We’ll figure it out soon I hope.  In the grand scheme of things…I am not overly stressed about this.

In the meantime, I took only a cursory glance at crib bedding as I’ve got a few ideas floating around in my head–and I plan to have ours made by my workroom.

Anyways, here was one of the sets that caught my eye.  Specifically, it was the greek key motif in grey that caught my attention.  After all, you know I am currently on a grey and yellow kick.

Glenna Jean “Sydney” Collection 

At first, I was sure that this was  Thibaut’s Malay Ikat fabric that I had blogged about here.  I loved it then, and still love it.   But, upon closer inspection….I realized this fabric was not the same.

After a bit more searching I think I’ve found the source.  It appears to be Duralee’s “Abstract” in Graphite.  This fabric is also available in Indigo and Cocoa.  I can source it for under $25/yard.  Not too bad….

What do you think?  Do you like it?

In other news, don’t forget about my giveaway of six yards of the new Thom Filicia fabric!  The winner will be announced next Monday.

I am totally in love with this pattern (Flowering Quince) from Clarence House. 

 Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

Photo by Gemma Costas

Parker-Sims Interiors

But, I also realize that every budget may not allow for fabric that is over $170 per yard or wallpaper that is over $80 per yard.  So, check out this fabric from Braemore called “Flowering Branch.” 

Here, designer Caitlin Creer used the fabric to upholster a chair.  Doesn’t it look fantastic?

Can you guess the price on this look alike?  If you google the pattern you can find it available for as low as about $15 / yard!  Do you have your heart set on the wallpaper?  Consider having the fabric paper backed for use on the walls.  Now, that’s a look for less, don’t you think? 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Marija of Holding Court, who was tragically killed in a car accident on July 10, 2010.  Marija was a gracious blogger who was ever thoughtful and talented.  Her love of her family was a common theme on her blog.  She was an incredible writer and I enjoyed reading her blog, the comments she left on mine and email encouragement as I started mine up earlier this year.

Her husband has left a touching tribute to Marija here.  Please keep him and their two children Olivija (9) and Nigel (4) in your thoughts.  It is a cruel reminder of how precious each day on this earth can be.

I recently shared an early inspiration item for our eagerly awaited son’s nursery.  And, while our 2-year-old Maddie’s decor could last a while…..she’ll get a new room by default as we are moving cross country later this year.  The July/August 2010 Veranda Magazine featured a Bermuda home decorated by Phoebe Howard.  One room, in particular, caught my attention.  It is now the starting point for “Maddie’s New Room” inspiration file.

image via Phoebe Howard

First off, Maddie is enamoured with butterflies.  I just love the custom wall painting with pink butterflies and dragonflies.    I am not usually a fan of “murals” in rooms as they often lean towards a bit over the top (especially in children’s rooms).  But, I think this design is subtle and perfect for a little girl.

I have not decided if I want to do twin beds or a queen for Maddie’s room.  In either case, I am loving this bed which is available in both options from Lee Industries.  (Fabric on the bed is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams).  I think the natural fabric would grow with her as she will enevitably have her own ideas as to how her room should be decorated one day.

The textiles on the bed and the Sherrill furniture stools are all from John Robshaw Textiles.  The drapery and bed accent pillow fabrics are by Raoul Textiles.    And, I am loving that I can re-use the rug I am planning to buy for our living room for real estate staging purposes in Maddie’s room once we move.  I checked out new samples on Friday….and am leaning towards a wool synthetic that has the sisal look….for comfort reasons.  Still undecided on that…..but need to make up my mind soon!

I am absolutely loving the Oly Studio mirror (see closer shot below)….and love the bamboo frames on the prints.  So, at least I have a starting point in my mind….need to start searching for the perfect (for us) fabrics, etc.  And, anyone who may know of a good decorative painter in Dallas, please let me know!

image via Phoebe Howard

Any thoughts on the room, pros and cons of single or queen beds, etc. I’d love to hear from you.  In the meantime, like what you see and need help with the sources?   Feel free to contact me.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and that the mothers out there were made to feel special.  I was lucky to spend the entire weekend with both my wonderful mother and my beautiful daughter.  It was a jam packed weekend of lunch and shopping with the “girls” on Friday, Maddie’s 2nd birthday on Saturday, and a lazy Mother’s Day with family at our house yesterday.  So fun!

So, on Friday I called my mom to see what she was up to for the day.  Finding out here only concrete plan was a haircut, Maddie and I horned in and asked if we could take her to the haircut (Maddie needed a bang trim) and then we’d do lunch and check out a tag sale that I’d been meaning to try.  She was game….

What I failed to tell her was that this tag sale was up in Buckeystown, MD and was a good hour or so drive…..so I’d be hijacking her for the day and Maddie would be missing her nap….a risky proposition!  But, it all ended well and we were glad to have made the trek.

Chartreuse & Co. is generally open on the third weekend of each month for a tag sale.  But, watch their website or sign up for updates, because they are known to throw in an extra date or two (such as this past weekend).  They are located near Frederick, MD in a series of barns (you could miss this place if you aren’t looking!)  The company describes itself as:  “Comfortably chic, architectural salvage. All in 3 buildings on our 1899 farm in Buckeystown, fine home fragrance and linens. Garden, vintage and new home furnishings and accessories. A huge selection of vintage & antique furniture.”

The sale is set up with various stalls for vendors and the prices, in my opinion, were generally very reasonable.  Here is a sampling of what they had on offer this past weekend.

Outside of the barns were a selection of furniture and outdoor accessories.  I kept going back to this sweet table with the birds, but just couldn’t justify it with the pending move on the horizon.  I also liked these wire chairs…..

Inside, the various stalls were set up beautifully…….

My mom liked these boxes which she thought would be great in a potting shed.  I was thinking of how they could be used in Maddie’s playroom….

I really liked this vintage parking meter.  My parents used to have a parking area at their summer house for golf carts.  We joked that this could have been cute next to the “cart parking” sign.

Of course, Maddie was partial to the vintage block letters….and tearing her away from them was a challenge….

Here are a few more images from the sale.  I loved the bow on this simple chair, and I ended up with the baskets to house silverware while entertaining.  In fact, I used them at Maddie’s birthday party.

I thought this was a unique use of architectural salvage.  I’d probably spruce up the pots a bit but how cute would this be out on the deck for spring/summer potted plants?

In all, the day was fun and the trip worth it.  I also ended up with a vanity chair for my master bathroom and cannot believe I didn’t take a photo.  I’ll try to do so later.  It is a vintage wide chair with a low back, distressed in an antique white finish with a newly upholstered zebra print cushion. 

I didn’t include any pictures of the unfinished furniture barn, but it is perfect for the DIYer who wants to spiff up a piece of furniture on their own.  There were literally hundreds of garage/estate sale finds begging for a new life and home.  In all, the trip was a success and if you are in the DC metro area I’d highly recommend a trip up next time one of their sales is on.

This has been a busy week on work and family fronts.  Lots going on here including a trip to the emergency room for my almost two year old….she’s fine, thanks.  (The vitamin she shoved up her nose, not so much!)  We also just learned we are moving to Dallas later this year so it has been hectic trying to negotiate timing of a move and wrap my head around what needs to be done.  Where to start?!?  (And by the way, if you have recommendations on where to live inside the city or good school, feel free to send them my way!)

So, I apologize for the rather slow blogging this week.   Hope to have a fresh post up soon.

In the meantime, check out my sidebar for a few new specials running now through May.

Sorry I have not been posting as regularly or as thoroughly as I had been for a while.  Lots going on in the Maddie G world.  First, the business has really started to pick up so I am trying to keep up with the inquiries and orders, meaning the blogging has been pushed a little bit….  A good problem to have, for sure, but I miss my regular blogging.

I also am just about done with the first trimester of pregnancy…..and I get really, really sick.  With my daughter I was sick enough to be hospitalized twice…and lost 20 lbs.  This time, I am doing better and have only lost 10 but the last 13+ weeks have been a challenge, especially with an active 23 month old in toe.  I am so looking forward to the energy burst that is promised in the near term.

Also, there are talks that we may be relocated sometime this year….no word yet on how real this is….but it has put a big halt on home decorating projects as we wait to hear.  I was in the process of working on re-doing our stair balusters with hand forged iron and working on updating our kitchen…so I am just patiently waiting for some clarity!

Finally, I have been remiss in thanking Lisa over at Hamptontoes for awarding me with the Happy 101 Blog award back in March.  I love Lisa’s blog and have enjoyed getting to know her a little better in emails over the last couple of months. 

The award “rules” are that I should list ten things that make me happy and list ten blogs I enjoy.  It is difficult to list only 10 in each category, as so many things make me happy.  But, I’ll try…..

What Makes Me Happy

1. Family- We have an extremely close knit family.  And, while not large, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  I am lucky that my parents and younger sister live nearby.  They share a wonderful relationship with my husband, who is the best guy I could dream of.  And, he has a great Australian accent to boot…which is just a little bonus.  I could never have dreamed how much joy I would find in being a mom.  My daughter is a unique little being and she amazes me each and every day.  Our extended family of aunts/uncles and cousins remains close and we try to visit as much as possible.   I thank God every day for my wonderful family.
2. Friends- I have a handful of wonderful friends whom I’ve stayed close with since high school and college.  Despite busy lives, we always seem to be able to pick up as if time has stood still. 
3. The Beach- There is nothing like the feel of sand under my toes, a good book and listening to my daughter giggle as she plays in the surf.
4. Books- I love to read and my only regret is that I do not have more time.
5. Decorating/Interior Design- I love being able to make a house a home and really enjoy the access/exposure to a myriad of different products and artisians at varying price points. 
6. Choices- I appreciate the women who forged the way ahead of me so that I am able to make the choices that work for me and my family.  I know many question how I could have taken time away from a lucrative career in private equity to stay at home with my daughter and focus on my creative venture.  It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make.  But, there is not a day that goes by where I regret my decision or think I am any less of an accomplished person because I am not out helping to structure a billion dollar acquisition.  I’m thankful to have experienced both worlds by choice.  Of course, my husband, mentioned above, was wonderful in both providing the love and support as I made the decision…and provids the means for it to be an option.
7. Education- I am thankful that my parents valued education and always made it a top priority in our family.  I hope to provide my children with the same opportunities that were given to me.
8. Pets- I am thankful for our nearly 11 year old beagle named General.  I cannot imagine our family without his quirky personality.  He’s really grown up with me!
9. The Spa- There is nothing like a good spa day to rejuvenate the soul.  My sister and I do a full day together as our Christmas present to each other each year.  And, I try to squeeze in visits on vacations and as I can throughout the year.
10. Blogging- I’ve really enjoyed the outlet blogging has provided to me.  And, I’ve been amazed at the kindness and advice provided to me by some of the more established bloggers (where do they find the time?).  When I started this venture, I never expected to find the community of people with similar interests that I’ve found.  It has far exceeded my expectations.

And, here are 10 blogs I love to read for various reasons.  I could have listed many more!

Cote de Texas

DC by Design

Haven and Home

Isabella and Max Rooms

Nest Egg

Odi et Amo

A Passion for Home

Pure Style Home

Tobi Farley

The Zhush

Have a Happy Tuesday and I hope to be back to more regular and substantive posting soon!

A couple of weeks ago I asked for help finding a mirror I had seen in a recent Veranda article.  Subsequently, I had also seen a similar mirror in two different photos of Suzanne Kasler spaces.  My initial request was here.

Veranda Version

Photographed by Miguel Flores-Vianna for Veranda

Suzanne Kasler Version

Suzanne Kasler via Matters of Style

In response to my plea for help, I learned that Suzanne Kasler may be coming out with a version of this mirror in one of her upcoming lines.  No word on which one or when, though.  And, I still have not heard back from my inquiry via Veranda.  But, while doing a little googling last week, what should I find?

via Lumiere, Inc.

At first I was disappointed, my search had led me to a “sold” listing on 1st Dibs.  But, an email to the dealer revealed that this is a new piece of which he can easily get more.  The price tag for a “new” item that is made in Asia has given me pause.  But, alas my search is over….for now at least!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.  My husband was able to make it home from a business trip in NYC last night.  Thank goodness for Amtrak!  We are having out of town family in for dinner tonight and homemade pasta is in order.  So, if my husband will ever get off his conference calls this AM we will certainly be enjoying ours!