friday favorites : by Shelbie.

{image credit}

a few of Shelbie's favorite things

crunching leaves
sipping pumpkin lattes
friday craft days
cuddling with my boyfriend under a warm blanket
fall scented candles
corn on the cob
football season

thanks Shelbie & happy friday dear readers!

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

spooky.

Halloween has never been a favorite holiday. Don't get me wrong, I love fun + parties as much as the next girl, I just don't love to be scared. That being said, my children LOVE Halloween. They love dressing up, treats + making spooky crafts. To help get me in the spirit, I've rounded up a few spooky projects I wouldn't mind throwing together before Sunday.

Skull Potato Stamp

Bat Mobile

Halloween Wreath

dare to design.

Shabby Apple's Dare to Design contest is back.  Imagine how pleased I was to see my talented friend Charith's darling creation in the TOP 15!  Yeah Charith!  You can choose your favorite design right here.

Guess which dress is my favorite?

LNZ art : custom holiday cards.

Friends, it has been a super busy day over here.  I am exhausted but I couldn't let the day slip away without sharing.

One of our lovely sponsors, LNZ Art,  has some new custom holiday cards up in her etsy shop right now.  I know Halloween is right around the corner but really, is it ever to early to think about Christmas?  I for one am a planner and now is the perfect time to decide what type of holiday card YOU would like to send to friends and family.

All you have to do is pick a design, send in a photo of choice and boom, Lindsay will send you a high-res document in which you can print off where ever you would like.  Simple + affordable.

I'm sort of smitten with this little number, what's your favorite?

link love.

My reader was popping with awesomeness last week.  There were so many great things happening, I couldn't keep up with it all.  These are the posts I starred.  The ones I couldn't bear to simply "mark as read." They deserved a little link love.

Suann brought these classic fall boots to my attention. Obsession has begun.

Seesaw stocked their shop! Hooray!

Don't these painted pumpkins look fun?!

I'm in love with these images Nicole captured of a boys collection. 

cranny.

I love waking up to pretty and inspiring things on a blustery Monday morning.These yarn letters from Cranny win the prize today.

{via Knack}

friday favorites : by Samantha.

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a few of Samantha's favorite things

pumpkin spiced lattes

cool breeze on a crisp Autumn day

finding money in pant pockets

hearing my baby giggle

stamps in passports

checking things off lists

the feeling after doing yoga

a great book by my favorite authors

receiving unexpected packages

sundresses

thanks Samantha and happy friday!

Would you like to be our next friday favorites feature?

go here to find out how.

blognog : say yes to hoboken.

Liz from Say Yes to Hoboken so sweetly asked me to participate in a fun holiday series called Blognog!  Head over and check it.

re-use bag

I love everything Susan makes. Have you seen her moccasins? Even the Kardashians can't get enough. My favorite in her shop right now is her re-use bag.


It's enough to make a girl forget about plastic altogether.

lands' end canvas

I went to a prep school growing up, so I have an affinity for Lands' End. But their new Lands' End Canvas line goes way beyond pleated kilts and boring shoes.


Lands' End Canvas is all grown up with clothes I'd actually wear. Best of all? Everything you see is on sale. Bonus points.

Clockwise, left to right: Leather and Canvas shoe $53.99, Slim Leg Jeans $49.50, Chambray Shirtdress $40.99, Women's Motocross Jacket $47.99, Women's Wellie Boots $40.99

wee wonderfuls.

I've already been receiving Christmas lists from my children. My oldest daughter may nearly be eight, but she still loves playing with dolls and has requested a handmade version this year. I won't lie, my heart sang a little bit when she told me.

Wee Wonderfuls 24 Dolls to Sew and Love has been on my wish list and it looks like I now have a reason to snag it!

bento box

My friend Kami is the cleverest of clever girls. She's been making little bento box lunches for her daughter's school lunches. Aren't they the cutest?


It's a little more inspiring than your typical sack lunch isn't it?

calling all graphic designers.

Friends, it is a sad day.  My most favorite graphic designer is no longer available to our every whim.  Due to personal circumstances she is closing her doors.  Maybe a few tears have been shed {hey, I am pregnant and hormonal}.  But now, now I need to find a new designer and I'd like to start my search right here.  Maybe you are an established designer or are up and coming and would like some exposure.  Email me if you might be interested in the job.

info[at]afewofmyfavorites[dot]com

I do have a few requirements...

Can work with blogger & wordpress
Can begin work at the start of 2011
Fits the style of My Favorite Things
Would be open to a trade
Willing to work with us on and on going basis

Please send any recommendations our way!
Thanks!

holiday candles.

Look what came in the mail today!
As you know we love Paddywax candles and these two scents are perfect for the holiday season.
Cocoa Mugs + Gingerbread Houses
Only the two best holiday candles, in my opinion at least.
And even though it is a balmy 80 degrees here in Texas, I still decided to light them.  You know, sometimes in Texas you have to pretend it is Fall even if it doesn't really feel like it :)

winner!

I'm pregnant and forgetful and terribly sorry.
I was at my local target today and picked up a 4pak of Aden + Anais blankets and boom, finally remembered that I needed to post the winner.

And the lucky winner is ...

Please contact me ASAP with your shipping info and 4pak classic collection choice.

info[at]afewofmyfavorites[dot]com

o.p.i. nail polish

You'd be hard pressed to find a girl who loves nail polish more than I do. Truly. I paint my nails once a week on Saturday night, and no color is off limits.


I'm especially fond of O.P.I. It's a little more spendy than your regular nail polish, at $8-ish dollars a bottle, but it's worth every penny.

cupcake in a jar

Thanks for having me on My Favorite Things! I can't wait to share some of my most favorite delicious finds this week, starting out with something truly divine.

{photo and recipe by According to Kelly}

I'm a lover of all things cupcake, which is why I adore my friend Kelly's easy solution for gluttony:

Cupcake in a Jar

Mmmm. I'll take two, please.

guest blogger : Allison from Petit Elefant.

It's been a while since My Favorite Things has had a guest blogger visit and I thought it was about time to invite Allison over from her fun + fabulous blog Petit Elefant.  I don't know Allison personally but from what I do know, she is spunky and fun and post great tips on fashion and traveling.  Boy, does that lady travel!  So without further ado....

Meet Allison!

Just a little basic info.
I'm Allison Czarnecki, a mid-thirties mama from Utah.  I have two kids, a girl and a boy, both elementary school aged, and the greatest husband on the block.  We've been married 12 years?  Thirteen maybe?  It's hard to remember.  

About Petit Elefant.

My blog is called Petit Elefant.  It's named that because I started it four years ago when my baby was just a baby, and I was the mama elephant leading my kids into the world.  It's evolved and now it's about fashion, family, travel, and home.  I write a lot about travel and fashion though, specifically fashion for harried women who need to look nice on the cheap.

Favorite must read blog.

Pioneer Woman.  I love Ree to death and she's just as great of a friend in real life as you'd think she would be from reading her blog.  Just lovely.  And her writing is so entertaining, it's my first stop in the morning.

Favorite season.

Summer!  I get to take the kids to the pool while I read in a lounge chair in the sun all day.  What's not to love about that?

Favorite store [for you] to shop at.

H&M.  It's so crowded and noisy and filled to the brim with teenagers, but I love it.  All the current fashions are there and I can always find something on the cheap.

Favorite beauty product.

Tinted moisturizer!  It's the best thing since sliced bread.  Hides a multitude of sins and makes you look amazing.

Welcome Allison!

forge.

My little bibliomaniac and I can hardly wait until tomorrow's release of Forge.  Chains was so fantastic, we're hoping the sequel lives up to our expectations.

link love.

My reader was popping with awesomeness last week.  There were so many great things happening, I couldn't keep up with it all.  These are the posts I starred.  The ones I couldn't bear to simply "mark as read." They deserved a little link love.

Stephanie is hosting the best giveaway ever! A week stay at her lovely french cottage La Maisonnette.  You still have a few more hours to enter. . .

A radio designed by Orla Kiely? Yes, please.

 I want to wrap all of my gifts in white butcher paper and polka dot tape.

It's breast cancer awareness month. I think this necklace is a great way to show your support. 

rain boots.

I've been wanting rain boots for quite some time now but I've put it off for one reason or another.  I just recently received a pair of Earth Elite rain boots in iron gray.  And now, now I don't know if I should keep them or exchange them for another pair.  I want them to be functional and still look good.  I tried them on and they are comfortable and stylish but I need your opinion readers.  So tell me...

Do you own rain boots and if so, what brand?
Would you splurge on a pair or go inexpensive?

I got mine from zappos.  A fabulous place to buy shoes, in my opinion!

one life jewelry : inspiring jewelry design.

While we are on the topic of jewelry this week, I'd love to introduce you to another favorite jewelry design etsy seller.  The shop is called One Life Jewelry and it boasts a beautiful selection of inspiring and personalized jewelry.

I, of course, was drawn to the quiet simplicity of each piece and the fact that Arlyne works with both gold and sterling silver is a bonus.  She takes great care in designing each creation from start to finish.  I've been quite pleased with the quality of my monogrammed necklace and wear it just about every day.  It also doesn't hurt that I've received many a compliment on its loveliness.  I adore wearing jewelry that has personal meaning to me.  Every time I clasp my necklace on, it makes me just a little bit happier; it's my icing on the cake.

Are you a jewelry gal?
And do you like personalized jewelry?

Don't forget to click over and visit One Life Jewelry.  You may just find a little bit of happy there too!

daily journaling.

If I had a daily journal as pretty as this one, I'm almost positive I would be a better record keeper.

{via You Are My Fave}

kissing bird ring.

Some trends get tiresome (I'm looking at you moustache) but I'm pretty sure I'll never get sick of birds.  Especially when they're tiny, sterling silver and kissing.

Kissing Bird Ring and other sweet treasures found  in Odette New York's shop.

friedasophie : jewelry design.

Over the years I've tried to branch out and wear a bit more jewelry.  A bib necklace here, statement earrings there, or even a cocktail ring.  But I usually fail.  Oh, I have all of the above and occasionally wear the pieces but I just don't feel completely like me.  I tend to gravitate towards the simple that packs a punch.  And this fall I am especially drawn towards gold with jewel tones.  Sounds lovely, no?

So when I happened upon Friedasophie, I immediately knew I would love her jewelry design.
gold - check!
pretty jewel colors - check!
affordable - double check!
simple with a little wow factor - check, check, check!
As you can imagine, Friedasophie has become a favorite of mine.

I actually have these organic rough diamond white druzy gold earrings [currently not available] and seriously wear them all the time.  I love them that much.  They are light weight and for as much use as I give them, great quality.  If you are considering updating your wardrobe with a few new pieces of jewelry, I highly suggest visiting Friedasophie.  You won't be disappointed.

p.s.  I have a wedding to attend to at the end of November and I'd love to find an outfit that goes with these beautiful earrings?  I need an excuse to buy them ;)

aden + anais : swaddling blankents + a giveaway!

Three weeks left until D day friends.
I am in hyperdrive nesting mode, which means I am making sure I have all the essentials washed, organized and put away.  One practice that never fails me is swaddling my sweet babe and that means I need swaddling blankets.

Not just any blanket will do.  It needs to be big enough, breathable and super soft.  That shouldn't be hard to accomplish and it's not if you've discovered Aden + Anais.  They offer only the best.  The swaddling blankets are made of fine cotton muslin and offer designs for boy/girl/gender neutral.  You are bound to find one that fits your style!  They also offer four different collections [classic, cozy, organic, bamboo], while allowing you to purchase the blankets in four packs, two packs or as a single.  I didn't know Aden + Anais existed with my first two and am anxious to try them out with baby N.

As a side note, did you know that October is SIDS Awareness month?  And that Aden + Anais partnered with the CJ Foundation for SIDS to promote safer sleep environments?  A percentage of their profits goes towards the CJ Foundation and their Sleep in Safety, Grow in Style campaign.  Truly a win/win in my book.

And to top off all this greatness, Aden + Anais didn't want to leave our readers empty-handed.  That means another giveaway is in order.  The winner will receive a four pack from the classic collection.  You can choose boy/girl/gender neutral design.  All you have to do is...

Drop us a comment [emails help us contact you].
Become a fan of Aden + Anais on Facebook.
And for an extra entry, tweet about it [include @favorite_things in your tweet & then come back here to leave another comment].
Open to US readers only.
Giveaway closes Friday at noon [CST].
Good luck!

p.s.  I love this swaddling tutorial!

land of nod : children's christmas gift ideas.

I've been making a list of possible gift ideas for my boys.  They are both way big into legos right now but I still like to have a go to list so I am not clamoring around last minute.  Land of Nod has a great christmas gift idea selection.  I made a simple "wish list" so I wouldn't forget.  Here are a few top favorites...

piece by piece animal pop-outs
good wood puzzle
i'm not bored anymore art jar jr.

PROJECT: craft.

Have you ever been to a community craft night? Until recently, I hadn't. Not because I wouldn't want to attend, but because nothing had ever been offered in my neck of the woods.

My dear friend Lovely Lindsay and I were tired of hearing about all the fun people from other cities were having at such events and decided to plan one of our own. The evening was a smashing success and we're looking forward to doing it again.

We met in a local bike + organics shop, served baked cookies + Izze, prepared craft kits for our attendees, and had the best giveaways from our favorite etsy shops.

You can read more about the fun and see details of PROJECT: craft  on my other blog right here.

halloween greeting cards.

Over the weekend husband and I were on a date and ran into Target for a few necessities. While walking past the Halloween greeting cards we were assaulted by cards plastered with cartoon characters in the most horrid shade of orange you've ever seen.

This Halloween Lanterns card by one of my favorite etsy shops Oh My Cavalier is more to my liking. Darling illustration, muted colors, and gocco printed. I would be a very happy girl to find this beauty in my mailbox.

winner, winner!

Ugh, one day I'll be on time announcing the winner.
I'm just lame.
Sorry.

So herewith are the TWO lucky winners of the TWIG giveaway...

Please contact me ASAP via email.

info[at]afewofmyfavorites[dot]com

DIY friday: menu planner.

Instead of a big project this weekend, I'm getting myself more organized for the coming week.   Printing off this darling meal planner from Ollibird is step one on my list.  

Kelly Moore camera bag giveaway WINNER!

I know a lot of you have been anxiously awaiting these results so without further adieu, the winner of the Posey camera bag is Emily! Congratulations Emily! You will be receiving an email from me shortly.  I would also like to say a huge thank you to the fabulous Kelly from Kelly Moore. If you didn't win, perhaps  you should treat yourself.  You know, for being so awesome.

momAgenda : how to stay organized.

How to stay organized.
Doesn't every mom want to know that special secret to help keep life balanced?
I know I do, but unfortunately, I haven't found THE answer.
I have, however, found some amazing organizational products that do help keep me sane and less frazzled.

I can now count momAgenda as a company I absolutely adore.  I'm sold when pretty paper products meet function.  And momAgenda does just that.  The company offers multiple styles of planners, paper pads and home organizers.  I am a bit OCD when it comes to being organized and momAgenda makes my heart go pitter patter.

I am especially fond of the weekly menu grocery pad.  I love being able to plan my menu and grocery list on the same piece of paper.  It keeps everything together and helps me not forget what ingredients I need that week.  You also can't beat the price.  Super affordable!

Another favorite of mine is School Years.  Since my oldest just entered preschool, I knew I wanted some type of book to help me keep the important treasures safe and tucked away.  School Years has little fill in the blanks for height & weight, plus spots to jot their best friends down.  And it goes from pre-K through 12th grade!

If you like to stay organized or are trying to get organized, I highly suggest you take a hop, skip and a cyber jump over to momAgenda today and check out all their goodies!