Bethany Earrings

Ms. Becca emailed me this headshot picture that was taken by a photographer at a wedding she attended. She looks absolutely gorgeous. And I must say, the earrings she is wearing are just darling.

Button Hair Clip

Looking for party favors for a little girl's birthday? These are too cute and super cheap and easy to make. I may have to make some for Miss Stella. Click here for directions.

Hybrid Dress

I love this cha-cha dress! And I think the cream-embroidery belt really polishes it off. The dress reminds me of the movie Maria.

Flying Kites and Bug Hunting

This past weekend we went to the beach to fly our kite. And boy--It was nippy! But we still had fun and watched our kite dance in the sky as we ate our picnic. Then we went bug hunting--turning logs over to uncover a whole a lot of bugs and worms. The kids get a kick out of that especially Lucas. We just have to watch him--he tends to pick up anything he sees whether it be a spider, fly or bee.

Small Confession: Picking

I like to pick...my face. I know. It's kind of gross. But I find a joy in picking my black heads and white heads. It's such a great feeling conquering them. I'm an adult now and I should not be breaking out...but I do. My dermatologist tells me it's a bad habit, and I need to quit it. Although the last time I got a facial done, the lady said I need to come in once a month to get the deep-cleansing facials a.k.a. the facial where they pick my black heads. So, now I'm confused. I think I'll just go ahead and keep picking. Or maybe I need to start using Proactive. Does that stuff really work?? Oh, oh! I can get my picking satisfaction from picking other people's faces. That's so fun. I often corner my husband and go to work...that is on his face.

One Piece

One-piece swimsuits are in this season, and there are so many great styles. Wish I could do a one piece. I have too much of a boy figure. Not very flattering. But this suit is very darling.

Before and After

It's amazing what a little color can do to a room. Or even adding a picture to the wall or hanging curtains. Everything can look completely transformed.




{via Domino}

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to my girlfriend Amy! Here she is with her fiance. They are getting married in Aruba this year, and I'm SO ecstatic for her. After a string of not-so-good boyfriends, I'm so glad she has found someone wonderful.

Happy Birthday to my dear old friend Ashley. Miss you, love you and can't wait to see you.

And since I'm at it, I'd like to also give a shout out of April Birthdays to my nieces Allyse and Angelina, sister-in-law Katie and Uncle Bill.

Day at the Farm

Stella's preschool class went on a field trip to the farm today. Luke and I tagged along. Today Stella learned the following:

• bees live in white boxes and make honey


• goats like to eat hay


• cows have slobbery runny noses


• turkeys gobble when they hear a loud noise


• donkeys ee-haa when they are scared and can't find their mommy


• big pigs are really smelly

Stella getting a close up on the white swans.

Lucas doing what he does best.

Stella with some of her classmates.

Joy Gryson

I think I may have to pick me up one of these darling knockoff bags from the Target Go line. They've got a cool downtown vibe.

Birthday Party Planning

Check out these creative birthday ideas for kids. Good ideas in saving money, but making it still a fun-filled birthday bash.

Blue Jars and Vases

Love this grouping of blue vintage jars and vases on a tray--it reminds me of the ocean. Did you get the new Pottery Barn catalog? They have a new collection of blue glass bottles and jars.

{Body+Soul via Happy Mundane)

Picnic Giveaway

Get your tooshies over to my sister Marleen's blog. Pronto. She's giving a fabulous picnic package away. It's fabulous! The package includes a 21-piece picnic basket, tablecloth and her yummy homemade jam (that alone should be a giveaway). All you have to do is leave a comment on this post.

Old Friends

I must say that one of the best part of Spring, besides gorgeous weather, is the blossoming of flowers. And in my opinion, it's like seeing old friends. My daffodils and red tulips have popped their little heads up and everyday I smile and say to them..."oh, stay awhile, please don't leave so soon." If only they would stay until the first frost.

Happy Earth Day!

Remember the beautiful earth today--the planet we live on and rely on. I know today is the day to try a little harder in bettering the earth, but we should make life changes to instill green habits in us and in the next generation...our children. Earth day should be everyday. Here are a few tips we can all work on:

• shut off water when you brush your teeth


• hang dry clothes on the line instead of putting in dryer


• use tissue boxes as building blocks for children


• eat locally and organic


• Use reusable shopping bags


• recycle


• compost


• enjoy the earth. And pick up trash while you are on your walks


• Shut off lights

And the list goes on....

Mr. Garbage Man

The kids are always on the look out for the Mr. garbage man on trash day. And they will sit and watch him go to every house until he turns down the next street. He's a popular guy in our house.

Banquettes

Have I mentioned before how much I love banquettes? I do think they are a brilliant design invention.

{via and via}

Nice Break, Nice to be Back

Ahh...I feel refreshed and renewed from my little blog break. But I must say, last week was not productive at all. Nope. I got no work done. A week of spring break was a week of entertaining my children--all.day.long. Oh, we had a lot of fun of parks, zoos and beach, and the weather was fabulous. So no staying inside. This is my week to catch up. Fingers crossed.

Little Ballet Flats

Miss Stella needs these little ballet flats. Just wish they weren't $100 a pop. Wish someone would do knockoffs...payless?

Outdoor Textiles

This past week I headed over to Ikea for a little shopping trip. I really do love their stuff even though it's all a bunch of crap. They have some great pieces for summer, and I really dig all their outdoor textiles--lots of great patterns and colors.

Taking Some Time

I'm going to take some time off from blogging next week so I can catch up on some jewelry business that's been pending, and I need to prep for Mother's Day. It's only a month away! Can you believe how fast this year has already gone?? We are almost to May--almost half-way through the year. Next week is also spring break in our neck of the woods, so I'll be having fun playing with my kiddies. Hopefully the weather will be nice!! No more rainy days.

Orla Kiely

Oh, how I love her stuff. I want one of her bags for my carry-all. The patterns are so fun. I'm just waiting for an NYC store to open up.

Pop-up Placemats

These placemats are so cool! They come complete with a place for name tag. Hmmm...I wonder if I could make something like this for my next dinner party.


{via Ruby Press}

I'm Craving...

....some angel food cake. Serious deliciousness. Oh mama.

{via Orange Beautiful}

Blessed Child

Can I just say how much a LOVE this child? I love, love, LOVE her. I just need to put her on a little pedestal right now and remark how lucky I am to be the mother of this sweet little girl. How did I get such a sweet one when I know I was a naughty one? Stella has such a sensitive, compassionate heart. She is always so concerned about other children, strangers, her brother, daddy, me--even cartoon characters. At such a tender age, she is always looking out for other people. There have been a few times that her preschool teacher has told me that Stella will stop what she is doing and help console an upset classmate by getting them a tissue or drink of water or just telling them that everything will be okay. Stella is a very good listener and trys so hard to do what is right. She doesn't like to let me down and is very mindful of obeying rules. I must say that the sticker chart is going very well. She's been eagerly helping me around the house and taking on new chores. She is full of energy and life. Her little light is contagious. I love to see her love of going to church and learning and her reverence. She loves to be around other people and is my little social butterfly. She sings really well and often reminds me of words I forget. My list can go on and on. I've rambled enough. But it needed to be said. Today was a good day. Stella is my star.

Lovely Plates and Bowls

I really do love buying clothes at Anthro, but I so often come out of the store with a new plate or bowl instead--usually not to eat on but more for a home of small things.

Staircase Photo Gallery

I have finally ordered my prints of our family/children pictures we took last year. I don't have a lot of wall space available, so I'm going to arrange the photos on the wall by the stairs. I've been checking on online for ideas on how to do this, in my opinion, tricky project. Not a lot of resources--I guess not many people do the staircase photo gallery.


{via Real Simple, Martha Stewart, BHG}

Fairytale Cottage

How cute is this little cottage? I can imagine myself opening the door and seeing Hanzel and Gretel and candy galore. Very whimsical.

{via Cottage Living}

Circus Circus

We headed to the city this weekend and saw the Ringling Bros/Barnum and Bailey Circus with our friends Monica and Aaron with kids in tow. I think Seth and I were more excited than our kids since this was the first for them. But once we were there and the show started, their little eyes were hooked--watching the silly clowns, acrobats, crazy motorcycle dudes, animal tricks, trapeze and much more.

Lucas stealing a few of Kambree's grapes.

{thanks Monica for letting me use your images for this post--my pictures did not come out well.}

Dutch Babies

I love Dutch Babies--the large, puffy-oven baked pancake. It's a tradition in our house to have dutch babies the Sunday morning of our bi-annual church conference. It's actually a tradition that stems back from when I was a child. Warm dutch babies covered with powdered sugar, a drop or two of lemon juice then lots of maple syrup--yum. Then we lounge in our pajamas and enjoy a day of inspiration.



Dutch Babies Recipe

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Whisk together in a blender until smooth:
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
6 large eggs

Put 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large oven pot and melt in the oven. Once melted, pour the egg mixture in the pot and cook in the oven for 20 minutes. The pancake will puff up and raise. Serve immediately, for the pancake loses its puff, and therefore its drama, almost immediately. Dust with powder sugar.

{image via Baking Bites}

Distractions

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I've been kind of...um...distracted. Nothing big...yet. I did head into the city the other day to stop by a few stores I've been wanting to. I stopped by Fishs Eddy to see their dinnerware. Our 10-year-old dishware has seen better days--and as Heidi says..."Darleen I don't want to cut my lip while eating out of your bowl." Yeah--they really need to be replaced. Then I crossed the street and snooped around ABC Carpet and Home--such an inspirational place for home ideas. My main reason for the city run was for fabric shopping, and I spent most of my time at Purl Soho. I did pick up a lovely piece of Liberty of London cotton and hope to somehow tie it into my bedroom makeover. Next I was going to head over to Zarin Fabrics, but after walking 20 minutes then realizing I still had another 20 minute walk ahead of me--I skipped it and headed home. Maybe next time.