The Spending Hiatus -- Week Eight (!)

A few of the things I already own and love (dearly) -- from top: my beloved taika ittala dishes, a white dress I bought late last spring and can't wait to bust out this year, bryan's table and a groovy cement birdbath found by my genius friend achlee that I use as a centerpiece...

Well friends we have reached the end, crossed the finish line, we're done, finis.

Tomorrow is the official end of the Spending Hiatus (for me at least... some of you might be following a different schedule), and I'm feeling pretty darn good about the whole enterprise. I'm not sure I'm ready to bust out a full assessment of this year's hiatus, as I'm still processing, but I can say for sure that I'm glad I did it and would do it again. So there you have it for now...

I was good in this final week, making only one necessary purchase in the form of new yoga pants, as my old ones have a hole in the, well...rear region. Despite the fact that I'm not so much into the "exercising", I do go on a lot of neighborhood bike rides with the girlies (we have a hilly neighborhood, so bonus points, no?), and I wear yoga pants on these little jaunts. (I bike in my flip flops in case your wondering given the whole lack of tennis shoe situation -- I know, I know.)

I can't very well go riding around my neighborhood with my bum hanging out, right?

So the new yoga pants were a necessity. And the big accomplishment here friends was walking into the Gap for said yoga pants and walking out with nothing else. Just the yoga pants. No bag even...I jammed them in my purse. No fuss, no muss, giving me confidence that I'm not going to go completely off the wagon and embark on spend-fest 2010 come midnight tonight.

I feel ready (I think) to go out into the world of responsible, mindful shopping.

So how was this final (for some of you) week for you guys? Are you ready for this bad boy to be over?

Loving...

Oji Masanori's stunning work (via remodelista) ...especially the gorgeous, sculptural (seriously elevating) brass bottle openers above, available online here and in Dallas at we are 1976 (thanks ann.)

Flora's lovely "hiding" pictures...

Spool and Sparrow's adorable little girl frocks... (+ how fantastic and happy are those little "models")

Dream Collective's perfect bracelet (hubby if you're reading this, I wouldn't be disappointed at all if this somehow showed up at our house for mother's day... I'm just sayin.)

The genius French-inspired party Erika threw for her daughter. In fact, it's quite possibly the best. party. ever. non?

We'll be *borrowing* some of these ideas for Audrey's birthday in the Fall...

Stella McCartney's latest collection for GapKids. I love it all, but especially the little top above. (I want that one for myself...)

Dolan Geiman's butterflies on wood. We bought one of Dolan's pieces at the Bucktown Arts Fest in Chicago a few years ago for Audrey's room, and it's one of our all-time favorite things...

Scenes from The Weekend + A Winner and My Workspace

A gorgeous, sunny weekend was perfect fodder for getting outside as much as possible. We made a trek to the Farmer's market, had pizza and bellinis on the patio at one of our favorite spots and, while Audrey and Bryan were at the YMCA father/daughter celebration, Lovely Cousin Erin and I took Millie to the arboretum for a picnic. Fun times all around...

Audrey working on her moves before the father/ daughter dance...

Lovely cousin Erin wearing Millie (and herself) out...

In other news, I think all the blissful weather on Friday went to my head, as I just realized I never announced the winner of the little Rikshaw kurta. Congrats Nicole!


And last (but not least) the lovely Jane has kindly included me in her genius series "where we blog from" over on Ill Seen, Ill Said...I'm smitten with Jane's blog, so I was honored to have been asked. You can take a peek here.

Happy Monday!

Blogger's Favorites -- Kate Arends of Wit + Delight

images via Wit + Delight

Kate has one of my favorite blogs going. Which is saying something, as there are a lot of pretty stellar blogs out there.

For one, Wit + Delight just, well...looks fantastic. It's different and cool and totally visually interesting. But then Kate also has impeccable taste, always sleuthing out completely fantastic stuff. And in a fun and "small-world" colliding of Internet and real-life, it turns out that Kate also happens to live in Minneapolis (one of my favorite cities) and works with several folks that I worked with many years ago.

Oh and she also adores Wes Anderson...so there's that too.

So I'm excited to share Kate's favorites (and her blog, but you probably already know about her blog, no?)

Without further ado, herewith Kate's favorites. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend, it's supposed to be 70 and sunny here today...I'm feeling lots of outdoor meals and bike rides!

***

Hello there! I'm so happy to be here today to share some of my favorite things. It was hard to narrow down my list of delights because I have so many. I keep a collection of things that inspire me professionally but I had yet to create a list of my personal favorites. I had a great time creating this list! Thank you for having me, Joslyn, it was a pleasure!

Breakfast -- I've always loved the quiet stillness of the morning hours. I try to wake up with enough time to enjoy a proper meal of eggs and toast with orange juice or coffee before the chaos of the day begins. I also like to read, blog, or watch a little TV. Those early morning "accomplishments" give me an extra spring in my step as I embark on my morning commute.

My Feet -- I know, sorta weird... but hear me out. These feet have run many miles, danced tirelessly for years, modeled countless pairs of shoes, and anchored many yoga poses. They are a constant reminder to never take my health for granted, and that sometimes, the only thing that will cure creative block is a good long run. And that I am thankful for every day.

Little Indulgences -- I truly believe that every meal should be followed with a small bite of something sweet. And when you feel like a glass of champagne, have that glass of champagne! I like to think of it as “celebrating life’s little triumphs.” My favorite ultimate indulgence: Molly's "winning hearts and minds" cake. It is ridiculous. You must try it, immediately if not sooner! (book via orangette, champagne class via kitchen contraptions, cake photo via flickr)

Wes Anderson -- His signature aesthetic, deadpan humor, and music selection make him one of my all time favorite directors. I love the subtlety and detail you discover while watching his movies. One of my favorite scenes is from the Royal Tenenbaums: "He had made a request for his escort, the one from his days on the circuit, to meet him by way of the green line bus. As always, she was late." (Here is the clip. When I saw this in the theater I could hear my own heart beat during this scene; stuck with me ever since.)

My Record Player -- A few years ago I took my chances on a dusty vintage record player I found in the discount section of a thrift store. To my delight, it worked perfectly, with the exception of a sticky knob. My current vinyl favorites include James Taylor, Billie Holiday, The XX, The Eagles, Vampire Weekend, and The Supremes. (photo via UO)

Fresh -- I have yet to find another cosmetics line that smells this delicious. Their products are so luxurious without being perfume-ish. Plus, I cannot resist soaps in pretty packaging.

Nail polish -- I've never been able to grow long nails so I've become accustomed to dressing them in trendy colors. I like to think of it as another accessory. My jewelry always looks fresh with a new color lacquered on.

Cashmere -- The weather can be ruthless up here in Minnesota. I can honestly say there is nothing I love more than slipping into a cozy over sized cashmere sweater on a cold gray day.

Casablanca -- My family loves to watch old movies. There was a lot of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland action on our television set when I was growing up. But the movie I loved and still love the most is Casablanca. I watch it when I'm homesick and it never fails to make me feel better. This is totally irrational, but this movie has been a deal-breaker in past relationships, as it has put many of my ex-boyfriends to sleep. Alas, things between us never worked out.

(nail polish via Chanel, cashmere sweater via this is glamorous, Casablanca via Wikipedia)

My Engagement Ring -- A sparkly reminder of a promise made to the most remarkable person I've ever met. We found each other as I was growing into my adult self and felt a little lost in the world. He has brought out the best in me and shown sweetness and compassion at the most trying of times. And yes, he passed the Casablanca test. We'll be incorporating "As Time Goes By" into our wedding this October.

Baby Josie

my sister is a smidge obsessed with owls...josie's new room is filled with them...this dress would be perfect for her, no?

My lovely sister Jennifer gave birth to her first baby yesterday, Josephine Elizabeth (Josie.) We couldn't be more thrilled -- the girlies spent the better part of the morning ogling the photos sent over late last night...resulting in a rather hectic school morning but worth it for sure.

Welcome to the world sweet baby Josie. We are so excited to meet you, snuggle you and give you all of Millie and Audrey's old clothes ;-)

In honor of Josie, I thought I'd share a round-up of a some favorite (über sweet) baby goods... Enjoy!


clockwise from top: sweet bunny lamp, ruffly vintage fabric bloomers, fab little gold slippers, lovely cloud mobile...



clockwise from top: baby chic chevron print onesie, the ubiquitous (but rightly so) sophie the giraffe teether, little alouette's handmade maple toys, perfect diaper covers (diaper covers were the most necessary yet most elusive item on my must-have list when the girlies were babies...if I did the whole baby thing all over again, I'd buy a slew of these -- Jen, take note ;-)

The Spending Hiatus -- Week Seven

millie chillin with her best friend stella on her new bed...

It's week seven friends. Seven. Which clearly means we are in the final stretch, the last days, the end of the road...

Not that I'm excited or anything.

Actually truth be told, I'm nervous. I feel a little squirrely lately, and I know the hiatus has tempered me, kept me in check. So without something formal in place, I'm nervous about my ability to mindfully consume.

With that in mind, I spent a little time last week (no, I didn't cheat, but almost) looking back at past Spending Hiatus posts to strengthen my resolve and landed squarely on French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld’s mantra:

“The less you have, the more you enjoy.”

Well said Madame Roitfeld...and you know what, I believe it. Despite my (strong) desire to shop of late, I fully and unequivocally agree that the less you own, the more you enjoy. I do.

Ok, now onto the almost cheat (and a proud moment if I do say so myself.) My sweet friend Whitney bequeathed her son's old toddler bed to Millie a couple of weeks ago, and I fully intended to outfit it with new bedding, because of course it was an essential purchase, no? And it would certainly fulfill my jones to shop.

But then I thought of you, and the hiatus, and I started digging in cabinets, closets, etc... where I unearthed a perfectly groovy old quilt and the two Dwellstudio for Target pillows that my lovely reader Carolyn traded me for something in the SL shop (and I had always intended to use in Millie's room but completely forgot about.)

Bed outfitted.

But wait there's more. While I was sleuthing around, I also found an old crocheted pouf in the back of the closet that I tucked next to the bed, and I moved a sweet little painting of a bunny to grace the head of her bed. There's nothing like using what you have (and already love) in new ways. It's almost as good as shopping...maybe (maybe) even better.

So, how are you guys doing in this final stretch?

Loving...

The gorgeous chandelier hanging in Dianne Merrick's Los Angeles shop. I am looking for something exactly like this to hang over Bryan's table -- some glam to temper the organic wood... I've been searching for one everywhere to no avail.

Any ideas?


These Cherner stools. I dream about these stools. Seriously.

Virginia Johnson's lovely "waterfall" scarf...which would be perfect for our upcoming beach trip (+ it's on sale.) Pesky spending hiatus.

Kvast's sweet, tiny horse necklace. Audrey would go nuts for this.

A perfect (and awfully springy) table via Emersonmade...

This teepee via Rikshaw Design. I want a teepee. Bad. (p.s. don't forgot to comment over here for a chance to win Rikshaw's fun little seahorse kurta...)

The fantastic new prints from Perla Anne...+ how great is that photo above!

Scenes from The Weekend (Staycation and Surprise Spring Snow Edition)

The girlies were on Spring Break all last week, but because we go on our annual family beach trip in April, Bryan and I weren't able to take time off from work, resulting in a lot of leaning on grandparents and neighbors and gymnastics camp and, well...scrambling.

By Friday we were all a bit fried and in need of a break, so I packed our bags, and we stole away to a cool hotel (The Belmont) just outside of downtown. The girlies were totally surprised and completely thrilled (seriously what kid doesn't love a night in a hotel!) We took them to dinner at a fun restaurant where they ogled groovy vintage chandeliers and noshed on s'mores then we met up with Christine and fam for late night at the DMA. A fantastic Friday for sure.

the girlies hamming it up in the hotel room

Saturday, after a yummy breakfast at Smoke (it was a bit of a food weekend), we had another big surprise up our sleeves, as we'd bought tickets to see Rain at Fair Park Music Hall, which was the closest the girls would get to seeing their favorite. band. in. the. world. Audrey was (for lack of a better adjective) gobsmaked. She was riveted... Loved every second and cheered like a wild woman for an encore. It was so fun to see her this blissed out.

Sunday we recovered and woke up to a wholly unexpected blanket of snow (it was 75 on Friday.) Seriously snow...in Texas...on the first day of Spring... Nutty stuff friends. For the record, Audrey happily tromped around outside in the cold for all of 5 minutes before we all retreated to the warm kitchen to eat buttery toast. We're over winter. I'm just sayin.

Hope your weekend was fantastic!