Sandberg Ramblings

I would be doing all of you new moms, or those of you looking for the perfect baby shower gift,  a disservice if I didn't share this awesome company with you! Keiki Baby is a small business started by my cute friend Tia.  They sell the ULTIMATE nursing covers, called the "Keiki Kover," that are by far the best covers on the market.  Why the best?  - Instead of an apron style, the Keiki Kover is like a poncho or shawl, so it covers your back as well.  Solves the problem of people behind you being able to see in the sides.  - It doubles as a nursing cover and a carseat or stroller cover - It's made of a stretchy jersey type fabric, so if you have a wiggly baby, you don't have to worry about them exposing you :)  I will definitely be getting one for myself now that I have a little one on the way!  Although I was about 17 or 18, not married, and definitely did not have a child, I modeled for some of ...

I've always loved the UK brand Boden and when their new Fall catalog came in the mail last week it definitely didn't disappoint. Their childrens line Mini Boden is equally adorable.  Here are a just a few of my favorite finds in the new catalog.  I pretty much loved something on every page, but here's a small taste :)  1 // Colourblock Cardigan 2 // Brompton Jacket (the whole outfit is great)  3 // Chic Ankle Boot  4 // Roll Collar Hummingbird Dress  (love it with those blue tights)  5 // Saint Germain Coat 6 // Amelie Dress 7 // Collared Breton  8 // "The Shirt" in Bird Print 

via Window treatments can really add the finishing touch to a room. Especially a large room with a lot of bare wall space even with artwork hung. But, just like most things in design, you have to get it just right.  Window treatments that aren't the right size or length or are hung wrong can just as easily take away from the beauty of the room.  via Here are my top 10 tips for window treatments: 1) Measure, measure, measure.  A small mistake in measurements can really make or break your window treatments.  via 2) If curtains or drapes are your window treatment of choice, they should at least touch the ground.  For more formal look, they can even billow at the floor a bit.  3) Hang your rod wider than the window so that when pulled back, your window treatments aren't covering up the window, they are actually covering up the wall.  4) Your curtain rod should be hung almost to the ceiling.  Never ...

Only a month left until we hit the 3rd and final trimester! We found out at our appointment today that little Ames was being stubborn during our gender ultrasound last month and they didn't get a great picture of part of his heart, so we get to see him again in a few more weeks so they can get some more pictures.  The doctor said everything looks great though and not to be worried, babies just don't like to cooperate sometimes and they can't get every angle they need.  I have flight plans set for the end of August for 2 whole weeks to come home for baby showers and such. I'm excited to see friends and family! 3 of my closest girl friends also came home from missions this past month so I can't wait to see them as well!  I got my Hypnobirthing book in the mail this week and I've already read quite a bit.  Even if you are not planning on necessarily having a natural birth, I think it's a great read for expecting mothers.  I know every...

I've recently come upon two new blogs that I'm in love with and  thought I'd share so you can go check out how great they are for yourself!  First up is Unruly Little Things by Alyson Brown.  It's about all things little kiddie and she finds the cutest resources for children's toys and clothing.  Alyson also writes the lifestyle blog Unruly Things that is just as great.  Next up is Hello Hydrangea by Lindsey Campbell.  Lindsey is pretty much good at everything.  She is an amazing graphic designer and offers design services  for a great deal, if you ever want to vamp up your own blog.  My favorite thing are her amazing DIY craft project tutorials .   I promise you will definitely thank me for sharing after you check out these two fabulous blogs!  Enjoy!

1 // Adorable Boys Paper Airplane Tee - I'm finding a love for shopping for a little boy :)  2 // Lovely DIY Cuff Bracelet using old/vintage jewelry  3 // Watercolor Map - just type in your location! So fun for an art piece!  4 // Madewell Sunnies - loving the popular round shape right now 5 // Graphic Heart Print 6 // Bold Gingham Print Anthro Tee 7 // This laundry room makeover is amazing! Done on a small budget with lots of DIYs you can try in your own home!  8 // I would LOVE to have this chandelier in my home someday! To see more of what I'm loving, come follow me on Pinterest ! 

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the giveaway and helped get the word out about Carpe Diem Interior Design! I wish I could give something to you all! This giveaway was a great success, so I will definitely think about doing another one in the future. Maybe one of those Society 6 pillow covers you were all loving! ;) Well let's get to it and announce the lucky winner of the gift card! The winner is... Lauren Gardner  Congrats!  please email me at lexiesandberg@gmail.com   and tell me what email address you would like your gift card sent to!  ALSO... Go check out my post on Dream Till Green! It's all about "green" or eco friendly design finds.

I am LOVING this post , by Erin of the blog House of Earnest ,  on how to arrange store bought flowers. As a previous florist I have to admit I cringe inside a little bit when I see a vase of flowers that are still in the shape of the cellophane they were wrapped in, just plopped in a vase.  You're really not doing the flowers justice and they aren't going to last very long with all those dirty leaves and such hanging out in the water.  Market bunches from the store usually consist of very cheap flowers such as mums, lilies, and a LOT of filler greenery.  It makes them look even more cheap when you just leave them in a big wad.  So PLEASE go read this great post and turn your market bunch from Costco into something that looks worthy of a florist!  Also from experience, here are a couple of my own tips for making your flowers last longer... - Recut the stems every couple of days, about an inch. - Use the flower food you...

SORRY, THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.  I have a lovely little giveaway for you today!  The majority vote was for the West Elm gift card, so that's what our lucky winner will get, $25 to spend on whatever they would like at West Elm!  To enter you can do one or all of the following: 1 // Share this giveaway on Facebook 2 // Share on Instagram  3 // Share on Twitter 4 // Share on your own blog 5 // Become a follower of this lovely blog 6 // "Like" Carpe Diem Design on Facebook  Then leave a comment here telling me what you did to enter.  The more things you do, the more times your name will be entered into the drawing.  Winner will be announced Wednesday morning! 

Life lately has been filled with LOTS of blogging,  a big belly, calligraphy, homegrown tomatoes, trips to the farmers market,  bike rides, and of course a dog child.  My design blog and business has been my #1 priority lately and thanks to you readers it is finally starting to take off! I really appreciate it! If you know of anyone who might like my blog or could use some design services please send them my way!  My goal is to really be up and running by the time we are back and settled in Utah.  I know this baby will throw a kink in things for a few months, but that's why I'm trying to get it started now before he comes.  I've also been doing a lot of calligraphy lately if you haven't already noticed. I was asked to teach a calligraphy class at girls camp. The last time I did calligraphy was in junior high.  So... I decided I better go get some supplies and start teaching myself. I think Heavenly Father knew of the love...

Well I may not be able to decorate Ames' real nursery for a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working on a design for it! I have purchased a few of these items already and can't wait for the day when I can actually put it all together.  I don't really want the room to necessarily have a "theme" but the little gallery wall I've started has a bit of a zoo animal theme. Other than that, I just want everything else in the room to be mostly just different patterns and textures. As far as color, the room will probably be mostly white and grey with pops of color.  Here's a few nursery's I'm using for inspiration... Quilt / handmade by me Crib / Pouf / Glider / Pillow / Lamp / Mobile / Crib Sheet / Cube Sculpture Rhino / Giraffe / Striped Rug / Cowhide / Elephant Print / Owl Print /  Sheets (using for curtains) Wild Thing Print - can't find the source anywhere!  Green Chair...

I will be doing a fun little giveaway next week! First I want to find out what will really bring you guys back for the giveaway. So, the options are... $25 West Elm Gift Card Capri Blue Volcano Candle  2 Printable Downloads from Birds of Ashmae - your choice 1 Society 6 Pillow Cover - your choice Choose your favorite and leave a comment with your vote! *NOTE: this is NOT the actual giveaway, the giveaway will take place on Monday so stop back by then!

Who doesn't love West Elm!? I just got my catalog in the mail yesterday, and I'm loving some of the new arrivals! I've always loved their bedding. My duvet is West Elm and I just got these new sheets in the mail. Love them!  All bedding is 20% off right now so it's a great time to refresh your nightly slumber :)  I can't wait until we're back in Salt Lake and I can check out things in person at the store!  Here's a roundup of my favorite new arrivals from the catalog... -They have some great new fabric choices for their upholstered pieces. Loving the blue performance velvet on this Paidge Sofa (#3)  - Can't go wrong with black and brass (#4)  - I'm thinking #7 would be a fun little accessory in Ames' nursery. 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

I absolutely love this post by Ashley of the blog Birds of Ashmae . Because I've never been the "skinny girl" I've always worried about what my body will look like after having a baby. This whole pregnancy I've tried to be very conscious of how much weight I'm gaining, eating healthy, and exercising.  As much as I still think being healthy before, during, and after pregnancy is, I think my view has changed a little about my body image post baby. I think many women who can't have children would gladly gain a few stretch marks and pounds to have a little one they gave birth to.  So, today I'm going to change my view of my body in relation to this pregnancy. I will love it for its imperfections afterwards because it is evidence that I carried a little one inside me that I love so much.  "I want us to be evidence of very real things because I think that is part of our love." - Ashley Mae  If you don't have one of Ashm...

Melissa Esplin is one amazing calligrapher, seamstress, and blogger! I happened upon her blog via Instagram and could spend hours looking at all of her amazing DIYs and tutorials. I'm hoping to be able to attend one of her calligraphy classes when we are back in Salt Lake. She is SO talented! My new creative inspiration :) She also teaches an online class if you don't live near a city where she does workshops. Go check her out if you haven't already!  She made this amazing top!

 This little guy is definitely making his presence known! Ames Landon Sandberg  is the name we have chosen, and although I don't know how else you would pronounce it, I have been asked, so I'll just tell you now. It is pronounced "Aims." It's actually a city in Iowa, but I had heard the name and liked it before we even moved here.  So I guess it can be our little tribute to Iowa :) Also to note: Landon finally felt this little guy move this week. It's so fun to see him get so excited about it :) I stopped by a children's consignment store and found some fun little shoes and a Baby Gap sweatsuit. The Polo onsie is from TJMaxx, and the fun little doxie bum sleeper is from a baby boutique here in Iowa called Lincoln and Lexi.  But seriously... it is SO HARD to find cute and affordable boy clothes. Baby retailers need to step it up! I'm sorry but I don't want creatures, characters, and cheesy sayings all over my baby's clothi...

Well now that we've talked about the actual dining room in my Table & Chair Matchup post ,  now the extra fun part comes in of dressing the table! There are so many fun, linen, flatware, glassware, and dinnerware options. I have to say I had a great time searching the web to create this inspiration board for you, and even though it's a mix of many different colors and patterns, I think almost everything here could work on the same tablescape!  I've said it once and I'll say it again, branching out from "sets" is the way to go.  I've even seen tables where each place setting is different, but the colors all tie together.  It's unexpected but looks great! Dressing an entire table can get pricey, I know, but that's the best part of this idea is that you don't have to worry about buying a matching set all at once. Find a great deal on some fun glasses or plates and build your set from there. Buying mismatched china from a co...

My cute cousin Whitney got me hooked on calligraphy while we were in Lake Powell, so right when I got home I went out and got a few supplies to keep practicing with.  There's also a calligraphy class this Fall at the Des Moines Art Center that I'm looking into taking.  Until then, I've had some fun doing some little quotes  and thought I'd share some of them with you as  FREE printable downloads.  These will fit in an 8x10 frame. I recommend printing on high quality cardstock. Enjoy! Download Download Download Download

(   Table & Chairs  .   Throw Pillows . Garden Stool (TJMaxx) ) I had a lot of fun sprucing up my little patio while my mom was in town this Spring. She has quite the green thumb and helped me do all of my planting.  Whether you have a green thumb or not, a few accessories can really showcase and accent your plants or make up for the lack of with a little color and pattern :)  Now is a great time to purchase outdoor furniture and accessories because they are starting to go on sale.  After all, Summer isn't over yet. We've still got a a couple months left!  And sometimes I think Fall is the best time to have a fun patio because the weather is perfect for eating / sitting / daydreaming outside.  Here's some fun pieces you can add to spruce up your own patio... 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10

The dining room is one place people really do their home a disservice.  How? They have a matching dining set, a generic light fixture, and no rug under their table.  Raise your hand if that's you.  Don't worry, you're not alone.  Just by adjusting those 3 things (mix up your chairs, add a fun light fixture, add a rug) you can really revamp your dining room.  Just bought your dining set and can't afford new chairs?  Easy.  Keep your side chairs, but find some upholstered chairs to add as captain's chairs on each end of the table.  It will mix it up just enough! Plus you'll have 2 extra chairs when you have guests over.  Another option is painting your chairs a different color from your table and add some fun cushions or reupholstering the seats.                                             ...