found soda crate.

Are these not the coolest?

patio makeover.

Am in love with this patio makeover.

cupcake heaven : sprinkles.

I took my oldest on a special date to Sprinkles yesterday. He was in heaven and so was I. My favorite at the moment is Peanut Butter Chocolate! Yummy! Do you have a favorite cupcake place where you live?

orbit baby.

Whenever we decide to add a third addition to our family of crazy boys, we will need a new single stroller. I have been browsing online at some of the top of the line strollers and think this one fits the bill. Although it is pricey, I think it is awesomely cool and innovative. Anyone currently use the Orbit Baby? Or do you have a favorite stroller that you just love? Do tell!

mineral green.

My lovely mother so kindly bought my boys some shirts from crewcuts. This being my absolute favorite. The cotton is oh so soft and the look is classic. Can't wait to receive them in the post. Do you not just love to receive a package in the mail? I certainly do!

maan : summer 09

Can I get these in an adult size please?

[seen on simplesong]

print patter paper.

Print Pattern Paper makes the top of my list for favorite paper stores. Now they have added a larger size to three fabulous posters.

a world map.

an alphabet poster.

a number poster.

Any and all would look great in a playroom or bedroom and the alphabet and numbers poster would work for either a little gal or guy. If 18x24 is a bit too big you can always jump down to the 11x14. I really like the alphabet poster. And if you have a favorite that you just don't think you can live with out, listen up. Rebecca over at Print Pattern Paper is extending a coupon code for 20% off. Just enter P3THANKS.

[offer expires 7/15]

life's that way.

Extremely touching.

Raw emotions.

A story, a journey.

If you decide to pick up this book, remember to grab a box of kleenex too.

lollipop rompers.

Sweet little gift idea, don't you think?

[as seen on Babyccino]

BabyHawk.

No, I am not pregnant with number three but a third little one will happen sometime in the next year or so. With that being said, I am a huge sling/wrap/carrier junky. I have tried quite a few. Loved some and didn't care for some others. This one looks like it could be a winner in comparison to the beloved baby bjorn.

So tell me, what are your favorite slings + wraps + carriers?

who knew.

Who knew Walmart had it in them?

I believe this could be the answer to a reasonably priced modern crib.

Perfect!

susan najarian art + design.

I want this fun loving, colorful piece of art hanging in my pink room. It is cheery + lovely and brings a smile to my lips. Susan Najarian has amazing talent that I can only dream about and the prices are spot-on fabulous. One of a kind art for $50, seriously? And since my readers are quite lovely themselves, Susan is extending a 10% discount on any 5x5 painting. Just mention My Favorite Things in a "conversation" before purchasing, and Susan will apply the discount to your pay pal payment. Happy shopping!

not just for the grown-up.

Paper fun, I believe, is not just for the "grown-up".

Kids have paper needs too and Daisy P left no stone unturned when creating their babies/kids line. Fantastically fun graphics with splashes of color.

Note pads.

Stationary.

Invitations.

Go forth and explore!

It is a sea of paper goodness!

in a funk.

I am in a serious funk today readers.

I am tired [youngest woke up at 5:30].

I am sunburned [ouch, my fault].

I am prickly [just one of those days].

And I have a favor to ask...

Want to help brighten my day?

I thought I bookmarked this particular site but can not find it and it is driving me nutty, hence adding to my funkadelic day. I think it may be a blog and it showcases free art from different artists that you can print for your liking.

If you know what I am talking about, please pretty please leave the link in the comment section. Thanks! And here's to hoping your day is going a bit better than mine.

Oh and super be thank you to Michele, from The Paris House, for her lovely guest posts this week! I definitely bookmarked quite a few new favorites!

Light up the night

These lovely Shanghai lanterns by Asian Ideas are sure to get your party going. Hang one for an elegant accent or hang a group of them for impact. I plan to hang a group of them in various sizes, shapes and colors under our Wisteria covered pergola.

Thanks Molly, I had a great time guest blogging this week. I met a lot of very fun, creative and interesting new people.

i need change.

Although we just purchased a new bed a couple of years ago, I have fallen out of love with it. I am so over black furniture right now and am itching for a new bedroom look. I'd gladly start off by bringing home this beauty. Simple, sleek and it's NOT black. Can I get a woot woot?

Hurry Hurry Don't Be Late

These delicious little treats are perfect for Father's Day or just about any day. Eleni's bakery in New York makes delicious cookies that you can send to family and friends on special occasions or to just say you are thinking of them. They also make great hostess gifts. Whether your host/hostess plays golf, tennis or collects designer handbags, you can custom order cookies that reflect their interests. They look great and taste great.

farmers market.

[image via here]
A new found favorite of mine...

the farmers market!

I know, I know.

I am sure there are plenty of you that have already discovered the fabulousness of the farmers market. I am a little behind all you cool people. I finally got over my laziness and figured out where the closest one was and then promptly told my dear husband that we were most definitely making a trip there Saturday morning.

The only problem; I ran out of cash way too fast. I've made a mental note to bring more this next Saturday because I plan to go back every Saturday until the season is over for the year. Here is where I went to discover the closest farmers market to me. Now go forth and discover!

have a seat.

I can totally see these on our back patio.

Yes, please!

dress me.

This dress is really cute and extremely affordable. I tried it on the other day but had enough willpower to walk away. But boy, it was really hard. I will be keeping my eye on it!

unbleached unpaper towel.

I first spotted these here and knew I needed to snatch some up. I know I use far too many paper towels. Now instead of wiping the kids faces and cleaning off the table with my beloved paper towels, I will be able to you my unpaper towel. Genius!

laura normandin's wedding.

This wedding is picture perfect in every possible way. I heart Laura Normandin.

Fireflies in the Garden

I just adore the lovely shop, Calypso St. Barth, to me their clothes are very ethereal. I plan to wear this lovely long white dress at a cocktail party I am hosting this summer under our pergola. Our Casablanca Lillies will be in full bloom perfuming the air, the fireflies will be lighting up the night, champagne will be flowing and this dress will be the icing on the cake.

The Earth Mother Picnic

I adore this sweet picnic set. I like the organic natural feel of the products and they will mix wonderfully with some of my "fancier" picnic supplies. They are 100% biodegradable. Each set contains enough place settings for either four or eight picnickers.

cutiemus.

Is this not super cute?

I sure think so!

crochet.

I have been wanting to immerse myself in fiber for quite a while now.

Knitting seems a bit daunting.

Crocheting looks a bit more doable [for me].

So I decided to become a hooker.

I went to her house friday night and realized that yarns are extremely yummy and very addicting.

My first project is under way and will be revealed when it is complete.

journal.

I adore this journal by Nikki McClure. The inside pages are so lovely. Take a peek. The perfect way to spend some lazy summer days.

guest blogger : Michele from The Paris House

Traveler.

Designer.

Entertainer.

Party Planner.

Michele does it all and still has time to blog. I love welcoming new guest bloggers and finding out what makes them happy. So without further ado, I give you Michele.

A little basic info.
Hi I’m Michele but everyone calls me Bunny, I live with my husband and three sons in a 200 year old stone and clapboard historic farmhouse. I work from my home where I plan special events/design work, write books and write for the Well Fed Network. I have just recently had my first Children’s book published, I teach a workshop from our farmhouse on entertaining and design ideas from around the world and I have designed a birthstone ring called “The Earth Mother” ring. I donate portions of all my sales to various charities.

About The Paris House.
My blog is a continuation of my website which is an online lifestyle magazine that is updated daily. I have been a party planner for 20 years but only started blogging about 6 months ago. I love to create something everyday and my blog is great way to share ideas with others. I also love reading and learning from other fantastic blogs that I have discovered as a blogger.

Favorite must read blog.

I’m terrible at choosing favorites, there are so many wonderful blogs, yours being one of them. I do love Pink of Perfection, M Writes, NieNie, and Brown Eyed Gal.

Favorite season.

I’m from upstate New York on the border of Vermont so I would have to pick Autumn.

Favorite store [for you] to shop at.

I just adore The Snappy Turtle near our condo in Delray Beach Florida. They have adorable clothes, jewelry, shoes, gifts for the home and so many unique items that you just don’t find everywhere.

Favorite beauty product.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk soufle body cream. I don’t know what I will do if they ever discontinue this product. I have never worn t his lotion without someone telling me I smell fantastic, they just keep hugging you. It smells that good they don’t want to let you go, not to mention it leaves your skin silky smooth.

Welcome Michele!

Making Decorative Ice Buckets

Making Decorative Ice Buckets is a snap with Nice Ice Cooler

I'm so excited to be guest blogging today on My Favorite Things. I look forward to reading Molly's blog each day and I always learn of great new items from her posts.

One of the best things about being a professional party planner/designer is planning parties at my home for family and friends. I am constantly trying out new products to use and to share with my friends. I have been making decorative ice buckets with the Nice Ice Cooler for several years now. They are adorable, super easy to make, affordable and you can buy a few and keep them in your freezer for even last minute get togethers.

Simply fill the canister with whatever you like that will work with your designs and cocktails, add some water and freeze. There is no mess, as the water drains directly into the stainless steel container. For my Late Harvest Riesling Cocktails, I used Orange slices. You can add pesticide free flowers, sliced strawberries, or even just plain water for a very crisp chic look.

Late- Harvest Wine and Campari Cocktails:

(adapted from Food and Wine)

3 3/4 cups of sweet late-harvest white wine such as Riesling ( I used Ice Wine from Niagara On The Lake)

2 1/4 cups fresh orange juice

1 cup Campari

Ice, for serving

In a large pitcher, mix the white wine with the fresh orange juice and Campari. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Fill tall glasses with ice, pour the cocktail over the ice and serve.

* I felt like I was on the Amalfi Coast while drinking these, I would recommend wearing an over sized pair of chic sunglasses!!

xoxo
Bunny

DIY friday : cupcake toppers + garland.

Creature Comforts is a fantastically inspiring blog. So it comes as no surprise that is where I found our DIY for this Friday's edition. Delightful cup cake toppers and matching garland. I feel a party in the making!

the polar express.

I have loved this story for quite a long time and even saw the movie in theaters when it first came out. It also just happens to be one of my boys' favorite movies too. If you too have a secret wish to ride aboard the Polar Express then take a peek at this and listen up.

The Polar Express Train Ride!

Browse through the selection of locations.

Pick the one that works for you.

And then enjoy the ride!

I have a feeling we may be making a trip to colorado this fall! A train traveling through the mountains seems like a fantastic way to ride the Polar Express!

raising foodies.

A fabulous new blog that you simply must read!

frazier + wing.

Since I seem to be in a pink mood, how about having this beauty hang in our front room! Simply stunning!

rosette pillow.

I like a splash of color here and there through out the house. Our front dining room turned sitting area is sprinkled with a bit of pink. At the time the only throw pillows I had were pink and I wasn't too keen on the idea. But after I added a few pieces of art to adorn the walls, the color pink started to slowly grow on me. And now it is one of my favorite rooms to just sit in and read [when I can steal a quite moment]. I think this pillow would be a fabulous addition!

rikrak bibs + an apology.

Hello, dears. I know I'm posting awfully late today. This last week of school is a killer. Full of places to be + things to do. Please forgive me. I do have a new favorite to share with you. These RikRak bibs are so sweet. I could buy one of each.

free gift tag download.

Stephanie just posted about these free downloadable gift tags from Whisker Graphics. The one in the upper left corner would be a perfect little thank you for your children's teachers.

capture.

Stephanie [of Auburn Soul Photography] is a gem.  Her work is stunning and she continues to out do herself with each photo shoot she creates.  I'm lucky to call her my go-to photographer and even luckier to call her a friend.  

Auburn Soul is based out of the Dallas area but Stephanie also visits Utah on occasion and will of course travel if you simply must make use of her talent.  We just had our family pictures captured and lets just say they turned out simply lovely.  My two boys were completely uncooperative but alas Stephanie was able to sneak in a few shots of "the things" behaving.  

Now for your viewing pleasure!

 

hana mini.

A fabulous flat iron is a must have in my bag of beauty tricks.  Although in the summer I usually let me hair go natural, I still have the need to tame the waves.  

Enter the Hana Salon, with many a fabulous flat iron to choose from!

Hana Elite

Hana Professional

Hana Mini

I had the pleasure of giving the mini a test run and was pleasantly surprised.  Although it was small in size, it sure packed a punch.  It heated up nicely, tamed the waves precisely and was teeny tiny, which meant I finally had a flat iron that would fit snug when traveling.  Win, win, win all around!

Melissa, a good friend of mine, also took the Hana Mini for a spin and this is what she had to say...

"I love me my Hana Mini.  Quite frankly, I was surprised that something so small could heat up so quickly & produce such good results {especially considering that I have naturally curly hair}!  And it stinkin' cute!  And came in a cute package too.  Love it!  I can't wait to travel with it!"

So the verdict is in...

You're hair will love the Hana flat iron!

tumblr.

I heart Kelly McCaleb's Tumblr so much I could make out with it. Every photo, song + quote speaks to my soul. SO inspiring. What is Tumblr, you ask? Go here to learn more.

[image]

blanca gomez.

I really love these prints by Blanca Gomez. They would look fab in a gender neutral nursery. Or a playroom.

[via Say YES to Hoboken]

jig winner!

Congrats to...

Please get in touch with me soon!

Happy Friday everyone; have a great weekend!

grill season.

One of the things I love most about summer is that we use our grill a lot.  My oldest turns four this Sunday and we decided this year to just have a small intimate family party. Hamburgers are on the menu and Martha Stewart has some mouth watering recipes.  I'm hungry already!

celebrate.

This is a super cute, super easy DIY banner that would be perfect for any type of celebration.  I think I shall I have to try this out for our next party!

[idea via party perfect, via once wed]