A Surprise Package

We all know that the best anecdote for feeling glum is to do something nice for someone else, right?  Focusing our minds and efforts on thinking of another not only makes the recipient feel watched over,  but it helps us forget our own problems too (or what we perceive to be problems).  I firmly believe that making a paradigm shift towards constantly thinking of others will help us all be happier people.  Karma...totally believe in it, do you?  

So I've got a great idea as to how you make that good turn today...how about putting together a simple surprise package?  One that you dress up all fancy and pretty and then send in the mail with no forewarning. Yup, that's the kind I'm talking about...and it's guaranteed to make your friend's day.  I am living proof :)



Your package doesn't have to be expensive to put together--a few things from around the house mixed with some store-bought gems are just the ticket.  Have fun and be creative by coming up with a theme...like "sweet and salty", "red and white", "favorites" or "sunshine yellow" (like the one above that the lovely Miss Rebecca put together).  Surely you have a few bits and baubles you'd like to share; and a box should be easy to find around the house, yes?  If you're having trouble feeling inspired as to what to place inside your surprise package, jump on Etsy and start searching by color.  I typed in one of my favorite colors (periwinkle), and it turns out there are over 9,000 items on Etsy listed under that color if you can believe it!  Oh, and if you don't have tissue paper on hand, don't fret--try using parchment or wrapping paper instead.

p.s. a fun twist would be kamikaze surprise packages...assembling and mailing several out on the same day.  Just think of all the good cheer you'd spread!

A Cake Recipe, Wearable Art + a Little Offer

Good morning to you!  I have a handful of random tidbits to share with you today...

1.  A guest post over at dot com for moms featuring all these pretty pieces shown above--all inspired by a painting.

2.  The promised bundt cake recipe...Crème Fraîche Chocolate Cake with Ganache.  I hope you like as much as I do!

3.  If you happen to think that throwing your own Babar birthday party is a fun idea, I'd be happy to give you the banner I made.  Just drop me a line at "stephmodo@gmail.com".  Also, merci for all your sweet words about the party...I really appreciate it!  update: banner spoken for :)

4.  Many thanks for all the personal comments you've shared over on the post about hyperemesis gravidarum.  I was hoping it would be a little haven of support for those of you who suffer from HG and it looks like that's happening...I am so grateful!

5.  Someone needs to snag this huge lot of Domino magazines...all 27 issues (!!). 

Have a wonderful Wednesday! See you in the morning~

Beautiful Brushes

Over time I've come to realize how much I enjoy and appreciate the domestic niceties that elevate otherwise mundane tasks.  For example, I love the way Savon de Marseille feels between my hands as I wash up before preparing dinner for my family (pamplemousse/grapefruit is my all-time favorite scent).  I also appreciate the shiny, chrome dustpan I brought back from Holland every time I reach for it (which these days is at least 3x/day with messy, little Baby Gray in the house).  There is just something about pretty cleaning supplies that almost gets me excited to clean ("almost" being the keyword here :)).

When I spotted all these beautiful European and Japanese-made brushes over at Brook Farm General Store this week, I started "oohing" and "aahing" out loud.  I love the melange of wood, bristles, metal and twine.  Gorgeous.  Oh how I'd love a big, galvanized steel tub full of these beautiful brushes...wouldn't you?  Does anyone else out there get excited about these sorts of things? :)

You can view all these lovelies (and more) over at Brook Farm General Store.

Babar Birthday Party

It started with a stack of books and a lucky find in Target's $1 section last year...and soon an idea was born for a sweet, little birthday party that would be appealing to both lads and ladies. Babar bien sur!

I popped onto etsy and lo and behold there was a shop selling Babar envelopes and cards--made from vintage books.  I couldn't believe my luck...hello invitations!  With the addition of some labels from Martha's fabulous, new label collection at Staples, we were good to go (all sources listed at the bottom by the way :)).

p.s. did anyone else used to make envelopes like this as a teenager like I did?  Total flashback.  




We set Babar at the head of the table and allowed him to provide the inspiration for the tabletop.  I couldn't believe how lucky I was to find a craft store with a crown die-cut that looked just like Babar's crown.  They made for the perfect bowls and held all sorts of snacks and treats during the party.

Accompanying the crowns were extra loud party horns (the kids looooved these) and wooden forks.



One of our vintage, French Babar books was in poor condition and so I decided to recycle its pages into a simply party banner.  It felt like a fun way to celebrate how loved that book truly was.  The beautiful French cursive made it even more charming. 



My daughter requested turkey/cheese and ham/cheese sandwiches for her party.  I opted for a daintier, easier-to-eat-version by making them into sliders.  Sara Lee's mini buns to the rescue! Little flags fashioned from toothpicks and Japanese washi and masking tape made lunch a lot more celebratory.  You might think kids don't notice and/or appreciate details, but they really ate it all up, both literally and figuratively.

My oldest daughter, who assisted me with this party, suggested to the little guests to place the flag into the top of their party hats.  Such a festive addition!  I'll definitely recycle that idea again :)

I had to show you the inside of a Babar book, in case you hadn't seen one before.  Even though ours are all in French (we purchased them on amazon.ca and at vide-greniers), they are just as readily available in English.  Your local library probably has a copy or two on its shelves.  They are really sweet little books and I love the illustrations too--very reminiscent of one of my favorite childhood books.

One of my daughter's few requests for the party was a "big, chocolate cake", which she later tried to talk me out of because she didn't want me to have to "work too hard to make it".  I was so touched by her concern and sensitivity that all I wanted to make for her was a big chocolate cake!  I made sure it was chocolatey, but not overly rich (wanting to cater to the 4/5-year-old crowd).  As it turns out though, adults were big fans too (I sent home each parent with a slice) and now I'm thinking this is more versatile than I originally thought. The addition of chocolate ganache (or "frosting" as the kids called it) really hit the spot and now I'm looking for another excuse to make it again.  In case you're curious, I'll be posting the recipe tomorrow...

Inspiration for the cake's mini banner came from Danyelle...she posted something similar on her blog months ago and I've never forgotten how sweet it looked. 

 

Case in point...you never know what you'll find in that $1 at Target!  These over-sized Babar pencils made for the perfect game prizes. 

Since it was the stack of Babar books that partially contributed to the inspiration behind this party, I thought it apropos to gift each child with his/her own vintage Babar book (in English).  I found them for a reasonable price on etsy, but you can also find them on ebay too.  Wrapped up in good, ol' fashioned kraft brown paper, red cording and an upcycled label, they made for great, little party favors.

On a side note: while this wasn't my motivation when planning the party favors, but I like the idea of gifting children something meaningful--something that won't end up at Goodwill or in the trash by next month.  You just can't go wrong with a new or used book...in any language! 



1, 2, 3...make a wish!

 

p.s. I still can't believe my youngest daughter turned 5 last week.  Crazy!  I started this blog a couple of weeks before she was born, per the encouragement of my sister, and thought maybe two people would view it regularly--my sister and my mom.  Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing.  It's so fun to interact with you all and I am so grateful for all the wonderful people I now know because of this blog.  xo

Party Supply Sources:

crown die-cuts  /  party horns  /  party hats  /  "milk" bottles  /  striped straws /  ribbon  /  toy   / tape

giant balloon  /  pencils (mine were from Target)  /  vintage books  /  tablecloth  /  invitations  /  labels 

Central Library + other Seattle Favorites

Since moving here just over a year ago, I've tried to venture out as much as I can to explore this beautiful city and to discover her finer points (the weather has put a strain on our relationship so placing an emphasis on her positive characteristics is how we make it work).  I love stepping foot in the different neighborhoods and feeling the vibe original to those specific city blocks...and then driving 5 or 10 minutes to another neighborhood that feels completely different.  We enjoy living in the city so much and get such a kick out of Seattle's quirks.  It's a constant reminder to not take ourselves too seriously :) 

This week my children are all home for winter vacation and despite how hectic it makes things, I am loving having them home and following a more relaxed schedule.  I explained the term "staycation" to my kids yesterday and am trying to follow through by throwing in daily outings that we would all find fun and interesting.  One of our favorite stops was Central Library, the largest, most avant-garde structure in the Seattle Public Library System.  Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and the OMA, this 11-story structure is definitely one of Seattle's most spectacular buildings.  In fact, I cannot think of a cooler library anywhere else--it's incredible in every way.  You must take a peek if you're a local or if you're an architecture enthusiast visiting the Emerald City.

Today I want to share my top 10 Seattle favorites, in no particular order.  If you live in Seattle, or have visited the city and have a favorite or two, I'd love to hear them.  When we moved here so many of you emailed me tips and valuable information for which I am grateful for to this day (thank you again!); here's your chance to share your expertise with everyone else too. 

1. The Walrus and the Carpenter - my favorite restaurant in the city, especially when we get to sit at the bar and watch the "behind the scenes" that aren't so behind the scene (read/see more here).   In fact, Ballard Ave in general is pretty fantastic.  Tucked away, slightly gritty,  industrial in feel, and ecclectic, it's probably our favorite street in all of Seattle.  

2.  Marie et Freres - when I want chocolate, this is where I spend my calories.  Try the frozen pops coated in cocoa nibs...

3.  El Diablo on Queen Anne for Mexican Hot Chocolate - be sure to opt for the whipped cream--this is the best Mexican hot chocolate I've ever had!

4.  Bakery Nouveau - amongst the handful of delicious, French bakeries in the city, this is hands down the best.  Worth the drive to West Seattle!  And speaking of West Seattle, we also love Slices on Alki Beach.  Yummy homemade pizza, fresh-squeezed lemonade and a killer meatball sandwich. 

5.  Discovery Park - 500+ acres within city limits is pretty unfathomable...add in the fact that some of it is beach front property and you've got yourself one heckuva park.  We live fairly close so we try to take advantage of it as much as possible.  I'm so grateful it wasn't handed over to developers...and this is coming from the wife of a former commercial developer :) 

6.  Ballard Bridge - the thrill of driving past hundreds of boats on a daily basis never ceases to excite me; and it's pretty rad when the bridge goes up, even if it makes me late to preschool pick up (I swear, every time I'm running a few minutes behind the bridge goes up and I'm stuck ;)). 

7.  Annie's Art & Frame - I've visited many-a-framing-shop and this is my favorite.  A good balance of quality, price and great product.  Also, they have a sweet collection of clocks and a little coloring table for kids.

8.  Melrose Market - home to a great butcher, cheesemonger and florist, this tiny market is a one-stop-shop for any food lover.  Technically it would take you all of 3 minutes to traverse the entire market, but you'll find yourself lingering for much longer as you attempt to absorb every detail.  Be sure to run upstairs to peek at Butter Lane Home and then catch a delicious dinner at Sitka & Spruce before heading home with a bouquet of fresh flowers from Marigold & Mint.

9.  D'Ambrosio Gelato - another Ballard Ave favorite.  Best gelato in Seattle (and many other cities too!).  Try the fig caramel gelato (even if you don't like figs, you have to at least sample it!)...it's the best flavor. 

10.  Ella Bailey Park - you've never seen a more amazing, more expansive city view than the one at this park. Prepare to be wowed and certainly plan on bringing a picnic so you can continue enjoying the view even after the kiddos are through playing. 

What are some of your favorites?  Do any of ours overlap? 

images by Stephanie Brubaker / stephmodo

Simple Recipes + Meyer Lemon Roast Chicken w/ Herbes de Provence}

It's about that time again...the fridge is empty and we are officially tired of our leftovers!  Time to start cooking again and plan this week's menu.  Life is particularly busy right now, which means I'm looking for simple recipes (i.e. hands on time of 30 minutes or less).  I know many of you are in the same boat and sometimes when life is hectic we don't want to sit down and plan meals, even though we know it will make for a smooth, more delicious week.  But 20 minutes is all it takes.  Promise.  Just think of how great it will be to avoid the 5-o-clock-what-the-heck-am-I-going-to-make scenario..:) 

1.  Roast Chicken with Meyer Lemons + Herbes de Provence - must enjoy those Meyers before they are out of my life until next season.  Your kitchen will smell soooo good!

2.  Danni's Marinara Sauce, Pasta + Roasted Vegetables - paired with a good ciabatta and a simple salad (just lettuce and a Dijon vinaigrette--like they do in France) makes for a simple, weeknight vegetarian dinner.  I'm excited to try this new recipe for marinara sauce--it looks really good if you're judging on ingredients alone.

3.  Salade Niçoise - my kids especially love the hard boiled eggs and roasted potatoes, so I make a little extra of both in order to make sure everyone is full (something I worry about when serving salad for dinner, even if it is hearty).  The imported tuna is key and worth the splurge.

4.  Rigatoni with Broccoli + Sausage (from the latest Everyday Food, and is therefore not on the website just yet) - I've had a little tin of anchovy fillets in my pantry for awhile and they are calling my name.  I actually love anchovies, despite their bad reputation.  In general they are terrific in pasta dishes and this recipe looks really, really good.  I hope they load it onto their site pronto.

5.  Deb's Black Bean Soup with Toasted Cumin Crema - my friend Robin sent me the link to this soup recipe and since I trust her taste 100%, I am confident it's going to be as good as it sounds.  Plus, I have creme fraiche on hand that I need to use up, and since meal planning is all about using what I've got on hand already (to save $ and time), voila.  I'll likely serve the soup with buttermilk cheese muffins (recipe coming soon...) and fresh avocado chunks b/c 1. I think it will taste awesome with the beans and cumin and 2. Baby Gray doesn't do soup, but he does do fresh avocado.  Watching him eat an entire avocado for lunch is pure entertainment. 

6. and 7.  We typically do "brupper" one night (this is my latest favorite) and cheap Vietnamese takeout for the other (Time4Pho for Seattle locals).  Believe it or not, our family of 6 can eat a healthy meal there for about $20.  It's such a find!

Any good recipes on the docket in your home this week?  I'm always on the lookout for ways to branch out...it's so easy to just make the same old thing every week!

images by Stephanie Brubaker / stephmodo

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

I've written this post ten times in my head over the past year and a half.  Why it's taken me until now to actually post it, I don't exactly know.  But, what I do know is that I feel compelled to share my experience with hyperemesis gravidarum here with you...in hopes that something shared here helps the few of you out there that experience this condition (p.s. I'll be referring to it as "HG" going forward). A couple of you have written to me over the years when pregnant and we've consoled each other via email, but I feel like it's important to reach more of you and offer up support in the form of this post...chock full of advice, tips and validation.  I guess you could say I've learned a few things over the course of four pregnancies with this condition. If something I share helps you in the smallest way, it will have been more than worth my time. 

Described by WebMD as "a rare disorder characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may necessitate hospitalization", hyperemesis gravidarum affects less than 3% of all pregnant women; so chances are you don't know a lot of women who experience HG.  But if you do, it's important you understand what she is experiencing, as best as you can. She will always remember how you stuck by her side during a horrific period and hold you dear for the rest of her life (I know this because I feel that way about those who helped me!).  Or, more importantly, if you have HG, it's important you have as much helpful, positive information on hand about this disorder as possible.

If you're interested in reading more on the subject of hyperemesis gravidarum, please click "read more" below.  As always, please chime in on the comments if you'd like to add to the conversation and share your own thoughts/tips/advice.  I realize every woman's experience is slightly different than that of another so the more information presented, the better :)  Also, if you have any questions for me, please comment on this post so we can all learn from each other.  Thanks!

update: dear friends, those who suffer from infertility may read these words and think, "well, at least you were able to get pregnant...I'd endure anything, including HG, just to have a baby", and I want to say that those are valid feelings.  My heart goes out to you if you are experiencing this challenge.  Pregnancy, in all forms, is a sensitive issue indeed; all we can do is try to support one another and show empathy for each other's different trials in life. 

Welcome Storkie

I'd like to welcome new sponsor, Storkie, an online stationery site offering announcements, invitations, labels, and my favorite...custom wedding stamps.  If I could do my wedding over (a sentiment many of us feel now that we are older, wiser and have better taste! ha!), I'd love to create a custom stamp for my invitations.  I remember agonizing over the stamp selection when I got married 12 years ago and think that a detail like this would've been such a fun addition.

You can check out the custom stamps here and their other offerings here. 

Paris vs. New York

Something humorous to make you smile on this chilly, {possibly rainy} Monday morning! 

I'm getting such a kick out of these Paris v. NYC prints despite the fact that I do not, and never have, lived in New York.  I look at it more like a US/France cultural comparison (boy, that's kind of the hot subject this week, yes?), which I definitely appreciate.  I envision one, framed print over a white Parsons desk; or a grouping of 4 (2x2) on a living room wall with simple, wood frames (fyi: the wood gallery frames from PB are pretty top notch and a good balance of price and quality). I just can't figure out which one to add to my wishlist...they are all so great!  If only they came in a mini postcard set...they would make a great banner for a petite fête. 

via Zagg Pepper (Warby Parker's blog)

Links to Love: Practical Meets Pretty

I've been so wordy this week, so I thought today I'd leave you with a pretty kitchen, a great breakfast recipe, and some things I'm lovin' on right now--all practical/useful and all pretty.  For me, those are the best kinds of links so I wanted to share them with you before I signed off for the weekend. Enjoy!

1.  A pretty, modern, white (!!) kitchen...love everything from the warm sisal to the stainless backsplash.

2.  My new favorite breakfast recipe - a scramble with rainbow chard + feta.  3/4 of my kids eat it up too!

3.  This cowlneck sweatshirt has become part of my uniform.  Thanks to all the crazy-in-a-good-way sales at Loft, I now have one in each of the two colors.  And I'd wear it everyday if I could keep it clean :)  note: most sizes are sold out online, but most stores still carry a few more sizes.  

4.  Right on sistah.  A great reminder, yes?  via Lottie Loves

5.  Also, I appreciate Jeanne Savage sharing this article about the importance of giving hugs to our children and decreasing our own stress, so it doesn't affect our little ones for the rest of their lives.  Good reminder!

image 1 - Cary Bernstein via Houzz  /  image 2, 3 - moi  /  image 4 - Loft  /  image 5 - Little Bit Funky

The Differences Between American and French Parenting Styles

A couple of days ago I received a surprise package in the mail from Amazon.  Inside was a book called "Bringing Up Bébé--a book written by an American mother raising her children in Paris.  Upon giving birth in France, the former Wall Street Journal reporter immediately began noticing that the French raise their children quite differently than American parents.  Fascinated by the differences, she began taking notes, that eventually led to the making of this book; which looks very interesting (and controversial) by the way.

Now there was no invoice inside the package...or a note...or any indication as to who sent this book to me.  I can only infer that someone thoughtfully gifted it because they thought I'd be genuinely interested in the subject (which I am) or that I need a little help in the parenting department (a likely scenario!).  Regardless though, I am touched by someone's thoughtfulness...if you were the one that send this to me out of the blue, thank you! 

Back to the subject of French and American parenting styles...there has been much talk of this subject lately, mostly due to the release of this book (you can brush up on all the hullabaloo here and here).  Clearly a fascination is emerging and questions are being raised as to what is best.  I must confess that when we lived there, not a week went by when my husband and I didn't discuss this very subject.  We couldn't figure out why our children didn't behave quite the same (i.e. not as well) as their French counterparts.  We tried to put our finger on what exactly led to these differences, but never quite figured it out.  Let me share a few stories that will help you understand the subtle differences between our two cultures: 

One Saturday our family took a break from working on the house and we all went to the local market together.  As usual, we didn't get out of the house as soon as we planned for and ended up being at the market right during lunch time.  Our youngest child at the time was 2 and obviously not old enough to entirely reason with (at least in my mind--a French parent may disagree).  She began to get fussy and a bit fiesty (we blame the then red hair), so I bought her a little basket of wild strawberries and placed them on her lap for her to munch on while I finished up my shopping.  Interestingly enough, she and I began to receive a lot of stares, looks, chuckles, even finger pointing.  Initially I was confused, but then realized that we were doing something considered very American--snacking.  Apparently allowing my daughter to eat outside the borders of a kitchen table during the designated lunch hour was considered very entertaining!  A French parent would've made her child wait...I, however, did not. 

On another occasion I took my two youngest to the nearest IKEA, which was about 3 hours away.  If you've ever been in the car with young children, you understand how stressful this can be at times.  When we pulled up to the big, blue building, all I could think about was how nice it was going to be to drop my kids off at the little childcare center and allow them to play and release some energy after being in the car for awhile.  Plus, I was in the mood for a little break admittedly.  But as luck would have it, the playland was full and so my disappointed children would have to squeeze into a itsy bitsy cart for a couple of hours while I navigated the packed aisles trying to make good buying decisions.  Feeling a little stressed out by the crowds and my tired, whiny children, I did what any American mother would do...I whipped out a little iPod and headphones for my kids.  And even though the cartoons were in French (Petit Ours Brun), I again received lots of looks, pointing fingers, laughs, etc.  The fact that I was trying to keep my children entertained (vs. them entertaining themselves) was what set me apart from my French friends. 

Based on experience, I believe there are positive things about each culture, and the secret is to glean the best from both worlds to create your own personal parenting style.  I would love to hear any of your own thoughts, observations, experiences, etc.  It's truly a fascinating issue to think about! 

images by Stephanie Brubaker

Warby Parker

If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know how excited I get to share great finds with you--ones that are both stylish and budget-friendly in particular.  I've been dying to share this little online treasure, Warby Parker, a hip, new-ish brand my husband recently called to my attention.  The premise is this...boutique-quality, vintage-inspired, modern eyewear for just $95 (including prescription lenses!).  If you wear glasses full-time or occasionally, don reading glasses each morning when you read the paper, wear prescription sunglasses, or just like the trendy look of wearing glasses, you've got to check out Warby Parker.  I find the site well-designed, thoughtfully laid out and easy-to-use; it reminds of an eyewear version of a Mac computer :) 

Started by two buddies tired of bland, overpriced eye wear only available to an elite group of people, Warby Parker set out to make great style available to everyone, regardless of geographic location.  You see, it doesn't matter if you live in the city or the country as the "Home Try-On program" allows you to choose 5 pairs to try on in person--free shipping on both ends.  The entire process can be done online...whether it's late at night, early in the morning, or on your lunch break.  Super convenient.  No more schlepping all over town just to pay higher prices and waste time (p.s. I'm not being paid or reimbursed at all for this post...just really, really excited to share!).  

I don't wear glasses full-time, so the idea of obtaining stylish glasses for a great price is very appealing, especially since our insurance doesn't cover such purchases (I'm sure most of you are in a similar boat).  I've never been able to justify the fancy schmancy prices in high-end boutiques, even if I like the styles; so I end up at Lenscrafters or Costco.  But this isn't exactly exciting, and certainly not as budget-friendly as Warby Parker!  The good news is that it's not just a good idea, but it actually works.  My husband's new Warby Parker glasses arrived in yesterday's mail and he is now at work today donning his new frames and loving them.  Added bonus: for every pair of glasses you purchase, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need a la Toms.  Hearts and wallets across the world will feel a little lighter as a result :)

Let me show you how the "Home Try-On" program works...all you need is a computer with a webcam:

1. Jump on to the Warby Parker website.

2.  Click "men" or "women"...then "optical" or "sunwear".  

3.  Start by choosing your face shape and width...just click a couple of boxes.  I chose to not specify color as I wanted to keep my options open and leave room to be surprised.

4.  Once you click these boxes, Warby Parker brings up the frames that fit your exact profile.  If there are only a few, don't be worried.  Warby also suggests alternative frames a little later on that you can explore.  

5. Now you'll want to "try on" the glasses before you choose your 5 to try on in person.  You can use the "Virtual Try On" option to help you choose your five best options.  Simply click on the "Virtual Try-On" button on the right sidebar.  Then click on the "photo" button and a screen will pop up asking you to upload a picture from your computer or to take an instant picture via your computer's webcam.  I chose the latter and snapped a quick image.  

6.  A picture of you will pop up virtually wearing the pair of frames you selected.  You can click on the glasses icon under your picture if you need to adjust the glasses on your face.  

7.  You'll notice that Warby Parker suggests similar looks you may like and I definitely suggest giving those a try too. 

8.  If you find a pair of frames you are interested in trying on at home, click on "Shop this Look".  Then click on the "Home Try-On" button on the right sidebar and the frames will automatically be loaded into your cart...for free of course.  You can do this again 4 more times until you have a total of 5 pairs in your cart. 

9.  Once you're ready to go, you'll be asked for your contact information and a credit card number; but don't worry, they won't charge you for the frames.  You'll see a $1 authorization charge pop up, but that'll go away in a week.  Your Warby Parker frames will arrive in 2-3 days via UPS (free shipping) and a sleek, little package awaits you.  

10.  Try on your frames and see what works.  Find something you like?  Awesome.  Take note of the style and color, place the glasses back in the box, and slap on the prepaid label Warby Parker included in your package.  Drop off your bundle at any UPS drop off point.  If none of them work, try again (I'm on my second and final round); but hopefully you'll have instant success like my husband, who immediately found a great option. 

11.  Last, jump online to the Warby Parker site and order the frames you like (be sure to mark the right color).  To save yourself even more time, click the "call my doctor for prescription" option upon checkout...so easy, right?  My husband was loving this last step--such a huge timesaver!  

11.  A few days later a new pair of modern, vintage-inspired, {and inexpensive!}, glasses will be on your front porch.  To think the whole process took less than hour to complete, and you were able to do it all within your own time table.

If you happen to live in a few choice locations, you can check out Warby Parker's showrooms in person.  But honestly their website is so easy to navigate, I don't feel bad at all that I'm not in New York, San Francisco or Oklahoma City (?!).  I love that great style and pricing is available to anyone, anywhere.  At some point, I hope they offer kids glasses too (hint, hint). 

Anyway, that's the 4-1-1 on Warby Parker...good luck to those of you who give it a whirl.  We are huge fans! 

all images are screen shots from Warby Parker, except for the snapshots of my package

Cobalt Blue

Perhaps my favorite piece to wear is a cobalt blue dress I purchased at Anthropologie a couple of years ago.  I wear it as often as I can (in fact I've worn it 2 years straight to ALT) and quite honestly enjoy the energizing, brilliant color that remarkably enough doesn't look ridiculous next to my fair skin (we don't see the sun enough here in Seattle to get past "white" any time of the year!).  I would even venture to say it's one of those magical hues that looks good against just about any complexion.  I think you'll dig it :)  

Here are a few picks to start winning you over: 

dress  / cuff bracelet  /  ballet flats  /  skinny jeans  /  belt   

earrings + brooch  /  clutch  /  shift dress  /  vintage blouse

Junior Mint Valentines

I am not a candy person, but I do have a penchant for Junior Mints.  Frozen.  And in movie theatres (forget popcorn and soda, it's all about these minty buttons).  Once I spotted the heart-shaped Junior Mints last week at our local drugstore, I instantly thought of sharing this idea, as not everyone has time to make a homemade treat on Valentine's Day.  You can whip these up in minutes, particularly if you already have a few pretty embellishments on hand. 

Here's how in 3 easy steps:

1. Drive to Walgreens, Bartells, Rite Aid, what have you.  Buy heart-shaped Junior Mints.

2. Wrap Junior Mints in kraft brown paper (found at Xpedx, Packaging Specialities, Big Lots, etc.) and whatever ribbon, trim, tags, etc. you have on hand.  I wrapped mine in watercolor heart garlands and baker's twine.

3. Place wrapped candy boxes in the freezer overnight. Take out the next day just before delivering.

If you're worried about water/ice possibly coming into contact with your pretty l'il packages whilst they freeze up nice and easy, then place your wrapped candy boxes inside a ziploc bag first. 

Enjoy delivering your treats and Happy Valentine's Day!

images by Stephanie Brubaker / stephmodo

Simple Pleasures

This morning I'm thinking a lot about the simple pleasures in life and how they carry us through and enhance our seemingly ordinary days; that is, if we take the time to notice them.  For most people, life is about getting through the day-to-day (and in some cases, just getting by), and making the most of what we've got.  In order to optimize the joy in our lives, it's critical to note the simple pleasures--the small joys--that really affect our day. 

Things like paper whites blooming in the window, a cup of good tea after the little ones are in bed or perusing a beautiful cookbook and feeling inspired.  Perhaps an inexpensive bouquet of tulips in your bathroom, a parking spot right up front when you're running late, peeking at old family photos or a handwritten card in the mail bring a smile to your face.  As we begin to think about the small and simple pleasures in life, a pattern will begin to form and gratitude will start growing within us, bringing a lift to our spirits. 

What are some of the simple pleasures you enjoy?  What do you take notice of in everyday life that inspires and uplifts you?

images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

Valentine Hearts

Valentine's Day.  Such a fun holiday to celebrate, yes?  All this talk of love and "like" is just what we all need to carry us through the late winter doldrums of February.  Me, I enjoy the excuse to craft simply, make treats, and write little notes to friends and family expressing my appreciation and love for them.  Admittedly it hasn't always been one of my favorite holidays (high school and college years especially); so don't feel guilty if you're not diggin' it this year.  That being said, I'm hoping these little, watercolored valentine hearts will add a little cheer to your holiday preparations and inspire you to pick up a few paints yourself!



First off, know that you don't have to be an artist or experienced crafter to tackle this small project.  I am neither...and if I can do it then you can too! All you need is a sheet of watercolor paper (found at any art supply or fabric/notion store), heart punchand a watercolor set (I found an inexpensive paint set at Target next to the washable crayons, if that's any indication of the skill level required :).

The beauty of this project is how forgiving it is.  You can mess around with your watercolors (literally) and not worry about perfection.  In fact, imperfectly-crafted hearts are even more sweet in my book.  I liked blending shades of red, tangerine orange, coral and pink, but I bet more non-traditional colors would be pretty too. 

...watercolor valentine heart gift tags + handsewn garlands...

...couldn't resist adding a few to a little box of pie...

...mixing in a little striped washi tape for good measure...

{below} more handsewn garlands and a valentine for my Valentine (sorry to ruin the surprise honey).  

note: this was my first attempt at sewing a garland and it was surprisingly simple.  I whipped out a needle and thread from a very basic sewing kit, and just figured it out as I went.  I mention that only to curtail any worries you may have about complexity.  Truly, all of these little ideas shown took only 5 minutes to make.  Promise :)

images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo