Inspiration for Penelope Lee's Big Girl Room

If you follow me on instagram, you might have noticed that we have recently done some room-switching at our house and that I am working on Penelope's Big-Girl-Room. Part of the reason for this is that as Penelope grows, I want her to have more of a play-room/bedroom combo and less of a nursery, aaaand I wanted to move some of her larger toys (toy kitchen, table and chairs, etc) out of my living room and into her room. 

I really love decorating and color, but sometimes when I am planning a room I get a little over excited and try to put too many bold things together. There are a few things that I knew I wanted for Pen's Big Girl Room and a lot of other things that have changed and developed as I take on and complete different projects. 
What I knew I wanted for sure: 

1. Color! Color is fun, people!
2. A chalkboard wall--again, fun! And there is a nook in this room that I knew would be perfect for it. 
3. Blush walls. I wanted a color on the walls but I didn't want that color to compete with everything else going on, or limit any future changes we might want to make. 
4. Cute and functional storage. 

At this point, I've completed a few projects for the room and am in the middle of a few more. 
I have: spray painted her second hand, plastic toy kitchen and spray painted her second hand, plastic table and chairs. I have also painted the room and the chalkboard wall. 
Currently, I am working on updating and painting a french provincial dresser and nightstand set that we bought on craigslist for $75 (this is probably worth it's own blog post, with cleaning and priming and painting). 
I also have a stack of pillows that I want to sew new covers for, for a future reading nook, and I have been picking up fun prints and items for a new and improved gallery wall. 

That all being said, the rest of the design ideas for this room have changed so M A N Y times. Originally I was going to keep the peachy-butterfly curtains and most white furniture from her nursery. Then I was going to add a black-and-white stripe theme and black and white elements throughout. I also strongly considered a pair of navy umbrella print curtains. But none of those plans ever really clicked with everything else I was working on for the room. Then today, I stumbled upon this comforter and it just all clicked! This comforter ties together all the colors I already have in the room, and incorporates the color and energy that I wanted. The print is colorful, bright and vivacious--like Penelope. Now we just have to get a bed! 

So this is my current and hopefully last, design inspiration for Pen's room! Let me know if you want to see more posts on any of my DIY's (toy kitchen, table and chairs, furniture painting, chalkboard wall, gallery wall, pillow covers, etc). Find all of the photos from my inspiration board, and see just how many ideas I really had on my pinterest board here. 

Toddler Style: Fall Mixing

There are so many fun fall pieces out there right now that make mixing and matching easy. I always want my girl to be wearing something that is easy to play in, climb in, run in, and easy to clean :) This sweater from Old Navy and joggers from Carters are just the right mix of play clothes and put together. Add a bow from Ellia May and your girl is all set for a day of fun! 

Toddler Style: fall fashion by heatherleeboone on Polyvore

Toddler Style: Layers for Party & Play

If you know me and my daughter Penelope, then you know that I love making outfits for her to wear. I have some strong opinions about what I do and don't like (surprise!) but also really love when kids clothes look like kids clothes. I really feel like I child should be comfortable and able to play in whatever they wear, and with great clothing lines at places like Target and Kohls, great online brands like Primary (solid colored basics, everything under $25!), and second hand options like ThredUp and Once Upon Child-it's easier than ever to find cute, affordable, practical options for your babies. It's so fun to mix and match looks for your kids and layering is an easy way to take dresses into fall. When I first saw this striped dress I knew it would be perfect for now and later with a simple long sleeve and tights. 

Toddler Style by heatherleeboone on Polyvore

Class Mom Style: Weekend Warrior

Feeling put-together and comfortable as you work your way through your weekend to-do list is all about taking your polished basics and pairing them together in a comfortable way. A flattering drapey-top paired with medium wash high-waist skinnies are the perfect pair for a mom on the go. Add a classic shaker cardi for warmth and trendy blush sneakers and you are ready for birthday parties, park visits, Target runs and everything in between. 

Classic Fall Mom Style by heatherleeboone featuring an open front cardigan

Classic Casual Mom Style- Weekend Edition

Classic Mom Style for the Weekend Warrior in you: this cozy, cable knit sweater is a style that will last for years and the red-orange shade makes it a modern edition, perfect for early fall. High-waisted, slightly distressed denim adds comfort, and neutral accessories help to make the look polished for that brunch-date or in-law dinner. 

Classic Mom Style by heatherleeboone featuring sam edelman flats

Classic Mom Style- Styling a Classic Shift Dress for Fall

I have been post-baby, post-pregnancy long enough now that I feel comfortable doing a full closet clean-out, and boy did I need to do one. I have several classic, solid-colored, shift dresses that I purchased during my first job out-of-college. They are quality dresses that fit well and can be worn to work, a wedding, a funeral and everything in between. But I found myself not wearing them because my current office environment is a little more casual, a little less business. I decided  that if I am going to keep items like this in my closet, I need to wear them. Here is a great and easy way to make a classic shift dress more casual and less business, using things you probably already have in your wardrobe. 

Jean jacket + Booties = Perfect for Fall. 

Classic Mom Style- Black Shift Dress by heatherleeboone featuring a handbag purse

Classic Polished Mom Style

Booties are everywhere in all seasons it seems, but being six feet tall has put me on the hunt for a versatile pair that is flat and can be worn in a casual setting but also in a relaxed business casual/office setting. These Rocket Dog Booties are the perfect compromise and are budget friendly to boot (punny, Heather). And you can't go wrong with a chambray shirt dress or my favorite light as a feather, leather earrings from mom-entrepreneur: Nickel and Suede. 

Classic Mom Style by heatherleeboone featuring rucksack bags

Classic Mom-on-the-Go Style

Everyday I find myself trying to look cute and put together without being uncomfortable or feeling too fussy. This look would be great for a family day out or even a trip to the park! Plenty of room for snacks in the backpack and pockets for all the little things your mini-me wants to bring along. 

classic mom style by heatherleeboone featuring a zipper bag

please, make a fuss.

In the wake of the election, inauguration and all that has happened since I find myself seeing more and more friends/family/acquaintances getting involved and expressing their discontent and anger at what is going on in our country. 

But I have also started to notice an increase in people posting things like "here's a distraction from all the fuss in your newsfeed" or even passively plucked out Bible verses about how the lord will provide and save us all. 
... 
NO. 
God did not give you a brain, two hands, and two feet to just sit around and watch things fall to pieces. 
God did not give you ears, eyes, and a mouth for you to quietly stand by as people are oppressed, starved, or killed. 
And that IS what is happening and what WILL happen. 
The destruction may not appear obvious or apparent in your view but I guarantee that it is happening.
One of your child's friends at school is on free or reduced lunch and is now going to lose their healthcare. 
I guarantee that someone in your office has severe asthma and will severely affected by the lack of government regulation on our air quality. 
I guarantee that the woman you stand behind in line at Target has had a health scare or pregnancy scare and needed the assistance of a federally funded Planned Parenthood. 
I guarantee that one of your cubical mates at work is a first generation American who's family is now at risk. 

Let's look at what the Bible tells us. Starting with the strong female leads. 

Esther. Yes, Esther prayed and prayed and listened to God. But is that all she did? No, she prayed, listened and TOOK ACTION. She didn't just ask God to free his people. She went into King Xerxes chamber and handled it, freeing her people despite the fact that her husband could kill her for doing so, legally. 

Rahab. Rahab's story is one of my favorites. Rahab lived in ancient Jericho and was not your stereotypical law-abiding woman. She was the owner of a tavern and most likely, a prostitute. But when the time came, she TOOK ACTION. Rahab hid two Israelite spies who had been sent into the city of Jericho prior to Isreal's attack on that city. When these two soldiers knocked on her door, Rahab didn't turn them away or ask God to protect them for her. She acted. And saved her family from being killed in the attack on Jericho in the process. She is also one of four women listed in the Bible as ancestors of Jesus. 

Next up, Jesus. There are so many stories of Jesus caring for the poor, outcast, and sick people throughout the New Testament. But one of the most resonant is the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. It is so resonant that it is in all four gospels. Jesus and his disciples travel to Jerusalem for Passover. But the temple in Jerusalem had become overrun with greedy merchants and money changers. Jesus was angry. Seriously, he was furious. Did he turn around and go home muttering about 'all the fuss?' No. He literally turned over the merchants' tables and yelled at them to leave his Father's house. He put an embargo on people carrying merchandise through the temple. He made fuss. He protested. He created the change that was NEEDED. 

Yes. There are many stories and characters in the Bible who are examples of trust in God and faithfulness. But there are also countless examples of that faithfulness taking place in the form of action, empathy and love. Do not use your Christianity or your faith as a reason for silence or as an excuse for inaction. Your silence normalizes what is happening. When you write off the (physical, verbal, visual, social media...) protests of your peers as 'nonsense' or 'fuss' you are giving the current political landscape your stamp of approval. 

If the last week has shown us anything, it is that things are only going to get worse before they get better. Passivity, inaction, and 'not wanting to talk about politics' are what got us here. Speak up, donate, call your representatives, tweet, march, work for a non-profit, raise your children to see their privilege and care for all others--all of these things will make a difference, but do not sit idly by and watch this happen. 

One day at a time

Hey Y'all.

I have to tell you that current events have me struggling.
I find myself here again because I am not sure where else to go. Everyday life continues and it must.
But I find myself avoiding the news, podcasts, papers, magzines--things I used to love.
Why?
Because our current politcal climate makes me furious and heartbroken and I just cannot make it through each day hearing about the legislation proposed, cuts being made, nominees being confirmed, groups of people being threatened and harassed... as if it is all normal, as if it is all okay.
This, all of this is not ok.
And I am FURIOUS.
And I am heartbroken.
But I can't lead everyday furious and heartbroken. Perhaps some of you can. Perhaps some of you can turn that fury and heartbreak into motivation and productive action. But I just can't.
I need to be whole and and complete each day, for my family, and honestly for myself. My mental health cannot handle a constant stream of fury and heartbreak.

And what hurts me even more now is that I love my daughter so much, so completely. And now, not only do I have to teach her to be strong and courageous and loving, but I must find a way to show her how to love others in a country that tells her to only look out for herself.
How do we teach our children to love others, to do unto others, to treat everyone with respect, when our leaders are openly biogted, and clearly care nothing for anyone other than themselves?

How can I teach grace and courage and hope when they are so hard to find in public life?

I am at a loss, and taking things one day at a time.