Off for a little R&R

We're heading to Mexico for a mini-vacay this weekend. Back to bloggin' on Tuesday morning bright and early. Enjoy your weekend!

the Perfect Storm

I love storms...and last week we experienced one of the better versions. These pictures were taken in order, all in about ten or fifteen minutes. It's amazing how the sky evolved in such a short period of time.

Piperlime

I can't think of a time I was more thrilled with the packaging of a product I received via mail. Look at this uber-adorable box, complete with a tissue-wrapped shoe box, sticker and a super classy enclosure. Piperlime is loaded with fab shoes and some great sales. Also, once you buy a pair of shoes, they send you a coupon for your next purchase. Bonus.

Click here to view some Piperlime pleasure.

Pretty Li'l Thangs

These linoleum block prints are so beautiful. Look at the time and effort put into the creation of each card. Finally, a card worth the $3 price tag.

Click here to see more of A Little Hut.

Something Nice to Look Upon

In the Blurb bookstore yesterday I discovered some very pretty art. I really like the heavy presence of "skies" in her paintings as well as the vibrant colors streaking across the canvas.

Click here to view more works.

Lunch Boxes...Bento Style

My kindy-aged gal does not "appreciate it" when her food touches other food on her plate :) Although she does not lunch at school this year, she will next year, and all this hubbalub about bento boxes really has me thinking...in a good way. I love the idea of Bento boxes for a few reasons:

1. food looks better separated; even kids notice "presentation" according to studies.
2. flavors don't mix; ham and cheese does not taste good with pineapple juice soaked Wonder
3. the novelty of it all might just encourage them to eat their lunch vs. tossing it (?)

Look how creative some people get! Amazing!

Click here and here to view websites offering all kinds of Bento boxes. We're talkin' variety folks.

Swap Partners are OUT

Check your email inboxes today...swap partners have been assigned! Have a great time assembling your packages and let me know when your packages arrive...pictures would be an added (and much appreciated) bonus!

If you have any questions, concerns, etc. please feel free email me. Have a great day!

Loeffler Randall

I saw the longer version of this coat in this month's Blueprint and immediately fell in love with it. Too bad the price tag is sooooo out of my range. With any luck, someone will knock this exquisite coat off...hopefully sooner rather than later. It's so Audrey, I can't get over it.

Click here to read a short little interview with the creative director of Loeffler Randall.

Fall Makeup

I love this neutral look straight from the Marc by Marc Jacobs runway. If you wore your makeup like this everyday, no one would be shocked if they ever bumped into you sans makeup. It's also fun to try new recommendations too.

Products shown on model:

Light Lids: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in My Date's My Brother. $18, Sephora

Even Skin Tone: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $40, Laura Mercier

Flushed Cheeks: Nars Blush in Mata Hari, $25, Nars Cosmetics.

Nearly Nude Lips: Stila Lip Color in Emily, $16.50, Sephora.

Might I add some of my favorite neutrals (all of which I found via magazine/makeup artist recommendations):

Bobbi Brown lip color, Brown, $21, Nordstrom.

Benefit Dallas blush, $28, Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit Silkly Finish lipstick, Good to Go, $16, Benefit Cosmetics.

Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral Eye Pallet, $13, Target.

She'll Be Comin' Around the Mountain

My little guy is enamored with all things relating to trains, trucks and buses...are ya seeing the transportation theme here? But he especially loves trains, and his favorite is the set his Grandpere made him for a gift after he was born. It's a lovely set made from exotic woods and a true keepsake. He loves showing anyone this train set of any of his other little cars before blurting, "chugga chugga choo choo".

Wanting to make the most of this stage while it lasts, we headed up as a family to the Heber Valley Railroad...also known as the "Heber Creeper". I'm sure you can guess why! Here are a few memories from our excursion:








For some Halloween fun give the "Haunted Canyon" excursion a try. It's appropriate for all ages according to the website.

Etsy Week: This Gal is Sew Crazy

Just reading the name endears you to the gal behind this fabulous little shop for pouches, totes, wallets, etc. My favorites include the Amy Butler pouches (can you tell I am a fan of these happy prints?) and the Kawaii Japanese wallets. My sister Kristen would go ga-ga over this shop, especially the Kawaii prints...and to be honest, I am too!

You likey? Click here.

Bonus: This crazy gal is offering 20% off all orders over $25 through September 23 (just a few short days away) plus free shipping if you buy 3 plus coin purses (only $4 a pop).

Etsy Week: Tag Trendie

There is so much to choose from at Tag Trendie, I hardly know where to begin. Let's start with gorgeous onesies, amy butler tag blankets and cute little sock monkey motifs. Pricing is fair.

Click here to see more.

Etsy Week: IV Creations

Pretty little pieces of jewelry at little prices...like these genuine black onyx and freshwater pearl earrings for only $14.

Click here to see an assortment of temptations.

Etsy Week: Felt Food

Lately I've noticed a slight gravitation towards anything felt--at least when it comes to anything having to do with children. It just seems so soft and cozy. These two shops sell some adorable felt food that I think is fantastic.

Click here to see more eggs and bacon.

Click here if you scream for ice cream.

Etsy Week: Made by Michelle Brusegaard

Pretty little screen printed dish towels and stationery are to be found at this shop.

Click here to see more.

i {heart} swap is on!

Okay ladies, get ready, set, go....the swap is on!

Many thanks towards all you ladies who signed up...all 49 of ya!

I've started the process of assigning partners and will have all the information you need out to you in the next few days. You will then have two weeks to compile an ensemble of things you {heart}...unless you are like me and have already started! I guess I couldn't wait--too darn excited about the whole thing. Packages need to be postmarked by October 8.

So check those email inboxes this weekend and start having some fun! xoxo

Etsy Week: Annie and Olive

Any little girl will love this soft, heart necklace around her neck. The price point is excellent I might add. This might be worth stocking up on for gifts. I love all the color combinations and for some reason I love that they are made of cozy felt.

Click here to see more goodness at Annie and Olive.

Etsy Week: Mod Mom Furniture

If this isn't the cutest playroom storage box, what is?

Click here to view more Mod Mom on Etsy.

Etsy Week: Tootsie & Grace

A cute baby ensemble for your little one or for someone else's--what a great gift set! I especially love the sets made with Amy Butler fabrics. Yum.

Click here to see more.

Etsy Week: DJ Strang

Love this little square necklace. So simple, so delicate, so versatile! She has a pretty circle necklace too.

Click here to see more fun jewelry.

Etsy Week: Pink Bathtub

My neighbor Kate made her first Etsy purchase this week...on Pink Bathtub! After she told me this I had to look it up and sure enough, it's a keeper.

My favorite? It's a tough choice but this Paris Journal is up on the top of the list. How utterly unique! I just might have to grab one of these for our trip to France next year. I can't believe someone thought of this...complete with airport and international calling codes.

Click here to see more cleverness.

Etsy Week: Truly Outrageous

I've thought about dressing up L. in something other than trains, trucks & dinos (although he is perfectly content with all of those things); but upon looking I only seem to find really expensive clothing or skulls, which strike me as morbid for some reason. So when I saw these cute blue star onesies and t-shirts, I thought "this is perfect!" It is both hip, unique and very masculine. I think this t-shirt will probably show up around Christmas time, to be worn with a long-sleeve thermal underneath for winter and then by itself during summer.

Truly Outrageous is fully stocked right now so take a peek. She also sells patterns too so if you're the type to think, "I can make that" you might want to check this shop out...so click here.

Etsy Week: Noteriety Press

Beautiful letterpressed cards...and all her sets of six are only $10. That is a major steal for letterpress..."like major" :)

Click here to view Noteriety's full selection on Etsy. Note that her selection is a little thin right now too but what she does have up is fabulous. With a deal like 6 cards for 10, I had to mention this shop though. That's unbeatable!

Etsy Week: Remake

I ordered a few of these this week and I LOVE them. I haven't figured out exactly how to put them to use but I have some ideas. She even sent a few bonus labels making this a true bargain. Her packaging was unique and when I saw she's based in San Francisco, I thought, "Ah-ha! No wonder she's so clever!" That city is loaded with creative talent.

Click here to view more of Remake on Etsy.

the BEST Steak

My spouse found this tasty "how-to" during his daily dose of lifehacker. As the post promises, your steak will truly taste like a $50 steak. B. prepared our ribeyes using the rosemary & garlic option, which was to-die-for I must say. Please forward this link to the head grillmaster in your household. If you feel the way I do, you most likely will never prepare a steak any other way again. I'm serious!

Click here to read the real deal on red meat prep.

Etsy Week: Happymeat Art & Jewelry

Her selection is thin right now (keep checking back!) but this is a great shop to know about so I'm mentioning it anyway. This little voodoo guy makes me wish I knew how to sew just so I could justify purchasing it. This girl's sense of humor is right on target.

Click here to see the full menu.

Etsy Week: Turtle Papers

I pretty much love everything at Turtle Papers. Click here and you will too.

Etsy Week: Daughter of Luxury

Okay so I lied...everything featured this week is not inexpensive...but most of it is! If you do want to splurge (I guess "splurge" is relative--it's not like this is David Yurman or anything) a little on some unique jewelry, you'll definitely want to check out this highly unique shop. I love these earrings. If you look closely you can see all the details and the excellent craftsmanship.

Click here to view her complete selection.

Etsy Week: Kinchi

This Netherlands-based shop is to-die-for if you're into anything retro. Considering she is located in Europe, her shipping is extremely reasonable too; so don't say "au revoir" until you're perused her laptop sleeves, dresses, belts, tees and baby shoes.

Click here to view Kinchi's shop on Etsy.

Etsy Week: Every Jot & Tittle

It's no secret I love this shop. I've blogged about it before a few times and here I go again! The tags pictured on the right are definitely my tags of choice lately when it comes to any kind of gift-wrapping. Coupled with some kraft brown paper and some pretty ribbon, the combination is simple but pretty.

Click here to head to Every Jot & Tittle on Etsy.

Etsy Week: Belle and Boo

What a timeless addition to a little Easter Basket! This is a good one to bookmark for next Easter. However, her other prints, buttons and bags though are perfect for now. Everything at Belle and Boo is so very sweet--it's definitely worth a "look-see".

Click here to head to Belle and Boo on Etsy.

Menu for the Week

Yummy yummy to my tummy....some ideas of what to eat this week:

Wild Mushroom Risotto, salad, baguette

Roast Chicken with Lemon, Garlic & Thyme, Cold Tomato Thyme Soup, sourdough bread

Blackened Red Snapper, butter lettuce salad, sauteed fresh green beans, roasted potatoes

Gemelli Pasta with Tomatoes, Olives, Ricotta

Side: Rosemary Corn Muffins

Etsy Week

Starting Monday it's Etsy Week! I just can't keep all my wonderful discoveries to myself any longer so I'm going to devote an entire week to Etsy finds. Get ready for some serious temptation--the good kind. You know, the kind that's cheap and cute :) Sign up for an account on Etsy so you'll all set to press "add to cart".

Might I add that I've ordered from about six different shops in the past and had a great experience with each one. Customer service is fantastic on Etsy and the packaging is as clever as can be. So get ready to discover some amazing women doing some amazing things starting Monday.

Can't wait? Click here to start exploring.

Mango Coconut Ring

Have you ever prepared an Asian-inspired menu only to find yourself at a complete loss as to what to make for dessert? Not just any dessert of course, but a dessert that flows with the Asian theme? I think this might be it.

It's easy, it's yummy, it's make-ahead, it only requires six ingredients and it's pretty. What more could you ask for?

Click here to view the recipe on Real Simple's website.

A Few Notes:

1. I subsituted passionfruit puree because I had it on hand and I loved it. Both mango and passionfruit are nice combos with coconut.

2. Run the mold under hot water for a minute to loosen the dessert from the sides of the gelatin mold. You may have to also run a knife along the side but avoid this if you can as it may compromise the detail from the mold.

3. After it freezes overnight, let it sit for 15 minutes before serving. It will be more creamy and less icy.

4. I used a vintage gelatin mold borrowed from a friend's mum...I am going to try to find my own at a thrift store. If you would like to make this recipe but lack the mold like I did, check your local DI, Salvation Army or local thrift shop for one of these beauties.

5. While it was easy to find Cream of Coconut and Coconut Milk at my local grocery store, it was difficult to get my hands on Coconut Cream. I finally found some at a little Asian market in Provo so needless to say I stocked up. Bottom line: head to an Asian market first to avoid unnecessary trips to every grocery store in town.

6. My neighbor Kate, who also served as a taste tester, noted that fresh mint might be a nice garnish if you want to dress it up a bit.

Okay, I think that's it! Off to the recipe!

Compiling Your Design Ideas

Ever poured through a magazine and found an ad or a spread that you just love? Well rip it out and put it aside for this little, a.k.a. easy, project.

Gather the pages you've ripped out over the years (or minutes) and quickly pan across them. Do you see patterns? For example, do you tend to rip out pictures of dream kitchens? backyard layouts/designs? craft projects to do with kids? party ideas? sofas that fit the bill? You get the idea.

Once you separate them into piles, use a paper cutter to trim the edges for a finished look. Use mini-post it notes to write down what it is you like about the page. Do you like the color of the walls with that particular sofa? Do you love the centerpiece? Do you love the lighting? If you're like me, you'll think there couldn't possibly be any way you'll forget what it is you like, but believe me, it will happen. So write it down...on a little post-it. It takes 5 seconds.

Then place the pages in sheet protectors.

Use dividers to separate the categories and label clearly.

Put your pages in a binder worthy of display on your coffee table, like this one or this one, and then do just that--place it on your coffee table. That way you can quickly flip through it when you have a spare moment (if you find yourself lucky enough to have one!) and be inspired.

Each year go through the binder and edit. Styles and tastes change and you'll want to leave room for new ideas.

Note: the brown or "dirt" Ki Memories HeartFelt album is sold out on many sites but it is available on Ebay I noticed!

Olive Juice

Since my kids are learning French (something I can't take credit for in the least bit unless of course you count turning a Disney movie to the French track?), we might as well dress them up like little Parisians every once in awhile, eh?

I've discovered a new children's boutique that I am quite taken with to be honest. It's pricey but the sale rack is oh so reasonable. Truly.

Tonight I also discovered Olive Juice items on Ebay and the prices are pretty good there too.

Click here to head to the official website. Get ready to start "ooohing" and "ahhing". The clothing is soooo precious.