Sofia Single Mini

I want to try the Sofia Mini simply because it looks fun, it's pink and comes with it's own straw. Mmm.

Loving this kitchen

I stole this pic of a kitchen from Absolutely Beautiful Things (I love all of her posts). I love white kitchens and I especially love checkerboard floors. My parents have it, my grandparents had it and if we ever move I might have to have it somewhere too.

This is the kitchen of Windsor Smith, it is simply lovely.

Copacabana

I'm seriously lusting after the Copacabana Chandelier by Arteriors.

Mommy motivation

OK mommies, do you ever have that moment where you think, "This is really my life."? I'm not talking about husband and kids, I'm talking about you. That epiphany you have the day when you look at your makeup-less face, with your grubby outfit and pile of laundry and wonder, "When exactly did I go to pot?". I know it's not exactly like this everyday but some days motivation just escapes me and I can't manage to get my mojo going. Any suggestions out there for mojo motivation?

Coffee please

I know some of you might hate this, but I'm a total morning person. Yes, I wake up super cheerful probably annoyingly so, I do however need a few cups of coffee to clear those last dustbunnies from my brain. The Saveur Mugs from Tracy Porter are perfect for that first yummy cup!

Sidenote

It's a quarter to 4 o'clock and what sounds really good to me is a couple of quiet cocktails on a patio somewhere with the husband, sans kids. The weather here is gorgeous and I'm pretty sure it's beckoning me to come and play.

{Image via Phoenix Home and Garden}

My Bedroom

You know how you keep all those tearsheets for inspiration, this photo of a living room designed by Ken Fulk featured in House Beautiful has been my inspiration for my new bedroom...oh for about 2 years.

You get all of these projects going, then add kids to the mix and little projects like your bedroom just get pushed to the side. Last year I finished my family room and kitchen and my next project is my room. I have the paint and bedding picked, Mama just needs new furniture (and some time). Sadly it's not for the lack of ideas it's the cash to do it. Babysteps, I say!

Fresh Everyday

Do you have a go-to cookbook? This is mine. I love Sara Foster's Fresh Everyday Cookbook, everything that I have tried I have loved. My favorite recipe is the Babyback Ribs with Chipotle Maple Barbeque Sauce, yummy!

Oh no...not jellies!

It's sad I'm old enough to have seen trends come back, like the whole 80's thing; cute on a teeny bopper but to me screams junior high. Well then I noticed that some designers are actually selling jellies. Eewwwh!

The Stuart Weitzman Jellystone

Fendi Halter Jelly

Marc Jacob Jelly Ballet Flat

So are any of you on board this jelly train? I mean I think jellies have their place, they are cute on a 2 year old (I actually just bought a pair for my niece), but on me I don't think so. I actually really like the Marc Jacob shoe but I can't get over the 5th grade thoughts of obsessing about jellies. Not to mention these shoes are pricey not something I would fork out for.

I love the Hills - is that wrong?

So I just had the opportunity to watch the Tivo'd premiere of the mini-season of The Hills and...loved it! I don't know why I still watch that MTV stuff, maybe it's because I don't know any other way, I mean we grew up together. Maybe it's because I love seeing all of the crazy "real" situations that the girls get into or maybe it's because I have a weird Mrs. Robinson thing for Brody Jenner. Not sure which it is but I love it!

Who is your favorite character (I know they're supposed to be real, but please) I like chic, classy Whitney, you?

Candylicious

I originally saw this on Jaimee Rose's blog for AZCentral then I got to see it again in YES magazine (a local style mag), it's so darling I had to share.

A must have!!

I have never been a huge fan of long lasting lipstick...until now! I have MAC Pro Longwear Lipcolor in Lasting Lust (which is the perfect red it's the color shown above) and I'm obsessed. There is nothing worse than having a glam lip look ruined after an hour; give it a whirl I bet you'll love it!

Lookin good

These are Sanuk Kids Culprit shoe, I have been wanting these for my 4 year old ever since December. Now that is warming up I have a good reason to get them, they look stylish and comfy. The boy needs an alternative to Crocs (which we love) and these are just the ticket!

Sorry if I always post about boy's clothing, that's what we have in this house. It seems as though there are a lot of adorable things out there for girls, not so much for the fellas so I have to keep my eyes peeled for the good stuff!

Yet another way to waste time

I know most of us have little to no spare time, but most of us manage to get our little bit of computer time in. Here is something that will give you one more fun way to waste a little time, I found Polyvore on Design Mom and I have to tell you fun, fun! You get to make your own ensembles from the clothing they have or you can import what you like from your fave websites. You get to see how things look before you buy, genius!It's like playing Barbies or paper dolls for adults! We all know the most fun of playing dolls was getting them ready.

{Images via Design Mom}

The perfect summer shoe

The Nine West Heech shoe in gold reptile...I'm in love!

Happy Easter!

Have a peeptastic Easter! Take a peek at the fun images from the Washington Post's Peep Diorama Contest.

Easter Fever

Since I was gone last weekend and the beginning of this week, I'm kinda late to the whole Easter thing. I don't go crazy or anything with the decorations around here but since I've been browsing blogland I'm so inspired by what you all have come up with. I'm especially inspired by Simply Seleta I just came across her blog and she had a whole little section on realistic Easter projects (not to mention she has kick-a#* personal style).

Seleta has instructions on making these Easter baskets, plus several other very cool ideas. I also have been pondering Erika from Urban Grace Interiors (serious blog envy) idea of a Peeps Wreath, such an adorable idea and Seleta and her family made them. Is this just not so great? She hung it with a lime grosgrain ribbon and it looks perfect. We are having an Easter Egg dying shindig here tonight with the cousins and I think that my 4 year old and I might be making these wreaths today just to make it a little more festive.

Images via Simply Seleta

Sidenote - Great ending to a day

Sometimes it just feels good to say what you are feeling and today is one of those days. My husband took both kids to my older son's soccer practice and it was so nice to have a moment to myself. It wasn't like I relaxed and hung out, I did mundane daily tasks like make dinner, vacuum and pick up the day's toy fiesta. I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to be able to do these things all by yourself, no one grabbing at your legs or being attacked by a kung-fu Backyardigans Super Spy. It's just one of those days where the hubby needs a gold medal!

Easter Chicks

I found these on the event planner god Preston Bailey's blog. They are so adorable and he actually tells you how to make them. I might have to get my crafty on and try them.

Sorry about the late post, (so annoying) they are fixing some cable around here somewhere and the phone, cable and Internet were all out at the same time, grrr!

Watson Kennedy

I found my favorite all-time store in Seattle. It's called Watson Kennedy and dare I say it's kinda like Anthropologie but better. I know those are fighting words for some of you but I honestly could have stayed there all day.

They have all of the yummy lines of candles and soaps, gourmet goodies, designer cleaning products and my favorite, gorgeous vintage finds for your home.

Every vignette is perfection and honestly I just wandered around in circles looking at each one over and over. They have been published in several magazines so I know I'm not the only one out there with some love for Watson Kennedy.

I'm back!

I just thought I would give you a little update on my trip to Seattle, it was super fun although this chica is not used to that frigid weather! Mom, sis and I had a blast and I was bummed to see it end, we had a great time, eating, playing and shopping. I have some fun new ideas for the blog for the rest of the week but I'm not sure when I will get to them because I have to see my beautiful boys in the morning and I just can't wait!

Happy Weekend!

I'm off to Seattle for a girl's weekend with my mom and sister, I can't wait! I won't be posting Monday or Tuesday but I do have something in the works for Tuesday at The Invitation Lady so please take a peek if you're interested. Have a great weekend!

Seriously, 90210??

So I heard from my sources (Perez & TMZ) that they are considering doing a spin-off of 90210. I did love me some West Beverly, but once they graduated and grew up it really lost it's luster for me. So I can't decide if this is good or lame. Considering the lack of good things on TV these days it could be intriguing, but if it's a new high school crew I think I will have to skip it. I just don't think anyone can top the Upper East Siders at Gossip Girl. Thoughts?

So sweet...

I love vintage children's illustrations and this is so reminiscent of that. The "Mom, this is the friend I told you about" print from HidenSeek on Etsy is just precious. There is something about children's art that just has an innocence and sweetness about it that just can't be found anywhere else.

{via Poppytalk}

Guilty Pleasures

Here are a couple of new blogs that I am just diggin' lately. Some are a little spicy and the other is just sweet.


On The Real Estalker Mama blogs about celeb real estate, very interesting.

Scented Glossy Magazines is a funny "free-for-all" as she describes it. It's good stuff!

Here is the sweet; Chocolate Cherry Dr. Pepper Cupcakes from So Sinful it's Sweet. When I saw this I was flabbergasted because I love cupcakes and this just over the top, I'm dying to try these.

Wondercabinet

I found these gorgeous silkscreen prints on Pink Wallpaper, are they not just sublime? They are silk screened on old book pages and are created by Amy Walsh, she has an Etsy Shop called Wondercabinet.

I love browsing Esty but I get so lost in all of the just ok stuff, that I get overwhelmed. So thanks Shannon for the fabulous find.

Sidenote

Last night I tried the Tofu Rigatoni Casserole that I blogged about in February it was delish! Just a little note for those of you that might be scared to try it. We are trying to be a little more healthy around here so this morning I tried the Morning Star Farms Veggie Sausage Patties, my friend Laura said they were good so I gave them a whirl. I had one with a slice of toast and was so pleasantly surprised. I love salty, bad-for-you breakfast meats so yay now I have an alternative.

CB I Hate Perfume

We all have our favorite scents that remind us of those great childhood summers or even a favorite person, the CB I Hate Perfume line is made to conjure up those moments. With names like, "To See a Flower" and "In the Library" we can all recall those nostalgic scents, I'm so interested to see if they capture them. On their website they have stories and explanations behind each fragrance, the one that captured my attention is "The Beach 1966", the scent is comprised of Coppertone blended with the North Atlantic (which is made up of "wet sand, seashell, driftwood and a bit of boardwalk") doesn't that just sound like perfection?

Yippee!

I heart rhubarb! OK maybe not plain rhubarb but I do love rhubarb pie, so when I saw the new Rhubarb Spring Cleaning Kit from Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products I got super excited. Not just because I love new, yummy smelling products but because Mrs. Meyers uses natural ingredients, is biodegradable and cruelty free, basically they are just good peeps (plus I love the look of the packaging). I must run out and get some ASAP.

One more way to waste time

Do you ever have so much to do you just don't even know where to start? Well that's me today, with laundry, cleaning and just household chores, not to mention the kiddos. So instead of doing something about it I'm busy pondering what childhood television bit would work better for me. Is it "Calgon take me away" or do I need Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons? A good long bath might do me some good, but I think in the end I just need a robot stat!

Crush Day Redux

I was wondering what I should crush on today and I decided that I needed to just expound on my love for an NYC apartment designed by Celerie Kembel that was shown in House Beautiful just a little more (yes, I love it that much). I actually blogged about it for The Invitation Lady yesterday, so today I thought I would just put a few more pics out there to enjoy.

Seriously, what is not to love about this seating area?! You can't really tell but those windows are floor to ceiling, the banquette is a great way to make it seem super cozy.

I love the wallcoverings in this apartment. They just have so many cool options out there right now I'm seriously flirting with using some. The wallcovering in the above room is Le Zebre by Brunschwig and Fils it's gorgeous, the colors are so subtle and in my opinion every room needs a little animal print.

Love it!

Yesterday I went to the mall with my youngest son, it was quite an eventful trip I caught up with a friend, bought some new make-up, got some shorts for the boys and then I thought that I would find something for me. I had seen the Kate dress on J.Crew and just loved it. It is so bright, cheery and summery I had to at least try it on. Guess what? It was gone! So sadly I'm not sure when I will get back to the store, but I will cross my fingers it will be soon.

PS - They have a great modernist house featured on their website, it's fab!

Who will get Auf'd?

So it's finale for Project Runway and I'm oh so sad. What's a girl to do with nothing on TV? At least I will have one more night of Heidi and the gang. I have to say I'm so Team Jillian, but Christian's final collection (I peeked) is pretty ferosh! Sorry I have just been dying to say that...

A Tisket, A Tasket

How adorable are these little ants? I found them on Bunny Maxwell and I thought they would be perfect for a picnic. I can picture it now blue and white linens, a great basket, yummy sandwiches...Wishful thinking I guess, usually picnics for us are spur of the moment and tossed into a grocery bag so we can hit the park before it gets too hot. A girl can dream.

Life's Soundtrack

Earlier today I was watching the the boys play and I noticed my older son singing an action-like song while he was playing. It dawned on me that he plays with his own soundtrack, how cool is that? It got me thinking I'm always going in 50 directions and I think that I need a soundtrack too, it might keep me more focused. Hmmm...what songs would go on this? I think I need all types fast for being on the go and something mellow to try and relax.

The only thing that I can think of off the top of my head is my personal fav Madonna. Seriously, her tunes have been there since (sadly) 5th grade. I need more though...feedback please. I need some new tunes for my life's soundtrack, any suggestions?

Image via Flickr by Rulico

The Invitation Lady

I have to tell you how honored I am to let you know that I will be guest blogging Tuesdays and Thursdays for The Invitation Lady. The Invitation Lady is the baby of a friend of mine, Rikki Hernanskey (who I like to call Paper Goddess) that makes custom invitations, announcements and the fun little paper goodies that go with that.



In addition to Rikki's creative wedding and event expertise I will be adding my own little sizzle to her blog with what I hope will be fun and inspirational everyday design ideas and some fun mommy finds.

Please take a look at all of the fabulous, fresh ideas that The Invitation Lady has to offer. I couldn't be more pleased to be part of such a wonderful partnership.

Photos by Rhonda Lewis Photography

Product Junkie

I do love beauty products but every now and then something comes along that I feel I must share with everyone. My sister-in-law turned me on to Kerastase Serum Oleo-Relax for my dry frizzies. You use a few pumps of the serum in your hair before you blow dry and one after to finish and voila shiny, beautiful tresses. Seriously, I can't tell you enough how much I love this stuff, it's fabulous!

2 Years already?

Today we celebrated my younger son's second birthday. I can't believe that it has already been 2 years. We had a family party at a local pizza joint which the littles loved (actually they just love the games and prizes). Nothing makes me happier than seeing everyone together. My children are so fortunate they have fabulous great-grandparents, not to mention the wonderful grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. All that makes me so thankful for the wonderful family that I was born with and the one that we created together.