Que Sera (sera)!

Love the local interior design shop Que Sera, their style is luxurious and beautiful in a whimsical yet casual way.  I found the special pendant lights over our kitchen island here when the shop was at the Galleria in Edina. I can’t say how many people have remarked on them – they make a statement in such an understated way!  Much like many of the unique finds sourced by the talented designers at Que Sera.

So, though I was sad to see them move out of our ‘hood to their new home in Excelsior, I was excited to see the new digs and to receive the snazzy invite to their grand opening event!

Last Thursday night my mom, a friend of mine, and I all headed west to check it out, nibble on some treats, shop, and dine alfresco afterwards on Water Street. As expected, the new store is lovely, filled with so many special pieces.  My friend remarked that the shop’s relaxed-posh vibe seems almost more at home near the water, away from the “city” bustle of a mall (even as chi-chi as the Galleria).  She took home a sample of a Dash & Albert rug while my mom admired a Trina Turk throw pillow for her master bedroom decorating project. A good time was had by all, really, what’s not to like? Wine, shopping, girl talk, and maybe a little more wine.

{A delicious spread of small bites, loved the salmon crostini and the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, perfect for a summer-like evening}

{Que Sera has the most fabulous lighting!}

{A cool system of bins with fabric swatches from a who’s who in design}

{Again with the light fixtures! I think this one’s from Currey & Co.}

A girly dressing room makeover

Since our remodel ended about a month ago we’ve been busy ordering furniture, hanging art, and oh, yeah, even enjoying our new space!  Though the kitchen/family room was the biggest project, there are many other little ones in the queue.

One of the first I’ve tackled is making over the small bedroom next to our master from what was mainly a storage room during our remodel into a fun and very girly dressing room! I started with an ultra-pink paint from Benjamin Moore (Peony) in a satin finish for a little more sheen than the usual eggshell finish.

I’m planning to add tangerine and navy as accent colors on the windows, rugs, throw pillows, etc. Grey and white are the neutrals (on couch and armoire, possibly in the rug) to help keep it from getting too crazy.  It is so cute, you can see that my girls were so excited they already wanted to have their little vanities moved into the room. As for me, still shopping for the right vanity. I like things like this:

{Love the mirrored vanities, and this one isn’t too “frilly”, but it IS too expensive!}

{This metal wrapped Parson’s desk from West Elm is a cool, more modern take, and definitely more within my budget}

We bought this great Hudson collection armoire for more than half off at the Room & Board furniture outlet, the grey wash and clean lines caught our eye.

Part of the purpose for the dressing room besides the vanity, lounge area, was to use the room as a second closet since our walk-in in the master isn’t that big.  Outfitting the dressing room with an armoire for handbags, costume jewelry, scarves, and other accessories was a great solution.

I even threw in a few pairs of shoes, overflow from my closet!
Then I had this idea to make a fabric covered board to display and store some of my necklaces on. As it was they were tangling in my crowded jewelry box and since I couldn’t quickly see everything I was forgetting about a few of them.

{I got a plain cork board, spray painted the frame navy, and picked out this beautiful printed fabric}

A DIY project? Maybe I’ve been on Pinterest too much! But it turned out great and I even hung a few of the necklaces my daughters made for me on it…that made my 6-year-old ecstatic.

And lastly, lighting… ah yes, one by one we are replacing the “boob lights” (see left) currently in almost every room of our home, with lights that have a bit more character and design appeal.

I’m thinking some fun options like these chandeliers:

{too fussy?}

{I like the mirrored finish, but is the shape boring?}

{too “Vegas”?}

{LOVE. Too expensive, again, darn it!}

Lots of options, and I know the right light will transform the room. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the cheery pink room and my handiwork so far.

Happy Mother’s Day!

To all you moms out there, hope you got to spend today doing whatever makes you happiest. I am out in Hudson, Wisconsin on the St. Croix relaxing with my family and celebrating Mother’s Day with my own mom!

It’s a beautiful sunny day, perfect for being on the water and taking this year’s inaugural boat ride.

{My mom with my two kiddos and my dad on the boat}

I realize I appreciate my mom and my mom-in-law (for raising such a great son!) more than ever now that I know first hand what it means to be someone’s mother.  There is no one way to do it, and many of the littlest decisions can seem fraught with pitfalls, second-guessing, or yes, even the dreaded mom-guilt (I try like crazy to avoid that last bit). And oh! The saint-like patience required. That’s probably the toughest one for me. Still working on it. The risk of self-sacrifice to the point of losing your own identity beyond mom (well, my own selfish nature seems to have some upside, safeguarding me from this one).

Ah, but the rewards are great, and they are many…or in my case, two:

{Our oldest – loving, thoughtful, and conscientious}

{Our youngest – silly, full of energy, and independent}

And if you remember, I mentioned that they made and bought some gifts for me, well look how sweet they were:

{Ebelskiver and whoopie pie gear, and the best cards and bookmark ever made}

Being their mom and using the tricks of the trade that my own mom taught me has been the best, sometimes most surreal, amazing, and craziest adventure ever.

Mother’s Day surprises

Some moms might choose breakfast in bed, some prefer dinner out, jewelry, or even an afternoon at the spa. I’d enjoy all of those, and have in the past six years since becoming a mother. But this year when my husby asked what I might want in the way of motherly recognition I requested a small gift selected by my little girls along with one of their wonderful homemade cards (which I know they’ve been making for the whole last week…ahh, to be adored every now and then!)

They’re getting old enough to understand the idea of giving gifts and it’s important for them to put a little thought into what their dear old mom would like. The sweetest part was how excited they were when they came back from the store…so eager to give their carefully chosen gift that I thought my 6-year-old might burst and blurt out the surprise!

Well, whatever it is I know I will love it because they took the time to get it for me.  And there isn’t much I need anyway, since I have this bad habit of randomly buying my own “gifts”. Coincidentally, this just came in the mail, from one of the flash sale sites…

Happy Mother’s Day to me! Yipee!

Neiman Marcus and Barneys spring sales

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… no, not Christmas, but spring, and the big sales are on! Check these out:

Neiman Marcus: First Day Sale (today only online, tomorrow in stores and online)

Some good deals like this cute wrap dress from DVF, 30% off:

Barneys: Spring sale and if you type promo code FREEUPGRADE at checkout now through 5/13 you will get a complimentary shipping upgrade — so you can get your goodies faster!

Happy shopping!

Lipstick review: department store or Target store?

A girl’s beauty product choices are very personal, and perhaps telling. That is, if you splurge on the expensive hair treatments promising a crown of silken luster, you are probably also the kind of person who would take the time to self-administer a full-on blow out at home.  If you opt for the drugstore variety hair care, especially the 2-in-1 sorts, you likely put a lot less stock in your good and bad hair days (Pantene Pro-V is my 2-in-1 of choice, and I’m pretty sure if you know me my inattention to my hair is probably no surprise).

But, I have long been a lover of the designer cosmetic brands. As a teenager I began dabbling with Clinique and Estee Lauder, coveting the lovely scents, rich pigments, and subtle sheen of the lipsticks, glosses, blushes, and shadows that I saw on my mom’s vanity growing up.  After much experimentation my interest in anything beyond lipsticks and glosses waned significantly post-kids (seriously, if I don’t have time for a separate conditioner, this means I barely have time for actual make-up).  A touch of color on my lips and cheeks is just enough to keep me from looking lifeless or like I haven’t slept enough – which I usually haven’t.

I do know that a few of the same major manufacturers actually produce most of the lipsticks, both high and low-end. But the ingredients differ just enough and don’t even get me started on the packaging. I am so in love with the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy package (far left below), its substantial metal casing, satisfying click upon closure, and luminescent gold-adorned band across the middle.  The flimsy, ill-closing plastic tubes from most mass brands just leave me cold.

{left to right: YSL, Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 2 colors, and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine}

That said, something in the new Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter print ads really got me curious… had I missed out on some revolutionary new developments in the cosmetics aisle of Target? “Softer, smoother, more hydrated”? Even the name “lip butter” — well that is exactly how I’d describe the texture and feel of my YSL Volupte Sheer Candy or my Chanel Coco Shine.

I was intrigued enough that on my next visit to Target I stopped to pick up a tube in Candy Apple. It was $8, so a small risk if I didn’t like it. And the surprise was: the stuff really did feel like butter! It’s like a lip balm and lipstick mixed together, and went on feather light, with a just-right amount of pigment (though I did notice it bled a little more over time than my dept store brands).  I like that it has similar coverage to a lip gloss but without the stickiness or slipperiness.  I liked it so much in fact, that on my next Target visit I snagged another in “Peach Parfait”.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still indulge in my favorite Coco Shine even at $32, but the Revlon Lip Butter is definitely a new staple in my purse and it’s nice to mix it up!

The new Jonathan Adler store, my “happy place”

Jonathan Adler has a point of view.  People either love it or hate it, but whichever group you’re in, it is certain you will feel something when you view his work.  I LOVE the man’s design aesthetic — it is so vibrant, cheery, retro, and yes, preppy but in a cool and modern way (not an old stuffy way).  For me, it would be hard to walk into his new store in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis  (near American Apparel) and not feel my spirits lifted. The crisp colors, mix of textures and sheens, and interesting shapes are all arranged in such a cozy setting.

Here are a few shots from my visit the other day – and no – I didn’t find anything to bring home because I was making an appearance with my two girls in  tow, which seemed like a reckless decision given how many glass and mirrored surfaces and breakable vases, bowls, and dishes were within reach.

{love the chandelier hanging above}

{the rugs! the throws! the pillows!}

{bedroom set-up for the coolest kid on the block}

Given my love of all things Adler, you can imagine my sheer delight when a good friend brought me this gift the other day:

{love that there was no expense spared in the packaging – so special}

This juicy, citrus-scented candle is in a bright yellow glossy cup, and when I light the candle and take a deep breath, I’m in my happy place.

The perfect summer shoe

I was in a meeting at work the other day when a co-worker who also follows my blog remarked on my shoes:

{Lila patent leather platform wedge in toffee}

I leaned over and shared that they were a recent find from J.Crew, to which she had an incredulous response – apparently she thought I only bought very expensive designer shoes.  Where would she get such an idea? Kidding! Well, it was funny, because expensive is a relative term, and maybe some people would never spend over $100 on shoes, which is what most from J. Crew cost. But, second, she made the point that I don’t mention a lot of this in my blog — and I guess that is true, and I should, because that is the type of info that readers might find more useful than the “deal” that I share about a Helmut Lang blazer found @ Nordstrom Rack for just $250 (seriously, I did find this last week and it is white, fits like a glove, and was originally $650, so yes, I do consider it a steal!)

So, here’s the scoop – these shoes are cute, easy to work into any wardrobe, surprisingly comfortable due to the platform and wedge, and perfect for spring/summer!  They come neutrals but also some fun colors, I personally love this one a bright coral and now that it is ON SALE for $128 (the black patent is also on sale, the blue and toffee colors are $168), I barely have the self-restraint to keep from making this pair #2!

And while I’m sharing trade secrets on deals…if you haven’t checked it out, Banana Republic is a great spot for affordable on-trend costume jewelry, esp when they have a sale (and when don’t they?) Check this new one out – in ivory, tortoise, or black, and buy it before midnight 4/28/12 with the promo code BRPERFECT to get 30% off at checkout:

Our remodel is over – see the “before” and “after” pics

After about five months, yes people, nearly HALF a YEAR, our “little” remodel project is officially done. There were many bumps along the way, but rather than bore you with those details from the past I’ll instead summarize the process as extremely challenging and more emotional than you’d think, but in the end, totally worth it. Must give props to our architect, Christine Albertsson of Albertsson Hansen Architecture in Minneapolis. She brought our vision to life with the utmost attention to detail regarding both form AND function.

Here’s what you really want, the before and after shots. We bought this house almost exactly one year ago… it was a nice house in need of a refresh in many places, and in my opinion, a total overhaul in the kitchen.

{from the realtor’s website, trust me, this is the BEST it could look}

{the opposite side of the kitchen, notice the narrow doorway into the family room/eating area and the awesome vinyl tile-look-a-like flooring}

{the fridge died a few months after we moved in, and that range was SO old!}

Here’s the NEW kitchen, ta-dah!

{view looking in from the family room – removed the wall between the areas}

Outer cabinets are painted Benjamin Moore white in Icicle, island is quarter-sawn white oak with clear, non-glossy finish. Floor is white oak stained a walnut dark brown, but not quite as far as espresso because I was afraid it would show too much dust and scratches — it may still, but such is life.

{always wanted a marble island, this one’s honed Calcutta gold, 9 ft of gorgeous!}

Window sashes are painted in Benjamin Moore Bittersweet chocolate. I saw dark sashes with white trim in several magazines and really wanted to try it. It highlights our view and adds more interest to a house which doesn’t have a lot of inherent architectural detail. I also love that at night it blends into the dark so you don’t see white mullions. Also, our architect did the best job of making sure our divided light windows were done on a larger scale, which I prefer versus a lot more small panes.

{love having a view from the kitchen sink out to the deck and back yard}

{also longed for double ovens and more storage – done and done}

{this Vent-a-hood is mighty, very few fried food odors make their way out of it. Also, I LOVE the royal mosa glossy white backsplash tile, compliments of our architect, Christine}

{the old informal eating area, fireplace, and family room adjacent to the kitchen} Note the flooring and the wall of painted brick for the fireplace – also, the rows of tall narrow windows in back.

{view from kitchen of the new fireplace surround with white oak mantel that wraps around into a deeper shelf}

Now I’m hunting for some art to put above as well as a new couch and two arm chairs. This space is to watch TV (mounted off the right of the pic, you can’t see in this one), and a long comfy couch is in order. This one is an old one of my mom’s, and the arm chair is one I bought for the living room, temporarily used here.

{back of the family room is a bar area at left, family eating area in back, and another seating area/reading area to right}

The place is still looking sort of naked since I haven’t decided on window treatments or rugs yet, and our art hasn’t been hung by the handyman yet either.  But look at how beautiful the windows are with the yard and woods behind them!

{bar area in quarter-sawn white oak to match the island & sliding door to deck}

This is conveniently just around the corner from the kitchen, so the bar is great to set up as a buffet or to set food on when you come in from the grill. I love having so much storage above for stemware and specialty glasses, vases, ice buckets, etc. We’re also enjoying the beverage fridge so people don’t need to come through the kitchen to the fridge to help themselves!

{Can’t forget the mudroom! Small, but a huge impact in our daily lives, we each have our own cubby + an extra with magnet board and shelves}

They also added a cool pocket door just off to the right of the pic, which is the top of the stairs to the basement. Much safer and neater as well. I still need to get the woven baskets for the upper portion to hide all our mess, and am on the lookout for a fun mirror to hang as well as a little runner to catch all the muddy, salty drips that will inevitably come in the winter.

Details: we have a 50″ TV mounted to the wall, this pic was taken before my hubby got everything set up in the A/V closet off to left of pic, where all of the equipment is wired in through the ceiling and back into the wall behind the TV. We also had 6 speakers installed flush in the ceiling as well as two out on the deck, so we can run our music through the main system from his iPad, iPhone, whatever, and the TV or Blu-ray sound through the same.

{TV wall will be open, I’m thinking I will have two x-benches or a narrow console table underneath it}

{open shelves for cookbooks underneath island counter}

{pull-out pantries hidden in recessed panels on either side of kitchen archway}

{glass jug light over the island are by Cisco Brothers, found at Que Sera shop, I fell in love with them the instant I saw them, and they are awesome with these Edison marconi bulbs}

{Room & Board pendant in orange smokebush, the right mix of casual and modern for our family room}

{dual-zone beverage fridge from U-line, wine up top, soda and beer below}

{prep sink already getting lots of use – the faucets for this sink and the main farmhouse sink are Elkay, sleek, functional, and love the single-lever for both hot/cold and on/off}

So that’s it for our remodel, thanks for taking a look! I will be sure to post a few updates when the place is fully decorated too. But, for now, we are all just really soaking in the ability to cook and hang out together in our new space. After many months of cooking in our basement storage room I have been baking with my girls almost every other day! I guess my next post should be about starting an exercise regimen…

Domestic daredevil: grasscloth and kids

I’m thinking about using this cool printed grasscloth wallpaper from Designers Guild in our newly redone entry hall. This image doesn’t do it justice since you can’t fully see the texture.

{close-up}

{full repeating pattern}

However, I’m torn, because while I love the beauty and unique texture mixed with the geometric print, I’ve also heard warnings that grasscloth could be too delicate or impractical for a family with young children. The reason being it isn’t easily cleaned, can fray, and would be difficult or next to impossible to replace a section if a portion were damaged.  I’m tempted to just throw caution to the wind and put it up anyway – it’s just walls. Besides, I’m a bit old school in how I deal with the kids in regards to our home.  I’m trying to teach them that the entire house isn’t a playroom, just designated areas, and to respect our belongings — i.e., do not eat and drink on my sofa, do not color on walls, tables, or other furniture, do not play with fragile objects, etc.  If that sounds like a lot of “do nots” to you, consider the fact that I have taught my kids these things so that they will not do those things when they are visitors in your house either!

A more selfish reason to do it was because I did not want to live with college apartment-like furniture in my thirties just because we had kids. I noticed many people with young kids put off getting anything nice for themselves because they were afraid of what their kids would do to it.  Further shock when I saw the trend toward furnishing what would’ve been formal living rooms or dining rooms with toys, play houses, and kitchen sets. So it was, that when I redecorated our last house I decided to get the furniture I really wanted long-term rather than waste the money on less durable furniture that would have to be replaced (and that I didn’t love) just because of our two toddlers.  Doesn’t a mom make enough sacrifices?!  My husband was very wary of the idea, but went along because I think he could see my determination.

Fast forward four years – guests are often surprised when they spy a crystal bowl or ceramic sculpture on a side table or shelf, but I am proud to say that my four- and six-year-old girls have learned to admire these things without breaking them.  And to use furniture as intended, not as launch pads, climbing structures, or kitchen tables.  Sure, incidents have happened, I’m not a warden.  But, they’re fewer than you’d think, and yes, they do play in our house, build forts, do art projects, be kids and have fun.  We don’t treat our home like a museum (though I wasn’t sure if I should be embarrassed or proud when my then five-year-old saw one of our friends put a beer on the side table and came over to offer a coaster!).

So, back to my wallpaper situation… the main reason I’m hesitant is because this is the entry hall and I’ve had enough experience with my kids’ friends to know that this could be inviting trouble (see above: coloring on walls, living rooms as playrooms). Not that my kids are perfect (see above: “incidents”).

So, as I was waffling back and forth on the decision I came across this post on one of my favorite home design sites, Houzz.com. Definitely mixed thoughts on if, how, where to use this cool design tool.

traditional dining room design by minneapolis interior designer Twist Interior Design