Minted Art Prints // A New Look for the Dining Room

I was perusing the artwork selection on Minted's site when, ironically, I received an email from Minted asking if I would review their curated Art Marketplace. Kismet! I'm all about blogging with authenticity, so it was an easy "yes".

Redecorating our dining room has been on my mind for the past few years. We moved into our current home five years ago, and we basically just squeezed in our existing dining room furniture & accessories, then moved on to deal with more pressing issues. Our current furniture is big, bulky, outdated (think Tuscan circa 2001), uncomfortable and our dining room just doesn't work with the rest of our space. The artwork in the room is no better; Dark, heavy… Not inspiring at all. We've been making-do for the past 5 years and I think it's time to remedy the situation.

Over the past few months I've been perusing various online art sites for inspiration. My plan? Find contemporary art & accessories and meld it together with timeless, useable furniture pieces. The only thing that I'm keeping is a silk & wool rug. Luckily it is a neutral transitional piece and should work well with many contemporary styles.

Using the artwork from Minted as inspiration, I came up with 5 different looks.

Look 1: Bold + Masculine

artwork: staredown by amy carroll via minted. | chandelier | chair | table | rug

Look 2: Black + Gold

artwork:    the rapids by rose lindo via minted.  | chandelier | chair | table | rug

Look 3: Beach-Inspired

artwork: beach by yao cheng design  via minted   | chandelier | chair | table | rug

Look 4: Ethereal

artwork: soft succulent no.2 by andi pahl  via minted.   | chandelier | chair | table | rug

Look 5: Neutral + Bold Color

artwork: abstract land series: fields 4  by verymarta via minted.   | chandelier | chair | table | rug

Now the hard part… Figuring out what style to go with! I'm terrible about making big decisions. Someone chime-in and help me out!

In the meantime, here's more eye-candy…

Aren't these strong, bold prints wonderful? They just demand attention.

artwork via minted: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 

When it comes to artwork, my eye is always attracted to pink and other feminine colors-- It just seems so light and uplifting. And yet I don't own anything pink or purple. No decor. No clothes. I may need to rethink my buying habits. :)

artwork via minted: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

One color that just speaks to me is blue. I have splashes of blue in every room. From a chair in a reading nook, to artwork in the living & great rooms. Calm and soothing, I love blues (and greys too)!

artwork via minted: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

What a goldmine of incredible art!  I've purchased some very cool cards from Minted in the past, so I am really happy to find the same quality of carefully curated and well-priced artwork in their Art Marketplace. There are so many eye-catching pieces that I feel that the possibilities are endless… What say you? Any standouts?

disclosure: This post is sponsored by the fine folks at Minted. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This Week // 9.20.2014

sunset fields via sylwia urbaniak photography | available on etsy

Well hello there! 

Just popping my head in to say "hi"… and make sure the ol' blog is still standing. ;) 

I didn't mean to take two weeks off but, life happens and then suddenly it's two weeks later.

Or something like that.

In my last post, we were "transitioning" into a new routine.

Well, I guess we're as transitioned as we'll ever be.

So I find myself with a 1st & 3rd grader.

They are busy.

2 soccer practices, 2 basketball practices, 2 karate classes, 1 lego engineering and 1 agility training…

Add school and homework, the random play date or birthday party, and that's pretty much our week.

Tack on my decision to handle the fundraising for the kids' school.

I've had my head buried in spreadsheets, verbiage and strategy since school began.

Cra-cra-crazy.

The last two weeks we've also had family and friends in town, visiting from other countries.

Hong Kong and Brazil to be exact.

So cool to have and maintain these long-distance relationships.

Busy and lucky.

And Thankful.

That's enough babbling. Here's what's going on this week--

The crazy week-long heatwave finally broke and today it finally feels like Fall. I can't put away the shorts and tees just yet, but at least I can start thinking about  *flannel*  *plaid*  *boots*  and  *wool pants*.

10 steps to make your child smarter. Unlike most lists, this one is backed by science and actually makes sense.

Have you ever tried grilling lettuce? I love grilled cabbage… and this grilled romaine salad appeals to me.

A fun way to customize some dollar store balloons.

And here's where you think I've gone completely nuts… The cutest snail ever. We have one in our aquarium… Fun to watch and smarter than our fish.

I'm re-thinking our dining room and this chandelier has me intrigued.

I swear by argan oil and use it day and night to keep my sensitive skin happy and dewy soft. This alternative to the pricey josie maran version gets my stamp of approval… and I like the pump better than the medicine dropper.

Hope you're having a nice weekend!!!

This Week // 9.04.2014

personalized leather bracelets via sweet auburn studio | available on etsy

Our household is in transition mode… we are transitioning from Summer to Fall, from K & 2nd to 1st & 3rd, from Unscheduled to Scheduled. Today is the boys' first day of school. I'll be honest… I'm a little sad. Usually I'm jumping at the bit to get back on schedule, but this summer I thoroughly enjoyed being under-planned. That's probably not even a word, but under-planned is sometimes good for a usually over-planned family. Luckily we have a few days to adjust before the REAL school year kicks off on Monday. So we are excited, anxious, slightly unprepared but pretty much ready to go as we'll ever be. Ready or not world, here we come!

Besides transitioning, here's what's going on this week--

I always crave Plaid during the Fall. This dress caught my eye. And so did this top.

The history behind Why we shouldn't wear white after Labor Day. Do you/did you ever follow that rule?

This may be the year of the puffer vest. I'll revisit that thought when it's not 90 degrees outside.

I just love this Back-to-School comparison of the 1970's vs. Today. I can so relate since I grew up in the 70's and now have school age kids… Man, I miss those uncomplicated days…

Antibiotics in our food causing allergic reactions in some… What (!!!)

Tired of your Summer tees but it's too hot for Fall clothes… It's time for something edgy, yet cool…

Happy almost-weekend!

This Week // 8.21.2014

We are back from our annual trip to Oregon. It was eleven days of amazing. We spent 7 days in Portland and 4 days in Central Oregon. This wasn't a super fancy or highly planned out trip, but it was perfect for us-- Quality time with great friends and many, many children… nine in all! And those nine kids (7 boys, 2 girls) got along splendidly. We hung out a lot, bbq'd a lot, played a lot. It was just what we needed.

Now we're home and the back to school, back to routine, back to work, back to everything, is in full swing. It's all good though. This has been one of the best summers on record for us. It's a combination of the kids being a little older (no nap schedules to adhere to, no major meltdowns) and also me being better at planning and finding the right mix of busy and downtime. Ah summer...

So, besides laundry, here's what's going on this week--

You know those tees and sweatshirts with French saying? I still like 'em.

Oh dear, dear, dear… They one-upped cookie butter. Already on my shopping list.

I think it's inane to worship athletes and celebrities, but I'm okay with my kids looking up to this humble guy. A good read for the 8+ crowd. This is the kids' edition, but there's also one for teens/adults.

After a decade of being a strictly pants kinda gal, I'm ready for a change. I may have found the perfect skirt-- not too frumpy, not too frilly. Just right.

You're looking for a Natural Dyes Chart, right? Sure you are. This one is cute and useful for a future project.

I've always wondered what to do with these drawers. Now I know.

Have you heard of a capsule wardrobe? I always feel better when I simplify… Consider me intrigued.

Fall shoes… Oooh. Currently 20% off.

Happy Weekend!

This Week //8.14.2014

abstract pillows via art pillow | available on etsy

We are hanging with our besties and having a relaxing, carefree week… Well as relaxing as it can be with 7 kids under the age of ten! Luckily they all get along really, really well. Which probably isn't all that unusual considering that us parents (well, 3 out of 4) have known each other since 9th grade. These days I really appreciate our childhood friends. If these relationships can weather puberty, teenage whims, and the unpredictable 20's, they can pretty much make it through anything!

Here are some things I liked this week--

Cute bootie alert!

I don't like frosting. But I still have a sweet tooth. This nekkid cake may be just the thing.

Did you ever wish that you could create a Water Color Map with a snap of your fingers? Just enter your location. Done.

Tips for planning an Epic Road Trip. Unless we're driving at night, my kids can't survive past 1.5 hours. Saving for later.

Do you collect fonts? These are pretty darn cute.

Apparently Instagram selfies take A LOT of work.

Among other things that we're updating in our house, we need to install and change-out some ceiling lights. I'm digging this round-up of lighting fixtures.

This may be THE perfect jacket for Fall.


Happy *almost* Weekend!

This Week // 8.07.2014

beautiful sunsets this week…

but thankfully the humidity broke and we're back to dry 80's. phew!

We have a month left of summer break and I feel like time is just speeding by. I find it interesting that many schools have already started or will start within the next week or two. It seems like schools are starting earlier each year… Remember the good o' days when school would start mid or late September? I'm not sure how I feel about school getting out in May and starting in July/August, but all I know is that right now we're not physically or mentally prepared, so I'm grateful for the extra few weeks!

Things I liked this week…

A cool DIY leather-wrapped console table.

Vans are back! Or did they ever leave? I may need these cool kicks. If anything to relive my skateboarding days. ;)

Underwater photography tips.

I'm not really a watch person, but… wow!

Toile… it's making a come-back!

We're finally getting around to doing some home improvements around here. I'm a decorating scaredy-cat so I'm starting with the easiest room-- our guest room. It's getting new charcoal gray drapes and this bedding. It's a start!

After trying on way too many hats-- too floppy, too wide, too summery… I finally found my hat for Fall. It keeps the sun off my face and, although it looks like wool, it's light and airy.

Have a great weekend!

This Week // 7.24.2014

summer reflections via joy st. claire | available on etsy

I've got the de-clutter bug. It doesn't happen often enough so when it comes around, I have to roll with it. I wish "the bug" wouldn't come around when temps are in the mid-90's… but if I'm sweating, I guess it also counts as a workout. It started with my linens, then moved on to all the random home accessories that I've collected over the years--I finally said goodbye to all the tropical/beach house stuff from the 90's. Of course that stuff is coming back in style, but… NO. Then I moved on to the kids toys. That was kind of sad… no longer my little toddlers. But off to homes that will appreciate and get some use out of them. I still have a ways to go since I'm apparently the only one in the family who occasionally gets this de-clutter bug. The rest of the family? Pack Rats. The whole lot of 'em. 

Things I liked this week…

I spend a lot of time outdoors and am looking for a full coverage hat for summer and fall. I'm thinking felt, I'm thinking brown. This one. Or maybe this one. And if money grew on trees, this one.

What You Learn in Your 40's = Skip the drama, everyone's just winging it.

These chicken kebabs sound delish. Yogurt marinade? Paprika? Yes please.

In the real world I'm never a size 00. Except sometimes here. But man… they're comfy, cool and I snagged them for 50% off. Two thumbs  up.

Our attempt at "family game night" quickly petered out. Perhaps we should try again.

I usually don't DIY things that won't last beyond a season… but this is awfully pretty.

An art piece made from drinking straws.

Have a nice weekend!

This Week // 7.02.14

We're back! You may not have noticed, but I went and disappeared on ya for a couple of weeks. I'm stealthy like that. Or Not. Okay, maybe I should've prepared better and prepped some filler-posts before we left but… bygones! I'll share more of our trip to Aulani and Kauai in another post… I still have to weed through about 500 photos on my poor little camera phone.

But here's a sneak peak--

And another one--

So here's what's up for this week--

I shared some of my Favorite Summer Projects over at homework. If you haven't discovered it yet, Carolyn's blog is jam-packed with creative and beautiful project ideas. She also has one of the prettiest sites in the blog-o-sphere. But don't take my word for it, check it out!

After snickering at the "pajama pants" that are in style, I went and bought a pair. Soooo comfy for summer and not too spendy with the additional 30% off. [code: SHOPMORE]

Looking for an easy DIY tee for the July 4th festivities? This one is cute and looks fairly easy to make.

I'm trying to focus on finishing up our Master Bedroom restyle and am therefore going to ignore all the great sales going on this week. But this Tag Sale + extra 20% off at Anthro…  And this Sale + Free Shipping at Madewell... And an Extra 30% off Summer Styles at JCrew… Well, I hope someone scores some great deals!

Apples & strawberries dipped in anything sweet is so up my alley. This idea is great for a party.

I'm looking for extra-large artwork for my dining room but am struggling to find the right look… this elegant DIY might be just the thing.

If you're in the U.S., have a fun and safe Independence Day weekend!

This Week // 6.19.2014

ranunculus still life photography via lupen grainne | available on etsy

Things to avoid if you want to be happy. Especially #1, #4, #10 and #16.

I'm a long time fan of volcano, but this crane flower about knocked my socks off. It's supposed to be a present but… I'm soooo tempted.

The prettiest trailer I've ever seen.

Jewelry that gives back-- This one is a beauty. And this one too.

Why doesn't my craft room look like this?

If you're a blogger (aka master of deception), these photography tips are awesome.

Have a lovely weekend!

This Week // 6.13.2014

quote by william shakespeare | sign via the house of belonging  | available on Etsy

Today is my kids' last day of school! My how quickly this year went… Next Fall I will have a 1st grader and a 3rd grader. What??!!! So this is the Summer where we slow down time. We are not going to rush through it. We are going to s-l-o-w-l-y enjoy each and every moment. We'll call it the Summer of the Tortoise… and it'll take us an hour to eat a piece of lettuce.  :)

Since the Fam and I will be in slo-mo, this here blog will be in slo-mo too. I know, I know… it's been in slo-mo for about a month now… Alas, it can't be helped. Call it burn-out or a case of casual disregard, but I think a little break will be helpful. I'm going to try my darndest to peek in here at least once a week. And maybe a little creating will happen too. We shall see…

So, here's what's up for this week--

I don't like war. I don't like conflict. And I definitely don't like loud, in-your-face explosions, or special-effects laden movies about war… but I LOVE this movie and what it represents. It's about war, it's about buddies, it's emotional, human and very, very real. It's one of those movies that really gets you thinking and may change what you think you know. Highly recommend!

Father's Day is this Sunday and I got this for my hubby. Trust me when I say… He's going to be so stoked! No sarcasm AT ALL, he's been wanting one of these babies for a while. I did my research and this one is supposed to be good.

I'm not really getting the latest trend of pineapple decor, nor the blogosphere's obsession with cute donuts or things that look like donuts, but aren't… but I can get down with this yummy goodness.

After trying on way too many swimsuits, I finally found one that works for me. It's flattering, on sale, and it doesn't go anywhere when I swim. All good qualities. I feel like it deserves some sort of award… ;)  ps. I bought mine in the sale section and paid under $50.

We're redecorating our Master Bedroom. So far it's very contemporary, charcoal gray/cream and a bit masculine, but I'm strangely attracted to these whimsical crewel curtains. But I know how my brain works, I'll probably lose courage and go with this. Gah! We'll see…

Have a nice weekend!

This Week // 6.05.2014

latitude-longitude key chain via maven metals inc | available on etsy

This was a "chicken with its head cut off" kind of week for me. It's partly due to end-of-school madness, mixed with birthday and holiday planning, and topped off with miserable allergies… A not so great combination.  It was so bad that in my frenzy to get stuff done, I forgot to fill up gas. I was driving on the freeway when I realized that my fuel gauge actually read "1 Mile". Ack! My car gives no warning for low fuel… no bright light… no bing… nothing. By the time I rolled into the gas station it was actually on "0". Whoa… that's pretty bad. But, on the bright side, I'm grateful that I didn't have to push my car.  :D

Anyhow, summer is almost here and I'm determined to get my sanity back soon. Very soon. And I might even work on a project this month… Or July. 

Here are a few things that caught my attention this week--

My favorite candle in a room spray… Bliss!

Any Outlander fans out there? Well, if you are an Outlander virgin, let me tell you… there's a good reason why there are about a billion rabid Jamie & Claire fans out there. It's all about good writing, great research and A-mazing characters that are so incredibly real (and hot!).  On June 10th the Eighth book in the series will be released. I pre-ordered through Amazon and can't wait! Of course, if you're new to the series, you'll want to start with the first book which sets the whole plot and is a great read in itself. 

For some reason, fried blossoms sound good to me. One of these days I'm going to try this recipe.

I don't need any more clothes for summer, but I love this top (in blue)… and this one too.

Starting June 15th, some products of Jessica Alba's eco-friendly line, The Honest Company, will launch at Tar-Jay. One more thing to get distracted by when I go to pick up our prescriptions.

Emily Henderson's go-to paint colors. Awesome. Less trial and error for me. Love her… and love her even more for sharing.

Have a great weekend!

This Week // 05.29.2014

maya angelou quote via wise prints | available on etsy

Where did May go? Just a few more weeks until it's officially Summer. I'm both excited-- always nice to take a break from routine. And scared-- keeping 2 young boys entertained for a whopping 11.5 weeks. Yep, I counted... 11.5 weeks is a long stretch of time. Eep! 

Here's a few things that caught my attention this week--

Maya Angelou will be remembered for many wonderful things, but what always resonates with me is her phenomenal, yet simple, statements about life. What an amazing person. I am re-reading her book this week. Although she may be physically gone, I love that her words of wisdom will live on forever.

Do mean adults start out as mean children? Are you worried about how middle school kids behave? Maybe we should be more concerned with our preschoolers' behavior… Here's an interesting read--  It's never too young to teach empathy.

Bright colors are a good pick-me-up. These colorful melamine plates would be a perfect for a summer get together.

I love Marimekko's bold patterns and just discovered their collaboration with Banana Republic. My friend has this dress and, if you like fit & flare, it is very figure flattering. Also, if you like to decorate with bold colors and graphics, check out their ongoing collaboration with Crate + Barrel.

The simple style and neutral colors of this home in New York appeals to me. Although I have to admit, my own style is more hodge podge and not as serene… I guess some day I'll find a style and stick with it. ;)

Have a nice weekend!

This Week // 5.24.14

This week I accompanied my son and his 2nd grade class on a field trip to Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park, which is located off the coast of Southern California. Since it's just a short 45-minute boat ride away from Ventura Harbor, I was amazed by the clarity of the water. 

It was a beautiful day and we were able to witness first-hand the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world. I've always wondered where all those mischievous sea gulls came from… Now I know! Around 15,000 chicks heading to shore this summer. :)

Beautiful scenery abound and, if you're a nature-lover, someplace you should check-out while in Southern California.

Any plans for the Memorial Day Weekend? Here's a few things that caught my attention this week--

If you like sports and a good underdog story, I highly recommend this movie. My 8 year old loved it. It was a little over the head of my 5 year old, but he hung in there. By the end of the movie we were all craving Indian food… yum!

There are tons of sales going on this Memorial Day Weekend. A few deals that caught my eye-- comfy, casual dresses from the Gap (40% off!);  these sweet sandals at Nordstrom (half-yearly sale!);  these perforated sandals and these wedges at Macys (15% off);  summer tees & tanks at Anthropologie (up to 40% off)-- I have this one in ivory (size down) and it's adorable.

This book is wonderful! I think it should be required reading for all tweens and teens.

This Spring dining room by liz marie blog. In fact, her entire house is light & breezy and just lovely. She has moved since taking these photos, so it'll be fun to watch her decorate her new space.

If you're looking for a DIY project this weekend, this white brick vase is eye-catching, but doesn't seem too difficult to make. Win-win in my book.

Have a wonderful weekend!

This Week // 5.16.14

Graffiti Heart via The Paris Print Shop | available on Etsy

We're in the middle of another heatwave…  :( My boys have been troopers and had baseball games in the 105+ degree heat… Don't worry, we kept them hydrated and brought out the misters. Anyhow, I'm the dugout mom and our team had the joy of facing directly into the sun.  I could not have survived without this gem. This, sunscreen, sunglasses and a jug of iced water…. Phew!

Gotta love this bulldog and his determination. Not to mention his smarts… Lesser pups would've given up. This video made me smile.

Sand is my arch-nemesis. My kids leave little piles of it at the front door and my husband leaves gritty remnants of it by our kitchen trashcan (he insists this is the best place for pounding the sand out of their shoes). Thankfully I have this happy little guy. Would one with less design work just as well? Probably. But it certainly wouldn't make me smile while doing my chores.

Are you ready for Summer? It's coming up soon!!! So lets talk Retro Bathing Suits. I've coveted several over the years but never took the plunge (literally!). Honestly, I just want something cute that stays in place and makes me feel comfortable. This one fits the bill.

And, since the mention of bathing suits usually goes hand in hand with a countdown to get "ready" for swimsuit season… This woman wants to change the way women view their bodies. I'm on board. What do you think?

Have a nice weekend!!!

This Week // 5.09.14

Red Balloons for Ryan artwork by Lucy of Craftberry Bush | available at Society6

You may have noticed that the blog has been pretty quiet this week. I just didn't have it in me to work on the project that I had scheduled, and here's why….

You may have heard about #redballoonsforryan through Instagram or the web. Forgive me as I struggle to find the right words to describe this tragic loss for a young family. I shed tears because, as someone with young, rambunctious kids, it's something that I worry about constantly. It is something that can happen in a blink of an eye. And it is a tragedy that no parent should have to go through. That this Sunday is Mother's Day just makes my heart hurt even more for this family.

I do not know the family personally, but chose to help in the best way that I can, by donating here. Here's another option if you would like to donate to the family during this difficult time.

Additionally, many bloggers are helping by donating artwork with proceeds going to the family. Here are some beautiful examples by lucy of craftberry bush | mulberry press | idieh design | indie nook.

A community comes together to support others in times of need. In this case, our "little" blogging community has come together to help this family. Whether it's through monetary support, kind words or prayers, all are needed and are what make this community a great one.

This Week // 5.02.14

bicycle wine rack by oopsmark | available on Etsy

Why hello May… How did you sneak up like that? It's our first week back from Spring Break and, with this week's wild weather and extreme heat, it literally feels like we've skipped right into Summer. I'm hoping that Mother Nature calms down and we can go back to enjoying the last month of Spring.

Here's what caught my attention this week--

I never thought I'd say this but… I'm kinda crushing on muscle tees. Some with a Parisian bend and others that are floral and feminine. This one makes me want to go to the beach. Guess I better start toning the biceps!

I've been holding on to some of my boys' favorite T-shirts for several years now, never quite being able to part with them. This beautiful story and lovely quilt touches my heart. Have a tissue ready.

My new favorite home scent can be found at discount retail stores and plugs into a wall. It's inspired by our National Parks and is limited-edition, so get it while you can! I have "Hawaii" plugged in right now and it's almost like being there. Almost.

I loved this Ikea-hack light fixture when I first saw it a few years ago, and I love this new version even more!

Since I could never wear them (bad left foot / bad right knee), I wish I could live in a room that looks like this shoe collection. Whimsical, fun, and eye-catching… yet tasteful (not to mention spendy).

We thoroughly enjoyed our Spring Break. The kids spent a few days at camp, then we ventured out to Palm Desert to visit with good friends and enjoy the Easter festivities. On our way home, we stopped and enjoyed dinner with family. Then the next day we headed out to Universal Studios in Hollywood and leisurely spent 3 days there. The wait times were short and the weather was crisp. Perfection. It was a full, but not overly-scheduled break… Just how we like it.

This Week // 4.25.14

succulent heart vertical planter by rooted in succulents | available on etsy

My kids have been on Spring Break for the past two weeks. We spent part of the break visiting good friends in Palm Desert. It was great catching up and being completely unscheduled and relaxed. Then we spent the last four days at Universal Studios Hollywood being mesmerized by special effects, meeting minions and going on those 4-D rides where they try to shake the equilibrium out of you so that, by the end of the day, you're a tired, heap of catatonic tourist. In other words, we had a great time!

Although my brain is currently mush, a few things did grab my attention this week--

If you are a mother, have a mother, know a mother, or have a friend of a friend who is a mother… There's a chance that you'll get a kick out of these Mother's Day cards. Just enough over-the-top to make you laugh and feel vulnerable at the same time. Some of my granola mom friends will dig this one (!!).

Since Easter's over, here's what you can do with those icky Peeps. Am I the only one that think they're gross? Maybe they would taste better roasted, smothered in chocolate and stuffed between two graham crackers??

Last year, I retired my beloved and oft abused backpack and started carrying a purse again. Yay! It's so freeing not to haul around snacks and other kiddie accoutrements. I've been on the hunt for the perfect purse ever since… I think I found it. In a lovely cashmere grey. Wouldn't that be something if it went on sale? Sigh.

You know you've been spending a lot of time at the baseball field when you want to outfit the entire family in these tees-- mom | aunt | dad | uncle | boy 1 | boy 2 | (imaginary) girl 1 | (imaginary) girl 2. There's an extra 30% off many styles too!

A super pretty Family Tree. This would be a perfect gift for Mother's Day. Which, by the way, is just a couple of weeks away! How are we almost in May???!!! 

Happy Weekend!!!

This Week // 4.17.2014

himmeli wall art (set of three) by panselinos | available on Etsy

I haven't worn a skirt like this in years… This one is HOT!

24 people apply for the world's toughest job… If you haven't seen this yet. You must!

I already bought our easter egg dye kits, but maybe next year I'll dye some eggs blue the organic way.

Eyelet dresses are usually *too sweet* for my taste. But this one, in black, is the exception… Va-voom! Plus it's currently 40% off…

This reminds me of the seventies, but lately I've been intrigued by these wooly tapestries. Perhaps they aren't as scary without the avocado shag carpet and orange laminate countertops?

Do you ever do "art therapy" as a form of relaxation-- Like coloring mandalas or knitting? I love this idea of creative meditation while making washi tape art.

Did you see the Blood Moon earlier this week? If not, there's another chance to see one later this year. We had a great view from our home, but I only got one *slightly* decent photo of the partial eclipse. I have a regular camera with a regular lens so none of the photos of the total eclipse turned out. It was an eerie sight and worth staying up late for.

Have a cool weekend!

This Week // 4.11.2014

Happy Weekend! It's officially Spring Break for us-- Two whole weeks of unstructured activities. We're doing a staycation in Los Angeles and plan on visiting a bunch of places in the city that we hardly ever get to. Nothing's set in stone, but we'll probably be spending time in Hollywood, Universal City, Santa Monica and Palm Desert. We're all in need of a break from the regular routine and are looking forward to rediscovering our hometown.

Here's a few things that caught my attention this week…

Great advice for everyone… not just the kids!

print via The Wheatfield by Katie Daisy, available on Etsy

I was making my favorite salsa, but couldn't find any limes at the market and had to substitute with lemons… Now I know why!

I'm not really a girly-girl, but sometimes you just need a good fit & flare dress. Unfortunately this would probably be overkill for my usual weekend activity-- Sitting on the bleachers watching my kids play ball. Sigh.

Have you ever heard of using black pepper to stop bleeding? Consider me amazed. I'm not a klutz (really!!!) but I'm prone to freak injuries. **Knock on wood** The only limb that hasn't been injured is my left arm. **Knock on wood**. Yep, I'm keeping this nugget on file.

If I was compelled to actually make an Easter craft this year, it would look something like this.

My research for the week-- The best Petite bras for Petite boobs. After hours of grueling research, here are my scientific finds… Add A Size… Push It Up… Contour. Compelling stuff, I know…

My favorite cooking tool now comes in MATTE??? So pretty...

Have a great weekend!!!