Black + White Grid Pattern

I'm BACK!!! After a month long hiatus, I'm finally back.  Thank you for your patience with me as I spent some quality time with my family.  Denali is starting high school next week and we are realizing that our kids are growing up so quickly.  We took a huge road trip and drove all the way to Alaska and back as a family.  After almost 10,000 miles on the road, I think we had some great bonding time.  

I'm going to ease back into blogging with a fun round up of my current favorite pattern - Grid.  I love black and white, it's always a classic and grid patterns are so clean and simple.  They add a subtle graphic pattern without being totally bold and overwhelming.  It's also a great pattern to mix with organic patterns like florals and botanicals.  Can't you see those gorgeous grid heels paired with a bright floral dress? 

Dish Towels

Wall Organizer // Washi Tape // Pillow

Sofa // Plate

Shoes // Bag // Shirt

Is there a pattern you are loving lately?  

3 Aussie Shops That Will Inspire You

I've been following three Australian shops on Instagram for a while now.  They make me want to fly half way around the world just to shop.  And although they don't all ship to the US, I love to followthese shops on instagram and visit their online shops for inspiration.  So, I thought you should know about them as well.

The first one is Gorman. Their textile patterns are jam packed with color and modern shapes.

Pillowcases // Plate // Tote

The next shop in Jumbled.  If you need some color inspiration in your life, this is the shop to follow on instagram.  

Throw // Side Table // Print

And the third shop is Aura Home.  It's muted pallet and clean white spaces will have you craving bright, simple room. 

Rug // Throws and Pillows // Quilt Set

What companies and shops do you follow?  Are any of them filling your instagram feed with color and pattern inspiration that I should know about?

Window Shopping: Pineapple Pretties

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I warned you yesterday that I'm on a pineapple kick this week. I'm not ready for summer to be over, so I'm keeping it alive with this tropical fruit theme. I did a little online window shopping and picked out some fun Pineapple Pretties.

Since colonial times, the pineapple has represented hospitality. I love what this fruit symbolizes. I always want guest to feel welcome in my home and being hospitable was something my parents definitely modeled for me as a child. 

Pineapple T-shirt // Cookie Cutter // Silver Studs

Personalized Stationary // Porcelain Pineapple

Bamboo Cutting Board // Pineapple Pillow // Pineapple Print Dress

If you like these and want to see more,  I've found some other great pineapple perfect pieces and pinned them to my Island Life Board.

Window Shopping - Floor Poufs and Ottomans

I'm trying to make my living room a more modern space. I've painted the room a crisp white and I got a new chair. In an effort to make the space feel brand new without spending very much money, I'm on the look out for some great accessories that pack a whole bunch of style for very little cash.

I want to be able to relax and unwind at the end of the day in my living room.  I love the casual feel of flour poufs.  And many of these bring fun texture to the table as well. The gold Moroccan one is to die for, I kind of love it.  

Metallic Gold Leather // Grey Woven // Green Woven

DIY Pouf // Recycled Material

Kilim Floor Pouf // Ikat Storage Pouf // Variegated Grey Pouf

Do any of these catch your eye? What makes a space comfy to you? I think being able to put your feet up is important. 

My Maui Must Haves

Believe it or not, I'm still in Maui.  Our trip will be winding down soon, but we've had an amazing time and are so blessed to get to do this. I am far from a fashionista, but I do like a little funk in my wardrobe. I don't really know what my style is, but I if I had to give it a name, I'd probably call it California Comfy. I love graphic patterns and pops of color paired with classic solids.

Black Tank // Orange Hat // Palm Tree Pants

Fun Towel // Best Sunscreen

Coral Nail Polish // Peach Makeup // Comfy Walking Shoes

I really didn't buy much for this trip, but these are a few of my favorite pieces that made their way here with me. Of course I brought a good swimsuit and other essentials, but I've really gotten a lot of use out these items in particular. 

The tank and palm tree pants are like wearing pj's in public. And they were super comfy for the flight over as well. The hat went to NYC and now I'm getting a lot of use out of it here in Hawaii. Not only does it give me sun protection, but if I don't want to do anything with my beach hair, it stylishly covers the mess. The towel was a "want" but sold out before I could get it at my target, but my old one is still cute. Target's Up and Up spray sunscreen is the best! Take it from this fair, freckled, redhead - it's reasonably priced and does a great job even in and out of water. Coral is the color of the season, I love this Essie polish and the Bare Essentials Peach makeup. They both add a touch of soft color that isn't too harsh and super made up. And Born shoes are always great, but these 3 toned brown sandals look great with jeans, shorts and dresses. The are my go to shoes this summer and I can wear them comfortably all day long. 

Do you have some Summer or travel must haves that you've gotten a lot of mileage out of this season? Please share. 

The Land of Nod is coming to SoCal

I am beyond excited friends.  Yes, I do love a good online window shopping session, but real life window shopping is soooo much better.  And now if you are living in Southern Cali, you get shop at a REAL LIFE Land of Nod shop.  Eeeeek, I can't wait to see everything up close and in person.  The Land of Nod is opening a brick and mortar shop at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA on May 31th.  If you live near by, you are going to want to be there for the Grand Opening, there will be lots of free goodies for everyone who arrives early to shop.

You probably know that I am a HUGE Nod fan.  I share their products here often and when I gave my daughter's shared bedroom a makeover, I turned to The Land of Nod for the fun, funky, and fresh look I was looking for.  I'm still so jealous of Denali's new gold dot sheets, Nod bedding is amazing.

Deer // Lamp // Metal Letter

Walnut Dresser // Pillow

Feather Print // Gold Dot Wall Decal // Rocking Chair

I'm heading to the new SoCal Land of Nod shop at the end of the month.  I've got my eye on some great "grown-up" pieces.  Although The Land of Nod is really a shop for children's furniture and accessories, I've found some great pieces that would be fantastic in any space or room in my home.  But specifically, I would love to have these pieces for my living room.  I'm working on trying to make the space a little more modern and although it's technically a grown-up space, I really want to keep it playful and family friendly. I can't wait to share with you what I come home with.

You may want to follow The Land of Nod on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram to find out what's new or what creative adventures they are on.  I love following their Instagram, it's great place for inspiration.  

You might also want to enter The Land of Nod Win A Room Sweepstakes. The Grand prize is a room designed by The Land of Nod (a $4000 value). The winner with receive a design consultation with a the Nod design team, a room makeover with selected products from The Land of Nod, and then be featured in the The Land of Nod Real Families section of an upcoming catalog. The sweepstakes runs till June 17th. 

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

Window Shopping - Camping and Outdoors Decor

Yesterday I shared a little family video from our Spring Break camping trip to Joshua Tree.  We are gearing up for Summer and camping is on my mind. I love decorating and accessorizing Riley, and I have a vision. It's a slow process though, firstly because I'm picky and want to do it right, and secondly because it has to be on a budget (like almost free budget).  But, I recently was checking out some of my favorite online shops and I found a few dream pieces for my trailer. So here's my finds, and wouldn't this be a great start to a little boy's camping/outdoors themed bedroom? 

Squirrel Nightlight // Camp Bedding // Pendleton Pillow

National Park Canvas // Away We Go Print

Smore Pillow (Land of Nod - no longer available) // Teepee Print // Bear Pillow

Window Shopping - Coral Accents

I've been loving coral colored flowers this week, if you follow my instagram, you may have noticed.  And seeing this color with all the grey and green in our home, I'm total digging it.  It's my new favorite color combo coral, grey and green.  It would sure make a pretty party palette as well. 

Ombre Pillow // Giraffe // Coffee Table

World Map // Bird Print

Rectangle Print // Paper Flowers // Bowl

So, I thought I'd do a little online window shopping at my favorite stores and pick out some fun coral accents that would look good in my living room.  Now that I have a new chair, I'm really wanting to modernize and update our living room.  I'm thinking a few splashes of coral might be nice, what do you think?   Is there anything in this round up that catches your eye? 

Window Shopping - Toddler and Tween Shared Bedroom

Most of the time, I love my little 1920's California bungalow. But, recently I've realized our tiny home is not ideal. The problem is that my daughters, Denali and Olivia, have to share a room.  This doesn't seem like it would be a big issue, but there is a big age gap between them. Denali is 11 (going on 16) and Olivia is just a year old. I want them to have a space that is appealing and organized for both of them. I don't want the room to look like a nursery, or on the other extreme, like a mature teenage space either. The room does have furniture, but really no defined style. The bedding, rug and walls are grey and light pink and I do love that color combo.  But, beyond color, there isn't much else. I'm struggling to give my toddler and tween the space and design that they each need. I want their room to be a place that they both love. We need function and funk folks. 

I put together an inspiration board of fun pieces that I think could help bridge this age gap in design. I think The Land of Nod has beautiful pieces that will provide my toddler and tween with the unique and quirky style that I'm looking for.

  

Flamingos Print // Gold Dot Sheet Set //  Fur and Glasses Print

Grey Herringbone Pouf // Storagepalooza 

White Leather Chair // In the Loop Grey Duvet Cover // Amethyst Print

They both have vintage beds. Denali's is a full sized metal frame from Lonnie's Grandparent's farm and Olivia's crib was my Jenny Lind crib from when I was a baby. Obviously our house is also old, but I think the space needs a splash of modern and playful. Denali helped me pick out the prints, she particularly loved the Flamingo and Cat prints. And I LOVE the gold dot sheets. There is something both classic and fun about polka dots. I think they'll look great with Denali's grey bedding. I also would love to get Denali the beautiful leather desk chair. It's sleek and modern and she just has an old stool for a chair at her desk now. The Land of Nod has a well curated catalogue. It's such a treat to flip through the pages, there is a sense of nostalgia and the creative touch of artists.  

Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to attempt to makeover my Toddler and Tween's Shared Bedroom. I'll be sharing what I find along the way and what works in this space.  So, stay tuned for more. Do you have a space in your home that has to serve two functions or accommodate multiple people? 

Window Shopping - Decorating with Pink

Pink has definitely had a strong appearance here on O + P the last couple weeks, with my geometric heart, Valentine's party and decor around our home. My love of the color is really quite a new found affection.  I really credit Denali, my 11 year old. While I was not a very girly girl as a child, she definitely is. Her love of pink has finally rubbed off on me.  

I've gathered up some pretty pink pieces that would be great in many spaces. I think these are fun, grown up accessories that don't have to just be in a little girl's room.  Yes, pink is traditionally feminine but, I think it's can now be a playful, modern color for the home. What do you think?

Dhurrie Rug // Coat Rack // Ombre Desk via

Pillow // Arrow Peg Hook

Pink Moose // Paper Roses // Rug

You can see more of my pink finds on my Pretty Pink Pinterest board. Is there something in this collection that catches you eye or you could see having in your own home?

Window Shopping: Life on Churchill St.

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Julia of Life on Churchill St.  Julia and I are just online, bloggy friends, but if we lived closer to each other, I'm pretty sure we would be real life friends as well.  

Life on Churchill is a really great blog.  It's one of my personal favorite reads.  It's a mix of crafts, diys, family, design and so much more.  She has just opened her Etsy Shop.  I'm really excited about the vintage and antique finds she already has there.  And I know she'll be on the hunt for more great finds.  And check this out, she is offering O+P readers a special discount.  Now through February 14th you can get 10% off (enter code VINTAGEVALENTINE10). I hope you head over there and check out the Life on Churchill St. shop.    

Framed Paintings // Vintage Clock

Hangers // Brass Birds

I've asked Julia to give herself a little introduction.

Hi, I'm Julia, I share about vintage finds, inspirational ideas, and a bit about daily life on my blog. I love connecting with new friends through blogging. It is so encouraging to find like minded friends with similar interests.

I'm a mom of two preschoolers, we live in Minnesota after growing up near the coast of Georgia. My background is product design and my husband is a designer too, it impacts how we live our daily life. My faith in Christ is really important to me and I try to integrate in Life on Churchill.

Julia has some great tips and tricks for thrifting, you can read more about them here.  She also did a little thrifting Q&A with me.

What's you favorite thing to thrift shop for? 

I love a good piece of mid century furniture. That is always the first thing I look for. Once I check out furniture I look for home decor, everything from knobs and handles to vases and vintage children's toys. 

What is your holy grail, or the one item you are always looking for?

I would love to find a vintage Eames lounge chair. I keep telling myself if I'm patient and continue to look I will someday find one! I've also been on the lookout for a vintage fisher price a-frame house to add to our fisher price collection. 

What's your best thrifting find of all time? 

A few years ago a neighbor had a garage sale. I just stopped for a moment and spotted a brass birds wall hanging. I bought it for $15 and later confirmed with the Artisan House that it is a Birds in Flight by Curtis Jere valued over $1000. It fits in nicely over our fireplace.

How often do you make it to a junk, thrift or antique store?

I visit the thrift store at least once a week. I go frequently enough that I recognize a lot of the employees and I'm sure they recognize me too. I visit a few estate sales on average once a month. And antique stores maybe once a quarter. I love antique stores but can't afford to pay premium prices.

Do you have any thrift regrets, something you wish you wouldn't have bought?

Not one in particular. I do sometimes buy things for nostalgia sake and then realize later that the toy is broken or the book's binder is severely worn. The good news about thrifting is the items are affordable. I like that I'm giving a product a second life, and if I re-donate it later someone will likely adopt it again.

I hope you'll show a little love and head over to Life on Churchill St. Blog and Etsy Shop.  Be a friend and leave a comment, pin one of her great crafts, or do a little shopping.  

Window Shopping - Ikea 2013

A couple weeks ago, on our way back from my parent's place, we stopped in San Francisco and I got to walk around Ikea.  I hadn't been in a few months, so I was in need of an Ikea fix.  There were lots of "new to me" items that caught my eye.  Here's a round up of of some of my favorites.  

Expedit High Gloss Grey Bookshelf // Cloud Light // Wing Chair

Black and White Lantern // Dark Green Velvet Pillow

Dark Grey Folding Chair // Black and White Pillow // Metal Cart

I did bring home a couple of the green velvet pillows for our couch.  The Pantone color of the year is Emerald, so I couldn't resist.  It may look like grey is my favorite color, but it's really green. Every good redhead should love the color green, right?  Grey is just my favorite neutral.  It plays together so nicely with all the colors.

I also bought this fun log tray, it was only $2.99.  I'm starting to think I might have a tray problem, I really love using them and displaying things on them.  Well, maybe it's not really that big of a problem, now that I count them, I really only own six or maybe seven.

And if you follow my instagram (@jeranmcconnel) you might also have seen the bookshelf/picture ledges that I put up in Dylan's room.  Those were of course an Ikea purchase, the Ribba ledges.  I'll post more about those soon, because they were a great solution for storage in a small space.

I really love Ikea.  To prove it, I've been to Ikea in SIX different countries (Canada, US, England, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Australia).  That's pretty good, right?  Are you a fan?  How can you not be when there's meatballs and furniture all in one place?

Foxy Finds

Are you loving Foxes?  Cause they are everywhere!  I'm a sucker for a cute woodland animal, you know I love owls.  I found a great Pinterest board called all the owls have been eaten by foxes and I've been pinning them on my Foxy Finds Board.  The fox is definitely trendy.  Trends are fun, they give you something new to hunt for.  And they make me want to figure out how I can put my own personal spin on the trend.  How do you feel about trends?

  

Here's a few cute foxy finds that I've found browsing the world wide web.

Fox Fabric // Fox Cookie Jar // Fox Puzzle 

Crochet Fox Pillow // Printable Bookmark

Fox Screen Print // Fox Sweater // Tea Pot