not a stick. not a box.

I love collecting children's books.  Don't get me wrong, a library is still a fun place to adventure to, but I love going to a bookstore.  There is something to be said about a new book.  My boys love them!

Not a Stick & Not a Box are current favorites.  Even though they are quite simple, my 4 1/2 year old still loves them.  Creative and imaginative, they are a fun fun read.

Do you have a favorite children's book?

leggings.

The husband is away, the boys are off in dreamland and I am curled up in bed with my beloved laptop.  So why not do a weekend post, right?

So I have to ask, are leggings a yes or no?
Do you wear them?
Do you like them?
Or are you against them?

I have to admit, I just ordered a pair and am awaiting their arrival.  I'll let you know my verdict once I give them ago but I'd love to hear from you!

{photo credit}

royal rugrats WINNER.

I am watching Enchanted right now, when a thought popped into my head.  I just realized I have not posted the winner of the giveaway.  Sorry to keep you all in suspense.  So without further delay, I give you our winner...

Congratulations!
Not don't go too far.
We still have some giveaways up our sleeves.
Have a lovely weekend!

friday favorites : by Sarah Rhodes.

{photo}

a few of Sarah's favorite things

popcorn on the stove

being an aunt

Alan Rankle

Valley of Vision

Regina Spektor

The Black Apple

staying up all night because I can't put my book down

The Little Prince pop-up book

1000 awesome things

a good meal

Thanks Sarah and happy friday!

Want to be featured in our friday favorites?  Go here.

answered [part 2].

More questions.

More answers.

Question 1 : by Sophia.

What is your favorite color or style for house decor?

I'm not sure what I would call my style.  I do know I like some modern aspects to decorating and I love my gray walls.  I'll you what.  Little Green Notebook is a favorite designer blog of mine.

Question 2 : by CM Stephensen

What do you do to show off your photos besides blog?  Scrapbook, digital or both?

I have a family blog, for those family members who care to see pictures of my boys and our crazy life.  I store all my photos in iPhoto and then back them up on an external hard drive.  I do not scrapbook, with paper or digitally.  I'm not crafty like that.  But am amazed at the gals that do!

Question 3 : by Michelle

What is your all time favorite things?

Obviously without saying, my sweet little family is my favorite but if we are talking materialistic.  Hands down I love my bed.  It is a tempur-pedic pillow top.  I have had it for three years and I still proclaim my love for it every time I slip between the sheets.

Question 4 : by Amanda

Do you have any recipes you make that are worthy of sharing?

What's the favorite thing about the town you live in?

I actually have the best pumpkin bread recipe ever and chocolate sheet cake that is to.die.for.  I'll do a post soon, just for you!  Remind though if I forget.

And I actually live about an hour north of Dallas.  So I am just a hop skip and a jump away from all that Dallas has to offer.  I love the fact that there are still corn field and cow pastures out where I live.

Question 5 : by LeeAnn

What's my favorite room in my house?

Honestly I don't know if I have a favorite room.  I'm still in the process of designing but there are aspects of certain rooms that I really like.  I will try to take some pictures soon :)

Question 6 : by The Lowe Family

How did you go from like 200 followers to almost 1000 in just a few weeks?

My Favorite Things was recognized as a "blog of note".

Question 7 : by Marjorie

How did you become a "blog of note"?

I have no idea, ha!

I really don't know.

Question 8 : by

I have a question - what is your wardrobe advice? I'm pretty much starting from scratch and want to build a wardrobe that can easily mix/match, and last for a long time. But i also don't want to spend thousands at jcrew and anthro doing it. suggestions? You always look so cute...you must have secrets!
Oh, also, what color of gray paint did you use in your house? I heard it looks great, and we're searching for a good one.
Wardrobe advice from me?  I pretty boring.  The majority of my wardrobe is from Fossil + jcrew with some Nordstrom, Banana Repbulic, DownEast Basics, Gap and Anthro thrown in.  I am a gal that loves quality of quantity.  I am not super trendy but I know what I like.  I tend to go towards more classic with maybe a few trendy pieces mixed in for good measure.  I dress for my body type and if something doesn't work for me, no matter how much I love it, I won't get it.  Here are a few fashion blogs that may be able to help.
the good life for less
sensibly styled
frugal fashionista
And as far as paint color, I'll have to go locate the can to check.  Shoot me an email with a reminder!

There you have it!
If you don't see your question, it is probably because it was so similar to another and I didn't want to sound like a broken record.
enjoy!

green chairs.

{photo}

My heart went pitter patter when I laid eyes on these chairs.  I adore the color green.  I'd take a farmhouse table with those gorgeous green chairs, thank you!

[via desire to inspire]

eleven.

{photo of us by You Look Nice Today Photography}

Celebrating eleven happy years being married to the most amazing man today. 
 We're enjoying the weekend in the city where we were married. 
You know the best part?  I feel even more lucky now than I did then.

DIY friday: cell phone valentine.

I am boycotting store bought valentines this year.  Handmade sentiments are always better, right?  I think this little cell phone valentine will be perfect for my 10 year old son to hand out to all of his friends. Have you seen any other fab ideas I should know about? 

bialetti hot chocolate maker.

I don't drink coffee but I do love a warm beverage in the morning on occasion.  So let it be known that I love hot chocolate.  I'm picky, it needs to be hot chocolate, not hot cocoa.  Know the difference?  Because let me tell you, there definitely is one.  My mom conveniently left this bialetti hot chocolate maker over at my house and I use it all the time.  If you love the chocolate concoction as much as I, it is definitely worth the investment.

product review : DownEast Basics.

I like to be in fashion.  Be stylish and feminine.  Be comfortable.  What I hate is tugging at my clothes and layering so much I feel bunchy.  I want to wear clothes that cover what should be covered, not discover ways to alter the garment so it fits just so.

DownEast Basics takes the latest fashion trends and makes them modest.  Just the way I like it.  The necklines don't plunge down way low and sleeves!  There are sleeves on all the shirts.  If you're a gal that doesn't want to show it all, DownEast Basics is for you.  First click over to their new arrivals section and check out what's hot for spring.  Looking for a new top, a fabulous new handbag or do you need to accessorize?  They have it all.  I received the Longitude Cardigan and Large Rosette Bag to test out a few of their products.  I threw on the cardigan and surprised the husband with a date night.  He looked, he loved.  And if the husband likes it, that's saying a lot.

Are you a fan of DownEast Basics?

I am!

valentine's pencils.

Look at this bouquet of red pencils!  A perfect little treat for a teacher, don't you think?

new friends.

{photo}

One of the greatest things about having this little blog is meeting all of you fabulous readers.  Marie is a dear and recently gifted us with a sweet award.  Part of the deal is that I answer a few questions.

Here goes:

1. Name an author you love: I have to admit, I'm not a huge novel reader.  (gasp!)   My favorite things to read are blogs, cookbooks, and childrens books.  Oh, and I am quite excited to read Michael Pollan's new book Food Rules.

2. Books you love: All of Ina Garten's cookbooks inspire me.  The photography is beautiful and I love all of Ina's tips + of course her recipes.

3.. Something that always excites you: Road trips!
4. Something you hate: Running late.  I really don't like to be late.

Want to participate?  Leave a comment so I can hop on over to your space.  I'd love to know a bit more about you too.

answered [part 1].

Here you go.
My answers.

Question 1 : by Mara
What are [in my opinion] essential newborn items?
the miracle blanket
the happiest baby on the block [book]
moses basket
a good glider or rocking chair
if you choose to breast feed, a medela breast pump
the perfect diaper bag [still searching for the one]
a sling or wrap or baby carrier [a little birdie told me Ergo is the best]
white noise machine [used one for both my boys.]
summer baby : lots of onesies
winter baby : lots of footie pajamas

Question 2 : by Caty
Does advertising on your blog make a financial difference?
Danyelle and I do make a little money allowing sponsorship on My Favorite Things.

Question 3 : by Lina
How did you get the word out there about your blog to get readers to follow?
Commenting on other blogs.  And once I started building readership, I had some of my favorite bloggers guest blog.  It would introduce their readers to My Favorite Things and vice versa.

Question 4 : by ForeverRhonda
When you started blogging, did you know how to create all the codes for advertisements, etc?
No I did not.  I had a fabulous blogger friend who gave me instructions on how to create a button code and I have asked designer friends here and there what certain html jargon means.  And then I've learned the old fashion way...I would google and search.  Not much fun though.  I hate codes.  Truth be told, we have a designer and are actually in the process of giving My Favorite Things a makeover!

Question 5 : by Heidi Jane Blankets
What is your favorite item in my etsy shop?
I like the big friendly monster bib.

Question 6 :  by Kaylne
How did you go about customizing your blog layout?
We have a designer.  We just hired a new one who is in the process of giving My Favorite Things a new look.  I will reveal her identity when the new look is up.  She is fabulous by the way.

Question 7 : by Marie
How can I increase the number of followers and comments on my blog?
Comment, comment, comment on other blogs you admire.  And then ask your readers what they would like you to post.  Oh and tell you friends comment [on the blog, of course].

Question 8 : by SB
How did you create the blog?
How did you attract readership?
Did we originally start with "my favorite things" theme?
I created the blog, at first, by myself.  Now we have a designer who takes our ideas and creates for us.
I don't have a concrete answer for attracting readership.  Comment on blogs similar to yours, as their readers might find your blog interesting.
Yes, My Favorite Things has been the theme from the very beginning.  I love shopping and sharing my favorites.  The title just seem to fit!

Question 9 : by masked_stranger
What is the wisest thing anyone has ever told you?
You create your own possibilities.
You make your life what you want it to be.  Of course trials pop up and horrible things take place but in spite [and maybe because] of those things your possibilities are endless.  If you don't have a happy and exciting life, it's because you haven't gussied up the energy and [sometimes] willpower it takes to make it happen.  LIVE your life, don't just be alive.

Question 10 : by Marianne & Clayton
Can you make a living from blogging?
Yes, yes you can.  I don't though.  The income we make is supplemental.  But their are bloggers out there that do it.

Without typing your eyes out and turning this answer session into a novel, this will be the first installment of answered.  Stay tuned for more!

royal rugrats GIVEAWAY.

Do you have kids?

I do.  Two little boys.  And we just happen to have a little kitchen they love to play with.  They concoct all sorts of interesting dishes for me to partake.  They are my miniature chefs.

If you have a play kitchen, then obviously you need food to fill it up with.  Royal Rugrats specializes in felt play food.  Now although I do not currently have any felt play food stashed in the kitchen, I sure would like to get my hands on some.  Soft and perfect for little chubby hands to squish and serve.

Today's giveaway is for half a dozen Melt in Your Mouth Doughnuts.  Oh man, it has me craving the real thing!  Want to win?  I thought so.  Just follow the rules and cross your fingers.

Drop us a comment [with email or blog address]

Only one comment per person

Giveaway starts today and closes Friday morning at 7am [1/29] and a winner will be announced later that day.

Good luck!

**Update**
My mind has been busy with sick kiddos and I completely forgot to state that this is open to US only.  I am so sorry for the mistake.

a gift.

I received an email from a dear reader, stating we received "a gift".  Our blog was recognized as one of her top ten favorites.  We are flattered and honored.  How could I not participate?  So without further ado, my top ten things that make me happy.

1. it goes without saying, my boys [all three, daddy + tyler + benny]
2. hot chocolate
3. carmex
4. traveling
5. sleeping in
6. a fresh bouquet of flowers
7. jcrew jeans
8. watching my little boys sleep together [in a big queen size bed]
9. colored/textured tights
10. spring thunderstorms

And now I am suppose to list my top ten favorite blogs.  But instead, my lovelies, I pick each of you.  You inspire me with your comments and keep me blogging on the days I feel I have nothing to share.  So if you participate, please do email and let me know.

penguin classics.

{photo}

I'll admit that a part of me wants the Penguin Classics because they are so darn pretty.  I love books.  And these would look gorgeous displayed.  Wouldn't you love one [or two or three or four] too?

kitchen timer.

This sweet timer made it's way from NYC with a dear friend as a little treat to me.  Isn't that nice?  I love having thoughtful friends!  I adore the vintage aesthetic + the yellow color even matches the Martha Stewart towels I treated myself to for my birthday. 

Want one too? If you're lucky, you might be able to snag one at your local Anthropologie. Unfortunately, if you're like me and don't have a local Anthropologie (boo!) they're back ordered online until mid February (double boo!).

But guess what? I've done some hunting for you and found them here in 5 lovely colors.

You're welcome.

robot love.

I know a certain 5 year old boy who would be mighty happy to see this sweet tee wrapped up with a Valentine.  Although I have to admit, I really like it too. 

ikea lamp [at home].

When I first posted about knappa pendant lamp, I received a few requests to actually see it in action.  For my lovely readers, I took a picture just for you.  I still love it.  A bit of a pain to dust but it adds such a fun element to our little kitchen nook.  If you are considering buying it, I say go for it.!

ps.  I haven't forgotten about answering all the many questions for my "ask and tell" post.  Last week was full of fevers, sore throats and congestion.  Mama was requested for lots of cuddle time and above all, that comes first.  I promise this week I will get to it!

DIY friday: valentine's day goodie bags.

 

I'm pretty much obsessed with everything Kathleen over at Twig and Thistle creates.  She has impeccable style.  Do yourself a favor and hop on over to her blog right now and download this sweet goodie bag printable now!  A lovely way to deliver treats, don't you think?  Oh, and you can buy the white bags from Kathleen's etsy shop here.  Along with loads of other goodies.

Happy weekend, friends!

telee couture WINNER!

The winner of the Telee Couture giveaway is....

Congratulations!

And don't worry, Danyelle and I have some more giveaways up our sleeves.

As always, thanks for reading and have a marvelous weekend!

friday favorites : by LeeAnn.

{photo}

a few of LeeAnn's favorite things

rainy Sunday mornings

playing the flute

reading anything by Anne McCaffrey

reading Real Simple magazine

Creative Memories scrapbooking

WalMart photo developing

listening to The House FM

playing wii Guitar Hero

shopping at The Children's Place

my guilty pleasure meal = QPC meal from McDonald's

Thanks LeeAnn and happy friday!

If you want to be our next friday favorites, go here.

blokus is fun.

[me placing the winning piece!}

Danyelle first posted about Blokus a while back but I just had to repost it because it is fun fun fun!  I am ashamed to admit I usually lose every time.  But on one rare occasion I totally schooled the husband and was quite proud at my mad Blokus skills.  Try it, you'll like it too!

the SLR sloop.

Nowadays you don't have to be a photographer to tote around a digital SLR.  Everyone has one.  I do!  And although I do not claim to have any sort of skills when it comes to snapping someones picture, I still have fun.  And right now, I am sick of schlepping my camera in an awful, ugly, plain-jane black bag.  Trust me, it is a site for sore eyes.  That is why I think this rockin' SLR sloop, from Photojojo is my solution to a stylin' carrying case, no?  I'd definitely go for the red & white.  Kind of gives me a nautical feel.  Which would you choose? Because I know you want one to.

product review : eShakti.

What if I told you there was a boutique out there, one that allowed you to take the garment of choice and alter the length of the sleeves or the drape of the neckline?  Would you believe me?  Because doesn't that sound fabulous?

Don't like to show off your arms?  Add some sleeves.

Would you rather have a scoop neck or v neckline?

The choices, oh I love choices!

eShakti has taken that concept and made it a reality.  Honest to goodness I love it.  I was gifted this beautiful Asymmetric ruffle layers skirt to take it for a test spin and see if eShakti would pass the test.  And let me tell you, they did.  With flying colors.  Fabulous customer service and super quick delivery.  Really and truly you must go and browse and pick up a lovely for yourself.

fuji instax mini instant camera.

[photo]

The more I see this Fuji Instax Mini Instant Camera around the web, the more I want one.  I could definitely see myself having lots of fun with it.

Do you have one?
Do you like it?
Is it worth it?

Do tell!

help Haiti rise.

I don't usually post on Wednesdays but I had to share.  Share something important.  This has been making its rounds on the web this morning and on the off chance you haven't seen it, I'll repost it for good measure.

Want to help in the relief effort for Haiti?
Yes, of course, everyone does.
My heart goes out, especially to all the children.
I just bought this Help Haiti Rise tee shirt from Fretto Prints.
100% of the proceeds go to Partners in Health.
Plus there is free shipping.
Really and truly it is a win/win for all.
I may be jumping on the bandwagon.  But isn't this a bandwagon worth jumping on?

{first seen here. thanks Liz.}

happy tape.

It may sound silly, but pretty packaging makes me happy.  That's the simple reason I adore Happy Tape so much.  Sweet japanese washi paper tape in the most adorable colors + patterns you've ever seen.    I'm already planning my Valentine's...don't you think some happy tape would spice them up a bit?