CohabiTOT – living stylishly with children

A fish out of water? It may be a good thing if  there is a school of them! Do you have a little tadpole that would love to live in fish adorned room. Here’s a round-up of the best of  the aquatic animals gone sea-side:

1. Fabric by Lulu DK – This  fabric’s bold pattern and strong color is sophisticated enough for the modern parent, and whimsical enough for any child to enjoy.

2. Table lamp by Jonathon Adler- Adler always does well adding his hipness to animals. The  height of the ceramic lamp is perfect for your nightstand.

3. Clock by George Nelson -Nelson designed lots of clocks but this one makes you smile. Painted as if the fish is still in the water.

4. Wall decals – I love these cheery fish!

5. Mobile by Flensted. It’s simple but sure to keep a little one content.

I am often asked, ” what’s your personal style?”  And I often fumble at the answer. It’s not easy to define in a few words and I can be a bit of chameleon. Though in very general words I like understated spaces; historical details and places that have  invoke memories.

Since we are approaching summer, I thought I would  illustrate my ideal  in terms of beach houses. The movie set for “Something’s Gotta Give” is absolutely  beautiful! I could very very happily live there (of course with a few minor adjustments)

The house seems perfectly cozy; and one could easily snuggle up with a good beach read. The kitchen is great for cooking with friends. It’s elegant without any fussy window treatments,  fancy fabrics or tons of special finishes.

The  best part about a dream  beach house is I can envision happy kids climbing  into bed exhausted from a day of sun and fun. Is there another movie you’ve seen lately that makes you say ” I want to live there?

Remember I told you about those sweet twin girls that are moving to their new nest.  Well we moved on from decorating their bedroom, and on to their bathroom.

Their bathroom is a classic 20’s black and white bathroom. So what do you do when it looks a little shop worn? (and you don’t have the budget for a gut remodel) I say embrace it! With a fresh coat of paint and the right accessories. This timeless bathroom will shine again!

Here’s a couple additions to make it spark:

1. A fun  black and white polka dot shower curtain.

2. Classic black and white silhouettes of the twins to  add a special personal touch.

3. Modern white lacquered bath accessories to bring it into the 21st century.

4.  And add some beautiful towels with a pretty ruffle; because I know they are girly girls!

A coat of glossy white paint and this bathroom will still be a classic for at least 20 more years.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mom’s around the world! I hope it’s a wonderful day full of much happiness.

Print from Orange Twist. ( I love the use of typography!)

Birthday month is almost officially over (and no I haven’t celebrated the whole month; it’s been back to the work!) But with all the talk of my birthday, going to multiple children’s parties and just a general love for celebrations one can’t help but be a little obsessed!

So it’s not me who is obsessed; it’s my son! He’s already planning his next party which is just a mere 5 months away! Possible contenders are a race car party; rocket ship party or another building party. All involving  me making something out of cardboard 🙂

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Mother’s Day is just one week away! Are you dropping hints?  I  know lots of us moms dream of spa days or  a nice dinner out. And I know lots of us moms who have a  gift certificates somewhere in that drawer for that spa day that never seems to happen. And I know even  more moms who have too much on their mind to actually enjoy the spa day if it happens!

Are these the  things on your mind?

• The books that never got of the box from when you moved 3 years ago.
• The photos that  are sitting in boxes ( or on your hard-drive) waiting for organization.
• The clothes in the closet that need are never worn either because they are out of style or you can no longer find that perfect accessory that tied the whole outfit together.

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A little birdy told me that a set of  identical 16 month old twin girls are  flapping their wings and heading south.  They are moving their nest from the bustling upper west side to the suburbs of  New Jersey.  While their parents have been busy packing I have been scouting  for a few new things to make their new perch more special.

Since birds flock together, I picked a couple things to fly along with their existing bird adorned bedding.

From left to right  (click on images to enlarge):

1. Their exsiting bedding from Pottery Barn kids. Birds are appliqued on these charming quilts and silkscreened on sheets.

2.  Custom Monogram prints to put above the cribs- So stylish (did you notice the little bird perched on the letter?)  but also  especially helpful for the babysitter….if they are like my girls they  are  dearly attached to their specific cribs.

3.   Modern Prints to hang on their sun-filled walls. These are digitally reproduced from original artwork.

4.  A whimsical floor lamp with a bird perched on it’s shade. This hand-made and hand painted lamp  will be stylish way beyond their toddler  years.

5. These  fattie birds are a must to cuddle with.

6.  And a  mobile to settle them down for a  good night’s rest.

I think their room is going to be so  tweet sweet!

Do you have a sous chef at your house?  I have a little boy at my side with a zest for cooking up things. I say things because  though they are  done with passion; I can’t really give the dishes a name.  At best, I would call them “mish mash” soup.

When the eyes in the back of my head are not watching; he takes out ALL the spices and puts them in a bowl along with whatever is available including Play-Doh.  And therefore the creation is  a non-delectable clean-up! I certainly don’t want to squash my little one’s imagination;  but I  would like to cultivate it and think that maybe some day we could be eating macarons!

My quirky boy is also all about the props. When we go to Home Depot Workshop  he passionately brings his tool belt apron, carries his tool box and wears his hard hat.  And mom (and dad)  know to allow AMPLE time to organize his belongings before-hand!

So I know when cooking class starts on Monday I better have his apron ready! My husband found this  cooking set at Chicago housewares show. It’s perfect for my sous chef  and even includes some recipe cards for  healthful meals. The bonus is that it all comes in a vinyl backpack so we can travel to class in style! Also check out their website for  the French set –maybe my dreams will come true!

• 80% is probably how much I slowed my car down at the stop sign (and therefore got a ticket).
• 80% is  how much of the clean laundry goes back in the drawers.
• 80% is how much of my girls’ meals land on the floor.
• And 80% is probably how much I actually properly recycle.

So as my son’s say ” I was doing some good thinking ” and trying to figure out how I could do  better!( about recycling…. the rest well….. it is  what it  is!)

Maybe it’s just as easy as putting this charming print in my kitchen.  A  nice, non- agressive  approach that may remind me  to take that extra minute for our earth every day!

My birthday celebration continued with a little trip to Paris with all it’s fabulous cuisine, art and shopping. OK, so I didn’t really go to Paris but my soul did.  My husband and I had a wonder day which started at Bistro Moderne.  My husband was going to surprise me  with this treat but always knowing where the best bakeries are I scoped it out first. We enjoyed the most delectable bread basket and quiche. The mango jam was extraordinary and I don’t think I will be eating baked goods from anywhere else for a long time.

Then we went to the ICP to see Twilight visions: Surrealism Photography and Paris. Everything from the way the photographs were framed, the colors on the walls to the actual photographs themselves were inspirational. (and fuel for this blog for many weeks to come.)  I just want to go Paris soooo badly; so we made a pact that we would go on my next big birthday. Keep reading →