Saving the earth one less Ziploc at a time

I want to buy my kids reusable sandwich bags for their lunch boxes. So I did a little Google search and spent waaaaaaay too long looking through options.

I think I've decided one of these at the Container Store:

Klip-It Lunch Cube



Colorful Klip-It Lunch Cube

But you can see others at The Might Nest, Lunchskins, Reusies, WasteNot Saks, SnackTaxi, Jaq Jaq Bird, Itzy Ritzy, Kid Konserve, Wrap-N-Mat (or here), EasyLunchBoxes.com, Goodbyn, and Lock & Lock Lunch Set.

And, this is a great blog post on Stephmodo about going trash free.

I'm loving...

Ever since I saw Anne Marie Barton's home in Utah Style and Design a few years ago, I wanted photos of it for my files. I love her classic contemporary style. Her website has great photos like the one above of her kitchen.

As I'm trying to make my Christmas gifts more personal and thoughtful, this blog about gifting (ideas, etiquette, etc.) is a must read.


Maria Killam's blog, Colour Me Happy, is a wonderful collection of advice like her posts on creating focal points, painting the kitchen cabinets white, the secrets to selling your house, and hiring a designer.

Maybe it's because I'm updating our front door, or maybe it's because I love using initials, but I love this wreath from the Nesting Place.

I love modern design and this alphabet poster from Century Finds is just too much fun.



My crafty daughter would LOVE to make one of these Ragamuffin Garlands from Nesting Place for her newly decorated bedroom -- only in pink, of course.

This fur wreath is just so unexpected and fun for winter. And, with this easy tutorial from Nesting Place, I might actually be able to do it!

Kitchen Seating

So, we're about to remodel our kitchen. It's going to have white, shaker style cabinets with long, modern pulls, dark grey counters, and a subway tile backsplash. I love the mix of modern and classic so the subway tile will probably be like the convex tile in the photo below.

We'll be replacing our current barstools and, hopefully, our dining room chairs as well. Here are a few of my ideas so far...

So I don't love backless barstools because the kids can fall off easily, but these Spin Barstools from Crate and Barrel have the right look (classic, a bit modern, easy to clean) and just may fit well in the possibly tight space. The price is great at $99.


I love these Delta Barstools from Crate and Barrel, but if the space is a little tight, would people be more likely to trip over the back legs as they walk past? $139.

If we go with the backless, here's a classic beauty that would pick on up on the dark table and white chairs nearby. Delano Barstool from Crate and Barrel. A bit steep at $179.
I love these Scoop-Back Barstools from West Elm but Jeremy doesn't like the thin backs. He thinks they don't look sturdy enough. $134.
He's probably right but I'll at least purchase one of these chair versions for the office or a few for our craft room.

I'd love to refinish our classic oval table and it's 4(!!) leaves. Currently, it's honey colored but I'd go dark and probably purchase white chairs to go with it ala these two photos.

From West Elm.

From my cousin Kellie's blog, Little Green Couch.

These are probably my first choice at this point. These Oval Back Dining Chairs from Crate and Barrel would be perfect because they would echo the oval table but take a modern spin on a classic. $144.

White Kitchens

I know I've posted about them in the past but I just love, love, love white kitchens right now. Here are a few images that inspire me.
I fell in love with the designs throughout this home when I toured it during the Parade of Homes last summer. It is the home of Hyrum Bates, who is an amazing designer. My photos don't do it justice so visit his website to see the kitchen in full view.

Love this door off of Hyrum's kitchen to the backyard.
This is one of my favorites too. Feels like a little bit traditional but a little bit modern too.
Love the bold color, the monogrammed chair covers, and the whimsical details. So inviting and fun. via DesignMom.
Gorgeous. And, it has a mobile from my old high school friend, Matt Richards.

I love little nooks and this toile patterned one from last year's home show was beautiful.
Love the combo of chairs and benches along the gorgeous windows. I'd want to eat breakfast here every day.
Love the laboratory feeling of this kitchen.

Love the light blue color paired with the white and gray.
via A Room Somewhere.

Horribly, I can't source all of these photos and ideas. Some I've had for months. I'll try to source the ones I remember.

Another beautiful kitchen

Apparently I'm collecting photos of beautiful, white kitchens. The backsplash is Cararra marble tile. Stunning. And, how would it be to have a low bookshelf for my cookbooks?!?

From HGTV.com.