House of Earnest

April 3, 2012

Style Splurge: Linen Sheets

in Home Decor, on my radar with 9 Comments

This style splurge is one that seems truly indulgent to me. Some would argue, however, that linen sheets are also practical. They are supposed to wear well over time and become softer with age.

I am pretty particular about the kind of sheets I use, and my husband is definitely vocal about sheets that rub him the wrong way (pun intended). One time he accused me of scooting over onto his side of the bed after he left for work and moving around a bunch so his side would pill. This is obviously a pretty outrageous claim, but maybe we would both have a happy nights’ sleep with some cool, crisp linen sheets on our bed.

aaaaand if you think that all linen sheets only come in boring shades of natural flax, you’re wrong! Linoto carries some pretty amazing colors. These aqua ones caught my eye, although don’t think they’d necessarily work in my bedroom.

I want to know what you think? Have you heard good things about linen sheets? Are they something you’d splurge on?

Have a FABULOUS day out there!

photo credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

9 Comments

April 2, 2012

Grown-up Easter Basket Brunch

in easy entertaining, Party Style with 14 Comments

Although I’ve already confessed my love for Easter candy (specifically the malted milk ball eggs), I think my life could go without the standard Easter basket this year, and instead a grown up version for me and the husband will be just perfect.

Neither of us need or eat a ton of candy, so spending a quiet and sweet spring morning together with this brunch in a basket would be a fabulous departure from a basket full of puffed sugar (I’m talking to you, Peeps).

I love the idea of putting together a basket full of fresh fruits, cheeses, baked goodness, and a little bubbly with some OJ for your spouse this year. If you have adult children, they would probably love this indulgent treat as well!

Follow this quick list and you’ll be ready to go!

Two Cheeses – one firm like cheddar and one soft like brie
Two Fruits – one crisp like apple or pear, one soft and bite-sized like berries
A type of Bread – scones, crackers, baguette would all be delicious
Bubbly and Juice – I used Prosecco and blood orange italian soda
Napkins, glassware, and a some fresh flowers – voila!

Such a sweet way to spend your afternoon – and without the typical sugar crash.

Have a SPLENDID Monday!

14 Comments

March 30, 2012

Friday Faves 3.30

in friday favorites with 6 Comments

ONE double walled glasses keep warm drinks warm and keep cold drinks from freezing your hands $15 ea at Canvas; TWO this duvet from Dwell Studio is the perfect mixture of patterned and airy. It’s totally on my wish list $340 from Dwell Studio; THREE it’s a bench, it’s a tree trunk, it’s perfect. $145 from House & Hold; FOUR my favorite of the favorites. Mini dipped bowls hold anything from jewelry to salt $16 for two from Wind and Willow; FIVE save the earth by using these cute-as-ever fabric produce bags $26 from Analise.

Light and Airy has really been my thing lately. I’m loving the simple, natural, and light when it comes to my home.

After being away last weekend, I’m eager to relax and spend some time spring cleaning this weekend. What is on your agenda?

Have a PERFECT Friday and weekend!

6 Comments

March 29, 2012

Have & Make: Candy-Filled Linen Bunnies

in Hand Made, have, make with 6 Comments

If you aren’t using your linen napkins for Easter dinner, you can repurpose them as little bunnies full of candy. I’d say ‘for the little ones’ but I ate half of the candy while making these so they’re really for everyone.

It might take a bit of practice, but after one or two you’ll get the hang of how to make the little guys nice and round. The key is to get the candy all in the middle so that the bottom of the bunny ends up with a balanced bum. I used a little scotch tape and a cotton ball to make a little poof of a tail as well.

You don’t have to use just white napkins either. This would be fun with brightly colored napkins, or you could buy a cheap package and let the kiddos draw bunny faces on them. So cute and new compared to the standard plastic eggs! Do you think this is something you’ll try?

Have a WONDERFUL Thursday!

6 Comments

March 28, 2012

House Envy: Four Story Vintage in Ohio

in Home Decor, house envy with 9 Comments

I had a friend clue me in on this beautiful four story house here in our piece of the country. It’s owned by Monique and Keith Keegan who live in nearby Granville, Ohio. The home is such a nice mixture of vintage, industrial, and modern; filled to the brim with collectible pieces, antiques, and memorabilia.

I love trying to look past the big picture and focus on the individual pieces and how beautifully worn they are. There is a lot to take in!

*bathroom photo by Enjoy Co, all other photos by Emily Winters on Houzz.

I just love soaking in all of the various color, texture, and surfaces. What’s more is that they also own a beautiful shop, Enjoy Co, which sells some of the amazing things that you see in the home.

It feels comfortable and inviting – what do you think? Love it, or no?

9 Comments

March 27, 2012

Spring's Sweet Scents

in easy entertaining, Hand Made with 9 Comments

Before we left for Mexico, we had some friends over for a Friday night dinner which was simple and totally focused on the food.

I still wanted a centerpiece for the dining table so I did a little project (if you can call it a project) that I had pinned a while back. The idea was originally from this beautiful french inspired wedding on bash, please and I found that it was just perfect for my purposes. Simple, sweet, and just the right touch of spring.

Maybe next time I’ll mix some rosemary and mint… ummmm.

Have you done anything you pinned lately?

Have a SWEET Tuesday!

9 Comments

March 26, 2012

Light, Bright, and Airy Dining Room Update

in Home Decor, our home with 19 Comments

With the new dining room chairs and the art update, I wanted to show you guys the progress of the dining room as a whole. Another major change I made was swapping out the darker, patterned curtains for something airy and white. Although they pool onto the floor, the gauzy texture and tab top design keeps them from looking too formal.

There are still a few things I’d like to do – mainly some additional art and accessories, but I really love the direction that it is moving.

Light, springy, and serene!

I hope your Monday’s bright!

19 Comments

March 23, 2012

Friday Faves 3.23

in friday favorites with 7 Comments

ONE a little note from tokketok is sure to brighten anyone’s day $12; TWO I am infatuated with this bowl. Too bad I can’t purchase online. Roadtrip to Ikea anyone? $24 from Ikea. THREE beautiful, sculptural, brass, and just a touch out of my price range $319 from Crate and Barrel; FOUR these little guys have a big impact $68 from Rablabs; FIVE how can you resist these drawer pulls? $12 ea. at Anthropologie; SIX moraccan berber rugs are one of a kind (no, really… each one is different!) $1499 sourced from Morocco by West Elm.

Although I’m in sunny Mexico, I didn’t want to rub it in so my favorite things this week are reminiscent of a naturally glam spring! Enjoy!

I hope you all have an amazing Friday and weekend! What are you plans?

7 Comments

March 22, 2012

Local Color: Stone

in local color with 1 Comment

LOCAL: Chichen Itza COLOR: Stone – Dwell Studio Pyramid Mirror

Waking up this morning in Mexico was just splendid. After a hearty breakfast, we’re heading off to Chichen Itza where allegedly the spring solstice is the best time to view the ancient ruins. If Mayan ceremonial sites aren’t your thing, you can still marvel at the beautiful Pyramid Mirror from Dwell Studios.

Well, I’m off! See you guys back here tomorrow for Friday Faves!

1 Comment

March 21, 2012

Dining Room Art

in Favorite Projects, Hand Made, try this at home with 28 Comments

During my house tour I listed new art in the dining room as one of the things I was hoping to update. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about art as a style splurge and about how much I wanted to buy a piece for my dining room.

With everything going on in the household right now, I couldn’t justify the splurge, so I decided to DIY a piece of abstract art until I could buy something that really caught my eye. I used a cheapo print that I had purchased at Home Goods for around $30. It was cheaper than buying an actual canvas, and it came with a gold frame that I really liked!

I wanted to incorporate bright, happy, and fun colors to lift the spirits in my dining room.

Don’t get me wrong, I still would love to buy one of these puppies, but it will just have to wait. In the meantime, I’m quite enjoying my little creation.

Have a BRIGHT and CHEERY Wednesday!

28 Comments