Confession: I love decorating, the whole process of it. From gathering inspiration, to hunting down pieces that feel just-right, to collecting travel mementos and art that infuse a space with special details. But…I’m also super indecisive and slow at getting home projects checked off my to-do list, which means rooms always take way longer to complete than expected. Case in point: our home office. To be fair, we technically finished the room last year, but messy paper piles (yeah, we all have them) quickly built up, we had a baby, priorities shifted, and this year we’ve been so busy just using the space that it never looks photo ready. But I’m excited to finally share how it all came together! Click through the photos to tour the inside, and I’ll share a bit more about the details below.
GETTING STARTED
It really all started with a rug we bought during a trip to Istanbul. We had wanted to fix up our office for some time and had a few inspiration points, but the rug was the first purchase we made. We knew we wanted the space to be multifunctional, with both a workspace and seating, and bookshelves across the back wall for display/storage. We bought the most-beautiful textiles, also at the Grand Bazaar, and decided to have pillows made to add a pop of color to either a settee or set of chairs. That’s how we got started.
SOURCING PIECES
Simple, modern furniture choices, a fresh coat of white paint, and colorful accessories then transformed the space into a sophisticated but family-friendly office. We decided to invest in a few key furnishings, like the bookshelves and desk, that would stand the test of time (both from a durability and likeability standpoint). To make thoughtful choices on such big purchases, we ask ourselves, “Will we like it in 10 years? Will it work in a different room in a different house?” We then scored the perfect vintage chairs with a modern feel, and we had those reupholstered from a dated, burnt orange to a luxe, oatmeal fabric. And last but not least, we selected a large-scale, vintage piece of art to anchor the room.
THE FINISHED SPACE
I love how bright and happy the space turned out, especially since I now work in it every day! The white and neutral base of the room created a perfect backdrop for introducing color and pattern, making the space really come to life. It’s both modern and colorful, but color can always be added or subtracted. And it’s become a comfortable place for the whole family–where I can work, John and I can catch up on the day, and Elsie can play.
A few fun ideas + sources!
Double-sided pillows: Because we purchased fabrics in complementary colors and patterns, we decided to have the pillows made with dual sides instead of backed in a solid color. The pillows can be flipped, creating a fun way to change things up to fit the mood.
Art ledge: The picture ledge above the desk provides a space for easy rotation of art, photos, and inspiration. Right now I’m displaying Elsie’s first art project from school, her footprints from the hospital, some art we picked up on travels, and some simplistic style inspiration.
Baskets for storage: You know I’m a huge fan of using baskets for storage around the house! The office is no exception. I like natural-colored, seagrass baskets and use them to corral desk accessories and product samples, and even hide computer cords and routers.
Here’s a little treat for you today! When planning a low-key, afternoon party for Elsie’s first birthday a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to provide a few special desserts for our guests. I wanted to keep the desserts–like the whole party–simple not fancy. But there was a catch: I needed to accommodate several allergies (dairy, eggs, nuts) and celiac disease (gluten) of friends and family. I wanted everyone to be able to enjoy some cake to help us celebrate.
Finding allergy-friendly recipes that you can trust without testing is a challenge. I did a lot of cake research! Luckily an acquaintance came through and shared her chocolate cake recipe with me, and it was a winner. It’s moist, decadent, and dairy-, egg-, and nut-free. I substituted a gluten-free flour mix, doubled the recipe to make two 9-inch round cakes, and layered them with dark chocolate frosting and flowers on top. The cake was not only easy to make but also a hit, and even those without allergies couldn’t tell the difference! This is definitely one to file away as a must-have recipe for celebrations.
P.S. I also made a vegan vanilla cake, which I used for Elsie’s smash cake as well. Stay tuned for that recipe!
INGREDIENTS
2 1/4 cups unbleached white flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp. white vinegar
Dark chocolate frosting (homemade or a dairy-free, store-bought brand)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350. Wait 10 minutes before starting to make the cake.
2. Meanwhile, oil and flour 2 9-inch layer pans and set aside. When the 10 minutes are up, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
3. Mix the water, oil, vanilla and vinegar together in a measuring cup and pour into the dry ingredients. Stir well until combined. Pour into the prepared pans and bake 25-30 minutes.
4. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes, then remove the cakes from the pans and cool completely.
5. Once cooled, layer one cake on a cake stand, cover with chocolate frosting, place the second cake, repeat with another layer of frosting. Top with fresh flowers or berries. Enjoy!
The days here in Madison have started to get chilly, the leaves are quickly turning color, and there’s no doubt about it that fall is in the air. The variety of produce still available at the farmers’ market has continued to be strong well into October, and we’ve started stocking up on favorites like parsnips, turnips, carrots and other fall/winter pantry staples. The onset of root-vegetable season means only one thing: Time to make one of my all-time favorite salads. It’s a simple recipe that pairs well with roasted chicken or turkey for dinner, and it comes together in just a few easy steps. The secret ingredient is a hearty dusting of herbes de Provence on the roasting veggies; I sprinkle some extra on them post-roast too. Trust me, you’ll want to make this salad again and again once you give it a try!
P.S. Another favorite way to enjoy root vegetables.
INGREDIENTS
1 large red onion, peeled, sliced into rings and rings halved
2 large carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, cut into small pieces
2 large parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise, cut into small pieces
A handful of small white turnips, quartered
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon herbes de Provence
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
One 5-ounce bag baby lettuce and spinach mix
1 ripe pear, halved, cored, cut into thin wedges
Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the onions, carrots, parsnips and turnips. Add the oil, herbes de Provence, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Scatter the vegetables on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Turn the vegetables over and roast until tender and beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Set the vegetables aside. Sprinkle with additional herbes de Provence and salt if desired.
3. While the vegetables are still cooking, prepare the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk the vinegar, honey, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in the oil.
4. In a salad bowl, combine the greens, pear slices and roasted vegetables. Add the Apple Cider Vinaigrette and toss until coated.
We recently took our first family trip, a week on the California coast. We had planned on being in Mexico, but the event I was speaking at got postponed to a later date. So with a week off and a Elsie tagging along (tips for traveling with baby coming next week!), we decided to head to the San Francisco area instead. We spent a few nights in the city with friends and family at the beginning and end of our trip, but the majority of the week we stayed in Stinson Beach. I know some people thought we were crazy—Stinson is a beautiful but sleepy coastal town. It’s a great day trip, just 30 minutes from San Francisco. Or a great stop for lunch when traveling up the coast (which is how I’d visited it before). But I remembered it being quaint and quiet, and I had a hunch it would make a great home base for exploring nearby areas like Muir Woods, Point Reyes, Tomales Bay, and Sausalito. And that it was.
We rented a charming cottage from Airbnb that was just off the beach. We walked on the beach every morning, strolling to town to grab a coffee and getting back in time for Elsie to take her morning nap. We explored somewhere new each day for a few hours, and we ended every day with another walk on the beach. We saw some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. We had some perfect, warm and sunny days and some of those perfect, gray and cool Northern California days. We cooked dinner together after Elsie went to bed, drank some wine, went to bed early. We had limited cell signal and slow wifi, and for the most part stayed off our phones. It was the perfect mix—embracing a truly relaxed, unhurried life for a few days and soaking up a few staggeringly beautiful places too.
Scroll through for some favorite photos from our trip and read on for my tips on must-dos if you get a chance to spend time in the area!
WHERE TO STAY
We loved staying in this charming Airbnb, with its own private garden, which was only 500 feet from the beach. I was excited to read in the reviews that the owner was a mom; she loaned us her Pack ‘N Play and high chair, allowing us to travel lighter. Parents, you know what a score that is! Some other good options, which weren’t available at the time we were visiting: this contemporary beach cottage, this beach house with a gourmet kitchen (would’ve loved that since we cooked a lot!), and this peaceful retreat (perfect for a larger group, this home was just next door to us).
WHERE TO EAT
Parkside Cafe is made up of a string of small businesses—an old-school snack bar, a restaurant with patio, a bakery, and a coffee bar. Among many other things, the restaurant makes several great salads that are perfect for lunch; you can add on salmon, ahi tuna, scallops, even a generous (and delicious) crab cake. The coffee bar whips up a great latte and serves just-baked pastries starting at 6 a.m. for early risers (or parents of small children). Other spots in Stinson are the San Dollar Restaurant, Breakers Cafe, and Surfer’s Grill. The small grocery actually has everything you forgot or need in a pinch, like diapers and sunscreen.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
On our way to Stinson Beach from San Francisco, we stopped in Mill Valley at the recommendation of our Airbnb host to stock up on groceries for the week. Great idea. There are multiple Whole Foods, plus a Safeway.
Stinson Beach is a great place to chill on a hot day. The beach is large, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and for kids to play in the sand. We saw a few surfers in the water, but we did hear sharks are common and didn’t see much swimming.
Just north of Stinson is Bolinas Bay. The town of Bolinas is a reclusive little outpost of just 1,600 people with a super-sleepy main street and not much going on. It’s hard to find, and its residents seem to want to keep it that way. We heard Agate Beach Park has amazing tide pools, but we forgot to check the tide table and arrived there at high tide with nothing to see; the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is supposed to be a good place for bird watching.
An hour north of Stinson Beach is the Point Reyes National Seashore, a must-visit for stunning shoreline, a cliff-hanging lighthouse, seal spotting, an elk reserve, and lots of hiking. The park is huge, so it takes a while to drive around. Depending on how much time you have, you’ll need to strategize what you want to see. You really feel like you’re at the end of the earth hiking out on the cliffs.
South of Stinson is Muir Woods National Monument, an old-growth coastal redwood forest. We stayed on the valley floor, but there are many trails around Mt. Tam for more serious hiking. It’s shaded and cool, so wear a sweater.
Headed back toward San Francisco, Saulsalito is a historic town on the waterfront with restaurants and art galleries. We didn’t stop there on this visit, but I’ve been there a few times before. Some Instagram friends recommended the Bay Area Discovery Museum, and I would’ve loved to take Elsie to it if the museum hadn’t been closed during our trip. And last but not least, across from Saulsalito is Battery Spencer, where you can get those picture-perfect views of Golden Gate Bridge.
One of the most basic, simplest pasta dishes around, cacio e pepe literally means “cheese and pepper.” It’s minimalist cooking at its best and requires just a few ingredients, all of which you likely already have at home. This recipe is my favorite to make on weeknights when I’m cooking just for one and want something light and fast to make. When done right, cacio e pepe is as every bit as comforting as a bowl of mac and cheese but with a lot less guilt!
INGREDIENTS
1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Pecorino Romano, grated
Freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt
Good olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente.
2. Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of two shallow serving bowls.
3. Scoop pasta directly from the pot of water into a large bowl. Spoon some of the pasta water it, then grate a generous amount of Pecorino Romano on top. Follow with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Stir, folding cheese and pepper into the warm pasta so it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
4. Transfer pasta to serving bowls, then repeat with extra cheese and pepper. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
Over the last three weeks, I found myself taking an unintentional, but much-needed digital detox. Spurred by a week of being sick, which led into a week of vacation, which was followed by a week of house and first-birthday preparations, my detox from the Internet wasn’t planned nor was it 100% unplugged. It was just something that naturally happened as I shifted to in-the-moment needs and stepped away from online activities like blogging, emailing, and overconsumption of Internet information (ahem, aimless scrolling on Instagram and a collection of way too many open browser tabs). It reminded me of a year ago after having a baby — when I was so consumed with my own life that I had to shut off any extra noise around me. It’s a cyclical pattern for most of us I bet.
Don’t get me wrong, I love high-tech devices as much as the next person. I love the amount of information at our fingertips and the ability to connect to others, both those we know in real life and even those we don’t — technology is such a powerful tool in our lives today. But sometimes it feels like we are too connected, you know? When we’re online so much, we easily lose track of offline time and more importantly, ourselves. We keep tabs on world news and take peeks into others’ lives, all informative and entertaining but things that take time away from our own experiences. Taking a step back for a few weeks was surprisingly calming…
What I found in disconnecting was there’s actually joy to be found in missing out (or JOMO as it’s even been coined). Yes, letting go of a need to be “in the know,” a fear of missing out on “something,” a desire to stay plugged into emails and social networks is quite refreshing. The Internet can be exhausting! The world goes on, but we realize we still have a place in it. Things left undone still need doing. Spaces left quiet still have interested audiences. I may have missed some things, didn’t read some things, didn’t see some things, but who cares? The trade off for unplugging even just a little was greater for it gave me mental space, renewed creativity, peace of mind and a better sense of how to manage living in an offline-online generation. And it made me pause and be more grateful for my own little world.
A few things I’m doing to be more mindful about my own technology use and set some boundaries going forward:
Set a “no media” day at least once a week, if not more.
Put my phone away when I’m working and in the evenings, instead of having it always within arm’s reach.
Set defined time limits for checking social media.
Unsubscribe from unwanted emails.
Prioritize blogs and websites I enjoy reading; clear out the rest from my news feeds.
Delete apps I don’t use.
Limit browser tabs to 5 open at a time!
Check emails a maximum of twice a day. Set aside a defined time to send responses.
Have you ever taken a technology break or detox? What boundaries do you use to establish a good balance? I’d love to hear!
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