Thursday, February 27, 2014

NEW in the store: Custom Braided Wool Baskets


This week, we received our large order of custom wool baskets-- now in 5 new colorways!  
I'm very excited.  They're gorgeous.






We've been carrying this type of basket for the last year or so, but I'm loving this new collection of colors.  Especially with the chocolate leather handles.  These baskets would be just as perfect in a masculine office (holding magazines) as they would in a busy family room (keeping blankets or toys at bay!).  And, I'm especially proud to say that they are completely handmade, right here in Philadelphia.


Everyone at the office is a big fan of the new product...  especially this little one.  :)

William, enjoying the "toffee" colorway, size small.  :)


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Thursday, February 20, 2014

On My Radar: Bold Solid Drapery


 

Bright bold solid drapery is totally on my radar these days.  I especially love it in a semi-neutral very traditional space, where the strong saturated color almost feels mismatched with it's surroundings.  As in, "Oh my! Are those PINK drapes?!!"  :)   That jolt of unexpected color brings so much drama!  And, I kind of love the tension that comes with it (especially in traditional interiors).  This image above from Mary McDonald is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.  I mean, how gorgeous is that home?  The coral hue of the drapery is just spellbinding, isn't it?  Ugh, so good. 

Here are a few more images that I'm pinning for future projects.  Such great inspiration.  I'm especially drawn to the Kelly greens, coral pinks, and sunny yellows. 
 



 



 Kay Douglass






Stephen Siss


 



Ruthie Sommers


Angie Hranowsky




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Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentines Day! { a free gift from us }



Are you on the High Street Market shop mailing list?  If not, sign up HERE.



Today, we're hosting a little bit of a secret giveaway, in honor of Valentines Day.  I thought I would share the news here, before the sale ends!!




Hurry, sale ends at midnight tonight!


Happy Valentines Day!


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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

My Picks for Must Have Baby Items { 0-3 months }

Living through the first three months of parenthood is like being on the greatest adventure of all time.  It's full of obstacles, you never know what's around the corner, and you're forced to navigate your way as you go.  Emotions are high-- feelings of pure joy are followed by feelings of fear and frustration (or unexplainable crying fits-- trust me, I've been there).  You try to prepare, you read the books, and talk to people who have been there before.  But you never really know what it's like until, one day, you find yourself with a baby in your arms and you realize you have no frigging idea what you're doing.  :)  At least, that's how I felt.

William is almost 5 months old now, and thinking back on his first three months of life makes me smile.  He was such a precious little angel, so tiny and new (still is, really).  Before he was born, I registered for all the baby things, and we received the most wonderful baby gifts.  But the things I relied on so heavily during his first three months of life, are not the things I'm looking at now.  Babies develop so quickly!  SO, before I forget, I thought I would share those MUST HAVE items with you.  I kept the list limited to ten-- the bare bone NECESSITIES for surviving the first three months.  Things that I relied on day to day.  And, here they are...




1. a bassinet -- ours was vintage-esque, passed along by a dear friend.  It was pretty simple (and it looks just like the one pictured here!).  It didn't rock, or vibrate, or play music.  But, William loved it and slept very well in it.  We also had the Rock N Play Sleeper (which is super popular among my mom friends!) but he preferred to sleep flat on his back.  To each his own.

2.  the Miracle Blanket -- this blanket is the best $30.00 you will ever spend in your entire life.  In your entire life you will never feel the same satisfaction from a $30.00 purchase.  TRUST ME.  It's amazing.

3.  a noise machine -- I use this one and love the different sounds (we use the heartbeat setting), and it has a great night light.  It's terrific.

4.  burp cloths -- Like many other moms, I purchased the ten pack of Gerber reusable cloth diapers.  They make the PERFECT burp cloth (so absorbent-- and you'll need it!).   These definitely make the top 10 list.

5.  onesies and pajamas -- We received a bunch of outfits from Nordstrom (specifically the "Little Me" brand and "Baby Nordstrom" brand).  Not only were they adorable, but they laundered so well!  Better than the other baby brands.  William always looked so precious in these outfits.  And, they look so terrific (even after multiple washings) that I know they'll still be good for any future babies.  :)

6.  baby carrier -- we loved our Bjorn!!  And, we used it nearly everyday.  Sometimes, it was the only way we could get William to sleep.  Now, that he's bigger, we still use it (he big enough now that he can face forward).

7.  the swing -- we love our Mamaroo (by 4moms)...  we also have the Fisher Price Cradle N Swing.  Both swings are great.  As a newborn, William preferred the Mamaroo.  It's a little more gentle, it has a ton of different settings, many mimicking "Mom's motion" (similar to what they feel in the womb)... plus, it's super stylish and has a tiny footprint.  We gave it an immediate two thumbs up.

8.  breast pump -- I use the Medela Freestyle.  It's terrific and very small (the pump itself fits in the palm of your hand).  Highly recommend. 

9.  bottles -- we use wide nipple bottles and we've never had a problem with William taking a bottle.  These are fabulous.

10.  baby bouncer -- this bouncey is great.  We used this everyday when William was a newborn (we still use it).  It vibrates and plays music too, which is a bonus.  It's so lightweight, that it's easy to move all around the house. 

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So, hopefully this list helps someone else out there!  Maybe you're expecting, or, you're attending a baby shower within the next year???  These are the TOP 10 things that worked really well for us.  Hopefully, they will help another person who is about to embark on the crazy adventure of parenthood.  :)

Other mommies out there, what absolute necessity did I miss??  
What would make your can't-live-without-TOP 10 list?


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Friday, February 7, 2014

A New Year, the Year of the Horse

Happy New Year!  It's been awhile since I've posted anything on this blog.  After our crazy Christmas season ended, I experienced some serious BURN OUT.  You might know what I'm talking about?  There was so much work that I felt creatively drained and deflated (and the sleepless nights with a tiny baby didn't help).  So, we took a brief "time out" to visit with family and recuperate.  Much needed time.  Time to relax a little, step back and reexamine our goals.  Time to plan for the year ahead.  It felt great to chill out for a bit.  :)  And now I feel re-energized and inspired to get back to work!  I am taking on new interior design clients and starting new projects, and I have a million ideas running through my head.  It's the best feeling.

This year is going to be a big one for our store-- we plan on renovating part of our offices and turning the space into a showroom.  Still not sure if we'll open for regular hours, or if we'll start out as "appointment only".  But if you're in the Philadelphia area, you will be able to drop by and shop in person!  We're pretty excited about it.  With the renovated store space, we'll be able to sell more vintage off the floor, and we'll expand into custom furniture, etc.  As we go, I will post updates here on the blog.  And, of course, I'll share pictures on Instagram (I love it there).  More updates on that exciting endeavor to come.  :)

So, the Chinese Zodiac Calendar calls 2014 the "Year of the Horse".  What a terrific excuse to post about equestrian-related pieces!  I love this prepped out, classic theme.  Who doesn't?  Tweed, plaid, bronze, and polished woods.  Buttoned up shirts and glossy leathers.  Here are some of the things on my radar for 2014, the Year of the Horse:











vintage equestrian decor (via Country Living)


Ralph Lauren (the best)


 Badgley Mischka via Elle Decor (their Kentucky home)


via Pinterest


via Pinterest



My husband was born in the Year of the Horse (1978)...  (other Horse years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1990, 2002).  What does that say about you?  Well, this:

People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and refuse to be reconciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefinitely.


For more on this Zodiac year, click here.


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