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    home tour : ashley hosmers cheerful (and fragrant) abode

    i love following ashley— she is cheeky, honest and FREAKING passionate about candles. like really passionate haha. she has actually taught me a ton about proper candle care and so therefore i am forever indebted to her. following her feels like taking to a friend and i felt like her friend pretty instantaneously! her home is for sure an extension of her fun personality and feels so her. i hope you enjoy it as much as i do! 

    tell us about you and what you do!

    I’m Ashley, I live in LA with my husband Matty and our dog Mia. For my job I run email and influencer marketing and in my spare time I review candles and decorate my home!

    how long have you lived in your home?

    We moved in February of 2020. We actually filmed an empty home tour that’s on my IGTV where I walk around talking about all the hosting we’ll do in our home. We have yet to host anyone haha.

    how many sq feet is your home?

    1700

    rent/own?

    rent

    Read More

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    our interior define couch : a review and FAQ

    always getting so many questions on my couch so i thought it would be helpful to have EVERYTHING in one place!!! and thank you for sending your questions so that i hopefully don’t miss anything you might be curious about! 

    we got the couch 3 years ago, when we went to the interior define showroom, i actually had another couch in mind. this couch was so big and i was just like oh thats a really big couch cool, but then we sat on it and we quickly realized it was our favorite. little baby arlo loved it the most too. since then, i’ve seen a ton of people on instagram get this couch so not to be like hey i started the trend butttt well i never saw it before the showroom. 

    all the basic info

    it’s basically two long deep sofas put together, one has an arm and one is armless. they’re secured together on the underside with hardware.

    model name: jasper
    color: wheat — cross weave (kid/pet friendly fabric)
    base finish: natural oak – solid wood rail
    one long, deep armless sofa and one long, deep one arm sofa right
    size of each sofa: 72″ x 48″

    my thoughts after 3 years of living with our couch

    look wise i still love the sofa. it’s modern but also feels like it won’t go out of style anytime soon. comfort/size wise as well. the first week we got the couch delivered i was for sure a little nervous i went way too large, but once you get used to it — we may never go back. normal couches feel so tiny and cramped now haha. 

    the fabric has held up well (i’ll talk more about the cleaning care below) but it does pill, the back down cushions do need a lot of TLC to look good, but i’m not sure i would prefer foam because i like how squishy they are now. overall, i’m really happy with the couch and i do recommend it!

    what fill is it?

    the bottom cushions are their standard foam and the back cushions are down.

    is that a pet/stain/child friendly fabric?

    it is — when we got our sofa they only had a few options for stain friendly fabrics, now they have tons!! i actually wanted a lighter beige color but we went with this light grey. people always ask about having a white sofa and i’m confused because it’s very much a light grey!

    what are exact dimensions?

    120″ across
    72″ at its deepest
    17″ seat height 
    32″ height

    have you removed covers to wash?

    no, i actually sort of didn’t realize you could for so long. they have zippers and apparently you can remove to clean!

    how do you clean it?

    for small spills, i actually just use a wet towel and rub out the spill before then i fan (spread) out the water with the towel, because if i skip that step the water spot is usually visible which is really lame. i’ve tried using gentle cleaners, or even just soap and everything seems to show, so i just stick to water. 

    i’ve had it professionally cleaned, but it’s expensive and if you have deep stains, they may not even come out. for serious stains, you can also just replace the cushion covers from interior define directly, and the prices for both are basically equivalent. 

    honestly for the price you pay someone to come clean sofas and rugs, it feels worth it to maybe invest in a product like this and be able to do it way more often. i don’t own one but i’d love to hear from you if you do! 

    does it pill?

    yes, the cross weave is tightly woven so it’s mean to avoid snagging and pilling, but it does still pill slightly, i’ve definitely had worse. it’s manageable because i sporadically use my fabric shaver and it really helps a ton, it’s something you can do while watching tv too haha

    does gid like it since he’s tall?

    he likes the depth obviously, but with the lower profile back, he stacks pillows behind him to keep his head supported. 

    is it comfortable without a head rest? do you wish back was higher?

    i’ve been asked about the low height of the back often, and i would say because ours is against the wall and we’re able to prop up against pillows it’s been fine, if your couch was away from the wall i’m not sure how comfortable it would be.

    do you like how deep it is?

    i love it because i’m one of those people who always likes to have my legs up even when i’m in a chair, so this way they can always be up. 

    do you mind having no arm rests?

    i don’t, because the couch is so deep i like being able to easily scoot/crawl off either side. i’m never really sitting on the edges either, so it doesn’t bother me! 

    is it a couch or is it really just two beds?

    yeah basically two beds haha. who doesn’t want beds all over their house?

    do the back pillows get lumpy? how often do you fluff the cushions?

    yes, they’re always lumpy after we sit on them, no matter what. in order to look nice they must ALWAYS be zhuzhed. obviously with super long down cushions like these, it’s inevitable.

    it’s an annoying task but like i said i like that they’re actually cozy cushions so i don’t think i would change them.

    is it firm or soft?

    the bottom cushions are firmer than the back cushions, but i wouldn’t call them firm. they’re still pretty foamy, just much more structured.

    would you buy it again?

    i think i would! i still really like the sofa and have no plans to swap it (just hopefully it fits in our future living room if we ever move)

    how was your experience working with interior define?

    it was super pleasant. the showroom was a really good experience and even baby arlo had fun. the salespeople were so helpful and patient with us while we took hours to decide haha. 

    how long did it take to come?

    this was the hardest part, it took months!! i probably checked the progress like 50 times on their site, but when it finally arrived it was like xmas morning haha.

    is it weird to sit on since its so deep?

    it definitely takes getting used to. i love that i can plop down with my computer anywhere on the couch and it’s like a big giant surface for me to have my legs up. 

    how do you get off of it?

    if you’re in the middle and you’re small like me and arlo, you sort of have to crawl off, or you slide out to the edge and plant your feet down hahah. 

    do they slide apart?

    nope! they have hardware on the underside so they stay together well. 

    know of any good dupes?

    i would say this is the closest i’ve seen! but this one is a similar look with the wood base.

    what would be your second choice for couch?

    i haven’t shopped for a couch for a few years, but i rounded up some really nice ones for you, some similar and some not!

    cb2

    PIAZZA MODULAR BOUCLE SOFA

    west elm

    newport l-shaped sectional

    west elm

    Marin 2-Piece Bumper Chaise Sectional

    west elm

    Harmony Modular 3-Piece Sectional

    crate & barrel

    Gather 3-Piece Sectional Sofa

    pottery barn

    jake upholstered bumper sectional

    what do you not like about it?

    like i said above, if they had had more pet/kid friendly fabrics back when we bought our sofa — i may have gone with a little bit of a lighter/more beige toned fabric, maybe something thats a little softer. the cross weave is a fine, standard type fabric, but i wouldn’t call it soft.

    the only other issue is how often we have to fluff the back pillows. obviously this is because they’re so long, but i don’t see how that would really be improvable because i like the design with the long pillows like they are. maybe if it was more of a down/foam hybrid filling?

    how strong is the base?

    feels really sturdy. we have had the whole family on it, made dozens of forts, arlo jumps on it, seems to be fine!! 

    does poppy complain about it?

    sure does, but what does he not complain about hahah — he calls it the “sleep inducing couch” but also i’ve seen him fall asleep on every single couch he’s ever sat on so his opinion doesn’t count for much!

    i also decided to include some photos of us actually on the couch to give you a sense of the size too. time for a little trip down memory lane!

    this was the first day it arrived and i was like wow our house feels tiny suddenly!! haha

    ok sorry for the photo dump, so many memories on this sofa!! i hope this helped sway you, good luck couch shopping and let me know if you have any additional questions. 

    sources

    couch / coffee table alternatives / wall lamp / rug (similar)

    large striped pillows (similar)round cushion  

    beige pillow (similar) / striped lumbar (similar) / decorative knot

  • a month of using blue apron and some FAQ

    this post is in partnership with blue apron

    after a year of living at home through a pandemic– the food anxiety, the frantic midnight grocery shopping just trying to secure a delivery window, the constant cooking and never ending meal planning, i kinda have NO CLUE why we didn’t try a meal kit box sooner. i’ve used them sporadically in the past for one box at a time, but this was my first time doing a few boxes in a row. 

    anyone who knows me or follows me closely knows i am a total creature of habit when it comes to cooking, i pretty much make the same handful of dishes because it’s nice for me to not have to come up with new ideas, especially on weekdays. so i am so excited to have used blue apron for the past month because i’ve made so many new things i would normally never even think to try making, and we’ve all really enjoyed it too!! 

    since you’re probably well aware of blue apron by now, they deliver chef created recipes with super easy to follow instructions and pre-portioned responsibly sourced ingredients. 

    it has been FREAKING BREEZY to not have to worry about meal planning or grocery shopping the last few weeks, i can’t even express that enough. i’ve had to shop for essentials and that’s it, and it’s just felt like such a weight lifted off my back. to not have to even think about what i’m making for dinner has actually felt like self care after the year we’ve had. i know this all sounds dramatic but i guess i am dramatic lol. Read More

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    where i shop for cute kids clothes

    tbh i always wanted a daughter so i could pick out cute little dresses and onesies but i actually have loved dressing arlo over the years!! shopping for boys is definitely different and can be way more challenging. for some reason whenever i’m shopping for kids clothes, i always notice how much cuter the girls options are than the boys. it’s so weird how obvious it is!! i have no problem buying things for arlo from the girls sections, i just wish stores didn’t seem so geared towards exclusively girls.

    even though he’s 3.5, i still only have arlo wear soft pants and leggings, i’m really not into the typical trousers they sell for little boys, so i usually have him wear leggings from girls sections (i just have to size up, maybe only because arlo is especially tall).

    i love dressing him in basics because they’re timeless and gender neutral, and you can mix and match! here are a bunch of favorite shops, i didn’t link to specific clothing since they’ll all sell out eventually. this post is to just help guide you there!

    Read More

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    home tour : cándida’s wohlgemuths dreamy venice bungalow

    i have followed cándida for a few years now and her style is impeccable! she and her husband started an interior design firm recently and i would toootally hire them. i am obsessed with watching all the updates they’ve made on their own home and their client projects. ESPECIALLY that plaster fireplace that they made from scratch!!!!!  Read More

  • roasted grape crostini

    it was only a few months ago that i roasted grapes for the first time, inspired by sophia roe, and now i’m obsessed! i love a crostini for lunch and this has become one of my favorites for sure. it’s so easy and such a good way to use up those old grapes on their last legs.

    this meal is sweet but still savory and soooo so good. makes a great lunch but would also make such a nice fancy appetizer if you used a baguette instead.

    Read More

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    how to make a faux olive tree look better

    we recently got a new olive tree and i looooove it so much! it’s the best fake tree i’ve ever owned, but i wanted to share the easy things i did to make it look even better. Read More

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    home tour : hannah garvins neutral beach pad

    i have loved following hannah for years now– i first stumbled upon her because of her beautiful styling, ceramics and minimal style and i am obsessed with the way she dresses herself and her daughter in soft pastel color stories. hannah’s little house feels so laid back and california, just like her!

    tell us about you and what you do!

    I live in the Culver City area of LA with my husband and our two littles. I’m a full time mom and we spend lots of our days playing outside soaking sunshine. l work part time doing styled product and lifestyle photography for women led brands and also make small batch ceramics!
     

    how long have you lived in your home?

    3 years. We moved here right after Ever was born. We had been living in an apartment in Santa Monica that was blocks away from the beach, but Ever was living in a closet, so we needed another bedroom. 
     

    rent/own?

    We rent. 
     

    Read More

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    pretty everything : modern play kitchens and accessories

    after a very exhausting ikea hack to customize arlo’s play kitchen, i probably wouldn’t ever do that again! it’s held up great and he still plays with it after all this time, but man it took me a while. i feel like there has been a blowup of cute modern play kitchens in the past couple years so i wanted to round up my favorites in case you’re not interested in DIYing!

    pretty play kitchens

    i love this minimal kitchen — so clean and simple! ($320)

    i meannn, the little curtain?! i love the legs on this one and it comes with play food and accessories! and so cheap! ($90)

    i love this one a lot, it’s pretty and has a nice small footprint, definitely not cheap but cheaper than some others on here ($399) 

    this oak wood one is so chic AND it comes with so many cute accessories! it also comes with a pull-down faucet, ice maker and clicking oven knobs. so fun!! it is a little on the smaller side but it’s also pretty inexpensive so that’s a plus ($139)

    milton & goose definitely makes some of the prettiest play kitchens ever– but they’re expensive! ($799)

    this one actually comes with pots and pans and utensils ($166)

    everything lalo makes is beautiful and their play kitchen is no exception. it comes in this sage color, white and natural and you can also buy pretty play accessories from them ($395)

    you may not expect it but this is probably the one i would buy– in terms of design and price and if you weren’t a fan of the blue you could just paint it! ($159)

    not my favorite on the list, but it’s so inexpensive (and well reviewed) and i think it has a lot of potential! the countertop is really nice as is, but i would probably paint the cabinets before assembling so you could cover up that giant logo ($89)

    ps. i have more play kitchens on my amazon storefront and am always adding as i find them!

    pretty play kitchen accessories

    sadly almost all the accessories i got for arlos kitchen are sold out but i’m aaaalways looking at getting new stuff since he plays with it all — i must have a weakness for cute play food and cute play kitchen accessories because i couldn’t really stop with this roundup. i want so many things lol.

    01. loveee this adorable stand mixer! $54
    02. wooden pantry set that’s cute and also sorta hilar  ($39)
    03. very cute wood pot and pan with a little egg!! ($16)
    04. simple dishware which ends up getting used a lot! we need more plates ($35)
    05. it’s really hard to find good looking wood pantry food but these aren’t bad! ($20)
    06. love this cooking and eating set– you wouldn’t need much more than this ($39)

    01. very cute play food but i wish there were more everyday food items vs popsicles haha ($56)
    02. oh man i love this set, we have some foods you can chop in half but these are great ($26)
    03. a little smoothie set for the smoothie making kids lol ($16)
    04. adorable little toaster with butter jam and honey!! ($23)
    05. wood cookware along with cute crochet foods ($47+)
    06. nice simple cookware set and utensils ($26)

    01. cute metal baking set — we use ours with kinetic sand ($29)
    02. the most beautiful wooden fruit (she makes vegetables too!) ($65)
    03. love this simple wood pot and pan set! it looks a little like the one we have ($49)
    04. cute modern little coffee maker for the baristas ($36)
    05. nice and simple wooden pantry food ($20)
    06. another pretty cookware set that comes with serving stuff too ($33)

    01. very cute sage colored toaster ($24)
    02. this set is beaaaautiful!!! ($55)
    03. colorful cute cookware, i love that this one comes with a baking sheet! ($28)
    04. another cute mixer! this one comes with sugar and flour ($24)
    05. more nice wood pantry food! ($25)
    06. cute little wooden fruit in a crate ($20)

    01. this is the 15 pc cookware set we have! it’s super cute ($55)
    02. a cute little breakfast plate ($25)
    03. and i had to get arlo this little salmy and pasta plate! sooo cute ($25)
    04. suuuper cute wood cookware set ($53)
    05. another cute chopping set — if you are getting fruit/veggies, def get choppable ones! ($30)
    06. we have this adorable farmers market tote with soft foods, perfect for littler kids too ($28)


    phew! that was lengthy!! i hope that i was able to help you choose your play kitchen and accessorize beautifully 🙂 there are clearly lotssss of options (i made myself stop, i could have kept going haha)

    pps. i have more play food and accessories on my amazon storefront and am always adding more. like i said, i could have kept going and i guess i did.

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    DIY painted circle shelf

    been meaning to share how we did this circle shelf for a bit now!! i’m sort of an expert since i ended up doing it twice in arlo’s room– yes twice. i did it on one wall before bringing his big boy bed in, and once i did, i realized the layout of the room would be weird — so i had to change things around and decided it would just be best to just redo it on another wall haha. wow it was exhausting. Read More