Lifestyle

Casual Friday

February 10, 2017

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

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Many of you have noticed things have been different around here for awhile. We’re still getting multiple emails and questions every day wondering when our post schedule is going to get back to its normal Monday-Friday. First, we couldn’t be more grateful that we have such a strong and loyal readership that we get to share our renovation story with almost daily. Thank you. That being said, I hope our announcement on Monday helped make some sense of that. We’re excited, and we wanted this so so badly, but like my other pregnancies, it’s not easy for me or my body or my family.  I’m very sick, and often times, any sort of screen (especially a scrolling screen like my phone) makes it a lot worse. I’m on an anti-nausea regimen and working closely with my doctor so that I can gain weight in hopes my nerves don’t go into shock again–I have a history of Bell’s Palsy with pregnancy and it’s already tried to come back once in my first trimester.

Chris has been taking care of everything with a great deal of love and patience, making sure the fridge is stocked with mashed potatoes for me and Greta is getting nursed back to health and the girls are happy and the necessary projects and deadlines are met. But, we have had to make some decisions to not do some things. And to not renew some contracts. And to try to enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible, as we know in our hearts it will be our last. With that, we’re BOTH looking forward to me turning that magical corner where I can be more productive…it’s coming. I can feel it.

Onto the fun things of the week!

• Angela Simeone is a talented abstract artist whose paintings we recently added to our collection. After starting to follow her on Instagram, I learned she doesn’t just do paintings on canvas or paper–but entire walls, too! She was recently commissioned to do the entire interior of an airstream and a few days ago, finished this beautiful small powder room. How inspiring!

• We recently got one of those Harmony remotes (this one specifically) and I kicked and screamed prior to ordering it and then when it got here and wanted nothing to do with it….until Chris set it up. Truthfully, remotes in general are kind of a pet peeve of mine. Why are there so many?! Why are they always missing?! Why does no one seem to know how to use their remotes? Why do we need another remote?! But here’s what you probably already know, that I didn’t understand. The harmony remote replaced our other THREE remotes (it has the capacity to control 15 devices!). It’s so easy to use; intuitive even. Unlike our other remotes, it works through our media cabinets so the door can stay closed with everything looking neat while still changing the channel. And! AND! We can even use an app on our phone to turn the TV down from upstairs when the girls turn the volume up notch by notch. Highly recommend it!

Anissa’s. Kitchen! 

My dad, to a T, every time he goes to Lowe’s.

• Obsessed with this sophisticated plaid rugLike a good tailored suit.

• Lastly, we’ll talk about this more next week, but we started the girls’ bathroom renovation yesterday—eeee. I shared a lot of sneak peeks of the demo on my Instagram stories if you want to take a look before it expires!

Have a lovely weekend!

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What do you think?

  1. Alexis says:

    Bell’s palsy is nothing to mess around with! I hope you feel better soon! I’m just ahead of you on the pregnancy front (Due mid-June) and I promise the sickness does go away. I’m hoping that since I have such a picky eater cooking right now, that means when they’re ready for real food they’ll be super adventurous. That’s how it works right?

  2. Monika says:

    I want that remote!

    And I wish I could make you feel better; hopefully things will get easier soon. Take care of yourself!

  3. Lesley says:

    Julia – I was so sick while pregnant (until about 18 weeks). I chose not to take anti-nausea meds, but the two things that saved me was acupuncture and drinking water with tons and tons of lemon juice. Hope things improve soon.

  4. That rug! You are right, that is beautiful!

  5. Adair says:

    I too am happy you are taking care of yourself and your family and that Chris is loving on you so well. Congrats on this new addition!

  6. Steph says:

    Love your blog and podcast! More than that I love that you are making the choice to put your family and your health first. Like others have written, I’ll happily wait until you’re back on your regular schedule, whenever that is!

  7. C says:

    So glad you are taking care of yourself and your family first. Wishing you strength and comfort and health.

  8. Tanja says:

    Take care of yourself, your family and the baby. I will be here when you are back on a full schedule. Enjoy the moment.

  9. Sonia says:

    Congrats on your pregnancy! hope you feel better soon!
    Ok, this is embarrassing: I saw the same powder room photo on another website a few days ago (don’t remember where, maybe instagram..) and I noticed the beautiful window but I thought the stuff on the wall was construction adhesive waiting for the final wall treatment. I feel really silly now… LOL!
    Hope you can keep blogging, I love your level of detail for tutorials and your family is beautiful

  10. Kimberly says:

    I hope better days are ahead for you, Julia!

  11. Ashley says:

    Goodness, I hope you and Greta feel better soon!

    That plaid rug is incredible but I must resist because I just buffalo checked my kitchen floors: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPaYpz1Dlq_/?taken-by=ashleykgoldman. I love the pattern so much, but I’ve gotta draw the line. :)

    Can’t wait to see what’s in store with this newest addition to your family.

  12. Kates says:

    FEEL BETTER SOON!!! I always was sick for my three pregnancies!!! I think I tried every nausea meds available. I hope you turn the corner soon and you can get back to it! Also hope Greta is feeling better!! Man that stinks to have a kid in so much pain!

  13. Jenny B says:

    I don’t know if you’re usually nauseous your entire pregnancy, but I was on Compazine to combat my extreme sickness both pregnancies. It worked perfectly the first time and helped a ton the second time. Both kids perfect! Hopefully your doc is one that isn’t afraid of medications.

  14. Amy says:

    I am 16 weeks pregnant with my third, and my turning point was 14 weeks. I’m hoping you feel better soon. I was so sick with this pregnancy, and it is hard when you have 2 little ones to take care of. I also got bells palsy after my first pregnancy, but my doctors didn’t seem to have a clue about it. Thankfully I recovered!

  15. Lynn says:

    Sorry you are not feeling well. Your health and the baby’s are top priority! Love reading your blog!

  16. BeccaS says:

    So sorry that you are having such a rough time! I am also sorry that people feel the need to email and that you had to “explain” yourself :( So glad that Chris is so supportive and praying for good health for all of you!

  17. Diana says:

    Gosh, I hope you get to feeling better soon! I was sick for only a few weeks in my first trimester, but it felt like a lifetime. Hoping the second trimester honeymoon stage comes quickly!

    I had a plaid rug in my cart for weeks when designing my girl’s nursery (coming in May!). I chickened out in the end, but I want to find a place in my house for one asap! :)

    http://dahliasanddimes.com/2017/02/08/on-trend-blush-pink-interiors-and-how-to-add-it-to-any-space/

  18. Veronica says:

    Julia I’m so sorry to hear how you’re feeling. Pregnancy is one of those things that can be so debilitating. I just went through one that had me out of commission for months and it was rough on everyone.
    You are amazing for even doing all the things you are doing (and kudos to Chris as well – my husband had to do so much more too). I know you know it is so worth it to welcome this new little life, but wow can it ever be HARD.
    I hope you know we your readers are cheering you on and will be here through it all. Even if the blog had to take a break, we’d be here the moment you jumped back in. Lots of love to your beautiful family of FIVE! =D

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