Building a Home - Mudroom Reveal

I'm obviously starting with chronicling the easiest places to clean up, make photo-ready, and photograph.  I've done the Kid's Study area, the Powder Bath, and now The Mudroom.

This is one area that I have been thankful for over and over again since we moved in.  It has provided us with a place right next to our garage door to store our school tote bags, jackets, purses, shoes, and seasonal items.  Even though it can look cluttered at times, the closed shelves on the end provide me with ample space to stuff random items as needed to clean it up.

You can check out our inspiration for these areas in the original Mudroom Inspiration post.

These mudroom inspiration rooms combined some of my desires.  Individual cubby's for family members, storage for shoes as we come in the house, and closed storage.  We had our architect include a space for built in cabinets and then had Valerie design an elevation for our cabinets.  

Then we had our cabinet people design based off of that preliminary drawing.  We modified a few things (like the depth of the cubby's and closed storage) and they built it and installed it.  And now, here it is!

Just to point out some of the features that we love about it.....

Happy Birthday Charlotte!

Charlotte,

My precious, precious baby girl.  I can't believe that you turn four today.  It seems impossible that you are already that old -- next year you'll fill up a hand! -- and just as impossible that you've only been in our lives for four years.  You are a remarkable little girl and we love every second of being your parents!

One of the things that you say most to be these days is, "You're too excited."  Anytime I'm gushing over how sweet you are or how good you did or how much I love you, you just look at me and tell me I'm too excited.  Almost like you're thinking, "Get a grip Mom" but in a nicer way.  But, since you won't read this for a long time, I'm going to take my chance today to get way too excited about you baby girl because you are extraordinary!

You have grown a lot this year.  I wasn't sure how you would adjust to real life preschool this year but you took to it with flying colors.  You made friends that are all your own and you would get in the car when I picked you up and tell me all about what you played with your friends on the playground or in the gym.  I loved hearing (and watching on occasion) you interact with your peers.  I always heard how nice you were to others and I loved watching that personality trait develop in you.  It will take you far in life!

And these two pictures just show how grown up you seem these days.  You've mastered the sorority girl squat and love sticking your hands in your pockets.  One day the teacher who brought you to the car for carpool pick up told me, "I feel like I'm talking to a 20 year old when I talk to her!" You use huge words and have a tremendous vocabulary.  You love learning and your favorite books right now are books that explain "Why" (What is rain? Why do the leaves change colors? What is electricity? etc).  I always shake my head when I find myself explaining the three states of matter to you or something equally grown up and you listen to me and then when I ask if you understand you look at me and say, "Not really."  And then I mentally think, "Well, of course not! You're only three!"  It's just that you act so grown up sometimes that it's hard to remember that you are still so little.

In addition to your years adding up, your personality is bursting out of your little body.  These are the faces you gave me for "silly", "sad", and "frustrated".  You are a fireball full of energy and life.  That comes with quite a side of drama, but lets just say that you come by that honestly and leave it at that.  I don't think life with you will ever be dull and I wouldn't have it any other way!

In the past year your growth in personality has contributed to you being much more outgoing in unfamiliar situations.  We weren't sure how you would do at your spring program at school but you were definitely singing the loudest of the kids in your class while you performed!  We're still not sure how showcase will go next week but if it goes anything like your spring program and how you do in classes, you will shine!

You love your family and we love you.  After we got back from Paris you would "play Paris" and would tell us to be the parents and we would have to beg you not to leave when you told us you were leaving for Paris.  When I told you on Monday night that I only lived a half mile away from Memma so you had to live a half mile or less away from me when you grew up you got real serious and said, "But I always want to be in your family!"  After we established that we will always be family, she decided that she'd just list with us forever.  So, heads up to her future husband, it's going to be crowded over here.

And while you love Daddy and me, you especially adore your little brother.  And he adores you.  His favorite word is "Sissy" and when we would drop you off at school on some mornings he would cry because he wouldn't want you to go.  He is your shadow and y'all play so well together.  I pray that that continues as you get older.

Charlotte, I could continue writing for hours about how awesome you are and how much I love you.  I'm not sure that I could run out of adjectives to describe you.  Funny.  Kind.  Silly.  Sweet.  Dramatic.  Imaginative.  Thoughtful.  Considerate.  Organized.  Opinionated.  Vocal.  Energetic.  Happy.  Joyful.  I could go on.  You are an amazing girl and we are so thankful that we get to be your parents.  You bring such joy to us and make us so happy.  We love you so much and are so excited to celebrate you turning FOUR today!

Je t'aime Charlotte, we love you!
Happy Birthday!
Mommy and Daddy

Celebrating Four

Charlotte turns four tomorrow (I'm in denial, I don't know how we have a four year old!) and we started the celebrating on Sunday night with a family party at our house.  We enjoyed getting to spend some time visiting with family and I think they all enjoyed getting to see some "quality" Charlotte and James antics!

Even though the party was very low key (I just sent out emails) we still got a cake and did some sandwiches and salads from Which Wich.  This birthday is ALL ABOUT ARIEL!

Charlotte was very excited about her cake.  She was even more excited when I told her that Ariel was a figurine that she could put in her room and Flounder was a mirror that she could put in her purse.  She kept telling everyone that Ariel was a "magarine" which thoroughly confused everyone but they just smiled and told her how great that was.

Both of the kids excitement levels went through the roof when Sam and Abby arrived!

After dinner I insisted on a family picture before presents and cake.

Charlotte was so sweet opening presents.  She was so excited about everything and sweet to say "Thank You" (although after prompting).

Then it was time for cake!  Charlotte insisted that we sing Happy Birthday to "Baby Fish" which is what she's been calling herself for the last few days.  I'm sure we'll be confused when we watch this video in 10 years but it will make for a great story!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Charlotte's fourth birthday.  She's now looking forward to her party with her friends tomorrow!

Building a Home - Powder Bath Reveal

I'm happy to report that I'm finally getting back to posting reveal pictures of our house.  They'll probably be slow to come, but I'm trying to get them out, I promise!  First up, the powder bathroom downstairs!

I'll remind you about some of my inspiration photos that I had for this room.  I wanted the room to be polished and warm with a little touch of glitz and glamour.

Source: houzz.com via Tales of a on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Tales of a on Pinterest

Source: splendidsass.blogspot.com via Tales of a on Pinterest

Source: designinthewoods.blogspot.com via Tales of a on Pinterest

My favorite features were the sconce lighting, the beautiful and glamourous mirrors, and the beautiful counters.  This was reflected in my final inspiration board for the powder bath shown below.

And now for how it turned out in real life!

I love the serene feeling that you get in the bathroom.  I love the ample drawer space to place extra hand towels and toilet paper for guests.  And I love the mix of rustic (the mirror) and glitzy (the chrome fixtures).  I am so happy with how the room turned out!

Some details on how we pulled it off:
- We used remnant stone so we got it for a song
- Since our cabinets were custom made they were able to adjust for the narrow wall depth and bump out the sink area which I ended up loving the look of
- We made sure to place the toilet paper roll on the side without the floor vent after experience in our last house where the roll would unroll constantly any time the heat or air ran
- We had these cabinets glazed to give them a higher-quality look

Room Details:
Wall Color: SW 6211 Rainwashed
Flooring: 3 1/4" white oak with a dark stain
Granite: White Vermont (aka Superwhite) remnant
Sink Fixture: Delta Linden Centerset Lavatory Faucet, Chrome
Mirror: Hobby Lobby (they still have them in store and are 50% off often!)
Cabinets: SW 7646 First Star (trim color) with dark gray glaze
Drawer pulls: Chrome Egg Cabinet Knobs (linked are similar)
Lighting: Artcraft Lighting Princeton Transitional Wall Sconce In Chrome With Silver Pleated Shade

Little Lang's

Today I'm excited to introduce you to one of my friends and sorority sister.  She has a new kids clothing line that I'm in love with!  Jana started Little Lang's in the Fall of 2012 and has received a great response to her adorable outfits for girls and boys.  I sent her some questions so that you could learn a little more about her and her awesome line.

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Buttercup Pant with Ruffle Halter, Cutie Patootie Dress

What made you want to start Little Lang's?
I started Little Langs after I realized my love for sewing and putting fabrics and designs together.  I started making my kids clothes and others started asking me to make for them!   I work part time but realized THIS is what I enjoy and love--and life is too short to spend your whole life doing something you don't enjoy!  I got over my fear factor and went for it.  What do I have to lose?  

The Buddy, Knickers and Swing Top

What are you most proud of about the line?
I am most proud of how far we have come in 5 months!  We have launched 2 lines, winter and spring/summer as well as recently paired up with an incredible manufacturer and will be featured on ZULILY three times this month!  It's been incredible.

The Buddy, Buttercup Pant with Ruffle Halter, Knickers and Swing Top

What are you favorite pieces for a boy?
I love the Madras appliqué shirts as well as our Little Lang's Classic with our logo.  It's simple, cute, age appropriate- and they feel like Dad, yet the handprint reminds us they are still our little boy.

Perfect for Play Shirts

What about your favorite pieces for a girl?
For girls---that's hard!  Bubbles are always adorable but I love our Seersucker Cupcake/Capri set.  It just doesn't get much cuter!

Crab Applique Shirt and Cargo Shorts

What's your goal for Little Lang's?

My short term goal is to continue to increase my reach to other areas and demographics.  Long term, I'd like to grow the business enough to be able to quit my day job and focus on this!

What are some opportunities for others to support you and get involved?

For those who like our clothing, my hope is that they share with others! We hope to grow and pride ourselves on our quality products and excellent customer service.  If someone would like to host a Little Lang's trunk show, they can contact me (jana (at) littlelangs (dot) com).

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You can catch up with Jana on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.  And, of course, check out her adorable Little Lang's website!

And like Jana mentioned, she's going to be on ZULILY multiple times this month! Her first sale starts this Sunday, May 19th so don't miss it! You can get some wonderful pieces at a discounted price but remember, supplies are limited!!

As an extra bonus, Jana is excited to offer Tales of a Peanut readers a sale on her Perfect for Play line that is selling like hotcakes!  She's offering readers boy shirts and girly fit shirts for $19 and $3 off ALL bloomer sets, cotton dresses, and onesies.  Just mention that you saw about Little Lang's in the "Message" area of the order form.  Jana will send you a modified invoice for your shirts when she processes your order.

And one more way to get a deal on Little Lang's merchandise is to check out the inventory sale on the Little Lang's facebook page.  Jana has listed items that she has in sizes available (nothing custom ordered) and if you can find one in your child's size you'll get a bargain!

Thanks Jana for sharing Little Lang's with us today!  I can't wait to see your Fall line and get my kids into some more Little Lang's clothes!

*This post falls under my link/reviews disclaimers and I wasn't compensated in any way for this post.  I just wanted to share about my friend's awesome business!

Create It Thursday - Fabric Covered Bulletin Board

 A while ago I saw Emily Clark do a post on a huge memo board that she made for her son.  I knew that I wanted something to go on the "backsplash" of my desk in my office and thought that this would be a perfect solution!

So right before we moved in I headed to Lowe's to buy some insulation sheathing.  Mine looked different than Emily's did but I figured it didn't matter (and it doesn't).  I bought the cheapest one there and asked them to cut it to my measurements for my area for me.  While they looked at me kind of weird for buying insulation sheathing in ballet flats and asking them to cut it to a non-normal size, they did it with a smile!

Last week I finally got around to actually covering the sheathing with fabric.  If you remember from my office inspiration board the colors in the room were gray walls with pink and black fabrics.  So I went shopping through my piles of fabric and came up with a pink and white seersucker that would coordinate perfectly.  PLUS, I could probably get away without ironing it since it was seersucker.  That's what I call I double win!

So I assembled my required items.  My insulation sheathing cut to my dimensions, a piece of scrap fabric that was able to cover the sheathing plus 3"+ on all sides, and a staple gun and extra staples.

I started by cutting my fabric to about 3" on all sides of the sheathing.  If you're short on fabric you can definitely do less, just make sure that the fabric can wrap to the back and that there's enough fabric on the back to staple.

In a move that would make my engineering professors at college shudder, I never measured anything and just eyeballed the whole thing.  I started with one corner of the long end and put a staple in and then tried to keep the same seersucker stripe along the edge as I continued to staple one entire long side.  Is it perfect? Definitely not, but unless you come, sit, and stare at it for a while, you're not ever going to notice!

After I did one long side, I flipped the board to get it to the right tautness.  Again, I picked a spot near the middle, make sure that I liked how the fabric was pulled along the front, and put in my first staple.  I again tried to keep the same seersucker line on the edge as I stapled down the other long side.  

When I got to the corners I decided to treat them as a present.  I tucked the corners in and stapled them down.  I did both corners on one end first.

After stapling the corners, I folded the end edges up and stapled along them.  I went back around my board to staple in any areas that I felt weren't being held as tightly as others and then I was done!

I brought the board downstairs and wedged it into my space.  Since there are electrical outlets under the upper cabinets and since the board was the same size as my space, I didn't secure the board, it's just sitting on my desk.  If you are going to be hanging it, Emily suggested using monkey hooks.

I love the pop of color that it gives my office since the shade is up high.  And it is the perfect surface for tacking up inspirational pieces, pictures, and ideas that I come across.  Pins stick and hold in in perfectly!  And for less than $10 (since I used fabric and a staple gun that I already had), you can't beat the price!

Today I'm linking up with Lamberts Lately for Create It Thursday.  Hop on over to her blog to check out some other great ideas!