J'ai une Petite Surprise

I left for Paris yesterday (and arrived this morning) for a birthday vacation with one of my sisters. My sister always wanted to go to Paris, to France in general, but wasn't sure when she'd ever get there. So I suggested a birthday trip to her husband awhile back. He was totally on board so we started planning, scheming and saving {for a looooooong time}. Basically, we did what Jordan is doing now :)

Luckily her birthday falls in one of the best months to visit Paris cost-wise (airline prices are slashed). To further cut costs (and to have more fun) we are going to stay at my in-laws' apartment, which also makes it possible for us to cook our own meals too. Basically we are going to put Gourmet's "Paris on a Budget" to the test. With 6 kids between us, heading on this type of trip is a rare opportunity; so, we will just have to have the time of our lives don't you think?

I love this quote by Thoreau. He sums up so nicely what inspired this trip:

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.

Grab life by the reins! Live your dreams...even if it means saving up those birthday and Christmas gifts for a couple of years. You'll never regret forgoing that cute new outfit several times in a row if it means you can finally do that one thing you've always wanted to do, whatever it may be.

xoxo

You can find this dreamy picture of a Paris metro station here...and the rest of her amazing Etsy shop here.

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Favorite Easter Ideas

L: Martha Stewart

R: Peter Rabbit Easter Basket



















L: Macys ad for Martha line; can you believe that cute little cake stand is only $20?

R: Better Homes & Gardens























L: Miniature Garden baskets

R: German Paper Cut-outs
















L: Paperwhites & Hyacinths

R: Little Easter Baskets inside the cupboard
















I also made these cupcakes last year around Easter, inspired by the ladies of Coveiter.

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Guess Where...

...McDonalds--in France. And yes, those are $350 chairs you sit your bum bum on as you enjoy your Gruyere and Raclette Burger. Can you believe it?

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Felt Storage Basket

I am loving the green felt storage basket featured in {the very last} Domino last month, but not so much in love with the $300 price tag. Luckily, I spotted an almost identical version, in an even prettier shade of green, at Cost Plus World Market*. And, you can't beat the price tag...a mere $30. Talk about a deal-io.

* The felt storage basket is not available online, only in stores.

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the Best Hot Chocolate

The Husband loves to bring this home from Europe. It is his absolute favorite hot chocolate mix and he's been known to stop by multiple grocery stores (it's often sold out) just to get his hands on a container of this Swiss goodness. He (and perhaps some of you?) will be happy to know you can find it online in the US here. Once you try it you'll never be tempted by Michaels or any other water-added mixes again. Promise.

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Menu of the Week

An out-of-town husband makes for a L-A-Z-Y cook. It feels good to have him back for a lot of reasons--one being he appreciates and enjoys my efforts to make nice meals (and desserts!). So here I go, trying to get into the groove once again:

Ginger Cilantro Pork Chops with Mache Salad, artisan bread, fresh berries & roasted sweet potatoes

Macaroni & Cheese with Cauliflower, steamed broccoli, fruit

Southwestern Salad over El Milagro Chips (the best chips ever! found at Whole Foods)

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese & avocado (throw 3 chicken breasts & one can salsa into slow cooker on low for 6 hours)

Almond-crusted Sole with sauteed haricots verts

Dessert: Coconut Layer Cake; Little Meyer Lemon Souffles

images 1, 2, 3

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Today's Project: Felt Landscape Box

I spotted this little project in a recent issue of Kiwi and knew it would be the perfect project for my oldest daughter. Sadly the tutorial isn't available online but luckily it's easy to figure out just by looking at the picture (supplies: shoe box, felt & glue). I remember making something similar as a child so I'm actually kind of excited myself :) One of my favorite parts of parenting is doing something with my child/children that I did as a child; does anyone else feel like this?

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Framing Wallpaper

I love the wallpaper movement going on right now, but have a difficult time wanting to commit, even with all the amazing designs out there. This hesitation is likely due to the memories I have of my parents installing and removing wallpaper themselves, albeit a few decades ago. It wasn't pretty...is it ever?!. I realize papers are easier to install these days, but still I'm skeptical I could pull it off nicely.

However, I LOVE the idea of framing wallpaper...it's simple enough for someone like me who isn't super crafty, but unique enough to have that "wow" factor. I'm seriously contemplating this project. I may have to pay a visit to locally-owned Walls.

You can find more clever uses for wallpaper over at House Beautiful.

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Petite Snack

You can't beat a little brioche and homemade jam for a mere $1.25; especially when available via drive-thru! That means junior stays in his car seat while you enjoy this little mid-morning snack up front. It makes running errands feel a bit more glamorous :)

Divas
1560 East 3300 South
Salt Lake City, UT

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Grownup Offerings at PB Teen

If you can get past the pink and all the over-the-top teen stuff (what 15-year-old has a room decked out like this?!), you'll find some very well-styled pieces over at PB Teen that are perfect for grownup spaces too. You'll find some items slightly similar to those at Pottery Barn, but with a more eclectic feel and a smaller price tag.


































lamp

bed

chair

outdoor furniture

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The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry

My friend Sara sent me a package out-of-the-blue (talk about making my week!) and included this little book for my reading pleasure. The book details a woman's move from corporate life in the States (and UK), to student life in Paris--at Le Cordon Bleu nonetheless.

I found it very interesting as I've always been fascinated with the idea of cooking school, especially at Le Cordon Bleu. If you've ever been curious yourself, you should add it to your reading list. She includes many delicious-looking recipes and includes a bit of romance as well. I appreciated the way the book was organized in a way that allowed me to take in small doses of her experience (all my mommy-of-3 lifestyle allows these days) in an enjoyable way.

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Matryoshka Doll Measuring Cups

Are these precious or what? They would've been the perfect addition to this party :) Don't you hate it when you discover something just a little too late? Oh well, it's better late than never on this one. These are absolutely adorable...and functional too!

(thank you Alison for the tip!)

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Schoolhouse Chairs - SOLD

I'm selling the last of my schoolhouse chairs--all four of 'em. I'm asking $10 apiece. They are very comfortable and well-designed chairs, but could use a little "t.l.c" as all vintage pieces typically do. They would be darling in a children's playroom and if I were talented in the same way as those Sugar City girls, I'd sand 'em, repaint 'em, and then blog about them :) (see below picture from Martha Stewart Kids)

Please shoot me an email if you're interested (stephmodo@gmail.com).

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Shade Peplum Jacket WINNER

Apparently I am not the only one in love with this jacket :) Thankfully, Shade is offering a 20% off promotion right now AND free shipping on orders over $50. This is excellent news for the other 345 of us, right?

The lucky soon-to-be-owner of this cute Spring Jacket is:

Kristen who said..."Love it! Pick me!"

Kristen, please email me with your contact information by Thursday, March 26. Thanks!

* free shipping ends the 29th.

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Easter Dress Roundup...Etsy Style

If you are looking for an Easter dress (or simply a new dress for Spring) and want to forgo the usual clothing chains for something more unique, try your hand at an Etsy search. You'll be amazed at the pretty little {and reasonably priced} dresses you'll find. Plus, it's nice to support handmade.

Here are a few of my favorites (starting top left going clockwise):

Mod Sparrows by Red Thread Kids

Amy Butler Knot Dress by Trendy Sisters

Peasant Dress also by Trendy Sisters

Easter Bunny Spring Dress by Marlins Mom

Retro Layla Dress by Faith Works 4U

Pink Days Jumper Dress by Little Girl Pearl

Ode & Sonnet by Pretty Me

Flirty Dot Dress by Just Dots

For matching neckties and bow ties for your little man (also in fab Amy Butler fabrics), check out these stylish stops:

Me & Matilda

Buttered Toast (mention this blog with your Buttered Toast purchase and receive a 10% refund)

Ivy & Mae

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Daisy Lids for Mason Jars

I love this simple party tip because it works for children and grownups alike. If only I had a little girl born in the summer...think of the possibilities for a "daisy-themed" party! This entertaining tip will definitely be bookmarked for warmer days.

p.s. can you tell I'm ready for Spring to arrive?

found via Kim Vallee (image is also hers)

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Sewing for Victory

I clipped the editor's letter from the last month's issue of Readymade, but never posted about it...until I saw a poignant post about the same letter on new favorite, inchmark. I decided it was about time I say a few words on the subject myself.

The first thought that came to my mind as I read the note and soaked in the images was how so many sacrificed during this era (is it me or were the WPA projects total inspiration?). The citizens of this era didn't have time for hobbies, like many of us today; they were so busy surviving, and contributing what they could they couldn't indulge in such luxuries. We live in what many refer to as the Age of Entitlement and reminders--like those from Readymade's editor--cause my mind to spin in all sorts of directions. First and foremost were these two questions:

1. What kinds of sacrifices am I willing to make for my community, my neighbors and my country?

2. Are we capable, as a nation standing amidst a world of troubles, of working as a team and lending a helping hand?

I hope the answer to both is "yes" but I guess time will tell...let's just hope we all come out of this better--and less selfish--people.

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How to Become a {Somewhat} Organized Person

Grab a Buddy.

No, I'm serious. You can read about it here.

P.S. Forgive me for recycling a post...I've been thinking a lot about these swaps and how much they help me in my life. I would be a mess without them :)

P.P.S. In my dreams I have a pantry, or shall I say "room", like Ina does at her home/barn in the Hamptons. Pretty dreamy. It makes me want to cook/bake/anything...as long as I have access to this type of stash!

image via Apartment Therapy via House Beautiful

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Simple Monogram Necklaces

I love monograms...especially monogrammed jewelry. The type of jewelry I'm attracted to is usually very simple. Here are a few of my current favorites...some are more "rocker", more "classic", or more "military". All are are pretty sweet in my book. I can see any of these being the perfect Mother's Day gift:

From top left going clockwise:

1. my silver pie

2. amy cornwell

3. wild catters

4. lotus jewelry studio

...and for the modern minimalist--the alphabet necklace by Helen Ficalora. A bit more spendy but ultimately classic:

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Dutch Inspired Ribbon

I'm swooning over this exquisite ribbon designed by Jessica Jones, creator of the amazing DIY blog, How about Orange. I'm trying to come up with a special use to justify the purchase...perhaps as a permanent hanger for a simple bay leaf wreath? Eureka!

image via How about Orange

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More Tulie

Wanna read more about Tulie Bakery? Oui? Well, hop on over to Your Heart Out. I wrote another post for them this week.

P.S. You really need to try a piece of cake over there :) Yum.

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Your Chance to Become Famous

This year Justin Hackworth is putting a spin on his popular 30 Strangers series and wants you to be a part of it! The 30 Strangers: Generations project kicks off April 1st and the premise of this collaboration is this: he photographs 30 mother/daughter duos, people he's NEVER met, and then you become part of his book and your pictures will be posted on his blog. You will officially be famous on the blogosphere and perhaps end up on someone's coffee table :) Sounds pretty cool, eh?

Think about, read about it, and then contact Justin if you're interested. But don't think about it too long...only 12 spots remained as of 8:53 a.m. this morning :)

Here's an image from last year's 30 Strangers project. You can view individual portraits on his blog.

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Skinny Belt

This fabulous and functional little number is not only well-priced but is offered in a myriad of colors. So if you're feeling classic, go for the black (I love mine), and if you're feeling a bit daring, a bit "saucy", go for the vibrant purple :)

Bottom line: it's a great basic to have on hand. See 'em here.

P.S. It's the perfect accessory for the Shade Peplum Jacket, no?

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iPhone App for Moms

If you're an iPhone user and a mother, you may want to check out this app. I consider it the best $1 I've spent this month.

What other iPhone apps do you find useful as a parent? or are just in crazy love with? I like Shazam a lot and am anxious to use Jott with Evernote too. The idea of speaking into my phone and then having a text email sent to my inbox sounds positively fabulous.

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Perfect Roast Chicken

I love this recipe. It is truly a standby of mine and one I like to make often. It's the perfect amount of food for a dinner party for 4. It's a wonderful dish for entertaining not only because it is basic enough to please most palettes, but once you place it in the oven you have about an hour and a half to tidy the house, take a shower, set the table, and enjoy the delicious smell that will fill your home.

The only change I make to the recipe is to place the chicken (after it's been stuffed) on a bed of red potatoes, mushrooms, and organic carrots (they taste way better than conventional plus they have the pretty tips for presentation). While the chicken roasts, the juices flow onto the vegetables and cook them in the most delicious way. Oh, and I love to roast in cast iron pans. You can find them here.

p.s. even if you don't make the gravy, it will still be a delicious meal.

images by moi

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Etsy Pick of the Week: Swallowfield

This vibrant print entitled "Remember Spring" is making me do just that...even though it's snowing outside (at least when I wrote this...) How I do love a pretty collage...

You can view her shop here.

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Shade Peplum Jacket GIVEAWAY

I've been a fan of Shade for awhile, and it's been fun to watch them transform from the grass roots level to a full-fledged clothing label over the past several years. There is a lot to love and it seems they are constantly adding new offerings that are stylish, but not over-the-top trendy. This means you'll be able to wear it again next year!

Perhaps my absolute favorite piece from their recent Spring catalog is the Pleated Peplum Jacket. Is this not the cutest Spring jacket you've laid eyes on? I dare say "yes"! In fact, I'm in love with this entire ensemble from Shade, but what really makes this outfit stand out is the fabulous jacket. Made of a lovely cotton/linen blend, it's casual enough to wear with jeans but dressy enough to wear with a skirt too. All in all I'm smitten. Pair the jacket with a little skinny belt you'll be ready to welcome in the new season in style.

This week, Shade would like to give one lovely lady her very own Pleated Peplum Jacket, in the "shade" of her choice (ivory or classic navy). Oh you lucky duck, you! So whether the jacket is for you or someone else, go ahead and enter one comment and try your hand at winning this giveaway from Shade...

Giveaway Guidelines:

- You have 5 days to enter this giveaway (closes Friday, March 20th).
- Make a comment on THIS POST to enter.
- One entry per person please.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored.
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and then announced on Monday, March 23rd.
- Winners must respond by Thursday, March 26 to secure prize.

p.s. Mothers-to-be will be interested to know they have a hip maternity line as well.

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Favorites...

...you can find ten of mine over at Simple Lovely today. Joslyn asked me to be a part of her Bloggers Favorites series--one I've been enjoying reading {every Friday} for months now. I find it incredibly interesting to read about others' favorites...even if they are complete strangers. You too?

p.s. dear husband, please take note (as in "bookmark post for future reference") xo, s.

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Baby Showers

I love these simple, beautiful pictures (kind of a chiaroscuro look on the left, no?) from a recent baby shower posted on the Old Town Imports blog. I am particularly impressed with the way goblets/wine glasses are used as vases with polished river rocks added for visual interest. Brilliant! Since I have both of those things already on hand, all I need are some pretty hydrangeas or another full-size flower.

Locals will be happy to know they have a "scratch & dent" area at their retail location too. Great prices just got better!

While we are on the subject of baby showers...here are a few recent favorites:

Twig & Thistle- owl theme

French Countryside theme on Martha

Oh Happy Day - unisex theme

Design Mom's input

Donna Hay - dressing up drinks

images via Old Town Imports

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The Visitor: a Must See

A lovely movie about the sensitive topic of immigration. Add it to your Netflix queue, rent it at your local video store, just make sure you get your hands on it somehow! I am so grateful I saw this film--it's incredibly well done on so many levels.

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Gourmet Magazine: Paris on a Budget

Typically when I receive a magazine, I read it, tear out what I want to keep in my design binder, and then give it to a friend (or to my recycle bin). But, I haven't torn a single page out of my collector's edition of Gourmet's Paris on a Budget. Now that's a treasure worth holding on to for several years.

If you are considering a budget trip to Paris in the next few years, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have one of these babies on hand. You can call Gourmet at 1-800-365-2454 to order the "Paris on a Budget" issue...it'll cost you about $9.

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Armelle Jewelry Promo

If you're in need of an inexpensive pick-me-up, check out the new jewelry line from Caroline rmelle. It's bright, colorful, feminine and pretty. Those aqua and tangerine earrings are certainly calling my name...

In case something is calling your name, Caroline is throwing in a discount...15% off for all readers! Simply purchase jewelry as normal, enter the code "stephmodo15" in the "message to seller" on the paypal invoice page, and a refund will be sent to your Paypal account promptly.

You can view all her jewelry here.

Enjoy~

Update: the coupon code expires May 1st.

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"the" Talk

This post strays from my usual (food, fashion, pretty things, interiors, deals, travel, etc.), but after a conversation with a friend the other day I felt inclined to share a few thoughts about this serious subject.

I think most parents dread having "the talk" with their child--and not just because it can be a little awkward--but because you never thought you'd have this type of conversation with such a little person (you think you have until age 12 but these days it's more like age 8). In an time where three quarters of a million teenage girls become pregnant in a year, it's truly an unavoidable chat. Here are a few places to start...

* I like this article because it deals with other tough issues as well, like drugs & handling money.

* I've always been impressed with this couple's parenting advice and I also appreciate their approach too.

* This article in the NY Times shares some appropriate conversation starters that you may not think of on your own.

Good Luck :)

image from sprintist86's flickr stream

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Scallops in Parchment

I love just about any dish containing white beans and this delicious appetizer is no exception. In fact, with the addition of a salad and an artisan sourdough bread, it would make a nice, light supper too. It's incredibly delicious.

A few notes:

1. You may substitute aluminum foil for parchment when in a pinch. It'll lack presentation but it will serve the same purpose.

2. I sear my scallops before placing them inside the packet. It creates depth and makes it better all around in my opinion. I also think people are more likely to try scallops if they are seared.

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New Forever 21 Location in Utah

I swore off Forever 21 awhile back (there's something about turning 30...), but I'm recently a fan again after discovering a new location at Sandy's South Towne Center. Even though it's a bit of a schlep for me, it's worth the trip if in need of an inexpensive pair of jeans or t-shirt. Why you ask? I can easily maneuver my double stroller through it's aisles (although let's be honest...the ideal situation is to NOT have a stroller in tow!) due to the fact it took over the roomy Mervyns space. Gone is all the claustrophobia you typically experience at a typical Forever 21 retail store. In addition, it's incredibly well-merchandised and you can see most of the clothing displayed.

Despite the large space, the prices are still {thankfully} the same (low, low, low) and I snatched up a few belts for a mere $3.80 each. Cha-ching.

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Martha Stewart for pingg

That woman is always up to something creative and beautiful. Her latest collaboration is with stylish online invitation company, pingg. You'll find beautiful images to use for e-invites or printed invitations--so many that you'll have a difficult time choosing.

I love her collection of "easter" images. If one were going to host a hunt, these would be lovely invitations to use for the occasion. Oh, and did I mention the online evites are free? But, of you wanted to opt for the printed invitations (who doesn't love a pretty piece of mail?) then use this coupon code to receive 20% off your order--"print20".

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Tarahumara

Tarahumara of Midway came highly recommended from a myriad of friends and family members. So we tried it out...and loved it. In fact, I almost drove 45 minutes tonight just to have a chance to eat that delicious seared scallop dish I enjoyed recently. It was incredible...and full of exotic flavors like passion fruit (!!) and tomatillos. The mix of green and wax beans was also delicious and when I asked what herbs they used, the owner said "none". "Just salt & pepper". Those carmelized onions they served with the beans must have done the trick. The flavors were amazing! Not surprising though...everything at Tarahumara is made from scratch.

The vast fresh salsa bar is also worth writing home about...there is a type of salsa for every palette out there (think 20 choices!). Since it's all you can eat, you don't have to hold back...at least until the chips are devoured :)

Tarahumara
380 East Main Street
Midway, Utah 84032
435-654-3465

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Embroidered Mittens

Oh my, have you ever seen such beautiful creations for a child's hands? I have not. And for $12?

View these lovelies here...

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Eliza Magazine

I recently picked up the latest issue of Eliza at a local boutique...curiosity was killing me. What was all the hype about? What I found was a unique, colorful, tasteful, and insightful little magazine. I enjoyed the creative fashion spreads, the comprehensive study on concealer (sadly, at 32 I still need this!), and the short story about marriage. Also appreciated was the lack of ads on every.single.page.

If you too want to see for yourself, click here to find a list of stores in your area that offer Eliza.

p.s. click here to receive free digital copies of the magazine each month...how cool is that?

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Felt Easter Baskets

Target never, ever disappoints. Look what I found the other day...these adorable felt Easter baskets shaped like tulips...for a mere $8 a piece! Given how cute they are they are bound to fly off the shelves fast so if decide you want to purchase them, I'd call ahead first and place them on hold. There is nothing worse then making the effort to go someplace only to be disappointed. For your reference, the official Target tag indicates the following title: "Felt Tulip Basket".

Good Luck!

p.s. I cleaned out the South Towne location...

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More Uses for Lemon Curd

I'm swooning (!!!) over these gorgeous images over at Canelle et Vanille--a new-to-me foodie blog I just discovered this week over at Black Eiffel. Oh the wonderful things she made with her Meyer Lemons! I'm dying to make that semifreddo...the only trick is making sure I convert the measurements properly.

Let's hope {and pray} that Costco restocks their Meyers quickly...they flew off the shelves awfully fast!

images by Aran Goyoaga

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Something Pretty + Freebie

Sweet Whitney--the designer behind Whisker Graphics--would love to share a free mini-folder template for your downloading pleasure. You can use these little guys to store your recipes, photos, or to encase a party invitation (they fit into an A7 size envelope). Her readers also shared some ideas in the comment section of this post so make sure you take a peek there as well. You can find the free template here.

Also, I cannot get over how adorable and well-priced these mailing labels are. I'm not keen on writing out my entire return address on packages--it looks so unpolished and it's kind of a pain. These labels would totally jazz up a basic manila folder. Find the little birdies here.

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