Cute Birthday Party Themes + More on Babble

I'm sharing more fun stuff I think you'll enjoy over at Babble this week.

Where to find a total steal-of-a-deal on lighting (if you're a fan of Restoration Hardware lighting, pay attention to this one!)

More matryoshka doll goodness for that Matryoshka Doll/Nesting Doll Birthday Party you're going to throw for your little girl. I did and it was cute with a capital "C".

Letterpress cards for 35 cents each plus these gorgeous, lovely-to-the-touch wooden cards. I've never seen anything this unique when it comes to gift-giving stationery. I am saving mine for a few people who I know will appreciate how utterly rad they are :)

Eco-friendly snack bags for your child's lunch box; perfect for anyone trying to be more eco-friendly and eliminate those plastic sandwich/snack bags of which we use far too many (me included). I think these would make cute stocking stuffers too and they are not expensive at all!

If your little guy or gal loves his/her sock monkey, wouldn't it be fun to throw a Sock Monkey Birthday Party? Here is everything you'll need for an adorable party.

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Hip Halloween Candy

Last year I began a fun candy-related tradition before Halloween that involved a quick jaunt to a local Asian market. Instead of my usual trip to the grocery store to procure individual packages of Skittles (which do have their place mind you!), I decided it would be fun to help my kids choose some more exotic fare--Japanese candies. The miniature sizes and funky packaging were tough to resist!

I found both inexpensive, tiny packages of sweets as well as larger boxes of individually portioned treats that served our purpose well. As predicted their classmates were thrilled with the unique treats and that made my kids feel great--it's always nice to gift someone something they truly love. I'm definitely planning on pressing "repeat" on this one!

If you don't have access to an Asian market locally, try this online source instead. Happy Halloween!

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Japanese Street Fashion

My friend Wami always looks fantastic, thanks to all the cute pieces she picks up when she visits her home country of Japan. Hence, the reason I am enjoying the Japanese version of The Sartorialist.

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Provence Table Linens

J'adore these natural table linens from Sundance. Although they aren't made in France, they look so much like a few of the things I already purchased for La Maisonnette. The simple, French-inspired pattern on this cloth makes for such a classic piece. Mmm...love it.

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Welcome Tiny Prints

On several occasions over the years, I've received exceptionally lovely birth announcements, holiday cards, and invitations; and when I turn them over to view the source, it always says "Tiny Prints". Apparently they are on to something! Some are more sophisticated in feel, some more whimsical, and some more classic. Regardless of your taste or style, there appears to be something for everyone.

These are some of my favorites from their site...aren't they pretty? I'm particularly keen on the address labels. I get so tired of handwriting my return address on packages all the time; I'm far more fond of slapping on a pretty sticker :)

p.s. you may be interested to know that many of their holiday photo cards (like the one below) are discounted up to 25% through Thursday, October 28; also, Tiny Prints is offering free shipping on birth announcement orders over $60.




















abstract blossom baby shower invitation / holiday card




















moving announcement / giraffe label / simple gray label

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Colorful Mixing Bowls

Over at Zupas today, I've shared all my sources for these gorgeous, colorful and oh-so-happy mixing bowls. With the cooler (and often more glum) months approaching, a little color is what every kitchen craves.

Find out where you can pick up a set of any of these lovely bowls here.

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How to Set a Lovely Table

I love taking in all the different ways people set their tables, as I find it so helpful and inspiring. For example, I wouldn't have thought to arrange table runners along the short side of the table (versus running the length of the table). In addition, the circle placemats used in the second image add a softness to the arrangement that I like a lot. As I'm writing this post I'm realizing that I can't wait to sit my family around a kitchen table again and put some of these ideas to good use! It's going to be fantastic to get settled sometime {hopefully} soon.

image 1 - Casa Magazine / image 2 - Elle Decor

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This Week's Tips + Deals on Babble

Oh boy, I am really excited about the posts I wrote over at Babble this week!

Remember those Japanese School + Desk Supplies I wrote about? Well, a US source just picked up the adorable apple notepad I featured; and since it's inexpensive, cute and unique, it will make the perfect teacher's gift come the holiday season. Stock up--they are flying out the door!

One of my favorite French children's clothing labels offers shipping to the US and hosts a site in English. Think "Gap" prices combined with Oilily styling. Super cute stuff here folks.

Happy to see all the metal accessories I've used in my home back on the market again. You can bet your bottom dollar they'll be donning the walls of our new place in Seattle. Plus, they are cheaper now than they used to be a few years ago...bonus!

See that cute, little red pea coat above? It's just $20 if you can believe it. Here's where to find it. Also, my son is looking quite dapper these days in his new military-inspired wool coat. I wish I had a grownup version for my Husband.

These have been one of my favorite baby gifts this time around. Where were they when I had my 3 other babies? And this brand is the best for sure.

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Ponyo

Have you and your kids watched the Japanese film "Ponyo" yet? If not, consider adding it to your Netflix queue asap. Director Hayao Miyazaki created a visual masterpiece that I find a delightful change from the average {American} Disney flick. My kids were 100% enamored with this adorable film and I confess that I enjoyed it as well! Perhaps a family movie night is on the docket for this weekend?

View the trailer here.

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Fabric Bunting Bedroom

I love the idea of creating a little girl's room based around fabric bunting. I imagine the space would always feel like a party! It would be fun to combine a few of these pieces...they just exude "happy", now don't they?

bedding shams / pillows / rocker / banner

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Cherry Party Invitation Tutorial + Lollipop Sale (FREE shipping today)

If you enjoyed the Cherry Party I created for my daughter, you may be curious about the little invitations I created. First, you must know they were really easy to make! They took maybe 30 minutes from start to finish. Supplies required: size 3x3x2 kraft brown boxes (I purchased mine locally at Xpedx but you can find them online here), red/white bakers twine, red cardstock, lollipops*, and one sheet green card stock (I chose a shade to match the lollipop "stem").

Using a paper cutter, I was able to cut 3 large strips from one piece of card stock. I also used the paper cutter to score the edges for easy folding. To save time and to simplify the process, I pulled out my best black pen and tried to write the party info as pretty as I could :) If I'd tried to do the same thing on the computer, I know it would've both complicated and lengthened the process.

After the cutting, scoring and writing was complete, I adhered the accordian card to the bottom of the box with white adhesive squares. Then I tucked it all in and closed the lid. All that was left to do was wrap the box with twine, attach the lollipop and add the little leaves. To make the leaves I folded the piece of green paper and cut out leaves freehand on the fold. Then I wrapped the two-sided leaf around the lollipop, placing another adhesive square in between to secure.

* fyi: I am selling the last of my cherry lollipop supply from Europe in my Etsy shop today. Get 'em while they're hot! FREE shipping today, October 20--it will be refunded to your PayPal account after payment.

Update: thank you much! All of the cherry lollipops have been sold. I hope you enjoy them!

images by Stephanie Brubaker

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Easy Sour Milk Biscuits

If you're looking for a kid-friendly accompaniment to just about any meal, look no further than these Easy Sour Milk Biscuits. This crowd-pleasing recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and is guaranteed to become a staple in your home. We love to eat them with eggs + fruit in the morning, or with soup for dinner. As an added bonus, just 5 ingredients are required and I'd bet most of them you already have on hand!

Click here for the Easy Sour Milk Biscuit recipe.

image by Stephanie Brubaker

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J.Crew Style At Target

I popped by Target the other day and spotted these cute embellished tees for a mere $12. There were about 12 different styles to choose from, including these two pictured. Paired with a nice cardigan (I wouldn't recommend the ones I saw at Target--try a J.Crew version perhaps) and a pretty necklace, it would be a great look for anyone on a budget.

View them all here.

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Great Deals + Tips on Babble

Did you hear about the Secret $10 Sale tomorrow? Yup. Tomorrow. Don't miss out on this chance to stock up on Christmas and Birthday gifts. Here are the details. p.s it's not Gilt. This sale is something we all can take advantage of!

I hosted a Grownup Halloween Party a couple of years ago that was a lot of fun. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Here are all my tips, menu and party favor ideas, playlist, etc. It's a great all-in-one-kinda-post.

After Halloween there's often enough candy to last a year. Here is what you do with it while encouraging family bonds and fewer cavities :) You won't want to miss this idea that both kids and adults love.

These sparkly shoes are a must if your daughter is dressing up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz this Halloween. Consider making big brother the Tin Man or Scarecrow?

Here's a rainy day activity that will take more than 15 minutes. Forget buying your own shower curtain...try creating your own. It's your chance to play designer!

Cool costumes your teen or "tween" won't complain about. We all loved to trick or treat when we were teenagers and some things never change!

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Moving Sale on Saturday, October 16

Update: Given the overwhelming response, I've had to make a few logistical modifications to the way the items on the "moving sale blog" are sold. Please view that blog for more info. Thank you so much for your interest!

Given the jump in cost of living, it's inevitable we'll be moving into a smaller space up in Seattle. This means I have many, many things to unload prior to moving next weekend! Because of this predicament, I'm hosting a moving sale on Saturday, October 16 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. I'd love to see you there! When you arrive, please let me know you are a blog reader; not only would I love to meet you, but I'm hoping to be able to put together little goodie bags for y'all.

In addition, I have many of my nicer, and often larger, pieces listed over here on this little blog (including that gorgeous bedding from Anthropologie so many of you have commented on in the past). Please email me if you're interested in viewing the items before the sale at: "stephmodo@gmail.com". Also, you are welcome to pick them up the day of the sale if you want to kill two birds with one stone.

Again, that's 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., no early birds please (I won't be ready!)

Cash only please.

Hope to see you there!

images via bhg

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La Maisonnette Romantic Getaway GIVEAWAY

Well folks...this was officially the most popular giveaway on this blog EVER. I guess we are all ready to hop over to France for an idyllic vacation, and who can blame us? And even if everyone can't win a free week, you can still enjoy La Maisonnette this Fall/Winter/Spring for the same price as a Holiday Inn Express for a week. Not too shabby for the chance to hunt for truffles with the former personal chef of France (who by chance uses Napoleonic maps to scour her 30 acre property for these delicious treasures); or to stroll the cobblestone streets all bundled up in the crisp air. You may be interested to know that our cooler-month-guests have nothing but great things to say about staying in Beynac at this time. And since the price is right, I hope we see more of you!

And the lucky winner, according to Random.org, is:







Congratulations Tate Family! Please contact me at stephmodo@gmail.com to start planning your lovely vacation! Thank you all for participating and for your comments. I appreciate them immensely!























Just one year ago we completed the renovation of La Maisonnette du Coteau (see top right). However, in many respects it feels like forever ago. I guess major life changes--like having a baby, moving, and a new job--kinda do that to you. It seems like we are inadvertently making it more and more difficult to get ourselves back to the beautiful village of Beynac, which we love so much.

This time of year I yearn to don my winter coat and scarf, and walk the quiet, cobblestone paths through Beynac before heading back to the cottage for hot chocolate by the warm fire. A crisp bike ride or hike through the countryside might be fun too, or perhaps a jaunt through the local market trolling for fresh truffles to bring back to La Maisonnette and cook on the gorgeous La Canche. Oh, and how can we forget that tub--the one that overlooks the lazy Dordogne river and the surrounding valley. Now that sounds cozy, doesn't it? Don't even get me started on the thought of being there for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or for Les Soldes (one of two times per year there are sales in France). I hope I've lured you into my La Maisonnette spell because I'd like to offer you something very special--a week at La Maisonnette for you and a guest!

Why, you ask? Well, this year has been eventful to say the least, but you've been so supportive through it all. I've appreciated the emails and the comments so very much...more than you'll know! In addition, you've generated publicity about La Maisonnette for which we are grateful; and those of you who stayed at La Maisonnette took darn good care of this sweet place, and that means the world to us. Since we have a bit of vacancy during the cooler months, we are in a position to offer a free week during November or February (think: Valentine's Day!). Picture yourself in southern France, enjoying this unique time of year and all the Perigord Noir has to offer. If you want to add to the moment, you can complete a refresher on La Maisonnette right here.

Excited?!! I hope so. I'm excited FOR you. Bonne chance dear readers!

p.s. Before leaving a comment, and therefore entering yourself officially into this giveaway, please read the guidelines below as they are specific to this giveaway. Merci!


















































Giveaway Guidelines:

- You have 6 days to enter this giveaway (closes Monday, October 18th at midnight).
- Make 1 comment on this post to enter.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored so make sure we know who you are!
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Tuesday, October 19th at the top of this post.
- The prize (one free week) is for you and a guest. (you will still be required to send in a deposit of 500 Euros, which is fully refundable after your stay)
- The prize is non-transferable. Please enter for you and not someone else.
- The free week is only good during the following weeks: November 19-26; November 26-Dec 3; February 4-11; or February 11-18. Please make absolutely sure you'll be able to get over to France during one of these weeks before entering the giveaway.
- Winners, please respond within 48 hours of the announcement to secure your romantic getaway for 2 (!!).


Again, I'm so excited for you all! Thank you for everything you've done for this blog (and for me), and I wish you the best of luck in winning this fantastic giveaway.


xo


images 1, 6, 7 - Sigfrid Lopez / images 2, 4, 5- moi / image 3 - Ooh.com

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Easy Handmade Dresses for Girls

These two dress hacks have been on my mind this week. Such cuteness cannot be resisted by this menswear-lovin' mama. And even though I cannot sew, I have friends who sew (and these friends are the kind that can be persuaded by treats!). I also have access to thrift stores, which is exactly where I'd pick up a pillowcase or men's dress shirt for this project!

pleated pillowcase hack / men's dress shirt hack

image 1 - Simply Modern Mom (a great source for you diy'ers!) / image 2 - Martha Stewart

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Best Banana Bread Recipe

For years I've experimented with banana bread recipes only to be sorely disappointed. Typically I find them too sweet, too bland or too dry; but I kept plugging away as I'm a huge banana bread fan and I felt determined to find a delicious go-to recipe.

Last week I reached my breaking point and stood determined in my kitchen to create a great banana bread recipe. I was reeeeally in the mood for a good slab...or two...or three (then again, who needs to stop at 3?). Luckily, my efforts were not in vain and I now have an excellent, moist, flavorful banana bread recipe I truly enjoy. A few things set this recipe apart from others you may have tried--cardamom, buttermilk and hazelnuts. Today, I'm happy to share it with you over at the Zupas Food Blog. Friends, I hope you enjoy every last crumb!

images by Stephanie Brubaker

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Heirloom Books

In my dreams (the big and wild kind), I mail off my "special box" to the talented folks at Good Stock and hire them to create an amazing book with all those little treasures. I'm so enamored with this idea; in fact I've dreamed of doing just this many, many times. It's outsourcing at its best! And maybe (just maybe), I'd even let them include a few images (or maybe just one actually), of my awkward early teenage stage--the one where I have large, blue glasses and bangs as big as my head. The only downside to this experience is the cost--it's definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime-type-gifts. But there is something to be said for actually being able to view your life in a lovely, accessible and tidy book.

p.s. my "special box" is a large box of mementos from my childhood through adulthood)

image via Good Stock

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Covering up the Muffin Top

I think this top is ideal for masking one's midsection, don't ya think? Plus, it looks really comfortable, perfect for Fall, and I'm really diggin' those front pockets. Love those.

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The Perfect Billboard

A little humor to take you into the weekend...paper enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this :)

source unknown (if any of you know it, please let me know)

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A Little Babbling

This week I started writing over at a website called Babble, a space dedicated to products and the like for stylish moms (you!). I feel like I'm really going to dig this experience as writing posts for Babble allows me to talk about things that perhaps I wouldn't normally bring up on this blog. It's really an outlet for me to share and recommend helpful products and ideas personally.

Here is what I shared this week over at Babble thus far. Take a peek (beginning top left and moving clockwise):

Budget-priced furniture that totally reminds me of the French furniture company, Tolix

Don't show up to work next week without a giftie for your Boss! Here are my tasteful picks and ideas. Hint: one of the gift ideas is something I regularly steal from my husband :)

The hottest craze on the school playground! Make sure your kiddos have a bag or two to trade.

A stylish wall organizer we all need in a major way. Like major.

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Diaper Changing Table Hack

Remember this desk from my budget bedroom makeover? Well, instead of a peaceful respite for me to write correspondence and what not, it has morphed into Gray's changing table...just goin' with the flow here :) He loves to look up at the different colors and shapes and they seem to keep him amused (most of the time) while we take care of business.

p.s. I can't believe my little man is 5 weeks old today. Freaky!

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DIY: Special Occasion Keepsake

I firmly believe we all have an innate desire to preserve...namely to preserve special experiences; and while most of us have good intentions to do just this, we often have trouble following through. Why? Well, I know for me the task often seems daunting as I feel like I need to make a photo book every month, or scrapbook a bajillion pages (lots of time and $). These days, I need "easy" and this simple method of preservation is just that! Recently, I created a keepsake for my newborn son Gray, but you could follow the same instructions for a birthday, wedding anniversary, shower, etc.

Step 1: Gather all gift tags and cards.

Step 2: Stack in order of size with your larger cards being on the bottom of the pile.

Step 3. Using a 1/8 inch hole punch, place a hole in the top left corner of the card/tag.

Step 4: Slide a piece of thin, satin ribbon through the stack and tie a bow (one roll is 50 cents at any craft store).

Because the cards are adhered together with a simply piece of ribbon, you can easily add more cards. Just think how fun it will be to read these cards someday in the future!

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Cherry Tomatoes, Sel Gris + Herbs

Yesterday, I looked out the window and noticed dots of red all over my garden. To be honest, I'd pretty much forgotten I even had a garden with so much going on these days. That, my friends, just goes to show what a green thumb I have. Ha! After sending out one of my children to pillage the cherry tomatoes, I decided to immediately put them to use in our dinner salad. It turns out it was the best salad I've eaten in some time. And it was so simple to make!

I'm sharing the method over at Zupas today...you can join me over there.

image by Stephanie Brubaker

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Winslow Homer Postal Stamps

I consider it a real treat when I can integrate design into my daily routine without breaking the bank; for me, it's one of life's simple pleasures. Beautiful postal stamps are one such example, and for a mere 44 cents I'll take it! I appreciate the chance to gussy up a piece of mail with something other than the forever stamp (no offense Liberty Bell). First we enjoyed Eames stamps, then the Abstract Expressionists, and now the work of American artist, Winslow Homer. Man, my outgoing mail looked awfully pretty today.

p.s. get to the p.o. quick...the good lookin' stamps always sell out first :)

p.p.s. have you ever ordered stamps online? I love doing this--it's free, it's fast (I hate those long lines) and super convenient as they arrive with your daily mail. And let's be honest...it's nice to receive something besides junk mail or bills.

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Seattle...Here We Come

We're feeling a little crazy around here. So crazy in fact that we've decided that one major life event isn't enough...let's add one or two more. New baby, new job and an out-of-state move! I'm chuckling as I write this, but I'll probably be crying about it later when I start thinking about logistics. Okay, breathe...

Later this month we'll be leaving our current locale, Salt Lake City, and taking our recently-expanded family up to Seattle. My husband begins a new job there and we are excited for the opportunity to live in a city we already enjoy so much. Oh, and my sister lives there too--added bonus!

I have a few questions for those of you who know Seattle well, either because you live there right now, have visited, or grew up there. Would you mind helping me out here and sharing some of your firsthand knowledge with me? It would be fantastic to have a head start. I'd love to know what your favorite towns and/or neighborhoods in the Seattle area are; also, what are your favorite haunts, shops, restaurants, treat spots and places of interest in the area? If you have elementary-aged children, a little info on the public schools wouldn't hurt either. Do tell if you would :) Merci in advance!

p.s. if you have a lot to say and would rather send an email, please send it to: stephmodo@gmail.com. thanks!

image by Rachel Jones of Black Eiffel

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Wrapping Up with Rebecca

I hope you all loved Rebecca's images and posts this week as much as I. She has excellent taste and I enjoyed the variety of topics shared...it's kind of fun to mix things up every now and again, isn't it? Thanks Rebecca for hanging out here this week! You can keep tabs on Rebecca and also view her gorgeous, classic portraits of children on her photography blog.

I almost posted an image of Rebecca and I in the Sinai Desert (we visited it together on our study abroad in 1996), but I refrained; but only because those images are packed away in a box right now :) Instead I leave you with a family portrait of Rebecca with her soulmate, Dan, and their 4 kids. Who's the talented photographer? Jefra Starr Linn. You can view more incredible images from their shoot here.

image by Jefra Starr Linn

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B+A: Orla Kiely Wallpaper Project

by Guest Blogger, Rebecca Mudrick

Three years ago we moved to Chapel Hill and bought our first home. Since then, I've been reading design blogs and magazines for decorating ideas. My budget, time, and DIY skills are all quite limited, so I'm particularly drawn to small projects that pack a big punch.

When Steph posted her sister's Seattle home, I spotted the Orla Kiely wallpaper and knew it was exactly what I needed to add visual interest to my entry way and living room. I approximated the square footage of the spaces I planned to paper, ordered 2 rolls from Anthro, found a partner-in-crime to help me with each wall, and googled "how to hang wall paper" for a good tutorial. The process of hanging the paper was meticulous work and took several hours for each space, but was completely manageable (no really - if I can do it, you can do it). We papered the entry way nearly 2 years ago (it was December, thus the holiday decorations in the photo), and I still smile whenever I walk by.

Rebecca also blogs at Overexposed and Darling Art.

"before" and "after" images by Rebecca Mudrick

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