Top: H&M, Necklaces: Vanessa Mooney, Skirt: UO
Saturday night was rainy and quiet. We spent it at home making tacos together and had a nice long dinner. Then we headed upstairs to finish putting my dresser together. I made some peppermint tea for us, and tightened a screw or two in between painting my toesies and sittin on the floor with Tys while he worked away. It was one of the best evenings. Surprisingly so considering how little we actually did. When Tys and I moved here, we decided that we wanted to change the environment in our home. Less distractions and more focus on our soon-to-be family of three. We opted out of cable and moved our TV downstairs to the exercise room, making our bookshelf the center of our living room. The difference its made, even in this short amount of time, has been amazing. The sound of the television has been replaced with conversation and music ... and happy quiet time working on the floor together.
This approach is certainly not for everyone ... and I'm not saying it is! But when we thought about our little boy and the environment we want to bring him home to, we knew that eliminating that small {actually, sometimes large} distraction would help us make our home a little more of a happy haven. So excited that bringing him home is only a few short months away! But in the meantime, also so excited to spend a little more time in the kitchen together, and around our dinner table, and on the couch reading books. Yay for new changes!
138 Response to simplicity
The lace detailing on your dress is exquisite. I adore it!
All the best for your new family.
Cheers.
Salonie
You are so beautiful! I love the pictures.....
and I love the new dedication to simplify. Always brings a fresh start to the day!
Pamela @ pbjstories.blogspot.com
love this idea! definitely something we will consider in the future. glad you are getting settled in your new home!
These pics of you are simply beautiful!
x
Michelle
www.michellesstylefile.blogspot.com
Beautiful post! Sounds like a great start to a new life! You are going to be such great parents : )
You look gorgeous! So excited that you guys are making all these little positive changes in your lives :) Your little boy is gonna be the happiest baby on the planet :)
Happy Monday!
xxx,
Fashion Fractions
Good for you for seeing something as a (major) distraction from "real life" sometimes and taking it away. We choosen not to have cable either. It is wonderful! I think if most people gave it a try they would agree that is creates a richer quality of life!
You look lovely, by the way. I can't believe you could squeeze your belly into that dress! So cute!
Great idea to have less distractions. I'm sure your little family with thrive off of the extra attention you give each other. :-)
I absolutely agree. TV often takes up way too much of our ever precious time.
You're beginning to sound like a real mother:-) How sensible!
Wonderful photos!
And I love the idea of moving your TV. I have recently moved mine out of my bedroom, and have instead placed candles and cute little thingys on my dresser and I enjoy being in my bedroom a lot more now! Especially since such a little change has brought me back to reading books more often!
http://faiirylights.blogspot.com
I find "banning" TV adds so much quality to life! I mean if I really want to I can still watch on my computer but the constant distraction is gone...
Great lace top btw =)
My GF and I no longer sit in front of the tv all evening. We sit and talk or spend some time in out backyard watching to dogs play. By doing this, we've come to appreciate our evenings with one another.
Chyanne M.
www.theyuppielady.com
so so beautiful! LOVE IT :)
xx
natalieoffduty.blogspot.com
You look so great and I just can't keep my eyes off your baby bump!! :-)
xx Olga
La Petite Olga
We don't have cable either and watch little TV. We prefer to keep our boys (3 and 1) active :)
mmm I love simplicity. Maybe someday I'll convince the hubby to move the tv downstairs, too! You look lovely, as usual, in your pics!
Better Than a Milk Mustache
A fabulous idea to re-model the way you live at home! I'm sure you'll remain happier for it.
Sal x
http://danielandi.blogspot.com
This is so exciting! I love the no tv approach. I am considering the same thing. You look so beautiful!!
sometimes it's the simple things in life that matter most. oftentimes A and I would just spend a quiet weekend together and feel like it's the most special weekend ever! i used to feel so old when i choose quiet over party, now i realize, maybe i'm just learning to live life the best way i can =)
PS: i love how you don't look preggo in some angles!
♥♥
http://intoxicatedchameleon.blogspot.com
I love the idea of moving the television out of the living room... can't do much living in front of a t.v. can you?!
-Tabatha
www.bloomestheticsstudio.blogspot.com
Love that outfit & the girls are lookin' good! Pregnancy agrees with you :)
I love this. We did the tv thing also and it made a world of difference. You guys are going to be great parents.
In love with how your knotted your lace top! Looks so cure!
Emily http://www.mywordsinterestslife.blogspot.com
I love your lacey top and pencil skirt...while pregnant. I hope I can pull it off as well as you! If only my husband and I were bigger readers...I wish we had that many books!
DoublClik Photo Blog
(clapping) I have always thought about doing this when I have a little family of my own.
I LOVE this idea. My husband and I all too often find ourselves taking the "easy" route after work and just vegging in front of the TV or on our laptops (or iPads..oh dear..). We just moved to Amsterdam and think we might take the same approach with the TV here! The good news is, we don't understand the majority of the channels anyway :)
You are absolutely the most gorgeous pregnant women I've ever seen! Glad to hear that you are settling in and ready for a some wonderful changes as a family of 3 soon!
You look so beautiful and classy. Re-orienting the house to be more family focused is a fantastic idea, that's what my parents did when I was born and it made a world of a difference in my book.
♥, Jamie
www.TheFancyTeacup.com
you look so beautiful! that outfit is amazing.
i love that you took the opportunity as you moved to change up the environment. definitely something i want to think about doing in the future for my own kiddos. i love it!
You look beautiful Syd. I just had the TV conversation with my hubby last week cause I am SO OVER the distraction. Nothing good from TV! Thanks for the inspiration! :)
i think that is the sweetest and most genuine gift you can give to your baby boy and family. it's the little thinks that make such a difference. much love to you and your soon to be new family ...
xo
Sc.
Very chic, I love the lace top!
That is wonderful idea, I grew up without a tv and although when I was younger I thought I was missing out, I now realize I was pretty lucky :)
Absolutely adorable. Simple is always the best! xo
http://tryitonmegirl.blogspot.com/
I really love that idea. Might have to follow-up with a serious conversation with my boyfriend about it too! ;)
And, of course, you look gorgeous in that top. Gold is such a great color for you.
So gorgeous, love the post. Your bub is getting huuuge!
xx
I am right there with you on getting rid of the distraction. My husband and i have been without a t.v. since we got married and we don't miss it.
I do wonder what it will be like to be home all day with a little one (tons of nursing time, etc.) without one... Maybe a follow-up post in 6 months or so? ;)
You look too cute. Every outfit... don't you ever want to go slumming since your dress, eating and living for two. I'm pretty sure I would rock sweats for a week straight towards the end
What a lovely outfit! Hey, painting toe nails can be very important! I ♥ tacos :) Books should always be around the center :P
Sierra
Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (cause You Are!)
Absolutely love this skirt and lace shirt combo!
xoxo,
a daily reader
http://www.theveebeediaries.blogspot.com/
SIMPLICITY IS ALWAYS best. This is a wonderful idea.
Gorgeous, love your beautiful outfit and I'm loving that you tied the lace tee, such an adorable detail!! Your evening sounds absolutely lovely. I adore tacos, rainy nights, and quiet time with the hubs. Total bliss! We also got rid of our cable and TV in fact -it's been great for us. xo veronika
You look great in these pictures!
Erin
www.simplyjustlovelyblog.com
Aww how fun! My husband and I did away with cable too and its amazing how much more you can get done without it!!!
These pictures are wonderful!!!
You are a hot mamma! The lace top is beautiful! Congrats!
htt;//www.cougarvintage.blogspot.com
When one of my good friends got married she and her hubby decided to not even HAVE a tv for the first whole year of their marriage. And they had an AWESOME time! I totally agree with your decision!! :)
i love that approach, and your bookshelf! :)
I love floor time! and babe will too... such an exciting time for you and your family of 2 + 1/2... enjoy your tv-less living room.
I am so on board with this idea. More room for conversation, music (and dancing of course), and quiet is always a good thing in my book.
Syd, you look beautiful. And, holy boobage! Woo hoo, haha!
I love evenings like that! My husband and I are very simple people. This summer we spent a lot of time reading together on the couch and cooking. You look beautiful as usual!!
Complex Cardigans
These are beautiful photos! We are selling our tv when we move and have considered just not buying another one. Maybe we will actually try it since it's worked out so well for you guys.
I've been without a tv in my apartment for months now and I'm surprised how little I miss it! So nice not to waste hours watching pointless shows and spend the time doing more meaningful things instead. You look gorgeous by the way!
agree with the tv. i havent had cable or dish for almost 4 yrs and love it. we do have netflix, but sometimes go almost a whole week w/o turning the tv on.
We've done the same thing, even though a little one isn't on the way. It's made such a difference and we appreciate the time spent together much more. :)
I love that idea! It would definitely make a difference in our home! I'm not so sure hubs would go for it though. haha! :)
Oh my word, you have so much on me. When I was pregnant, and I'm pretty sure it will be the same if I can do it again, there was no looking sexy on the floor in lace. There was looking pathetic on the floor in jersey and scrunchie. There was decent looking on the floor in poly cotton blend spread eagle on my back waiting for someone to fan me and help me haul myself to the couch. There might have even been cute slash a little creepy in silky ruffle with boots that were screaming in pain from being stretched to unholy limits, but I think I was only on the floor that day because my sorry feet couldn't bare my weight any longer.
So you look awesome. Lucky husband should recognize.
We are working on moving our TV to the basement right now. Goodbye cable, hello productivity. I hope.
have been wanting to do that for a while. We finally made it through a whole sunday with no tv and boy did it make a difference.
you sexy momma. so gorgeous in those pictures and the outfit is perfectly flattering. i bet no cable is making time for some... other things too ;) but seriously. good idea. you can take the ex-tv time and put it to good use, bringing your fam together.
You look so adorable! It's great that you are preparing a nice environment for the baby!
Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries
Best idea ever! We lived without the tube for awhile and the difference it made was phenominal...so much more quality time spent together. Love it!
Love these photos. So pretty! :)
http://www.threadcase.com
What a wonderful idea! How brave of you and your hubby to try this.. I would love to do the same, you may have inspired me to finally do it!
LOVE the lacey top, you are gorg!!
Samantha
http://petitefemmejolie.blogspot.com
I love this so much. I'm a firm believer that tv is the biggest waste of time on the planet, and I am very tempted to copy you! We spend many of our evenings without the tv on. Silence and face-to-face conversation are things that are hard to come by these days!
Such good, positive choices! As a teacher, I can tell you that these simple steps you're taking will help create a deep love of reading for your son. Keep it up, mama!
i grew up in a cable-less home and i always wanted my parents to get it. i just came home from europe for a visit and they now have, like, 900 channels. i was watching TV with them last night and *nothing* was on....i said, "ohhh, this is why we never had cable...". it all makes sense now!
I adore the new concept you guys are putting in place! I'm not a huge TV girl at all and love the idea of hearing music and conversation rather than the background noise of the television. xo Molly
what a great idea. and an excellent way to limit distractions. God Blessa you and your new little family of three!!!
i adore your outfit, and i was raised in a home without cable...which was SO great for my sis and i!
on another note, i have been looking for a cart/bookshelf EXACTLY like yours! where did you find it?
thanks!
-renee
you are darling!!
Cable is overrated! My family hardly ever watches TV,unless American Idol is on haha.
rachelsayumi.blogspot.com
that's an awesome idea, i've been telling my MR forever that when we have children i want to get rid of the tv (not entirely, but mostly). good for you two! i bet it's going to be fabulous not having it there
First, you look so adorably cute!!! Looks like you're feeling great! Second, getting rid of TV makes a HUGE difference in family bonding time. I got rid of mine, and it truly does open the doors of communication. Kudos to you and Tys for making that transition!
sofullsista.blogspot.com
Beautiful photos:) Having a child changes the way we see many things around us. Things I hadn't noticed before suddenly became a topic of importance in our lives when we thought of raising our son. Best wishe to you & your growing family:)
Girl.... I completely agree with you! Hubby and I got rid of cable earlier this year and we are so thankful we did! Now, instead of lazily watching tv, we get our butts up make dinner, listen to music, and just talk. It's improved our mentality infinitely! And I'm with you- when we have kids, I will not be having a tv- too many kids today grow up in front of it :( Anyway, when do we get a tour of your place?!?! upstairs AND downstairs?? I wanna see!
We are moving in that direction Syd, inspired by your example. Trying to make it thru this football season...TBD. You look so pretty in these pics Syd. Did Tys take them?? You guys are awesome!! Now off to take Kamie to her B-day lunch!!
I completely agree! I opted out of TV in high school and the distraction has been reduced greatly. Now all I need to do is remove the computer from the room, LOl!
I think that sounds lovely... I go back and forth wondering about how many tvs I want when I have my own little family.. I think when I'm there the pieces will fall into place.
You look and sound quite content
That sounds like a wonderful thing! I opted out of cable for now, too, and you do spend time doing more meaningful things.
In other news, i love your entire outfit!
For financial reasons, my husband and I only have Netflix. While I love it, I've been tempted to even do away with that [at least the instant queue]! I'm so glad you guys are enjoying the wonders of minimal TV. It truly is a blessing on any marriage.
wow you look beautiful! glowing really! love your quite Saturday night, those are my favorite! :)
cheers to you and your new family!
xoxo, ashley
Sweet post!!!!! You look very Beautiful too!!!!!! You and I are on the same page on the tv thing.... I really do not care for it at all, it seems to be a distaction just like you said, and my little girls are way more important to me than that, I do not ever want to miss a beat with them!!!!! As a matter of fact, we only have one tv period in our home, and that would be in the playroom, so that explains it!!!!!
Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com
I only have Netflix and I have to say, I don't miss tv at all. I also don't have a computer at home, and I don't miss that either. Being sort of unplugged definitely helps me to focus on what's really important {like spending time with my son doing fun things that don't involve his homework and reading books}. I love it!
You look gorgeous and I think that was an awesome idea. TV is replacing conversation too much~
Great idea. I admire that you and your husband have decided to get rid of the tv from the family room. Even better to put it in the exercise room! What a great incentive to exercise when you do want to indulge in a show.
Love that! My husband and I are thinking about ditching cable soon. I'm both excited and nervous. I think I'll be surprised how much time I will have when I'm not spending so much of it in front of the tv. Books, books here we come! <3
Awesome! I remember how hard it was for me to quit TV cold turkey about 4 years ago.....but it didn't take long to not miss it. It's been the best thing I ever did.
You guys are great!
That actually sounds like the perfect evening, and a perfect environment to bring your son into. You look beautiful as always!!
http://dreamingenfrancais.blogspot.com/
Love the dress. And I love that idea about not having a tv in the living room!
AND I now know you're having a boy! I missed when you revealed the gender of your baby. Congrats!!
This post totally inspired me. Thank you! PLUS- I love the whole outfit.
how do you manage to look SO stylish with a baby on the way?
I love the outfit you're wearing! Also, I find myself loving the fact that you decided to move the TV into the basement versus the living room. I love TV just as much as the next girl, but I enjoy when the house is quiet as well. I enjoy being able to talk to your family without the buzz of a reality show going on in the background or play with my two year old brother without Nick Jr. on blast distracting him so that he'd rather be sitting in the floor two inches away from the screen than chasing around his big sissy in the back yard. I think it's an ingenious and marvelous decision.
<3
Love it! We got a tv as a wedding gift, but we don't spend much time there! One of my favorites habits is to have dinner at the dinner table and not on the couch watching TV! Love your changes and your top is gorgeous!!!
first of all - love your adorable baby bump, and that you show it off!
second of all - I love that you and husband scaling down the tv. My husband and i decided to take a month off from TV and it's been wonderful and we're only a week in. We talk so much more, and our evenings are so much more productive :)
wow that is such a great idea! i cant wait to have a house of my own to design and decorate.
vi-key.blogspot.com
I'm reorganizing my living room, and so of course I noticed your bookshelves in the back. What a great way to display them! And of course, your outfit is adorable.
xoxo.
http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com
I love that idea. I would like to make our space more peaceful and quiet!
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com/
Love this idea. Something I will need to consider in our next place!
I really like your blog, I added it to my bookmarks before I even started blogging ;D You write really nice, and you always have amazing posts and photos. If you have any spare time, I'd really like to know your opinion about my blog, especially since you have so great blog yourself, please stop by: http://thepileofstyle.blogspot.com/
Love, Love, Love :D
Beautiful dress :) Love the way you knotted the lace top
Also, I really respect your idea to focus on the important things in life. Family and love. :)
~Tammy
www.bayparkdream.blogspot.com
you're glowing!
Lydia from Vintage2Vogue
http://vintagetwovogue.blogspot.com
That outfit is lovely, and you are just stunning! I am very impressed by your desire to make the best home you can for little boy! Best of luck to your little family!
aw, you are the cutest little prego ever! <3
Syd
Good for you! My family doesn't have cable, and though sometimes it gets boring, we get so much more family and quiet time without it!
oh i love simplicity and this is the best idea ever.
we actually got rid of our cable and only have netflix for movies. we have been more into reading and listening to music and talking about religion and goals and life in general - such a difference taking distractions out of your life makes!
So excited about your new addition in a few months. enjoy the few moments of togetherness you have left, enjoy being just the two of you!
Fairdale Diaries
You might want to keep the TV, newborns love to watch TV because of all the bright colors and visual stimulation. Sometimes toys, rattles, and book just don't cut it.
I grew up without a TV or video games, and our family is so much closer because of it.
LOVE your outfit. Hopefully I can pull that off when I'm pregnant :)
Enjoy quiet time with your hubby (or non-distracted with TV time)
Sounds like you're going to make an amazing mommy :)
xx
I implemented this plan in my apartment as soon as I moved to Chicago last year. And actually, my boyfriend and I don't even HAVE a television in our apartment. If we want to watch something, we watch it on our computers.
It's SO much better. Enjoy the quiet simplicity.
Megan, from Uncharted (unchartedtheblog.blogspot.com)
I know your little boy is still super young for this... yeah I know he hasn't even breathed fresh air yet... Anyways I am a sucker for childrens books, Bobby and I don't have little ones running around yet, but I love getting them.
But if you want a good book to read (chapter a night) to little boy (once he understands plots and stuff) you should read Peter and the Starcatchers (series). I love it, and you should too.
Oh I LOVE this idea! I am sad to say though I have very, very, very little chance of husband agreeing with me :P Plus our place is tiny... And our television is monstrous... (thanks to aforementioned husband) x
Even just reading your post, I can feel the peace and calmness in you writing that hasn't always been there before....so I definitely can notice the difference and it has inspired me to follow your lead once I have a family and a home of my own :)
I'm with you on the tv thing. We have three monster tvs in our casa. And I've told boyfriend that once we have kids the tvs in the bedroom are gone and so is the one in the kitchen. Family time is the most important. Good for you! xo- Jet
I LOVED canceling our cable, when our little man arrived! We listen to classical music and read books on the floor (he's 10 months old now) and we love it! xoxoox
Stunning pics...so sweet and innocent!
You are just gorgeous. I love your new changes and ideas. SO excited for you and your soon to be baby boy!
http://www.sincerelyarizona.blogspot.com/
If *only* I could convince my husband that the TV shouldn't be the main event in the living room... That would absolutely be the best thing that happened, ever. I just bought my first Bible (it took me a million years to find the right one- who knew there were SO MANY?) and I want to spend time reading it and sharing it with our daughter. It's hard to concentrate when the TV's on all.the.time. :/ Good for you guys!
So jealous! You have a place! I'm currently living out of boxes in my in-law's basement. Hubby needed some paperwork for a job application today.... I must love him....I dug through our stack o'boxes in the garage and finally found it at the bottom of a box, at the bottom of the middle most stack of boxes. I can't wait to have our own place!!!! :)
most glamorous little baby bump photos ever! i love these oh so much. you are beautiful!
I love your curled hair by the way!
uhmm i dont think it gets any cuter than this. I need to save these photos for inspiration when I'm someday pregnant!
Would love for you to stop by my blog and follow!
http://shanelesheek.blogspot.com/
We didn't have TV growing up and I think it's really helped me not get distracted as much now that I'm all growed up! :)
Anyway, you look oh so pretty in these pictures! :)
Notes She Wrote
I definitely agree with that lifestyle. Neither Dork or I grew up with a TV, and though we have one now (as cable is covered with our rent), we hardly ever turn it on. When we move out, and especially when we have kids, we don't want the distraction of it. When we're together, we want to spend quality time together--not just sitting together staring at a screen.
So kudos to you and hubby for the environment change. I'm sure you'll love it. :)
I really may just need to adopt this approach. The sound of music in the background is so much more refreshing than a tv. Now, if only I can convince my husband.... haha
Love the idea!
Kisses,
Natella
Passion for art and fashion
You are so prec! Love your new way of living - I'm trying to incorporate more of that idea into mine & my hubby's life too :)
MEGAN LAND
xx
I'm so jealous! My husband and I went to DC last summer, and going to jazz in the park was the highlight of our trip. We wished there was something similar where we live!
We also opted out of having cable and it has made a huge change. Not only has it saved us money, but our children are the better for it. Good for you Sydney:>
that's a really beautiful way to bring up a family. love the idea.
First of all, this dress is ah-mazing.
Second of all, I applaud you for moving the TV out of the living room! I don't think I would be able to do that!
This a great picture - but you always do! Did you get that top at H&M recently. I have been looking for an ivory lace top all year and I love how this one is v-neck - if so I am heading to H&M pronto! Thanks!
Beautiful pictures!
I simply adore your blog! Your Vanessa Mooney necklaces are a favorite of mine :)I sell them at my store and they are serious sellers for me!
http://www.chloeroseboutique.com/blog
so we all know preggo women are gorgeous, but lady, you bring it to the extreme.
i've never seen anyone style a baby bump so perfectly.
:)
Hi Sydney!
First I want to say: I just love your blog.
I discovered it a few weeks ago and ever since I check
it every day :) keep up the good work!
I like this post because of your beautiful outfit and the amazing bookcase on wheels. Could you please tell me where it's from? I am looking for something like that for my new apartment :) just moved and need space for my books and magazine's. I really like it!
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