Introducing Samuel Michael Hagen.  Born May 19, 201o.  Good thing this little fella came ELEVEN days early, cause I can’t imagine a day less without him.  Because he came so early, I was/am pretty unprepared.  I hope you don’t mind me taking blogging a little light for the next little while as I’m still trying to recover, recuperate, and adjust to life with Sam.

The walls in our backyard are painted a bright orange, so I’m trying to find some fun bright, fun backyard inspiration pics.  I’m thinking we’ll try and incorporate some blue, greens, and yellows like this…

But somehow I always am drawn to soothe, calming spaces like this…

Aaaand since it’s almost summer, here are some beautiful pools…

It’s starting to turn summer here…meaning the weather is starting to get pretty chilly.  It’s weird to think that I’d might be able to fit into something like this in a few weeks.  Wouldn’t this be a perfect summer jacket?  So cute.

A week ago was my beautiful baby shower.  I’m so lucky to have made friends here and to have such a strong support group.  The host, Tracy, did a fabulous job with the food and drinks…

and games…

{sadly, this is the only picture I have of me and the host…}

there were some great gifts given…

like these adorable Uggs.  These will be perfect for the cold SF summers.

All three of us are due within three weeks of each other.  It has been really nice being able to talk with someone else who’s going through the same pregnancy process.  I can’t wait for all our little ones to play so we can have fun play dates!!

This was taken at one of the aforementioned girls’ shower, but these are some of my close friends here in the city.   V and H, you girls are great! :)

I had a blast at my shower and was literally showered with great company and much needed gifts for our little guy.  I never thought I’d have such a strong support group after just recently moving to a new area.  The girls here are great.  Thanks to all who came!!!

PS. Ashley and Kelsee, I’m still waiting for those pics from the AZ shower…

While browsing Project Nursery I came across this nursery.  Appropriately titled Glamorous Nursery.  Everything seems perfectly in it’s place…a little too perfectly if you ask me.  While the overall design might not be my particular style, there are some elements that I liked.

The ceiling is quite beautiful.  And I always think it’s great to have something on the ceiling in nurseries to give the babies stimulation.

I thought this idea for a changing table was quite clever.  Ahhh to have that much storage…

And my favorite: this trash pull for the diapers.  It’s such a nice way to hide that mandatory diaper pale.

In my opinion, there’s a reason why we let the professionals do what they do: they can do it much better!  As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been working on a headboard for our bedroom.  Some things I’ve learned about nailheads for those who want to try to take on the daunting task of individually hammering in nail heads yourself:

• use a rubber mallet
• using a guide can only get you so far: those darn things don’t go in straight
• in order to keep my sanity, I try taking MANY breaks. like work for thirty minutes, then go back. kind of pathetic, I know.
• don’t set your expectations of the final project too high…it’ll only end up in disappointment.

I keep trying to tell myself that I’m an amateur and that there’s no way my first-time headboard would ever look like something my upholsterer could whip up.  That kind of sounds negative, doesn’t it? But hey, I’m being realistic here.  I’m a designer, not an upholsterer.  If I haven’t scared you away from nail heads, here are some beautiful pieces…

Lately our foyer has been more a storage area for whatever project I’ve been working on.  {as of late, its been that darn headboard}  While we had guests I had them move the massive piece upstairs…making our foyer a once-again open area.  We’re in a great need of more storage.  Particularly something for all our books.  However, I’d like to try and hide them in a credenza or buffet of some sort.  Here’s a collection of some beautiful foyers for your Thursday reading:

Love the bright pink settee as a welcome piece right when you walk in.

Tall ceilings seem even taller with vertical stripes, white ceilings, and dark floors…

A big, inexpensive (craigslist?), piece like this credenza is what I’m looking for. In this older homes, storage is really needed…

There’s that horse art again.  Notice how seating is an important furniture piece in all these.  Not only does seating giving the welcoming feel, but it’s also nice to have a place to sit for people to take on and off their shoes or coats.

I’ve never been a DIY designer; but I helped my friend make a headboard…not bad if I must say so!  Last time I made a headboard was with a client.  And it was done in one easy night.  This, however, was not the case.  Many days of back-aching work, raw fingers, and some held-back curse words from your truly.  Now I remember why I hire out my work.

On a much more positive note, we were able to replicate this look for a fraction of the cost. And despite all the rough spots, actually had a fun time spending time together.  I’m still in the processes of finishing mine up.  Once it’s done I’ll post some pics.

and that somebody is this handsome man.  For some reason 25 never seemed old; but 26 definitely does.  26 with a baby on the way–man we’re growing up.

I’ve got a busy day of errands as well as hosting my home for my dad and brother…Aaand the Zinch rooftop party.  If you’re in San Francisco, you should come.  It’s gonna be a good time…

I think I’ll pass.  I thought you had better style Mrs. Heidi Klum.