pretty rubber stamps from olive manna via design mom.
am thinking these would be cute for packaging items from the shop. am highly anticipating the mini diaries' arrival. there was a hold-up (aka minor mini diary disaster) at the print shop, so i am waiting on pins and needles.
meanwhile, i am still pinning goods at pinterest. are you hooked yet?
am super pleased about the products featured today. i am reviewing two online shops. these goodies came from the type of ladies you land upon in blogland that become like real friends. it doesn't feel the same without checking in on them often; such good and kind people. and crafty too.
ever creative michelle of lovely by m and her husband have created a golden team together creating art and design, twig creative. don't you love the idea of being in business with your spouse?! that sounds fun to me. they specialize in everything from charming wooden pieces (look at this darling ipad for kids!!) to clever logo design. i was thrilled to receive a surprise package from them with earrings for me and an awesome custom print just for benji. i love a unique piece for my walls. it's a cool print on nice wholesome stock ; graphic and bold enough for a boy and still playful for a nursery. (can i still call it a nursery when he's two and a half? maybe not.) i love that their alphabet prints are so reasonable you can justify splurging on two, one for a gift and one for your bulletin board.
bonus / use the discount code marta and receive 20% off any twig shop purchase. hooray.
lucinda of luc ends mixes a modern touch with her sewing skills. she runs an etsy shop filled with fun fabric and patchworked pretties. seriously, i adore her playful choices when it comes to fabric! her goodies are all very well made, bomber construction as my husband put it. super practical and darling. pictured products: the quilted patchwork zipper bag is about to become my new take-this-thing-everywhere pouch. it holds tons of stuff, stands upright, is thick and sturdy and ready for lots of love (and lug-around labor). with the helicopters, it may become a fast favorite of my little boy! the other is a embroidered tell me a story patchwork pouch for papers, little moleskine notebooks or a collection of colored pencils. perhaps even suitable for an e-reader. the geometric zigzag quilting makes me smile. and last but not least is lucinda's patchwork camera strap. so cute, right?! i know dozens of up and coming photographers who need one of these!! the added quilt batting is such a divine detail for extra support.
bonus / use the discount code marta and receive 15% off any lucends purchase. score.
p.s. these etsy shops have a passion for the handmade movement and encourage custom orders!
if you have a product you think my readers would enjoy, please contact me.
thank you for the kind comments and the warm welcome back! i am glad to be home despite the fact that it's still snowing here. you heard me, it's still snowing here. we had a happy airport reunion with dan and are a trio once again. it's good to come home to someone you love. there is nothing better. the house was clean and there was a glorious pile of mail waiting for me.
i was particularly excited about opening my dad's invitations and recent booklet. (my main gig is designing the books for his business as a historian. this year heritage associates turns twenty-five and he's hosting a bit of a celebration!) my dad has been a lover of vintage postage stamps even before it was the hip thing to do. i love the triangle postage stamps and the hand stamped postmark by the mailman. my dad instilled in me a love for details (and the post office)! his handwriting was my first favorite.
in other news.
am setting out to fix up this place, my life, my cupboards. after our jaunt to arizona i have a refreshed outlook on my life; the good, bad and the ugly. i have new ideas to explore and stacks of stuff to go through (which i hastily left when heading for spring break). stuff to design, lists to write. (i love this printable goal list by jana.) one plan is to tackle the house. we went out to pick up some cleaning supplies and microfiber cloths. (i love when you've been apart for so long that running errands together feels like the dating game all over again.) am doing some spring cleaning every saturday until it's warm enough to go out and play. i even laundered my down coat with tennis balls. it worked wonderfully. the tennis balls help keep the feathers proportionately puffed.
am also excited about implementing a little more structure in my days at home with benji. why haven't i thought of this before?! at gabi's house they had a spring break calendar and the kids loved looking on it to see what was in store. this does not seem like a revolutionary idea, but it ignited a good idea for b and me. so i'm going to (officially) plan a little activity every day with him. yesterday we had singing time and made shoebox guitars with rubberbands. maybe it's just me, but making a calendar for something makes it more fun. when i was young, my mom was queen of naming our activities and outings so they seemed more like awesome field trips rather than just something to do on a dreary afternoon. am not sure if benji will notice, but i think it will keep me motivated about intentional mothering.
am also looking forward to general conference this saturday and sunday. as i've grown up, i have come to realize what an amazing experience it is to listen to a prophet's voice and gain insights from the counsel given. at church last sunday the teacher taught us about carefully listening to the Spirit and then moving towards the Lord, never giving up on doing what's right. i am learning that it's not just about praying for things and hoping for answers, it is more about attempting to solve my own problems with the tools God has already given me and praying for His guidance along the way. our lives will never be free of challenges. dealing with trials is what this life is about. i am realizing that the problem we currently face does not have to be our identity. the way we deal with our dark days is supremely more important in the long run. with God anything is possible.
tomorrow i have two great product reviews. stay tuned and stay awesome.
wishing you a wonderful and productive week.
up up and away / the airplane ride.
the flight was uneventful and super fun (mostly because it was short!). i especially loved seeing the grand canyon from above. we snacked on gummi bears to keep our ears from popping and read books and played with stickers. upon arrival, our jackets were peeled off, never to be seen again. hooray. the weather is gorgeous in arizona. and so is my sister, gabi and her family and her new house. we were welcomed with open arms, an open fridge, lots of togetherness and spring break arizonian fun. i want to set up an RV in their driveway. there is just no one quite like a sister.
gabi and her foursome / pizza night.
i got a glimpse of what life is like with big kids!! the cousins were so sweet with benji; fighting over sitting by him, helping him, playing with him and pushing him on the swings. he was like a mini monarch. speaking of which, my brother-in-law brad took gabi and i to the movies. ever since he married gabi (i was eight!), he has been so good to me. he introduced me to the works: popcorn and jr. mints and tall drinks and previews.
later in the week gabi and i enjoyed makeovers, watching Top Chef (where have i been?!), great podcasts, shrimp burritos, watermelon slushes from Sonic and a lesson in painting walls. she picked a beautiful martha stewart shade at Home Depot. it's called nutshell. we painted and chatted after the kiddos were tucked in. the opportunity to watch another mom mother her children is priceless. especially if she's as good as gold like gabi is. being my oldest sis, she has always been one to teach by example. one thing i hope to copy is the way she reads chapter books (each kid, a different book!) with her kids at night.
i always come home with a new perspective on things. i told her i didn't even feel like blogging while i was experiencing her busy lifestyle. i assured her i wouldn't be reporting any of this on my blog! then i got home, got sucked in and couldn't help myself. if you know my blog at all, you know i am a big fan of posting vacation wrap-ups. without trying, they are always lengthy with gaudy details and photographic evidence oozing with all the fun we're having. (if you are someone other than my mom or my sister, thanks for tuning in!)
the kiddos / fun in the sun.
every day we had an outing with the kids. even dropping them off at piano lessons was enjoyable. it's so refreshing getting out of one routine and jumping into another. the trip zipped by so quick. i lost track of the days and suddenly started to wonder how people with real lives ever find time to blog or read blogs. one day we went to the phoenix zoo which reminded me so much of the san diego zoo from last year. it has great features, including a little people farmland and a few splash pads. i guess spontaneous splashing is a necessity for locals come august.
gabi's backyard isn't quite finished yet, but the kids had a ball driving plasma cars on the patio and burying each other in sand with the worker's shovels. it was pure luxury to wear sunglasses and sandals again. benji kept saying, mom, it's real sunny out here. when he'd start digging in the sand he'd prop his sunglasses up on his head like a big person.
yum / fresh from the farm.
joe's farm grill was a perfect spot for brunch. outdoor seating, delicious food (mini apple fritters!), and farm fields all around. it was a hip little spot to eat. i imagine i'd become a regular if i lived nearby. jake opted for a giant hamburger and orange soda, in true growing-boy fashion. it's crazy to see these kids grow up before my own eyes. jake and i watched Avatar together one night. i (shockingly) really liked it and wished i'd seen it in 3D. it is crazy creative, don't you think!? am planning to make dan watch it soon so we can discuss.
adventures / boys will be boys.
sam and luke play club penguin on gabi's computer. (if only she could dictate her hilarious blog posts to them!) i loved their banter about video gaming, it totally took me back to playing sonic the hedgehog with my brother in the beginning phases of sega. these boys (willingly!) shared all their cool toys with benj. one afternoon we headed to schnepf farms for a hayride and a trainride and vegetable picking. later on, gab and i baked a beet bundt cake with the dozens of beets the kids picked. the cake was moist and delicsh but still tasted a little like earth which is a nice way to say it kind of tasted like dirt in bundt form. gabi kindly wrapped up the leftovers and sent them to her in-laws. if you find yourself deep in beets, you might want to give this recipe a try!
another highlight was taking the twins to tennis. they played hard so i told them we'd head out for a treat to celebrate. they had a brilliant idea to go to the new frozen yogurt shop, cocoamoe's or kokamo's or cocomo's. we never did find it, but they loved taking turns spelling it out into the GPS. it's a wild ride when you have two six year old back seat drivers. benj was happy to watch all the events unfold. so many characters, so many plots to follow.
loving spring break / benji and me at joe's farm.
a big thanks to the arizona cousins.
jake is tall and athletic, energetic and helpful. he recently turned twelve and gabi threw him a party complete with marshmallow guns. he and b were fast friends. he held benji's hand, pushed him on the swings and protected him from all signs of toddler danger. his favorite flavor of soda is orange. jake's adoption was an answer to so many prayers.
emily made a cardboard house just for benj to play in. she read a dozen books to benji and tucked him in at night. if only she could've fit in my suitcase! she likes sports, dancing to the radio and braiding her new lifesize bratz barbie doll head (i'm jealous, i never had one of those). i love the story about the time gabi and brad first laid eyes on her.
sam and luke are twins and completely crack me up. they are so clever and witty! we made cookies together because i have such fond memories of baking cookies with them in 2007. (they were only three and knew all the ingredients by heart!) they are becoming big kids but still on the verge of being little. i took every chance i got to snuggle up with them. benj was impressed with their piano playing and marble tracks. i'm impressed with gabi's juggling act! read her adventures with kindergarten and dealing with double the meltdowns!
thank you, gabi for all the fantastic fun. and yes, this is my small ploy to get you into blogging again!
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the amazing stephanie of nie nie dialogues. stephanie is the one you look forward to reading about; what her cute kiddos say, her real life snapshots, what they're cookin' for dinner, her day to day recoveries and funny stories. her optimism about life and gratitude for God sinks into my soul whenever i click onto her website. she kindly filled in the blanks while i'm saying my goodbyes and boarding a flight, toddler in tow.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Dr. Pepper, good cheese and crackers.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Loose short skirt, leggins, boots and long shirt.
:: a good source of inspiration is: Anything on ETSY and this talk.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: To understand that everyone is different, and we all come from different backgrounds. I was always taught to include everyone, be confident and to know when to be a strong girl or a feminine lady.
:: a song i like to dance to is: Katy Perry's Firework.
:: i wish everyone knew about: How to use and make Letterpress cards, announcements, etc.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: MAC lush mascara in black black.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: skiing in Germany with my husband.
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: beautiful flowers on my dining room table. Motherhood.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: The Book of Mormon of course, but also I love the book These Is My Words.
:: one of my pet peeves is: anything stinky. I hate gross smells-especially when I am in a public place.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: getting in the hot tub then watching a movie (in bed) with Mr. Nielson with a nice big bowl of Mini Wheats.
:: i am trying to be better at: running (exercising in general), knitting, and yoga.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: this sofa that I want.
:: i can't live without: My husband, Christian.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the ever stylish artistic vanessa of Lady Day. vanessa may blog like a regular mom (out on woodsy adventures and at home with wooden blocks) but she is also an awesome stylist on the side. she posts outfit combos and cool finds, so get your bookmarks ready. vanessa kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i introduce benji to cacti.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: An afternoon in a book store. Especially if it's a mom-only outing, I head straight to the glossies and then bee line it to the cafe for a mocha and a cozy chair. All is well in my world for the next two hours.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: My dark wash skinny jeans, powder pink silk blouse, brown leather sandals and my Stella & Dot charm necklace and Eternity Band rings. Even if throw my hair up in a messy bun, I still feel chic and pulled together.
:: a good source of inspiration is: My Style Files - I've cut out my favorite magazine pics and articles since I was a tiny tween with an early curfew. At my mom's suggestion, I started an inspiration folder and about once a year I go through and toss out anything that doesn't give me that same feeling that I get when I'm walking around Anthropologie. It has not only helped me trust my "eye" but is an endless resource when it comes to blogging.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: Manners. Kindness has gotten me through a sticky situation or two and a smile is always well received - lessons that seem invaluable when it comes to raising my own family.
:: a song i like to dance to is: While my husband was out running errands this weekend, I googled Justin Bieber's "Baby" and my kids and I danced along to the video on YouTube. Let's just say that I totally understand now. If I was thirteen I would have flipped my lid over this kid. What a natural.
:: i wish everyone knew about: How Stella & Dot is changing the game. Not only is the product remarkable but their mission is all about empowering woman to style their own lives. They are a company inspired by and created for strong women, honoring that generation who rolled up their sleeves, won the vote, raised kids, went off to work, and did it all with style and grace. Today, this is how they'd do it and I'm so excited to be a part of the action.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: A mix between Laura Mercier & Bobbi Brown. Even in high school I would save up my lunch money to buy their concealer and foundation. I like to mix and match the two and their colors have always been so natural and pretty.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: We are a family that loves the outdoors so I would kick our camping up a notch and hike the Grand Canyon. But I have to add that if I returned home, took a long, hot shower and then hooped on a plane to New York City to visit my best friend for a week, I would have to call that the best two weeks of my life!
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Space! I never paid any attention to math or science in school, I thought physics and chemistry were way over my head and now I'm sharing my life with someone who can explain it to me in a way I understand. My husband chuckles at my enthusiasm, but life is so AMAZING!
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: It's so hard to choose only one but I would have to say that A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle really broadened my perspective. His words really resonated with me and the quality of life that I want to experience which has more to do with being present for my life and those I love than about always reaching for success.
:: one of my pet peeves is: Being fed the University Rule. I would love to be able to gain skills and knowledge about the range of things that I am interested in, than having to be pulled through the rigors of deciding a major and then paying A LOT for required classes that I don't exactly need to pursue my goals. I'm all about a well-rounded education, but if I'm paying for it then I feel I should be able to decide every bit of what I want to learn about.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be:In the morning I have decided to not go near the computer until breakfast has been served, a board book or two has been read aloud and my youngest is down for her first nap. This makes me feel better about catching up on my Reader over my morning coffee and knowing that I have my priorities in order. Now only if I could sneak a workout in before the bittles wake up...
:: i am trying to be better at: Creating a post for Lady Day before I catch up on what is happening around blog land. I tend to get compare-itis when I dwell upon how everyone is obviously so much more creative than I am and how they must have so much time on their hands. These lack-luster thoughts never fill the well and nothing compares to the feeling I get when I hit publish on a post that came from the heart.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Miss Moss, a beautiful blog written by Diana, a graphic designer residing in South Africa. She has great taste and on any given day I can learn about art, fashion, design and the wonders of life in a totally unique way. So inspiring.
:: i can't live without: The blogs of like-minded creatives. I know, not a very original answer but I mean it! Three years ago I was a new wife, stay-at-home momma and homemaker. I came across Marta Writes and suddenly didn't feel so alone and isolated from the world. I love reading glossies and blogs have that same kind of feel but are much more in-depth and personal. In my Reader, I have folders labeled "the storytellers", "the creatives", "the momma's", "the eye candy", so depending on my mood I can look in on someone else's life and perspective and gain so much inspiration and understanding. When writing Lady Day, I try to remember to keep it real when sharing my thoughts on life and style because the sense of community that blogging brings is what I'm really after. On the best days, I feel like I'm participating in the GREAT DISCUSSION.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the super genuine melanie from you are my fave. she is one of my faves because she has such unique ideas for dreamy events. she is sophisticated and yet still fun and awesome and silly. her blog is magic; continuing to post eye candy i am consistently inspired by. she kindly filled in the blanks while i'm off watching monkeys swing around at the zoo.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: soft serve ice cream cone
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: a cardigan, dark washed jeans and flats
:: a good source of inspiration is: bike rides
:: am so glad my parents taught me: the importance of family
:: a song i like to dance to is: Mixed Business by Beck
:: i wish everyone knew about: the miracle of adoption
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Covergirl Lashblast mascara
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: the Amalfi Coast
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: not allowing my husband to wear his dress shoes with jeans
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: My Life in France by Julia Child
:: one of my pet peeves is: touchy people who feel the need to always be making contact with you even if you don't know them very well
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: hugging my husband when one of us returns home
:: i am trying to be better at: not beating myself up
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: The Makers Project
:: i can't live without: Target
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the inspiring and creative danyelle of dandee designs. danyelle is almost too good to be true; mama of five, crafter extraordinaire, inventor of cute ideas and designer with spot-on instincts. she is kind-hearted and a fast friend (and the first gal i forced a portrait with at ALT). danyelle kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i'm away playing hooky.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Handful of chocolate chips.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: jeans, colored tee, cardigan and TOMS.
:: a good source of inspiration is: Martha Stewart Weddings. I'm not a wedding planner and I've been married for 12 years but I still find loads of inspiration within those pages.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: to serve others. Growing up my mother was constantly doing kind acts of service for those around her. That is why I have this print hanging in my home. It reminds me of her and motivates me to look for opportunities to follow her example.
:: a song i like to dance to is: "Hey Na Na" by Katie Herzig.
:: i wish everyone knew about: Pinterest. It's the best way I've found to catalog all of those beautiful images I come across online.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer. I'm a night owl. This concealer helps camouflage my dark circles in the morning.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: I have visions of my husband and I lying on a white sandy beach in the Bahamas. It doesn't get more dreamy than that, does it?
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Fingernail polish. Essie is my favorite brand. The formula is perfection and I'm sure there is no possible way you could convince me otherwise.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom I love it more every time I read it.
:: one of my pet peeves is: Stickers on fruits and veggies. I'm not sure why, but before I can put away produce after a grocery shopping trip I remove all the stickers. Am I the only one?
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: Eating a bowl of cereal before bed. Most nights Ryan (my husband) and I plop into bed with our white latte bowls full of Life or Multi-grain Cheerios. Sometimes we read (and eat), sometimes we watch a show (and eat), and sometimes we talk (and eat!). It's a highlight of my day.
:: i am trying to be better at: Patience. And reading more books than blogs.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: This pretty necklace from Elephantine. I have been thinking about it for a week. Does that mean I get to buy it? I hope so.
:: i can't live without: Watching my two year old hug + kiss his four siblings before he goes to bed every night. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Ever.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the wonderfully talented nole of oh so beautiful paper. nole's website, oh so beautiful paper, was one of the first blogs i discovered and clung onto with dear life. she has sparkling taste in paperie, invitations and all the crafty things i crave. nole kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i'm splashing at the splashy park.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Good book and a bowl of pistachio ice cream.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Jeans with a cardigan and striped shirt – I pretty much live in this combination every day, although I've been trying to wear more dresses lately.
:: a good source of inspiration is: I love to just go for a walk around my neighborhood, particularly in the spring or fall when the weather is really beautiful. There's nothing quite like early spring in DC during cherry blossom season. But even when the weather is terrible, I'm lucky enough to live in an amazing city with tons of indoor museums – my favorites are often the ones a little off the beaten path, like the Asian art museum or the textile museum.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: How to think for myself and make my own decisions. They're also incredibly creative people who gave me an appreciation for art and design, so I owe quite a bit to my parents and all the things that I inherited from them. :)
:: a song i like to dance to is: Anything 80s!
:: i wish everyone knew about: The joy of rosewater ice cream. It's sooo unbelievably delicious!
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Mascara. I instantly feel more glamorous with pretty lashes.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: This isn't really a feasible spring break option, but right now I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of a trip to Bali. But I'd settle for a nice little jaunt to Hawaii or Mexico instead. :)
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Music. I grew up going to see my friends perform with their bands and driving all up and down the east coast for live shows. I've gotten a little away from it over the past few years, but I still really love music.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Hmmm... I have a lot of favorite books, and this one isn't necessarily my top favorite, but I remember that Hemingway's A Moveable Feast was the first book that made me want to go out and explore the world. And I consider that a change for the better. :)
:: one of my pet peeves is: I absolutely cannot stand it when people refer to Africa as a country instead of a continent of 53 countries and 5 distinct regions – or even worse, when someone describes a language as "African." Drives me completely bonkers.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: My morning cup of coffee. Just can't start my day without it!
:: i am trying to be better at: Getting on a regular sleep schedule. I'm a notorious insomniac.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Oooh, I don't think there's any way I could pick just one!
:: i can't live without: Aside from my husband, our cats, and my laptop? Sunshine! I grew up in Florida, and I've noticed that I get really bummed out during the winter when the days get shorter and the skies are overcast. I always look forward to the return of blue skies and flowers in the springtime.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the rockstar blogger, ez from creature comforts. everyone loves ez and tosses her url around as often as say, anthropologie. the stuff she posts is oh so swoon-worthy. i am completely inspired by her authentic online voice, her laid back style, her creative projects, fab diy tutorials and plentiful blogging tips. she kindly filled in the blanks while i dash into cafes and splurge on cupcakes and sodas with bendy straws for spring break.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for an: Almond Croissant…mmmmm!
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Skinny jeans, boyfriend-cut t-shirt, cardigan, and Tretorn sneakers.
:: a good source of inspiration is: Anything and everything - also I find that Flickr and Pinterest are great online inspiration hubs.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: To work hard for what I want in life.
:: a song i like to dance to is: If by "dance" you mean spaz, then just about anything with a dance beat. ;-)
:: i wish everyone knew about: Kiva.org - Microloans to help those in need around the world.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Revlon used to make a face-illuminating product called Skinlights—sadly they don't make it anymore, but I have a bit left and use it sparingly on my cheekbones when I want to look extra fab. I seem to get the most complements on my complexion when I wear it, so it must be doing something good.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: Well it's not a "spot" per se, but rather a dream trip to see my friends and their new baby.
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: I thought about this for a long while, but I don't think I have any surprise passions. I think everything I'm passionate about is pretty obvious.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Memoirs of a Geisha was pretty life-changing for me. After reading it I decided to go to school for fashion design (back in 2001).
:: one of my pet peeves is: I can't handle having the back of my neck touched. I involuntarily punch anything/anyone that does. Weird, right?!
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: Reading the comments readers share with me on my blog!
:: i am trying to be better at: Believing in myself.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Oh man…that's so tough. I guess I'd have to say I'm still pretty excited about Pinterest. I can't stop pinning and favoring other people's pins. It's totally addictive.
:: i can't live without: My daughter.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the inspirational party planner, brittany of one charming party. brittany is as kind and genuine as her parties are unique and incredible. she and her business partner are going to be famous someday, i tell her this every time i see her. their party ideas consistently wow me. she kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i'm catching up on some beauty rest.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: cup of herbal tea with my sister, preferably with small sandwiches and cookies.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: any new shirt, a skinny belt, skinny jeans and my favorite brown boots.
:: a good source of inspiration is: my biz partner Sara Westbrook. That girl is a gorgeous genius.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: how to budget money. Seriously, it's a life skill.
:: a song i like to dance to is: Firework by Katy Perry. Inspiring. Or Dynamite by Taio Cruz. I play music in the morning while I make breakfast for my four kids. They sing along and laugh at me while I dance.
:: i wish everyone knew about: houzz.com I'm addicted.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: my lipgloss. It's called Katie by Bare Escentuals.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: France, but I've never been.
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Building my dream house. Someday.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
:: one of my pet peeves is: People who eat loudly. How embarrassing to even say that!
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: sleeping in.
:: i am trying to be better at: getting up early.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: teuxdeux.com The best to-do app.
:: i can't live without: my husband.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the lovely photographer jessica from living the swell life. she posts ideas for making the most of your crafternoons (a term she introduced me to), her passions for the handmade, creating a happy homemaking lifestyle along with pictures that knock your socks off. jessica kindly filled in the blanks while i'm practicing cartwheels.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: jaunt to anthropologie or my favorite antique store.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: a ruffled tank top under my favorite cardigan from Loft, pearl earrings, jeggings, and a cute pair of boots.
:: a good source of inspiration is: a little fresh air and a brisk walk.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: to always do my best.
:: a song i like to dance to is: umbrella by rihanna + jay z. go ahead and laugh, but our little family can't seem to get the dishes done after dinner without blasting something of the hip hop sort.
:: i wish everyone knew about: genetically modified organisms. they're everywhere--and that's not necessarily a good thing.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: clinique super balanced foundation. it's fabulous.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: 1. new zealand 2. california 3. paris. whoops, that makes three.
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: finding beauty in simple, small everyday things. living with intention and loving others.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: the shack by william p. young
:: one of my pet peeves is: when cute clothes get ruined, shrunk, stained, or unraveled in the laundry.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: 10 sweet minutes of solitude in the shower.
:: i am trying to be better at: paying close attention to exposure, composition, and focus in my photos.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: dinner at 8.
:: i can't live without: trader joe's chocolate covered pretzels and craft supplies of all kinds.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the inspiring gabrielle of design mom. gabby blogs about products i know will be good, tips i hope to remember, and cool ideas i want to print and save. she and her husband have whisked the family to france for an adventure. cheers for exploring the world and making memories with your children! just look at their amazing new treehouse. gabby kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i sing showtune duets with my sister. happy st. patty's day!
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Rootbeer Float.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: A wrap dress with great shoes. Boots in the winter. Heels in the summer. And a fun accessory too -- bracelets or a good necklace or a scarf.
:: a good source of inspiration is: My brothers and sisters.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: That having a beautiful life and having money are not the same thing.
:: a song i like to dance to is: There are too many!
Here are 3 no fails: Lisztomania by Phoenix
Ray of Light by Madonna
A-punk by Vampire Weekend
:: i wish everyone knew about: How awesome (and inexpensive!) the National Park system is.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: My gel blush by Pixi. I like Flushed. It looks dark in the tube, but it's really pretty on.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: This year it's the French countryside. : )
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Women's rights.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
:: one of my pet peeves is: Crumbs on the bottom of my feet. They make me crazy! I have to wear socks or slippers if I'm in the house without shoes on.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: Reading to the kids at night.
:: i am trying to be better at: Leaving comments on blogs.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: This video.
:: i can't live without: Ben Blair. And Rootbeer floats.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the hilarious + witty karey. i like karey because i can hear her voice in her writing. she is passionate about writing and does so with lowercase letters. yay. she is the girl you hope you get to sit by in class, because life is more fun with her by your side, even just for one class period. she kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i bust out my flipflops.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: maid. i mean it. whether i'm almost-happy, devastated, or peeved-angry, give me a clean home that i didn't have to clean and i'm so smiling.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: i have this black sweater dress from the zara in jordan that has the deepest vee and the longest, way past my wrists fitted sleeves and perfect length that makes you look thin even when you've eaten two snickers and sexy even when you've not showered.
:: a good source of inspiration is: a fresh view. i need to travel and move around. i just do. but even when that's not possible, i try to change up my view in baby steps. like, hanging something on the wall that probably wouldn't normally be hung on a wall, like a long strand of kukui nuts tied with a hot pink ribbon. suddenly, it's art. i rearrange a lot, too. it's amazing how a simple shift in furniture changes the home's dynamic and turns the mundane into mad inspiring.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: that your word is really the only thing you've got. i've tried to pass along this gem to my girlies, and i think esmé is the only one still wondering "what word is it?"
:: a song i like to dance to is: my girlies and i hold a dance party pretty much daily during homework time where the only rule is "these moves stay in this house." the music can best be described as hoochie. but when my husband comes home, we switch it up a bit more old-school. there's nothing like dancing around the kitchen to mack the knife or barry white's you're the first, the last, my everything while he cooks for us.
:: i wish everyone knew about: hmmm. i don't know. i like it that we all know about different stuff. it makes us super interesting to each other. maybe i wish everyone knew about my writing and offered me enjoyable jobs and a book deal?
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: i've always and will always adore nars multiples sticks. they're like fat crayons for grown-ups and most of them have naughty names.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: a beach with very attentive staff. i crave heat. and attention, apparently.
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: i'm not a really surprising person, but i am supremely passionate. about everything, truly. i love new projects, new friends, new places to move. people are usually shocked at how in love with the middle east i am, but i guess i was built to embrace the complete opposite of normal.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: i fall in love with books on a daily basis, but do you know which ones i love the most? ones that friends recommend to me. when they say "this book reminded me of you." one of my favorites recently recommended robin black's if i loved you, i would tell you this. it absolutely gutted me. i still well up a little when i think about it.
:: one of my pet peeves is: when someone says "oh, i'll let you do that." let? LET?! usually, the person is letting you do the crap part of the project. that one word just sends me to mad as soon as i hear it.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: my espressos in the morning. i haven't been to a coffee shop in ages because my at-home concoctions are pure magic. i dream about my morning ritual mostly every night.
:: i am trying to be better at: not freaking out about messes in the house. {see first answer above.}
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: this incredible towel warmer from brookstone. i'm mad about affordable decadence. i've bought four so far as gifts, and now that they're on sale i may buy myself one for our mittens and socks. wouldn't that be heavenly?
:: i can't live without: it's part of our goodnight ritual - just past all the screaming "brush your teeth!" and "stop wrestling!" orders - to give kisses to our girlies three. then my husband says "oh! isn't she just the most perfect thing you've ever seen?" to each of them. i answer "she's all right, i guess." and then i whisper in their ears "i would die without you." it's true.
leave a pot of gold on someone's doorstep this week.
they won't believe their luck!
(these downloads may come in handy.)
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by marvelous meg who documents life in a truly wonderful way on her blog, whatever. meg is a genuine artsy mama who blogs refreshingly truthful posts and photographs life as it speeds by. she kindly filled in the blanks while i'm off goofing around with my nephews, niece and my own little wild man.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: chocolate chip cookie
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: sadly....sweat pants and a hoodie...it's so cold here!
:: a good source of inspiration is: flea markets...i love old junky stuff with chippy paint and seeing things in a new way
:: am so glad my parents taught me: to be kind....compassionate....caring for others
:: a song i like to dance to is: PYT by michael jackson
:: i wish everyone knew about: charity: water
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: MASCARA!
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: st. john (mr. duerksen PLEEEEEASE take me back....i beg of you)
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: beaver orchestras
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Crazy Love by frances chan
:: one of my pet peeves is: our elementary school parking lot
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: coffee with half & half
:: i am trying to be better at: patience with my children....being slow to anger & quick to listen
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: this dwight schrute tee
:: i can't live without: mr. duerksen and my kiddos of course........and my camera!
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the crafty darling liz from say yes to hoboken. she is the type of blogger you wished lived next door. liz makes killer crafts, sews stylish clothes, has fantastic taste and thrifts like nobody's business. oh and she is obsessed with bows. which makes two of us. she kindly filled in the blanks while i try to talk my big sister into seeing that justin bieber movie while on vacay.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: slice of just-out-of-the-oven homemade bread with fresh butter and a drizzle of honey
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: skinny jeans, blazer, striped boat neck tee, bensimon sneakers
:: a good source of inspiration is: a vintage second-hand store
:: am so glad my parents taught me: to shop at thrift stores and eat my vegetables first
:: a song i like to dance to is: anything from the band Of Montreal
:: i wish everyone knew about: the Point Reyes hike along the cliffs just north of San Francisco. It feels like you're walking on the edge of the world
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: MAC lipstick in 'Russian' Red
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: Banff or Greece
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: steep streets in San Francisco
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Mountains Beyond Mountains by Paul Farmer
:: one of my pet peeves is: showing up to a movie late
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: a morning run in Golden Gate Park
:: i am trying to be better at: riding a road bike. I'm horrible with gears.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: the most perfect brass bar earrings
:: i can't live without: Chicken McNuggets (don't judge)
01. still picturing benj tromping around in those tiny ski boots.
02. am getting my dream house fix on pinterest. loving these heels on the ladder.
03. spring is: bird nest treats, cute carrots and thin mints too (my fave).
04. trying hard not to covet an ipad too much.
05. i keep discovering new reasons that i need one.
06. i want to make this wreath and a corkboard map someday.
07. plaid shirts and cozy cardis and skinny jeans forever.
08. is it summer yet? i am so ready for s'mores again.
09. i recently landed in a smorgasbord of vintage postage stamps!
10. officially madly obsessed with plaid.
11. hoping to see a movie (in the theaters) soon. suggestions?
12. thank you for being so rad. what would i do without blogging and a captive audience?
see you in a few. stay tuned for serious pre-scheduled fun.
twelve on the twelfth. now your turn.
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by designer / scrapbooker / crafter super mom, ali edwards. ali documents the details and reminds me how lovely life is. she makes ordinary things extraordinary; cheerios in a bowl, going out for a run, designing up something new, crossing off a to-do list. she captures snapshots of homelife and shares her effortless creativity willingly; her website is filled to the brim with inspiration. ali kindly filled in the blanks (and officially kicks off my two week guest post series) while i run off into the arizona sunshine.
:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for: Sushi.
:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Nice jeans, heels, tank, cropped jacket.
:: a good source of inspiration is: Right now I’m really getting into flickr again. I go through phases with sites, magazines, etc. Right now it’s the images of people and places and things that are speaking to me most.
:: am so glad my parents taught me: Man, so many things. I’ve actually been thinking a lot about this lately as I watch my parents navigate the point they are at in their lives. I think one of the biggest things they taught me is that people make it through stuff. My Mom is also really big on positive attitude – that has seeped into the marrow of my bones and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
:: a song i like to dance to is: Wacka Wacka (This Time For Africa) – this is the theme song from the last world cup
:: i wish everyone knew about: Gardening. It’s on my list for this year to learn more and to just dive in (not feel like I have to know everything before I begin). We moved into a house last summer that has an awesome yard and plenty of room for vegetables – that’s going to be my focus starting next month.
:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Burts Bees Lip Balm.
:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: Somewhere tropical – would love to go somewhere new and really far away like Bora Bora or Fiji.
:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Saying no.
:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Sabbath by Wayne Muller
:: one of my pet peeves is: Lateness.
:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: ilove when I sit down at my desk to begin my work day. I love the quiet. I love the possibility. I love crossing things off my list.
:: i am trying to be better at: Not buying things I don’t need – it’s a part of my an overall move towards living a full life with less stuff and more LIFE.
:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: I’m a big fan of Zen Habits and loved this recent article Make Time To Change Your Life.
:: i can't live without: Quiet. I crave it and make space for it.
