French Toast

All Eyes Pointed North West

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:48:00 +0000

She's here. Baby North has made her debut. Love them or hate them, no one can deny that the spawn of Kimye is pretty darn adorable. But then again, was there ever really a doubt?

via

Royal Baby Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 21:48:00 +0000

It’s been quite the week for celeb babies. Penelope Cruz quietly gave birth to baby #2. Jimmy Fallon became a dad, and also proved that he’s really great at keeping a secret. Oh yeah, and Will and Kate welcomed the new heir to the throne. George Alexander Louis was presented to the world last Tuesday, golden easel and all. Proving that the “Kate Middleton Effect” is genetic, George’s blankets and various baby accoutrements have been selling out all over the UK!

For everyone out there still suffering from Royal Baby Fever, have no fear. You can still pamper your little prince or princess in Royal fashion (and thanks to some very American designers).

sources

Save the Date

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Hello lovelies. It’s been a while since my last post, so if you’re still reading…THANKS! Way back in January, I promised myself that I would get better at this blogging thing. Or at least more consistent. But, alas, life gets in the way. In my case, it’s wedding planning. Remember back in August when I casually mentioned getting engaged? Of course, it’s all very exciting in the beginning, but we immediately decided to wait until February 2015 to enjoy a very long engagement. With grad school, home renovations, and running a store, waiting seemed like a necessity. That all changed a few months ago thanks to my mom. Out of the blue, she asked why we were waiting so long. I reiterated all of the “busy” excuses, but it was too late. She had already planted the seed. I ruminated about it for several weeks and after a fateful weekend in Seattle, we found a perfect venue and the date was set! We are getting married in just 232 short days on February 1, 2014 (our 7 year anniversary)!

image

Thinking Outside the Carton

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:29:00 +0000

Easter Sunday is fast approaching! For a little inspiration, I’m posting some of my favorite finds from across the web. Today is all about the egg. This year I’m trying to think a little outside the box (or carton in this case)…

Chalkboard Eggs

Eggs with Mustaches

Needelepoint Eggs

Pantone Eggs

Polka Dot Eggs

Painted Eggs

via

The Luck of the Irish

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 23:28:00 +0000

via

Julia's Picks: Wonderful Wizard of Oz

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:11:00 +0000

I know the Wizard of Oz was released nearly 74 years ago, but a remake still feels “too soon.” Regardless, I LOVE the Wizard of Oz and couldn’t resist pulling together some of my picks to create the perfect Oz inspired nursery. I especially love the Blazing Poppies wallpaper!

For the Walls: Anthropologie Blazing Poppies Wallpaper $148

Furniture: Room & Board Moda Crib and Dresser $1099 & $1499 | Land of Nod Retro Rocker $375

Accessories: Pediped Red Glitter Maryjanes $38** | North American Bear Topsy Turvy Doll $28**

Reading Nook: Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair $79 | Clothbound Edition Wizard of Oz $16.99**

For the Floor: Capel Rugs Jagges Yellow Stripe Rug $628

**Coming Soon to French Toast!!

Etsy in Real Life

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:46:00 +0000

Etsy. If you haven’t heard of it by now, I can’t begin to imagine where you have been for the last few years. Etsy is the go-to place for all things handmade and vintage. It’s a crafter’s dream, or for those of us who can be craft-challenged, it’s a great place to find those things you dream of making, but just…can’t. Maybe I’m the one that’s been living under a rock for the last few months, because I just discovered one of the best things that have ever happened. Ok, maybe that’s overhyping it a little.

This last holiday season, Etsy opened a pop-up retail shop in SoHo. Now, my first thought was, wha?? So, how does that work? They had artists creating work right there in the shop. They ran crafting workshops. And had guest curators, like the Queen (Martha Stewart), selecting a wide variety of Etsy items to showcase.

I love this idea for a couple of reasons. As a business owner myself, I can attest to the greatness of the internet. You can get your products to a seemingly infinite number of customers, who can purchase at any time. But you miss the interaction. My favorite part of owning a business is interacting with my customers, learning about their lives, and sharing wonderful items with them. You just don’t get that over the internet. I also love instant gratification. Sure, I order stuff online, but only because I have to. If I can go pick up an item I want, when I want it, then I’m always more likely to buy. The Etsy Holiday Shop marries these two ideas perfectly. It gives the opportunity for customers to have face-time with the shop owners/artists, and creates an impetus for future online shopping! So genius. I hope they continue to create pop-up shops, maybe all over the US. Watch the second video to see a few of the showcased artists.

via

Oscar Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:53:00 +0000

Award season is getting ready to wind up with the biggest event of the year…the Oscars! I love award shows. I’m a sucker for the heartfelt speeches, and of course, the fashion. This year’s awards have been all over the map in both fashion and actual award winners, so I’m anxiously awaiting the final judgment to be handed down this Sunday. Until then, I’ll just continue to plan my perfect Oscar’s party and wish I was as glam as the Queen, Meryl Streep. Pictured above at the 1979 Academy Awards.

via

Valentine's Cards by Rifle Paper Co.

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:50:00 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day!! I’m so in love with these awesome cards from Rifle Paper Co. They are one of my favorite things in the store!

Valentine's Day: The Pretty Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:41:00 +0000

via

Valentine's Day Ideas: Love Doughnuts??

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:00:00 +0000

With less than two weeks until Valentine’s Day (my favorite holiday), I thought I should share some of my favorite Valentine’s ideas and inspirations. Let’s get real, holidays are made great by their food and Valentine’s Day is no exception. If you don’t have a lot of time or cash this year, why not indulge in some “love” doughnuts? Stop by Krispy Kreme for some of these sweet confections, then pair with some letter cookies to spell this simple message!

Image via Krispy Kreme

Super Bowl 2013: Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:20:00 +0000

via Better Homes & Gardens

It's Super Bowl weekend and that marks the END of football season. Maybe not a huge revelation for most, but for someone who spends countless hours listening to her fiancé talk about college football, sports blogs, and fantasy football…it’s a big deal. After six years of this, I’ve actually absorbed quite a bit of football knowledge, or at least enough to follow what’s going on. But, let’s be honest. Like most girls who watch the Super Bowl, my highlights will probably rank in the following order:

1. Beyonce’s much anticipated half-time show

2. Commercials (thanks to last year, my expectations are low for this one)

3. Watching to see if Alicia Keys messes up the National Anthem

4. Yummy Food

5. The Game

We’re still debating whether or not to have people come over to watch. If I can replicate this adorable, simple tablescape (pictured above), then I might just have to invite some peeps over! Most setups for football parties or tailgates are borderline tacky, so I was thrilled when I happened across this photo. Enjoy the game!

Little Girl Blue & the Cover of GQ: Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:32:00 +0000

via

Let’s take a quick minute to celebrate the other woman in Jay Z’s life, Blue Ivy! She turned one on the 7^th, reportedly ringing in her new year with a $200,000 party and an $80k diamond encrusted Barbie doll. Not sure if that’s true, but clearly, being the daughter of the highest paid celeb couple has some perks. Overall, 2013 seems to be treating the Knowles/Carter family well.

Little Girl Blue & the Cover of GQ: Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:12:00 +0000

In case you didn’t already know that Beyoncé is one hot mama, the new issue of GQ is out to remind everyone. If you’ve been on the internet over the last few days, you may have seen the new cover. Everyone seems to be going a little crazy over it. Yes, she looks freaking AMAZING, but is she the hottest woman of the 21^st Century? Well, the editors over at GQ seem to think so. Click the photo link below to read the full story.

Left: T-shirt, $40 by Nike. Panties, $490 by Agent Provocateur. Earrings and bracelet by Lorraine Schwartz. Body chain by Manon. Necklace, her own.

Right: Top by Azzedine Alaïa. Panties by Dolce & Gabbana. Earrings by Lorraine Schwartz. Chain and rings by Manon, Bracelets by Tom Ford. Heels by Versace.

Photos: Terry Richardson

Time to Pack up the Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:57:00 +0000

With 2012 officially behind us, it’s time to pack up what’s left of the holiday season. My mom and I spent days packing up the holiday decorations in the store and throwing together our new display window. As we struggled to spray paint MDF letters reading “THE REALLY BIG SALE” in twenty degree weather, it finally hit me that we survived our first holiday season in our own store. Sure, we’ve had an online store for a bit, but it feels much more real now. This didn’t happen overnight. I spent nearly two years planning, researching, and being told no before I finally got the brick-and-mortar store off the ground. From the moment we signed the lease back in late August, there hasn’t been a second to reflect on the magnitude of what we’ve been doing. I’m immensely proud of the business we are building, but with the last few days to reflect and look forward, the fear has finally started to set in.

This is my first post-holiday season that I haven’t worked for a corporate retailer, so I don’t really know what to expect. All I know is that it’s that weird, in-between time of the year when the sale shoppers come out and customer loyalty goes away for a month or two. Those of you who have worked in corporate retail know what I’m talking about…the “sale shopper.” You know, those people who would never set foot in the store on a normal day, who venture out in the frigid winter months with one thing in mind: steals and deals. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good deal as much as the next person, but the “sale shopper” takes it to a new level. I’ve had customers try to haggle over blazers, barter beds, and my favorite, the ones who intentionally damage items to get a deeper discount. Yes, people actually do this.

I’m not really afraid that anyone would do these things in my store. It’s more a fear that I don’t know what the next year will bring. Working for someone else, I generally knew what to expect every day. I could merchandise a room or count a till in my sleep, but it feels different now. Owning a business is hard. There, I said it. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t help but think about one of the more poignant episodes of Gilmore Girls (one of my favorite shows). When Lorelei is struggling to open the Inn, she vents to Luke about her business woes and asks him how long it took before he started having fun at his Diner. His response: “about a year.” Well, I am having fun, but I totally get what he meant. There’s a feeling of ease that comes when you are having fun…and I’m not there yet. I guess I’ll revisit this topic in 41 weeks when we mark our one year anniversary, but in the meantime, I’ll get back to packing away the ornaments at the store and (maybe) get started on the ones at home.

Ho Cho & Kitchen Renovations

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Why is it that no matter what age you are, we all feel the need to ask the proverbial question: what did you get for Christmas?? Even as an adult, we still compare notes after the holiday. At work, my fiancé and his coworker compared Home Depot gift cards. My BFF and I discussed iPhones and coffee makers…a far cry from the days of Nintendo games and ‘NSYNC cd’s. Even though the gifts might change as we get older, the sentiment still remains: we want to make sure we got better gifts than our friends.

This year, we were thrilled to find that Santa brought us a Keurig coffee maker. It sure was a surprise considering neither my fiancé nor I drink coffee. But ever so thoughtful, Santa was sure to include Hot Cocoa! We were also lucky enough to get a minor kitchen renovation for Christmas, so we spent the last few days sipping hot cocoa in our beautiful new kitchen (the first finished room in the entire house). Please enjoy a look at the “original” kitchen. Last year when we bought it, this is the sad sight that greeted us. I’ll post pics of the “new” kitchen soon!

The Brothers Grimm

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:09:00 +0000

I have a slight obsession with books. Not just reading, but sometimes with the books themselves. If it’s pretty, I’ll probably want it. My house is full of chunky coffee table books, design books, cook books…and a healthy collection of kids’ books (or unhealthy depending on how you look at it). To me, books are like flowers in a room: they just complete the look.

It’s been 200 years since the aforementioned German bros published their first collection of folk tales. In honor of this anniversary, Taschen has created a beautiful collection of twenty seven fairy tales of The Brothers Grimm. Yes, after 30 years, Taschen has published its first kid’s book! This is one of the most beautiful kids’ books I’ve ever seen, so I hope they continue! The illustrations are killer.

Everyone needs a copy of this gorgeous book. Even Martha (the Queen) said so on her show earlier this year. It will be available at French Toast this Spring, but in the meantime, get it here (if you must).

Julia's Picks: Breaking Dawn Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 20:21:00 +0000

I’m not ashamed to admit that last night I went to see Breaking Dawn Part 2. Yes… I went to see it opening night. While the first movie remains almost unbearable to watch, I must report that the final installment was quite entertaining. Aside from a few campy moments (the love scenes, the “hunting” scenes, and every moment the Volturi were on screen), I was happy to see that Breaking Dawn didn’t take itself too seriously.

Since Edward and Bella become parents in the final chapter of the Twilight Saga, it seemed fitting to draw inspiration for a nursery. My personal fave is the modern crib. It would look perfect in the ultra-modern Cullen residence.

For the Walls: Anthropologie Woods Wallpaper $198|Enzo Mari, Uno, La Mela 1963 $550|Larry Keahey Seattle Print $188

Toys: Wolfpack $8 to 22|Rattle inspired by Bella’s Ring$85|Little Sapling Toys Wooden Blocks $28

Lighting: Antler Chandelier $1917

Furniture: Spot onSquare Roh Crib $1522|Nurseryworks Empire Rocker $800**

For Mom: Timi& Leslie “Charlie” Diaper Bag $159**

**Coming soon to French Toast

Thanksgiving Countdown: 7 Days Left!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:33:00 +0000

Well, we have a week to go before Thanksgiving arrives. I know people say this all the time, but I really can’t believe how fast the Holiday season has come this year. This year, for the first time, my fiancé and I are hosting Thanksgiving for my family. I’m pretty sure my Grandma (who usually takes care of everything) thinks we are going to fail since she keeps offering lots of help! With only six prepping days to go, I’m starting to think we are going to need it! Luckily, the mister loves to cook, so this will be a fun adventure. My contributions are usually more of the baking sort, so when I found these adorable mini pumpkin pies, I just had to share! Tiffany over at Offbeat & Inspired posted this adorable idea last month. Check it out here, for the full recipe and more great pics!

It's Election Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:27:00 +0000

Happy Election Day!! Or, for half of the country, it will be a not so happy election day. Well, whichever political side you fall on, why not celebrate voting with these adorable cupcakes! These delightful confections are created by the ladies over at Georgetown Cupcake. Don't forget to vote!

Devilish Devil's Food Cupcakes by Ambrosia

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 23:12:00 +0000

With only one day until Halloween, it’s never too late to start celebrating. If you’re like me, then the best way to celebrate any holiday is by baking! I stumbled upon this great post (with beautiful photography) by Nina on her blog, Ambrosia.

Devilish Devil's Food Cupcakes
Cupcakes from Epicurious, Frosting from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook (available soon at French Toast)

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Frosting

4 cups confectioner's sugar
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons whole milk
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (to taste)
red food coloring (Wilton gel colors)

fondant, tinted black (for decoration)

For detailed directions, visit Ambrosia Baking.

Open for Business

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Its official…we are open for business! Last Saturday, we opened our doors for the first time, inviting friends and family to be our first shoppers and boy, did they deliver! Thanks to everyone who helped make our first weekend a huge success. The night before, we literally had no product on the shelves and nothing scanned into the POS system. It was a lot of work, but luckily, I have an amazing fiancé. Even though he once proclaimed that this project was “my thing” and didn’t want to be involved, he spent the night scanning in merchandise while I frantically created window displays and placed items on shelves. We have a long way to go, but it turned out pretty cute! Above is a picture of the main room. More to come!

If you don't live in the Spokane area, visit us online. We ship anywhere!!

Dwell Well

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:35:00 +0000

With the store opening in just six days, I am in full on panic mode. As it turns out, you can’t just go get a crib mattress anywhere in this city. Unless, of course, you want to sacrifice complete quality and standards (yes, I am a baby gear snob), or wait two weeks and pay for shipping. Since we won’t be selling crib mattresses in the store until next year, I was left with the task of finding a high quality, plush looking crib mattress to display some of the beautiful Dwell Studio bedding we have in store. Of course, I avoided this detail until the last possible minute and now I’m left with my fingers crossed hoping that it will arrive by Friday. Oh well, I guess I’ll just add it to the ever growing list I’ve titled “things I never dreamed I needed to know, but now I do.” In the meantime, please enjoy the first look at Dwell Studio bedding we have in stock now. Pictures of the store coming soon!!

Say Anything...

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 06:27:00 +0000

Alphabet bunting is here in the store!! Yes, it's been a while since I've posted, but I have a good excuse...the store is opening October 20th. We have been working nonstop painting, building, and unwrapping AMAZING products. One of my faves is this fabric bunting from Meri Meri. If you frequent Pinterest and Etsy, then you know that bunting is very much "a thing." For those of us who aren't super crafty, or if you can't find the time to make your own, Meri Meri has created this beautiful fabric bunting. You can customize your own banner! Whether it's "Happy Birthday," "Merry Christmas," or your child's name, these gorgeous fabric banners elevate any space or celebration. Personally, I love to tie them on gifts for an extra special touch! Check out the video below for some quick inspiration. Music - 'Humans' by Rozi Plain - www.roziplain.co.uk

Blake Lively: Hollywood's It Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Every few years, a new Hollywood “It” girl emerges, but very rarely does she also play one on TV. Five years ago, Blake Lively began portraying socialite Serena van der Woodsen on one of my favorite guilty pleasure shows, Gossip Girl. In an extreme case of life imitating art, Blake Lively’s career and personal life have become quite something to gossip about. Since taking on the role of Serena, Blake has made the jump to the big screen in major films, dated Penn Badgley, Leonardo DiCaprio, and as of yesterday, she married Hollywood “It” boy Ryan Reynolds!! She’s become the face of Chanel and now, Gucci (fragrance). Rumor has it; she donned Chanel for yesterday’s nuptials. Here’s to the new Mrs. Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood darling, Blake Lively. I think her A-List status is finally official!

Left: Sweater, Marc by Marc Jacobs; shorts, M Missoni; earrings, Miriam Salat; cuff, Oscar de la Renta.

Right: Cardigan, Tom Scott; shorts, Raoul; bracelets, House of Lavande; pumps, Christian Louboutin.

(via)

Left: Blouse, bra, Stella McCartney; earrings, Miriam Salat; bracelet, Pono by Joan Goodman; ring, Lorraine Schwartz.

Right: Sweater, shorts, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti; earrings, Lorraine Schwartz.

(1/2/3)

Top Left: Dress, Chanel Spring 2009; Lorraine Schwartz Jewels.

Bottom Left: Dress, Valentino; hat, Helen Kaminski; ring, Lorraine Schwartz.
Right: Dress, Marios Schwab; bra, Rituel by Carine Gilson; ring, Lorraine Schwartz.