Marchesa on the carpet

This morning while scouring the web for images of the new Marchesa bridal line for The Invitation Lady I spent a little time dissecting the Red Carpet looks for Marchesa. A few things I came away with:

The Fanning sisters are beyond adorable. We thought Dakota was sweet well her little sister Elle is stunning.

The whole world loved this dress on Olivia Wilde and I did too but for some reason every now and then she reminds me of a bug. Which is weird because I think she's pretty, so am I the only one who occasionally spots this?

I've forgotten how much I like Jennifer Lopez. I don't watch American Idol so I haven't been able to see her looks there but I do love how she always looks fabulous on the red carpet. I'm sure her look is planned to death but it always works and she dresses her body to flaunt it's strengths. She wears her clothes not the other way around.

Anyone I've missed?

{all images from Marchesa}

Want it :: Geometric Terrarium

These are so cool aren't they?

{via Design Crush}

Live like Sheryl Crow

Last summer when Elle featured Sheryl Crow's New York apartment we all swooned. It was warm, quirky and had life.

Now we all really want to be friends with her because her Hollywood home that was featured in Architectural Digest is equally inviting.

With teepees for the kids and outdoor tents complete with electricity doesn't that just scream for long conversations and jam sessions? Sheryl I'm your girl, I promise I'm fun!

Brown Bag Microwave Popcorn

Did you all know that Little eats next to nothing? Unfortunately one of his yes foods is popcorn. I don't mind giving him popcorn as a snack but I do mind all of the additives in microwave popcorn, gross. Yes I know it's an easy fix just get an air popper...but I always hesitated because I really don't need one more thing to clutter up my kitchen. Happy day now because my friend Christina makes her kiddos popcorn like this.

 +

We tried it today, success!  Here's her recipe.

Brown Bag Microwave Popcorn

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

little bit of olive oil

salt

Add all of the ingredients in the bag. Fold the bag over twice and sit upright in the microwave. All microwaves are different but I would just cook on high between 2 and 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

{image via Feed Me I'm Cranky}

Birds, scones and weekend plans

There is this bird that has been driving me bonkers for about a month. His weird little wake up call is beginning to wear out it's welcome. Since I was up early because of  the bird and was feeling like a nice mom I made fresh scones for the littles. Fail. Well success for me and fail for them. I'm always trying to master scones. Finding the perfect recipe all while trying to be a teeny bit healthy using half whole wheat flour. This is tricky business because using whole wheat flour often makes baked goods a bit heavier than normal with a nutty flavor that is sometimes off putting to little pickies. So today's recipe had the perfect texture but apparently wasn't sweet enough for the shrimps, arrgghh! I was even being extra nice and made glaze to go over the top and put chocolate chips in, oh well back to the drawing board.

This weekend I have a few things on the books which includes a Moms Club (for Big's school) Spa Night function at a local salon (I won't lie, I'm totally looking forward to a mani, pedi and glass of wine tonight), the usual Saturday morning teaching and dinner out somewhere TBD for my father in law's birthday. Speaking of which I need to do some research on where to go for a fun adults only dinner out. Locals, any suggestions? What do you guys have going on?

On another note I know this picture really doesn't have anything to do with what we talked about; but since I spent some time in the kitchen this morning I thought I should at least include one. I originally saved this Elle Decor image because I love they way they displayed their children's art. I have a big soft spot for kids art. The chairs, fixture and floor isn't bad either. My question is where do you stand on all the fabric being one pattern? It makes a statement that's for sure but it's not my favorite, too much. Are you of the mind a little is good but a lot is better a la Mary McDonald? Just curious.

It's Pink

I adore hot pink and so when I see pink chairs I get all sorts of happy mixed in with a little bit of wanty.

{images via Effortless Style, Pinterest, House Beautiful}

Congrats my dear sis!

OK so she might kill me for doing this but today my sister has her White Coat Ceremony from Pharmacy School. I'm thinking this is like their last big hurrah before they go out into the world as real pharmacists to do their rotations. I'm eleven years older than her so I'm excited and proud of her and this is pretty much how I think of her sometimes.

{Ems on her birthday and that's me behind her in my bitchin' Guess overalls dress, funny}

Actually not too often anymore thankfully. During her freshman year of college she went to the Bay area to play soccer.I went out to visit her for a long weekend and when she could drive around San Francisco all by herself with no trouble I stopped thinking of her like a sweet little baby at her first birthday. Now she's almost a Doctor of Pharmacy which I like to tease her about endlessly, because I'm that annoying sister that teases her and still calls her Little Ems or Little Cutie. Anyways congratulations my dearest darling! 

Just a little hood stalk

Are you a home stalker? Do you slowly drive through neighborhoods with the type of home you long to live in? If so good, you're in good company because I do this often. Well not lately because of the time factor but I do enjoy a little home stalking tour.  Anyhow during my hood stalks I often wonder what people are thinking. Case in point, how could they turn a charming bungalow into this?!

And imagine my surprise when I realized that this house, one I've often been puzzled over is Dorie's house! Dorie is a local blogger (who I've never met but did share these pics) who decided this house needed some love.

Much better right? See more of her transformation here.

Blog Crush :: Dinner, A Love Story

I first found this blog when Mamacita kindly told me that I NEEDED the Time for Dinner Cookbook. It would change my life or something. I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't bought it yet but don't fret Mamacita it's been in my Amazon cart since you mentioned it. I need to buy something else with it to get the free shipping, I'm cheap like that. Anyways I've loved it ever since she tuned me in and these illustrations and descriptions in A Picky Eater Taxonomy crack me up every time I look at her Picky Eating label.  

Big is a combo of The Negotiator/The Pint Sized Paggro/The Starch King of Starchy McCarbLand

Little is easy he's The Refusenik.

What are yours?

{image via Time for Dinner by Jessica Zadnik}

If you don't know, don't read.

Just a few things.

1. Yay!! My sweet geek crush Richard Blais won Top Chef.

2.  I loved that on the Top Chef finale they didn't talk about Curtis Stone being an anything more than an "acclaimed" chef. What they should of said was super hot chef with accent who also already does reality TV.  Doesn't matter with him as the host I'll totally watch Top Chef Masters. No worries Bravo I'm already yours but he does sweeten the deal. 

3.  Did you hear?! Brad's getting his own show!

 {images via Bravo, Bravo, info & image via Coco Perez}

Get it :: Swissmar Peelers

This time of year I often hear people bemoaning the fact that they fell off of the good eating wagon. Vacays are coming up, trips that involve swimsuits and beaches. Aaahh! Well here is a little tip that might help with that and it's super easy. Get these Swissmar Peelers, I'm loving the julienne peeler. Perfect for those chopped veggie salads that are so fun to eat but such a pain to make, without having to get out the food processor or mandolin.

This will make it much easier, promise. Just doing my part to help with the vacay plans. Don't forget the salad recipes here's a few oldies but goodies from Mark Bittman.

Pee Wee's Playhouse

On a scale of 1 to 10 how nerdy do you think it is that I sat through the HBO special Pee Wee's Playhouse?  I LOVED that show when I was a kid. I was even 11ish when it started but I still watched it religiously every Saturday. I thought it was hilarious and apparently still do. The fact that during Cartoon Time they showed Penny was the cherry on top.  Penny is the shiz. (Ooh this one is good too!)

I even had this magazine back in the day, my parents got it for me because I loved Pee Wee so much.  Anyone else watch it? 

Boy's Bunk

I'm slightly obsessed with this boy's bunk found over at Two Ellie.

That's all.

Wear it :: Movement

Movement. Do you ever think about it? I think about it a lot which you probably wouldn't really know reading this blog. I spend a lot of time poring over pretty images and things I think are cool but I never really share how cool I think movement is. We spend most of our time in some kind of movement yet we never really think about it and what powers it. This weekend I spent lots time thinking about it and how to articulate it to others. I'm now training teachers in the Pilates method. Wow. Working with clients is one thing but training teachers is such a big responsibility, I'm honored and I'll be honest a little bit scared. But right now I'm feeling excited!  So in honor of my excitement I won't bore you with details on movement but maybe what you'd wear to move, at least for Pilates.

Details HERE

Have some fun!

Don't you think turquoise is such a cheery color? I think any rooms that have it just seem fun. Because I'm sure rooms just wannna have fun too don't you think? Any big plans for the weekend? Tonight it's the Jayhawks game, with my sister, her husband in town and my brother being alumni, it's our must see. Then this weekend it's a pilates workshop for me, I'll be working so please go out and have some fun in my honor!

{images via Wide Open Spaces, Bryn Alexandra}

Entries and a game

Ahh, the glorious weather! Yes it's the time of year that all you cold weather peeps are jealous of. We have bright, sunny gorgeous days that people come from all over to partake in. (Now their driving...that's a topic for another day.) Anyhow my sister and her husband flew in to go to a few Spring Training games so we're headed out for a day at the ballpark. (Total side note but I don't think I ever shared mys sister's wedding pics on this blog. I know I did at The Invitation Lady but in case you were wondering THIS is where we went in November. She was such a gorgeous bride!)

So to continue with the total randomness of this post here's a couple of entries that I've had socked away in my picture files. Love them.

{images via Desire to Inspire, Southern Accents & Style at Home}

Do it :: Garden

When I moved to the Phoenix area I distinctly remember seeing yards that had green rocks. Apparently the low water way to have a lawn. How hideous is that? This is what you should do in the desert if you have a green thumb!

Isn't it pretty? On another note I originally saved this photo on Pinterest if you want to go and check out what I have pinned and lots of other gorgeous images.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Have an extraordinary day friends!

Dish with me

My diet went well. I didn't feel deprived for one second. It was touch and go for a moment just remembering to snap a picture but it was good.  There were a few things I noticed while I was gone that I wanted to share with you but since I was dieting I decided to wait.

1. I think I need a stylish BFF that wears glasses with thick rims. Think Brad or Tommy. And apparently striped ties.

 2. Don't you think accessories are a quick way to spruce up what you have going on in your closet? Here are a few things that my closet is wishing for this spring. Wedges and new sunnies.

3. Let's talk TV for one moment, have you been watching Real Housewives of Orange County? It's so bad I have to cover my eyes at least 10 times per episode. Hopefully I can make it through. Tamra is pitiful and Gretchen and Slade? Eww, no more morning shots please I might just die. Do you watch Glee? I don't normally talk about it but I think that Blaine is my absolute favorite character and he's not even one of the main ones. He's just so adorable and is the best male singer hands down. Lastly on the subject the show that I love watch and am slightly embarrassed about is Kourtney and Kim take New York. Why? I have no idea, I'm like one of million other people in America, fascinated by the Kardashians. I definitely think that Khloe and Kourtney is where the entertainment is but Kim is stunning so I guess she can be allowed to stay.

Sorry, I know it's early but doesn't this slightly make you want to barf?

Brothers

I know it looks like all Big does is play his DS but we're pretty strict about when he can use it. He is limited to weekends so when he's able to play he does and Little hangs out and acts as his cheering section. I couldn't help but snap a pic of them yesterday afternoon. Little sometimes takes any opportunity for a nap pretty darn seriously and Big well he didn't move a muscle as to not wake him.

They are typical brothers who tease, play and laugh with each other. They genuinely seem to like each other too which thrills me to no end. Before I know it they'll be speaking in their secret code, laughing at their dad or I because we do something adult and lame. But that's ok because we all know there's nothing funnier than inside sibling jokes. When you think back are some of your most hilarious moments with your sibs?

Leisurely mornings

So today is a mini Spring Break for Big and regular old Spring Break for Little and it was our first day to wake up a little later, no lunches to make and savoring those first cups of coffee. Nice. Not to mention the hanging out with a buddy for Big and me finally catching up on much needed housework.

These little game thingies can sync up when they're playing next to each other, how's that for a cool toy?

Who's for having nothing scheduled? It's like heaven I tell you. So what makes the perfect leisurely morning for you?

Trying new things

Well Big is at least. Here is a picture of him trying swim team for the first time. Speaking from experience there's nothing harder than your first practice. He told me this morning that he wants to make sure he goes back for the next practice so I know he felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Yay for him, I'm so glad he's excited.

So try something new it will do wonders for your confidence.

I'm dieting

A few months ago a couple of us local bloggers (Jaimee, Christina and Marni) toyed with going on a blog diet. You know that bloated, jaded feeling you get with all of gorgeous interiors, blogs filled with stuff that makes you want, want, want? We thought it would be fun get rid of that feeling together. Take a break from the pretty that leaves you satisfied for a minute but like that crazy sugar rush leaves feeling like you've crashed and burned. That feeling of needing more, ick who needs it? So I think for a week I'm going to try and stay in the moment and snap some pics with my phone and blog about what really leaves me feeling content. A blog diet, healthy and happy stuff only.

{See what I mean, doesn't this make you want to go out and buy a cabinet just to fill it with gorgeous shoes?}

Anyone feeling like joining me? One week it will be fun.  In one week we'll all be feeling skinny and gorgeous by the end of it, I just know it!

Got brats?

Dear smug childless people and old grouches,

When you shout it out to the universe via facebook, twitter or shoot daggers out of your eyes let me be clear when a kid has a meltdown it's just as mortifying to the parents as it is to you. It's not like parents head out the door hoping to incite their child into a frenzy by saying no to fruit snacks, them being inexplicably hot, tired or hungry or simply looking at them cross-eyed. Grouches please remember what it was like to have a child and smug kidless peeps remember karma's a bitch and this could be you someday so try a little compassion.

Love, Me

PS - If you want to be mortified do it at the adult that has the haircut like this one. Because they unlike the kids have a little more choice in matters.

Laundry or errands?

Dude I'm ready to pull out some hair. I've got piles of laundy and here I sit lollygagging. I have mucho to do today and I can't manage to pull it together. It's a very carefully orchestrated dance of procrastination. I really need to work out to get rid of all of this stressy energy but do I have the time today? I'm one of the chairs for Big's big school fundraiser so I'm feeling the heat, it's Saturday. It's a little earlier than normal because at a parochial school there's no partying during Lent so this year it's bright and early. So I have lots of annoying errands to run, details to tie up and then I can't stop thinking about the piles....And then to top it off if I'm doing something I can't just hop into bed and go to sleep I have to unwind for an hour or so in order to just get to sleep. I get insomnia when I have things on my mind and things to do. Oh and let's not forget Little's big 5 year birthday is tomorrow. Crap. I guess I should go and get some presents or something.

I won't kid myself, sorry honey it's the laundry that's going to have to wait! See you kids at the gym.

{This picture from Dillon Kyle has nothing to do with anything it just looks like a fun place to hang, gossip with my girlfriends while the guys bbq and the kids play hide and seek. Wanna join us?}

Organized

I'm pitifully unorganized and I often fantasize about being meticulously tidy. I know I'll stay cluttery but I can look at pretty pictures and pretend if I did something like this it would stay just as nice.

I really like how it looks just like a regular bookshelf, something that can be picked up at Home Depot or Ikea and made to look special by the vintage looking labels and baskets. Excuse me while I go dream of tidy closets.

{image via paper playne}