I’m excited about this post because it’s something close to my heart (and most everyone else’s). You’ve probably noticed the surge of indoor jungle vibes in every indoor space via social media, Pinterest, favorite blogs, magazines, local boutiques, store fronts… IKEA!  Perhaps you haven’t even noticed the shift, but wondered why you’ve drifted into more plant shops recently or walked out of Home Depot without nails and a cart full of green? I’ve even noticed a shift in my coffee purchases; if there isn’t a plant shop to stumble into nearby, you can bet my beverage I won’t purchasing from you.  Ah!?

There’s no denying that they instantly brighten and liven any space, but what’s important are the benefits. Plants really should be considered a necessity rather than an object of décor, because honestly, good health should never be out of style.

If you’re not convinced, here are some of the amazing benefits that go beyond the eye:

• They give an assist in breathing
• They help deter illness
• They clean the air
• They boost healing
• They help you work better… YES. Several studies with both students and workers reveals that studying or working in the presence of plants can have a pretty dramatic effect.

If you’re looking for some plant therapy while on the go, follow these Instagram accounts:

houseplantdiary

ilandeivenice

dreamofplants

And join this group on Facebook; Dreaming of Plants! You won’t be disappointed!

One last note. If you’re traveling to London check out a new Airbnb by the Pantone colour of the year. You get to spend your nights surrounded in a calm and plant-filled home. Rainforest bathroom included, need I say more?  Read more about it, HERE. Get more information on Pantone’s color of the year in a previous post, HERE.

It’s surreal seeing your family and home on a site you visit often for inspiration. Jeff and I put a lot of love into our home to make it a special place to raise our little girls in so seeing it captured on Apartment Therapy, documenting this special time in our lives makes my heart so happy and thankful.  Thanks for sharing our story Heather Keeling. 

Read and view the full tour here: Michele & Jeff’s Chic & Playful Blend

Leggings! Those stretchy tubes that cover ones limbs. The piece of clothing I’m not sure what I’d do without. It’s the simple pleasures that soft stretchy fabric sewn to fit any body brings especially to a pregnant lady. To me, it’s the one item of clothing that’s made denim feel like pulling on cardboard these days. So, I have to mention this brand that’s made comfort cute and great leggings affordable. Tummy Tuck Legging by M Rena at Portland’s boutique Shop Adorn. The fabric is unlike any other. They’re incredibly soft to the touch, velvety, and the stretch makes it feel like a second skin. The waistband is probably the best part as it covers and pulls everything in. Yes please!

Tshirt : American Apparel
Vest : Aritzia
Leggings : Shop Adorn (M Rena Tummy Tuck Leggings)
Shoes : Madewell 

Our home for the past 8 years has been turned over to the buyers as of Monday. I can’t even start to explain the pain I had walking out the front door for the very last time. The memories were pulling at every limb of my body as I closed the door behind me. The thought of our two girls never getting to experience living there or walking those cute streets of our neighborhood aches me. The details and time we put into touching every inch inside and out to make that house ours; it brings tears to my eyes.

Inexplicably weird pregnancy dreams are nothing new around here. I recently dreamt I was traveling for vacation and work for 3 straight weeks, then returned home to pack an entire house and store it all within two weeks, meanwhile frantically searching for a house or apartment for our growing family. Well, it happened, May 2014 in my mind will always be known as one long dream of chaos because I’m pretty sure I wasn’t awake for any of it. Thankfully it ended with finding a roomy home that we close on in just one short week.

Aside from traveling, house hunting, packing and waiting to close on our new house, this quiet time Jeff and I get to spend together during this lull is thoroughly enjoyed. I personally have not experienced this kind of down time since my first trimester when I couldn’t bare to show my face in public from nausea. My mom and step dad are gracious and brave enough to take the homeless in, along with the hairy kid and the remaining crap we couldn’t fit in storage. And, we love them for it. My mom is the most generous, loving, and care-taking human on this planet and am so thankful for this time with her and my step dad again. I’m not sure why I ever moved out.

Amid all of this I am consistently reminded that something pretty fascinating is happing inside of me. It’s pretty surreal to be interrupted during the most mundane parts of my day by these little ladies. Just reminding their mommy that they’re going to be the most important piece in her life. Life is feeling so different, so unfamiliar, and so amazing. 

When Jeff and I decided to sell our 1901 home, we had no idea it would sell so quickly. Within four hours of hitting the market we had accepted an offer above our listing price. Bitter sweet being that it’s now our turn. Meanwhile, we’re packing our bags, boxing our dishes, purging the unnecessary and preparing for a long search ahead and are totally looking forward to it. Fortunately Jeff and I make an incredible team and enjoy a good reno so we’re open for anything. Until then, perhaps I’ll share a glimpse into The Wright Shack along with stories of cramped living along the way. At least one day I’ll be able to look back and laugh. 

The day I took the photographs of the finished product, the kitchen we worked so long and hard renovating is the day I realized what I never imagined I’d feel. 
I can remember the feeling of disgust, hatred and total annoyance during every step of the process. The amount of dirt, labor and unexpected expenses involved makes it hard for me to believe I’m feeling this way but I have to say I’m 100% absolutely in love with the renovation process more so then the actual kitchen itself… so much that I’d sell our house just to do it all over again. 

There’s something so satisfying about putting your stamp on a home, and even better an old 1901 home bringing it back to life. This kitchen came stocked with gross features we were able to either paint over, decorate or simply deal with until this remodel took place. The countertops were a lovely shade of peach swirl tile with a quarter inch grout to savor every crumb or liquid left behind. A doorway between the kitchen and the family room so uninviting it made you feel like you were entering a bedroom. And lastly the three different types of flooring laid on the main level of the house. 

We finished this reno last summer and it feels good. Now on to projects unseen to the eye… insulation.