my week in review.

Last week was a week I do not want to repeat.
Both my older boys were recovering from croup.
I took a tumble down my stairs and broke my tailbone.
Sweet baby N caught a little bug and was miserable the WHOLE weekend.  Think no sleep.
I did get to strut around in my new shoes before my little, ahem, accident.
My three best friends as of late have been the cold pack, heating pad and my "special" pillow.

How was your week/weekend?
Hopefully you had a little fun :)

link love.

source

Happy Monday friends!  Hope you had a relaxing weekend.  Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.

I am definitely thinking a rug is in order.
This necklace belongs draped around my neck, no?
Helpful hints to successful meal planning.
Do you carry calling cards?
Beautiful ceramics to adorn your bookshelf.

ouch.

my bed

Guys, I'm afraid you won't see me again until Monday.  I took a nasty spill down my stairs Tuesday afternoon.  The scary thing is, I was carrying sweet baby N in my arms.  Nicholas is just fine, not a scratch.  But since I was cradling him, I had no hands to break my fall.  The result?  A horrible break on my tailbone.  My neck and back are out of whack and I am completely 100% sore from head to foot.  I'm pathetic.  I hobble around trying my best to take care of my three boys (the two oldest are still recovering from croup).  Really all I want to do is curl up in my bed with a full body ice pack and sleep until the hurt is gone.

I hope your week went a little better than mine.
Any fun plans for the weekend?  Do share!  I could use a little pick me up.

idesia necklace.

I am the ever so happy owner of this lovely necklace.  And I love it.

olive manna : a notebook.

No need for me to gush about how much I love pretty paper.  or packaging.  or twine.  Olive Manna has quickly scaled the ranks of my favorites.  You want it, Natalie has probably already dreamed it up and carries it in her shop.

I was super lucky to receive a gorgeous little notebook, with little pennants adorning the cover.  I've been a journal keeper in the past but have gone in and out of the habit.  This sweet notebook beckons me to write upon its pages.  Hopefully one day, my posterity will read it and smile.

soft bound
200 pages
measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches.

Mine sits on my night stand waiting for me to grab it after I've tucked my boys in bed.  I've had mine for a few weeks and it is holding up nicely.  The pages are lined, which is a definite plus, because although I like the look of an unlined journal, I can't write in straight lines.  I just can't.  Priced at $25, it is affordable and lovely too.

happy writing my fellow journal goers :)

ps coming soon : aged paper.  how awesome is that?

nail polish via anthropologie.

Have you spied the Megan Miller nail polish at Anthropologie?  I haven't seen it in person but those little cork tops are to die for, no?

be your original best.

I love discovering new artists, admiring their work and I'll admit, lusting after their talent.  I can only imagine how frustrating it can be to realize your work has been copied.

be your original best is a blog that is helping to "promote a copy-cat free artistic industry".  Go check it out!

link love.

(source)

Happy Monday friends!  Hope you had a relaxing weekend.  Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.


I just adore the color mustard.
Do you read Cupcakes and Cashmere?  You need to check out her house tour.
These party hats are just about perfect.
Small paintings available.  Yes please!
I absolutely love a good birth story. (you can read Nicholas' birth story here)

friday favorites : by Heather.

a few of Heather's favorite things

a fresh haircut

morning sunshine streaming through the windows

greek yogurt + fresh berries

hugs from my little ones

checking things off my to-do list

going for walks

Jane Austen books

laughing til my cheeks hurt

rainstorms

crafting

thanks Heather and happy friday friends!

interested in participating?  just click over here for all the details.

ps don't forget about sending in your questions for my FAQ page!

DIY friday : sequin heart shoe clip.

(source)

I know valentine's day is but a memory but I can't get over how incredibly sweet these heart shoe clips are. Seriously.  I think I need to exercise the small amount of craftiness I harbor.  And it's small people.  But this doesn't look too difficult, right?

crystal b jewelry : spring is in the air.

Can you feel it friends?
The subtle hint of spring.

Now that the weather is warming up some, I am ready to dust off my spring wardrobe and forget about the heavy coats.  I want to throw on a short sleeve tee, some jeans, my toms and top it off with a lovely piece of jewelry from Crystal B.

Vintage and feminine, Crystal B jewelry adds that little something extra to your go to outfit.  And if you watch over the next few weeks, Crystal will be adding new spring pieces to her collection.  yay!  Also be sure to follow her blog because she frequently offers discount codes, double yay!

ps I'm jones-ing for these little lovely earrings!

FAQ | what do you want to know?

Okay guys, I want to put together a FAQ page but need your help.
Do you have any burning questions?
What do you want to know about me?
About the blog?
About products?

Send me an email with FAQ in the subject.  I'll put together a little list of the top ones and let you know when the page is up and running.

Sound good?

house tour | the boys room.

Jill of good tots! featured my boys room on her blog.  If you care to take a looksie, just click here.

helpful hint | the laundry.

My laundry never stops.  Just as soon as it looks as though I'm on top of it, POOF!  More laundry magically appears.  Out of nowhere.  Promise.

But I have found a little trick that helps streamline the process.  I have one laundry basket.  Three sorter.  With wheels.  My boys know where it is located and know that is where they drop off dirty clothes.  If you have a larger family, you might need more than one.  Since I have a family of five, one slot is for my boys, one slot for darks and one for whites.  And because it has wheels, my boys can push it to the laundry room for me and be my big helpers.

How do you tackle your laundry?

hello Miss Ruby Sue.

Do you know Miss Ruby Sue?
If you don't, make haste my friends and go visit her shop.
To die for hairpieces.  Drool worthy bib necklaces.  They are out of this world.

Any of the hair pieces can make your outfit, wow the room and definitely get you noticed.  I have a darling bow headband and a lovely bib necklace and I always receive compliments.  Always.  This sweet Cherry Soda Hairpiece would be perfect for a little soiree.

Want to be kept up to date with all of Lori's creations?
Follow her on twitter and facebook.  Oh and she also has a blog.

And guess what?  If you decide to do a little shopping, Lori has offered a discount code for you dear readers.  Just enter missrubysuerocks at check out and receive 20% off your purchase.  Go on now.  Work it girl.

the fifty things...every woman simply must own : good life for less - a giveaway!

I'll admit ladies, I'm not a fashionista.  I don't really follow the trends.  I know what I like and what works for my body but sometimes I get stumped.  Putting together an outfit seems daunting some days and trying to figure out what timeless pieces I should have for a go to solution is not always easy.

I've been reading Jill's blog, good life for less, for a while now.  She gives great fashion advice.  Never too trendy, she really knows what works.  She is also a mom, which I can completely appreciate.

Jill put together a fabulous fashion ebook that I am dying to share with you.  She highlights fifty things in your wardrobe that you must own.  Classic pieces that will still stand strong even after the trends have faded.  Some of the things I already own, some I've been wanting to acquire and others I hadn't even thought about.  Not only does Jill tell you about the product, but she also gives advice on how to wear it.  You know, for dummies like me.

Jill was kind enough to send along a sneak peek for My Favorite Things readers.  And, wait for it, wants to give one away!  Yay for you!

To enter, drop me a comment telling me what your favorite go to wardrobe piece is.  The giveaway will run through Friday, February 18th (11:59 CST).  One winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Saturday at the bottom of this post.

Good luck!

UPDATE : the lucky winner is Dichotomom

L.O.V.E.

my week in review.

Last week was a little, what shall I say, exhausting.
The husband went to Florida on business, leaving me with three boys.
The middle boy was sick.
We were pretty much under house arrest from Wednesday until today.
I almost, almost went a little crazy.
The boys took lots of bubble baths.
Snacked on popsicles.
Watched a horrible amount of cartoons.
And played an awful lot of video games.
We did however redeem ourselves on Sunday.
Benny was starting to feel better so we did a little valentine painting.
Mom did a little cleaning.
And Nicholas did a bunch a napping.
How was your week/weekend?  Hopefully much more exciting than mine!

ps would you like to see more of MY WEEK IN REVIEW?  Let me know and I'll post about it each Monday.
pps Happy heart day!

link love.

(source)

Happy Monday friends!  Hope you had a relaxing weekend.  Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.


These sweet little heart jars are darling.
I really want this clutch.  No, scratch that, I really NEED this clutch.
Um, yeah, I am totally going to get this book.
Is it strange that I got excited about this travel post?  Organization = happiness
Raise your hand if you want to buy me this lovely gem necklace.


happy love day!

new look, new button.

I love starting fresh.  Something new.  And I was super excited to work with Jenna of q.a. design on creating a new look for My Favorite Things.

I wanted clean. simple. fresh.  

And I feel that is what we achieved.  Jenna is fabulous to work with.  She never complained about my pickiness and I really felt she understood the direction I wanted to go.  I was quite worried when I knew I needed to find a new designer but I have been very pleased with Jenna's skills.  

If you are in need of graphic design work, I would highly recommend q.a. design!

ps don't forget to grab the new button!

banquet (my favorite art).

My name is Molly.
I am 27 years old.
And I am finally figuring out my style.

I hate clutter.
I adore gray.
I like pops of color.
I lean towards modern but enjoy vintage.

Um, so I still don't know what my style would be called but I know what I like when I see it and I like Banquet.  The art feeds my minimalist side.  Simple but perfect.  The Northern Animal Poster hangs in my older boys' room.  And right now I am jones-ing for the Heart Poster.  I just can't quite justify the purchase to my husband.  "I love it" doesn't qualify, ha!

Did I mention art is not my forte?  Which is why I am always intrigued with artists and where exactly they receive their inspiration.  And so I asked.  And Sarah Edmonds answered.

"where do i get my inspiration?
no small question. it's always changing, there is always something new. right now I am obsessing over a few old kid's book illustrations, vintage quilts, that prada banana print, making blood orange marmalade (hasn't happened, oranges are sitting in my fridge, waiting), stig lindberg, the wonderful wooden puzzles at my son's preschool, doilies and handmade valentines, and maira kalman.
i could happily go on, but what i do ends up being a really pared down version of a whole hodge-podge of things."


Did I also mention the Heart of Gold print is a limited edition?  And just lay your eyes on these lovely Raspberry Pink Valentine Cards.  A sweet way to tell someone you adore-admire-love, no?


Do you know your style?

friday favorites : by Jamie.

(source)

a few of Jamie's favorite things

sound of snow crunching under my feet

candid moments caught on camera

old-fashioned butter pecan ice cream (in a waffle cone)

pumpkin picking

combing the beach for shells

watching my daughter grow

naps in front of the fireplace

vintage aprons (actually, anything vintage)

brazilian jazz

martha's vineyard

thanks Jamie and happy friday!

want to be our next feature?  go here to find out how!

DIY friday : farm house table.

(source)

Anyone tired of the farm house table look?
I'm certainly not.
If I had a dining room, I'd definitely try out this DIY farm house industrial table.  For sure!

beauty | my favorite and my best.

I have a slight thing for beauty products.  I like them.  Okay no, maybe I love them.  Just a little.  I have fun browsing the cosmetic department counters.  But I like to keep my beauty style somewhat simple, as in, I don't wear a ton of make up.  My beauty regimen is anything but simple, or so the husband says.  I am religious when it comes to washing my face, morning and night.  I can count on one hand, how many times, I have not washed my face before slipping into bed.  I believe my husband can vouch for me when I say, I probably washed my face on our wedding night.  I know. Don't judge.  So without further ado, my beauty regimen.

FACE | I wash my face with a mild cleanser by cetaphil, which is followed by a prescription acne medication.  If I exfoliate, I'll use this one by Lush.  I use GinZing eye cream and a cetaphil moisturizer.  I'm in the process of looking for a serum.  I've used this bobbi brown one before.  If I'm feeling like a bit more coverage I use bobbi brown's natural finish long lasting foundation or I'll just sweep this laura mercier powder on after I dab on a bit of this tinted eye brightener.  All my eye shadows (both cream and powder) are from bobbi brown and right now I use the gel liner or the creamy eye pencil.  My blush is nars or bobbi brown.  I rarely wear lipstick but am addicted to this strawberry lip balm.  If I do wear a color it is fresh lipgloss in sugar shag or bobbi brown creamy lip color in retro pink.  And I use a drug store mascara.

BODY | I use DOVE sensitive scent free soap, followed by this Lush moisturizing bar (if I am in the bath) or this Lush exfoliating bar (if I am in the shower).  It leaves my skin so completely soft and moisturized, it negates the need for lotion.  But if I am feeling super parched, I just rub on a bit of sensitive scent free lubriderm.  Ginger float and grapefruit gloomaway are my favorite bubble baths.  And I only ever wear one scent if I use perfume at all, ginger essence.

HAIR | Lush BIG Shampoo.   Lush coolualin conditioner. Moroccanoil.  Blow it dry with a round boar bristle brush and curl it with my Nume straightener. (I posted about my hair not too long ago - here.  I keep things switched up in the hair dept.  I also usually only wash every other day.)

EXTRA |  I take omega-3 purified fish oil.  A multi-vitamin.  1000 mg of vit C. and perfect food super green formula.

And there you have it folks.  That is how I beautify myself each day.  Well, excluding pajama days.  Those are the best.

Now your turn.  What are some of your favorite tried and true products?

emersonmade | signature tee style.

Everyone knows about the lovely emersonmade, no?
If you don't, you live in a cave.
Seriously gorgeous stuff ladies.
I told myself, once my body is back to it's (relatively) normal state, post baby, I am rewarding myself with a pair of jeans.  My husband doesn't know yet but I'll clue him in soon.  I'm that close.

Her blooms are to die for.  Her clothing line is drool worthy.  And have you seen the awesome tour of their home?  I swoon.

I was lucky enough to receive one of the emersonmade signature tees.  I'm usually not a graphic tee kind of girl.  I'm super picky.  But I fell in love with her sweet tees the moment I laid eyes on them.  Fun, yet simple.  Muted colors.  Uber soft material.  Maybe you are thinking a bit steep in price, but honestly, the quality is excellent.  Oh and the paper heart tee - perfect for Valentine's day!

I wear a size small and it fits pretty true to size.  It runs shorter in length than most of my tees but overall, I really like how it fits.  And the husband likes it too, totally bonus!

Follow emersonmade along on twitter or clue in to what is going on through facebook.

Happy shopping!

supermom series | lyndsay and the johnsons

Real quick guys, then it is back to snuggling.
I am honored really that Lyndsay would ask me to participate in her super mom series, seeing as I'm still trying to figure the whole mom thing out.
Check out my little list right here!

sick in the winter.

(this was texas last week.  and it is snowing again today.  crazy i tell you)

My Benny is sick.
High fever.
Chills.
And those sick eyes.

My dears, since my little man needs extra lovin', I'm taking the day off.  I'll be back tomorrow.

moo g clips + the boom boom room.

Have you checked out My Favorite Things sponsor Moo G Clips?  If you have a little girl then skip on over to the site.  Fabulously sweet hair accessories for your little one.  I am pretty sure it is safe to say there is a style to fit any fashion need + the prices are affordable to boot!

Did you know Moo G Clips participated in the Boom Boom Room?

"Just before the awards season, Moo G Clips was part of the 2011 pre Golden Globe celebrity gifting suite, Boom Boom Room in Los Angeles, CA.

Some celebrities that stopped by were: Tiffani Thiessen with daughter Harper, Scott & Renee Baio with daughter Bailey, a very pregnant Samantha Harris, Tisha Campbell, Carrie Southworth, Jewel, and Nancy P'Dell.

Keep a look out for a new group of celebrity babies sporting their Moo G Clips. They'll join the likes of Halle Berry's daughter Nahla and Jessica Alba's daughter Honor Marie.

Moo G Clips will also be heading to Zulily very soon, so stay tuned!"


And in honor of Valentine's Day, shop owner Anna-Aliza will be giving My Favorite Things readers a free heart clip with any purchase.  Just mention you are a reader at check out.  Offer good through the 14th of February.


Happy shopping!


THIS IS A SPONSORED POST.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING A PRODUCT FOR REVIEW OR WOULD LIKE DETAILS ABOUT SPONSORSHIP, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT INFO(AT)AFEWOFMYFAVORITES.COM

a valentine wish list|my favorite things.

(source)

You know, just wanted to help the husband out and give him a few ideas.

Here is my wish list.

from anthropologie | negative space wedges

                                   idesia necklace

from f. is for frank | gold spearhead bangle

from pottery barn | mercer bath tub caddy

from west elm | square silver lacquer wood tray

                          espresso/ivory/flax zig zag runner

colorful mugs.

When I posted about my favorite latte bowls, via Anthropologie, I had a reader request on where to find colorful mugs.  Here are a few sources I came up with.  Hope you like ;)

Heath Ceramics
Crate and Barrel
iittala Teema
World Market

link love.

(source)

Happy Monday friends!  Hope you had a relaxing weekend.  Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites. 


I'm diggin' these super cool manicures.
This beauty post has inspired me to possibly share my own. (would you like to see one?)
An organized closet makes me happy :)
Heart shaped pizza, yes please!
Her body is amazing.  Strong & powerful!

winners.

Hi everyone!  I know I am a day late and I've decided to simplify things a bit and post the winners at the bottom of the giveaway post.  So let it be known, I will only post about this once, from now on there will not be a separate post announcing the winner.

Go forth readers and see if you are the lucky one!

ginormous giveaway #3.

Today is the last of the ginormous giveaways and if you're a mom, then this is the giveaway for you!  Five companies, five prizes and one winner.  Are you feeling lucky?

Kimmel Kids : Remember my review of the stencil set here?  Well today you have the chance to win a Kimmel Kids Starter Set too!  My boys love to take out the stencils and doodle away.  Retail value $68.

Pillow Pet : I'll admit, pillow pets are not my favorite but my boys adore them.  My oldest has a bumble bee and my middle guy has a ladybug.  Fun stuffed animals in combination with a pillow makes it the perfect snuggle companion.  The winner gets to take home a ladybug!

Kelly Moore Bag :  Everyone who is anyone has a DSLR camera, no?  And every camera needs a fashionable bag.  Kelly Moore offers style + function + top notch quality.  The winner gets to pick their bag of choice.  Lucky lucky you!

The Text Hook : I first gushed about the text hook here.  And now I'll gush about it some more.  Awesome invention.  Clever + creative.  It is super easy to use and makes locating your phone a breeze when on the go with the stroller.  Winner gets one of their very own.  You'll fall in love with it too.  Promise.

Peg Perego :  I love Peg Perego.  I have their Skate System and infant car seat.  Their products are of the upmost quality and are very user friendly.  As moms, we know how bulky strollers can be.  How about a Pliko Mini.  It is the youngest in the Peg Perego family but it can holds it own for sure.  Extremely light weight + compact.  It only weighs in at 13 lbs and can be folded with just one hand!  Retail value $199.99.

Be sure to check out each store and follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

Kimmel Kids
Kelly Moore Bag (twitter/facebook)
Peg Perego (twitter/facebook)

To enter :

Drop me a comment (leave your email - makes it easier to get in touch)

To gain an extra entry, simply tweet about it, come back here and leave the link.

To gain another extra entry, LIKE my favorite things on facebook, come back here and let me know.

Boom, three chances.

Giveaway closes Sunday, Feb 6.  Winner will be announced Monday.

US residents only

Good luck and may the force be with you!

update | the winner is Jenna Z
please email me with your shipping info
ps - i use random.org to pick all of my winners

friday favorites : by Amy.

(source)

a few of Amy's favorite things

sleep

waking up to snuggles from my three children

breakfast with the family

blogging

getting my son up from his nap, (oh that sweet sleepy face!)

traveling

coming home

browsing on Etsy

helping my oldest learn to read

going to sleep each night beside my husband, knowing that his strength is what helps get me through each day!

thanks Amy and happy friday!

want to be featured? go here to find out how!

DIY friday : glitter tie and bow tie tees.

Liz always has the greatest DIY's.

Her latest creation are these adorable tie tees.

Check it friends!

fossil purse : for sale.

I have a black leather fossil purse I don't use anymore and wanted to offer it up to my readers first.  Just shoot me an email with fossil purse in the subject if you are interested.  $40.00 OBO.  Remember I still have the brown coach purse and vtech vmotion for sale too :)

coach purse $70 OBO
vmotion + 4 games $35 OBO

Happy shopping!

parcel and paper : valentine ideas.

Hello February!  Are we already into the second month of 2011?

If I haven't already expressed my love for all holidays and celebrations, here I go again.  I love them! I love to celebrate.  And I love to celebrate love.  Sorry if you don't.

I've never boasted about being the craftiest gal out there.  Because I'm not.  But I do like to create simple bits of loveliness here and there and I knew I wanted to come up with a little something for Valentine's Day.

Parcel and Paper is a sweet little esty store boasting lots of paper and packaging goodies.  Jen has excellent service and speedy delivery.  She so kindly sent over the A Valentine's Day Gifting Kit for me to give it a whirl.  I had also purchased a few things here and there from her shop earlier this year. The majority of the valentine idea supplies below come from Parcel and Paper.  All are completely simple and easy to assemble.  The kit was perfect.  It came with a variety of products.  All it took was a little imagination to put it together.

Pink rice krispie treats, separated with parchment paper cut into hearts and packaged in a kraft goodie bag.

Little gift boxes : izze soda, tissue pompom, sticky notes, small markers & yummy chocolates (not pictured but will be included are fun red and white stripped straws - also from parcel and paper)

Kraft bags, treats, japanese masking tape & heart stickers complete this treat bag.

And these are the valentines my oldest will take to preschool.  He love star wars, so I obliged.  But I decided to package them how I would like them.  Win/Win!

Do you like to celebrate valentine's day?  What do you do for your childrens' class valentines?  Do share!

valentine gift guide : for her. for him.

I know there may be some of you out there that don't care for Valentine's day.  Sorry.  But I love all holidays and any reason to celebrate.  I put a little gift guide together.  For her.  For him.  Enjoy my loves!

  

1 - emersonmade heart tee (what gal wouldn't want this adorable tee)

2 - origins ginger float bubble bath (the best in my opinion)

3 - cupcake stand with a yummy cupcake

4 - bow bag by freshly picked (okay so I may have just ordered this, oops)

5 - a piece of pretty jewelry (i was smitten with this horseshoe necklace the moment I spotted it on a little sussy)

A few extra ideas : custom mugs : mini custom heart sampler : as long as I have you print

1 - a ruggedly handsome watch (i got this one for my love for christmas)

2 - overnight duffle bag (for those occasional business trips)

3 - zinke lingerie (what man doesn't want his lady in something sexy)

4 - paloma's nest : a key to your heart (something a bit sentimental)

5 - a lap top sleeve

A few extra ideas : iPod docking station (for two) : iPad : a tiny message

past valentine gift guides : here + here