Black Friday

So did you do a little shopping today? If you did tell me what you got and was it for you or did you get Christmas gifts?

I'll admit I went out this morning and all I purchased was coffee and some Bobbi Brown for moi. It was more about hanging out with my mom and sister because that's what we like to do for fun, SHOP!

[image from here]

Give thanks!

I loved this idea last year so when I saw it again I had to share. These letters are printed on paper and then just glued on, so cute and easy for those of us that wait until the last minute.

[via Jaimee Rose]

I did it

You all know by now that I've broken up with The Hills. It broke my heart but it's been totally lame and now I gotta admit I watched last night's episode. I just had to watch the Lauren/Audrina dramz, sooo good. Audrina I always knew you were crazy for dating that skeevy J. Bob but now I know for sure you are off your rocker.

Thoughts???

[image via EW.com]

What a ceiling

If I were to eat a meal at this table I think most of my time would be spent staring at this ceiling.

[image via Traditional Home]

Soup day

It's Monday and I'm one of those folks that's on the fence about whether that's good or bad. Each week it's different depending on what we have going on. Today I'm right in the middle, our weekend was great but we all have the sniffles so I'm thinking that today might be the day to make soup for dinner. I will probably have to defer to the lovely Jora my favorite foodie for a soup suggestion. I have made her chicken noodle [delish] and am dying to try her pumpkin soup but I'm worried the hubs won't be crazy for it, any other suggestions?

[image from here]

Happy weekend!

I'm getting a little excited I just realized that I have two adult functions this weekend. Woo hoo! We have have birthday parties to attend both Friday and Saturday nights so it will be just the hubs and me, I can't wait!

Other than my party plans I'm hoping to:

*Clean the windows outside (yuck)

*Organize my closet

*Do some baking

What you have cookin' this weekend?

{image via iheartpolaroids flickrstream}

Pit stop

I'm so diggin' this library set up, I love that it's a little pit stop. I can just imagine myself stopping on my way to the kitchen or to bed to read a few pages, the kids playing games at the table. Oh and how can I forget to mention that it's also gorge!

{image via Desire to Inspire}

Quick cure

I didn't get a chance to pick up some flowers yesterday, maybe today. My day did end on a good note; the kids and I made pancakes for dinner, they took a tub and then we read books. Lots of yummy butter & syrup and tons of cuddling, a quick cure for a crummy couple of days.

Cheeri-o!

So the past couple of days I have kinda been in a funk. There's nothing terrible on my plate but every now there's just one of those bummed out moods. So I thought some cheery flowers might perk me right up.

Normally I like flowers that are simple and striking, but these are so girly and delish. Perfect to perk up the spirits. One of the handiest tricks that I have up my sleeve was taking a flower arranging class. I know it sounds a little strange but my mom and I took it at a local florist through a community college and it was a lot of fun and I learned so much. Now I never feel as though I have to pay for a gorge arrangement I can just whip one up myself. I think some fresh flowers might be just what the doctor ordered.

{image via Domino}

In a nutshell

So I'll admit it, I didn't watch GG last night. I was busy so I caught the recap on EW.com and got a good laugh at this comment by Pinky:

Little J is still the most annoying person on the show. Rufus gave in and said he'd sign anything and release her and she still walked away from him! Someone needs to lock her in a sanatorium. Still can't stand Aaron and can't figure out why Serena likes him at all. Creepy unhygienic artist with patchy facial hair seeks open relationship with wealthy exceptionally hot upper east side female. STDs are sure to result as relationship souvenirs; contact Aaron.

I will be watching it tonight but this for sure held me over.

Boy's Club

Even though this room was designed for a men's club I would love to settle in for a martini or glass of wine. It has oodles of elements that I adore; black and white floor (check), chalkboard (check), gorgeous millwork (check), reclaimed bar (which is just totally rad). All of this = LOVE.

{image via Desire to Inspire}

Lombard

I got my Urban holiday catalog this weekend and visions of these were dancing in my head.

Bug Pins

I think these bug pins are adorable...

and I think I could make them cheaper myself, don't you? I will update you with my progress.

Art Show

Earlier this week I posted about the Art Show that we put together for my sons' preschool well today I have some shots to share. The parents at the school are a cool and diverse group; this year we were lucky enough to have a photographer parent Srilu take all of the school pictures and she took a few shots of the Art Show.

The halls are covered in a collage of art and then there are tables with sculptures and other 3D art. This year we even got a little press for our event which is always fun.

I can't be happier with the school that my sons attend I'm just sad that it's only a preschool and they can't stay there for life.

{images courtesy of Srilu Viene Photography}

Enough already

Is anyone else thinking that the Denny ghost is completely dumb? Honestly I can't stand the sad, feel sorry for herself Izzie a second longer! I was quite tempted to turn of the TV, but of course I didn't because I had to watch all of the other good dramz.

Today

This week has seemed unusually busy, I hate that. I feel so rushed and I get nothing done around the house. So today this is what I'm thinking will be on the agenda.

1. My top priority is finding these puppies! I'm hoping my little left them at school yesterday, if not I will have to make the trek to get new ones. He (and me) can not live without these guys. Thankfully when forcing a lovie on my child I remembered to pick something that could be replaced easily.

2. Cleaning, I usually try to do my cleaning on Fridays because we have nothing scheduled but I really wanted to do it with the peppermint.

3. Maybe if I have time later I will make some granola. Fresh granola beats store bought any day.

Tea please

My latest mad crush is the Botanical Tea Service from Micheal Aram. I really like all of his organic pieces but this seems the sweetest.

I feel like cleaning

I want to run out and buy this today! I would love for my house to smell like a peppermint candy.

Update: I went to find it and my nearest store didn't have it. Grrr. So if anyone gives it a whirl let me know how it is.

Love Candy

I know we all love Made by Girl but I can't get enough of this cute print. If I had a girly room to decorate I think this cheery print would have to be front and center.

Black Apple

I'm in love with the Inside the Black Apple blog, it's the behind the scenes of these sweet faces. She made a doll for a special little girl, what I would have given for one of these sweet little ladies.

I know now that I'm officially old

My show is about to start but I'm crossing my fingers that Jenny's new makeup look has bit the dust. She reminds me of another teen starlet and that's not a good thing. Don't get me wrong I don't mind a smokey eye but on someone that's 15...it just looks icky (and stupid).

{I know this complaint makes me sound like a granny but I can't help myself.}

My dear Scarlett

I was just admiring my earlier crush (that's now on sale) and then I noticed these too. Honestly I think if I had them I would wear them with every outfit.

Hearts and Rainbows

Finally right? Something new to read. I've had a super busy weekend preparing my children's Art Show fundraiser for their preschool. The preschool they attend is non-profit so I do my best to make it as awesome as possible. The past month and a half we have been framing art and getting donations from local vendors for raffle baskets and silent auctions. The whole school is a collage of kids art and it looks beautiful. With that in mind I have hearts and rainbows in my head and these goodies from Fred Flare would be perfect little stocking stuffers.

Get it all here and today it's 25% off.

Girly goodness

Coco + Kelley's post this morning about a girly room totally reminded me of this gorgeous Vogue cover. Simple, girly and lovely.

{image via Girl With a Satchel}

Drink me

I love how these bottles are wrapped with the burlap and velvet ribbon, so pretty. I think it would be the perfect hostess gift. Around this time of year I like to have a few extra bottles of wine on hand to bring with me if I'm headed to a friend's for dinner or it's just so crazy I can't seem to remember to stop by the store.

Is there any special tricks that you have up your sleeve to keep the holidays running smoothly? If so please share because I could use all of the help I can get.

{image via Country Living}

Let's unwind

Doesn't this look like the perfect spot to sit and sip a glass of wine?

{Emily J. Followill photography via Desire to Inspire}

Have you been naughty?

I might admit to being a bit naughty if it came with any of these gifts. A little bit of coal to balance things out.

This little genie came from my newest blog crush Hollister Hovey, get the scoop on this stuff here. I will do my best not to push Christmas since we haven't even hit Thanksgiving, but I do love the holidays.

Today is the day!

{via I *Heart* You}

Kitchen Kitch

I just found that Mod Cloth has some fun home stuff here are a few of my favorite picks.

Rococo Magnetized Frames

I'm Not A Paper Towel

Honey Bear Shakers

Vintage trunks

I'm longing for a vintage trunk to go at the end of my bed. I was just at a friend's for the first time and I was drooling (literally) over her two vintage trunks. I wanted to get the inside scoop while trying to send her a message via ESP that if she ever wanted to get rid of them I would gladly take them off of her hands.

{image via Skona Hem}

I repeat, put down the candy!

OK this is actually for me, but if you are having this problem please read Mix Mingle Glow's solution it's genie!

*Genie is my new favorite word courtesy of Beach Bungalow 8.

Halloween Recap

So things were good, kids are happy with all of their loot and I'm sad because I've been eating it. I thought that I would share with you some of the Halloween crafties that I did this year. Since I often post what I think would be fun and you never get to see the finished project. I don't want you to think I'm a big poser.

Here are the pumpkins we carved my Big wanted the pirate skull, my Little didn't care and I decided to do the Boo to make things look a bit more balanced.

Here are the glittered bones that I blogged about making. I thought they turned out really cool but now looking at the photos it makes any sloppy finishing woefully obvious. Note to self, don't get sloppy as you get tired of gluing and glittering.

These bottles were made from Martha clip art on paper that I distressed with instant coffee. The bottles are for taper candles, I had seen some at a store and thought I could make those much cheaper myself.