DIY friday: ribbon wreath.

It's a little late to make this for Halloween, but it's such a fabulous idea! Change the ribbon colors and use the idea for a new holiday wreath for your home. The cozy brick house will most definitely be getting one of these very soon. Full tutorial here.

have a spooky halloween.

Happy friday and Happy Halloween!

We plan on going trick or treating at my dad's office today and of course heading out tomorrow night with my sister's family to collect as much candy as the boys possibly can.

I will have one clone trooper and one buzz lightyear flanking my sides. I might throw on cat ears to join in the festivities.

What are your little ones dressing up as?

ps. A BIG thanks to Leslie for joining us this week!

Friday Favorites

I love Molly's Friday Favorites series. I was reading my book in bed other night, and maybe it was all those pretty words strung together in sentences, but I started forming my own list. Here are some of my very favorite things:

antique mirrors

a well-written, completely transporting story

the warm, tickly feeling of a toddler whispering in my ear

going for a walk with my family

Christmas songs on the piano

the smell of old houses, old books, and the insides of old furniture

landscape paintings

big windows

a nipped-in waist

chocolate chip ice cream in a waffle cone

image via

It's been so fun to be here this week, thanks for the opportunity, Molly! Let's do dinner. The rest of you, come see me at A Room Somewhere. New posts just like these every day.

xo, leslie

awopbopaloobop

I am looking for this print.

Can you help me find it?

Many thanks to the person who does!

Spooky & Pretty

My blog friend, April, created the spookiest mantle. I'm not normally one for Halloween (at all, really, much to the dismay of my children), but this mantle gets me going. Must be all that black. Great job, April!

Also, check out April's fabulous Etsy shop, Second Sister Jewelry. I have at least five of her pieces, love them all! Here's a sneak peek:

xo, leslie

blank board books.

Pretty sure a few of these will find a home in the stockings of my two little guys. A great way to keep a little artwork and a fun way to let creativity run wild.

dream for the day

a kitchen like one of these . . .

. . . kitchen doesn't seem like the right word for these rooms. They need a fancier, more evocative term . . .

Both images via Cote de Texas.

xo, leslie

Magpie Lovely

My friend, Holly Craig, has started up Magpie Lovely, an new online boutique featuring handmade products made exclusively by independent artists. Holly wanted to create a place where boutique shoppers could find gorgeous, handmade items without having to do all of the work of searching for them. (If you've ever searched for anything on Etsy, you know what kind of work I'm talking about.) Think of Magpie Lovely as a sort of handmade goods filter. It will help you skip right on through to the good stuff. Holly's also doing her best to promote women in business. I'm all for that. Magpie Lovely is organized by item (bags, jewelry, clothing), and has items for women, home and baby. Here are some favorites I found at Magpie Lovely.

Goods from familiar designers like Miss Ruby Sue. Love this Bib Necklace.

A pretty Rose Petal Bracelet from designer, Erin Keys.

I am crazy about this Ruffle Blouse by Dyanahar. Just can't decide on a color.

This is an awesome dress, for little ones, by Mette.

Jump right into the owl trend with this clock from Decoylab.

I'm so impressed with Magpie Lovely already. I will be back often and look forward to my email subscription. I can't wait to watch it grow. Thanks for sharing, Holly!

xo, leslie

delightful.

I love discovering new blogs.

Especially ones that inspire.

Kelli is not new to the blogging world, but her new blog Delightful is.

I have to say a little thank you first; Kelli was quite helpful in answering my questions when entering the blogging world. So thank you Kelli.

Okay, now on to the fun stuff.

Curious about Delightful?

Want to know what inspired the new blog?

Read on for a little Q&A.

What made you re-enter the blogging world?
After I made it through a pregnancy, a move and a career change all before my baby Finn was 1 1/2 months, I was ready to tune out my stress and into my creativity again. I'm so inspired by "small" talent and I figured (on a whim one night, really) that I might as well create a space to store all the many companies, products and blogs who have inspired me. And it has proved so gratifying.

Describe your blog.
It's a practical (read: affordable and approachable) lifestyle blog. I wanted a place for women and mothers to come for inspiration in all of their daily pursuits: gifting, crafting, decorating, styling, cooking, listening, reading and parenting. Recently, life has taught me that I'm happiest in enjoying simple pleasures. Hopefully delightful can both expose mine and become one of yours daily.

How did you come up with the name of your blog?
Honestly? My favorite clothing company (aesthetically) is Splendid Littles. And although it doesn't fall under "affordable", their products are brilliant and their name, equally so, helps create an experience. A splendid one.
I wanted delightful to do the same. That's what I wish for you to feel as a reader.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Many places but especially my own life and family. I love mothering my two boys, Cole and Finn; I'm refreshed by living in Northern California; my home was Europe for 9 years and I love the simplicity and color that shows itself in many international cultures. But I also love the community that can come from womanhood and finding myself among women who live their dreams (particularly in the process of creating) is entirely inspiring. That's what I want for myself too.

What are some of your favorite blogs?
Good question. I have 90 blog subscriptions and I'm sure I'm missing out on several. But my top three (other than the obvious Nie Nie Dialogs and The Pioneer Woman) would be:
the bright side project
simple song
bloesem kids

What is one of your favorite aspects about blogging?
I love the dialog- I hope to form a community of thinking, talented, happy and real women. (Company owners, bloggers and readers alike.)

Thanks Kelli!

Be sure to check out Delightful!

chore chart.

I've never been a big fan of chore charts. Mostly because all the one's I've ever seen are kinda tacky, nothing I'd want displayed in my home. But this! This is one I can get behind! Lisa from the lovely letterpress + stationary shop Sweetbeets created this free customizable treasure for all. I know you can hardly wait to get started. Click here for a cleaner home.


{Via LobotoME}

Tumblr

Hello! I'm so happy to be here at My Favorite Things this week. I've been a reader for months and always enjoy Molly's posts. We found out last week that I know her in-laws and see them quite often. Molly! We need to meet up! :)

So, My Favorite Things readers, do you subscribe to any Tumblr pages? They're yet another form of the mini-blog and some of my favorite bloggers keep them in addition to their primary blogs. I love my Tumblrs because they're almost completely wordless, save for maybe a meaningful quote here and there. Below are some snapshots of my favorite Tumblr pages, beginning with my own, Keen. It's where I put all of the images that I want to keep, but don't necessarily feel a need to explain on my blog. Maybe more trouble than it's worth, but it's been quite fun to get it going!

keen

kelly mccaleb's tumblr

first home

it's mary ruffle

nom, nom, nom

Sweetie Pie's Interior Infatuations

In my mind, Tumblr pages are just more mood evocative and inspiring than regular blogs. Less business on the page. Pure beauty, minus the words. Have a browse!

xoxo, leslie

guest blogger : Leslie from a room somewhere.

Meet Leslie.

Fabulous blogger of a room somewhere.

She so graciously decided to join us this week for a little guest blogging. She has spot on taste and great design sense. Funny enough, she knows my sister-in-law. Small world, eh?

Just a little basic info.

I am a sometime Californian who has lived in Texas for nine years or so after meeting my Southern husband in college. I have a degree in English and a background in editing for publication. I am the mother of three children and love the way my life is turning out! We live a lovely, quiet suburban lifestyle, filled with school activities, piano lessons and trips to the park.

About a room somewhere.

My blog, A Room Somewhere, was started as a sort of design file for my own use. I gather images of interiors, fashion and art that I love and share them with my readers, who feel like my dearest friends! Although it started as a small diversion, my blog has given me so much over the years. I have really come to enjoy the community and feel so lucky to have the readers that I do.

Favorite must read blog.

My favorite must-read blogs are those of my close family members. I'd trade 10 design related posts for just one about my nieces or nephews! But my current favorite beautiful blog is probably The Lettered Cottage (http://www.theletteredcottage.net/). I'm completely inspired by this couple's DIY prowess, and since we just bought a remodel-worthy house ourselves, I get completely pumped when I read about TLC's transformations!

Favorite season.

As lovely as Fall is in Texas, I have to say that Spring is my favorite season. I love the warming, the blooming, the new summery clothes to shop for and the prospect of my kids being out of school soon!

Favorite store [for you] to shop at.

I hate to be a bore, but my favorite store is definitely Anthropologie. The clothes I wear which receive the most compliments and in which I feel the most feminine and modern always come from Anthropologie. For my home, I adore Home Goods, Wisteria, and a new-to-me shop in Fort Worth, Simple Things.

Favorite beauty product.

I go the pretty simple (and cheap) route as far as beauty products go. I am completely devoted to my Bare Escentuals foundation that I have been wearing for at least 10 years. I used it once after wearing liquid in college and never went back. I'm extremely fair, so my other favorite is Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 45 facial moisturizer.

Welcome Leslie!

I am looking forward to finding out a few of your favorites!

bedroom makeover.

Right now my two little guys are in separate rooms. My goal is to move them together by next summer. But before I do that I want to re-decorate the room they will move into. I already have a vision, I just need to put it into action. In the meantime we are...painting our kitchen and master bathroom cabinets. I still need to start looking at fabric for the aforementioned headboard and I have a whole list of other things I want to paint. Paint can do wonders, don't you think? If you are looking for a little inspiration check out this room makeover. Oh, if I only have a girl.

friday favorites : by Shannon.

a few of Shannon's favorite things

wet walks in the rain with no umbrella. thunderstorms, even better

the smell of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove

laughing so hard I cry. with my mom. with my boyfriend

my best girlfriends and I singing in 5-part harmony

the whites and blues of Santorini, Greece

60's mini-dresses, tailored to be even more mini

listening for the first time to a song I wrote and recorded

skydiving, bungee jumping and other crazy adventures

the sexy silhouette of a bent plywood Cherner chair

snuggling on sofa with my man, my kitty, and a crackling fire

cheese, cheese, and more cheese

thanks Shannon and happy friday!

go here to be our next friday favorite.

welcoming sponsors!

If you haven't noticed, we took a break from sponsors for a bit but....

We want to open it back up just in time for the holiday season! Please, oh please, if you are interested, shoot us an email. We would love to work with you!

info@afewofmyfavorites.com

o christmas tree.

[image here]
Is it too early to start talk of Christmas?

I think not.

Okay, maybe for some but not for me.

So just bare with me.

I have always had a fake tree, even growing up. This year I think I really want to switch it up a bit and get a real one. So I need to know...

Do you do real or fake?

If you have done both, which do you like better?

hot chocolate.

[chocolatiere, hot cocoa maker, halloween hot cocoa]
This fall we have seen chilly, wet weather here in Texas. I for one love it! And with the chilly weather comes the need for hot chocolate. Check out these goodies from Crate and Barrel. The Chocolatiere fits the bill perfectly. I think I really need one!

candle blocks.

I'd love to have a few of these up on the mantle.

our favorite followers winner!

First off, thank you again for following and for reading our blog. And second, it is time to announce the winners! Please contact us ASAP [in the next 48 hours] or I will have to choose a new winner[s].

drum roll......

Our two winners are :

An not to worry. We plan on surprising you every once in a while with a surprise favorite followers giveaway. Just a little thank you. From us, to you.

100 followers, almost there.

[image here]

A BIG thank you for all you readers who have become followers. It is nice to see a face and get to know the lovely people who read My Favorite Things. Once we reach 100, we want to celebrate you! A little giveaway perhaps, to two very lucky readers. When we finally hit 100 [we will continue to allow new followers in on the giveaway until the close of that day, midnight CST], we will randomly select two favorite readers. The prize you ask? Nothing other than a package from me [winner #1] and a package from Dandee [winner #2] filled with loving care of a few of our favorite things. Don't you just love surprises? I sure do. You want in you say, become a favorite follower. Everyone's doing it.

**update**

as soon as I posted this we reached 100! hurry, hurry. you only have an hour and a half to follow to be included in the giveaway.

pineapple seed.

I crave simple.

And these are simply beautiful.

If you wanted to send me one or two or three, I promise I'd wear it everyday.

a christmas carol.

[image here]
I love the holiday season. Once October hits, time seems to speed up and I soon find myself at the end of a year, ready to embark on a new one.

I love everything about the holidays. Each one is special. Treats and tricks for halloween. Giving thanks and eating turkey for Thanksgiving. Celebrating Christ's birth and gathering around the tree for Christmas. I love it all.

I also happen to love holiday movies. Have you seen the preview for this one? My oldest has and promptly declared he wants to go see it too. I think it looks like fun. What do you think?

standing guard.

One of my little guys needs a new bank for all his coins. This one is fun + unique but with the hefty price tag, it might just break the bank.

Do your children have a place for all their coins?

pie in a jar.

I'm getting a cold. I have a stuffy head and a tender throat and all I want to do is curl up by the fire + take a nap. Unfortunately for me, my babe is also sick. You know what that means... To make myself feel a little better, I plan on baking these darling pies for family night. Don't they look scrumptious?


{via The Fredin Family}

hurry up, just because cards.

I had great intentions of posting this over the weekend and completely forgot. So act fast, this is such a sweet idea.

Today until noon EST, if you email Linda & Harriett [lindaandharriett@gmail.com], with your name and snail mail address, they will send you a notecard and envelope. In return, all you have to do is promise to email the card to someone special, just because. The "just because cards" are in honor of Liz's mom, Linda, who always spread kindness wherever she went.

simplified.

I loved this DIY post on Design Sponge....

[image here]

And I am going to make the jump and give it a go, only simplify it a bit. I have wanted an upholstered headboard for a very long time. So I am selling off my bed to a craigs list buyer this weekend and am going to use the money for the supplies. I'll let you know when it is complete. I just can't wait.

So are you working on anything around the house?

friday favorites : by Jamie.

[photo here]

A few of Jamie's favorite things

the smell of fresh cut grass

snuggling up in a blanket with a book when it’s raining outside

eskimo kissing my kids

good conversation

holding hands with my favorite guy

aprons

waffles with homemade syrup

family get-togethers

wearing cardigans in crisp autumn weather

thanks Jamie and happy friday!

go here to become our next friday favorites!

DIY friday: toddler skinny jeans.

I love chubby toddler legs in skinny jeans. Make some this weekend with the help of the insanely talented Susan of Freshly Picked. Her easy to follow tutorial will make you a skinny jean pro and your toddler the hippest kid on the block.

i've got nothin'.

[image here]
Today was cloudy and gloomy and now the sun has finally made an appearance. We were busy all morning, took a rest in the afternoon and now it is almost time to start dinner. I've got nothin' today. No inspiration, no favorite item. Sorry for the lack of creativity my friends, but I'll be back with a bang tomorrow. And let me tell you, I have some super fabulous surprises planned for November, so stick around. And before you leave, tell me what inspires you? What's a new favorite that has made your list?

crosley alarm clock.

I've been searching high and low for a new bedside alarm clock that suits my vintage aesthetic. This one is almost perfect. Almost because I'd prefer the old flip style numbers on the clock. Like this. But the color and ipod hook up totally make up for it.

[via Armelle]

lickable spoon.

Do you need some new recipes for your repertoire? Or maybe you'd like to share one of your tried and true favorites? Well then, you must check out graphic designer Lyndsay Johnson's recipe sharing blog Lickable Spoon! It's pretty and inspiring with delicous recipes too.

candles.

[image via here]
I am extremely, overly picky when it comes to scents. It goes with out saying that almost everything is scent free in my home, except for a few things.

I really would love to find a candle for the fall. Something with a bit of cinnamon but not too overpowering.

Any suggestions?

What is your favorite candle scent?