New House: Dining Room Progress

February 5, 2014, 5:47 am

≪ Previous: Let's Chat: Caycee | Hanging With The Hewitts

Decorating in stages. Remember that's our key phrase over here. I photographed our dining room at the beginning of last week in an effort to show you the progress we've made recently. I'm not in love with it. I think I either need to bring in a lot more color or remove some. The corals and greens I think are going to be the first to go. I'd like to replace them with some textured neutrals. Go figure.

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New House: Front Hall Progress

February 6, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: My family

≪ Previous: New House: Dining Room Progress

I've been busy sprucing up our front hall lately. We are so fortunate to have a nice large entry that gets lots of light. Such a contrast from our last two homes. The room acts as both a landing zone for our things but also a literal first glance into our home.

Having a mirror in the front hall is a given. I like to take a quick glance before I head out the door. I love that the lamp feels really cozy in the evenings when we don't necessarily need the overhead lanterns turned on but don't want it dark either. I'm really loving how the glass adds some interest without taking up too much white space. That's really important to me right now. Of course I've got some trinket trays for corralling our keys and whatever else empties out of Matthew's pockets in the evenings. That's huge for me. I like home decor items that add something rather than just taking up space.

I keep my scarves in the top big drawer and snow scrapers in the drawers and lint rollers, etc in the smaller drawers to the right. Wells' brush and bow are stored in the top left drawer because it seems the last thing we do before we leave the house is need to grab a hair bow. The bottom drawer is currently full of diapers.

Read more about the progress in our front hall, including that amazing lantern, here and also the shocking before of what this space looked like when we moved in here. To say it's an improvement would be a giant understatement.

What are you must-haves for inside your front door? Do you that space to set the tone for the rest of your house or as a free pass to go wild?

A special thank you to Kenroy Home for providing me with the apothecary table lamp and portside wall mirror. I chose them because of their light and easy feel.

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My family

February 7, 2014, 5:29 am

≫ Next: Serena and Lily Spring Sale

≪ Previous: New House: Front Hall Progress

I'm signing off early this week to go play with my family. Wells is "relaxing" in her bed and says she needs some love. Tagg's asking me to come make yucky tea with him. I better listen.

Happy Friday.

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Serena and Lily Spring Sale

February 10, 2014, 5:06 am

≫ Next: Let's Chat: Natalie | Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers

≪ Previous: My family

I've been busy cleaning and organizing and getting our house in order over the past six weeks. What's the usual sequence of events? Clean. Assess. Purge. Bring in what really works.

Good timing too, because the Serena and Lily big Spring Sale has started my friends. That means up to $400 off your order through tomorrow. Just use code SPRINGLOVE at checkout. I'm always a big fan but this Spring collection has me beyond smitten. I want all of it. Yes, ma'am.

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Let's Chat: Natalie | Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers

February 11, 2014, 4:31 am

≫ Next: Painted Brick Fireplace

≪ Previous: Serena and Lily Spring Sale

Pretty happy to have one of my favorites here with us today. Girl can cook like a celebrity chef all while wearing an awesome outfit and balancing life with two adorable babes. Natalie is a familiar face to pretty much all of you so I'll just let her do the talking!

Hello Pawleys Island Posh Friends and Readers. My name is Natalie Mason and I am author of the blog Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers. I am mommy to two sweet kids, Frances Moon (2 months) and Sterling (almost 4 years). I love wine (good wine), reality tv, fashion, food, and my family. That pretty much sums up what my blog is about! All my biggest passions piled into one space including some celebrity gossip sometimes:)

1) Space vs Self
I am actually equally drawn to fashion and interior design, I think they both kind of go hand in hand. I like aesthetically pleasing spaces and outfits. But I am way better at putting together a cute outfit than decorating a room- I need help in that area!

2) Favorite room in my house
My daughter Frances Moon's nursery. It was kind of the first room I got to recreate all on my own start to finish. I love it so much and I feel proud that I pulled it all off on my own. It is such a sweet yet modern space that I hope she can grow up with. You can see the whole room here.

3) Favorite Outfit
This is so tough I have so many favorite outfits!! I do love a dress though and this pink one is one of my all time favorites. It is really versatile you can dress it up or down and I wear my House of Harlow necklace all the time. Get you one if you don't have one, best necklace ever.

Rory Becca Dress + House of Harlow Necklace

4) Favorite artist
I am honored to call Katie Stevenson one of good friends in real life. She inspires me everyday with her talent. Her artwork is stunning. I love her abstracts and figures equally. One day I will hopefully get one of these beauties for our house! You can view her whole gallery here.

5) Biggest Obsession
This is tough its a tie between good wine and online shopping:)

If you need an off the hook wine recommendation this is my new favorite wine. The red and white are both awesome and both under $20.

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Painted Brick Fireplace

February 12, 2014, 5:19 am

≫ Next: Leather Sofa Styling & New House Family Room Progress

≪ Previous: Let's Chat: Natalie | Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers

I'm thinking about painting the brick fireplace in our family room white. I know it's hard to get a real visual here because I've never shown you pictures of this room since the original tour. It's a pretty hard room to photograph because it doesn't get much natural light. It's long and narrow with several doors and it's awkward layout has really made furniture arrangement a challenge. I feel like we've only recently turned a corner in functionality in here. So now the fun part can start.

Here's a mock-up of what I'm thinking. Paint the side perimeter white but leave the hearth natural brick. The inside (not sure what that part is called) is a hot mess of dirty bricks and I'm thinking of leaving that alone at this time as well. Matthew pretty much painted every surface white in this room except for the fireplace. We were waiting to live with it for a while before rushing into a white explosion. I think it's time.

Or I could just really go crazy and paint the hearth too. I would still the inside alone at this point. There was a gas insert placed inside and was a working wood burning fireplace before that. Right now it's neither. We need to get a professional in there before I mess with it at all. Again, not a project for right now.

Here are some rooms that feel so much brighter because the fireplace brick was painted white. I am absolutely on board with the look. I'm sold. Now I just need to convince Matthew. He feels like maybe it's going to be too much white. Too coastal in our non-coastal house. Thoughts?

And here is where we started last summer. We ripped up the carpet and painted the wood paneling white. It's made a HUGE difference. I think painting the brick white will be the final step. I am fully aware that once you paint, it's nearly impossible to go back. What do you think? Do you love the look of white painted brick?

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Leather Sofa Styling & New House Family Room Progress

February 14, 2014, 5:40 am

≫ Next: Meal Planning Week 21

≪ Previous: Painted Brick Fireplace

Y'all, I almost didn't make this post but I didn't want to miss two days in a row. We're at day two of snow days this weeks and day three of my sinus infection. Not awesome.

Thanks so much for all your input on the fireplace. I think y'all have convinced me to paint it white. I'm still a bit nervous for the first brush stroke though. Call me trigger shy.

I've been slowly tweaking our family room. Just like our living room, this room is really long and narrow with two interior doors, one exterior door and a window. Plus the fireplace and a wall of built-ins. It really makes furniture placement challenging. I'm basically just going against my better instinct and ignoring the fireplace as a central feature. I haven't built out furniture placement around it at all. I just didn't see a way to make it work without purchasing all new furniture.

First up, the tv room. It's the half of our family room located closest to the kitchen and the powder room. I like the cozy feel of this area. My main concern is helping the leather sofa to feel more modern. The addition of lighter pillows with lots of texture has really helped to make it feel more modern.

I've mentioned before that this room is impossible to photograph. We have a gorgeous old magnolia tree that pretty much shades the entire back side of our house. And this room runs right underneath that. I wanted to give you an idea for the space. Just behind that really dark chair in the left hand corner is the fireplace. Just to the right of this shot (next to the white table) is the doorway to the front hall. That's why placing the couch across from the fireplace is near impossible. It blocks the main entrance to the room.

Do you focus your furniture around the tv? Is it above your fireplace? That's our ideal but layout just don't work right now. I like that we've created a small tv area and left the second half of the room (not pictured) as the library of sorts. It really helps us utilize this space better.

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Meal Planning Week 21

February 17, 2014, 6:05 am

≫ Next: MONOGRAMMED EURO SHAM GIVEAWAY

≪ Previous: Leather Sofa Styling & New House Family Room Progress

Good morning! Did everyone have a good weekend? Ours was mostly spent inside avoiding the cold slushy outside. Wells wasn't feeling great Friday or Saturday. Sick babies are the hardest, but especially when you're not feeling that well either. Today is already sunny which helps everything. Yesterday Matthew and I went on a day date to ikea. Second time in a month. We're starting to get addicted. I think one day soon our closet project will be complete and I can't wait to show you. For now, we still have piles of clothes draped over our chairs and all over the floor. I'm so ready to have a messy pile of laundry in the corner by choice and not force.

I'm back on the meal planning this week and tried to go a little bit healthier. I know I'm not the only one stuffing my face with wine and dessert while I'm in stuck inside. We ate an entire box of oreos on Saturday out of sheer boredom.

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PESTO PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND ROASTED ASPARAGUS | THAI CHICKEN SALAD | BALSAMIC ROSEMARY CHICKEN WITH FRESH GREENS | SWEET POTATO QUINOA PATTIES | (BBQ) BARBECUE SALMON BURGERS

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MONOGRAMMED EURO SHAM GIVEAWAY

February 18, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Yoga Pants + Wine | Girls Night In

≪ Previous: Meal Planning Week 21

I am really excited to introduce y'all to a fabulous store today. Lil & Gaines is a small shop on Etsy featuring custom monogrammed pillow shams, shower curtains, and bath mats. Owner Nellie has such an eye for fun prints and color combinations and has recently started delving into a more grown up version of her great pillows. I am absolutely loving our new monogrammed euro sham.

As much as I love a good colorful print, y'all know I crave calm neutrals in my own home. I am absolutely loving this little upgrade to our master bedroom. If you're paying attention from this post you will notice that I've taken away one pillow but added two. That's pretty good design math if you ask me.

Even better, Nellie is offering one of y'all a custom monogrammed euro sham of your choice! Pretty awesome. She has also graciously offered to extend a 15% off discount code to anything in her shop! Just use the code JULIARYAN at checkout valid through February 28th.

TO ENTER:

1. Just leave a comment to tell us if you want the monogrammed euro sham for yourself or for someone else?

2. Pin an image from Lil & Gaines on pinterest and come back here to leave a comment with the direct link for an extra chance to win.

3. Visit the Lil & Gaines shop on etsy and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite product.

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Yoga Pants + Wine | Girls Night In

February 19, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Friday Love

≪ Previous: MONOGRAMMED EURO SHAM GIVEAWAY

Several of the moms in our neighborhood have started getting together after putting the kids to bed for yoga pants + wine. It's brilliant. As much fun as it is to pull out your dry clean only silk blouses and straighten your hair, it's nice to sneak out of the house right after stories in your comfy clothes too. And chat. Of course without the worry of driving home or stumbling down the pavement in my high heels I may be enjoying an extra glass of wine. Or three.
Do you ever get together with your girlfriends and not dress up? Just stay home and hang out and sip wine on the couch like you did in college?

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Friday Love

February 21, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Saturday Shopping

≪ Previous: Yoga Pants + Wine | Girls Night In

I'm glad we all made it to Friday. This has been an especially long week. Thankfully no snow and no school closings, yet the week still lasted forever. Our internet was out for 24 hours Wednesday afternoon lunchtime yesterday so I apologize for the unexpected silence. Again. I'm fully dosed up on more antibiotics because I have yet another sinus infection. That makes for lots of cranky. Do y'all get chronic sinus infections this time of year? Any suggestions for prevention?

1. Y'all already know I'm a big fan of leopard and stripes and pink. But I'm going to try to step out of my comfort zone and take more colorful risks in my fashion choices this Spring. Now that I officially no longer have toddlers crawling around on the floor I'm going to go back to my more lady-like roots and step out in skirts and dresses a bit more. I think I need this skirt and these leopard shoes to kick it off in style.

2. I'm also going to need these espadrilles for Spring. Like maybe I should order them now to guarantee they end up in my Easter Basket.

3. I think this cake just may be the most amazing dessert ever. Someone needs to make it for me.

4. This particular map may only be funny to those of y'all local or familiar with Richmond but I literally laughed out loud when I saw it. Apparently they've done them for many cities so be sure to check if your hometown made the list.

5. I'm a huge fan of Alaina's plans for a ladyplace bar. I might be a mom with two kids, but y'all know I'm a fan of carving out some real estate for myself in our new house. One just like this.

6. I officially need this pink buffalo check dress as well. Just add it to the list.

7. I want this necklace to wear with this outfit. Just call it casual glam.

8. I'm loving this fresh room makeover. It was designed for a little girl but so many of the ideas would work for a little boy as well. Tagg would love to have a little hide-out bed like this.

9. I'm obsessed with this porch. It's making me want to re-think my stance on neutrals in favor of adding in lots more color in our house. I've also decided we need to screen in part of our desk. Like tomorrow.

10. How fun would this banner be for Wells' Birthday?

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Saturday Shopping

February 22, 2014, 5:45 am

≫ Next: Smathers & Branson Giveaway

≪ Previous: Friday Love

Now that I admittedly live in yoga pants for the better part of the work week, I'm trying to make more of an effort to step it up on the weekends. Nothing overly fancy, just simple outfits I used to wear Monday through Friday now seem to make their first appearance on Saturdays. It might have something to do with Matthew taking the kids on a standing breakfast date so I actually have some quiet time to get dressed. Baby Steps. One day I'll have it all together every day.

I've also been trying to slip away a bit more on Saturday afternoon's during quiet time. Nothing exciting. Just a quick trip to Target and Trader Joes or Homegoods in peace. I have a hard time carving time out for myself. I feel like the weekends should be when our whole family spends time together. But that's also the best opportunity for me to get some much needed alone time. And I'm realizing more that Matthew and the kids need time together away from me as well.

Do you try to get away by yourself on the weekends? Meet a friend for a kid-free lunch? Just go wander around Nordstrom alone? I love to drive through Starbucks and just enjoy my freedom for two hours.

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Smathers & Branson Giveaway

February 24, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Cute Affordable Kids Clothes | Old Navy

≪ Previous: Saturday Shopping

I'm going to call it safe to assume that y'all have all heard of Smathers & Branson. Home of the classic and preppy needlepoint belts. They also have an array of other needlepoint items including key fobs, flasks, polo shirts, wallets, and hats to help you get your prep on.

While I'm not assuming any of you ladies wouldn't want something for yourself, let's face it, Smathers & Branson is a pretty easy one stop shop for men's gifts. You can shop by hobby, I mean category, here. Pretty much type in what you're man-love is into. They even let alchohol be a category. We tend to stick with fishing, hunting, or golf here in our house but there's no judgement if martinis or bourbon is more your thing.

I'm going to assume we're all pretty excited that they have generously agreed to give away one of their amazing needlepoint belts to one of you! Pretty awesome. That means you can chose any in-stock, non-monogrammed or custom belt if you win!

TO ENTER THE SMATHERS & BRANSON NEEDLEPOINT GIVEAWAY:

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Giveaway ends this Friday.

1. Leave a comment letting us know which belt you'd chose.
2. Like Julia Ryan (Pawleys Island Posh) on Facebook
3. Follow Julia Ryan on Pinterest and like Smathers & Branson on Pinterest. Pin an item from Smathers & Branson website. You must tag me in the post.
4. Follow Julia Ryan on Instagram (@juliaryancreates)
5. Like Smathers & Branson on Facebook
6. Follow Smathers & Branson on Instagram

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Cute Affordable Kids Clothes | Old Navy

February 25, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Spring Sale

≪ Previous: Smathers & Branson Giveaway

This is not a sponsored post by Old Navy, although I wish it were. Just consider it a public service announcement for cute affordable clothes for your kids. Truthfully, I find a lot of things at Old Navy that really mix and match well with more high end lines like mini boden and crewcuts. I prefer the style and quality over the same price point at Target.

Here a few of my top picks for Spring for girls. I tried to include both Toddler and Girls sizes since Wells is already on the fence. She can easily wear toddler sizes still but I'm trying to throw some big girls things here way too just to up the variety.

Boy Mamas, y'all didn't think I'd leave you hanging did you? I've got you covered just below the girls with my favorites for boys. Classic, preppy, and straight leg.

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Spring Sale

February 25, 2014, 8:49 am

≫ Next: Let's Chat : Ashley | Meet Me in Philadelphia

≪ Previous: Cute Affordable Kids Clothes | Old Navy

Now that I've helped you fill up your babes Spring wardrobes for under $100 I think it's time to go pick something up for ourselves. Shopbop's big Spend More Save More sale is in full effect today so it's the perfect time to snag a a piece or two. Just be sure to use code: BIGEVENT14 at checkout.

Aside from my most favorite jeans ever, here are a few of my favorite picks. Such a good time to stock up. The site seems to be moving pretty slow today which is so annoying. Or maybe it's our horrible internet situation over here. Either way, I'm going to have to be persistent I guess.

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Let's Chat : Ashley | Meet Me in Philadelphia

February 26, 2014, 4:37 am

≫ Next: One Room Challenge Update #ORC

≪ Previous: Spring Sale

I am really excited to welcome Ashley from Meet Me in Philadelphia here today. Ashley and I share a similar updated traditional aesthetic and design over time philosophy. If you're not already following this talent, you should start now.

1. SELF OR SPACE are you more drawn to fashion or interior design?:

I've always been into any type of creative expression, but most of my time is spent thinking about pretty interiors these days. Out of college, I stumbled into an amazing job as an assistant buyer for a very high-end boutique (think Proenza Schouler, Lanvin, Balenciaga) but the pull of interiors really captured my imagination because I was living only own for the first time. I desperately wanted a space that felt like home and that's been my mission in any space I've lived in since that point.

2. FAVORITE ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE:

We bought our "forever" home in January 2013 and are taking the renovation/decorating process slowly. We prioritized our den, which is painted a cozy, inky blue ("Gentleman's Gray" by Benjamin Moore) and reflects the evolution of my style over time. Lately, I'm investing in pieces--like an English pine dresser and antique parlor chair--that are timeless and classic and this room is the perfect place to show those pieces off.

3. FAVORITE OUTFIT:

Since leaving the fashion world over 5 years ago, I've settled into a casual style. I'm also from New England and have really embraced easy pieces from LL Bean (like my favorite french sailor top). Plus, you'll rarely see me without my moss green LL Bean boat tote--it's indestructible!

4. FAVORITE ARTIST OR DESIGNER:

That's a toughy! If I had to choose, I'd say I've been drawn lately to the classically English style of Ben Pentreath. He is the ultimate British city mouse and country mouse all rolled into one, and his shop is on my bucket list for the time I get to London!

5. BIGGEST OBSESSION:

How do I choose? A few long-standing obsessions come to mind..."Beverly Hills, 90210" (the Brenda years only--let's be real here), Repetto flats, thrift stores and and well-priced antique shops, Terrain, Wes Anderson movies, peonies...I could go on. But my biggest obsession is collecting old copies of Martha Stewart Living. I've got about 120+ issues and I keep them organized neatly in my craft room where I actually pull them out for inspiration often!

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One Room Challenge Update #ORC

February 26, 2014, 9:00 am

≫ Next: SIP & SHOP with Kayce Hughes Pears + Bears and Beaufort Bonnet Company

≪ Previous: Let's Chat : Ashley | Meet Me in Philadelphia

Well Linda the creator of the One Room Challenge has asked up to give everyone a big old update of our past #ORC rooms. I almost didn't post my updates today because there is honestly nothing to show. But Linda is a boss so I decided I better play nice.

The first two rooms I completed for the challenges were my office space and our master bedroom. Both at our old house. The third was the playroom in our new house. I'm here to report that the playroom looks exactly the same.

Time to keep it real. It's been effing freezing here and the little baseboard heater just isn't enough to keep the space warm. Through the first few weeks of December we left the door open to the living room to allow the heat to flow through and warm things up. But the honest truth is that it grew our already large heating bill even larger. And Matthew put a squash on it. Oil heat is no joke my friends and no one needs a playroom that badly! Christmas came and Santa conveniently brought all of the new toys to the living room.

So here she sits, just as we left her. Perfectly clean and ready for Spring.

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SIP & SHOP with Kayce Hughes Pears + Bears and Beaufort Bonnet Company

February 27, 2014, 5:24 am

≫ Next: Five Minute Make-up + Top Beauty Must-Haves

≪ Previous: One Room Challenge Update #ORC

A friend of mine and I are co-hosting a little Sip & Shop this Sunday with Kayce Huges Pears + Bears and The Beaufort Bonnet Company.

We are keeping the guest list rather small so we can all enjoy ourselves. But we do have a few spots open and I'd love to see some of y'all there if you're local to Richmond. If you'd like to join us please email me right away at juliakyleryan@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

In the words of my girl Chassity, Background checks may apply (joking), but obviously if you’re creepy please don’t email me (duh).

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Five Minute Make-up + Top Beauty Must-Haves

March 1, 2014, 10:35 am

≫ Next: Life Lately

≪ Previous: SIP & SHOP with Kayce Hughes Pears + Bears and Beaufort Bonnet Company

Since I didn't get a chance to post yesterday I thought I would treat y'all to a Saturday post. And a helpful one at that. I get a lot of compliments about my glowing skin and I feel like I should let you in on my secret. It's a combination of a few key products.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30 | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 | Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick | Chanel Glossimer | Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat | Smashbox Soft Lights Prism | Yves Saint Lauren "Volume Effet Faux Cils" Mascara

When I have a few extra minutes to get ready I add a few extra things into the mix. Nothing too bold, I like a my makeup natural. Just a good well contoured and highlighted mix with a pink pout. You know, the I just rolled out of bed looking this good look. That's my favorite.

Bobbi Brown friends and family event is still going on. With 20% off your purchase it's a great time to stock up on a few things. Here are my top favorite makeup bag staples:

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Life Lately

March 3, 2014, 5:24 am

≫ Next: Striped Taper Candles | Hattan Home

≪ Previous: Five Minute Make-up + Top Beauty Must-Haves

Tagg had another horrible weekend of sleep. I'm really at a loss for how to fix this situation. He slept like a dream as an infant but somehow reverted to newborn status as soon as he hit one. He's now two. Being up all night is just so unacceptable. And exhausting. We have literally tried everything in every book. He just won't stay quiet all night long. This is life.

It may be due to my constant state of exhaustion, but I am a recent convert to good PJS. My newest obsession are these gorgeous gingham PJ's from Kayce Hughes. Send me an email (juliakyleryan@gmail.com) if you'd like to place your order with my trunk show.

Kayce Hughes PJS | Juliska cup | Jayes Studio Tissue Box | Martha Stewart Living | Striped Rug

With all this snow comes a never ending germ season and I've really been stressing the importance of washing your hands. Wells and Tagg are literally obsessed with washing their hands. We spend 25 minutes in the bathroom at Target on Saturday. Free entertainment I guess.

After five years as a brunette, I added a little bit of blonde back into my hair. I'm pretty excited. It's so fun to do something new. I also decided to keep my hair longer this time. Long and blonde by summer, my husband might just get back the girl he met.

make-up posted here.

This is more accurate view of the color. It's pretty subtle. Just enough to cover the greys. I'm sure this more simple wave is about the best I'm going to do on a regular basis.

I'm also completely obsessed with the rainbow macaroons from Trader Joes. Have you tried them? They come in the freezer section and take just a few minutes to thaw out. What a fun treat to have on hand. They're definitely going to be a staple in our house now.

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