Stripes for Summer


I'm really loving the stripe trend for summer right now {that and gingham!} and wanted to showcase some of my favorite recent finds:














Are you loving this trend as much as I am??

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

xo natasha

Ethan's 5 Year Birthday Weekend


Today, Ethan turns FIVE! It's so hard to believe that five years flown by. Ethan just blossoms by the day and we're so excited for him to start kindergarten this fall. Cue the tears!

We celebrated his birthday over the weekend with all of his friends {and ours!}. We settled on an outer space theme since Ethan recently learned bout all of the planets. Some how, that also morphed into a Spider Man theme since that was the only thing available for a bounce house and cake. It all worked out and of course, Ethan loved the hybrid theme! ;)









By Sunday, we were totally spent and just wanted to hang at the beach! We grabbed pizza at Aleworx after to close out the weekend!


Also, super fun, but on Friday, our local library had a live animal show, complete with an alligator that all the kids got to pet. It was really neat! 


I would say, all in all, it was a great birthday weekend!

xo natasha

5 Year Old Gift Guide


I can't believe I just put together a FIVE year old gift guide...where has the time gone and how is it possible that Ethan is about to be a kindergartner in a few short months?

This year, I'm trying to gift him more activities rather than toys as I know his brain is like a little sponge right now. In fact, during his preschool graduation, he said that he wants to do homework when he grows up...too cute! I'm really excited about the Osmo Genius Kit! I've heard other moms rave about it and think Ethan will love it! I'm also intrigued by the drill kit and animal book! 

Also, a backpack is a must since he's starting school this fall and coming on the heels of kiddie kickers and T-ball...practicing soccer would be much more fun with a new net!

Last thing, we've had an influx of bugs around the house...prompting Ethan to observe them and Wyatt to squash them...and this ant farm looks so neat! I think Ethan would love it!

Do you have fun ideas for five year olds? I'd love to hear!

xo natasha

Outer Space 5th Birthday Party


Star Balloon + Solar System Whirls + Space Ship Piñata
Mission to Mars Birthday Invitation
Space Cookies + Banner + Party Dinnerware

Ethan's FIFTH birthday is coming up {fun fact, today, June 20th, was his due date} and this year, he requested an outer space party...complete with bounce house {like last year!}. I think we'll round out the party with some bomb pops and this splash pad {as opposed to a launch pad} since it's summer and super hot right now!

Check back later this week for birthday gift ideas!

xo natasha

Lately


How is June already half way over? We've been super busy lately with kiddie kickers and T-Ball wrapping up, trips to Disneyland and San Francisco, and finalizing the plans on our new build! Oh! And Wyatt transitioned to a big boy bed and has done surprisingly well! #fingerscrossed

Here is more of what we've been up to...


Edgewood {the golf course where got married} just opened a brand new lodge which includes a new hotel, spa and restaurant...it's gorgeous! We can't wait to spend all summer there!


The yummiest sweet potato and bean chili for the night it snowed last weekend!


My outfit for date night, which includes my new favorite gingham blouse, these ultra flattering jeans and some fun flatforms.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo natasha

Design Showcase: Family Friendly Living Room



Several years ago, I used to play "interior designer" and design reader's spaces for free! You can see the series here. It was a fun, creative outlet and I really enjoyed getting to know my readers better. But of course, it's a lot of work too...so the series went on a hiatus! 

Well, I'm happy to tell you that Morgan reached out recently and asked if I could put some ideas together for her family room. Here's what she had to say:

I remember a long time ago you did some design help/room inspiration posts and I was wondering if you still did that. My living room may be the most awkward room and despite living her for four years, it has barely changed. I am completely stuck, especially when it comes to art because all the walls are weird and small. I have a two year old and am pregnant with our second and I all of a sudden feel a crazy urge to get it done!! Let me know if you are still up for ideas!

Morgan also let me know that the couch and chair needed to stay but everything else could be updated...here is a peek into her space:





You can see that the dark furniture makes the space pretty dark and there's not too much personality {ie: color and pattern} except for that darling rainbow pom garland in the doorway!


Pillows 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + Rug

I wanted to bring in some color and pattern and this rug is just the ticket! It has some yellow and turquoise in it which is why I chose the yellow console and turquoise lamp...plus all the fun pillows! Plus, we all know how valuable storage is, which is why I love incorporating pretty baskets to store away toys. Most of these items are very affordable which is exactly what you want for kiddos! I also suggested painting the walls white to brighten up the space and considering these bamboo shades for additional texture.

So what do you think? Anything you change or suggest?

Thanks for letting me play along Morgan...I hope you can incorporate some of these updates to make the room feel more personalized and functional for your growing family! :)

xo natasha

Beach Fun for the Whole Fam


Junior Kayak {Ethan is OBSESSED with this!} // Girls Swimsuit // Hydro Flask // Sunnies

We're officially in beach mode with the warm weather and I cannot tell you how much I LOVE it! The boys burn so much energy running and kayaking around and the parents love getting a chance to relax. We usually got with a group of parents and kids to ensure there is plenty to keep the little ones distracted. In fact, we pretty much have a standing date every Sunday morning...bliss!

Are you enjoying any beach days yet?

xo natasha

Gingham Style


I'm in love with gingham this season...check out some of my recent buys and items on my wishlist!


This top was a little bit of a splurge but I love that I can wear it to work and on the weekends!


Adore these pants for work!


How cute is this dress from Target? Totally scooped it up!


Gah! This jacket is ADORABLE!


Love the bigger gingham print and drop waist on this dress!

Are you digging gingham as much as I am?

Have a great weekend!

xo natasha