Lovely (and Wise) Kid's Stuff...

First up, this paper banner from Famille Summerbelle that I find myself currently obsessed with. It's no surprise really, as we hung Mexican paper banners up in our backyard for Audrey's fiesta-themed third birthday and didn't take them down for months...until they disenegrated from the rain. I'd hang this one inside the house...

Next, the little girl clothes from Joie. (Take a peek Miss French's post on the equally kickin' grown up clothes.) This is how I'd like to dress the girlies every. single. day.

And finally (and honestly best of all) this genius list, entitled 10 Tips for Being a More Light-Hearted Parent (first spotted over at Emily's lovely blog.) The entire Happiness Project blog is pretty great (more on this later), but this list is so totally right on. Bryan and I both printed it out and have copies in our offices and on the kitchen pantry as reminders.

My favorites from Gretchen's list:

• At least once a day, make each child helpless with laughter.
  
• Look for little ways to celebrate. I haven’t been doing holiday breakfasts long, but they’re a huge source of happiness. They’re quick, fun, and everyone gets a big kick out of them.
  
• Say “no” only when it really matters. Wear a bright red shirt with bright orange shorts? Sure. Put water in the toy tea set? Okay. Sleep with your head at the foot of the bed? Fine. Samuel Johnson said, “All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle.”
  
• When I find myself thinking, “Yippee, soon we won’t have to deal with a stroller,” I remind myself how fleeting this is. All too soon the age of Cheerios and the Tooth Fairy will be over. The days are long, but the years are short.

Such great stuff, no!?

My sister arrives this afternoon with my two sweet nephews in tow, so I won't be blogging tomorrow... Have a great week-end!

p.s. don't forget about the Mother's Day Giveaway!

So I'm Wondering...

If my house could be as rockin as Elizabeth's if I bought these decals...

Somehow I doubt it, but I still might buy them for the girlie's rooms... It's worth a try.

images via cookie, fine little day and studio violet...

A Mother's Day Giveaway!!

I'm awfully smitten with artist Susan Najarian's encaustic paintings. And... she's so generous and lovely that she's offered up her Blue Mushroom piece for a little Mother's Day giveaway!

Just leave a comment on this post sharing what you love most about your Mom by 9 pm pacific on Monday, May 4th.

I'll randomly pick a winner, and Susan will ship the painting to the winner or winner’s mother gift-wrapped with a cute card on May 5th...just in time for Mother's Day.

So fun! Thanks Susan.

p.s. for more mother's day giveaway fun go visit doobleh-vay!

The Spending Hiatus – Closure… and What’s Next

lovely photo by mrs. french (of course ;-)

After subjecting you to my attempts to take a hiatus from mindless, non-essential purchases for three months, I figured you deserved a little bit of closure. (Or, maybe it’s me that needs some closure, so bear with a long post...)

I’ve been thinking about how to adequately sum up my experience, and all I can come up with is that it was one of my very. best. experiences. Seriously. Ok, I know that seems dramatic (and somewhat unbelievable)… How, you ask, can “not shopping” for a few months be a person’s very best experience? What kind of sad, boring life do I have? Here’s how: not shopping, not thinking about shopping, not planning to shop, etc… left loads time for me to do all the things that I previously thought I didn’t have time to do… things like cooking and reading and taking a sewing class, like going to museums, taking more photos, making weekly trips to the library, doing more projects with the girlies.

Not shopping also made me appreciate what I already have in a more heightened way. I made new outfits with existing pieces in my closet, discovered things in drawers and cabinets that had been tucked away un-used… When I did cheat, like on Audrey’s little blue dress, the treats in Marfa, the bikes (we love our new bikes!), I cherished them in ways I didn’t even think possible… And now, almost three weeks post-hiatus, I am completely in love with this “new life” of ours.

And as with most things in life, now that I can shop I don’t want too, which makes things pretty easy for now… I’m not sure how long this virtuousness will last though, so I’ve been thinking of what “checks” I can institute to ensure I don’t revert to my old ways. I firmly believe most of my success during the actual hiatus wasn’t due to my super-human will-power (trust me friends, I’m weak…) No, it was because every week I knew I had to be accountable to you… That’s the whole purpose of a support group, no?

So I was thinking I’d replace my Monday hiatus post with a “what I bought this week” post. My thinking here is that this will help me be mindful about the non-essential things I buy moving forward if I’m forced to tell you about them…

So what do you think? Are you sick of hearing about this?

And while we’re asking questions, how are my support group folks feeling now that you’re all done? I know some of you like Miss Aimee and Paula are continuing the hiatus; I know that Rachel’s first post-hiatus purchase was a lovely glass straw…

How about the rest of you... What's life like post-hiatus?

Gardens and Uniforms

In addition to Bryan's b-day festivities this weekend, we also bought a few new plants and spruced up the backyard in anticipation of my sister and nephews' upcoming visit...

We have some great garden shops in Dallas, but nothing that seems quite like Flora Grubb Gardens....total bliss.


+ check out her cute dress over jeans look -- my kind of girl that Flora...

images via design sponge

Our Tribe...(and Some Really Great Blueberry Pie)

We celebrated Bryan's birthday with a little Sunday morning breakfast party... we feasted on breakfast tacos, homemade guacamole, mimosas + bloody mary's and quite possibly the world's most delicious blueberry pie made that morning by our amazing friend Achlee...

Besides lovely cousin Erin (who along with boyfriend Ben made us an equally incredible dinner Sunday evening) none of my family lives close by, so over the past decade (a decade! prior to Dallas I'd never lived anywhere longer than three years -- we moved 17 times when I was growing up...) we've forged a surrogate family -- our tribe if you will. We've seen each other through weddings, having babies, losing loved ones. We spend holidays together, celebrate birthdays together, vacation together, cry together…

We're awfully lucky to have such an amazing group of friends. Especially the ones that make incredible, incredible pies!

A Lucky Girl...

bryan marveling over our friend camp's amazing woodshop in Marfa...

My hubby is by far the smartest person I know…he’s also incredibly kind and funny, a loving, doting father, a great cook (he makes a perfect grilled cheese), a great musician (he played a tongue-in-cheek acoustic version of Jessie’s Girl for me on our first date and I fell instantly in love), and basically an all-around stellar person... (so much so that two of my girlfriends {who by the way are already married} fight over who will marry him if I die an early/untimely death. I have some morbid friends, no?)

Oh and his birthday is this weekend!

Happy birthday B…(as Audrey would say) you are my besty, best, best friend.

Blogger's Favorites -- Rachel of Heart of Light

lovely image via Rachel (of course)

Rachel is one of my favorite, favorite bloggers. She's soulful, witty, insanely creative (truth be told, I'm a smidge jealous of her creativity.) She makes crafts that don't feel crafty, cooks lovely meals, takes gorgeous photos, is a prolific gardener... Pretty brilliant gal, no?

Herewith Rachels favorites... Enjoy! (I know you will.)

{all images from manufacturers, except for the lovely dansk image,which is from flickr user oliver.tomas' photostream}

I'm so excited to be here on Joslyn's lovely blog, participating in this fun series.When I first tried to list my favorites I ended up with about a million things, so I decided to narrow it down to actual objects that I use and love every single day. That made it a little bit easier.

Tea - I drink an unreal amount of tea every day and Harney & Sons is one of my favorites. Since discovering the joy of electric kettles (no chance of forgetting it on the stove and burning the house down!) I've never looked back. I own this Cuisinart kettle and I love it.


Simple beauty supplies - I am a pale, dry skinned girl and I don't like spending too much time on my face. I haven't suffered from a sunburned nose since I started using Neutrogena Healthy Defense lotion every day, and it's great for gentle skin. Blush is basically the only makeup I wear daily, and Benetint is still my fave. Blistex DCT is an addiction for all the women in my family (maybe it's genetic?). I panic if I don't have some with me at all times.


Reuseable bags - I haven't used a plastic bag since I found Baggu a few years ago. I keep at least three in my purse at all times (easy, because they fold up tiny) and use them everywhere, including clothing stores.


My camera - My Nikon D40 is one of the best investments I've ever made. I take photos every single day and I feel like I see the world and all the little bits of accidental beauty more clearly than ever.


Kitchenwares - I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so I like everything to be beautiful and highly functional. I collect Dansk Kobenstyle pieces and they are hung on the main wall of my living room. This way I get to admire them even when they aren't in use. My Kitchenaid food processor is my favorite piece of modern technology and I use it all the time - completely worth the expense. I have a little collection of cake stands and I always keep a few of them on the dining room table with a rotating display of lovely things.

The Wants...

I want (in no particular order):

A braid like Jeana’s


A white summer sundress

My house to feel like this loft (via 2 or 3 things)

That's all.

My One Thing

not paper towels, but un-necessary paper products nonetheless (photo via roland bello)

I've made some pretty big strides in my effort to tread more lightly on the earth... I can't remember the last time I accepted a bag at the store (despite the checkers that look at me like I'm a mad woman as I'm stuffing 10 cans of soup into my purse -- I have a really big purse), and the spending hiatus completely changed my thinking in terms of mindful spending, disposable purchases and unnecessary packaging -- During the three months we weren't buying non-essentials, our garbage output decreased dramatically, a side-effect that was welcome, but honestly unexpected.

But in honor of Earth Day, I thought I'd bite the bullet and make a big commitment... one that's really hard, one that I've been avoiding. Ok here goes, this morning I used my last paper towel ever... That's the plan at least. And while it sounds small, if you knew how messy my girlies are, how obsessed I am with wiping down every surface in my line of sight, and how giddy I get over a fresh, new, bright white roll of paper towels ready to be busted into, then you'd surely realize that for me this step is HUGE.

So...let's all play. Suffer with me please. What's your one thing in honor of Earth Day?

While I Was Away...

There was so, so much goodness all over the internet. Some of my favorite things:

This d*s sneak peek...I'm dying over those wood walls...

This David Wiseman window installation (those light fixtures oh my)...also via d*s

Miss Aimee’s post on Launa's Little Library -- Audrey's very. favorite. place.

Nikole’s lovely cupcakes

The high point of doing your taxes via 3191

Gorgeous Cactus via Heather

And last but not least, Happy tape via Chelsea

Back Home...

We’re back from the beach, and I can happily report that it was our most successful family vacation to date.

The weather was lovely -- not too hot, but clear and sunny (with the exception of one welcome stormy day that had us watching movies, playing board games and making a big Mexican feast)… perfect for playing on the beach, swimming in the pool or going on long bike rides, which honestly was pretty much all we did for seven days – literally. Every evening before dinner I’d sip a cocktail on the porch of our house and marvel at how incredibly fortunate we are take a trip each year with dear friends to such a beautiful place.

As with most things in life, the simplest moments were the most memorable -- dancing with the girls at an evening concert/picnic mid-week, watching the waves crash while Millie took a nap on my chest on the beach, sitting at the edge of the pool reading while the girls happily splashed around (I actually managed to read two great books in a week -- a record since the girls were born…) Sure there was all the requisite chaos and occasional meltdowns of any good multi-family vacation, but it was mostly perfection, and at the end of the week we were sad to leave but happy to be home, which is the best possible combination.

Hope your week was splendid!

Off To The Beach...

glorious photo by the lovely and insanely talented Mrs. French -- one of my very favorite ladies

I'll be away from this space for the next week or so while we go on our annual beach vacation with two of our favorite families.

This is the best thing we do all year, as it's pretty much a week of playing in the sand, riding our bikes, cooking great meals, reading, unplugging... and, well just generally hanging out.

And really, what could be better than that?

Have a great week and a happy Easter!

Blogger's Favorites -- Ink On My Fingers

This week’s list belongs to a lovely photographer, poet and teacher. I’m just getting to know Susannah through her genius blog Ink On My Fingers, but I already like her so much…she’s so insightful and warm. I know you’ll love her list.

Herewith Susannah’s favorites. Enjoy!

***********************************

My favourite things (in no particular order)

The Sea -- I grew up by the sea and every year my fair skin would burn and blister, but this never put me off the wonders of the beach. We’re lucky in the UK because you’re never really more than two or three hours from the coastline so a daytrip to the seaside is possible on a moment’s notice. When I lived in London I’d make pilgrimages back to the sea as often as I could; I prefer it when it’s quiet, when the tourists have gone home and there’s just me, the seagulls and the lapping waves. I think my best thoughts there.

My Sideboard -- This sideboard was originally in my mother’s house and I remember opening the doors as quietly as I could to steal a swig from the bottle of sherry inside (I was probably nine or ten). Now I have it in my house and even though it displays and holds my things it still reminds me of my childhood home, and I’m grateful to have such a tangible link to the past. If my house was on fire I’d be trying to drag that old sideboard out the door with me.

Magnolias -- Winters in England are very cold, dull and depressing so when the breeze warms up and the trees start to blossom at this time of year, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief. Spring makes me happy, and the first magnolia sightings make me ecstatic. All I need is a sunny day, a camera and a blossoming magnolia tree to stand under, and I am in heaven.

Vintage -- I like objects that have a story attached to them, which is why I find it impossible to walk past a vintage store without going in. I love the smell of old leather-bound books and vanity cases, retro glassware and fancy silver cutlery. I can’t resist crumbling gilt frames and lace blouses, and I’m always on the look out for dresses from the 60s and 70s. Old things are beautiful to me, which is why my home resembles a (very tidy) junk shop/ mid-century haven.

Flying -- One of the best feelings in the world is sitting on a plane as you’re about to take off; I love the buzz of adrenaline as the engine starts to roar and we race along the runway. I love arriving at my destination, and have been to some amazing places, but nothing beats the plane ride for me. And sure, flying can be boring and tedious – 11 hours later and I’m over it, believe me - but I always feel so happy standing in Heathrow airport waiting to go somewhere new.

SX-70 -- I love all my cameras, and have some pretty special ones, but it’s my SX-70 Polaroid camera that always manages to wrap me around its little finger. I love how it looks and how it sounds, I adore the quality of Polaroid film, and how this retrotastic camera helps to record how I see the world. I dream in Polaroid squares now, and have nightmares where I can’t get my hands on any more film – sadly this will be a reality one day.

My Books -- I moved house last year and it quickly became apparent that 80% of my possessions are in fact books. I have recessed shelving in the corner of my living room and I keep some of my books there arranged by colour; I like my books around me and find that a rainbow of books is easier on the eye. I buy at least one or two books every week and I dream of the day when I own a rambling house and can create my own library. I can never throw a book away – what sacrilege! – so instead I’ll have an occasional cull and give a few to charity. Books are your friends.

My Sister -- My sister is my favourite person and also my favourite person to photograph. She’s beautiful, extraordinarily talented and understands me better than anyone. We have a tendency to speak in a sort of sister-code and don’t need full sentences to communicate with each other – it’s more like a series of laughs, comedy accents and mind reading. I am so very lucky that I got to be her big sis.

Killing Me Softly...

Oh Gwyneth, you and your impecible fashion sense.... I'm totally in love with that white Isabel Marant lace "dress." (That's the type of thing I'd save up for and have forever btw.) The jury's still out on the jumpsuit though... She can pull it off, but I'm not so much a jumpsuit girl myself.

Larger Lives

photos via victoria pearson

I loved this piece entitled “The New Normal” from Tuesday’s All Things Considered... I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of “recalibrating” our lives due to the economic situation and what specifically that means for my family (beyond the spending hiatus.) Call me an optimist, but I'm convinced that this period of re-thinking how we live, dialing back and becoming more mindful (whether forced or voluntary) will absolutely change our lives for the better.

My favorite line from the piece is the prediction that we will "drive smaller cars and live larger lives."

Larger lives…I like that.

After listening to the piece, I decided to do the exercise and begin documenting our family’s “New Normal.” This is what I’ve come up with so far:

• We’ll buy less stuff and when we do buy, we’ll save up for things we love, that we’ll have for the long run -- no more disposable clothes, toys, house stuff…
  
• We’ll eat out less and cook more
  
• We’ll drive less and bike more
  
• We’ll have more new experiences and support businesses and organizations we believe in (i.e. museums, education, local/ independent businesses, the farmer’s market)
  
• We’ll spend even more time ingraining in our girls the value of things, how lucky we are and how quickly life can change…how to adapt.

What’s your new normal?

I'm Especially Loving -- Words of Wisdom Edition

First up these genius but so simple and basic (amazing how the most impactful things tend to be the most obvious, no?) "life lessons" spotted via pretty, pretty paper. I really need to get on the stick on an amazing haircut. I'm having hair issues friends.

The there's this one. Again so obvious, but so easily forgotten in the face of lovely new spring frocks...

And last but not least my current fave, given my new hobby. Sweet Audrey asked me to be sure and fix the pocket on her favorite navy blue dress at my next "sewing class"... That kid has an awful lot of confidence in my abilities. (Poster from bold and noble, first spoted on Cookie.)