Grazin' & Games

My pal Rikki The Invitation Lady is throwing her first annual Grazin' & Games Party, an evening filled with food and sport. The traditional adult games will be played cards, pool and the like but I'm thinking it might be fun to roll in with any of the following games to shake it up a bit.

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Sack Races

Egg and Spoon Race

I think that they would be hilarious after a couple of these cocktails appropriately named Goodnight and Good Luck.

YES!!

**Spoiler Alert**

Ha hah! So long sucker!! You will not be missed by moi that's for sure.

{image via Bravo}

Love for Nie Nie

Many of us here in the Valley have been following the story of blogger, Stephanie Nielson of NieNie Dialogues. She was in a plane crash with her husband recently and they are currently in the hospital with 3rd degree burns covering most of their bodies.

Gabrielle at Design Mom has set up Love for Nie Day, it's lots of auctions with proceeds going to help their recovery. Please go check her out because there are so many wonderful services and goods to be bid on.

So while you may not have any money to spend a little prayer and good wishes sent their way would be so appreciated. Thanks for being so cool!

Am I a heel?

One of the hardest things for me as a stay-at-home mom is that sometimes I get in a rut with my wardrobe. I wouldn't say that I'm inherently stylish; you know those chicks that look so flawless and unstudied? More middle of the road probably on the casual side, I mean a lot of my day involves driving and cooking but I get tired of the tees and flip-flops. I do like to play on Net-A-Porter checking out all of the clothes and the looks that they create with the clothes, so I've picked a couple out that I would wear and seem like me.

Now the McQueen and Missoni are designer therefore a little out of my price range but the look can be created with other more affordable clothes so that doesn't worry me.

My only concern is the shoes...I LOVE heels! I would wear them all of the time if I weren't chasing two kids. I'm in the market for some fall boots and I think that I'm going to get some flat black ones. On the other hand I do already have some with a heel, do you think the heel screams Hooker-Mommy?

Frozen Key Lime Pie

I'm busy making this tonight for both of my sister-in-laws birthday. They have the same birthday 6 years apart, crazy!

This is more like it!

I love the Keep Calm and Carry On...but this might be even better. I will most definitely take a cupcake!

{via Blissful Living}

School is almost here!

So far my day has been a whirlwind consisting of a dentist appointment so very bright and early this morning. Preschool starts tomorrow (yay!!) so the boys and I had a big last day of summer hurrah at Bounce U. I'm playing hooky from my laundry that's begging to be folded and then I'm off to Pilates for the last few hours of the day. I will be a much better blogger tomorrow, I promise!

I do have one thing to ask though and it's rather embarrassing (me now hiding my face), does anyone else think that Lauren's youngster date Doug is cute?

{image via Martha Stewart}

Wishful thinking

If I ever had a cabin somewhere, this is exactly how I picture the interior.

With a porch like this.

{top interior by Miles Redd, bottom image via Martha Stewart}

Project Runway Scoop

While doing some surfing yesterday I happened upon a juicy article called America's Next Top Fashion Editor, it includes all the details of the Project Runway/Elle Magazine shake up.

{image via New York Magazine}

{via Girl With A Satchel}

Happy Weekend!

I think this week I will leave you with a couple of my favorite posts from blogs I've read lately, so enjoy and have a great weekend!

I love the Vie de Chien: Life of Dogs Post at Paris Hotel Boutique.

I love the zucchini muffin recipe from Domestic Reflections, we made them today and they were yum.

I love the matchbooks that Erika matted and framed for her house.

Last but not least I love the Au Revoir cake that Anna had made.

Electra Amsterdam

I told my husband that I wanted this bike

and he told me I would look like this...

Why are husbands so clueless sometimes?

Football season is fast approaching

The one thing about having all boys in the house is that come football season might be a little weird around here. My husband and I are both Arizona State Alums so don't get me wrong I enjoy going to the games but I'm certainly not the die-hard fan my husband is. He has completely indoctrinated the boys already, my two-year old already screams football when he sees it on TV. Last year they sent out a DVD with our donation to the Sun Angel foundation and the boys want to watch it everyday. Yes I can't believe it's true, but if I have to watch this anymore I might scream.

Anyone new that comes to the house are asked if they have seen the football video, kinda embarrassing huh?

Small Magazine

I first saw Small Magazine last month and I have been waiting for the new issue to come out because I'm in love with it. It's a kids magazine that supports small artists and it has impeccable styling take a look you won't be disappointed.

{image via Small Magazine}

Carolyn Quartermaine

I'm not sure where I was in July when the images for Carolyn Quartermaine's home were out and about but I'm just in love with this image of her desk.

{image via Poppytalk}

Strawberry Tiramisu

Yum, yum, yum! Strawberry Tiramisu looks to-die and easy, what more could we ask for?

**Update** My mom made this for dinner on Sunday night and it's totally yummy!

{image via Epicurious}

No Monsters!

When my boys get scared at night and sometimes talk about monsters I always tell them that Dad and I don't allow monsters in our house so they don't need to worry. Since we are the highest of all high authority in their eyes they buy it with just a wee bit of caution so this sign might erase all doubts.

I think that it may have another purpose but for us it would be perfect!

{via Decor8}

Twin transformation

I love the way these old twin headboards have been transformed with a some paint and a little fabric into this gorgeous daybed. I'm not much of a DIYer but maybe with my mom's help (hint hint) I could do something like this.

The thing about projects like these is that I think I could totally do it but I don't have any tools or tool knowledge to do it. I think maybe I should take some sort of class has anyone else out there taken a shop class as an adult?

{images via Country Living}

Underwhelmed

Anyone else kinda underwhelmed by The Hills debut? It was only OK, nothing juicy because we already saw the Lo/Audrina dramz on the commercials.

I am an evil troll

**Updated photo courtesy of my friend Jenn**

The only thing I did find really interesting was Spencer's behavior towards Heidi's sister. Seriously just when you thought it wasn't possible to be any ruder, he made it happen. I don't know what I would do if a bozo like that was living with my sister, maybe I would have to make plans to kidnap her to see the light. The fact that Heidi is ok with this super mean villain just boggles my mind.

{image via US Magazine}

3-Day Walk

I know most of the time I'm busy talking about my laundry, love of coffee mugs or trashy TV but sometimes I feel that I have to use my power of gab for something good. I know that most of us have been personally touched by cancer in our lives and sometimes it takes a little nudge to do a little something about it. Well I would like to share the story of my friend Meredyth who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was pregnant with her second child, I didn't get the pleasure of her friendship until after she was through the first surgery and the birth of her beautiful son Max. Thankfully for me and our family she made it through because our lives are so much better for the friendship that they share

This year Meredyth is walking in the 3 Day for the Cure with her husband and sister. You can read her story here and her husband's here, basically what I'm asking is if we each take a minute to do what we can for those we know who may be walking in the 3 Day for the Cure or for those who may be suffering with some sort of cancer, because it really does touch each of our lives.

Faker!

Last night I couldn't help but be sucked in by the MTV Pre-season Hills extravaganza. Yes I watched it all, the 10 Most Memorable Moments on The Hills and the Behind the Scenes. What has me the most flabbergasted was getting to watch the Heidi transformation, it's crazy people!! She went from being an cute, original looking girl

to Fakey McFakerson complete with blue contacts, ick.

As a total side note I saw the preview for the show My Super Sweet 16: Exiled and my thought on this was what the hell took them so long? Seriously the kids on that show are just beyond bratty and irritating I often wonder why people even watch it all?

{Images from People}

Animal Attraction

I think these Animal Attraction pillows from Modern Dose are the cutest. When I shop I have to admit I always look at girly clothes, toys and bedding even though I have boys, it's fun. I love bright cheery colors for a girl's room and to me these would have been perfect.

J'adore

This room designed by Robert Brown is the perfect guest room. A simple palette accented with my favorite red, j'adore.

{image via Traditional Home}

Happy Weekend!

I've always wanted to do a potted herb garden for cooking and I'm thinking this weekend might be perfect. Have fun!

{image via Apartment Therapy}

Heavy fringe

If I had thicker (and longer) hair I would love to rock her heavy bangs.

{image via the Sartorialist}

Thank you!

If you didn't already know I also write for a wedding blog called The Invitation Lady twice a week. I love doing the wedding thing it's fun because brides are so excited and there are always lots of lovely things to look at.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to one of the best wedding blogs out there called Blue Orchid Designs. Liene asked me to do a little Meet the Reader feature today so you can check me out there. So thanks Liene for asking me to be part of your blog, I'm honored.

{Escort cards by The Invitation Lady and photography by Rhonda Lewis Photography}

Creamy tones

White kitchens are dreamy and I think that this one is too. I love the marble back splash and the creamy cabinets. Anyone know what the counter is made of?

{I don't remember the source...so sorry!}

My addiction

Hello my name is Sarah and I'm a paper towelaholic.

Anyone else out there with the same monkey on your back? I'm doing my best to quit and it gets easier I just have to not automatically reach for them anytime I need to dry my hands or wipe up a little water. One day at a time.

Etsy fabric

I don't know why I have never thought about purchasing fabric from Etsy before, duh. Well thanks to Decor8 I finally have the heads up, what a great place to look for something unique.

{image via Domino}

My bad

Sorry for my lack of inspiring posts this week but I'm tired. Not tired of blogging just plain tired. I stay up late to watch the Olympics or some other totally obscure TV show then have get my kid up to hit the bathroom so he doesn't wet the bed.

My son is 4 so he would kill me for saying this because at some point he will be embarrassed that I'm posting this for all the world to see but oh well a mom's prerogative. So lately my life consists of staying up too late then washing sheets every day. Probably way too much information but I feel the need to explain myself as to why I have little to no time lately to share lovely things with you. It's because I'm stuck in my sucky laundry room washing sheets and making beds.

{image via flickr}

Hooky

Me and the boys decided to play hooky today along with Lil Bee. Hope your day was just as fun!!

Ice Cream Sodas

I've always wanted to make a good old-fashioned ice cream soda, simple, easy and classic. This recipe from Ina Garten looks to be just the ticket.

{image via dk images}

More laundry?

I have publicly stated on this blog how much I despise laundry and my sucky laundry room. The never ending piles of t-shirts, socks and pj's, yuck. Well these laundry totes might brighten the load but then again maybe not...

{via Jaimee Rose}

I will pretend I'm here

So while I'm figuring out the particulars of my aforementioned checking account I will be pretending I'm here. I love how this beach cottage is made to look like a grouping of changing houses, isn't it to-die?

{image via Skona Hem}

This is going to be me...not pretty!

Beware this could be me before you know it.

Let's just talk for a minute about my weekend. Pretty much perfect until last night. You know on Friday how I was all "woo hoo" well today not so much. We had yummy dinner Friday night at my brother's then Saturday I drove to Tucson for what seemed like a super promising girly trip. My sister and I went to lunch, read magazines, then did the requisite chick flick Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (cute by the way). After the movie we decided to stop by the groc to get stuff to make dinner. At the check-out I thought it was really weird that my debit card wouldn't work, I had just gone to the bank before I left so I thought maybe my strip was bad. So we got home I made dinner for her and her roommate then I remembered my card so I made a quick call to the hubs and there it was...$322 charged at some random Walmart. He quickly called the bank to stop the transactions but before we did it there was another for $450ish again at Walmart and honestly who knows how many more there might be pending out there since my card didn't work...scary!! Of course they had to go to a Walmart right? Figures, not to mention I just know they bought a Wii because my sister just got one and it was exactly $322. I don't even have an effin Wii (again highly would recommend one they're super fun) so I'm sad and mad. Monday should be fun checking our credit, cancelling cards and trying to get the whole money thing straightened out.

I know pity parties are lame but I can't help it.

Happy weekend!

The week has flown by, crazily enough. I just got back from taking the boys with some friends to the new Phoenix Children's Museum. They loved it and would have stayed for a few more hours if my little wasn't so tired.

These vases brought a smile to my face and reminded to stop and smell the roses once in a while. I'm really looking forward to my weekend we are barbecuing at my brother's tonight and tomorrow I'm off for a short little weekend trip to visit my little sister in Tucson before she starts pharmacy school. So please enjoy your weekend and the last little bit of summer before we all get back into the routine of school, work and cold weather!

Happy weekend!

{Image via Print and Pattern}

Kids House

The Kids' House by Studiomama is super cool, a cozy hidey spot with a blackboard on one side and Lego panels on the other. What more could a kid ask for?

{via Home Rejuvenation}

My kind of office

Bobbi Brown's "think tank" is in a converted auto body shop and is gorgeous, this is my kind of office. I love that her inspiration board just sitting behind her desk large enough to fill with lots of looks but portable so it can be taken to the brainstorming sessions if needed.

PS - I'm in love with the rolling cart so cool.

{images via Traditional Home}

The birds and bees

So let's discuss Project Runway, we don't need to talk outfits there are a lot of other bloggers out there who break it down far better than I, so let's just talk s*&t.

Example A: Cuckoo

Why is Blayne so strange? His obsession with tanning, his weird scary face and not to mention the whole, "I want to eat you" thing just seemed a little too Hannibal Lector for my taste. I could get over the whole Blayne-licious thing but in the end he is just freaky.

Example B: He just plain bugs.

Keith please stop being so effing irritating, I can't put my finger on it but you are beyond annoying I would love to just turn off the TV anytime I see your mug.

So talk to me people who are your faves and freaks.