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Marvelous Money: Preparing financially for a baby

9 February 2015

Well, here it is: the most frequently-requested topic since I started Marvelous Money. I have resisted writing on it since I have not, in fact, had a baby, and therefore feel under-qualified to write about what someone should do to prepare for having one, but the requests kept coming. So, after thinking about it for many months, I figured I would do this:

1. Put my best attempt forward, based on things John and I have thought about or I have discussed with the wise people around me.
2. Ask for your advice in the comments!! People who have had babies, I want to hear from you!
3. At some point in the future, after I have actually had a baby, come back and write a follow-up post. Hopefully I will not be crying tears of laughter at myself.

Alright, let’s do this! My best tips for preparing financially for a baby:

marvelous-money-baby-finances

1. Start saving. Just start saving money. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what it’s for, or how much you need to save, or whether or not you’re pregnant. If you’re thinking about having a baby, start saving money. It’s always a good idea to save, but you will surely need it for something if you’re adding a new member to the family. Money is not everything, but generally, the more money you have, the more choices you have.
2. Start, build, or top-off your emergency fund. If you currently have no emergency fund and are pregnant, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to set-aside three to six months of savings in nine months (it took us two years). That’s okay! But just because you can’t do it all doesn’t mean you should do nothing. At the very least, set aside $1,000 to deal with unexpected expenses.
3. Find out what your out-of-pocket maximum is and save that amount. I hear that it’s a little bit expensive to be pregnant and to actually birth a baby. Therefore, it’s entirely likely that you will not only hit your insurance deductible but reach your out-of-pocket maximum. If you have an HSA, your maximum could be thousands of dollars (ours is $4,500). Read up on your health insurance plan and be smart about what expenses you could be looking at.
4. Research your maternity leave. If you currently have a job and don’t know if you have maternity benefits or what they look like, now is the time to find out! How long is it? Do you get paid? Full salary, or partial? What does FMLA leave mean for you? If you won’t be getting paid, discuss with your spouse how you will make up the difference in your household budget – savings? Cutting back on expenses?
5. Try to make some of your income more passive. If you are an entrepreneur or a creative person, brainstorm ways to bring in more passive income during your maternity leave, if possible. This could look like an invitation download if you have an Etsy shop, or an e-book if you blog, or even working ahead (if you sell a product) to have items ready to ship. Not relevant for everyone, but I wanted to mention it!
6. Talk with your spouse about what you want your life to look like. And use that discussion to estimate how your costs might change. Are one of you planning to stay home? For one year? For ten years? How will you make up the difference in your budget? How will your budget absorb the additional expense of a child? Are you on the same page about where you’ll cut back, if necessary?
7. Research childcare options. If you’re planning to have any sort of childcare, what will it cost? Full time day care? Full time nanny? Part time? Grandparents? Request information or ask around and figure out how much each option costs in your area. Brainstorm how you will fit this money into your budget.
8. Make sure you have the important things in place. While not completely financial in nature, making sure you have a living will in place, life insurance coverage, and other important grown-up items becomes even more important when you bring a child into the picture.

10433900_10152743168227873_5357254790907689151_n

Adorable niece! (And adorable sisters, too.)

9. Think simple! Yes, there are mandatory expenses that come along with having a baby – but I think most of the time a lot more money is spent on a new baby than is actually necessary. John gets annoyed at me when I say things like this, because he thinks I’m being naive. Maybe I am, but in talking to friends and observing the world, I think there is a lot of truth in that statement.

My eyes were opened when talking to my friend M. Her daughter was born six weeks early. She had just had her shower the day before; she and her husband were planning to fill in the gaps in the next few weeks to make sure they were ready for baby’s arrival. Instead, they spent the next few weeks in the hospital and never went on that big purchasing trip – they just bought what they needed as they needed it, and most things they never ended up purchasing at all.

From what I hear, babies don’t need a whole lot. They certainly don’t need a fancy nursery. They don’t need a ton of outfits (probably a multi-pack of simple onesies would be fine to start). They don’t need a special blanket to lie down on or cover them in their stroller (you probably have an extra blanket in your house you could use). I’m not saying these things aren’t lovely or useful or that I might partake in them myself – but if you’re worried about the cost of a new baby, I want to encourage you that there are many ways to reduce expenses. Borrow or purchase items from older friends or siblings. Shop consignment sales and stores for clothing. Search Craiglist for used items at a fraction of the price.* I know I will be doing all of the above!

To conclude, there are a lot of big questions, and words like “saving” and “budget” and “thousands,” in this post. Yikes! Instead of being discouraging or overwhelming, I hope it leaves you feeling empowered. I worry sometimes that a future child will derail the financial momentum John and I have worked so hard to build, but I think being brave and thinking ahead is the best way to ensure we have as many options as possible when the time comes. I hope you feel the same way!

Friends, I would LOVE to hear from you!! If you have a child, what, if anything, did you do financially to prepare your family? Does this advice ring true or am I totally off? If you are thinking about having a child, what financial questions do you have?

*Safety standards are updated often, and I know there are certain items (cribs, car seats) that experts recommend buying new. Make sure to do your research!

15 Comments

Marvelous Money: Charitable Giving Accounts

8 December 2014

I came across a book review over the weekend that reinforced a lot of things I (and you) probably already know, but that bear repeating. An excerpt:

A team of researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute surveyed 43,000 Americans and found that, by some wide margin, the rich were more likely to shoplift than the poor. Another study… revealed that people with incomes below twenty-five grand give away, on average, 4.2 percent of their income, while those earning more than 150 grand a year give away only 2.7 percent. ‘As you move up the class ladder,’ says Keltner, “you are more likely to violate the rules of the road, to lie, to cheat, to take candy from kids, to shoplift, and to be tightfisted in giving to others.’ There is an obvious chicken-and-egg question to ask here. But it is beginning to seem that the problem isn’t that the kind of people who wind up on the pleasant side of inequality suffer from some moral disability… The problem is caused by the inequality itself: it triggers a chemical reaction in the privileged few. It tilts their brains. It causes them to be less likely to care about anyone but themselves or to experience the moral sentiments needed to be a decent citizen.

Or even a happy one… In a forthcoming paper, Norton and his colleagues track the effects of getting money on the happiness of people who already have a lot of it: a rich person getting even richer experiences zero gain in happiness. That’s not all that surprising; it’s what Norton asked next that led to an interesting insight. He asked these rich people how happy they were at any given moment. Then he asked them how much money they would need to be even happier. ‘All of them said they needed two to three times more than they had to feel happier,’ says Norton. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that money, above a certain modest sum, does not have the power to buy happiness, and yet even very rich people continue to believe that it does: the happiness will come from the money they don’t yet have. To the general rule that money, above a certain low level, cannot buy happiness there is one exception. ‘While spending money upon oneself does nothing for one’s happiness,’ says Norton, ‘spending it on others increases happiness.’

marvelous-money-donor-advised-fund

It’s become something of a tradition for me to post on the theme of generosity each December. Generosity is very close to my heart; it’s what I want my heart to be. I believe in acts of kindness and in giving away money at Christmas. But I hope I haven’t given the impression that generosity is something that’s reserved for one month of the year.

Even as we work hard at saving for retirement or getting out of debt or budgeting, I think we should be working equally as hard on giving away money. To me, a person with truly healthy finances would have her spending, her saving, AND her giving all on track. As we get better at spending and saving, the hope is that we will become wealthier. The hope is not, as the review describes above, that we would become empty, selfish, and small. And that’s where giving comes in – it makes us bigger, better, more caring, and less selfish people.

Even so, it’s not always easy. In 2015, we have budgeted to tithe, the first time we’ve done so fully. While this is exciting, to be honest, it has also been – ahem – refining. I find myself saying, God, you know we are responsible with money. You know we would use that money for good things – to save, to pay off our mortgage. We wouldn’t waste it! Can’t we just keep a little more? Frustrating though it may be, ultimately I know that the discipline is important. It reminds me that our money is not our own, that I must decrease, that the world does not revolve around me (all things I tend to forget). With all of the blessings in my life, it behooves me to feel a pinch somewhere – in this case, when I part with that offering every week.

So how do you give away money? It seems like it would be pretty simple (Here’s $100 for you! And $100 for you!), but just as with other aspects of your finances, there are things to learn and consider. This year, we decided to open a donor-advised fund to facilitate our giving. This graphic helps explain what one is, using Fidelity’s fund as an example:

donor-advised-fund

Basically, you make a tax-deductible donation to the organization of your choice. Your money is no longer your own (it’s been donated), but it is held for you with your name on it. You can then “direct” or “recommend” (organizations use different terminology, but they do as you request :) ) “grants” to charities, churches, and non-profits. For example, we donate the full amount we’ve pledged to our church to our donor-advised fund, then direct the fund to give monthly grants to our church.

There are several benefits to using a donor-advised fund:

1. It simplifies your giving for taxes and recordkeeping. As you can see above, instead of donating directly to the charities you support, you give all of your money to your donor-advised fund. At that point, in the eyes of the IRS, your tax-deductible donation has been made. So, when your tax return is due, you only have one form and one lump sum – say, $10,000 – to submit, even though you gave $1,000 to ten different charities over the course of the year.
2. It helps keep giving a priority. If you’re not very strict with your budgeting, it can be easy to spend money that you meant to give away. With your donor-advised fund, you can move the money out of your normal accounts and keep it in a safe place, even if you don’t know yet where you’d like to donate the money.
3. You can invest the money. In many funds, while your money is waiting, it can be invested (and professionally managed – usually in a mix of stocks and bonds), and potentially grow – meaning more money to give away to charity!

Think a donor-advised fund might be for you? I know of a few organizations to look into, including Fidelity Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, and the National Christian Foundation.

I’d love to hear: do any of you use a donor-advised fund? Is giving a part of your budget? Is it something you think about often, or just in months like December? I’m all ears for questions, too!

9 Comments

Marvelous Money: Why do we spend so much?

20 October 2014

I read an interesting piece the other day that I wanted to share with y’all. It was from one of my favorite writers on personal finance, Megan McArdle, and in it, she laid out seven reasons why most of us spend more than we should. Go take a peek!

reasons-we-spend-more-than-we-should

Another money guy, Dave Ramsey, likes to say that the root of our money problems is almost always ourselves, and I think it’s true! It’s not just the things that we do, but the ways that we think and the logical fallacies that we believe (as Megan points out) that undo us. If what we’re doing is not working (i.e. we’re not saving enough/we’re spending too much), then understanding why we’re doing what we’re doing is a great step toward changing our habits.

I’d love to know: which reason Megan laid out resonated most for you? I identified most with numbers 1 and 7. And I loved her final two (succinct) pieces of advice!

4 Comments

Marvelous Money: A Beginner’s Guide to IRAs

20 March 2014

A few months back we discussed saving for retirement through a 401k (and a few months before that, we talked about why saving why retirement as early as possible is a good idea!). I promised to address the other way most people save for retirement – IRAs – and now I’m here to deliver! Question and answer seemed to work last time, so we’ll try it again :)

saving-for-retirement-with-an-ira

What is an IRA?
An IRA, or Individual Retirement Account, allows you to save money for retirement with tax advantages. The account is held at a financial institution, not through your employer. There are two main types of IRAs – Traditional and Roth – and they have different advantages.

What is a Traditional IRA?
In a Traditional IRA, you’re able to deduct your yearly contribution from your taxable income (reducing the amount of money you have to pay taxes on – yahoo!). Ideally, the money will build up over time, and then in retirement, you’ll pay income taxes on it when you take it out. Many people find themselves in a lower tax bracket when they retire, since they’re not making a salary, so their withdrawals might be taxed at a lower rate than it would have been earlier in life. Tax benefits today, taxes when you withdraw.

What is a Roth IRA?
In a Roth IRA, you pay tax on your income as usual, then contribute to your IRA. Then, your money grows tax-free, and you can withdraw it tax-free in retirement (assuming you retire after age 59 1/2). Taxes when you contribute, no taxes when you withdraw.

traditional-versus-roth-ira

Why save in an IRA instead of another type of account?
Great question! First, if your employer offers a 401k, and especially if they offer a match, max out your match first! (Don’t leave money on the table!) But, don’t stop there :) Since experts estimate that you might need up to 85% of your pre-retirement income in retirement, you might not be able to accumulate enough through just a 401k (there are limits on the amount you can contribute per year).

Also, most IRAs offer a wider range of investment choices (stocks, different funds, etc.) than most 401ks, giving you more flexibility. And of course, the investment options you get with an IRA can earn you much more than a savings account, a CD, or other taxable accounts.

How much should I contribute?
Well hold your horses – first you have to have earned income. (I know that seems obvious, but I do have lots of students reading!) For 2014, the maximum amount you can contribute is $5,500 if you’re under 50 (assuming you’ve made at least $5,500 that year). There is no minimum. $5k sound like a lot? John and I love Megan McArdle, and she recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. On the other hand, note that there are some contribution limits based on income – Fidelity explains them here.

How do I get started?
Yay for you! Many financial institutions offer IRAs – we have used Fidelity and Scottrade in the past, and I would recommend both. Most allow you to sign up and make contributions online. A tip – once you have everything ready to go, set up an automatic monthly draft so you don’t have to think about making a contribution each month!

As usual, this is a great time for me to remind you that I am neither a financial planner nor a tax adviser, and that this is a very basic guide to IRAs. Retirement savings are VITAL but can be complicated, so I highly encourage you to seek assistance along the way. As a bonus, many companies, like Fidelity, offer really amazing guidance over the phone, at no charge!

You know why it’s fun to talk about IRAs right now? If you haven’t yet filed your taxes, you can still make a contribution for 2013!

Do you save for retirement with an IRA? Did you choose Traditional or Roth? I’d love to hear!

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hi! my name is em.

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      • Marvelous Money: Our net worth meetings
      • Banned phrases in our marriage
      • Our summer trip to Mystic, CT
      • The best guacamole recipe
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part three: printed photo albums
      • September 2020 goals
    • [+] August
      • Upstairs bathroom renovation: the plans
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part two: digital photos
      • Quarantine reflections
      • Everyday magic, Octonauts edition
      • Island in a pandemic
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part one
      • August 2020 goals
    • [+] July
      • Our Berkshires vacation
      • Our favorite at-home, hands-off activities for kids
      • Our favorite summer recipes right now
      • Kitchen quick tip
      • Neely & Chloe wallet + new handbag
      • July 2020 goals
    • [+] June
      • Inspiration for a stay-at-home Fourth of July
      • 2020 mid-year goals review, part two
      • 2020 mid-year goals review, part one
      • Raising kids I like
      • Making the everyday magical: muffin tin snack trays
      • Diverse books to add to your family library
      • June 2020 goals
    • [+] May
      • How I meal plan
      • How to make a recipe binder
      • Our new front porch gate
      • What I've been reading lately
      • May 2020 goals
    • [+] April
      • An easy meal-planning hack
      • Earth-friendly swaps in our home
      • What's growing in our garden this year
      • Easter Weekend 2020
      • A recipe exchange!
      • April 2020 goals
      • This year's Easter baskets
    • [+] March
      • What's making me smile right now
      • The beauty of quiet time
      • My chalk paint desk and downstairs command center
      • Em's Marvelous North Carolina Bucket List
      • March 2020 goals
    • [+] February
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • Help us plan our trip to Watercolor, Atlanta, and Greenville!
      • How to unhurry your life
      • How I'm using Instagram right now
      • February 2020 goals
    • [+] January
      • 9 decisions that led to a life I love
      • Our most-loved kitchen items
      • Sheptember: Volume One
      • The birthday interview
      • January 2020 goals
      • 2020 Goals
      • My 2020 reading list
  • [+]2019
    • [+] December
      • 2019: A year in review
      • Our 2019 Christmas cards + mini session
      • Camping with 5 kids under 5
      • Best of 2019 - with friends!
      • What we're actually giving our kiddos this Christmas
      • All about our 70-mile bike ride
      • December 2019 goals
    • [+] November
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Kiddo Stocking Stuffers
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kiddos
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • 6 things on my November holiday checklist
      • June in June: Volume 4
      • Gifts for the helpers
      • Kale, sausage, and chickpea pasta
      • November 2019 goals
    • [+] October
      • Words with friends: year four of Articles Club
      • Being a patron
      • October 2019 goals
    • [+] September
      • Shep's first birthday party
      • Simple toy storage in our family room
      • Dating after kids
      • Marriage Q&A, Part 2
      • Marriage Q&A, Part 1
      • September 2019 goals
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Money: Our new mortgage plan
      • No makeup days
      • Once more to Maine
      • The best book I ever read (as told by 17 book lovers)
      • How to host a book swap party
      • Family favorite: chocolate raspberry pavlova
      • August 2019 goals
    • [+] July
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part Three
      • Outer Banks family vacation in Corolla
      • July 2019 goals
    • [+] June
      • If you're going to give, give graciously
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part Two
      • Mid-year goals review
      • June 2019 Goals
    • [+] May
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part One
      • How I Read
      • May 2019 Goals
    • [+] April
      • Marvelous Money: 10 of my favorite purchases
      • Our neighborhood meal swap
      • Tips for finding the right daycare
      • April 2019 goals
    • [+] March
      • An easy way to print and display Instagram photos
      • Easter basket picks
      • Favorite board games for two people
      • March 2019 goals
    • [+] February
      • The Years of Making Magic
      • On having family close by
      • Shep's New England-Inspired Nursery
      • Shep's newborn photos by Anagram Photo
      • The story of Shep's birth
      • February 2019 goals
    • [+] January
      • What John does
      • Those Winter Sundays
      • Three-year-old favorites
      • June takes ballet
      • January 2019 goals
      • 2019 goals
  • [+]2018
    • [+] December
      • 2018: A year in review
      • Our 2018 Christmas cards and newsletter!
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Husbands, Dads, and Brothers
      • December 2018 goals
    • [+] November
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
      • What to wear for large group family photos
      • Two house guest hacks
      • November 2018 goals
    • [+] October
      • Halloween charcuterie
      • Where there is vision
      • Mom jeans
      • Marvelous City Guide: Asheville
      • What we read this year in Articles Club
      • Marvelous Money: The Tax Benefits of an HSA
      • October 2018 goals
    • [+] September
      • A marvelous giveaway
      • Ten marvelous years
      • Fall fun list
      • Making a modern home movie using iMovie
      • Marvelous Money: Prioritizing Spending v. Saving
      • June in June: Volume 3
      • September 2018 goals
    • [+] August
      • Toddler favorites at two and a half years
      • Self-care for people who don't like self-care
      • 10 of our favorite quick and easy meals
      • The meaning of Shepherd's name
      • Say hello to John Shepherd Thomas!
      • August 2018 goals
    • [+] July
      • Midcoast Maine Summer
      • Our new backyard!
      • Camping with kiddos
      • My thoughts on Amazon Echo and technology in our home
      • Summertime in Connecticut
      • July 2018 goals
    • [+] June
      • A New England nursery for baby boy
      • My favorite parenting books
      • Indelible images of my parents
      • A new chapter
      • Third trimester update
      • What June eats - and my best toddler eating tips
      • June 2018 goals
    • [+] May
      • Our new bedside tables
      • Marvelous Money: the cost of our first year with a baby
      • 10 of our favorite cheap meals
      • Coastal New England style
      • I am the standard
      • My skincare routine
      • My simple fitness hack
      • May 2018 goals
    • [+] April
      • Marvelous Money: Managing Money Together
      • A weekend away in North Georgia
      • How to organize your own childhood memorabilia
      • Easter Weekend
      • April 2018 goals
    • [+] March
      • Spring fun list with a toddler
      • Confidence
      • Baby boy Thomas!
      • Our favorite board games
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • Easter baskets - to do or not to do?
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Kiddos
      • March 2018 goals
    • [+] February
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Spiritual Lives
      • A winter getaway to Anna Maria Island
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Relationships
      • A few things we did for Valentine's Day
      • Happy news to share
      • How We Do It: Organizing our Work
      • A vision for our refined home
      • February 2018 goals
    • [+] January
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Personal Lives
      • A simple way to make your relationship happier
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Homes
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Finances
      • A Life List Book
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Time
      • Christmas in California
      • 2018 goals
  • [+]2017
    • [+] December
      • 2017: A year in review
      • Christmas Cards 2017
      • Gifts for Em
      • December 2017 goals
    • [+] November
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kids
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Kind-Hearted Picks
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
      • Toddler favorites at twenty one months
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Getting our home ready for guests
      • Our living room rug
      • November 2017 goals
    • [+] October
      • The fifth annual pumpkins and soup party
      • Marvelous Money: 26 Ways to Save Money
      • A surprising source for fall clothes
      • Great articles to read with friends
      • 10 great dinners for new parents
      • October 2017 goals
    • [+] September
      • What to send in a college care package
      • Jack
      • Five intentions for the next five years of marriage
      • Does your wedding look timeless?
      • The beauty of an imperfect home
      • September 2017 goals
    • [+] August
      • June in June: Volume 2
      • 30th birthday book
      • House contentment hack
      • Lake Life in Northern Michigan
      • August 2017 goals
    • [+] July
      • Marvelous Money: A review of Financial Peace University
      • Master camping packing list
      • Camping with toddlers
      • 7 Tips for 2017 Graduates
      • July 2017 goals
    • [+] June
      • Our secret birthday anniversary trips
      • Wisdom from my Dad
      • Mid-year goals review
      • How to make something a habit
      • Our five must-have baby registry items
      • June 2017 goals
    • [+] May
      • A month of meals: spring edition
      • Summer fun list (with a toddler!)
      • How to make friends in your neighborhood
      • Marvelous Mama Beth
      • Fun baby shower game
      • May 2017 goals
    • [+] April
      • Personal beauty consult with LULA Hair + Makeup
      • Marvelous City Guide: Durham, North Carolina
      • Fifteen month baby favorites
      • Our backyard project: the plan and inspiration
      • April 2017 goals
    • [+] March
      • Our backyard project: the before
      • Taking ballet again
      • Pretty athletic leggings
      • HGTV Home Town and our house portraits
      • 60 Before 30 Recap
      • How to host a favorite things party
      • Marvelous Money: Paying Off Our Mortgage Early
      • 10 hopes for my 30s
      • March 2017 Goals
    • [+] February
      • Month-by-month baby photos
      • How I am trying to love people well
      • June's first birthday
      • 2017 Survey Results: I'm still glad you're here!
      • Choosing my Warby Parker sunglasses
      • A month of meals: winter edition
      • I'm glad you're here! Survey + giveaway
      • February 2017 Goals
    • [+] January
      • 12 years together
      • June's favorite playlist
      • Baby favorites at one year
      • Marvelous Money: Making Trade-offs
      • June's buffalo check and Liberty print nursery
      • NC Museum of Art family photos
      • Day-in-the-Life Family Photos with Nancy Ray
      • Happy one year, June
      • June's first Christmas
      • 2017 Goals
  • [+]2016
    • [+] December
      • 2016: A Year in Review
      • Christmas Cards 2016
      • How we keep Christmas about Christ
      • My favorite Christmas recipes
      • Gifts for Em
      • December 2016 goals
    • [+] November
      • Our favorite Christmas traditions
      • Marvelous Money: Making a yearly budget
      • Gifts for husbands, dads, and brothers
      • Gifts for sisters, moms, and best friends
      • 14 great gifts for kids
      • Farmhouse Pottery
      • Minted Christmas Cards + A Giveaway!
      • November 2016 goals
    • [+] October
      • Camping with babies
      • The best cooking playlist
      • Planning multigenerational family photos
      • Calligraphy vows prints in our master bedroom
      • How to slow down time, part two
      • Rituals, traditions, and the perception of time
      • How to slow down time, part one
      • October 2016 goals
    • [+] September
      • Signature family dishes
      • Apple cider scones
      • Marvelous Mama Rachael
      • Four years of marriage
      • How to host an articles club
      • Eight month baby favorites
      • June in June: Volume 1
      • September 2016 goals
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Mama Margaret
      • Easy date idea: a dessert crawl
      • A week on the Connecticut shoreline
      • Lisa's all-white French-inspired baby shower
      • What's in our diaper bag
      • Baby shower ideas for Lisa
      • 15 Things I Love About North Carolina
      • August 2016 goals
    • [+] July
      • 12 Things I Miss About New England
      • 7 Tips for Road Tripping with an Infant
      • Pleased to make your acquaintance
      • July 2016 goals
    • [+] June
      • The great Southwest adventure
      • Five month favorites
      • Summer fun list (with an infant!)
      • June 2016 goals
    • [+] May
      • Life lately
      • June's newborn photos by Graham Terhune
      • The story of June's birth
      • Pregnancy book recommendations
      • May 2016 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our favorites from the first six weeks
      • Marvelous Mama MacKenzie
      • Charleston for the weekend (with a three-month-old)
      • Thanking our post-partum nurses
      • April 2016 goals
    • [+] March
      • My favorite natural deodorant
      • Notes from the first six weeks, part two
      • Marvelous Mama Allyson
      • Notes from the first six weeks, part one
      • A blueberry baby shower
      • Spring clothing favorites for baby girl
      • March 2016 goals
    • [+] February
      • Birthday weekend
      • Marvelous Mama Julia
      • Found: the most delicious banana bread
      • Notes from our hospital stay
      • Favorite new artist: Erin Gregory
      • Marvelous Mama Kate
      • February 2016 goals
    • [+] January
      • Marry the kind one
      • Marvelous Mama Amanda
      • Champagne bar with tinsel stirrers
      • The meaning of June's name
      • Marvelous Mama Samantha
      • Say hello to June Chen Thomas!
      • Introducing Marvelous Mama
      • My 2016 guideposts
      • My 2016 inspiration board
  • [+]2015
    • [+] December
      • 2015: A year in review
      • Goal setting for 2016 with PowerSheets
      • Our end-of-year celebration dinner
      • Christmas cards 2015
      • Gifts for Em
      • Planning our newborn photo session
      • Marvelous Money: A new way to watch TV
      • December 2015 Goals
    • [+] November
      • Our new dining room chairs
      • Tips for shopping kids consignment sales
      • Weekend trip to Nashville
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Our soup and pumpkins tradition
      • November 2015 Goals
    • [+] October
      • 12 favorite fall recipes
      • Third trimester update
      • Framed & Matted
      • An Articles Club
      • Blue buffalo check nursery plans
      • House Tour 2015: Upstairs
      • October 2015 Goals
    • [+] September
      • House Tour 2015: Downstairs
      • Baby Girl Thomas!
      • The best way to reheat pizza
      • Weekend trip to Greenville
      • Three years of marriage
      • Telling the families our baby news
      • Fall To Do List 2015
      • Baby registry input
      • September 2015 Goals
    • [+] August
      • Fall clothing favorites
      • Marvelous Money: Our car fund
      • Deciding to have children
      • Maine 2015
      • La Vie en Rose: the Côte d'Azur
      • Something to share...
      • La Vie en Rose: Cassis
      • August 2015 Goals
    • [+] July
      • La Vie en Rose: Provence
      • Strawberry baby shower picnic in the park
      • La Vie en Rose: Versailles
      • La Vie en Rose: Paris
      • Natural wood dresser
      • A spring woodland baby shower for Nancy
      • Inspiration Board No. 105: Spring Woodland Baby Shower
      • Marvelous summer playlist
      • July 2015 Goals
    • [+] June
      • Happy Father's Day
      • No. 45: Go to Europe
      • Wilmington and Bald Head Island
      • June 2015 Goals
    • [+] May
      • Packing for Provence
      • One Love Organics + new face wash routine
      • West Elm nautical collection
      • The drinking water game
      • Em's camping favorites
      • May 2015 Goals
    • [+] April
      • Thoughts on camping
      • Fruit of the spirit: peace
      • Natalie + Joe's summer wedding at the Branford House
      • Marvelous Money: Start Rich
      • Help me choose my new glasses!
      • Our wedding album from Milk Books
      • Weekend in Beaufort, SC
      • Weekend in Savannah
      • April 2015 Goals
    • [+] March
      • Camping 2015 + Texas road trip
      • Spring trip to NYC
      • Marvelous spring playlist
      • Packing for Paris
      • March 2015 Goals
    • [+] February
      • Replacing paper towels
      • Cafe curtain inspiration for the dining room
      • Fruit of the spirit: joy
      • We are going to France!!
      • Marvelous Money: Preparing financially for a baby
      • Ten year dativersary
      • February 2015 Goals
    • [+] January
      • No. 54: Learn some flower arranging skills
      • A family treasure
      • Our new rug + foyer plans
      • Tips for travel planning
      • Fruit of the spirit: love
      • Why iPhone notes are genius
      • 2015 Goals
      • New year, new topics!
  • [+]2014
    • [+] December
      • 2014: A year in review
      • Tinsel stirrers in the limelight!
      • Christmas Cards 2014
      • Gifts for Em
      • Our new red front door!
      • Marvelous Money: Charitable Giving Accounts
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Littles
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • December 2014 Goals
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Colorful Gifts
    • [+] November
      • Happiest Thanksgiving + Inspiration Board No. 104
      • Featured in Emily Ley's Simplicity Series!
      • Rethinking our wall of art
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Minted does fabric
      • November 2014 goals
    • [+] October
      • H&M home for the holidays
      • My ultimate dream home and other magazine memories
      • Marvelous Money: Why do we spend so much?
      • Porch party
      • October 2014 goals
    • [+] September
      • Fall to do list
      • Caitlin Wilson Designs giveaway!
      • 2014 reading list so far
      • Top 25 favorite chapter books
      • Top 25 favorite picture books
      • Six years of blogging
      • The houses of Serenbe
      • Two years of marriage
      • Jackie + George's Wedding
      • Puffin in Bloom
      • September Goals
    • [+] August
      • Sailing in Maine
      • Replacing my Toms
      • August in Maine
      • House Tour 2014: Upstairs
      • House Tour 2014: Downstairs
      • August Goals
    • [+] July
      • Little adventurer baby shower
      • California Dreaming: San Francisco
      • Natalie and Joe are married!
      • California Dreaming: Yosemite
      • California Dreaming: Monterey and Carmel
      • July Goals
    • [+] June
      • California Dreaming: Cambria, San Simeon, Big Sur
      • Watercolor house portraits
      • California Dreaming: Santa Barbara, Montana de Oro, Cayucos
      • California Dreaming: Malibu, Ojai, Montecito
      • Planning a point-to-point trip
      • June Goals
    • [+] May
      • Summer fun with friends
      • Buckwheat and banana pancakes
      • Shark Tank
      • Front porch inspiration
      • May goals
    • [+] April
      • What we eat, part two
      • What we eat, part one
      • Pysanky eggs
      • Weekend in Charleston
      • Our house's colors
      • April goals
    • [+] March
      • Five favorite abstract artists
      • Marvelous Money: A Beginner's Guide to IRAs
      • No. 49: Canoe down the Haw River
      • Dining room table lighting options
      • The Well's End and other thoughts on reading
      • March 2014 Goals
    • [+] February
      • 60 Before 30
      • Teal and emerald bridesmaid dresses
      • Cuyana
      • A marvelous love story
      • Garlands of love
      • Birthday presents on the hour
      • February 2014 Goals
    • [+] January
      • Finding your team after a move
      • The cure for homesickness
      • New kitchen pendant lights!
      • California dreaming
      • Classic and romantic
      • DIY gold dot stationery
      • Marvelous Money: Paying off debt
      • 2014 Goals
  • [+]2013
    • [+] December
      • 2013: A year in review
      • Christmas cards 2013
      • Gifts for Em
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Littles
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Gents
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Bright Gifts
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • Blessed to be a Blessing: Giving at Christmas
      • December Goals
    • [+] November
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • How we plan our meals
      • Weekend adventures
      • How I organize my blogging
      • How I use my Simplified Planner
      • Face first
      • Our kitchen chalkboard wall!
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • November Goals
    • [+] October
      • Slightly nautical nursery
      • Cozy fall playlist
      • Inspiration Board No. 103: State Fair Celebration
      • Colorful gallery wall
      • Homemade chicken nuggets
      • Marvelous Money: A Beginner's Guide to 401ks
      • Easy Raised Garden Bed
      • Living with kids
      • October Goals
    • [+] September
      • Inspiration board no. 102: Peacock, shale, teal, and emerald
      • Fall to do list
      • Sperry Tent Layout
      • Observations from one year of marriage
      • Traveling wedding friends
      • A visit to the cobbler
      • On longtime friends and weddings
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Money: Why save for retirement?
      • The great area rug search
      • Tips for hosting an adventure dinner party
      • Life lately
      • August Goals
    • [+] July
      • Marvelous Mondays: Gallery wall inspiration
      • Two useful things
      • An ode to golf course strolls
      • Our first apartment
      • Camping with friends
      • Stepping into the Great Gatsby
      • Summertime in Northern Michigan
      • Happy Fourth!
      • July Goals
    • [+] June
      • Summer to do list
      • Honeymoon in Nevis, Part 2
      • Guest post on Snippet & Ink!
      • Honeymoon in Nevis, Part 1
      • Tried and true recipes, no. 2
      • Day one
      • June Goals
    • [+] May
      • Tips for everyday adventures
      • House search update no. 3: The conclusion
      • Home
      • Happy Mother's Day
      • Tinsel stirrers at a baby shower!
      • May Goals
    • [+] April
      • Inspiration Board No. 101: A Nevis Wedding
      • Pet Nicknames
      • Marvelous Monday: Small Backyards
      • Marvelous Money: Tracking your budget with the envelope system
      • Packing for Nevis!
      • Marvelous Money: Tracking your budget with Google Docs
      • April Goals
    • [+] March
      • Inspiration Board No. 100: Anne of Green Gables
      • Picks for spring
      • House search update no. 2
      • Making Things Happen
      • Marvelous Mondays: Easter Eggs
      • Marvelous Money: How to spend money
      • Beyond the Sea: The budget
      • March Goals
    • [+] February
      • The Birthday Party Project
      • Inspiration Board No. 99: Beyond the Sea
      • Beyond the sea: Reception
      • Beyond the sea: Cocktail hour
      • Beyond the sea: Our ceremony
      • Beyond the sea: First look
      • Beyond the sea: Wedding morning
      • Beyond the sea: Rehearsal dinner
      • Beyond the sea: Final preparations
      • February Goals
    • [+] January
      • House search update
      • Marvelous Money: Building a budget
      • Tinsel stirrers in the shop!
      • Super foods
      • Marvelous Money: Managing Joint Finances
      • Friends of Em + Graham Terhune Photography
      • Board No. 98: Backyard Garden Party Wedding
      • Marvelous Money: The emergency fund
      • Marget and Seth's Wedding
      • Marvelous Mondays: Bedrooms with wood plank walls
      • Marvelous Money: What's your story?
      • Target Threshold Spring Collection
      • Welcome back to the Bachelor
      • January Goals
      • Daily Goals 2013
  • [+]2012
    • [+] December
      • 2012: A year in review
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Christmas cards 2012
      • Board No. 97: Blue and White Christmas
      • Em loves you: A Christmas giveaway
      • Gifts for Em
      • Em for Marvelous Christmas playlist 2012
      • 2012 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • 2012 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Bright Gifts
    • [+] November
      • Blessed to be a blessing: acts of kindness for Christmas
      • Felt mistletoe
      • Christmas cupcake flags in the shop!
      • Marvelous mondays: wreaths
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Gold party outfit
      • Crafting our ceremony: serving communion
      • Our wedding film from Inkspot Crow
      • Marvelous mondays: kitchen banquettes
      • Crafting our ceremony: our vows
      • Modern Christmas newsletter
      • Minted Christmas Cards
      • Crafting our ceremony: music
    • [+] October
      • Inspiration Board No. 96: Falling for Dahlias
      • Christmas trees in baskets
      • Hiking in Asheville
      • Antiquing in Asheville
      • Eating in Asheville
      • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
      • Gilded pumpkins!
      • Crafting our ceremony: readings
      • Marvelous mondays: caramel apples
      • Pure Barre
      • Advice for first time home buyers
      • Marvelous mondays: gilded pumpkins
      • The hunt is over: Nitsa's
      • On the hunt: David's Bridal
      • On the hunt: The White Dress by the Shore
      • Marvelous mondays: black stair railings
    • [+] September
      • On the hunt: Maddison Row
      • On the hunt: inspiration
      • Fall to do list
      • Marvelous mondays: built-in bunks for four
      • New beginnings
      • Wedding road trip!
      • Wedding planning update: 9 days to go
      • Our wedding registry
      • A good weekend
    • [+] August
      • Wedding planning update: 16 days to go
      • Wedding planning update: 24 days to go
      • A picnic bridal shower
      • Rehearsal dinner outfit
      • Wedding planning update: 1 month to go
      • Favorite group portraits
      • Our wedding invitations, part two
      • Our wedding invitations, part one
      • Invitations out of the house!
      • Matt & Claudia are married!
      • Invitations in the house!
    • [+] July
      • Dreams do come true
      • Paloma's Nest Ring Bearer Bowl
      • Ann Taylor tops
      • Seasonal Home of Gales Ferry
      • Wedding planning update: 2 months to go
      • Mike & Antonia are married!
      • Seth and Marget are getting married!
      • Oilcloth project possibilities
      • Wedding day emergency kit
      • Happy Fourth of July!
      • June Instagram
    • [+] June
      • Accessories Week: Comb + Veil
      • Accessories Week: Earrings + Clutch
      • Accessories Week: Bracelet + Necklace
      • Classic Groom Essentials
      • Summer to do list
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower
      • Wedding planning update: 3 months to go
      • Paper Picks 2012: One Canoe Two
      • Paper Picks 2012: Belle & Union
      • Paper Picks 2012: Alee & Press
      • Paper Picks 2012: Figs & Ginger
      • Paper Picks 2012: Mr. Boddington's Studio
      • Our engagement photos!
      • Cupcake flags + donuts!
    • [+] May
      • Lot 190 + blue doors
      • Wedding weekend welcome packs
      • Wedding planning update: 3+ months to go
      • Busy week ahead!
      • Quaker marriage certificate
      • Inn at Palmetto Bluff: Treehouse
      • Accessorizing
      • Backyard bridal shower
      • Lowcountry Produce
      • Hunting Island State Park
      • 101 in 1001: May 2012
      • City Loft Hotel in Beaufort, SC
    • [+] April
      • Old Sheldon Church Ruins
      • Bridesmaid dress recap
      • Wedding planning update: 4+ months to go
      • Engagement photos!
      • The wedding morning, part three
      • Get yo' cocktails on
      • Vintage silver at the reception
      • Sweet peas in weddings
      • Drink more water
      • Tried and true recipes
      • Ways to Personalize a Groom's Formal Look
      • Tuxedo junction
      • Flea market find: floral frogs
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower: The Invitations!
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower: Inspiration
      • Tips for hiring destination wedding vendors
    • [+] March
      • Black and white dance floors
      • Inspiration Board No. 95: Pastel Spring
      • Wedding planning update: 5+ months to go!
      • Method spring soaps
      • Spring to do list
      • A dress for the mother of the bride!
      • Registering for china
      • Sweet watercolor paintings
      • (Almost) Spring weekend
      • Black and White Cheesecake Brownies
      • Adorably Small Houses
      • Kate Spade Sample Sale
      • Valentine's Day Party Invitations
      • 101 in 1001: March 2012
      • Spring Fling
    • [+] February
      • Here's to 25
      • Colorful Cocktail Napkins
      • Wedding planning update: 6+ months to go!
      • Mini desserts
      • Julie & Julia Dinner Party
      • How to Make a Wedding Website Using Blogger
      • Happy Valentine's Day!
      • Flea Market Finds
      • A creative groomsman "proposal"
      • Bells will be ringing
      • Our videographer + budget realities
      • Easy Valentine's Day DIY
      • A slightly military wedding ceremony
      • Our save the dates!
      • 101 in 1001: February 2012
    • [+] January
      • Wedding shoes: update!
      • The wedding morning, part two
      • Gowns with netted straps
      • Wedding planning update: 7+ months to go!
      • Yard sale chairs remade!
      • Recycled art!
      • Garden bouquet inspiration
      • Bouquet wrap inspiration
      • A Trip to M&J Trimming
      • Bridesmaid Dresses!
      • Our wedding photographer: Tanja Lippert!
      • Player piano
      • Inspiration Board No. 94: Mulberries in Hawaii
      • Wedding shoes!
      • Em for Gems
      • Old Lucketts Store + silver update
      • 2012 Goals
      • Scenes from the holidays
  • [+]2011
    • [+] December
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Christmas in the apartment
      • Our Christmas cards!
      • Gift Wrapping Inspiration
      • Inspiration Board No. 93: New Tartan
      • Em for Minted: Giveaway winner!
      • Inspiration Board No. 92: Candy-Colored Christmas
      • Gifts for Em
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Neutrals + Metallics
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Colorful
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Cool Tones
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Brights
      • Giveaway: Em for Minted!
      • Welcome to Em for Marvelous!
      • Christmas tartan
      • Wreaths
    • [+] November
      • Watercolor letterpress calendar
      • Vintage state towels
      • Peppermint drink stirrers in the shop!
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • The perfect cardigan
      • Thanksgiving dinner inspiration
      • More silver for the reception!
      • Cayman Islands
      • The wedding morning
      • Inspiring menus
      • Sperry tents
      • Faux fur fuzzies
      • Eno River fall foliage
      • 101 in 1001: November 2011
    • [+] October
      • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
      • Steve Madden flats
      • Candlelit
      • Wedding planning update: 10+ months to go
      • Hostess gift idea!
      • Minted save the date options
      • Rainbow bookshelf
      • Ringing the bell
      • Makeup bags
      • charleston: angel oak & middleton plantation
      • charleston: folly beach & kayaking
      • Donuts at weddings
      • Haw River rock hop
      • Green Knob Trail
      • Edward Hopper stamps
      • Pink in the park
      • 101 in 1001: October 2011
    • [+] September
      • Camping this weekend!
      • Bacon + avocado grilled cheese
      • Embroidering
      • Kendra Scott earrings
      • Wedding planning update: 11+ months to go
      • Fall to do list
      • Summer to do list: update!
      • Venue reveal: our reception site!
      • Venue reveal: our ceremony site!
      • Wedding prep extravaganza!
      • The great venue search (part two)
      • The great venue search (part one)
      • Berry wedding ideas
      • Polka dot gift bags
      • Treehouse Point
      • Pretty hellebores
      • Mini food at weddings, part II
      • Amy Merrick
      • Rope bracelets
      • Charleston: Video!
      • Charleston: French Quarter + Battery
      • Charleston: Eats
    • [+] August
      • Charleston: Folly Beach + Kayaking
      • Charleston: Angel Oak + Middleton Plantation
      • Back Porch Music at the American Tobacco Campus
      • Wedding planning update: 12+ months out
      • Minted business cards!
      • Book baby shower
      • Flea market success!
      • Flag escort cards in action!
      • Back from Charleston!
      • Charleston
      • Black Bean Mexican Pizza
      • Backyard wedding with string lights
      • Summer wedding dress
      • 101 in 1001: August 2011
    • [+] July
      • All time favorites: M and C
      • All time favorites: Lauren and Joe
      • Wedding planning update: 12+ months out
      • All time favorites: Caroline and Clark
      • All time favorites: Liz and Chris
      • All time favorites: Dabney and Rob
      • All time favorites: Erin and Paul
      • All time favorites: Lily and John
      • Mini food at weddings
      • White bouquet with dusty miller
      • My engagement ring!
      • Weekend in Beaufort
      • You will probably want to watch this video...
      • Happy Fourth!
      • 101 in 1001: July 2011
    • [+] June
      • Drink stirrers in action!
      • Marget + Seth engaged!
      • Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad
      • Deep dish chocolate chip cookies
      • Maine Squeeze: We Toast
      • Poppers
      • Board No. 91: Green and Cafe Au Lait
      • Guest bedroom style
      • Fourth of July drink stirrers!
      • Apartment garden: June
      • Flea market find: faux bamboo table
      • Maine Squeeze: More Decor
      • Bathroom plans!
      • Bow-quet
      • 101 in 1001: June 2011
      • Veronica Sheaffer swiss dot gowns
      • Market Imports in Raleigh
    • [+] May
      • Outdoor summer movies
      • BHG winners!
      • Happy Memorial Day!
      • BHG giveaway reminder + recipes
      • Seersucker bikinis
      • Pedestal sink bathroom
      • Apartment garden: baby plants
      • Maine Squeeze: We play!
      • Better Homes & Gardens site redesign + giveaway!
      • National Stationery Show
      • Festive brunch ideas
      • Cheerful ribbon boutonniere
      • Board No. 90: Daybreak
      • Ann Taylor Loft Petites
      • One-piece swimsuit round up
      • 101 in 1001: May 2011
      • Summer to do list
    • [+] April
      • Blue bedrooms
      • Maine Squeeze: We eat!
      • Better Homes & Gardens May Issue
      • Board No. 89: Royal Wedding Sapphire
      • Easter weekend!
      • Formal accessories on a budget
      • Ombre cakes
      • Vintage Village
      • Maine Squeeze: Lemonade and Cookies
      • Swiss dot wedding fashion
      • Nautical bags
      • En plein air piano
      • Maine Squeeze: They make their vows
      • Keds
      • Cherry blossom weekend!
      • 101 in 1001: April 2011
    • [+] March
      • Maine Squeeze: The girls get ready
      • Swell towels
      • Cherry blossom wedding ideas
      • Board No. 88: Soft cherry blossoms
      • H&M pillows
      • Maine Squeeze: We wake up very early
      • On being green
      • Board No. 87: Plum and evergreen for Caroline
      • I stop writing the poem
      • Happy St. Patrick's Day!
      • Maine Squeeze: We eat lobster!
      • P&P packaging
      • Making an inspiration board
      • Chebeague Island wedding
      • Maine Squeeze: Wharf jump!
      • Bridal shower tin cans
      • Board No. 86: Beyond the sky blue sea
      • Anthro headbands
      • Pierrepont Hicks Spring
      • My whole heart
      • 101 in 1001: March 2011
    • [+] February
      • Happy birthday to me!
      • Maine Squeeze: Rehearsal and wiffle ball!
      • Janet Hill Studio
      • Bridesmaid dresses
      • Long distance maps
      • Maine Squeeze: We raise the tent!
      • Apartment garden: the seedlings!
      • Winter travels: the Old Edwards Inn
      • Board No. 85: My Summer Valentine
      • Happy Valentine's Day weekend!
      • From Song of the Open Road
      • Polka dot dress, version two!
      • Maine Squeeze: More preparations
      • Bow-Bedecked Car
      • Anthro Color-Dipped Dress
      • Tulle tables
      • Maine Squeeze: It begins
      • Creative escort card ideas
      • 101 in 1001: February 2011
    • [+] January
      • Board No. 84: Bold Yellow
      • Casual wedding portraits
      • To paint or not to paint?
      • Shower curtain update
      • Happy Monday!
      • Polka dot dress
      • TOMS update
      • P&P valentines!
      • Board No. 83: The Most Delicate of Delicates
      • Colorful dresses
      • Robert Allen Khandar fabric for sale!
      • Better Homes and Gardens January issue
      • John Robshaw Textiles
      • New York, New York!
      • Pink + gold wedding invitations
      • New favorite wedding dress!
      • 101 in 1001: January 2011
      • 101 in 1001, Vol. II
  • [+]2010
    • [+] December
      • Happy New Year's Eve!
      • A very merry Christmas to you!
      • Black Bean Soup with Cumin and Jalapeno
      • Board No. 82: Pinecones and Sage
      • Nutcracker tonight + 101 reminder!
      • Christmas CD Swap Wrap Up!
      • Modern Christmas from JL Designs
      • Black and white Christmas
      • Comfy winter bedroom
      • Christmas cards!
      • Board No. 81: Softly Shining Christmas
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Metallic
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Neutrals
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Cool
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Warm
      • Board No. 80: All that Glitters is Gold
      • Modcloth for New Year's Eve
      • 20x200 on One Kings Lane
      • Happy December!
    • [+] November
      • Colorful blocks
      • Thanksgiving Recap
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Sycamore Street Press Announcement
      • Recent project
      • Board No. 79: Jewel Tone Thanksgiving
      • Christmas CD Swap!
      • Toms shoes
      • Four weddings...
      • Possible Curtain Fabric
      • Shutterfly Holiday Cards
      • Thanksgiving table inspiration
      • Inspiration Board No. 78: Fall Figs
      • In which I consider buying a leopard jacket
      • Out to Dinner: The Grove Park Inn
      • Gifted Magazine
      • Happy November!
    • [+] October
      • The Middle Daughter
      • Blues + natural texture
      • Cherry wedding
      • Minted Holiday Cards
      • Tree trunk side tables
      • Frye Boots
      • Applique wedding dress
      • Someone please have a baby so I can buy you one of these
      • Toast & Laurel
      • 101 in 1001: Favorites!
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part III
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part II
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part I
      • Board No. 77: Rich Fall
      • Weekend Project: Closet Cleanup
      • Nate Berkus
      • Cool and classic cocktail party
      • Kitchen ferns
      • Basil centerpiece
      • Sweet Potato Harvest
    • [+] September
      • My china pattern
      • Navy and Yellow Bunting
      • More relaxed portraits
      • Gorgeous recipe styling
      • Fall Fashion Week: J. Crew
      • Fall Fashion Week: Old Navy
      • Fall Fashion Week: LOFT
      • Fall Fashion Week: Land's End Canvas
      • K + C Get Married: The Film
      • Dark August
      • Breakfast Jewelry
      • The Ribbonerie
      • Out to Dinner: Vin Rouge
      • Monday, Monday
      • Inspiration Board No. 76: Black and White Summer
      • Happy weekend!
      • Happy September!
    • [+] August
      • Kate + Cormac DIY: Ribbon Drink Stirrers
      • Shower curtains
      • Blue and white decor
      • Peach and Pearl in Brides!
      • What I learned
      • The bunting is up!
      • Loading the truck
      • Addison's Vision
      • Allow me to introduce...
      • Paper wedding bells
      • Classically elegant Stephanie Williams wedding
      • Peony pave posts
      • Retro getaway car
      • Relaxed family portraits
      • Rubber lace coasters
      • Cookie reception
      • Classically elegant Cooper Carras wedding
    • [+] July
      • Neiman picks under $100
      • Max & Margaux
      • New in the shop!
      • Front Door Decoration
      • Board No. 75: Spring Green Garden Party
      • Summer
      • Casual Interiors
      • Welcome to Maine!
      • Edible centerpieces
      • One Month Out
      • Summer camp
      • Lewis & Sheron Fabrics
      • Weekend Project: Handmade Wedding Signs
      • Bright gingham shorts
      • Board No. 74: Bold Blue and Red Picnic
      • Happy Fourth!
      • Happy July!
    • [+] June
      • Buttermilk and friends
      • Dream Home: Hideaways + Nooks
      • K + C wedding invitation
      • Figueroa Mountain Wedding
      • Whoopie!
      • Emersonmade Sneak Peak
      • Board No. 73: Daisy Blue
      • Happy weekend!
      • Les petites douceurs
      • Good Bones Great Pieces
      • How to find fun things to do!
      • i love you much(most beautiful darling)
      • Oriental rugs in interesting places
      • Kate's alphabet bridal shower
      • Friend ship
      • Board No. 72: Pomegranate + Plum
      • Gilded wood blocks
      • Alligator stationery
      • 101 in 1001: June 2010
      • Today I love...
    • [+] May
      • Alphabet poster round-up
      • Dream Home: Outdoor living spaces
      • Miyuki Sakai
      • Favorite fabric sources
      • Honeysuckle perfume
      • Board No. 71: Hamptons Pool Party
      • Happy weekend!
      • Daybreak
      • Summer dresses
      • Lobster welcome dinner
      • Dream Home: Exposed beams, open feel
      • Sailor's knot bracelet, v. 2
      • Board No. 70: Red and orange ranunculus
      • On Turning Ten
      • The non-toss ceremony exit
      • Netflix queue
      • Zebra shorts
      • Porcelain farmer's market containers
      • Bulletin board wall
    • [+] April
      • A Blessing
      • Vintage beach engagement session + style board
      • Dream Home: Snuggly Beds
      • My new favorite...
      • Timeless glamour
      • Lobstah
      • Blackberries for Amelia
      • Alphabet bridal shower invitations
      • New in the shop!
      • Striped paper straws
      • Striped paper straws
      • Board No. 69: Fruit and Flowers
      • Coda
      • New bike
      • Bunting invite + bunting cake
      • Dream Home: Kitchen Island
      • Indian Summer at Lands End
      • DIY: Paper Dogwood Flowers
      • Dream Home: Walls of Books
      • Bunting Portraits
      • Board No. 68: Black and Red Gingham
      • Box of sunshine
      • Hummingbird
      • 101 in 1001: April, 2010
    • [+] March
      • Dream Home: Filled with light
      • Mini bunting
      • Dream Home: Deep Window Seats
      • Save that date!
      • Board No. 67: How Does Your Garden Green?
      • New looks from old standbys
      • Board No. 66: Zinc and Deep Royal
      • My new favorite...
      • Orange you glad
      • Bunting 101: Help!
      • Vintage silverware garden markers
      • And my Oscar goes to...
      • Oscar Party Prep
      • Bamboo for you (and me)
      • 101 in 1001: March, 2010
    • [+] February
      • DIY Calligraphy
      • Bunting cards
      • Spring dresses
      • K + C: Google Docs
      • Persimmon & Pink
      • Valentines: A Recap
      • Campfire votive
      • Board No. 65: Stone Fruits, Baking Tarts
      • Valentines: Hearts in nature
      • Task lamps
      • Valentines: Knottedrush
      • Dinghy Driving
      • John Takes a Hike!
      • Board No. 64: Cassie's Sunburnt October
      • Valentines: Catbird
      • Valentines: Rifle Paper Co
      • Valentines: Bird & Banner
      • Valentines: Woven paper hearts
      • 101 in 1001: February, 2010
      • Board No. 63: Woodsy Lodge
    • [+] January
      • Bright + cheery childrens' bedroom
      • P&P Valentines on Etsy!
      • Pie bar
      • I'm headed to New York!
      • Quilled marriage certificate
      • Go Jane
      • Enter Maribel
      • Fourth&Folded
      • J. Crew complaints no more?
      • Bold and Happy
      • Ikea tent
      • Heart print
      • Short, puffy ones
      • Board No. 62: Pink and Blue and Gold Tinsel
      • Pottery Barn to the rescue!
      • Recipe storage
      • Bedroom Inspiration, v. 341
      • Dress like a cupcake
      • 101 in 1001: January, 2010
  • [+]2009
    • [+] December
      • Merry, Merry Christmas... one day early!
      • P&P Christmas, Day 7: Movies
      • StillMotion
      • Monday, Monday + Winter
      • P&P Christmas, Day 6: Our decor!
      • Lovely Love Shoot
      • P&P Christmas, Day 5: My favorite things
      • High-Boys
      • Board No. 61: Cherry and Sky Holidays
      • Monday, Monday + One Horse Open Sleigh
      • P&P Christmas, Day 4: My Cards, Part I
      • Holly Farrell
      • P&P Christmas, Day 3: Gift Wrap Inspiration
      • More Modcloth
      • The hunt for the bridesmaid dress is on!
      • Board No. 60: Aqua and Green Holidays
      • P&P Christmas, Day 2: Wreaths
      • Wedding by the Sea
      • Board No. 59: Eucalyptus, Cream, and Coral
    • [+] November
      • P&P Christmas: Playlists
      • The 12 Days of Peach & Pearl Christmas!
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Amy Atlas Thanksgiving
      • NieNie
      • Board No. 5: Blue and Orange Thanksgiving
      • Board No. 58: Hello Navy and Yellow!
      • Board No. 57: Pumped Up Sherbet
      • Board No. 56: Primary Picnic
      • Board No. 55: Nautical Knots
      • Birch bark chivaris
      • Driftwood Ceremony
      • Reader Mail: Sweater Dresses
      • Thanksgiving table
      • Cabbage bouquets
      • Board No. 54: Blooming Navy
      • Monday, Monday + Heart
      • Party time! My dream look
      • Party time! The Menswear Look
      • Party time! The Runner-Up
      • Apple crate side table
      • Love never fails
      • Board No. 53: Gilded Halloween
      • Monday, Monday + Pumpkins
    • [+] October
      • Happy Halloween!
      • DIY Friday: Dictionary Art
      • Alterna-Bedding
      • Dreamy
      • Veggie Week
      • Pinwheels
      • Balsa wood bouquet
      • Falling for fall
      • Wedding weekend brunch: the recipes
      • Wedding weekend brunch
      • Board No. 52: Bond + Baby's Breath
      • Monday, Monday + Leaf Portrait
      • City Guides + Weekend Plans
      • DIY Friday: Painted Furniture
      • Moving Announcements
      • Sources
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 51: Blue and Orange for Catherine
      • Monday, Monday + A Writing Desk
      • Mulled Cider
      • Brunch Inspirations
      • My new favorite...
      • Joy + Amy at home
      • Board No. 50: Prizewinning Party
      • Monday, Monday + Vintage Fall
      • DIY Friday: Brunch invitations!
      • Fall Travels: Blue Ridge Parkway
      • My new favorite...
    • [+] September
      • Fall Travels: Serenbe
      • Fall Wreaths
      • Board No. 49: Wild Roses
      • Monday, Monday + White
      • My new favorite...
      • Inkwells
      • Red carpet style
      • Monday, Monday + Hydrangeas
      • DIY Saturday: Upholstered Headboard
      • Flea Market Finds
      • Flea Market
      • Catherine's Blue and Orange Palettes
      • Tips for the newly engaged
      • Sister Peach & Pearl: Engaged!
      • Board No. 48: Bluebell and Buttercream
      • Monday, Monday + A Swing
      • DIY Friday: Monogrammed Tote Bag
      • Haven in Paris
      • Upcycled Birthday Card
      • Anthropologie for a Wedding
      • Tuesday, Tuesday + The Beach
      • DIY Friday: Nautical Porch Garland
      • Audrey
      • Riding boots
      • crewcuts
      • Driftwood Hearts
    • [+] August
      • Board No. 47: A Formal Affair
      • Monday, Monday + RH in Paris
      • Happy Weekend + Chalkboard Paint
      • Summer Travels: Seaside, FL
      • My NEW new favorite...
      • Back to school II
      • Back to school
      • Board No. 46: Alice in Wonderland
      • Happy Weekend + Handmade Soap
      • Bake It Pretty
      • My new favorite...
      • Latte Bowls
      • Paint Chip Placecards
      • Be My Guest
      • Board No. 45: Teal Appeal
      • Monday, Monday + Porches
      • Happy Weekend + Confetti
      • Boston Photographers
      • My new favorite...
      • Julie & Julia
      • Board No. 44: Orange Sherbet
      • Monday, Monday + Flags
      • Happy Weekend + A Tree Party
      • We've Moved!
      • My new favorite...
      • Summer Travels: Island Shower
      • Stars in Residence
      • Summer Travels: Wildflowers
      • Summer Travels: Cherry Republic
      • Board No. 43: White Elephant
      • Monday, Monday + A Castle
    • [+] July
      • Happy Weekend + Cotton Candy
      • Summer Travels: Amish Country, Ohio
      • Board No. 42: Amber in Connecticut
      • Board No. 41: Amber on the Vineyard
      • Board No. 40: Amber in the Caribbean
      • Thursday, Thursday + A Survey
      • Happy Weekend + Sunflowers
      • Uniqlo Neutrals
      • Two Projects
      • Bear with me...
      • Happy Weekend + Bouquet
      • Ikea + victory
      • J. Press
      • Happy Tape
      • Kris + Matt: A Jack + Jill Shower
      • Board No. 39: Hand in Hand at the Edge of the Sand
      • Monday, Monday + I'm Back!
      • Hans & Catherine
      • Monday, Monday + Parents
      • Rubie Green
      • Praia Piquinia
    • [+] June
      • Board No. 38: Cherries Jubilee
      • Monday, Monday + Road Trip
      • Happy Weekend + Polas
      • Have to have Hable
      • My new favorite...
      • Venue Scout: Kirkwood Gardens
      • Board No. 37: One Morning in Maine
      • Monday, Monday + Hats
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Paperwink
      • Kristin & Carter
      • Venue Scout: Church Landing at Mill Falls
      • Board No. 36: Lemon Drop Martini
      • Monday, Monday + Head in the Clouds
      • Happy Weekend + Kitchens
      • Peonies
      • My new favorite...
      • Brea & Tom
      • Felix Doolittle
      • Board No. 35: Romance in the Garden
      • Monday, Monday + Roses
      • Happy Weekend + Wedding Season
      • Currently Coveting...
      • Through Her Eyes
      • Announcements
      • Swayspace
      • Board No. 34: Roman Holiday
    • [+] May
      • Happy Weekend + Retro Glam
      • The Last Emperor
      • Lizzie's Bridal Shower
      • Alice Temperley Camps
      • Board No. 33: Old Glory
      • Monday, Monday + Memorial Day
      • Happy Weekend + 2009
      • My new favorite...
      • Alissa & Ryan
      • Interview Outfit
      • Vintage Engagement Shoot
      • Rosecliff: The Party!
      • Board No. 32: Fiesta Afternoon
      • Monday, Monday + Teacups
      • Happy Weekend + Adirondack Chairs
      • My new favorite...
      • J. Crew Inspiration
      • Rosecliff: The Accessories
      • Board No. 31: Lilacs in Spring
      • Monday, Monday + Lilacs
      • Happy Weekend + Cousins!
      • Plastic
      • Schooled
      • Board No. 30: Bread and Olive Oil
      • The Island
      • Technical Difficulties
      • Happy Weekend + Bookshelves
    • [+] April
      • DIY Swizzle Sticks
      • House Stalking No. 3
      • Rosecliff: The Face
      • Skinny Minnie, v. 2
      • Board No. 29: Cowboy Take Me Away
      • Monday, Monday + the Seashore
      • Happy Weekend + Buds
      • Reader Mail: Rugs + Curtains
      • Framed
      • Ceara & Nate
      • Rosecliff: The Jewelry
      • Board No. 28: Build Me Up, Buttercup
      • Monday, Monday + Bicycles
      • Happy Weekend + Golf
      • Egg Press Sample Sale
      • Today I love...
      • Rosecliff: The Hair
      • Board No. 27: Kid Gloves
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + Smooch
      • Porsche & Larry
      • DIY Embellished Cards + Lined Envelopes
      • Reader Mail: Leather & Metallic Sandals
      • Rosecliff: The Dress
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 26: Opulent Pink and Navy
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + Radishes
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In My Hand)
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In Action)
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In Print)
    • [+] March
      • Rosecliff: Location
      • Guest post on Rock 'n Roll Bride
      • Board No. 25: Gold Rush
      • Monday, Monday + The Sun
      • Potting Puttering
      • Mine!
      • M & C
      • Down on the farm
      • Board No. 24: Spring Fling
      • Poster print winner!
      • Monday, Monday + Vanities
      • Giveaway Reminder: Win a poster print!
      • Happy Weekend + Cumberland Island
      • My new favorite...
      • Well Wed Cape Cod: Amelia Rose
      • Well Wed Cape Cod
      • Board No. 23: Luck of the Irish
      • Poster Print Giveaway!
      • Monday, Monday + Georgia
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Board No. 22: Sweet Cream
      • Board No. 21: Orange Pop
      • Board No. 20: Rainbow Sherbet
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • A Banner Day
      • Sedona Bride
      • See Sea Lorraine Dress
      • Custom Inspiration Boards!
      • Board No. 19: Tuscany in Texas
      • Monday, Monday
    • [+] February
      • Happy Weekend!
      • A Shower By Any Other Name...
      • Handle & Spout
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 18: Classic Summer Navy
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Please, Mr. Postman
      • Today I Love...
      • From Me to Yoo
      • Short Dress Brides
      • Board No. 17: St. Valentine's
      • Monday, Monday
      • Bow Wow
      • Olive You
      • My new favorite...
      • DIY Daisy Wreath
      • Allison & Mark
      • Board No. 16: Blackberry Black Tie
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + A Truck Portrait
      • Skinny Minnie
      • Valentine's Day Chocolate DIY
      • Chocolate Raspberry Tea Cakes
      • Megan & Randy
      • Board No. 15: Cream and Sugar, Please
    • [+] January
      • Happy Weekend!
      • My new favorite...
      • DIY Hair Flower
      • Casablanca
      • Vote For Me!
      • Board No. 14: Style Me Pretty Vineyard
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Vines, Light Bulbs, and Cardboard: Oh My!
      • DIY Wine Charms
      • Mr. and Mrs. Coconut
      • Board No. 13: Dainty Brunch
      • Happy Weekend + Lemonade
      • House of Telsa
      • Soft Neutrals
      • Organizing Bathroom Drawers
      • Board No. 12: Daisy Chain
      • Happy Weekend!
      • My new favorite...
      • Creativity Headquarters
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 11: Willow Ware
      • Happy Weekend + Ruffles
      • The 101 in 1001 Book
      • 101 in 1001
  • [+]2008
    • [+] December
      • A Night at the Ball
      • Martha's Butterscotch-Pecan Cake
      • DIY Bell Chandelier
      • Board No. 10: Pop the Bubbly!
      • Happy Christmas Eve!
      • Board #9: Merry, Merry Christmas
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Last Minute Gift Idea!
      • Molten Chocolate Babycakes
      • Going to the Ballet
      • Board #8: Elegant Evergreens
      • Happy Friday!
      • Put your stamp on it
      • Inspiration Board #7: Blue Christmas
      • Happy Friday!
      • Beach Dwelling
      • Ruffle Cake Stand
      • This Just In...
      • Displaying Holiday Cards
      • Inspiration Board #6: Pinecones and Chocolate
    • [+] November
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • My new favorite...
      • A Little Southern Wedding Love
      • Inspiration Board #5: Blue and Orange Thanksgiving
      • Have a sweet Friday!
      • S'mores Y'all
      • A Dreamy 99 Cents
      • It's almost 2009!
      • Happy Friday!
      • My new favorite...
      • Etiquette Dinner
      • Stone Wall Votives
      • Happy Weekend + A French Tree House
      • Inspiration Board #4: Teal, Yellow, and Black
      • Inspiration Board #3: Punch, Blush, and Green
      • Blue Hill Reserve
      • Vote!
      • Patrick Dougherty
    • [+] October
      • Going, Going, Gone
      • My new favorite...
      • Jenna Lyons House Tour
      • Inspiration Board #2: Green Apples
      • Pink and green Bird Ornament Set in the shop!
      • New Garland Cards in the shop!
      • Oh, My Deer!
      • Just Peachy
      • Just married?
      • Lazy Sunday
      • New Cupcake Cards in the shop!
      • Butterfly Weekend
      • House Stalking #2
      • The Duchess = Eye Candy
      • Have a lovely weekend!
      • Fall Fashion: Current J. Crew Favorites
      • I'm a finalist!
    • [+] September
      • Fall Fashion: J. Crew
      • Cool Hand Luke
      • Have a relaxing weekend!
      • That's what she said...

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