Kari was Right; Jill was Wrong

Does anyone besides me (Jill) have design angst? I am in the process of redecorating my living room, with copious amounts of help, direction and hand-holding from my very talented sister. The color scheme is a light blue, a light green, and orange. We came up with this color direction after a very successful trip to Home Goods, where we happened upon three ginger jars in the perfect hues.

Kari then suggested this fabric for the curtains:

And although I really, really loved it, I was scared. Freaked out. Indecisive. I hung the swatch up over my existing beige curtains, where it hung for a good eight months. Why? I couldn’t visualize it. That much fabric, (eight, eight-foot panels) in my relatively small space? What would that look like? And although what these curtains cost wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar for someone being featured in ElleDecor, to me, this is an investment. I have one chance to get it right, and I have to LOVE them, for a long time. Then I saw this post on 6thStreetDesignSchool:

Somebody had taken the plunge before me. And it looked incredible. Not at all overpowering or too trendy like I had feared. Suddenly, I had to have these curtains that Kari had been promoting. So, I called the seamstress from PlushStudio on Etsy, and she is going to get to work on making lined, chevron curtains for me.

Another thing my lovely sister was right about? This fabric:

Chiang Mai Dragon in Aquamarine. It was too….scary, for lack of a better term, when she first suggested it would be perfect in the room. But now I am obsessed with it. I need some Chiang Mai Dragon in my life! Now that I have started to take the plunge on this space, I cannot wait for all the components to arrive on my doorstep. I am really excited about how the room is coming together.

So Kari, this is my official, public apology for doubting: You were Right. I was Wrong.

(Chiang Mai Dragon Photo from WillaSkyeHome on etsy.)

You're My Lobster...

These are a couple of the pillows that are on their way to come and live on my (Jill's) couch. I think that they will be very happy together. The lobster? I don’t know why, but it makes me smile every single time I look at it. It is wacky, but somehow beautiful at the same time.

The lobster is from Furbish. The greek key pillows are from WillaSkyeHome on Etsy.

Etsy Roundup- New Baby

We at the Babs Blog are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new nephew or niece. Our brother and his wife are expecting, and the little one could arrive any day now! Here are some of our etsy picks for a new babe.

1) Safari Loafers, from graciousmay
2) Giraffe print, from sarahjanestudios

3) Giraffe teether, from littlesaplingtoys

Etsy Roundup- New York City Art

In a few short days, Kari and I will be off to New York City to meet our parents and kick off their vacation. We are so excited to see them, and so excited to spend time with them in such a fun city! In honor of the occasion, here are some etsy artists' renditions of New York.

1) Rowhouses by jenskelley

2) NYC from Staten Island by matteart

3) Empire State by Vhmckenzie

Make Pie, Not War

These really pretty things are from Make Pie, Not War----an Etsy shop we love!  We encourage you to check out all the pretty, vintagey things in this shop...they would make really gorgeous Mother's Day gifts!  We also love that this is a Central California shop (got to send some love to fellow Central California gals!)

Vases & Vessels

As a hostess, having a pretty vase on hand makes a beautiful table that much easier. With a beautiful vessel, grocery store flowers suddenly look luxe. Even a beautiful bowl or compote looks stylish when piled with bright-hued fruit. Here are some pretty picks from our favorite source of handmade goodness: Etsy.  You might think about adding a little something new to your table in honor of spring.  Or, consider this a great source for Mother's Day gifts---Mother's Day is right around the corner!
"Elegant Bowl in Vanilla Bean Satin" by D. Babcock.

"Mini White Porcelain Vases" by Rou Designs.

"Vase with flowers"  by Deb Bell.

"Mom's Stuff" Container by Clay Swan.

"Large Poppy Bowl" by Whitney Smith.

"Pair of Bird Cupcake Stand" by Whitney Smith.

Beautiful "Mama and Baby Birdie Vase" from Red Hot Pottery.

Add a little springtime punch to your home!

If you're like us, spring makes you want to decorate and come up with some new things for your home.  There's just something about spring that makes us want to re-dress our nests!  If your budget is hindering you from making large splurges on home decor OR if you rent your space, it can be challenging to find ways to spruce up your favorite rooms.  That's why we love Byrdie Graphics!
Byrdie Graphics is an Etsy shop that specializes in wall decals.  Not just any wall decals, either.  Really, really great wall decals.  As the photo below shows, the decals don't have to be limited to walls, either!  Byrdie does custom orders, too, so if you don't see what you like, let them know what your wish is.   Also, since vinyl decals are easy to remove, you can consider using them to spruce up a room temporarily---like for a springtime party!  

Pom Love

You've seen these fabulous, oversized tissue paper poms if you read or watch anything by Martha Stewart.  Martha even has kits for these at your local Michael's, if you're willing to pay her price.  :)  Indeed, the poms are beautiful hanging from trees at a wedding or over tables during a bridal shower.  Now, you can forgo buying Martha's kit and you can forgo trying to make a bunch of these on your own...

Just head over to Pom Love, an adorable Etsy shop that sells these pre-made!  Custom and bulk orders can be made, if you convo the shop owner OR you can buy some of the pre-made poms in her shop.  Clever, right?  And so pretty...Great for spring showers and weddings!

Can you say "Hostess Gift?"

From oola designs

From oola designs

From Vintage Lucy's

From Red Bridge

From saarela

From Michelle Brusegaard

From Branch Handmade

Good ole Etsy.  So much good stuff!  Check out these great tea towels!  One for every personality...what fun little hostess gifts these would make.  A pretty, unique tea towel wrapped around a jar of homemade jam or a box of scone mix...what hostess wouldn't be delighted?

Why We Love June Cleaver...

June Cleaver...that faithful housewife from the "Leave it To Beaver" TV series...

She kept an immaculate house, baked the best cookies, always had dinner on the table, was quick with a hug for her boys, always treated her hubby Ward with respect, was dedicated to her church, helped her neighbors out...and she did it in pearls and heels!  My, that June...she sure was something!  (We think that June Cleaver could definitely teach "modern" women a thing or two...)

Even if you haven't yet achieved a June Cleaver level of homekeeping, we love the idea of wearing pearls as a finishing touch to one's outfit, even if you are just running to the grocery store or vacuuming the living room!  :)  Here are some modern takes on pearls, all found on Etsy.com.

From VirginiaGeigerJewels

From wmahr

From snowingscarlet

From vivienwalsh

From RachelleD

From PenelliBelle

From fonth