it's good to laugh at yourself.

It's friday.

Long week.

No energy.

Need a break.

Sorry no fabulous finds or favorite things today.

I thought I would give you a good laugh and show you just how human I am.

We had a fun Memorial day cook out at a friends house last Sunday.  All the rough and tough little boys were running around racing each other.  So someone came up with the fine idea to have the gals race.  So all us moms lined up by the fence.  I was totally kickin' some booty until well...

Just go watch the video.

And I just have to say that we did race again and I tied for first.

I had to redeem myself.

Now go forth.

Laugh a little and have a fabulous weekend.

hooked.

Friday night is date night this week.  The in-laws are taking the boys for a sleep over and I am absolutely giddy to have some uninterrupted time with my dear husband.  First on the agenda [after dinner of course] would be to stop in here and pick up a few of these.  My new mirror in our entry way is begging for some hooks to placed beneath it.

did someone say cupcakes?

This is being released on June 2.

And yes, I most certainly need to have it.

what we're reading.

I am going to try this for a while and see how it goes.  I can't promise I will stay on top of it, but since we love to read at our house, I thought it would be fun to let you take a peek.  My mom bought my youngest this new book and it is quickly becoming a favorite!

what we're reading : Wombat Walkabout

A fun little story about six wooly wombats that go on walkabout. 

[not quite sure of all the aussie terms, the author provides a sweet little glossary.]

The wooly wombats begin there walkabout and one by one they each get distracted, not realizing a dingo is lurking about.

Soon the last two wombats realize all their friends are missing and devise a plan to outsmart the dingo.  In the end they celebrate wombat style.

A truly fun read, especially since we have been to Australia twice!

brown paper design.

I am in love with Brown Paper Design.

The name.

The flowers.

Oh how I love some pretty blooms!

pure + free.

It goes without saying that now that summer is here to stay for a while we will be headed to the pool most days.  Sunblock is a definite must!  I have tried numerous products in the past but think I have just found my newest fave.  Neutrogena pure + free baby sunblock lotion and stick. It is free of any harmful chemicals and is formulated  of naturally sourced ingredients.  I keep the stick in my purse for on the go needs and everything is scent free!  

Now tell me, what's your favorite sunblock lotion?

southern brand lil' ones.

I've grown up in Texas my whole life.  And although I grew up in a large city, I like to think I have a little cowgirl in me.  Some of my best girlfriends even say I have a bit of a drawl [that could be debated though, ha].  I have a strong love of country music and won't turn down a good BBQ.  I love the feelings the south evokes and was thrilled to be introduced to Southern Brand Lil' Ones.

Soft, weathered, fun lovin' tees + onesies for the little cowboys and cowgirls.  I can honestly say I have yet to see another product like it.  The cotton is extremely soft and the graphics and sayings are out of this world hilarious.  A perfect fit for any southerner or yank who would like to join in the fun!

holiday weekend.

[image via here]
Hope all my lovely readers had a relaxing memorial day weekend.  I had a fabulous time with family and friends and even had the chance to lay out by the pool.  A nice reminder to be grateful to all those who so willingly serve our country.

See you tomorrow morning.  I am featuring a fabulous new to me company that I think you will love as much as I do!

kiki and polly winner!

Congratulations to...

You are the oh so lucky winner of the 8x10 portrait sketch.  Please get in touch with me via email so we can put you in touch with Lisa.

Thanks so much Lisa for your generosity! 

L-bows winner!

Congratulations to...

Please email with all your shipping info. so we can get your lovely goodies out to you as soon as possible.

Also a big thanks to Lindsay at L-Bows for making the giveaway possible!

farm life.

[image via "a little house by the big woods"]
I live with all the conveniences of the city but am still located far enough north that we have corn fields and fields of cows surrounding us.  I love to drive down the highway, which my oldest has deemed the "cow road".  If I block out everything else I can pretend I have been transported to a farm.  I don't know if I could ever make the jump to that life style but secretly I dream about living on a farm.  Until then I'll just read this darling blog and pretend I'm there.

de-clutter.

[image via here]
I love to purge clutter.  Organizing ranks high on the list of my favorite things to do.  Honestly it does, even though it sounds a bit crazy.  Every so often I take a shopping bag and go from room to room and get rid of anything that doesn't fit into these two categories : need it/love it. If I don't need the item or if I don't love it, it usually goes.  I have been known to go a little overboard sometimes but for the most part this system works beautifully.

What are some hands down, fabulous organizing tips that you have?

DIY friday : little pots of moss.

[idea and images by the lovely jordan @ oh happy day]
I am loving this idea from the Project Wedding blog.  Such a super simple + affordable idea that I might tailor it to fit my annual Forth of July par-tay.  I have a feeling those little pots would look spot on fab scattered across my table.

sun-kissed.

I have a fair complexion with a generous scattering of freckles.  I am in need of a great bronzer/bronzing gel/lotion/etc!  I want something that gives me a gradual sun-kissed glow, has a very minimal scent and is easy to apply.  So I am seeking your help, my fabulous readers.  Come to my rescue and tell me what your favorite bronzing product is!!

lions & tigers & bears, oh my.

Yesterday I took my two boys to the Fort Worth Zoo and can now add that to my list of favorite activities to share with my kids.  Their ages [4 & 2.5] were perfect for them to enjoy the experience.  The weather was perfect, the kids were acting exceptionally good and fun was had by all.  So tell me, what are some of your all time favorite activities to partake in with your children?

L-bows giveaway.

The weather is warm, flowers are blooming and I am finally catching glimpses of butterflies. Oh the darling outfits I am dreaming up for the little girl I do not have.  I lust after the dainty sun dresses and ruffly swimsuits.  But my absolute most favorite thing about little girls are the never ending bows + clips + headbands I come across.  I have been fortunate enough to have been introduced to some fabulous companies through our blog.  But since I don't have a reason to partake, I will pass along my good fortune to you.

L-Bows is summer fun for your little gals hair.  Bright flowers and simple buttons.  Colorful butterflies and traditional bows.  The only difficult thing will be choosing which to buy.  Lucky for you,  Lindsay has so kindly donated some of her fabulous products for one lucky winner to take home. 

The winner gets to take home...

a pink kufi hat

one creamy white peony flower

a set of two flowers-summer pink

Want to win?  Just leave me your name and email and a comment telling me what's your favorite style.  The giveaway ends this Friday at 7am.  Good luck!

kiki and polly giveaway.

Oh boy, I am so super incredibly excited about this giveaway.  I first mentioned Kiki and Polly in our Mother's Day Gift Guide week and even ended up purchasing a portrait sketch for my own  mom. My mom loved her sketch so much that I wanted to be able to offer my readers one of their very own.  And the lovely Lisa of Kiki and Polly is so graciously donating her talents to make it happen.

Lisa's artwork is truly one of a kind, spot on fabulous.  It is whimsical and a bit quirky but totally unique.  I most definitely see a purchase in the near future.  It is becoming increasingly hard to resist.

Today we are kicking off the giveaway for an 8x10 portrait sketch.  If you are feeling the stars align in your favor, be sure to enter.  Even if luck hasn't been on your side, give it a go, you just might finally hit your lucky streak.  

All you have to do is leave your name and email with a comment on what you would choose to have sketched.  The giveaway ends this Friday at 7am.  Good luck!

coming up.

I have a bit of a busy morning but be sure to check back later this afternoon.  We have not one but TWO fabulous giveaways coming up.  You will not want to miss out!

arte bebe discount.

When I posted about Arte Bebe last Friday, I forgot to mention the fabulous discount they are extending to My Favorite Things readers.  

Just enter ABFAVS at checkout to receive 15% off any item of your choice.  Hurry up, offer expires June 30th!

Thank you Arte Bebe!

dwell studio for kids.

Look at all the pretty little things you can get here by Dwell Studio. I feel a shopping trip coming on...

[via Black*Eiffel]

blue pool road.

These gift tags by Blue Pool Road are the most clever little things. I want them all.

DIY friday : flower collar.

Want to know how to create this dainty flower collar?

Go here for the instructions.

Oh how I wish I was a crafty lady.

not your usual girl nursery.

I am la la loving this nursery right now.  In fact, I loved it so much I indulged my whims and purchased the flag decals for the boy's play room!

one stop shop.

Sometimes shopping for the wee little ones can be a bit overwhelming, especially the first time around.  Trying to find everything you need [and want] can take some time.  Hallelujah for the internet!  Arte Bebe is a fabulous online boutique that carries the best of the best in the baby/kid world. Eclectic, hip and modern, they carry the top brands.

OiOi diaper bags

Spot on Square [nursery/kid furniture]

City Threads [rockin' little boy clothes]

And that's just naming a few.

Be sure to check Arte Bebe out and just try not to get excited!

some days you gotta dance.

I can't remember which blog I saw this on [sorry] but am thinking this would look fabulous in our playroom.  My boys love to dance!  Such a great piece of art, don't you think?

a good book.

[image via here]
It is raining and pouring.

Completely dark and gloomy outside.

And all I want to do is curl up with a good book.

Any suggestions?

Is there a book out there that I absolutely must read?

Please share!

treat bag toppers.

Hosting a little party soon? Use this free download from Creature Comforts to create some simple and sweet treat bags.

linda and harriett.

It comes as no surprise that I fancy paper.  A lot.  Linda and Harriett is high on my list of paper faves, which is why I am excited that they came out with new line of note pads.  Be still my paper lovin' heart.  Fun designs + cheery colors.  What more could I ask for?

spin collective.

I was very excited when these rockin' wall stickers came in the post from none other than one of our fabulous sponsors, Spin Collective.

Spin Collective pretty much has a collection to cover any the room in your house.  Vinyl wall stickers are a fantastic alternative to wall paper or even paint, especially if you are renting.  It is a great way to add a bit of color and art to your home with out breaking the break.  And they are super easy to apply and take down!  I say the only down side is trying to decide which to choose. Good luck picking your favorite!

Oh and I'll be sure to post a picture of my playroom once the robot and aliens take up residence! 

galvanized serving pieces.

Now that my backyard project is complete, I want to throw a BBQ. These galvanized serving pieces from Pottery Barn are so perfect for a simple, relaxed get together. The drink caddy is my favorite. What's yours?

t-shirt baby gowns.

Have a lot of sweet t-shirts in your closet that you're no longer wearing? I love this idea of turning shirts into baby gowns for the little one.

[via ohdeedoh]

thank you.

A big thanks to Jora, at Domestic Reflections, for joining us for the week.  I so enjoyed exploring your favorite things and even added some of them to my faves list!  Do come again to visit!

For the Coffee-Obsessed

I admit my husband and I are coffee-obsessed and maybe a bit snobbish about the whole thing. We don't drink much of it, but in the morning, we need it to be good. We rely on our trusty espresso traditional Italian maker for our morning ritual. And until now, we've sort of scoffed at the idea of the little machines that use those pre-made pods. I don't know, it just doesn't seem that authentic. Sort of like wine in a box, you know? But on a recent trip, we rented a house that came with one of these espresso makers and fell in love....it's not as good as the "real thing," but for the price ($199) and convenience? Let's just say the first thing we did when we got home was order one for his office and for travel. (It's only 6 and a half pounds, so we plan on taking it on road trips. I told you we are obsessed!)

Nespresso c90 available here

tally-up.

My ears just perked up a bit.

These are fabulous, no?

DIY friday : paint a mural.

I don't think of myself as crafty or artistic but this DIY project seems attainable. Art can be expensive so why not have a go at it yourself.  Paint a mural using these simple instructions. Go, have fun!

The Hand-Me-Down.

Now that I'm going on my third child, and having a boy and a girl already, I am all about buying at least some clothes and shoes that can be passed down. This means the color and style has to be classic and unisex, and the quality excellent. Luckily, these happen to be some of the best looks for little kids out there IMHO. Take these sandals, for instance. I bought them in brown for my son (so cute on him!), but my daughter will look just as cute, and the baby (we don't know the sex) will be next in line. My husband will be so proud of my thriftiness and foresight!

Salt Water Surfer Sandal

daisy p.

I just received the newest product from Daisy Princess Paperie and it is completely fun, completely colorful and completely fabulous!

Fabnotes + Notepads have fun, graphic designs in coordinating colors that make it a cinch to mix and match.  The perfect size to tote around in your bag, because you never know when you may need to jot an important something or other down.

Fabnotes + Notepads are, well, fabulous of course!

design room.

It is already feeling a bit like summer down here in Texas.  And to me summer means nothing more than fun in the sun.  Design Room has some awesomely fun products to ring in the heated season.

aroma ducks : Possibly the coolest little duck ever.  Vibrant colors plus a hint of a yummy scent.  My boys confiscated mine as soon as I opened the package.

beach balls/swim rings : You will not find a cooler patterned beach ball anywhere else.  I am totally digging the nautical one!

banks : Whimsical and sweet, these little piggies are begging for your coins.

Fun splurges that will not break the pocket book.  Head on over and take a look.  It will definitely have you aching for summer!

The Pefect Shirt? Look No Further.

Allow me to introduce you to the world's perfect shirt. (If I dare be so bold.) This here shirt is made of the softest cotton imaginable, is cut perfectly through the sides and has cute little rolled up sleeves. It comes in tons of colors (I admit I have three), and you can dress it up or down. It really is the shirt I've been looking for all my life.

James Perse Panel Shirt available here (and lots of other places too!)

I've Got That Beach-y Feeling.

Just about this time every year, I start getting serious longings for long, warm, leisurely afternoons at my favorite local beach. But it's not quite summer (as ready as I am for it to be here) and the days are still a bit too chilly. So until then, I have one of my favorite fragrances to keep me company.



I love this stuff. It's smells lightly of the seaside, and doesn't hit you over the head with that coconut oil scent that other "beach" perfumes suffer from. Try it. You'll love it.

Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume

my sister's keeper.

Loved every word of the book.

Can not wait for the movie.

Have you read it, and did you like it?

Do tell!

casart coverings.

Casart Coverings is a fabulous alternative to wall paper.  It is made of a canvas-like vinyl with an adhesive backing.  You can choose from wall finishes, to murals, to even something a bit more custom.  I personally like the faux linen finish and am completely sold on the fact that I can custom match it to most any Benjamin Moore paint color.  I love the simple brilliance; it is easy to apply and leaves no damage whatsoever.  Such a beautiful thing!

  

tiny toms.

I really love Toms but I love Tiny Toms even more. What makes them so great? Along with their simple canvas styling is the fact that for every pair of shoes you purchase, Toms will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. Sounds fair to me.

Better Than Board Shorts.

I don't know about your three-year-old son, but mine hates swimming in the pool with trunks on. I can't say I blame him. Who would want a big baggy pair of soggy shorts sticking to you while you're trying to play? But there are times when swimming au naturelle just won't cut it. Like the other day, when we had a bunch of neighbors over and he stripped down and hopped in the pool. Completely naked. That's when I decided I need to get him a pair of these:

Now, don't those look a lot more comfortable? And cute? And better than a Speedo. I don't think he would forgive me if I made him wear a Speedo.

(I really like this crocodile pattern!)

Available at Boden for just $20.