Music Shuffle

I know these have been around for awhile, but I really do love my tiny iPod shuffle. I bought it for my marathon training. The playlist on the shuffle is only motivating music that gets me moving--perfect for working out. This is so much better than my iPod classic.

Heather Flower

Bought a heather bush this week and hope to keep it alive, so I can plant in the spring. Care for instructions say to use hairspray liberally to maintain flower.

Everyone Should Have...

Some kind of lighting alternative if there is a power outage. We bought a couple of these battery-operated lanterns a few years ago and use them multiple times throughout the year since we live in an area that has a lot of power breakdowns. Very handy indeed when you want to play cards or read in the dark.

Spring Sandals

Spring is coming soon. All the new spring lines are being released soon. I really like these sandals. A little European.

Recipe Book

I'm in desperate need of organizing my recipes--desperate. I have no idea how, what to do or where to begin. All my recipes have been thrown into a big basket that I store in my china cabinet. Coupons and other random papers have also been thrown in this basket, so it's a diasater. At last I have found a recipe box that I really like and would get excited to take the time to organize. Splash-proof box, a small tray that holds the card--very nice features indeed. Not to mention the cool graphics. This would be a stamp of approval for countertop storing.

Bird Feeder

Go modern...with your bird feeder. How cool are these? It's glass and on a suspension so it will withstand inclement weather.

Chitter Chatter

Stella is my little chitter chatter. Since she's my first, I have long waited for the day to have conversation after conversation with her. I love how much she wants to talk. It's almost as though I can see her little brain working--trying to gather the words and thoughts with her excitement and enthusiasm. We have lunch together everyday--a time I give my full attention to her. I love it--she'll just talk the whole time. It's like our little time together and she explodes with some much randomness. A little sweetness to my day. She's a hoot!

Small Confession: Tiolet Paper

A small pet peeve of mine is when the toilet paper roll is installed, in my opinion, the wrong way. I know that this is a sensitive topic for some (and for some, not an issue whatsoever), but the correct way is hanging the roll so the paper comes over the top of the roll. End of story. If I use your bathroom and this is not the case, I will change it.

Valentines

I know that Valentines is in a few weeks, but I've been thinking about Stella giving valentines out to her preschool friends. I saw this cute idea on Martha. This will be a good craft to get her involved.

Address File

I store my phone numbers and addresses the old-fashion way--address book or rolodex. I've got a few of them. So I really this colorful address file that comes in a nice wooden box.

Farewell

Farewell to my beloved prophet. He brought guidance, direction, happiness, peace, wisdom and much more to my church. I will miss hearing his voice and his fatherly counsel. I will miss seeing his smile. I will miss feeling his love he had for me and others. I am so grateful for all that he did. And I'm so grateful to know that my church is left in good standing with no chaos--that there is another great man who will be our next prophet.

Dramatic Entry Hall

There is something about this entry hall that I'm drawn to--perhaps the wooden beams or the archway or the openness or the calming blue wall color. Lovely. Don't you just want to get some nice cotton socks on and run as fast as you can and then slide down the hall? Now that's fun.

{photo via AtHome}

Monkey Business

Wouldn't it be cute to see a child wearing this backpack? Children's apparel and accessories are much cuter than when I was a child.

Orange Lamp

This lamp will add a simple splash of color to any dull room. There's something about that orange that I really like. Price is not bad.

Recycled Bottles

This past weekend, I stopped by Lillian August (I love this store!) in hopes of finding some kind of lighting for my entry--yes, I'm still trying to find something that I like and will work for the area. No luck, but I did find some really cool, large recycled bottle vases...that were out of my price range. Oh well. PB has a few that are cheaper but not nearly as pretty and large.

Outline Goals

This past weekend we finally worked on our goals for 2008 and wrote them done. We also had the pleasure of reviewing last year's goals and checking off the ones we completed. There were quite a few that had to be added again this year and some that we had to change the expectation level. It was good to reflect on the four areas to see how much we had grown or need to focus more on.

Birdhouse Room

This birdhouse-themed room is so creative! I love the 3-D effect and the mural. Now I wonder if pet little birdies live in those houses.


{via MyHomeIdeas}

Piggies and Paws

Shortly after Lucas was born, we went to Vegas and I had the opportunity of going to a Piggies and Paws party. There I was able to get little works of art of Stella and Lucas's hand and foot. Stella's foot was created into a little fairy. Lucas's foot was created into a tree trunk, and his hand was created into the leaves of a palm tree. I adore these little pieces and of course as they grow I want to get more. Unfortunately, there are no artists in my area--but if there was I'd be all over throwing a party.

So Sad

So, so sad about the death of Heath Ledger and even sadder that his child will be forever affected. I was completely caught off guard and shocked by the news. My girlfriend Heidi called me to tell what was going on--it so happens that she works in the same building where Heath lived. So she gave me the scoop about all the commotion going on right where she works. But I guess why I was so taken back was because there were multiple times Heidi would call me and give me updates about Heath because she would see him so often--what he was wearing, if he had Matilda, what she was wearing, if he came into the store and random things like that. His apartment was one floor above her office. One of Heidi's coworkers even heard him singing to his daughter one time. Sweet. Anyway, when she called this time it really made me sad. When I saw this picture, I remember Heidi telling me she saw him carrying his daughter this way.

{via MSNBC}

Flip Book

I saw this post on Poppy Talk about how to make a flip book, and I just chuckled because I remember when we were young my brothers always made flip books when they were bored during church. Children are much more creative than adults.

Craft of the Day

Did you know that Martha Stewart has a craft of the day everyday? Such great ideas and helpful ways to save money while adding personal touches. Here are a few of my favorites--hopscotch mat, ruffle shirt, party hats and custom doormat.

Dwell for Less

I saw some of Dwell products at Target and I love them! I was just passing by and saw some cute little onesies, booties, cap, blankets for the newborn and just wanted to go crazy, eventhough I don't have a little bun. And I didn't see any of their products on Target's website--does anyone know if they are going to sell children bedding at Target?

Daddy's Girl

I found this random picture of Stella and Seth and immediately thought how Stella is not a little toddler anymore but a little girl. I feel like every time I blink she grows in some way. I then thought how her and Seth have a special little bond--they even talk in a certain language or code and then laugh. I'm always going "what" or "I don't get it". They also have their certain things they do together like watch animal shows, go to the library, walk on the beach when it's foggy, jump on the bed. When Stella was a wee-little baby, she loved to snuggle herself in a little ball and sleep on her Daddy's chest. We thought this was the case for all children, until we had Lucas. Anyway, it's been fun to watch their relationship grow.

Jane Austin Fans

To all the Jane Austin fans--here are beautiful and original blank notecards with quotes from the novels. Also, I love some of the other invites InkyLivie does.

Going Short?

I cut my hair over the weekend--nothing special, just a little clean up. But I really want to cut my hair short, similar to the styles below along with the bangs. I think I'm going to slowly inch my way up there and maybe cut it really short during the summer time. I'm definitely a long-haired girl, so this would be a huge change and not to mention Seth prefers that I have long hair. But it's just too cute!

{via Lucky}

Small Confession

Confession: I like to see my husband checking me out when I'm not looking--you know, when you can see in the corner of your eye. Of course, when I'm looking is good too. But when I'm not looking, it makes me feel like I still got the moves. And that feels good after almost 10 years of marriage.

New Necklaces Up

Finally! New necklaces are up. I don't have pictures for some of the links, but the main images are up. Click here to see and enjoy!

Small Zip Wallet

For me, this cute little zip wallet would come in handy. If I have to run into a store I usually don't take my purse, but just my wallet. I like how you can attach your keys to this one.

Appliance Organization

I saw this great idea of organizing your instruction manuals for appliances on Domino. What a great idea! Mine are all thrown into one of those clear plastic protector sheets. This person takes the manual, three-hole punches it and puts into a three-ring binder with labels.

Apricot Jalapeno

Last time I was at the grocery store I bought some apricot jalapeno jelly--thanks to Amanda for sharing with me her yummy and oh-so-easy-to-make cheese and cracker appetizer. So, I've been really enjoying this stuff maybe a little too much like adding it to my wraps, chicken and even salad. Yeah...I think I won't be making this a weekly grocery-list item.

Sidenote: it looks like you will see glimpse of the back of me (maybe the even the front) on this Friday and possibily Monday show of Rachael Ray. The audience member who won "audience incognito" sat right behind me. I am on the right side, front row, far left seat--I'm wearing a green shirt.

Canvas Storage

Since having kids, canvas storage bins come very handy for all the nick nacks. I really like the print on these bins--a little more elegant.

Tinsel Trading

Oh dear. I found a store I REALLY need to visit. Tinsel Trading company, located in the garment district, sells ribbon, trimmings, paper, beads. I have no idea why I didn't know of it before since I use to work on the SAME street. This is Martha's resource center for all her craft projects. Anyway, look at this pretty flower pin that they sell. It can add dimension to a skirt, winter coat, belt or even your hair.

Moon Moon Moon

Have you ever heard of the lullaby "Moon, Moon, Moon"? It goes something like "moon, moon, moon. Shining Bright. Moon, moon, moon. My night light. Moon, Moon, moon. I can see. Moon, moon, moon. You're taking care of me." I've only heard Laurie Berkner singing it, and I'm not sure if she made it up. Anyway, my little Lucas was singing it tonight. He had a few liners down. I wish I caught it on tape--one of those moments. I just can't believe how quickly he is growing. He is talking so much and putting multiple words together. He's this little boy now that I can communicate with (well, kind of). Sometimes I wish you could freeze this moments--don't want them to grow up anymore.

{photo via Julie Christensen}

All Alone

When my husband is out of town I do the following: not cook and eat sushi for dinner, wear socks and sweater to bed, call an old friend and talk for a long time, do a little clothing shopping, not make my bed, stay up too late and sleep in too long (even when my kids are up), and watch my shows on TV (which I so often don't get to do).

Walking Duck

I will never forget the first time I met my girlfriend Lauren. We were in kindergarten and I was in the morning class and she was in the afternoon class. For some reason our classes were joint during Halloween and I remember being so jealous of her costume and thinking how cool she was. She wore a simple duck costume with a push along walking duck. I really wanted that walking duck--the feet went flap, flap, flap every time you pushed it. Anyway, we eventually become friends after I overcame my jealousy. And look what I finally found? I must have it for my kids to enjoy.

{via Cath Kidston}

Traveling with Jewelry

A good way to avoid getting your jewelry tangled up when traveling is by using seal-top plastic bags to pack necklaces. Simply tuck the pendant part inside the bag, separate the chain and seal, letting the chain dangle outside.

Baby Shoe Sale

Lots of cute baby shoes are on sale over at Babystyle--they always have such darling selections.

Save My Bath

I think I might apply for this show since our one and only bathroom upstairs is in need of a major makeover. It's worth the try and would be lots of fun if we got accepted. I'm getting really annoyed of showing my goods to our backyard neighbors, since there is a window in perfect position right in the shower.

Updating: Earrings

This week I'm trying to update my site with all my new styles and do a little website clean up. So, far I have most of the new earring styles up. Click here to see more.

Bath Gel in a Bottle

The French company Cote Bastide, which sells bath products, packages up their products in vintage-style glass bottles. You can reuse the bottles as vases or as a decorative display.