Coming home after a trip to the art museum is always a bit of a let-down. There are no Rothko originals hanging on my walls, and the shabby thrifted artwork I’ve been living with for years suddenly seems extra sad. I can’t stop dreaming about new artwork for our walls, and I know it would make our home-in-progress look much more polished.

New art is on our to-buy list right after a new sofa and new chair reupholstery, so it won’t be happening any time soon. But I plan on being ready to make that purchase as soon as we’re ready! Right now, I’m just enjoying looking around and window shopping. Here are a few of my favorites. Too bad they don’t have layaway, huh?

         

          

So much enjoyment was had after my Dick Van Dyke Show coloring fest, I thought we would all appreciate even more fashion inspiration from the famous Laura Petrie! I’ve been tremendously inspired by Mary Tyler Moore’s incarnation of a 1960’s stay-at-home-mom, causing me to break a several year streak of wearing mostly dresses. Yep, that’s right! I can’t get enough of nice, tailored cigarette pants and classic tops, thanks to Laura.

Rob Petrie’s spunky and supportive wife used to be a dancer, but now Laura spends her days chasing around their rambunctious son Richie, cleaning and cooking in their ranch home, and staying involved in the PTA. Her style is classic and refined with cute girlie touches here and there, but it’s also completely practical for the life of a busy mom. What’s especially inspiring about Laura Petrie’s wardrobe in The Dick Van Dyke show is how often her character remixes everything she owns. Watch a few episodes, and you’re bound to catch Laura wearing the same thing twice! That’s the kind of closet I’d like to build.

      1. Pink Faux Reptile Purse | $76.36
      2. Jade Green Pussybow Blouse | $37.99
      3. Yellow Dress | $104.99
      4. White Porkie Pie Hat | $45
      5. Blue Nautical Shirt | $52.99
      6. White Tie-Front Shirt | $44.99
      7. Black and White Checked Trousers | $76.36
      8. Tahari Black Pumps | $69.95
      9. Textured Cigarette Trousers | $80
      10. Black High Waist Trousers | $33.94
      11. Mustard Suede Wedges | $119.95
      12. Yves Saint Laurent Matte Lipstick | $34
      13. Brown Faux Leather Shopper Purse | $67.88

This is my very first Mother’s Day as an actual mother, which means I’ve taken a renewed interest in the Halmark holiday. This gift guide is full of pretty and useful things I would adore giving and receiving on Mother’s Day, or any other day of the year, for that matter! For Mother’s Days past, I’ve stuck to incredibly useful gifts like milk chocolate. Or dark chocolate. Those are always winners, but springing for something even more special will certainly make Mom feel appreciated!

 The Drunken Botanist– $12.20
 Teapot Brooch– $11.99
 Wild Rose Soap– $12.50
 Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Perfume– $78
 Pantone Color of the Year Emerald Mug– $27
 Monogrammed Hand Towel– $10
 Floral Gardening Fork– $15
 Floral Pruning Shears– $16
 Insulated French Press– $69.95
 Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Roll-On Perfume– $20
 Henri Bendel Eye Mask– $16.80
 Lipstick Holder– $86
 Leather SLR Camera Satchel– $319