stripey candles.

image credit | via Design Story website


These love Ana Candles from design/story just scream spring.  Do you not just love the colors?  I am debating buying a pair.  Should I?

P.S. design story is totally awesome.  want to sign up?  just click here.  you get a $10 credit when you do.

clare vivier : handbag lust.

image credit | via the Clare Vivier website
Friends, I am in diaper bag world and I am already tiring of it.  I envy every handbag carrying lady out there.  I miss the more simple days of tossing a few things in my purse and heading out the door. Now I have to run down my check list.

diapers + wipes + bottle + water + formula + pacifier

And well the list goes on.

But on the rare occasion I get to sneak away.  Alone.  I grab my coveted messenger like I am on a secret mission.  Right now, my favorite bag to tote is the Clare Vivier messenger.  Ladies this bag is luxury in all the right ways but simple and chic at the same time.  I won't lie, Clare Vivier handbags will set you back a few, ahem, hundred dollars, but if you are looking to splurge on a new bag, I highly suggest taking a looksie at Clare Vivier.

The leather is pretty much to die for soft.  It melts in your hands.  The messenger is unlined, which I thought I may not like at first but you know what.  I do!  The only downside is I have to fish for my cell at times.  A small price to pay in my opinion.  It comes with a lovely little zippered pouch, which I like to fill up with my lip balm and other oddities.  May I suggest also the remake clutch.  This little beauty would making transferring from diaper bag to handbag a cinch!

Now that I've had a taste of Clare Vivier, I don't know if I can ever turn back.

P.S. check out the new site design.  it pretty much rocks my world.  well done Clare!

If you are a company with a product that would be a good fit for My Favorite Things and are interested in having it reviewed, please email for more information.  info(at)afewofmyfavorites.com


I received the Clare Vivier messenger tote to review. I only give my honest opinions.  If I don't like something, I won't post about it.  Promise.

helpful hint : what to do with dirty clothes.

image credit | via the Baggu website

Since Nicholas is formula fed, we don't get to experience the lovely world of blow out diapers.  I can't say that I am disappointed.  But we do get our fair share of spit up.  All over blankets, all over clothes.  Where do I store the soiled clothes while I am out?  I keep a handy zippered baggu bag in my diaper bag.  They come in multiple sizes so you can go as big or as little as you please.

my favorite march sponsors.

I want to shout out a big "THANK YOU" to my March sponsors.  They make it possible for me to share all of my favorites with you.  Make sure you check them out!

Miss Ruby Sue

GlassesUSA.com

q.a. design

Auburn Soul Photography

Charlie Lou Designs

Simply Basic Designs

Would you like to advertise on My Favorite Things?  All you have to do is send an email to request our media kit.  info(at)afewofmyfavorites.com

image credit

1. bubbles 'n puddles photography | via Miss Ruby Sue

2. GlassesUSA.com

3. jenna | q.a. design

4. Stephanie Read | Auburn Soul Photography

5. Toni Elmer | Charlie Lou Designs

6. Toni Elmer | toni elmer PHOTOGRAPHY

marbled cards.

image credit | marbled cards


Check out these wickedly awesome hand crafted marbled cards.  I'm thinking you could totally frame one!

shabby apple giveaway!

My typical uniform, if you will, is usually a pair of jeans and some sort of tee shirt or blouse.  Original I know.  But as a mom to three very active boys, I like to pair style + comfort.

Now although I don't always have the luxury to play dress up, I do like to make an extra effort to look lovely and feminine on date night and when going to church.  Finding a dress that is affordable, modest, and still makes me feel sexy is sometimes completely impossible to achieve.  Sexy doesn't always equate to showing more skin, at least not my definition.

Perhaps that is why I am smitten with Shabby Apple.  Their women's dresses are flirty or fun, sexy and whimsical.  Did you also know that you can find little girls' dresses at Shabby Apple?  Well, you can.  And they are to die for adorable.  They also have a killer maternity line.

I love Shabby Apple and I love my readers and so today is a giveaway day.  One lucky lucky reader will be the recipient of the Cortez dress from the lovely gals at Shabby Apple.  This women's dress is not just your basic dress.  First off, it is done is a navy blue poplin, perhaps one of my most favorite colors.  Of all time.  The ruffles are charming and the gold buttons give the dress that little something extra.

To enter, just drop me a comment (with email) telling me where you would wear the dress!  The giveaway is open until Friday at midnight (CST) and a winner will be announced (at the bottom of this post) over the weekend.  Open to US residents only.

Extra entry : follow me on twitter. (leave an extra comment)

Extra extra entry : "like" Shabby Apple on facebook. (leave another extra comment)  You will be kept up to date on special promotions and exclusive discounts.

Good luck guys!

image credit | via Shabby Apple website


UPDATE | the lucky winner of the cortez dress is Sara Zahn.  Please contact me so I can get all your info!  thanks :)

being a mom is my favorite thing.

Motherhood is exhausting and thrilling and amazing.  And last night, I got to experience another "first".  My sweet little Tyler lost his very first tooth.  I am pretty sure I was just as excited as he was.

If you notice, I purchased the Official Tooth Fairy Kit.  Tyler had so much fun filling it out.

Question - how much money does the tooth fairy leave your children?

my week in review.

Untitled from Molly Elmer on Vimeo.
Last week was uneventful.  Busy.  But just normal busy.
My allergies have been kicking my booty friends.  Seriously.
I dragged my boys out to North Park mall to shop for spring/summer clothes.  I will just say that I am glad that is done.  Like really glad.
And Friday night we (my friends and I) celebrated a friends turning of the big three-oh.  Want to see what craziness I participated in?  Just watch the above video.

How was your week/weekend?  Hopefully lots of fun!

link love.

image credit | Jamie Beck | via A Cup of Jo

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.

How to take your cooking up another notch.
A simple lesson on cleaning your make-up brushes.
Tiny Dallas.  A super rad new blog!
Love this hairstyle.
Are you diggin' the return of flares?

my new mirror.

Do you like?
Kind of fun.  Kind of funky.

ps sorry for the lack of posts the last day or two.  pure craziness at the Elmer home.  i am so ready for a little girls night tonight.

pps what about you?  any fun plans for your friday night?

E.M. gold coin necklaces.

image credit | emersonmade.com

Attention readers, I am enlisting your help.
Should I purchase an E.M. gold coin necklace?
I've been debating this for quite a while and just can't seem to make up my mind.
So should I?
And if yes, which one?

helpful hint : feeding the babe at night.

image credit | oxo website

What type of light do you use when feeding your babe during the middle of the night?  Want to know my little secret?

The oxo candela puts off the perfect amount of light.  Not too much but just enough so I can see what I am doing.  But if you don't want to splurge on a pair, a dimmer switch is the way to go.  Super inexpensive and easy to just plug it into your existing lamp.

Problem solved!

mixed metals.

I love simple jewelry for my go to every day wear.  I just recently gifted myself this stunning Fossil rose gold watch.  And am in LOVE.  My question for you is...

can you mix metals?

I love silver + gold + rose + pewter.  I pretty much love them all.  But can you tastefully mix different metals?  Could I wear my rose gold watch and a dainty gold necklace, while my wedding band is white gold?

I want to know your opinion!

Do you have a favorite metal?

DealTaker.com

Growing up, my dad use to make me clip coupons.  Or should I say encouraged me.  Nonetheless, I grew up loathing the cutting of coupons and rarely do it.  I've tried to explain this oddity to my husband but he just shakes his head.

Before you exclaim how crazy I am for not wanting to get a good deal on something, let me explain one more detail.  I absolutely love saving a few dollars when it comes to my favorite pass time.  Shopping for clothes.  That sort of coupon is my favorite.  Doesn't every gal like to save a bit?  I was just out this last Saturday shopping for spring/summer clothes for my boys and may have made a stop in the Gap to pick up a few items.  These printable Gap coupons would have come in handy!

DealTaker.com is an awesome website full of great coupons and deals.  I highly suggest clicking on over to discover it for yourself.  I am a big online shopper.  With a few clicks on the keyboard, I can order just about anything.  And sometimes that is easier.  You know, rather than dragging my three boys in tow.  I have been known to search the web for online coupons or promotional codes.  DealTaker.com will now be my first stop in searching for a deal or coupon.  Like for instance, I plan on purchasing a pair of Birkenstock sandals in the near future.  I just typed "birkenstock" in the search box and up popped both coupons and deals that are available.  Pretty sweet, yes?

Happy shopping and saving!

ps they even have an online course called coupons 101.  for us dummies out there!

image credit | dealtaker.com | via facebook

my week in review.

Last week was our spring break.  We didn't go anywhere but we had some fun visitors.
My sister came out one day.
My sister-in-law came out another.
We went to visit grammie and paw paw.
Nicholas caught a cold.  Again.  Which means no sleep for mama.
I may have survived off one too many diet dr peppers with vanilla.
My boys played with legos.  All scattered about.
I may have gotten a new watch.  rose gold.  Lovely, no?
And lastly, a little leprechaun came to visit.  Turned the milk green, left some gold and green candy and even dropped his calling card.

How was your week/weekend?

nicholas + his giraffe friend.

Nicholas turned 4 months at the end of February.

Yes I am a little behind in posting.

But...

This picture was taken on the day he turned four months.

Want to see more?

Check out the Nicholas + Mr. Giraffe series in my sidebar.

Or just click right here.

link love.

image credit | Nichole | Little Brown Pen

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 love roses + ranunculus.  Gorgeous!
I am dying to get my hands on a personalized notepad.  This one is pretty dang cute!
I love wish lists.
The pig in that top photo.  to.die.for.
Sweetest baby shower.

warby parker update.

image credit via the warby parker online shop


Some of you have asked what the names of the frames are that I am choosing from.  And since I like to make my readers happy...

Option #1 - the finn in revolver black
Option #2 - the sinclair in greystone
Option #3 - the huxley in sandalwood

And would you like to know what style I chose?  You do?
The finn revolver in black won.  It was my favorite.  My husband's favorite.  My benny's favorite.  And your favorite too!  Good taste all around :)  Happy friday friends!

ps if you are considering new frames, check out my tips on how to order prescription glasses online.
pps sorry no friday favorites or DIY friday.  today has been, well, crazy to say the least.  next week though. there is always next week.

april sponsorship + a thank you.

Can March really be half way over?  Seriously, this 2011 year is speeding by.

First I want to thank my awesome readers and fabulous sponsors.  You make it possible for me to share my favorites with you and stay home with my three crazy boys.  I so enjoy keeping this little blog of mine and I love your comments and opinions.

I also wanted to let you know that I am now accepting sponsorship for April.  My Favorite Things is now offering two new ad sizes in addition to the standard square ad.  If you would like more information on stats and ad rates, please send an email to info[at]afewofmyfavorites.com

Happy Friday friends!

hollywood boot straps.

One of my beauty bag essentials is Hollywood Fashion Tape.  I always keep some in my purse for an easy go to fix.  Hollywood Fashion Tape is full of inventive products to help with "wardrobe malfunctions".

My newest favorite is the hollywood boot straps.  So the story goes - I have a pair of straight leg jeans that I love.  Unfortunately they don't work with my favorite pair of boots.  Boo!  Skinny jeans and jeggings seem to work best with tall boots, no?  I loath bunching.  But with the hollywood boot straps I can now wear my fave jeans with my fave boots.  Yay!

Also new to the Hollywood Fashion Tape line up...
hollywood hip hugger
hollywood temporary hem tape

Do you have a favorite beauty fix?

helpful hint : white noise is your friend.

Nicholas just moved up to his bedroom.  And now he feels so far away.  I almost feel like I threw him in the middle of a crazy wild jungle.  My older boys have energy to spare and the word quiet doesn't quite register.  So it is white noise to the rescue.  It helps block out all the background craziness that occurs while Nicholas naps.  baby happy = mama happy

Do you or have you ever used white noise?

ps sorry for the super late posting today.  we are on spring break and i am trying to give my boys a super fun time :)

help me choose.

Will you please be so kind and help me choose my Warby Parker frames?

 option #1

 option #2

option #3

miss ruby sue.

Anyone else ready for Spring?
Yeah, me too!
And you know what makes me think of Spring?
Flowers!
And you know who has the prettiest flower accessories?
Miss Ruby Sue.

Seriously gorgeous stuff people.  Really you can't help but fall in love with her bib necklaces and hairpieces.  They add an instant wow factor to a jeans + tee shirt kind of day.  I have a fabulous bib necklace that receives many a compliment when I go out.

Here are a few of my favorites...
yellow, gorgeous
Wishing Pinking

And if you have a little pup - you definitely need to check out the puppy love section.  adorable!

mini Kickboard.

My boys received these mini kickboard scooters for Christmas last year and they are nothing short of FANTASTIC.  Honest.  They are extremely easy to ride and both my boys can go super fast.  Don't worry, they both wear a helmet.

ps check out the video on their website

baggu @ design story.

Yay!  My favorite reusable bags are available at Design Story starting today.  I love mine and use them all the time.  Seriously I do.  They fold up nicely and are pretty too.  I just bought this zippered set to use in my diaper bag.

Do you use reusable shopping bags?
Sign up for Design Story here or just click the link in my sidebar.

my week in review.

Last week/weekend was busy my friends.  Super busy.
Beside all the "normal" hoopla that goes on...
I went to the f is for frank trunk show at we are 1976.  It was totally awesome.  Totally.
My sister in law had a "gender reveal" party, where we all got to find out if she is having a boy or a girl.  And it is another boy for the Elmer family.
My husband had a launch party for his new company, The Real Alliance.
Nicholas graduated from a bassinet in our closet to a crib in his own room upstairs.  Can you believe he will be 5 months at the end of March?
We played with lots of play dough and my boys showed me their ever growing muscles.
And my friend baked me some killer "dos amigos" cupcakes.  They are to. die. for.  I seriously have super rad friends.  Yes I do.

How was your week/weekend?
Busy?  Relaxing?  Crazy?  Fun?

link love.

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.

Are these two little girls not the sweetest?
This little boys room is perfection.
I'm lovin' this robot onesie.
This nursery is completely lovely.
Do you have a favorite lip treatment?

[image]

friday favorites : by Jade.

a few of Jade's favorite things

mum's shepards pie

morning cuddles

outrageous shoes

fairy lights

cozy pyjamas

chaotic family time

curly hair

heart-felt cards

rearranging furniture

thanks Jade and happy friday friends!

Would you like to be a friday favorite?  You would?

go here to find out how.

image credit

diaper bag or purse.

Hello ladies - this question is for you.

Right now I am at the diaper bag stage.  There is just no way around it.  Nicholas is 4 months old and still requires lots of stuff to be toted to and fro.  My question for you is...

Do you use just a diaper bag? Or do you make do with a big roomy purse?

Or do you use a diaper bag and a purse?

Do tell.  I want to know.  I'm nosy like that.

image credit (that's me pregnant with baby N)

hammocks & high tea | a wish list.

Have you visited the online shop Hammocks & High Tea? No?
You should.  Lovely fabrics & linens.  Makes me want to take a beach vacation and lay in the sun on all day!  I'd love to get my hands on a table runner and this gorgeous pillow.

libby boom - i want to be baptized.

I don't know if I have ever shared this before but I am LDS (latter day saint) or you can just call me mormon.

I had the fun opportunity to receive the book Libby Boom - I want to be baptized.  It is a sweet book about a little girl who is turning eight.  It is on the eve of her baptism and she is worried that God doesn't really know who she is.  That night she dreams a dream, wherein she realizes that God knows every little detail about each of us.  She visits different countries and sees how other children live and how they get baptized.

I was a little worried that my boys wouldn't be interested in a book about a girl.  But I was wrong.  They immediately took to the book and even wanted me to read it multiple times through out the day.  They have a cousin who will be baptized later this year and were immensely interested in the whole process.  I asked each of my older boys how many thumbs up they would give it.  Each immediately held up "TWO".  I love children's books of all types and am excited to have this one be a part of the collection!

You can purchase your own copy of Libby Boom - I want to be baptized right here.
And you can click here to find out more about my beliefs.

sandal time.

The weather is warming up nicely here in Texas and that means painted toes and sandals!  I will most definitely be getting me a pair of birkenstock sandals this spring/summer.

Do you have a go to pair of sandals/flip flops that you use time and again?

helpful hint : no space for a bedside table.

My boys room is just big enough to fit two twin beds and a bookshelf.  That's it people.  Anything extra and it would be too crowded.  As it goes, the dresser is in their closet.  So a bedside table is no go.  But I know they want to be able to check the time and have a little light near by.

I chose to use the 3M removable hooks and a world traveling alarm clock.  I placed the hooks on the side of the headboard and hung the clock just like so.  The clocks tell the time/date/temp and are also a flashlight.

Problem solved friends.  Problem solved.
I just love an easy solution!