baby girl #2

We were THRILLED when we found out we were expecting another little girl at the end of this year.

 However, I was initially a little stumped on what I wanted for the nursery.  I had really thought I was having a boy, so 'boy nurseries' were more on my mind.
Here are my Pinterest finds that have helped guide my wandering mind.

The common thread of every nursery I liked was wallpaper.  I love the way wallpaper can transform a room in a way that paint just can't do.  So my next stop was my local wallpaper spot: Carmel Design.
I found two that gave me all the feels!   Well I really wanted a floral but could not find exactly what I had in mind.
First choice is this soft neutral animal print.  I love that it is whimsical and child-like without being baby.

The second choice is this woods and stars paper.  It is darker and will have more of an impact but will need some girly touches.

Sometimes having two choices that you like can only make the decision harder.  So I put together two different mood/design boards.

Nursery 1 is very neutral based.  I would panel the walls and only wallpaper the tops.  Navy accents would pull in the dresser we are using from Emersyn's nursery.  I would also add touches of gold and crystal to make it girly.

Nursery 2 has bit more color.  I would only wallpaper the wall behind the crib and keep the other walls the light gray to match the trees.  This design has blush and rusty pinks with gold accents.  I felt like this wallpaper needed some extra girly accents to keep it from feeling boyish.

Okay that is what I have for now.  I would love to hear your opinions!! Which are you more drawn to?  I gotta get started on this room asap- this little lady will be here so soon!!!

Emersyn's Big Girl Room

I feel like it was yesterday that I posted Emersyn's nursery reveal... pause for a tear.

(find her nursery post here) 

I loved her nursery at our old home.  I originally designed that room so that it didn't have to do a whole lot to make it a 'big girl' room.  I thought the color scheme and decor would transition perfectly when it was time to switch a crib to a bed.  Well fast forward three years and that perfectly designed nursery is now some other lucky little girl's room.  I truly hope she loves it!

So of course at the new house, I have yet another blank canvas to create Emersyn's new room.  Like always, I went to Pinterest for inspiration.  Here are a few of my favorites from my Eme's Big Girl Room Board.

I want her room to be sweet and girly but also fun and whimsical.  I also really want to use as much from her nursery as possible.  With that in mind, I plan to stick with the navy, coral/blush, and mint color scheme.  Her last room had sea foam colored walls but Eme has asked for a 'pink' room, so I am working hard to find the perfect shade of pink.

Here is my design plan so far:

I was immediately sold when I found this Pillowfort comforter from Target.  Not only was the price amazing, but the colors were PERFECT!  It has a great balance of coral, blush, and mint with a navy background.  I feel like finding this comforter really helped me envision the whole room!  I am slowly piecing items together, and I can't wait to share more details as her official 'big girl' room comes together.

Exciting News

I am THRILLED to announce that I will be returning to West Elm to do a round two of being their featured Meet the Maker!! YAY! YAY! YAY!

I loved having the chance to sell my artwork at my first West Elm Meet the Maker.  Allowing customers to purchase my artwork in store was so incredibly exciting and a bit unreal for me.

This time around we are adding a fun way to personal and customize a piece of art right there in store.  I will be bringing LOTS of NEW prints for purchase but also LOTS of empty wreaths that I will calligraphy on the spot for you.  So you can buy a print and tell me what quote, name, initials, and/or date you want hand lettered in the middle, and I will do so right in the store for you.  I am excited to not only sell my art but also share the love I have of calligraphy and hand lettering.

Here are a few items coming with me...

This spring print is a work in progress- still deciding on the boot color!

In addition to my new prints and flower wreaths,  I will also be bringing a hand full of my hand made custom arrows.  These are great for your last name and year of marriage or even for a little one's name for a bedroom.

I have so many new items, I can't wait to share more with you all at WEST ELM!!!!

Here are all the details... MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!!

WHERE: KEYSTONE MALL, WEST ELM

WHAT: MEET THE MAKER EVENT

In store and customized, calligraphy and hand lettering on watercolor artwork 

WHEN: THIS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27TH!!!! 1-7 PM

I really hope to see lots of you out shopping and picking up some new spring time prints and creating your own personalized art.

Friday Favorites: Product Review

It has been awhile since I last posted about products that I have used and really LOVE!  Here is a link to my last Product Review.  Lately, I have been back on the 'get my skin in check' mode.  I feel like winter always does that to me.  Suddenly my skin feels dry, dull, dehydrated (my own fault), and I see sun spots and fine lines!!!  EEK!!  Since I stay home these days, I really don't want to do a full face of makeup everyday.  Even when teaching I wanted my routine to be quick and easy.  I am starting to believe that good skin is the answer to all that.  The better the skin, the less makeup I put on.
So I am working my way through some face products that I will review once I feel confident that I have found some that are truly worth the money and results show.  But for now, here are some products that I have been loving!!

1.  IT COSMETICS: CC+ Your Skin But Better

I usually use a BB cream but saw this at Ulta one day and kind of grabbed it on a whim.  Now I use it everyday that I put any makeup on!  It is easy to apply and can be build-able for those that want more coverage.  I normally put it on with just my fingers if in a rush or a foundation brush when I want a more finished look.  I also love that it has SPF in it.  I for sure think this will carry over to my summer routine.

2.  IT COSMETICS: Feel the Moment Anti-Aging Ultra Hydrating Sensory Awakening Primer Serum

Like I said, my skin is very dry during the winter.  I think especially living in the rental this winter, there seems to be zero moisture in the air.  Sometimes I would put on a tad bit of the CC cream or a foundation and notice my skin looked flaky and dry.  (not cute)  So I have been using this serum as a primer and WOW it really hydrates my skin and helps my foundation go on seamlessly!  LOVE IT!!  This probably won't make it to the summer months, as I won't need that extra moisture but it is perfect for winter months!

3.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

This is such an inexpensive go to!  This is what I use just about everyday.  It is my go to for the days that I don't feel like putting on any makeup but want to just look fresh.  With this product you really have to try them out to see what works best for you.  This product comes in different shades of color or you can just get a neutralizer or brightener.  I use a tinted shade that works well with my skin.  I have tried the neutralizer but it was a bit light for my skin and left it looking a bit white.  Luckily it is only about $6 so you can try a few until you find the one that works best.  I have gone through 2 bottles of the shade I love... it is actually in my purse right now for any quick fixes.

4.  Benefit Gimme Brow

Quick and easy is the name of my game!  This Gimme Brow product is the easiest way to give your brows just a quick tint of color and a product that keeps them in place.  I don't have time to draw in brows nor do I want a strong brow to hang around the house or run errands.  I do however think a manicured brow really makes your whole appearance fresh and awake.  I use this just about everyday to just give my natural brows a little lift.

5.  Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads

The lady at Sephora sold me on these little complexion pads.  We were talking about the importance of exfoliating your skin.  She explained to me that the misconception is that a product must have lots of grit to it in order for it to be exfoliating.  When in reality that grit might actually be doing more damage than good.  So she recommended an exfoliating pad that helps with complexion and evens skin tone out.  To make this more cost effective, I cut the pads in half and only use them maybe 3 times a week.  I have had the same jar for months now and still have lots to use up still.  Every time I use one of these little pads my skin feels so smooth and I always wake up feeling like my skin is looking brighter!

New Etsy Items

Lately I have been really busy with completing some custom commissioned work!  I absolutely love when someone comes to me with an idea and trusts me to create something special for them!!!!

This was a custom piece that I completed for a client to capture a personal song and some very important guitars.  She is giving it as a wedding gift to her hubby to be and that makes my heart beam with pride and happiness!!!

Now that those are mostly finished, I am trying to get some new art up on the Etsy shop.  I am focusing on lots of fun nursery art, some pieces that bring out those happy Spring vibes, and some art you can customize!
1.  These quilt paintings make me happy!  I love the idea of something very traditional done in a bit more modern way.  I think they would be adorable in a boys or girls nursery because you can order them in any color scheme!!  These are available as a set of three or individuals.

2.  I created this piece as a gift for my brother and sister-in-law for their wedding anniversary.  This state art would be perfect for a wedding gift, baby shower gift or to capture a special state for any reason.  This listing can be customized with state, color, and inside text!

3.  I love artwork that can be custom and feel special.  I first created my daughter's initials for her 'big girl' room, then I did initials for a new baby gift.  This listing can be customized with initials, flowers used, and colors.

4.  Bright and springy flower wreaths that can be customized with your favorite quote, last name, initials, or full name.  

5.  Added some fun nursery animals and even custom baby stats available!

6.  Here are a few items I am currently working on...

Hope to see you over at the Etsy shop!!!  www.etsy.com/shop/jlmmomentsanddesigns

Let me know if there is anything you would want to see in the shop!!!