Dreamy Kitchen

There are so many things about this kitchen that I am enchanted by. It pretty much has my favorite elements all put together -- the dark hardwood floors, white marble countertops, farm sink, a window to look out of while doing dishes, nice colored backsplash and more. I'm putting this one on the tippity top of my favorite kitchen lists fo' sure. It is fun to daydream...

It is by Fiorella Design via A Pina Colada.

Thankful

Little paper leaves that I printed on neutral cardstock. I traced over the gray outlines with metallic paint pen, for subtle shimmer. Punched a little hole in each one and then cut a slit so they can be slipped on and off a string.

{thankful leaves}

The idea is to hang them on the mantle and people can choose to write down little things they are thankful for on the back. Over the top cheesefest? Maybe. We have a tradition that we go around the table and share something we're grateful for before we start eating, so it isn't completely unexpected for us. They'll be decorative even if they are left blank.

{thankful leaves}

Here is the file I used, if you'd like it. I didn't draw the leaves myself, so don't get impressed with my art skills. They are traced and slightly modified from a coloring book page (found here).

{thankful leaves}

More quick paper projects:
Punched out paper napkin rings (Thanksgiving 2009)
Super simple printed paper napkin rings (Thanksgiving 2010)

Things Organized Neatly

I am incredibly drawn to things that are beautiful and organized, sometimes I wake up dreaming about everything having its own place in our home. It is something I am continually working on. When I saw that Abbey from Design Scouting found a site called Things Organized Neatly I was instantly hooked, and I have joined with her in having it become my new favorite blog obsession.



I am further charmed by the cool Defender ad above because is one of my dream cars (sigh). Do you like to look at organized pretty things too? Are you a neat-nick? What types of things do you do to keep your life in order?

Goodbye

Farewell, FOX19 viewers!

It’s not without some sadness that I find myself writing my final blog for FOX19. Hi, it's Meghan. :)

Wow. It's hard to believe this is my last day. It went by so fast. I guess that's a sign I enjoyed my five years here at FOX19.

It was a little more than five years ago that I signed on as a WXIX reporter, coming from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I was so thrilled to be able to come to Cincinnati and live in a big city. Living and working here has been all that I hoped it would be and more. That may sound cheesy but it's true. I have met so many great people and formed lasting friendships.

Me with my new co-anchor, Pete Scalia

Reporting for FOX19 allowed me to cover an important breaking news story one day and hang on a trapeze to showcase a circus in town the next. It's a job that's hard to leave. But being a morning anchor was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I am excited to join the ABC22/FOX45 team in Dayton where I’ll co-anchor alongside Pete Scalia.

I want to thank everyone so much for watching my colleagues and me at FOX19 the past several years. Live TV can certainly be an adventure, but we enjoy what we do and work hard to deliver a quality product every day. I hope it shows.

Top 10 things I’ll miss (and a few I won’t – you’ll have to guess which are which):

1. My close friends on the show and my main photographer Dale.
2. The camaraderie behind the scenes, like chatting with Sheila while we put finishing touches on our makeup.
3. Rob’s cornucopia of strange morning foods like beef jerky, watermelon, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.
4. Frank’s annoyingly chipper attitude at 3:30 AM.
5. Live shots at GABP when Reds fans camp out for Opening Day Tickets, and Opening Day itself.
6. Getting out of the warm FOX19 truck to do a live hit in the cold – 8 times per morning!
7. Setting up at our four favorite live locations: the courthouse, CVG, the police station and… the salt pile.
8. Watching countless salt trucks get refilled during bad weather at the aforementioned salt pile.
9. Dressing up in a German Dirndl for the start of Oktoberfest.
10. All the viewers who got up with us each morning and especially those who were so nice when I saw them around town.

Thanks everyone. I will really miss being on the air here in Cincy. I really appreciate your support. Remember I'm not too far away. You could buy a really strong antenna to watch me in Dayton!  :)  Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Day for kids...

Love these simple kraft ideas for a kid's table at Thanksgiving. See these and a few more ideas over here.

Christian Tagliavini - 1503

I am moved by the lighting, costumes and more in this visionary Renaissance photo project called '1503' by Swiss/Italian photographer Christian Tagliavini. At first I couldn't tell if these were paintings or photographs, they are spectacular!

(via feature shoot)

Modern Baby Gear

When it comes to baby gear, I like to find pieces that are extremely functional, modern, and simple. Here are our top ten favorite modern baby gear that we adore.

1. Puj Tub : This portable tub is incredible -- it folds into a kitchen sink fitting tub with ease and when you are finished it and can be stored nearly anywhere! I am amazed at its convenience and smart design. If you are unfamiliar with this, learn more about it here.
2. Boon Drying Rack : I love the shorter profile of this grass inspired drying rack and it is easy to dry a variety of things all at once.
3. Aden + Anais Wraps : These cozy muslin swaddlers are perfect to snuggle the baby up tight so they will sleep better. I look forward to trying the sleep sacks too, although I've never tried them, have you?
4. Skip Hop Bag : We got this bag when we had our first daughter and love the quick ability to snap it to the stroller and the pockets are incredibly handy. Bonus, my husband doesn't mind carrying it at all.
5. Sophie the Giraffe : I picked up this classic while in France and it is a family favorite. It is easily found in many places, and I have seen it become a baby shower gift of choice.
6. Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottle : I really like how these are made of glass because they have an old-school yet also very fresh and modern feel, they are super gorgeous and I can't wait to use them more.
7.BABYBJÖRN : We have loved this carrier with both of our girls, it is super easy to get in and out of, and is one of our staples. I've also found this easier to have the husband wear, instead of a wrap.
8. Bloom Coco Stylewood Baby Bouncer : This bouncer is amazing and seriously looks like a work of art!
9. MaryJane Socks : Although not necessarily gear -- I have found it difficult to find newborn shoes that stay on, so sock-shoes are the perfect alternative. We get compliments on these type of socks constantly.
10. Bugaboo Stroller : We received this as a gift with our first daughter and it has been outstanding -- it has multiple uses, and the bassinet can be used instead of a pack-n-play (when they are small) while traveling, which we recently used. We have never needed another stroller.

What about you? What are your favorite baby gear must-haves?