Shoe Addict

I've got shoes...they're multiplying. And I'm losing control! So, I went through two large boxes in my attic filled with shoes that I haven't worn in a long time and opened my house up to friends for a free-for-all and let them take what they'd like---that's if their foot could fit in it. This is what happens when you use to work for a shoe company. You become a shoe addict.

Mixing it Up

There is always something I want to change with my house decor. Eventhough every room is furnished and decorated, I get bored with it and now I want to change it all and start all over. Can't do it though--my husband would not approve. Give it another ten years and then he'll let me make the change. Right now, I want to change my dining table and chairs. I want to get a big rustic table and mix it up with some complementing chairs style. Aren't these lovely?

{domino}

{via D*S}

{Living Etc}

NYC Dessert Shops

There are two dessert stops that I need to visit next time I'm down in the City. Something is always new to me and on my list to visit! The first is the popbar--frozen gelato on a stick.

Next dessert stop: Doughnut Plant--the world-famous doughnut paradise of New York City. All the fillings are made from imported, organic fresh fruits and freshly ground nuts – so there is no artificial aftertaste!

Cinco de Mayo Party

My girlfriend Ashley hosted a really fun Cinco de Mayo party last weekend. Luckily it was a beautiful night, so the party was held out on the back porch. She strung white globe lights across the patio, which created a really great atmosphere. And then added tissue pom poms for accent. I like how she used multiple colored tissue papers for a festive look. Globe lights were purchased at Party Lights.

The party was scheduled around dinner, so Ashley had a taco-fixing bar with homemade salsa, guacamole and chips. There was also Cafe Rio's cilantro/lime sauce! Yum. The food was very delicious and all homemade. No catering or store-bought food. There was also a smoothie bar. I like the barber stripe straws!

After dinner, we moved down to the fire pit, where there were two pinatas set up. Pretty much the men had a hayday and acted like little boys whacking the pinatas. Ashley set up a s'mores bar by the firepit. We got to roast homemade marshmellows--coconut, vanilla and strawberry. They were divine! I need to get the coconut marshmellow recipe from her. That was my favorite.

Then we sang happy birthday to Natalie.

Homemade mexican cookies for take-home favors!

How to Create Storyboards

Polyvore is a site that helps you create digital storyboards of your favorite items from websites. Wondering how all the blog designers make their e-storyboards? Polyvore. If you are redesigning a room, planning a party, or figuring out an outfit, this site will help you to collect your thoughts and see if you really like it. It's also great idea to help weed out items that just don't go.

{via Ohdeedoh, via Our Suburban Cottage}

Court Yard Hounds

I'm a Dixie Chicks fan, so when I heard about Court Yard Hounds I had to check it out and I'm now a fan. Love all the music. And aren't they beautiful!

Weekend

I found some pictures of our Washington DC trip that we went on a few weeks ago. I forgot to post! It was so last minute and spontaneous. Don't you love when you do something with no planning? We had a lot of fun and the weather was beautiful. On the way home I stopped by my girlfriend Becca's charming house and had an early dinner with her and her hubby. I think it's very important to stay in contact with old friends--brings back lots of great memories.

We had a fun time this weekend also:

-went to a fabulous Cinco de Mayo party (will post later)

-celebrated my girlfriend Natalie's birthday

-saw Robin Hood

-bought a freezer off of Craiglists and somehow hauled it down to my basement's storage room with hubby's help

-picked up my cow's meat and put in my "new" freezer. Another great place to store food!

-nibbled some of my lettuce growing in my garden. It's very sweet!

Enjoy Cupcakes

If you live in the Santa Ynez Valley, be sure to check out Enjoy Cupcakes--a traveling bakery that serves sweet treat out of an adorable vintage trailer.

My Make-up Must Haves

Here are a few of my summertime make-up must haves.

Anastasia tweezers--I know this isn't make-up, but these are THE best tweezers. They can get out any stubborn little-hair stubs.

Benefit Tinted Moisturizer--it protects and conceals at the same time. I like to use this as a substitute for foundation. It's a lot lighter and perfect to wear out in the sun.

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara--my all-time favorite mascara. Can't leave the house without it on. I've tried the expensive brands, and I just keep going back to my favorite grocery store product.

Benefit High Beam--perfect for the summertime. It gives your face a little dewy complexion and soft afterglow.

MAC Cosmetics Lipgelee--stays on your lips but doesn't make them feel sticky. Super shiny.

MAC eyeshadow--I really do love MAC eyeshadows and blushes. The pigments last all day long and blend well.



What are your make-up must haves?

My Little Day

Cutest kid's party supply store. Wish they weren't located in France.

{via Simplesong}

Have You Picked Up

Any of the Cynthia Vincent shoes at Target.? My store is pretty picked over and I'm searching for these wedges. Tall and spunky for summer.

Take Me To Greece

I've got a little girl obsessed with the music ABBA and everynight during clean up she requests to listen to them so she can sing and dance her little heart out. The music reminds me of the 2008 Mama Mia movie and how much I loved the location it was filmed. One day I want to visit the beautiful Greek island Skopelos. From what I can see, it's picturesque and breathtaking.

Motherhood

I am so grateful and blessed for my sweet little children and the happiness they have brought into my life. They are my everything! I loved receiving cards, pictures and little notes throughout the day yesterday. Stella and Lucas both made portraits of me, and surprised me with picked flowers and clean bedrooms. They were very excited about Mother's Day and told me they'd make breakfast in bed for me next year when they can reach the countertop. So sweet! Motherhood is such an important role in my life, and I'm so grateful to take on this job.



{images by Carol Hogan Photography}

Wedding Invitations

I received my brother's wedding invitation yesterday (they are moving fast on their engagement!) and it's beautiful and simple. Everything from the envelopes to the invitation are letterpressed and was designed by the talented Deven Stephens.

Table Manners

Jackson's preferred spot to eat.

Pom Pom Garland

Another way to decorate with pom poms is to make it into a garland. Easy to make--just cut the tissue paper in half then fold like an accordian, gather the middle with wire. Then separate the paper until it's poofy and connect with ribbon. I made these garlands for a simple baby shower and strung across the serving table.