DIY friday: up-cycled drink caddy.

Since tomorrow's May Day, I thought this would be a sweet Friday project.  You can get all of the instructions right here on my other blog.

Happy Weekend!

LIFE on Discovery.

I have been recording the new series on the Discovery channel called LIFE.  Sunday night, we all snuggled up in bed and turned on the first episode.

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It is brilliant!  All eyes were glued to the screen as we watched incredible video of animals, some of which my boys have never heard of.  I love when education is fun, don't you?

Do tell, have you watched LIFE?

shade clothing maternity style.

Shade Clothing is my go to store for most of my basics and layering pieces.  Ordering online is a cinch, the customer service is super kind and the quality of their clothing is spot on.  So it was only natural to check out their maternity line now that I am pregnant.

The lovely girls over at Shade sent me this Maternity 1/2 sleeve wrap top to try out.  I ordered my normal size and was pleasantly surprised that it will work now and continue to fit even as I grow.  The true test will come at the end when my belly expands to an astronomical size, ha.

Shortly after I received the wrap top, I placed my own order for this ruching top and two demi cap sleeves. I love it all!

Do you shop at shade?

crystal b. GIVEAWAY!

Friends.  Have you looked at your calendars recently?  I just did and was shocked when I realized Mother's day is a short 11 days away.  Have you picked up something extra special yet?  How about this lovely Collier Coeur Forever necklace from Crystal B?  I think your mother would LOVE it! 

Crystal B is offering up this pretty piece to one of you lucky readers just in time for Mothers Day.   This giveaway will close this Friday April 30th so the necklace can be shipped to the winner in time.  Just leave a comment on this post with your email address + cross your fingers!  Oh, and if you're heart broken over having to (potentially) hand this necklace over to mom,  check out Crystal B's other offerings.  She is adding new items to her shop all the time and they're all equally lovely.  This sweet piece just caught my eye.  Perfect for spring.

happy day.

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So dear readers.  Did you know that Molly + I have only met in person once?  Crazy, right?  Even though we don't see each others faces daily, I count her as a dear friend.  And guess what?  Today is her birthday!  Happy Birthday Molly!  May you spend your day surrounded by all of your favorite things.

stella & dot.

Hello hello!  Mother's day is right around the corner and Alisa over at Stella & Dot wanted me to make sure you knew about some important info...

"Mother's Day
The deadline for standard shipping for Mother's Day is 11AM Friday, April 30th. 
Via 2day FedEx
Orders placed by 11AM Wednesday, May 5th
Via Standard FedEx overnight
Orders placed by 11AM Thursday, May 6th
This jewelry is such a great mother's day gift!
Little Girls Launch
We have a little girl's line that is going to be launched
April 26th.  It is so darling! Take a peek on my site, and you'll see how adorable it is. Like mother/like daughter- so stylish!"

Hurry and tell your husbands about Stella & Dot.  Wouldn't you love to receive a necklace or some earrings for Mother's day?  I sure would!

toms newport cordones.

Molly and I have both blogged about Toms before, but these babies were just begging for a little shout out.  I think I need this hat to go with them too.   

gift wrapping kit.

This gift wrapping kit Ez put together for her sister's birthday made my heart go pitter patter.  What I wouldn't give to have all that packaging goodness at my finger tips!

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friday favorites : by Megan.

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a few of Megan's favorite things

chai tea lattes

having lunch with friends

cooking with my mom

owls

letting my hair dry naturally in the summer

children's literature

making cupcakes that are too pretty to eat

learning something new

crying over good art

long runs in the country

Thanks Megan and happy friday!
If you are interested in being our next friday favorites, go here!

maternity fashion.

I recently found myself in hunt for a few key items to get me through my pregnancy.  Here were my guidelines when I went shopping.

must be comfortable

Okay that is pretty much it.  I am low key and no fuss.  I want to look fashionable but still have comfort and simplicity.  I know by the end none of my shirts will fit; that is just how it goes.  That probably means when I am busting at the seams I will most likely pick up a new shirt, maybe two, to get me to the finish line.

In addition to clothes I picked up a new pair of sunglasses and make up.  I need to feel fresh and pretty as my body takes on a new shape.

In addition to the polyvore collage, I also purchased the below items.

broom brush pants {in both colors}
a few other jcrew items I can't find online
a cute shirt from anthro I can't find online
ruched v-neck {in navy}
ruching top {in white}
daria dress
april sweater {in heather gray}
a few shirts from motherhood maternity

I think that about wraps it up.
What are your favorite items to wear when you are sporting a baby bump?

peg perego skate system.

Now that the secret is out and you know I have a little one on the way, it will come as no surprise that I am on the hunt for the best of the best baby gear.  Right now I am in search of a new single stroller.  I sold mine when I had my second and joined the world of double.  With that stage over, I am ready to be single again.  And lucky for me, I think I have already discovered the perfect single stroller.

The Skate System by Peg Perego is what I would call, the luxury model of strollers.  It is simple to use but so brilliant in design.  When I say simple I mean I assembled the the stroller myself and taught my husband how to use it.  The Skate System is not only a stroller but can also be fitted with the bassinet or your infant car seat.   The stroller can face outwards or towards you, can be reclined and adjusted to three different heights.  Peg Perego also offer some fun accessories for your Skate System; the bassinet stand being my absolute favorite.

Both my boys were in awe of the stroller when it arrived and could not wait to check it out and take it for a test drive.  Benny {my three year old} who normally likes his freedom, was all too willing to climb aboard and be my test subject.  It turns beautifully and is a dream to fold.  I am so completely pleased with the quality and practicality the Skate System offers.  Although it may tip your scales on the price you want to pay, I would have to say it is will worth the splurge.  I am completely spoiled now and am in love!

Check out all the Peg Perego products here and keep up to date with their goodies on their blog  Ciao, Mondo!


IF YOU ARE A COMPANY INTERESTED IN A PRODUCT REVIEW, PLEASE EMAIL US AT INFO@AFEWOFMYFAVORITES.COM

bump.

I've been tired and sick and seriously slacking on this sweet little blog.  Luckily I have a fantastic partner to pick up my slack.

{me pregnant with my Benny in 2007}

But I do have good reason, I'm expecting baby Elmer number THREE!

I am just twelve weeks along and am hoping in the next few weeks my energy level will pick back up.  I've been waiting and waiting to share this news with you, my sweet readers.

I'm crossing my fingers this time around, we may just get a little girl.  

You can cross your fingers to, if you want.

ladybird boutique.

I love to find my go to tote as spring and summer arrive.  It is the perfect carry-all to load up with everything I may need.  Whether we skip away to the pool or fancy a road trip or just decide to play for the day at the park, a tote gets the job done.

My newest favorite tote just happens to come from Ladybird Boutique.  A sweet little online boutique that carries fun shoes, roomy totes and stylish blouses.  The tote that I la la love is called the Sunday Tote.  It comes in an array of colors, from green apple to your classic navy.  It is quite roomy without looking overly large or frumpy.  The leather is buttery soft and the bag's all around quality is quite excellent.  You can even have it monogramed for free!

So tell me, are you a tote girl too?

ps.  are these not fabulous yellow shoes?

download + print.

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Are you hosting a little soiree soon?  Need a pretty invitation?  How about a FREE downloadable one?  Download + Print adds new designs daily that are completely free and completely customizable.  Thanks for the heads up, iDiY!

stitching postcard.

These postcards are the perfect way to keep your friends and family updated on all of your summer travels. 

a beach cottage.

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I think we may try to take a trip to the beach this summer, not sure exactly where though.  But today while my boys were lining up their cars, I decided to do a little image search.  Here are a few of my favorites that popped up when I typed in "beach cottage interiors".

What are your plans for this summer?

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foundling.

I've been a long time admirer of Foundling and was even gifted a pair of earrings for my birthday a couple of years ago.  This zig zag necklace may be the next piece added to my collection.  Perfection.

havaianas.

Did you know Gap is now carrying the worlds greatest flip flop?  It's true.  I can't wait to pair these babies with a sweet summer skirt and a basic white tee.

photojojo.

Photojojo is perhaps the coolest photography store.  Ever.  With fun and retro photo gifts and photography gear.  I am no photographer but I pretty much want everything.

For ages I have been dying to get my hands on a Fuji Instax Mini Instant Camera to see what the rage is all about.  My friend had a polaroid back in the day and I still have the images floating around in a photo box somewhere.  I knew my boys would be thrilled to see a picture immediately pop out of the camera and thought about the loads of fun we could have.  So to my surprise, the lovely people over at Photojojo sent an Instax camera over for me to take it on a test spin.

In love.  I feel in love with it.  It is incredibly simple to use and completely and utterly addicting.  Every time I bust it out, my boys want me to take a million and one pictures of them.  I have all our pictures tucked into the frame of a mirror that sits on our mantel.  I smile each time I get a glimpse.  Photojojo has fantastic customer service and provide only the best and most awesome photography gadgets.  I highly suggest you clicking on over and checking them out.  You will not be disappointed!

hammocks and high tea.

Bright colors.
Beautiful linens.
Hammocks and High Tea.

One glance around this quaint home goods boutique and you will be longing for a beach.  All the linens are infused with a tropical feel that will be sure to add a bit of cheeriness to your kitchen.  The fabrics are soft and the patterns are vibrant and rich.  I am always on the look for new tea towels and the ones at Hammocks and High Tea definitely fit the bill.  I wouldn't mind having a few floating around my kitchen come this summer.  Besides tea towels, you will find lovely place mats, along with drawer liners and perfume boxes.  Click, browse and enjoy!

downeast basics giveaway WINNER!

(don't you LOVE this skirt?!)

Congratulations to Stacey who said, "I love the grayscale skirt to pieces, but I think a new dress would be great too...lots of fun choices!! thanks for the entry." You're the winner of the DownEast Basics Giveaway!

Thanks for all of your entries + to DownEast for treating our readers so well!

friday favorites : by Caty.

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a few of Caty's favorite things

that moment right before you fall into sleep

books, books, books

chocolate anything

fresh haircuts

mascara

thunderstoms

my husband's hands

raglan tee shirts

schedule-less weekends

autumn-time

Thanks Caty and happy friday!
If you would like to be our next friday favorites, go here!

ps. Every Friday Favorites we receive will get picked, it may take us just a little while for us to get to you :)

downeast basics GIVEAWAY!

Pictured left to right: Cabana Maxi Skirt $34.99 Kaleidoscope Top $22.99 Le Petit Linen Dress $36.99

Spring is in full swing friends.  Is your wardrobe ready?  If you're like me and still need to snag a few essentials, you'll want to take a peek at DownEast Basics. Their consistently updated inventory gets better with every season and the new spring line is no exception.

I have the Le Petit Linen Dress and I couldn't be more pleased with it.  Linen is such a great material for spring/summer and the details on this dress make it even more special.  The hem detail, the little gathered sleeves, love.

Would you like to win an item of your choice from DownEast?  I knew you would.  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post telling me which item you would pick if you're the lucky winner.  Make sure you leave your email address. Giveaway will be open until Sunday April 11.  Winner will be announced Monday April 12.

One last thing,  Molly + I want to make sure all of our readers get a shot at winning.  If you've won a DownEast Basics giveaway on My Favorite Things in the last 90 days, you are not eligible to win this one. 

Good luck, dears!

hello june cleaver.

Really excited to tell you of our latest sponsor, A Year In The Life Of June Cleaver!  A Year in the Life of June Cleaver is a blog directed at women, working women with children and stay at home moms, as the blog author Jessie has been in all of those shoes and feels confident wearing all of them. Jessie's posts include daily observations and commentary, tips and ideas, product reviews, giveaways and how-to articles.

Be sure to add A Year In The Life Of June Cleaver to your reader.  You won't want to miss a post!

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR ON MY FAVORITE THINGS, PLEASE EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.  info@afewofmyfavorites.com

product review: pixie lily.

Is there anything more darling than a sweet babe dressed in heirloom quality clothing?  I think not.  I often find myself frustrated with big box store childrens clothing.  The colors, the lack of detail and quality, the glitter.  Sometimes it's all a bit too much.  Especially when you're trying to dress a wee one.

You can imagine my delight when I can across Pixie Lily.  Luxury baby clothing made from 100% pima cotton, jersey, batiste, and finished off with the most lovely handmade details is what makes Pixie Lily my new favorite children's clothing line.

I was able to review the sweet dress pictured below on my little Audrey.  It. is. incredible.  The package arrived in the prettiest gift box you've ever seen and was tied with satin ribbon.  It was packaged so well, I almost didn't want to open it.  Almost.  As soon as Audrey and I unwrapped the dress, I knew immediately this would be a piece of clothing we'd have forever.  I'm not exaggerating at all when I say I've never seen such attention to detail and quality on a childrens dress before.  The sizing was spot on and the fabric + finish work is impeccable.

All orders from Pixie Lily receive complimentary shipping.  And remember the gift box I was telling you about before?  One will be included with your order over $100.00.

Ready for some great news?  Pixie Lily would like to offer a neutral burp cloth to every order over $50 to you, our dear readers!  Just enter coupon code "my favorites" when you check out.  This is a $24 retail value.  Thanks Pixie Lily!

ergo baby carrier.

I love to wear my babies, especially when they are teeny tiny but finding a carrier/sling can be tricky.  I have tried my fair share of them but have never found the perfect one, until now that is.

I did a poll a while back asking you, my readers, what your favorite baby carriers were.  A majority of you told me the Ergo.  So I contacted the people at ERGObaby and asked them what they were all about.  They even sent me one to try first hand.  I tried it and loved it.  I snuggled a little three month old in the Ergo and then even tried it out on my three year old.  The fact that the carrier and can be used from newborn on up to 40lbs is a major plus.  It is extremely easy to use and has excellent back support.  I never felt like I had to tug and pull and felt like I got a great fit from the get go.  I give it two thumbs up!

hello market mommy.

Please say hello to one of our newest April sponsors, Market Mommy.
Market Mommy is the place to go for simple to use marketing information for all you mom-owned online businesses.  They help make marketing easy!

Now Market Mommy offers full service printing.  Do you need business cards, return address labels, letterhead or brochures?  Market Mommy offers that ALL at reasonable prices that won't break the bank.  You can find all the printing information right here.  Go check them out now, it might be just what you were looking for.

product review: ginko papers.

I'm always thrilled to find great resources for paper products.  And is it just me or do Japanese paper items make you swoon too?  The pretty colors, the packaging.  It's just divine.  I came across Ginko Papers and knew I had to do a review. 

I was lucky enough to get in contact with Garin, Ginko Papers shop girl.  Garin is just the kind of person I LOVE to work with.  I knew from the start she wasn't just selling paper from an online store, she loved these sweet items and wanted to share all of her Japan treasures with the rest of us.  Lucky us!

It's always hard to pick favorites from a site that has so many things to offer.  All of which I'd love to have tucked away in my stash.  Here are the things I adore the most:

The Postcards- Living in a world where email reigns supreme, I like to surprise friends with a note in their snail mail box.  All of these postcards (and Letter Sets!) would be sure to put a smile on their faces.

The Notepads- I'm a list maker.  Notepads are a must.  These Red Riding Hood numbers are so darling.

Tape- Not only does Ginko Papers have a plethora of the Japanese masking tape we know + love, they also have Shinzi Katoh packaging tape.  

Take a few minutes and explore all that Ginko Papers has to offer.  I know you'll find a few favorites too.

p.s.  I'm stocking up on these little guys.  I plan on tucking a few in my children's lunch boxes as a mid afternoon surprise.  Aren't they the cutest?!

hello tyler trends.

We're so happy to introduce one of our newest sponsors to you today!  Tyler Trends is a family owned company that specializes in making clothing you and your children will love.  The short sleeve t-shirts and onesies are made from fair-trade organic cotton and sport the cutest little animal faces you've ever seen.  The monkey + giraffe are my favorite.  Which is yours?

Welcome Tyler Trends!

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR ON MY FAVORITE THINGS, PLEASE EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.  info@afewofmyfavorites.com