DIY friday : pillow case dress.

Would you guess that this sweet little sundress was created from a pillowcase?

I wouldn't either.

Really, how incredibly sweet it is.

Tiffany from Simply Modern Mom emailed me the tutorial and I just had to share it with all of you.

If only I could sew...

If only I had a little girl...

Thanks Tiffany!

Retro Ruffle Pillowcase Dress Tutorial

Pleated Bow Pillowcase Dress Tutorial

**sorry if this looks like a repeat post. this DIY posted earlier in the week accidentally.  so i took it down and reposted it on the correct day.

friday favorites : by Katie.

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a few of Katie's favorite things

when my otherwise active children are in a cuddly mood

my iphone

hot air balloon fiesta in albuquerque

when my husband makes his waffles and cleans the kitchen afterwards

reading a good book before bed

trying new recipes, and blogging about the great ones

wicked, the musical

my daughter's dimples

Target

swinging in the backyard with the whole family

Thanks Katie and happy friday!

Go here to be our next friday favorites.

ps. we do use every submission.  so just be patient, everyone has the opportunity to be our next friday favorites feature.  thanks for sharing your favorites!

fall at fossil.

Fossil just came out with their new fall line.  And I am thinking yes to these boots.  Classic, simple and reasonably priced.  I would throw them over a pair of skinny jeans, with a soft knit tee and a yummy sweater.  How about you?  Are you looking forward to fall?

a delightful giveaway.

Last year I posted about a sweet little blog, Delightful.
It is full of, well, delightful finds.
Today Kelli is hosting a fantabulous giveaway for a stunning dress by K. Grace.  Honestly you don't want to miss out.  Just go, click, and take a look.

charlie lou designs.

Are you planning a party in the near future?  If so, make sure check out all of the darling offerings from Charlie Lou Designs.  Party invitations,  cupcake toppers + wrappers, labels, banners and pretty much everything you'll need to throw a sweet gathering for that someone special.  Charlie Lou's designs are customizable and printable making your party possibilities endless.  

Oh, and if you're a photographer you HAVE to take a peek at Charlie Lou's Cd Case + Image Box templates.  The perfect packaging for those precious images.

big book of small cool spaces.

I'm thinking Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces was written explicitly to inspire me.  I do, after-all live in the cozy brick house.  And you know what "cozy" means, right? Cozy = Small.

Apartment Therapy is one of my daily must read blogs, so you can consider this baby added to my wish list.

my oceanic alphabet.

I love our graphic designer who created the look of My Favorite Things.  Lyndsay Johnson oozes talent like no other.  I am hoping by just knowing her some of her creativity will transfer over to me.

Did you know she just debuted her Oceanic Alphabet poster?  I am thinking this would look killer in a play room.  Bright colors + modern design, combined with a summer fun theme.

Perfectly priced at just $25, it just might make a fun birthday gift for a little gal or guy who loves ocean animals.  And right now at the Blog Guidebook {Lyndsay's other blog, superwoman she is} they are giving away a FREE one.  Hurry over and enter :)

the vintage pearl + a giveaway.

I love to admire jewelry.  When I see an outfit topped off with a statement necklace or big bold earrings, I start to wish I did that more often.  I do on occasion adorn the bigger earrings or the bolder necklace but for the most part, I am a simple girl.  Give me some dainty earrings and a sweet little necklace and I am set.  That's why I was so attracted to The Vintage Pearl.  Personalized, hand stamped jewelry for those of us that like to keep it simple.

The first thing I love about The Vintage Pearl are the different designs they offer.  You can choose from a variety of shapes and sizes and types of fonts, taking personalized to a whole new level.  You have the choice of four different chain lengths and most styles are adorned with a fresh water pearl or birthstone.  The quality really is top notch.  It is definitely a piece of jewelry I will love always and keep with me for the years to come.

This circle of love is the one I have, now which would you choose?

ps Would you like one too?  Oh you would!  Surprise, it's giveaway time!  Visit The Vintage Pearl and make sure you tell me your favorite style.  You will have the chance to win a $25 gift certificate.  Pretty sweet, right?  Have fun browsing and good luck!  Oh and the giveaway ends Friday morning at 7am CST [8/30/2010].

pps This giveaway is open internationally!

ppps  There is also a men section!

downeast basics GIVEAWAY!

The weather in the Pacific Northwest has been hot.  Really hot.  In fact, yesterday it was 103.  I love summer but when the mercury rises above 100 I start daydreaming of fallen leaves, sweaters and boots.  A coping mechanism, perhaps?  See, about this time every year I start getting bored with my summer clothes.  Do you do the same?

You can imagine how thrilled I was when DownEast Basics mentioned they wanted to do a giveaway for you lovely readers from their "New Arrivals" section.  A new skirt or tee may be just the thing to cure the summer doldrums.  Think flowy skirts, cardigans and feminine tees.  All great pieces to get you through these last days of summer and into the beginning of fall.

Would you like to win a little something for yourself?  Of course you would!  Just hop on over and browse the "New Arrivals" section.  Come back here and leave a comment telling me what piece you would like to have if you are the lucky winner.  It's as easy as that.  The winner will be chosen and announced Friday July 30th.

the avett brothers.

{kristin, lindsay, me, marilyn}

Me and my favorite friends went to see The Avett Brothers perform last week.  It was a perfect day.  Shopping, eating, long conversations and a fantastic show.  The Avett Brothers are so incredibly talented.  I was in awe of their energy on stage + their true musical abilities.  If you ever have the chance to see them live, take it!  You won't be disappointed.  For me, this song was a highlight from the show.  The last line from the song is perfection.

friday favorites : by Julie.

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a few of Julie's favorite things

a freshly laid egg

candid photos

the smell of chlorine on my kids after a day at the pool

holding a sleeping child

handmade soaps

when the hubs cooks

eggs benedict

contentedness

finding out something you picked up is on sale at the register

pregnant bellies

Thanks Julie and happy friday!

We'd love for you to be our next feature in friday favorites.

Go here!

tell us, we want to know!

Hello lovely readers!
I know life is busy and we sincerely appreciate the time you take to visit us.
I put together a little survey with the hope to get to know you a better and find out what you like.  Will you be so kind as to take the survey?  I promise it is super short!

Thanks!

Click here to take survey

ps. there will also be a link at the top of the column on the right side ;)

Moo G Clips.

I am almost completely sure I am destined to have an all boy family and I am okay with that.  But sometimes when I see all the gorgeous girl clothes and accessories, I do get a bit envious.  Moo G Clips is just another example of all the girly goodness that is out there.

Moo G Clips bloomed into existence when mom Anna-Aliza wasn't satisfied with the current selection available.  She went into action and created her own affordable clips that work great for new babes and big girls too!  She even offers larger flowers that would work for you stylish moms.

I did make my boys model the clips for me, to get a good gauge on how they work and if they stay in place.  They clipped right in easily, didn't seem to pull or tug and stayed in place!  Although my boys were quick to take them out.  For some reason they didn't want to sport a pink flower :)  The prices are super affordable, which allows you to go a bit crazy if you so please.

Which are your favorite style?

23.5 weeks.

This is me 23.5 weeks pregnant.

I am now 25 weeks and look pretty much the same.

I'm ready to welcome baby Nicholas and at the same time feel terribly unprepared.  I'm excited and a bit nervous with the anticipation of the change that will take place.  Is three the hardest transition?  I've been told yes and no.  Maybe it's best if I just wait and make my own judgements.  I mean, even if it is hard there is only so much I can do to prepare.

I will say I suffered from post-partum depression with my second.  I was in denial and felt terribly isolated and horribly guilty of the fact that I had a healthy, albeit crying all the time baby and wanted to reorder him at a later date.  But I know what to look for this time around and will take charge in a way I was unable to do last time.  

Three boys, that's what I'll have.  I will be terrifically outnumbered and loved beyond belief :)

uncovered book bundles.

I'm really drawn to these uncovered book bundles offered by Restoration Hardware.  I would love to have a few bundles as accents around the cozy brick house but I'm not willing to pay $29 for four old books held together by jute + twine.  I feel a DIY coming on. . .

mermaid cuff.

Saw this beauty in person yesterday.  Pretty sure your coolness factor would go up ten points if you bought it.

trophy fish by uncommon.

This trophy fish came in the mail yesterday and I couldn't be more thrilled.  It is part of the nursery decor and it is just as lovely in person.  You can tell great quality and care went into creating it.

got milk?

I picked up these fun little magic milk straws at Target last night.  Not sure if I would make a habit out of buying them but they are quite fun to try.  I am not really a milk drinker but I gave the strawberry straw a go.  The flavor isn't as strong as if you bought strawberry milk but I enjoyed my glass none the less.  I say you should try it at least once!

lotta jansdotter labels.

I'm always on the hunt for pretty labels.  These, from the lovely Lotta Jansdotter, are my favorite.

volume twenty five.

While browsing Etsy yesterday afternoon this print from Volume Twenty Five was on the front page.  Life can sometimes throw storms in our path and showing gratitude during those storms can be difficult.

Having pretty artwork to remind us of what's really important?  Yes, please!

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ruffle scarf.

Does anyone want to buy me this lovely ruffle scarf?

Oh you do, do you?

Why thank you :)

Happy friday dear friends.

Have a fantabulous weekend!

DIY friday: miniature memory game.

Are you looking for something to keep the wee one's busy that doesn't involve a screen?  If so, you'll love this Miniature Memory Game I created.  It even comes with a free printable! Full tutorial here.

jj cole collections.

I am still on the hunt for all things baby.  And that means everything!
I stopped by JJ Cole Collections the other day, as in, I popped on over via the web.  The shop is filled to the brim with fantastic baby gear.  I was immediately drawn to their diaper bag section.

I am a hand bag gal and while I am pregnant the obsession has turned to diaper bags.  Although I am selective in what I will use, my motto is, you can never have too many.  Ever.  And after browsing JJ Cole, I think I found a contender for my all time top favorite.  It is called the swag bag and is oh so chic!

  

First off, it could totally pass for a purse.  You know how I know that, I tried it and no one new the difference.  I received quite a few compliments and when I divulged my little secret about it being a diaper bag, they were even more impressed.  It has a ton of pockets and lots of room for all the baby paraphernalia I will be toting around and yet, it does not look overly large.  It can be worn cross body or over the shoulder and adjusted to the perfect length for you.  And the price is perfect.  It has designer quality but not a designer price.

the little seed.

Remember Punky Brewster?  Well she's all grown up and designing baby clothes.  Soleil Moon Frye and business partner Paige Tolmach just released their eco friendly line The Little Seed.  And guess what?  You can find it at everyones favorite spot, Target.  100% organic cotton and colors for both baby girls + boys have me wanting to snatch up every piece.  Although this towel is my favorite.

{via jordan ferney for babble}

summer makeup.

I don't know about you, but my makeup regimen mostly stays the same in the summer months.  I like to keep things simple and sticking to the tried + true basics ensures my time in front of the mirror is minimal.  That being said, I do switch out a couple of products for these warmer days.  

I replace my typical blush with Benefit's Dallas bronzer.  It gives my face a healthy summer glow that my pale complexion wouldn't have otherwise.

My everyday lipstick is also replaced with MAC's Lipgelee.  The hint of color + non-sticky formula is definitely a favorite.

So what about you friends?  Do you change up your makeup in these hot summer months?

shabby apple maternity.

Dresses make me feel feminine and flirty and are all around a stellar choice for summer, especially when living in Texas.  Shabby Apple has been a top favorite of mine for sometime and continually amazes me with all the fabulous lines they create.

Being over halfway through my pregnancy, I have a love/hate relationship with maternity clothes.  I've decided clothes for pregnancy fall into either two categories, spot on fabulous or i'd rather die.  I've found brands either do it right or completely wrong, which is why a majority of my clothes right now are not maternity.  Fortunately for me Shabby Apple has a fantastic line of maternity dresses that flatter the figure and make you feel sexy, even with a growing belly.

[that's me ladies! photo courtesy of Auburn Soul]

Shabby Apple sent me this little lovely in the mail to really and truly see if their maternity line fit the bill.  First off the dress has style!
It fit great, with room to grow.
Washes nicely.
Super comfortable.
And made me feel sassy.

Two thumbs up Shabby Apple!

ps. did you notice they have a 20% off sale going on right now?  because they do!
pps. did you also know that if you sign up for their mailing list you receive 10% off?  totally awesome!

my favorite time of year.

I'm ready to move on to autumn.

After the fireworks have disappeared and the fourth of July is just a memory, I'm ready to skip over the remaining summer months.  Straight to September, well, October really.  Straight to my favorite time of year.

{october 2009}

I say it every year during summer.

I live in the wrong state.

I long for crisp morning air and leaves fluttering towards the ground.  Texas just doesn't deliver soon enough for me.  Maybe one day we'll move.  Maybe not.

But I'll always have a crush on October.

ps. what's your favorite time of year?

*if you read my family blog you'll notice this is a repeat post*

martha stewart's encyclopedia.

I'm a sucker for anything (note:everything!) Martha + her team produces.  The Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts is no exception.  It's amazing.  If you have any inclination to sew, grab your copy quick.  You'll treasure it forever.  I promise.

silhouette charms.

I'm always on the hunt for simple jewelry and these pretty silhouette necklaces from Le Papier Studio have been on my mind since spotting them on Design Mom.  Love.

friday favorites : by Mary.

a few of Mary's favorite things

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my husband's blueberry pancakes

crisp Fall afternoons with clear blue skies

an empty dishwasher and clean counters

christmas stockings

long, hot, uninterrupted showers

walking barefoot in the grass

family reunions

talking with my sisters

a snowstorm when I have nowhere to be

watching a sunset

Thanks Mary and happy friday dear friends!

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

quite possibly the best.

Can I brag for just a minute?
Let me tell you something.  I quite possibly have the best fellow blog editor.  Ever.
She is super kind.
Generous.
Extremely crafty.
And lovely beyond belief.
Just to prove how lovely she is, she gifted me a beautiful bloom from none other than Emersonmade.
See, I told you I was lucky.

Thanks Danyelle for adding so much to the blog!

ps. who would you like to brag about?  you know, we all need a little bragging every now and then!

shoe love @ anthro.

Have you beheld the beautiful shoes over at Anthropologie?

I am quite possibly lusting over, well, most of them.

Anyone want to buy me a pair?

chains.

I've heard so many lovely things about this book in the past week.  We're headed out right now to pick it up.  Have you read Chains?