GUEST ROOM SPRING & SUMMER REFRESH

With temperatures already in the 90s this spring and reaching 115 in the summer, you can bet that heavy duvets or comforters on our beds (well, unless, we want to spend a fortune on air conditioning) aren't the best idea. Until recently, that's the only bedding we had for our guest room, so I decided it was time to freshen up this cozy room with some spring colors, light weight sheets and a coverlet.

Duvets are really comfortable, but sometimes they can look a bit messy. I love this light-weight, heather gray coverlet from Lacoste because it creates clean, modern lines for the guest room. It's also machine washable and easy to put on a bed, which is a huge selling point for a busy mama like me. 

White sheets are all I buy, but the sheets we previously had on this bed were inexpensive and a bit thick. Lacoste has great quality bedding, and these were much lighter than the others. So, hopefully, our guests will feel much more comfortable now. 

I brightened up the space using some Millennial pink pillows and a mud-cloth bolster pillow I previously had on the bed. Less in more to create an light and airy quality, so I removed the throw as well. I added some floral branches to the vases, and called it a day.

Changing textiles is a really easy, inexpensive way to transform your spaces for different seasons. I highly recommend checking out Lacoste for any of your home needs. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; product given for review.

THE GIFT OF REST

I am convinced that the best gift you could give any woman on Mother's Day is rest. Rest is a undoubtedly a luxury for me in this busy season of motherhood and at the top of my wish list, but sometimes when I have the opportunity to try and rest I don't know how. That might sound crazy, but it's true. So, that's why gifting items from The White Company is an amazing idea. Their high quality, timeless home and beauty products are everything you need to feel pampered and rested.

The box I received from The White Company was the most beautiful box I had ever laid eyes on. The attention to detail is impeccable. And then you open it, and it's like peeling back layers of a rose petal starting with the warmest, personal welcome from The White Company, crisp cotton pillowcases, and a silver picture frame.

When I opened the second layer I discovered an oversized terry cloth robe, a candle that smells like a bouquet of flowers and 100% cashmere socks and a throw. Just lighting a candle and wrapping myself up in all of that pretty would put me into the deepest sleep.

It only got better though when I reached the third layer. Waiting for me was the finest face and body products. Face wash, moisturizer, oil and cream all work together to make your skin feel so soft and smell delightful.

The unboxing experience was a gift alone. However, the rest that came when I shut my bedroom doors, turned on some soft music, showered and applied it all...Well, that was exactly what I was missing in my life - true pampering and rest.

The White Company is coming across the pond from Britain to the U.S. next month and opening their first store in New York City. If you're in the area, be sure to visit. And if not, you can order it all online, at The White Company. I’m excited to be working with them on some upcoming projects as well, so stay tuned for that!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

THE PERFECT GRAY CHAIR

This post is sponsored by SIXPENNY.

I must confess a big home design mistake to you all. It's one that I made two times over. I have purchased two sofas for our living room without reading any reviews or much research. I based my choices purely on the advertised pictures. I didn't even measure my space beforehand. I just eye-balled it with full confidence everything would work out. Well, it didn't. The colors weren't right and the sizing was off. But, I have learned from my old ways, and I no longer go with just aesthetics. I only buy from trusted, quality furniture companies, and that's why I love SIXPENNY.

They are a furniture company that not only offers beautiful, modern designs, but guarantees satisfaction and quality. Each chair and sofa is made to order. Mine was shipped to me within a week of my order being placed. They also have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee and no restocking fees. That's so rare in the online furniture buying world.

I love online shopping, but the other challenge I face is figuring out if the colors are true to the photos. With SIXPENNY, what you see is what you get. I got their ARLO chair in the gray wool, and it was exactly what I thought it would look like in person. I love it because the seat is deep and you can really lounge in it.  Right away I could tell it was well made, and it's now my favorite seat in my living room. 

The only thing is that this chair is going to be moved upstairs into our bedroom/office space soon. So, I guess that means I will have to buy another one. ;) If you're looking for modern, quality furniture at great prices, definitely check out SIXPENNY. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

ARIZONA OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

This post is sponsored by Hayneedle.

The best thing about living in Arizona is the weather. It's dry and sunny almost every day of the year. Even during our high temperatures we find ourselves outdoors because we have a pool, and also because we have a backyard that feels like a sanctuary. Last year, we got patio furniture so we could enjoy the space more, and this year we finished decking out our outdoor grill area thanks to Hayneedle. 

Hayneedle offers the best outdoor decor and entertaining essentials and great prices. You better believe we will be enjoying some margaritas and carne-asada this week for Cinco de Mayo. We love using our grill, and we are able to sit and enjoy each other's company while we cook using these woven bar stools. I selected these because they appeared durable, more heat resistant than metal, and brought texture to the space. I freshened them up with some color using outdoor pillows with blues and aqua. 

We also put up a living wall to cover the ugly block wall we have, as well as to have a space to plant herbs and spices. Since the area gets sun all day long and the hot days are coming, I planted lavender and rosemary for now. They will grow in almost any weather. 

We also added some green with our big planters and covered some of the boring beige stucco with our log hoop. It's functional and it adds some interest to the space.

I thought adding some lanterns to the area was a pretty way to make the bar come alive. It's also functional for evening entertaining, and the lanterns won't blow away (something to think about for outdoor styling). 

Shade is important in Arizona, so we ordered an umbrella for the bar. I like the striped pattern for interest, but I stuck with the white and tan so it didn't over power the space.

Being able to eat poolside is amazing, but safety is important too. I ordered some durable plastic plates and other entertaining essentials. You can see the rest of my selects on the Hayneedle's blog. 

Photography by Rennai Hoefer

MOTHER'S DAY PICNIC

Sometimes expectations of a delightful, carefree and easy Mother's Day can get in the way of enjoying what Mother's Day is all about. I will be the first to admit I have missed the joy of Mother's Day all together because I was busy checking off my to-do list. So, this Mother's Day we celebrated early with the help of Minute Maid. 

Instead of having brunch or dinner or even breakfast in bed, my kids prepared a picnic of yummy snacks with the help of my husband, Ryan. They washed fruit  and veggies and placed them on a platter with some baked ricotta cheese. It was simple and delightful. Watching then prepare everything made me realize all of the good I'm doing as a mom. 

Sadly, it's not often that I take a step back and realize that I'm doing a great job, so Minute Maid has started a campaign to help parents remember all of the good they are doing. I shared more about my experience over on the Minute Maid blog. You'll also find a delicious lemonade granita recipe you won't want to miss. 

If you're wondering what to do this Mother's Day or if you are even finding yourself stressing about it, try having a picnic outdoors or indoors with your kids. It's an easy no fuss way of celebrating.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer.