tiny gold.

Alright, I can't stop thinking about this necklace. I guess that means that I really don't just want it, I need it.

chez larsson.

One of my favorite blogs, Chez Larsson is full of all kinds of organizing inspiration + eye candy. The blog author Benita just announced she's opened a little shop full of really awesome punch art. Check out all of the designs here. The "home sweet home" in turquoise is my favorite. What's yours?

cutting board.

I could really use a new cutting board. Mine is old and not so pretty. I like how sleek and simple this one is.

ruby sue.

I think I need this little number to spice up my boring wardrobe. I love the colors; the perfect transition to fall.

friday favorites : by Brandi

[image via here]

A few of Brandi's favorite things

acts of kindness, especially when done in secret

room service at 5 star hotels

good friends, these two specifically [1 + 2]

compliments from strangers

girl talk [even better when having a tea party]

snail mail and fun things to send

cute undies

being held by my husband

my dogs! and ornaments!

home projects [currently working on one inspired by this picture]

Thanks Brandi! Happy Friday!

Go here to find out how to be our next Friday Favorites.

moroccan leather pouffes.

I want some of these for my living room.

preschool.

[image via here]
My oldest is four, he has a summer birthday. We have decided to hold him back a year so instead of going off to kindergarden next fall, he will be attending preschool. Which brings me to this year. I want to do a little "mommy school" at home. Just basics. My question is, any good online resources for free printable worksheets and what not?

back to school with style.

Okay, I'll put it out there... I may have a few snobby traits. But rightfully so. For instance, I can not stand cheesy, portrait style photographs of my boys. I won't name any names, but you get the picture. We all think our own children are the most adorable around, which we should. So why not treat them, ahem yourself, to a back to school mini session with Auburn Soul Photography. Go here for all the deets.

days of the week.

If you have a child that is a terror to get dressed in the morning, try using these days of the week tags to organize their outfits. Could be helpful on those very busy back-to-school mornings. Print them for free here.

[via The Dodson Tales]

school supplies.

Did you see this fab school supply list Jordan compiled? Strangely, it has me wanting to watch You've Got Mail. You know, fall... bouquets of pencils...

my favorites.

my two boys are my absolute favorites.

boston doors.

A new to me blog, Naturally Nina.

And I naturally fell in love with this post.

How charming are all those doors?

girls night out.

Last Friday night I headed out the door for a night a fun with my two besties, Melissa + Stephanie. It had been far too long and a girls night was needed. We had fun browsing shops + taking pictures + eating at Grimaldi's. The pizza was scrumptious and the company was grande! The pictures were taken by my fabulous friend Stephanie of Auburn Soul.

What do you like to do when you go out with your girls?

helpful hints : Jora's kitchen know-how.

Quite a bit of "cyber dust" has collected on our Helpful Hints feature and I decided that we needed to bring it back to life. Our newest article feature is a Q&A with Jora of Domestic Reflections. If you are a follower of her blog, you will know that she turns out scrumptious meals that all seem so effortless. Jora was kind enough to let me pick her brain and this is what she had to say.

How did your love of cooking come about?

I think I was born with it. I remember reading cook books at 5 years old. Also, my mom is a real foodie and most of my family members are the type of people who talk about the next meal as they are eating another. It drives my husband crazy!

What types of food do you grow in your garden?

I'm in charge of our herb garden, and I try to keep a variety at all times. However, I tend to forget to pay attention and sometimes have to replace the withered ones, if you know what I mean.

My husband, on the other hand, is in charge of the vegetable garden and he grows tons of stuff. In the summer, tomatoes, squash, beans, melon, cucumbers. In the fall and winter, lots of salad greens, cooking greens, carrots, beets, onions.... He tries different things all the time. Some do better than others. We also have quite a few fruit trees. Some of my favorites: meyer lemon, tangerine, pink grapefruit and persimmon.

Any recommendations for starting a garden for the very first time?

Have fun and don't be intimidated. My husband and I never had our own garden until about a year and a half ago.

Which herbs would you recommend starting with first?

I use rosemary, thyme, oregano and flat-leaf parsley the most. They also tend to be easy to grow. Sage and marjoram are also nice. Basil in the summer for sure. I've never had luck with cilantro and dill [they go to seed very quickly], but I would love to have those in my garden as well .

What are some basic skills that might help take your cooking to the next level?

I can't think of any particular skills per se, but I think subscribing to a magazine that isn't too fancy, like Bon Appetit, is really good for giving you ideas for seasonal dishes and simple recipes.

Any must have cooking utensils/pots/pans?

Hmmmm...I like to think of myself as sort of a minimalist. I think you need a good chef's knife, a good saute pan, a stock pot [doesn't have to be expensive], a good roasting pan, a food processor and a Kitchen Aid mixer. I really couldn't live without any of these things. I really don't have any gadgets. Some of the best home meals I've had have come from teeny tiny kitchens with nothing fancy in them.

What are some staple dishes your family loves?

Everyone loves soups, pasta and most casseroles [like chicken pot pie, enchiladas, etc.].

Any tips for picky eaters?

My son is fairly picky, and no, I don't have any tips....help!

Best all around cook book?

The Gourmet Cookbook -- I use it more than any other, hands down.

Where do you get your recipes?

Mostly magazines [I love Gourmet and Everyday Food currently] and online [especially www.epicurious.com]

How can you find out what is in season?

Just go to your local farmer's market and look around! Here is a pretty good online resource as well.

Favorite meal + dessert?

I don't think I could ever narrow it down to one meal and one dessert, but I do know I love home-cooked, seasonal, fresh food the best [that doesn't really help, does it?]. And I like Americana-style homemade desserts most of all, like fruit pies, cobblers, crisps, etc. My grandmother and my mom are the best bakers of these type of desserts, I might add!

dark + white.

I love the white bed + the dark walls. Although I don't know if I would be so brave to paint my own bedroom that dark. Would you? And what color is your bedroom right now?

DIY friday : post it calendar.

I am still loving this simple, easy to do post-it calendar by Design Mom. Inexpensive and innovative!

friday favorites : by Sarah.

A few of Sarah's favorite things

Pretty Birdie's recycled antique curtain dress

Vinyl and Plaid traincase

pretty messy flower hair clip

Pretty in Pink bench

banana split heels

Mary Jane Watson - not your typical little black dress

Ljusas Salbo light blue gray lamp

cable knit sweater dress

cupcake stand with scallop bell jar

baby mat-pink water lily

Thanks Sarah! Happy Friday!

little gypsies.

Little Gypsies is a new to me company and I am so glad they found me. I love the discovery of a new company, that not only carries fabulous products but also has a beautiful mission statement.

The whole idea behind the company is to "capture the richness of travel". The women behind the name wanted to introduce cultures and people and places from around the globe. Three percent of their earnings are so graciously donated to the Green Gecko Project, which is a Cambodian Community group that strives to improve the lives of street children.

The products range from around the world and are full of rich colors and yummy textures. I will most certainly be bookmarking them for future use.

four is our magic number.

While on holiday in Utah for the BIG Elmer reunion, my lovely friend Toni [who is also an Elmer] took photographs of my little family. She is the genius behind Urban Photo and I love her to death.

sweet time.

Sweet Time licorice is seriously the. absolute. best. I am not a licorice person but when these find their way to our home, I lack self control. I have only found them at Walgreens and unfortunately not online.

What's your favorite candy?

Women's Designer Consigner Event.

I have a slight problem.

Maybe it is a bit snobbish, but I love designer goodies.

And if you do too, then listen up...

"Women's Designer Consignment Event this September 4th and 5th. It is a two day sale where women can consign their designer merchandise with us and receive 70% of what their items sell for. It works similar to a traditional consignment store with a few differences:

1. We do not have a store- this is a 2 day sale in Salt Lake City

2. Consignee's receive 70% of what their items sell for (which, if you have consigned at a traditional consignment store... you understand how much higher of a % you are getting)

3. YOU name the price you want your items to sell for

4. You get a check within 5 days of the close of the sale (No more waiting around for your money for weeks/months)"

Oh how I wish I lived in Utah! But since I don't, maybe you can go for me!

the lovely list.

A fabulous new blog full of lots of lovely bloggers. Go, read, and stay a while. It really is quite lovely.

made by hank.

Have I told you recently how much I love the sweet etsy shop Made by Hank? The darling bags are handmade happiness.

curtain rod display.

I adore this idea.

print pattern paper sale!

[my favorite design]
Save some paper and ditch the brown lunch sacks this year. Instead head over to Print Pattern Paper and grab an Organic Cotton Lunch Sack. Not only are you helping out the environment but you look cute to boot! Normally priced at $22, they are only a whopping $12 right now. And since Print Pattern Paper loves our readers so much, you can receive 10% off any product. Both promos are good until September first, so don't wait too long!

coupon code : 10FROMP3

did you hear?

[image via here]
Without being called out as sounding like a broken record, I'll skip the whole gushing about how much I love Dante Beatrix.

I just couldn't delete this information and not share it with you. You can now get your lovely goodies monogramed [exclusively at at Script and Scribble]. yeah!

And you can purchase the adorable new robot line [exclusively at Giggle]. How fantastic! I have a soft spot for robots.

There you go! Now I feel so much better.

alli's originals.

I know I have already mentioned before but I love simple, understated jewelry. Don't get me wrong, I still adore big beads and bright colors but nothing beats a simple silver or gold chain dangling around my neck. It is perfect to wear every day and adds just the right touch.

Alli's Originals has a lovely assortment of personalized sterling silver necklaces and charm bracelets. Not only does Alli create beautiful jewelry but she also loves to give back. Charming + charitable. The quality is excellent and it comes in the most quaint little keepsake tin. My favorite is the hand cut collection but truly everything is quite lovely. So tell me, what's your favorite?

extra goodness : receive 10% off your next purchase when you use the code ao 10% 07

hike the Y.

I still love to read the Nie Nie Dialogues. Stephanie has a heart of gold and is a truly amazing mother + wife + individual. If you are not one to follow her blog, then you won't know that she will be hiking the Y mountain tomorrow in Utah. It is her own personal goal to accomplish this feat one year after the the accident. If I lived up there, I would totally be there with bells on to support her. Will you be there?

noisy bird studio winners!

Congratulations to the following ladies.

Your lucky numbers were randomly selected.

Please get in contact with me soon!

Happy choosing!

friday favorites : by Courtney

[photo via here]

A few of courtney's favorite things

my beach cruiser bike with apple green basket

road trips

baking pies from scratch

derby hats

flying my kite

san juan islands

playing creative arts

dresses with pockets

growing your own food

children's books

Thanks Courtney! Happy Friday!

when the husbands away, it's time to get hurt.

[tyler reinacting the ER visit on his little brother]

Sorry for the lack of posts today.

I spent a good hour or so this morning at the 24 Hour Emergency Care facility.

My oldest took a spill on the tile and wound up needing five stitches.

Instead of posting, I have been summoned to cuddle!

Hope your day is a little less exciting than mine.

wheelie bag critters.

In case you haven't guessed by the posts here + here, I love Dante Beatrix. My newest love is the completely adorable wheelie bag. You have your choice of either Ester [the bunny], Percival [the dinosaur] or Dieter [the monkey]. All come in deliciously bright colors that would make any child want to tote around their own luggage. I was so graciously bestowed Ester and since I don't have any little girls tip toeing around the house, I decided to give it a go for myself. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I could actually fit and the durability is top notch. Although it may be a bit more than you would like to spend on a piece of luggage for your little one, it would be well worth it.

friday favorites revisited.

Just to clear up a question a few readers had on the new feature Friday Favorites, I thought I would post a quick follow up to clear the air...

When emailing, please include a list of your TEN favorites, including links and let us know if you would liked to be linked in the post with your blog.

The first installment will take place this Friday, so be on the look out!

amy butler rugs.

Amy Butler's line of fresh, pretty fabric designs are now available for floors. Amy's new rug line through Chandra will be available this month. Lucky us! I took a peek at her website and saw some of my old favorites and some new designs in carpet form. My floors couldn't be more excited!

silhouette pillow.

I want to make one of these pillows.

[via whatever dee dee wants]