Superhero Summer

there have been superheros sneaking around every corner and spiderman continues to be by my side all day long...

masked spiderman / cheers to superman and batman / baby batman is up to no good
here comes spiderman [and one of his best friends harper] + still loving his spiderman sprinkler and swim trunks

White on White

my dining chairs have gotten a real beating since the boys have migrated out of their high chairs, and after remembering these by Robert & Cortney Novogratz, i was inspired to makeover my own.  i not only gained durability, but a whole new feeling in my dining room and i'm always happy to have more white...

well made chairs that were handed down to me years ago,
previously in a wood finish and a blue ticking stripe i added last year.

the makeover: i sprayed them first with white spray paint to get in all the hard to reach spots,
then hand painted them with a high gloss white + covered the seats with a high quality faux leather

our dining room doubles as my work space + it's a popular spot in our house
so dean and ike couldn't resist popping in

bells of ireland, a vintage paper mache bird,
and i love this "give love" candle and this entire line available in stores

The Beauty of Boys

life according to instagram...

pirate batman + robin / dean-o sharing with his dino / babies loving babies
brotherly love / my little pillow prince / fascination with fire
tons of chap-stick + fashion "forward" flap shorts / little optimists
and imitation is the highest form of flattery

Perfect Poufs

i'm a little obsessed with them lately.  i have been using them to add color and texture indoors and out - creating extra seating for guests or becoming a table by adding a tray.  the best part though, is my kids love them too.  these little ottomans quickly turn a coffee table into the perfect height for them to sit and build blocks or have a snack.  available in all price points + a large range of styles - here are my top ten favorites out there now...   

1. missoni home cartagena pouf ottoman - wayfair / 2. threshold stipe pouf in plum red - target
3. numbers pouf in natural - land of nod / 4. diamond pouf in blue - wisteria
5. white moroccan leather pouf - serena & lily / 6. surya pouf in plum and tan - rug studio
7. zuni leather pouf in caribbean blue - crate and barrel / 8. chipper ikat pouf in gray and white - zeldabelle
9. souk pouf in ivory and slate and 10. bazaar pouf in ochre - west elm

The Dude

after pining over this tee perfect for dean, it suddenly occurred to me, i already have what i need to make my own... 

a worn gray tee + white fabric paint + an hour of time

he is quickly approaching two and we have seen his personality really

 develop this past year into a somewhat brooding little character

...and this dude does not abide.

Black Bag

with major fringe and big enough that it's perfect for a day trip with the boys...

cool find #122 - black canvas & fringe bag

Celebrate the Scribbles

our fridge is not magnetic, so i hung these frames a while ago in our kitchen as a place to display the boys art. they get so excited every time we add a new piece...

mother's day gift from cole / paint chip art from this post / and new favorite - a drawing of my friend kristen

cool find #121 - kids artwork display frame

[available in black or white and hinged to open with a pocket to store more art inside]

Monochromatic

i love color, but i also can't help be drawn to these tone on tone spaces that scream relax...

all images via pinterest

Coffee + Accessories

i can't get enough of either lately and i'm really loving these two i picked up while thrifting, a patterned straw clutch and hammered geometric necklace...

white tunic: anthropology
many beautiful straw clutches here 
and a similar necklace here and here

H&M Home

not only is the retail giant now offering online shopping in the US, but they have now released a home collection that's just as hip and affordable as their clothing, here are some of my favorites...

bubble glass vase, railway tray, unscented wax candle, dessert mountain scene shower curtain,
black and white star storage container, nyc railway pillow cover, black hedgehog, cafe noir mug,
set of three faux bois storage boxes, black and white star duvet and pillowcase set,
gray and white star baby blanket, moss throw, king/queen stitched white bedspread, jacquard weave blanket,
aztec boudoir pillow, hobnail silver ceramic jar, grey and white stripe laundry bag,
"dress me up & "my favorite piece wood hangers, silver sequin pillow cover, green & white pillow cover,
scalloped black vinyl pillow cover, grey knit stripe cushion cover, fairmont hills glass jar in three colors,
and gray linen placemat with pocket for utensils

i'm especially drawn to all the pillow covers, bedding,

and kids product line - check out the full collection here.

Two for Two

cheers to two very successful thrifting trips last week, including two matching cover ups for courtney and i...

some of what i found - that ranged from beachy feminine to leather jackets + lots of blue

oh, and cheers to not having to share a dressing room with this guy for once...

he may be cute, but...

...one of us usually ends up on the floor.

What's Next

loving all these sporty + studly little finds from next...

1. contrast zip through black and white hoodie / 2. gray, black and khaki tees
3. grey bold stripe jumper / 4. heritage joggers / 5. basic beanie in navy, blue and red
6. black sky top / 7. grey marl hi top / 8. tan sky top

click here for great prices and free shipping on all orders over $40!

Kid-Friendly Display

it's been over three years since i began baby-proofing and had to hide many things away, but with dean turning two soon i decided to slowly start bringing a little back out to test him.  i'm realizing the key to their survival is to mix in some of his toys with the pieces i'd rather him not throw across the room...

i am in love these new celestial cracked glass coasters i picked up from anthropologie recently
- they come in many more beautiful colors, i may have to pick up the white set too.

   we've had a couple casualties as i expected, but it's nice to see
some of what i love again.  he's now even starting to play around it
without bothering it, so i think my plan is working...

SOURCES: square acrylic format tray from CB2, books - the re-purposed library / menagerie by sharon montrose /

safari style icons [uh second thought, maybe i should move this, making this link i found there are new copies going for $186!]

brass lantern from world market [similar one here], succulent from this post, brass binoculars and zebra are vintage.