Packing for any vacation can be stressful, but we are here with part II of our summer vacation packing series to share our favorite summer trends that are perfect for your next vacation! (You can see our packing tips here.) …
Packing for any vacation can be stressful, but we are here with part II of our summer vacation packing series to share our favorite summer trends that are perfect for your next vacation! (You can see our packing tips here.) So let’s get to the fun part, what trends should definitely make the cut!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I can’t believe it’s already here! Caroline and her family are heading to Colorado for a fun family getaway and I will be vicariously following along on Instagram. While I don’t know what fun activities we’ll be getting into this weekend, we both will be taking advantage of all the Memorial Days sales. We picked a few of our must-have items and rounded up the best of the web for one easy shopping post for you (so you can spend more time at the pool)!
Summer is almost here, y’all! This week I’m finally making an effort to switch out a few decor pieces to brighten up my home. One of the easiest tricks I’ve learned is to just replace a sidetable for a colorful garden stool or switching out dark, heavy lamps to a brighter option (love this blue coral lamp). I’m also planning on finally getting some art framed and hung up in our newly painted bedroom. For custom framing I love Framebridge, I’ve used the company several times (most recently for my son’s room), and the quality is excellent! I think the bamboo detailing in the Mandalay frame would be perfect not only for summer but year around. I’ve rounded up a few other home items I’m loving, and they’re all under $150! Happy shopping!
I am so excited to officially introduce you to Chelsie! Chelsie has been and Editor at Glitter Guide and currently puts her talent to work at Biscuit Home, but lucky for us, she has also joined our team! Chelsie will be …
I am so excited to officially introduce you to Chelsie! Chelsie has been and Editor at Glitter Guide and currently puts her talent to work at Biscuit Home, but lucky for us, she has also joined our team! Chelsie will be sharing her favorite links from around the web every weekend, as well as contributing to other fun projects for us. (Did you see her Mother’s Day Gift Guide this week?) Give Chelsie a big welcome! And without further ado, here is Chelsie’s round-up for this week!
I’m excited to take my 13-month-old to Levy Park this weekend! Caroline took her boys there last week and had the best time. You should check it out if you’re in Houston. Also, be sure to check our Houston Guide for more family fun activities!
Have you heard of the One Room Challenge? Twice a year a group of designers complete a 6-week room makeover, and at the end, the spaces are revealed on House Beautiful. This season my favorite was The Pink Pagoda‘s dining room (if you love blue & white like we do, you will LOVE this space), but Caitlin‘s master bedroom came in close second. Two completely different styles, but both gorgeous! See all 20 makeovers on House Beautiful.
I can’t stop watching The Beguiled trailer. The Sofia Coppola film doesn’t come out until next month, but I’m already making plans to see it on opening weekend!
As we enter the toddler stage with our barely one-year-old, I’m constantly bookmarking articles that I think will help us navigate through this next stage. Caroline and I both found “Not Naughty: 10 Ways Kids Appear to Be Acting Bad But Aren’t” a must read!
Glossier launched their Invisible Shield Sunscreen this week, and I’m intrigued. It’s apparently a clear serum that absorbs into the skin without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. As someone who has a love/hate relationship with sunscreen, I’m definitely giving this product a shot to see if it lives up to its claims!
Cheers to mom! Here are three big-batch brunch cocktails that are perfect for day drinking. I can’t decide which looks better, so I’ll just make all 3. Thanks for the recipes Martha!
I also plan to treat myself this Mother’s Day weekend to a few sales around the web. This stripe jumpsuit is currently in my cart at Club Monaco! It’s one of those items that could easily be dressed up or down depending on the accessories, which is always an easy buy. Oh, did I mention it’s 25% off, along with all rompers and sandals?
As a mom, I now think about my overall health a lot more than I used to in my 20's. I do little things like make sure I am drinking enough water every day to staying on top of all …
As a mom, I now think about my overall health a lot more than I used to in my 20’s. I do little things like make sure I am drinking enough water every day to staying on top of all my preventative doctors’ visits. When LensCrafters reached out to tell me about their new state of the art technology rolling out in two Houston locations (River Oaks Shopping Center and Fairfield Town Center), I embarrassingly admitted that I haven’t been to the eye doctor since starting my job at Gilt Groupe (probably 5 years ago).
This formula has been a go-to outfit of mine for years. (See here + here in New York City.) It's a simple mix of casual + chic with the distressed denim and structured blazer, but it is also super function …
This formula has been a go-to outfit of mine for years. (See here + here in New York City.) It’s a simple mix of casual + chic with the distressed denim and structured blazer, but it is also super function in the summer heat. I love that I have a jacket to pull on when I head in doors to the cold A/C.
Last weekend my mom came in town to see us while FMK and Cappy (my dad, the boy's grandfather) were fishing in Belize. Anytime Sugar (my mom) comes in town, we have to take advantage of her talents in the kitchen. …
Last weekend my mom came in town to see us while FMK and Cappy (my dad, the boy’s grandfather) were fishing in Belize. Anytime Sugar (my mom) comes in town, we have to take advantage of her talents in the kitchen. Living in NYC our first four years of marriage put me a little (ahem, a lot) behind in the cooking department. So, I have been trying to makeup for lost time. Lucky for me, I grew up in the kitchen making meals and baking desserts with my mother and grandmother so I am hoping it is like riding a bicycle. Or genetic.
Get the recipe for this simple Mixed Berry Cobbler after the jump!
I can't believe it's only one week until Memorial Day! It already feels like it is summer in Houston and Knox had his last day of school on Friday so we are excited to officially kick off summer with a …
I can’t believe it’s only one week until Memorial Day! It already feels like it is summer in Houston and Knox had his last day of school on Friday so we are excited to officially kick off summer with a fun weekend with family at the pool. Andrew is getting baptized this Sunday so all our family will be in town. I can’t wait for some quality time with my favorite people around the pool and then church & brunch at our house on Sunday to celebrate sweet Andrew! My kind of weekend!
I have been on the hunt for a proper ‘mom suit’ that doesn’t look too boring. Here are a few of my favorite one pieces from around the web…
1. A Flattering Pair of Denim [show_shopthepost_widget id="2517504"] I had the pleasure of hosting a charity luncheon in my home town last week and as the emcee, I spoke about how to build a timeless wardrobe and we demonstrated with a fun …
I had the pleasure of hosting a charity luncheon in my home town last week and as the emcee, I spoke about how to build a timeless wardrobe and we demonstrated with a fun style show. This is a philosophy I personally live by and it has become a popular topic among the fashion world. You also often hear of a version of this referred to as ‘The French Wardrobe’ because the French women are pros at pulling off that effortless chic style. Read on, I promise this wardrobe will save you time (getting ready every day) and money (no more wasted money on too many trendy items you will only get a few wears out of)!
I love when a brand you love approaches you about a fun campaign that you can enjoy with your kids. A campaign that really makes you stop and take a moment to think and reflect about being a mom, your …
I love when a brand you love approaches you about a fun campaign that you can enjoy with your kids. A campaign that really makes you stop and take a moment to think and reflect about being a mom, your love for your children and your hopes for their future.
I love taking a piece of clothing, like this floral midi skirt, that is über feminine and pairing it with a tough leather vest or distressed denim jacket for an unexpected combination that takes the look from uptown girly to downtown cool. This …
I love taking a piece of clothing, like this floral midi skirt, that is über feminine and pairing it with a tough leather vest or distressed denim jacket for an unexpected combination that takes the look from uptown girly to downtown cool.
I don't know if you can really call 'nautical' a trend since it never really goes out of style. I love all-American classic stripes and red and navy paired together. To me, nautical = spring and I love pulling out …
I don’t know if you can really call ‘nautical’ a trend since it never really goes out of style. I love all-American classic stripes and red and navy paired together. To me, nautical = spring and I love pulling out the these traditional staples year after year.
Cutouts are possibly one of the biggest trends for spring this year and when done right, it's a fun and flattering way to step out of your comfort zone. I initially loved this dress for the color (obviously), but when I tried …
Cutouts are possibly one of the biggest trends for spring this year and when done right, it’s a fun and flattering way to step out of your comfort zone. I initially loved this dress for the color (obviously), but when I tried it on it was such a classic and flattering fit that I decided to give the trend a try.
A great pair of chinos is one of those things that every woman needs in her wardrobe, and they are no longer just for causal days running around in flats. I love to mix the traditionally casual items in my …
A great pair of chinos is one of those things that every woman needs in her wardrobe, and they are no longer just for causal days running around in flats. I love to mix the traditionally casual items in my wardrobe with dressier accessories to elevate the whole look. I paired my chinos with a cute peplum top and heels for a morning meeting to create a perfect mix of casual and professional. I love these navy chinos for a fun alternative to another pair of basic denim.
^ such a proud big two-year old! ^ This camo jacket has been one of my better purchases as I am still wearing it regularly over two years later. When we lived in NYC, I would layer sweaters under it and …
^ such a proud big two-year old! ^
This camo jacket has been one of my better purchases as I am still wearing it regularly over two years later. When we lived in NYC, I would layer sweaters under it and now that we are in Houston, it is the perfect weight. (One of my favorite ways I styled it was after Knox was born in this post.)
I find myself shopping for Knox the same styles I like for myself. This sounds like it could be a bad thing since Knox is obviously a little boy, but fortunately this fall everything I seem to be into is pretty unisex: camo, plaid, buffalo check, overalls, stripes, fair isle… you get the idea. Now, to try not to walk out the door matching every day is my next challenge…
I rounded up my fall favorite basics to complete your wardrobe this season. You can quickly shop the edit through the images below. Happy Shopping! xo, CHK A basic blazer // 2. Everything in red buffalo check // 3. A …
I rounded up my fall favorite basics to complete your wardrobe this season. You can quickly shop the edit through the images below. Happy Shopping! xo, CHK
We recently made the big switch and transitioned Knox's room from a nursery to big boy room. Although this came before I was ready (You may remember me worrying on Instagram about Knox crawling out of his crib.), it has been …
We recently made the big switch and transitioned Knox’s room from a nursery to big boy room. Although this came before I was ready (You may remember me worrying on Instagram about Knox crawling out of his crib.), it has been so fun to watch Knox get excited about his new room! When we passed the crib and glider on to baby brother’s nursery, this freed up some space to bring in some of Knox’s new birthday toys to complete his room – and inspired a mini redesign project. I had recently switched out some of his red accents for a new orange lamp and pillows so his navy and red striped rug no longer matched the room. You can imagine my excitement when STAINMASTER®, reached out wanting us to test their new Signature Squares™… I already had the perfect room in mind!
I somehow went 5 months (February - August) without a trip to our beloved city, but luckily I have three trips in a month to make up for it in August / September! On my most recent trip, I brought …
I somehow went 5 months (February – August) without a trip to our beloved city, but luckily I have three trips in a month to make up for it in August / September! On my most recent trip, I brought my new Splendid jeggings along for the (plane) ride and they made for the most comfortable travel outfit!
FMK says I am nesting, but I just say we have almost been in the house a year and it is time to finally get it looking like it! We recently hung all the finishing touches in Knox's room so I am …
FMK says I am nesting, but I just say we have almost been in the house a year and it is time to finally get it looking like it! We recently hung all the finishing touches in Knox’s room so I am excited to share the finished product with you!
When I posted this instagram, I heard your comments and request to start a more casual 'Mom Series' on the blog. So many of you have requested to see everyday outfits that work while running around with your little ones. …
When I posted this instagram, I heard your comments and request to start a more casual ‘Mom Series’ on the blog. So many of you have requested to see everyday outfits that work while running around with your little ones. I am excited to bring back a ”Mommy Mondays” that will be everything from sharing pregnancy updates, funny Knoxisms to mom style. If you have any specific request please leave me a comment on this post. I am looking forward to sharing more of this side of our life with you!
I wore this causal and cool stripe dress to explore Tulum on our first day of vacation. It was perfect for layering over a bathing suit and pairing with my comfortable converse. Our house for the week was in Playa …
I wore this causal and cool stripe dress to explore Tulum on our first day of vacation. It was perfect for layering over a bathing suit and pairing with my comfortable converse.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="825640"] I honestly can't say I intentionally styled this look for a 4th of July outfit. I love stripes and red, white and blue so I wear them often (last seen here), but as I was posting this I …
I honestly can’t say I intentionally styled this look for a 4th of July outfit. I love stripes and red, white and blue so I wear them often (last seen here), but as I was posting this I realized next week is the 4th so I better acknowledged that I look like I am dressing for the occasion!
<original post> We are heading out for a family vacation on Wednesday so I started browsing my achieves for some travel and beach outfit inspiration. It's funny how sometimes you forget about a cute outfit you have until you run …
<original post>
We are heading out for a family vacation on Wednesday so I started browsing my achieves for some travel and beach outfit inspiration. It’s funny how sometimes you forget about a cute outfit you have until you run across an old picture.
I had a fun excuse to dress up and have lunch with some fabulous ladies at the David Peck studio last week. A delicious local meal was severed while we previewed David's latest collection in his beautiful studio. It is …
I had a fun excuse to dress up and have lunch with some fabulous ladies at the David Peck studio last week. A delicious local meal was severed while we previewed David’s latest collection in his beautiful studio. It is times like these I am so grateful to be part of the growing Houston fashion community. There are so many talented people in this big city that genuinly embody the friendly Texas hospitality you have all heard about. I can’t wait to watch when the rest of the country takes notice.
It’s no secret that mixing florals and stripes simply work. It’s a fun mix for a casual shorts + t-shirt look or something more dressy like I am wearing here. I found this top at Target, but love how this one is a little dressier with the embellished collar. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about these shoes. They truly go with everything so I am already wearing them out and it is only May! I see some resoling in their future. 😉
As I was working on this post last night, I had a strong sense of deja vu, but then I realized I HAD actually done this before. Fast forward to September of 2011 and I pretty much wore the same …
As I was working on this post last night, I had a strong sense of deja vu, but then I realized I HAD actually done this before. Fast forward to September of 2011 and I pretty much wore the same outfit when we were living in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I use to love going to the street fairs on Saturdays for a smoothie and to browse all the random items for sale.
In today’s version, I just dressed up the trench with my go-to mirror pumps and wore a more weather appropriate sleeveless stripe shirt. It’s hard to see how cute this ruffle hem tank top is under the trench, but I have already worn it with so much – shorts to play with Knox and with a pencil skirt for church. These jeans are a summer favorite with the lighter wash + distressed denim. I am going to show my old age here, but lately I am a sucker for a high-waist. It’s flattering and so nice to be able to get on the ground with Knox and not have to worry about my pants being too low in the back. (My go-to jeans you usually see me wearing around here come in a high-waist too, by the way.)
I have a confession (If you follow me on snapchat: houseofharper, you already know this.), I had a little online shopping spree this week. It's been a while since I literally sat down and thought about what my wardrobe needs and …
I have a confession (If you follow me on snapchat: houseofharper, you already know this.), I had a little online shopping spree this week. It’s been a while since I literally sat down and thought about what my wardrobe needs and then got online and pulled the trigger. I know what you are thinking, I am a blogger, I probably shop all the time. But the truth is, I really don’t.
I cleaned out my closet last week and looked at my summer wardrobe and realized it just isn’t going to cut it for 5-6 months of 100 degree weather in Houston. Over our four years in NYC my wardrobe got heavily weighted in the fall/winter/spring layers category. Unfortunately, they aren’t going to do me much good here.
So, I thought about what I need and tried to be smart about items I can dress up / down, mix and match with my existing wardrobe, holes I needed to fill, and trends I wanted to invest in. All that being said, this dress and these shoes made the cut! I mean how cute is this dress? You know I love stripes, but believe it or not, I didn’t own any black and silver stripes. I like this dress because it looks cute with fun heels, but I can definitely wear it with flat sandals or cute sneakers, as well. If you are wondering how the red fringe shoes made the cut, it’s because you would be surprised how much they go with! And a colorful pair of shoes can make a simple outfit so much more fun! (How cute will they be with jeans and a white shirt?!)
[show_ms_widget id="17212795" image_id="18085955" width="675" height="660"] [show_ms_widget id="17212585" image_id="18085735" width="675" height="537"] It's that time of the year - the Friends & Family sale at Shopbop! Time to stock up on all those basics while they are on sale (your favorite jeans, a …
Our family was asked by Bugaboo to take the new Bugaboo Bee3 stroller on a trip to test the new features. As a Bugaboo Bee owner and fan, we happily obliged! We picked San Francisco for our destination since it had been …
Our family was asked by Bugaboo to take the new Bugaboo Bee3 stroller on a trip to test the new features. As a Bugaboo Bee owner and fan, we happily obliged! We picked San Francisco for our destination since it had been a while since we made it to the west coast. Plus, we partnered with Kid & Coe for our housing and there was the most amazing home available in Oakland, just a short drive from the city.
As I mentioned in my past travel tips, we gate check our stroller when flying to keep it with us as long as possible! We find it easier to have Knox contained and we can store our luggage in the basket under his seat or hook it to the bars. The Bugaboo Bee3 is extremely easy to collapse and store into the travel bag for safe keeping during the flight.
If you aren’t familiar with Kid & Coe (somehow it was new to me), it is a well-edited AirBnB / VRBO for families. Every home available is a carefully selected property that is both beautiful and family friendly. The concept is brilliant, you can leave your pack-n-play and toys behind because everything you need will be waiting for you at your destination. The Dover family was so kind and left us a list of their favorite things to do in the area (all family friendly), and a list of other helpful information (like the best nearby grocery store).
We took these pictures of ‘Knox’s bedroom’. It was an adorable bedroom with a crib and bunk bed that would easily sleep two children. Knox slept in the baby bed and loved playing with all the new (to him) toys in the morning while FMK and I got ready for the big day ahead. It was so nice to have entertainment in a kid safe room just across the hall from the master bedroom so we could keep an eye on him while we packed, got dressed, etc.
As you can see, Knox quickly took to the laid back California vibe, and his new Bugaboo Bee3!
Our favorite new features of the Bugaboo Bee3:
* The improved redesigned base that allows for an even smoother ride.
*The new harness has 4 separate straps to easily strap your child in without having to pull their arms through a hole
*A more generously-sized stroller basket for baby essentials, yay!
*The Bugaboo Bee3 now has the same extendable sun canopy as the other 2014 Bugaboo stroller models, providing even more shelter for your little when it’s sunny outside!
*More color options! We picked out this cute ice blue!
We headed to a local diner for breakfast the first morning, it was an easy stroll from the house and just what we needed to fuel up before our big day in the city! This is a view of the outside of the Dover Residence. Isn’t it incredible!?
When we got to the city, we parked our car near The Embarcadero because we knew it was best to get out and explore by foot. First stop, FMK wanted to take Knox to see Giant’s stadium.
Next, we strolled along the water and took in the sights of the boats off the piers.
My favorite stop is always the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings! We settled for some Blue Bottle Coffee and food, but I wished I could take all the flowers and fresh fruit back to Texas with me!
After a busy morning of exploring the city, Knox needed to come home for a nap so he could enjoy the rest of the day. FMK and I lounged in the cute courtyard with a book while he slept.
The view of Alcatraz from Chrissy Beach.
After Knox’s nap and a full day of exploring, we thought it would be fun to go watch the sunset at Chrissy Beach before catching an early dinner. It was by far the highlight of our trip!
Knox hadn’t felt sand on his toes since our 4th of July trip to the Hamptons. It took him a few minutes before he figured out how to walk on it without falling down. The funniest was watching him try to stand back up without touching the sand with his hands. ha ha!
Knox with his new Bee3!
This photograph might be my favorite, ever. These two have so much fun together! I am so blessed to have these boys in my life.
After dinner we enjoyed a little more fun at the house before time for bed. When we got home I had to get Knox a guitar and some stacking dolls because he loved theirs so much!
This is Knox getting off the plane in Houston. We had to wake him up when we landed to get him to the car. I love the way he sits in the Bugaboo Bee3, as if there was any question about it’s comfort! ha ha! Until next time, San Francisco!
I am a little behind on sharing all my New York looks! I layered up in my grandmother's vintage fur coat one morning for meetings and running around town. I wanted the outfit to be a fun mix of casual …
I am a little behind on sharing all my New York looks! I layered up in my grandmother’s vintage fur coat one morning for meetings and running around town. I wanted the outfit to be a fun mix of casual and comfortable, but professional when I took off my coat in doors. I’ve got a lot of wear out of this bright pink blazer – I guess the Texas girl is coming back out in me. 😉