Home Feature: Abode Casa Home

One of the most fun things about blogging are the connections you make with other people all over the world.   But it is also fun to re-connect with old friends too, which was the case when I discovered that a friend from childhood had started her own company on Etsy, Tuftlove Fabric, and makes beautiful custom crib bedding along with Duvet Covers, Pillows, Curtains, and more (as shown here too when I received the bedding).  She also has a wonderful blog Abode Casa Home, and when she asked to feature my home, I of course said yes.  Hope over to Abode Casa Home here to see the feature!

Game Room Mini-Makeover

I am in the process of a mini-makeover of our game/play room upstairs.  I think this will be one of our major hang out spots starting in the next couple weeks, so we invested in another flat screen for the room (we are self proclaimed TV junkies).  Other than that, I am making some tweaks with new pillows and other accessories I already have.  I would really like the room to be comfortable, inviting, and functional, yet still pulled together in an aesthetically pleasing way, even though I can imagine it will probably become overrun by toys eventually.  The furniture in the room is this sectional and chair I had in our last home:

Our Family Room in Our Last House

 I recently purchased this ottoman, which I pictured before on the blog:

The previous pillows that are in the first picture really blend with the couch but they don't pull together the added gray tones that I wanted to incorporate.  So with some design dollars I accumulated at West Elm, I picked up these pillows (currently, there are some great new pillows there):

I also finally hung some photos on the wall, that I already had in Ikea Ribba frames and was hung in the last couple of places we lived, so now the room has a much warmer, homey feel.

I would love to add some paint because it is still looking very bland, some window coverings, and a side table.  Once I do, I will share the finished space!

The Year of the Dragon

I have taken an inexecusably long blog hiatus.  A complete pregnancy creative slump led to one week, which spilled over to two weeks, and into the next, so now I'm back....that is until I go into labor (I am due in less than 2 weeks).

This weeks marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and it's the year of the (water) dragon.  This is supposed to be a very auspicious sign to be born under.  I guess I couldn't have planned our impending baby's birth any better!  If perhaps you are inspired by the New Year to add a dragon symbol into your life I put this together:

1. Jonathan Adler Dragon Lamp ($695)--Adler's nod to The Year of the Dragon.
2. Happy New Year Dragon Print ($14)
3. Chinese Porcelain Ginger Jar ($35)
4. Chiang Mai Pillows (Pair) ($210)--These are a perpetual classic.
5. Dogeared Fearless Dragon Necklace ($46)
6. ArksandAnimals Dragon Pull Toy ($26.75)

Free Nail Polish!

Whoever said nothing in life is free, hasn't seen this deal from Zoya nail polish.  A friend passed this Refinery 29 post on to me yesterday about Zoya's offer for 2 free nail polishes when you enter the code at check out and it really works (you just have to pay for shipping).   Here is the link: Zoya Free Nail Polish Deal.

I ordered these colors:

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I like to wear dark colors on my toes in the winter (and sometimes on my nails).  This one has a dark purple undertone.

Avery

I haven't tried a neutral cream hue yet, which seems to be gaining in popularity too.

This deal is good through January 9th.  Have a great weekend!

House Tour: Family Room Reveal

I have been reluctant to post my family room since I can't seem to take a good photo.  Plus, every time my mom visits she says everything looks so much better in person than on my blog, sooooo maybe my New Year's resolution should be to learn how to take better interior photos on my camera.

Interior photography is not my forte, as it's so difficult to get the lighting and angle correct in order to really give an accurate portrayal of what it looks like.  I was going to wait until my Dad came out here since he has all of the fancy flashes and expertise to take them, but I couldn't wait to share.  Here it is:

Sources:

Media Console-Home Decorators

Rug-Surya

Sofa-Room & Board

Sofa pillows- Custom Trina Turk for Schumacher

Custom Pindler & Pindler (Gray Velvet)

Coffee Table-World Market (From my other Family Room)

Chairs-Crate & Barrel

Chair (Kidney) Pillows-Custom Trina Turk for Schumacher

Decorative Vases-Bellacor

Side Table-Nate Berkus for HSN

Lamp-Restoration Hardware

Bench-Ballard Design with Upholstered Trina Turk for Schumacher fabric

Mirror-Wisteria

Art-My Travel Photos via Easy Canvas Prints

Nursery Progress

I'm so excited to share the latest in our nursery progress.  So far the room has really come together, and I have enjoyed seeing my vision come to life.  I had ordered this Quadrille fabric and had Sally of the Etsy shop Tuft Love Fabric make it into a bumper.  I couldn't recommend her shop highly enough. I think it turned out so beautifully!  She really did such an amazing job, it's impeccably sewn, and I love how it looks in the crib:

The crib sheet is from Serena & Lily.

See the full nursery design board here.

Bedroom Retreats with Arcadian Lighting

Today I have a guest post from Arcadian Lighting showcasing some gorgeous bedroom retreats:

Hi! I’m Joanna, a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, a blog and website for interior designs and lighting fixtures. I love my job. I get to scour the web to find decorating ideas and images of beautiful rooms to share with blog readers like you. Thank you Travelmoon for allowing me to share!

In today’s hectic world, we all need a place where we can escape to let go of the stress and tension of the day. A well-appointed bedroom can be just the remedy you need. Plush bedding and seating, soothing colors and soft flooring can all go a long way to help you relax and renew. Take a look at some of our favorite bedroom retreats.

Enveloped in gorgeous turquoise, this bedroom makes a perfect getaway from worldly worries. A mirrored bed reflects the color beautifully, and a sparkling chandelier adds an extra bit of glamour.

Plush white bedding make this eclectic space inviting. The headboard offers just enough padding to lean against to read a novel or surf the web.

The softest pink, from floor to ceiling, invites one to take a break and lounge on this stylish bed. The tufted headboard adds a luxurious touch.

Soothing blue and gray create the perfect palette in this glamorous bedroom. Can’t you just imagine kicking off your shoes and jumping into this comfy bed? The dusky blue glass lamp is the perfect color for this room, too.

Ornate, yet humble, this space feels like a room in a country estate. A lovely little sitting area provides the perfect spot to relax with a good book or visit with family.

A dynamic décor is softened by the plushest of beds. The bedroom’s pattern and texture makes a bold statement while the soft gray walls are relaxing.

Soft teal walls and light blue furnishings work together to provide a peaceful setting. Does this room inspire any design ideas for your bedroom retreat?

A glamorous bedroom by designer Tobi Fairley makes us want to take a break and breathe deeply for a moment or two of pure relaxation.

Is your bedroom a glamorous escape from the world? If not, I hope this post has inspired a few changes! Check out Arcadian Lighting's blog for fresh inspirations every day! (Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Thanks Joanna for all of the beautiful inspiration!

Monday Escapes: Travel Wish List 2012

At the beginning of the year, instead of making a resolution I will probably not end up keeping, I prefer to dream and plan into reality a fantasy travel spot.  Last year, these were my picks (I made it to Belize and Guatemala-2 out of the 4).  This year will be much more challenging with a baby on the way, but I am hoping I can make it to one of these places:

1. Sweden

I don't know why watching the new American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo makes me want to visit Stockholm, as it appears downright cold and ominous in the film (I wrote about this phenomenon last year).  But in general, I have a strong draw towards wanting to visit many places in Northern Europe, and this tops my list.  And let's not forget the design and fashion influence that this country wields, which I would love to see in person.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

I don't want to ignore all of the wonderful places I have yet to see in the U.S., so I try to make it to a new U.S. city once a year as well.  Charleston has been on my radar for quite some time for the ambience, restaurants, and great shopping I have read and heard about it from bloggers and friends who have visited.

3. Caribbean

We always like to spend time at a new beach locale once a year.  There is nothing like a rejuvenating trip to a white sand beach with an abundance of palm trees to help you revive and recharge.

4. San Diego

Just so I'm not setting myself up to fail, I will add San Diego to this list.  I already have multiple trips in mind for friend's weddings and baby celebrations I plan on attending!

What places are on your travel wish list?

*Images via Pinterest