Desert Home Build: Open Shelving and Our Built-in Look Time to take a look back at all of our open shelving moments, from design plans and construction to execution and styling. I have always been a fan of open shelving in our homes. Even back when we were renting I found a way to have all of my favorite mementos, books and ceramics on display. Open shelving gives you an opportunity to have some of the beautiful pieces you’ve collected over the years out on display. Pieces for function become decor and show off a bit of your personality.  Why I Love Open Shelving So where did we start ..read more

They say your home is a reflection of your mind, or at least that’s what I’ve heard. If your closet is a mess, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed and just as scattered mentally and it’s manifesting as a physical reflection….or maybe you just need some really great organizational tools. Either way, when it came time to think of our closet build out, I knew I wanted to work with Container Store again. I wanted the closet for the new house to be organized and planned with intention, and be a bit pretty too. I’m so glad we chose the Avera Collection from the Container Store. It has a built-in ..read more

Why are you so chill? How are you so zen? I was really surprised to get these questions from you all on IG, when I asked what you wanted to see more of on the blog this year. I was flattered by those comments and I was compelled to write about it because it is something I have been actively working on the last several years: mindset, gratitude, perspective, energy, and worth.  Let me start off by saying I am not 100% calm, cool, or collected all the time. No one is. I get angry and upset just like anyone, but I’ve made a lot of changes in my life since becoming a mother and for the sake ..read more

Parenting and Marriage…the Endless Juggle…and Oh Yeah, Finding that You-Time too.. Be a mom, be a wife, go to work, be a friend, stay fit, read, make time for yourself…it’s all A LOT. I’m fully convinced there’s never a balance. It’s all a juggle and throughout different phases of our life (because yes, its all just a series of phases and ebbs and flows), some things take more of a backseat than others, while others thrive at the forefront. So how do we juggle motherhood and marriage, especially now in 2024 when most two-parent families have equal (or somewhat equal) responsibilities? How do ..read more

Say hello to Mr. Bones! Cannot wait to set up this light up skeleton outside with some pumpkins and other fall decor. Once we opened up the box he immediately went in the living room, no styling or anything. I’m usually not one to go crazy with Halloween decor. I love Christmas decorations and usually wait until then to really bust out all the decor, but as our son gets older, I get more into decorating for each holiday. Halloween decor can often look cheap and just not last year after year, which is what has deterred me from really buying Halloween decor until now. I always decorate with rea ..read more

I don’t love shopping early for the seasons or holidays, but it feels like every year things sell out faster and faster. I’ve been browsing the internet for some cute fall clothes for our toddler, along with some seasonal items. Below I rounded up some cute and affordable kids clothes. If you like neutral kids clothes, keep reading for links to some of my favorite finds.  Fall Leaf Sweater | 4-Pack of Neutral Kids Socks | 3 Pack of Kids Pants with Elastic Waist | Neutral Knit Wool Cardigan Sweater | Corduroy Overalls | Sweater with Eyelet Collar | Denim Overalls | Mushroom Matching Set ..read more

I love a round coffee table for an organic earthy living room. It keeps the flow going in small spaces, and they are child friendly without any harsh corners. When we were designing our living room for the new house, I knew I wanted a sectional for big family movie nights and to just hang out with friends and family, but left us with less space for larger coffee table. A round coffee table felt like the perfect option, because although the home is about 3,000 sq ft and the open concept living area feels very spacious with the high vaulted ceilings, the actual living room area isn’t massive. A ..read more

Well it’s been a few months since we’ve officially moved into our new home in Tucson, AZ and it’s been a while since I’ve updated this space here. We have been settling in and taking the days slow. Styling shelves, going on pre-dinner walks, catching the sunsets, afternoon coffee outings, and enjoying our new everyday together.              View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Christina & Robert | Desert Living (@newdarlings)   It feels prett ..read more

Hello again ‘ol blog. It’s been a bit. I’ve missed updating this space. We’ve been so busy with the home build and all the festive holiday traditions. Right after Christmas it’s going to be go time with packing and finishing up all the little details on the house, so we’ve really been focusing on making this holiday season a magical one, packing our advent calendar full of baking and holiday activities.             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Christ ..read more

Happy October! I’m finally feeling in the fall spirit and got our rental all set up for fall and spooky season recently. I love the holidays but didn’t know how I’d feel as we’re kind of in limbo, waiting for the house to be finished. We’re still aiming to finish by December, so who knows what Christmas will look like, but anyway – halloween! Decorating feels way more fun now that Ollie is getting older and he is so into all the pumpkins and special treats. I like to keep fall decor neutral with some pumpkins, gourds and dried flowers. I love adding a lot of texture with pillows and throws, f ..read more