Recent buzz

Found this fun post from a local magazine's daily blog in my inbox after getting home from the hospital:

Five Things Inspiring Brittany Cobb

By JOSLYN TAYLOR

March 15th, 2012 3:30pm

THURSDAY TASTEMAKER

Brittany Cobb wears a lot of hats. Extremely well.

The native Californian harbors a life-long passion for home décor, nurtured by visiting her mom’s booth at an antique mall in her hometown and incessant bedroom revamps and DIY projects (she’s pretty confident the groovy ‘60s lamp that she crackle painted is still lurking somewhere back home in her parent’s attic).

After graduating from SMU, she took a post as a lifestyle reporter for The Dallas Morning News that soon morphed into a full-time home writer gig. There, she sharpened her eye for good design through product research, market trips, and interviewing industry leaders (her faves include Jonathan Adler and Albert Hadley).

During her time writing for the paper, Cobb quickly realized she was drawn to things a little off-the-beaten-path and to designers that pushed the decorating envelope.  She also discovered that she wanted to be in the thick of inspiring furnishings and interiors, not just writing about them.

Cut to today. In addition to continuing to freelance for publications from DailyCandy (Cobb’s been the Dallas editor for four years this April) to the DMN, Cobb’s holds a dual (!) full-time gig split between running The Dallas Flea (a quarterly artisan market she founded in 2009) and Farrow & Cobb, a one-year old Dallas-based interior design company she co-owns with Morgan Farrow, focused on crafting one-of-a-kind, bohemian spaces that are never too far from center (Brittany’s nod to Mr. Hadley).

The woman is clearly a design wunderkind. Oh and she welcomed her first child this week, a sweet baby girl named Landry. So before the sleep deprivation kicks-in, we had to get inside Brittany’s head a bit and find out what’s making her tick of late.

Here’s what made the cut…

• 1. “Six Things” – A classic, leather Chesterfield sofa, a rug with a story (I’m nuts for Beni Ourain carpets), an original piece of artwork (I gravitate towards antique oils usually found at the bottom of the bin with an inch of dust on them), a mirror or mirrored surface for both the glam element and to bounce light around the room, something shiny and new to off-set my love for vintage – this usually takes hold in the form of a fabulous statement lamp – and a large tray topped with personal items from an old family photo to a horn scooped up from the side of the road during a summer trip to Colorado (true story).
• 2. Scale — is simply the most important element in a room. Although it’s hard to pass up a killer piece sometimes, if it doesn’t fit proportionately in a room it just won’t work. I tend to gravitate towards an overstated scale, opting for larger, statement pieces rather than lots of small stuff. Regardless of your scale preference, keep items in check with each other. A tiny rug will get its feelings hurt with some super long sofa on top of it.
• 3. A Focus on the Senses – I believe a room should tickle the senses. I like to achieve this through lots of layers (to me, minimalist living is for the birds). Eyes are easiest to tackle by creating a textured room that makes them bounce around via a mix of sexy materials (wood, glass, mirror, natural fibers), colors, and decor placed from floor to ceiling. For touch, think cozy pillows, a chunky knit throw, a flokati rug under the toes. And never discount smell. Hello, candles (Anthropologie’s Capri Blue is my fave) and fresh flowers!
• 4. The Mix — To achieve a rich, layered, well-traveled look it’s important to shop a myriad of places. I like to start with vintage, antique and consignment stores because it’s easier to work around a funky, old item rather than create an entire scheme that must have some rare, specific treasure to sing. And don’t be afraid to buy online; my favorite item in my home hailed from 1stdibs.com.  eBay, Craigslist, and etsy have all reared some really amazing finds for me, too. For new items not in showrooms, I love Arteriors Too, West Elm, Homegoods, and Overstock.com.
• 5. Wallpaper — Every house needs a wallpapered room. It’s not permanent, but definitely pricier than paint so choose wisely. I recommend taping a sample to the wall and living with it for a while before ordering to make sure you still love it a month down the road. But once you find a winner, paper away! It will make you smile every time you walk into that space and instantly give your home a little pep in its step, promise. (Wallpaper image above via F. Schumacher.)

Hello, Landry Grace!

Michael and I are thrilled to announce that Landry held out for her scheduled date and was born at 1:37 p.m. on Monday, March 12th.  She weighed seven pounds eight ounces and measured 18 and 3/4 inches long.  Most importantly she is a healthy little peanut (and very, very cute)!

My mom arrived last weekend and we did a few things to prep from last minute items from Target to a much-needed pedicure.  

I was surprised that I slept really well Sunday night and was calm as a cucumber all morning Monday.  I find that during some of the biggest moments of my life (my wedding, for example), I am the most at peace and small things like deadlines and a door hinge that needs some WD40 can make me bananas.

I woke up, took a shower and gave myself a good blow out for the ensuing five days of no washing my hair.  I put on a pretty dress and off we went to the hospital.

It was surreal how planned out (and perfectly so) the process was.  I had pre-registered so I simply filled out some small paperwork and then they wheeled me into a room to prep for surgery.  My mom and Michael were with me at this early stage as they measured Landry's heartbeat and gave me an epidural to start numbing my body from the waist down.

After the pain meds started kicking in, my mom left and Michael got into his scrubs.  We sat together for about 20 minutes before they wheeled me into the surgery room for the birth.  The process, once in that room, truly took only about 30 minutes.  I felt a lot of pressure -- tugging, pulling, pushing -- but no severe pain.  I had a hot spot (a place that doesn't really take to the pain meds) that bothered me quite a bit on my right side near my hip, but no overwhelming pain.

Within what seemed like just minutes from starting, I heard Landry cry for the first time.  It was truly surreal.  I couldn't see her due to the curtain around my tummy as they weighed her and wiped her clean.   

Afterwards, they placed her on my chest and life changed at that very instant.  Michael was sitting by my side holding my hand and we just stared in awe at her.  I was very emotional looking into her sweet, tiny face.  She was completely calm, didn't make a single peep.  She just gazed back with the cutest look on her face.

From there, they wheeled me back into the first prep room and we had some family time with just Michael and me.  Then, we let in the grandparents to gawk and love on the little bean.  Soon there after I was wheeled into my suite where I stayed for the next four night and five days.  They gave Landry a bath, did a small round of tests, and then she was with us for most of the remaining five days with the exception of a weigh-in here, blood test there.

The stay was a little rough at first as I was in a lot of pain and even a small walk to the shower put me in tears.  The no sleep thing and constant onslaught of nurses in the room to take my blood pressure, temperature, admin drugs, etc. was also very draining.  But all in all, the stay was nice because I got to learn how to breast feed from the professionals, keep off my feet, and enjoy some quality time with Michael and Landry.  To all of you that sent the beautiful flowers, delicious treats, and paid us a visit -- thank you!  You made our stay truly special.

While there, we did have a little drama (not surprising, given this pregnancy) with jaundice.  Landry's levels were a little alarmingly high so by day two they put her in a warming blanket on a tanning bed type of contraption to break down her high red blood cell count.  It was really funny to watch her little breech legs free inside the blanket pulled up by her hips like a little frog.  But by day five, her levels were much lower and we were able to finally go home.  

The past few days at home have been truly wonderful.  Although sleep is simply something of the past, I am enjoying life with this little miracle more than I could have ever imagined.  She is sooooooooo good. She truly has her daddy's temperament.  I can honestly say she has probably cried about an hour total since she's been home for the past three days.  

She is already making so many expressions, smiling, and sleeping like a champ (when not hungry).  She's just a pleasure and we are all enjoying her so very much and already can't imagine our lives before she was here.

We've really enjoyed our time at home having a home-cooked Sunday brunch with mimosas, wine out on the terrace, pizza night (with my dear childhood friend Samantha who happens to be in town) in the cabana, a lemon drop toast while snuggly up on the sofa.  Let me just say, that lemon drop didn't last long.  How I missed my favorite cocktail!

My body is really recovering well.  I've already taken Landry on two walks in her stroller around the neighborhood and have successfully been able to walk up and down the stairs and do some small house stuff without feeling pain.

Michael has morphed into his new dad role really quickly and well.  He's wonderful at helping out with anything and has really taken to feeding her (I am producing so much milk we sometimes use a bottle) and burping duty.  Mimi, well, she's simply obsessed.  She is getting tons of quality time with Landry and loving every minute (even the yellow poopy

This week, we already have a list of visitors and friends bringing by dinners.  Thursday my dad arrives and Friday Ryan will be here.  This quality time with family and friends is beyond blissful.  I'm loving every minute and just so grateful for my life and this new little miracle in it.

The last supper

This week has been a little surreal prepping for Landry's arrival.  I took off from Farrow & Cobb to run around town for everything from announcement materials (decided to make these myself, which now I'm kind of regretting due to the time involved) to making dates with friends.

On Tuesday I had lunch with Paula.  While stuffing our faces with cheeseburgers, chicken fried steak and cheese fries we chatted about all the chores ahead pre-babies.  As luck would have it, her water broke at 1 a.m. that night while her husband was out of town on business in New York.

I'm happy to announce that she and the babies are doing great.  I'm just as thrilled to say that she had a boy and a girl!  So Landry and baby Gabriella (the little man is Charlie) are going to be the best of friends no doubt just a mere five days apart.

Since the babies were born at 34 weeks, they will have to stay at the hospital for a while so Paula will be there when I deliver on Monday.  So crazy how things work out sometimes!

This morning I had my final doctor's visit.  With a simple touch of the belly, she concluded Landry is still breech as can be.  (If you touch the upper right side of my tummy, you can totally feel her round, hard head.)

Michael and I went over a little list of questions we had for Dr. Hagood.  She went over the drill for Monday and I feel really good about things other than not being able to eat for eight hours prior to surgery (especially after seeing what Paula got for lunch today).  Michael will definitely be bringing me meals to the hospital with the looks of that yucky turkey plate and weird jiggly cheesecake thingy.

If everything goes according to schedule, Landry will be born around 1:30 p.m. Monday and I will be in my recovery room by 4 p.m. or so.  Since I'm having a c-section, I have to stay about four nights so I will likely be discharged Friday morning or afternoon.  I was surprised to find out, if all goes well with delivery/baby, that Landry will be in our room for 23 hours a day.  A lot of my friends said their little ones were in the nursery at night, but my doctor says that she will be with us around the clock.  Needless to say, I'm going to try to rest and lay low as much as possible this weekend to store up energy.

Tomorrow my mom arrives, which I'm really excited about.  I think picking her up from the airport will make everything feel really real.  My dad is coming out ten days from Landry's birthday because my parents happened to sell their house and the big move-out date happens to fall on the weekend after I'm released from the hospital.  But I actually think the timing works out nicely so he can meet Landry when she's a week or so old and enjoy us in the comfort of our house, which he hasn't seen since May a couple of weeks after we moved in.

As my parents say goodbye to our childhood home, the one they built from scratch, a new chapter unfolds with Landry's arrival.  I think it will be a great distraction for them (my mom's a little emotional about it at the moment).  Plus, their move down to the beach will be great fun for Landry to spend summers with Mimi and Papa in California.  I'm a little sad about the house, too, but am thrilled for my parent's new adventures.  Plus, selfishly, Michael and I are thrilled about the new coastal location and our fun visits with the bean ahead!

Tonight is "the last supper" for Michael and me alone pre-baby.  I asked my doctor if I could indulge in some sushi (I haven't had any raw fish all pregnancy due to the risk of illness to me or baby) and she gave me the green light.  I'm looking forward to my first rainbow roll in 11 months or so and this special time with my hubby and one of our favorite restaurants.  It's going to be strange knowing this is the last meal between just the two of us without our daughter in our life.

38 weeks!

I can't believe a week from today, I will more than likely be waking up to Landry in my arms.

I feel like the past few weeks have gone by in a flash.  Is this what the next years are going to be like?  I sure hope not, I want to savor each and every moment at a more manageable pace.

A lot has happened since my last post.  I visited my doctor last Thursday and she did a quick sonogram to check Landry's position.  Sure enough, she's still snuggling up on my upper right side tight as can be.

Friday I have my last appointment and its the biggie when Michael and I learn the ins and outs of delivery day and how to prep for that morning (for example, I can't eat or drink anything for eight hours leading up to the surgery -- yikes -- I truly don't know how that's possible with my ravenous appetite as of late).

I'm feeling amazing these days.  I have no major aches or pains to complain of and am sleeping really well with the exception of Phoebe girl waking me up because of her snuggling so tight next to my tummy that I get warm or uncomfortable because I can't move.

Last week I found out some over-the-moon news: my best friend Courtney is having a little girl!  I had an inkling the entire time but am so excited to know for certain that we will have little girls together.  I literally can't wait for our future adventures.  These little girls have no idea the fun ahead of them!

To add to that, Ariana found out last Thursday that her little Kasra is really a little Layla!  Yep, her doctor was wrong about the sex and she's having a girl, too.  I happened to have had dinner with her the night before (we indulged in a true Southern feast with fried chicken, chicken fried steak, mac 'n cheese, the list goes on...) her appointment where we discussed "his" nursery, etc.  She has a lot of returns in her future!  But I'm selfishly thrilled for all of the girlie play dates ahead!

Last Friday I visited my hair colorist for a little touch up knowing it will be a while before I see her again and my roots were a little rough.  I decided to, gasp, go darker for a minor ombre look.  I love it!  The color is really natural and will grow out nicely.  I'm really enjoying my new tresses with this huge new chapter in life ahead.  New baby, new look!  Was not about to chop it all off for a "mom cut" like many girls do ;)

This weekend Michael and I did a lot of prep work from getting the car washed and installing the car seat (not easy, fyi) to packing my overnight bag for the hospital.  We also made sure to take some quality time for ourselves indulging in a pancake-filled brunch, relaxing in the cabana by the pool, and playing some serious Scrabble!  We are trying to make the most of this last week sans baby.  Last night we grilled out by the pool and had a yummy Mexican dinner together.

This week is my first week off from Farrow & Cobb.  Yesterday I had coffee with my friend Joslyn and today is my final lunch with Paula pre-babies.  Apart from finishing some freelance assignments and prepping my taxes, I'm trying to spend as much time with my loved ones as possible to fill my time and catch up.  I wouldn't want to spend this week any other way.  Even better, the weather has been gorgeous, sunny and around 80 every day.  And, the trees are blooming (our wisteria is getting buds on it, too!).

Landry is truly being born the best time in Dallas.  For not planning the peanut, her timing is absolutely perfect.