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HOMErandRuth

~ A blog about design, decor and lifestyle

Author Archives: HOMErandRuth

I’m Back… And what I’ve been up to…

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Life, My Family

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Tags

anxiety, Baby Connect, daughter, Family, love, maternity leave, momlife, newborn, Nordstrom Rack, post-parturm, rest, shower, swaddle, Swaddle Designs, valentines day, workout

Well friends, I’m back… did you miss me?  I’ve missed you! Baby Zoe is 7 weeks old today, and I’m feeling the need to reconnect. What have I been up to for the last 7 weeks? Well, here are some highlights…

Valentines Day Picnic

image

In one of Zoe’s (and my) first real outings, we decided to take advantage of the California “winter weather” with a Family Valentine’s Day picnic at the park.  It was the perfect way to celebrate the day, and it felt absolutely fabulous to get out of the house with a change of scenery 2 weeks after Zoe was born.


Shower (AKA mommy time)

Spa Bathroom || HOMErandRuth.com

Picture via my ‘Lovely Loos’ Pinterest Board

I’m sure all you other moms out there can relate, but now, more than ever, I have a true appreciation for the alone-time a simple shower can bring.  It’s not exactly a day at the spa, but these days, it comes pretty darn close. It’s a time with no crying kids (at least I can’t hear if they’re crying) when I get to be alone with my thoughts.  I’ve always done my best thinking in the shower (like all of the blog posts I haven’t had any time to write), and I truly relish the “me time”.

P.S. No this is not a picture of my actual bathroom… but wouldn’t that be nice?!?


Baby Connect App

image This is a glimpse at my daily life.  Literally, it’s a screenshot of my phone. I look at this app at least 100 times per day (almost as much as my Instagram feed, which has turned into my primary connection to the outside world)… but I digress.  I don’t use all of the features, but it’s the best for keeping Zoe on somewhat of a schedule when it comes to feedings.


Swaddling

image It took a couple of days, but both I and my hubby have officially re-mastered the art of swaddling.  Zoe has already managed to un-swaddle herself a couple of times (this kid seems to have super-human strength… or at least super-baby strength).  And how adorable is this Swaddle Designs blanket?  The best part is that I got it for a bargain price from Nordstrom Rack.


Thank You Notes

Free Printable Thank You Card || HOMErandRuth.com

Free Printable Thank You Card via Chicfetti

I didn’t have a baby shower for Zoe because, let’s face it, I have more than enough baby clothes and baby toys already and since I kept all of Keira’s stuff.  We were pretty much set. But, of course I have the bestest friends in the world so they’ve been showering both Zoe and Keira with gifts which is a perfect excuse to get new stationary.


QT with big sis

image As I’m sure all of you 2+ times moms know, making time for baby #1 is one of the more challenging but super important things to do when baby #2 first joins the family.  For Keira and I, nighttime story time is a big thing. When I was working, that was really my only quality time with Keira during the week, so it’s become “our thing”. Other things we like to do are going on walks, just she and I, and having our very own dance parties (hence this blurry but adorable picture).


Rest

rest

artwork c/o Alexandra Nelson via Design Love Fest

As any working mom can attest to, maternity leave is somewhat like a ticking time bomb… each day that passes is one less day you get to spend with your precious babe(s), and one day closer to going back to work.  This can cause A LOT of anxiety.  I find myself stressing over all of the things I want to get done before it’s time to go back to work.  Right now I’m really trying hard to live more in the moment, relax and let myself rest and enjoy this time.


Workout

FullSizeRender-4So… I’ve pretty much done nothing in the form of exercise since I was 5 months pregnant… and I’m okay with that.  But now I’m starting to think about getting myself back in shape.  Not sure if this goes along with my “rest” mantra above, but I do believe exercise can reduce anxiety and stress.

I’ve been looking to Pinterest for some good post-baby work out ideas.  Do you know any?


Well, that’s most of what I’ve been up to.  I hope to check in again soon.

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Welcome Baby Zoe

02 Monday Feb 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Life, My Family

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Tags

Baby, daughter, happiness, Life, love, mom, mommy of 2

Well folks, as you may have noticed I haven’t posted a blog update in a few days… and for good reason.

I’m happy to say that we welcomed our second daughter Zoe Rose Grahan on 1/28/15.  We’re so happy to have this wonderful, healthy, beautiful addition to our family.

Zoe Rose Grahan

I’ll be taking a little hiatus from the blog to get settled into my new role as a mommy of 2.  If you want to know what I’m up to in the meantime, follow me on Instagram.

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Here & Now // 25

28 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Here & Now

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Tags

beauty, blush, candle, Facial mask, hair mist, handmade soap, Luxe, meditation, pampering, pile pink, relaxation

Feeling a little stressed or anxious these days? I hear ya!

Here & Now it’s time to treat yourself to a little pampering!

for the FACE

Here & Now: Treat Yourself to Some Pampering || HOMErandRuth.comMullein & Sparrow via Fab.com

for the HAIR

Here & Now: Treat Yourself to Some Pampering || HOMErandRuth.comAnthropologie

for the BODY

Here & Now: Treat Yourself to Some Pampering || HOMErandRuth.comVice & Velvet via Etsy

for the MOOD

Here & Now: Treat Yourself to Some Pampering || HOMErandRuth.comBon Lux via Etsy

I think I’m feeling better already… you?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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10 Whimsical Cushions for Kiddos

27 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Decor, Uncategorized

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Tags

animal pillows, etsy, kids cushions, nursery, stuffed animal, stuffed toys, whimsical

So, clearly I have baby and kiddos on the brain.  And as I continue to await Baby #2’s arrival, I’ve become slightly obsessed with redecorating Keira’s nursery.  Keira & Baby #2 will be sharing a room, so I have the perfect excuse to change things around (even though Baby will be in our bedroom for the first couple of months).

First it was Rag Dolls, and now, I can’t get enough of these whimsical pillows. They’re all over Etsy (and I love supporting all my Etsy peeps), but even some of our bigger box friends have some adorable options.

Here’s a round-up of my top 10 picks…

10 Whimsical Cushions for Kiddos || HOMErandRuth.com
1. Stuffed Cat – Dancing in the Rains (Etsy) | 2. Pink Cat Face – Clairey Lou Creations (Etsy) | 3. Unicorn – The Fox in the Attic (Etsy) | 4. Happy Cloud – The Land of Nod | 5. Pink House – Plumed (Esty) | 6. Lady Lamb – Anthropologie | 7. Yellow Hippo – Levchenko Dolls (Etsy) | 8. Yellow Cat Face – Sleepy King (Etsy) | 9. Whale – Big Stuffed (Etsy) | 10. Apple – Anthropologie

Aren’t these fun!  Which one is your favorite?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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6 Floor Lamps I’m Loving

26 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Decor, Lighting

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Tags

arched floor lamp, brass, decor, gold, light fixture

Having a case of the Mondays?  I know… it happens.  One cure that always works for me… SHOPPING!!!  Right now, I’m on the hunt for a new, chic, statement-making floor lamp for our living room.  Here are 6 options I’m considering.  Of course I love them all, so you’ll have to help me decide…

1. Industrial Task Floor Lamp – West Elm
2. Midday in Paris Spotlight Floor Lamp – Dot & Bo

3. Cantilever Lamp – Urban Outfitters
4. Gumball Floor Lamp – Urban Outfitters

5. Robert Abbey Kinetic Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp – Lamps Plus
Overarching Floor Lamp- Antique Brass – West Elm

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

So… do you have a fave?  Which one should I choose?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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My Family :: Cherishing Past Moments & Anticipating Future Ones

23 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Life, My Family

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

anticipation, Baby, daughter, excitement, Family, Life, nostalgia, sadness, second time mom

With baby #2’s impending arrival, it’s becoming more apparent that my precious Keira is not a baby anymore.  At times it makes me a little sad to think that I’ll have to split my time between 2 kids instead of just devoting all of it to Keira, but from what I hear, your heart miraculously grows with each subsequent child (#SecondTimeMomProblems).

It’s such a mix of emotions at this stage… some sadness, some excitement and lots and lots of anticipation.  I’ll be 38 weeks tomorrow, so we’ll see when baby #2 decides to make her debut.

In the meantime, I’m doing my best to enjoy this last little bit of mommy time with Keira, and allowing myself to indulge in a little nostalgia looking at old photos.

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Keira || HOMErandRuth.com
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Enjoy the weekend!

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Trend Alert: Marbled

22 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Decor, Fashion, Trend Alert

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

accessories, DIY, hanging planter, iPhone case, jewelry dish, marble print, marbled, notebook, pillow, sweater

Ready for another trend alert? This time it’s all about the marble effect.  I’m absolutely loving this trend right now.  Whether vibrant colors or muted pastels, the look is fun, interesting and absolutely chic.

Here are 6 fab picks (including a DIY that I’m dying to try)!

Trend Alert: Marble || HOMErandRuth.com
1
. Marbled Hanging Planter – Leah Ball via Etsy | 2. Marbled Notebook – Scout & Catalogue via Etsy | 3. Marble Print Sweater – ASOS | 4. Marbled Pillow – CB2 | 5. DIY Marbled Clay Ring Dishes – A Beautiful Mess | 6. Marbled iPhone Case – Need The Case via Etsy

Are you feeling the marbled trend? Is there a specific item that you have your eye on?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Here & Now // 24

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Decor, Fashion, Here & Now

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bohemian, boho, clutch, mid-century modern, Nate Berkus, pillow, pom pom, Pouf, purse, rug, texture

A little mid-century, a little bohemian, here & now it’s all about texture…

Textured Rug

Super chic with a built-in foot massage.Here & Now - 24: It's All About Texture || HOMErandRuth.comDown That Little Lane

Textured Pillow

Nate Berkus does it again… splurge-worthy looks for a steal.Here & Now - 24: It's All About Texture || HOMErandRuth.com
Target

Textured Clutch

It’s boho, it’s chic, it’s pink… it’s fabulous!Here & Now - 24: It's All About Texture || HOMErandRuth.com
Intermix

Textured Pouf

Neon and neutral (remember that post?)… this pouf’s got it goin’ on.
Here & Now - 24: It's All About Texture || HOMErandRuth.comAnthropologie

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Wallpaper: 25 Examples of Pure Chicness

20 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Decor, Interior Design

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Tags

bold, Interior design, statement, wallpaper

By now we all know that wallpaper has made a major comeback.  Now it’s time to move beyond the basic and safe and embrace the graphic, bold and perhaps a little eccentric.

Here are 25 examples of wallpaper that don’t hold back, and make a purely chic statement.

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9f6164dea39f255997b3ed9f28ffa620
4145f5e3cea1bc17364f225f5d63341c
316baea1c3193fbe83c349fcd7da337e
fd29bc32b73738a8566c99d47dba878a
0be46f964616054520513c4e9ae209db
1d1c5271409da9b536f033e019ca5a72
4c02538487e33349817c71398391055b
d81843f6d84d5be211e620b216c05af6
8124d3b4b47aa3b61bcdcf6006e78fce
6d5a095a00aaa45286e128250624b966
5dbccf9fe74d8d57d7ceddf75a31d3ca
1822ab17912679ec6a71e02f7cc5abe2
4027eaf604cfa6f611d15bafb9fbd429
309f440ef8a95d7d3920aa5af404929b
f91e82bef6d5eb4598badb8d4e09229c
c8be1e4ab9cf4167cb01edc7990681f5
ac3aa704bfdbf5243ccc06d9a16371be
930ec4ecb5e3196719af5b7c7230f3b9
4dd8f96cadd4a40303fb7026edb85983
9fe2135c69847b3eb6b0e8b8d555633f
5a4cfa30c0feba201a210eb13916fa41
121a7203141e0f3ca72680c28bb85195
88213e9b17ca93af41f1d3afe72caa08
ecd1179e53c82808e9fa81714313515b

Source: My Wallpaper Board on Pinterest

What do you think?  Are you willing to give any of these bold wallpapers a try, and in what room?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

 

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Color Story: Back to Black

19 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Color Story, Decor, Fashion, Furniture

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Tags

black decor, candle, decor, faucet, furniture, handbag, matte black, modern chair, modern design, pendant light, powder black, refrigerator

Happy MLK, Jr. Day everyone! Hopefully you all have the day off and are enjoying a 3-day weekend.

Today’s post is all about beautiful black decor and furniture, specifically matte black.  There’s no arguing the its sleekness and it always makes a statement.  Here are 6 pieces that are absolutely stunning.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Joy Gryson Ellie Handbag – Nasty Gal | 2. Matte Black & Gold Pendant Light – Lumens | 3. Acapulco Candle – Nars | 4. Powder Black Retro Refrigerator – SMEG | 5. Matte Black Chair – Dot & Bo | 6. Brizo Matte Black Faucet – FaucetDirect.com

Just one more reminder that #blackisbeautiful

♥♥ Vicky

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  • Welcome Baby Zoe
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