Frozen Yogurt Pie, Anyone?

Hi!  I'm Jora from Domestic Reflections, filling in for the fab Molly while she and her family are vacationing.

I thought I might share a super simple family favorite recipe with you: frozen yogurt pie.  I admit I don't quite understand the frozen yogurt phenomenon of recent years.  I mean, I like it.  I liked it the first time around in the '80s as well.  But what really makes me happy is this pie that my mom used to make on hot summer days.  I would take it any day over a trip to Pinkberry.

The process could not be simpler (especially if you use a pre-made crust, but I recommend you try making your own...it is easier than you think and tastes a whole lot better!).  The ingredients can be bought at any grocery store.  And kids and adults alike love it.

Frozen Yogurt Pie
(adapted from a Cool Whip recipe...but we obviously ditched the cool whip part)

2 c. heavy cream, whipped and lightly sweetened to taste
2 small containers fruit yogurt (you could use plain yogurt and fresh fruit with a bit of added sugar, but I usually go old school and just use the flavored yogurts)
fresh fruit for garnish
graham cracker crust

Gently fold whipped cream and yogurt together.  Spoon into crust, garnish with fruit, and freeze at least 3 hours or until firm.  Slice and enjoy!

photo credit

closet organization for busy moms!

Hello My Favorite Things readers!  My name is Jill and I blog at good life for less and good tots! Thanks to Molly for having me here today!

I am all about trying to stay stylish and look good even though I am a super busy mom.  I've learned that the way to make getting dressed each morning easy and fun is to have a well organized closet. Whether you have a big closet or or tiny closet - I've had one of each - doesn't matter.  Organization is key.

Here are some of my super simple tips on organizing your clothing...

I like to organize my tops by sleeve length and then by color... 

Folding jeans and sorting them by brand (with the tags facing me) helps me identify which pair is which with a quick glance...

Displaying my current favorite scarves gives me instant inspiration and keeps them from getting wrinkled or snagged...

 Keeping my shoes organized by color on shelves keeps them from being in a jumbled pile where it's hard to find matches and they are denting or scratching each other....

I hang purses and handbags that aren't in use by shower curtain rings on a lower shelf.  Then I can see what I have and they don't get wrinkled or lose their shape....

Lastly I keep a bulletin board hanging in my closet with my current inspiration clippings for quick reference...

I hope some of these tips help you get dressed more efficiently (and stylishly!) in the mornings!

beautiful household items.

Hello, My Favorite Things friends! It's been awhile since I posted in this space and I've missed you terribly. I hope you're having a lovely summer. We've been spending endless days by the pool and soaking in the warm sunshine. It's not all play though. In the evenings I've been keeping myself busy organizing the cozy brick house. I've donated bags + bags of clothes and have become addicted to selling things on Craigslist. It's such a great feeling, freeing myself of the stuff. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Lovely image by Yan Photography via Kinfolk.

While I've been organizing I've been thinking a lot about the things I bring into my home. I agree 100% with the William Morris quote Joslyn shared in her post yesterday, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." In honor of that, I've gathered up a few of my favorite useful + beautiful household items to share with you.

steel dustpan 

dust brush

drink dispenser

trash bags

Who knew trash bags could be so pretty, right? I hope these images inspire you to look at the items you use everyday in new light. Before you know it you may be in the throws of organizing and craving a pretty dustpan too.

xo.

Danyelle of Dandee.

away.

Hello lovelies!  I will be away on a trip for a few weeks and have some fabulous bloggers lined up to fill the open space.  You are in for a treat!  I'll be back soon :)

on making a (mindful) home.

I’m a bit of a decorating obsessive. I’m constantly tweaking things in our house, switching things up, thinking about what I want to do next. I also tend to overload on “inspiration” -- the blogs, the shelter mags, the giant folder of tear sheets I’ve collected over the years (I told you obsessive)... But amidst all the ruminating over décor, I also try to be really mindful about what I bring into our home, as I want the things that surround us to stand the test of time and reflect who we are as a family, what we value. To that end, I’ve sort of created a few “guiding principles” for myself when it comes to decorating. They’re nothing revolutionary, but they help keep my aesthetic focused and have thwarted many an (unwise) impulse purchase, so I thought they might be worth sharing…

 image credit | joslyn of simple lovely

1. Be Focused – Anytime I set-out to buy something for my home, I keep William Morris’ wise words front and center: ““Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. It’s just an immensely simple way to avoid the temptation to acquire something just as a bit of retail therapy (which happens far more than I’d like to admit).

2. Be Patient – When I rush to finish a space, I inevitably end up making a mistakes… No matter how hard it is (and for me it’s really hard), it always more than pays off when I let a room evolve over time. Similarly, I have never regretted saving up for the “forever” item over the IKEA or Target impulse buy.

3. Bring in Nature – I’m a huge fan of all manner of rocks, fossils, wood, clippings from my yard…it’s my “thing”, but I think any room, even a colorful, pop-art inspired space looks warmer and more interesting when you include some sort of natural element.

4. Buy (or Make) Art – For me, art in our home is hugely important. It doesn’t have to be expensive or precious (my most treasured pieces are things my husband, girls or friends have made or I’ve found at garage sales, thrift-stores, etc…), but I think it’s essential for making a home feel truly special.

5. Acquire Things with “Soul” – I have plenty of mass-produced stuff in my house (let’s just say I work across the street from IKEA, it’s a bad scene), but somehow that white fiberboard shelving unit looks completely different filled with handmade wooden bowls, little drawings and my daughter’s heart shaped rock collection…

xo.
joslyn of simple lovely

room by room | your favorite space.

If you loved Courtney's dreamy London kitchen then you will equally love her daughter Ivy's room.  Perhaps you don't already know (and how could you not?), Courtney blogs over at the fun and hip blog Babyccino Kids.  Courtney's style is perfection and I am thrilled she decided to share two of her rooms!

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I like the tall ceilings and the white painted floorboards of this room -- I think it creates a bright, calm space. I also love the old fireplace -- it seems to make her bedroom feel more cozy and homey just having that fireplace in there. We only moved into our house about three weeks ago, so her room is still unfinished but I love the feel of it already. 

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thanks Courtney!

tiny prints.

 image credit | tiny prints

Have you heard about Tiny Prints?  You haven't?  Well, you need to know this company.  Pretty paper for pretty much any need you have.  Party invitations. Christmas cards. Birth announcements. Address stamps. Personalized stationary.  Tiny Prints has all your bases covered.  Rich colors, graphic patterns and modern designs make them my new go-to paper source.  And I am lucky to have them as a new MFT sponsor.  Go visit and say hello.  I think you will like what you find.

This is a sponsored post.  Interested in becoming a MFT sponsor?  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

hello essiem designs.

 image credit | essiem designs

I have said in the past I am not a big jewelry person but I must say, over the past six or so months my jewelry stash has doubled.  I suppose I am a jewelry person after all.  Although,  I mostly stick to simple and delicate with a few statement pieces thrown in.

Perhaps that is why I am excited to introduce you to a new MFT (my favorite things) sponsor, Essiem Designs.  Unique, one-of-a-kind, vintage jewelry.  Think brass, gemstones, with an art-deco twist.  Stunning I tell you.  Go and have a look, you won't be disappointed!

This is a sponsored post.  Interested in becoming a MFT sponsor?  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

kickboard USA : maxi pilot stick.

 I just can't say enough good things about Kickboard USA scooters.  Quite frankly, they are the best out there.  Top quality.  Extremely easy to use.  And I have been so completely impressed with the three-wheel scooters.

My boys both have the mini kickboard (received as Christmas gifts) but they just recently had the opportunity to try out the maxi pilot stick.  Oh boy, do they love it.  Typically you will find that most scooters come equipped with the t-bar.  Kickboard offers most of their designs as a t-bar or as a pilot stick.  It did take some time getting used to the difference but Tyler and Benjamin became quite skilled at the pilot stick quickly.  We have kept it inside, since the temperatures down here in Dallas are soaring every day into the triple digits.  Their only complaint is that mom should buy them another one, as they don't always want to take turns.  The ride is so smooth, turning into curves with the tilt of their body.  The brake is easy to maneuver and my floors are skid-mark free.

You might be swayed away by the price tag but don't.  You will not find a better designed scooter.  I promise.

My boys were given the maxi pilot to try out and keep.  All opinions are my own.  I only post what I love.  If you have a product that you would like featured please email me for more information.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

motherhood | more than just a mom.

Ladies, have you ever uttered those three words... "just a mom"?  I have caught myself in the past and gasp just a little.  We (you) are so much more than "just a mom".  Don't ever let anyone, ANYONE, tell you otherwise.

You are strong.  You are beautiful.  It doesn't matter if you stay at home full time, work part time or have a high-power career in addition to mothering.  Take pride in the title of mother.  It is powerful and oh so beautiful.  Can you believe that you have a hand in creating a tiny human being?  Shaping.  Molding.  Guiding. Encouraging.  And in the end, stepping aside, while your child(ren) tests out his/her wings.

The mantel of motherhood is sacred and one of the most important callings you will have in this crazy, fast-paced life.  I kiss my boys each night praying and hoping that I am doing it right.  And maybe not screwing up too terribly.

The day to day monotony of motherhood is sometimes tiring and draining.  Wake up.  Breakfast.  Play. Laundry. Dishes. Errands. Naps somewhere in between (for them, not me). More play. Dinner. Baths. Bedtime.  And we get to do all again tomorrow!  But really, motherhood is more than those physical actions.  It is the emotional connection.  The tender love that you wear outside of yourself.  The deep ache that says you would do anything, anything for your child.

Now pat yourself on the back for a job well "doing".  Because it ain't over yet.  And it never really will be.

photojojo | pop-up flash bounce.

image credit | via photojojo.com

I am no photographer.  I actually have no desire to become one but I do want to be able to take decent pictures of my family.  Friends.  Parties.  You know, nothing serious.  I have become better (albeit, just a little) at snapping shots on aperture mode on my camera by using natural light.  But when it is dark and I need to use my ghetto built in flash, well, the pictures turn out pretty yuck.  Boo on that!

Enter the pop-up flash bounce available at Photojojo (super cool photo store).  The cool peeps at Photojojo sent me one to try out, play around with and check out its awesomeness.  So so easy to use friends.  Slide it on and watch it do its thing.  No, really.  It is that simple.  The pictures turn out waaay better.  And although I still have no clue what I am doing when I pick up my DSLR, at least I come away with photos I actually want to keep.

The pop-up flash is only thirty buckaroos.  Totally affordable for all us "non-photogs".  It is a complete life-savor when the sun is not out to play.

I was given the pop-up flash bounce to review.  All opinions are my own.  And I only post what I love.  If you have a product that would be a good fit for My Favorite Things, please email me for more info.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

hello pretty mommy.

Oh I am just bursting with excitement as I introduce a new July My Favorite Things sponsor.  Say hello to Pretty Mommy!

Michelle, the uber cool mama behind the shop, has stellar taste and has "curated a selection" of some of her favorites.  And my goodness, her favorites are perfect.  I'm talking Clare Vivier (I swoon), Laura Lombardi (awesome jewelry) and well, you need to go check out the rest for yourself.  The collection is that good.

I am pretty much in love with my Matta Maya necklace and Laura Lombardi earrings.  I need to keep saving my pennies because I no doubt keep finding more gems that I simply do not want to live without!

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  If you are interested in becoming a My Favorite Things sponsor, please email for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

getting dressed, the finale.

Can I just say, as silly as this sounds, I have thoroughly enjoyed playing along with Michelle.  Getting dressed has helped me take a new look at what clothes I have and has given me a nudge to be a bit more creative.  My goal here ladies is to achieve style & comfort while running around after my three boys.  And hopefully I accomplished that, just a little.  Perhaps I'll continue posting once a week (along with Michelle) with "what are you wearing Wednesdays".  We shall see.

MONDAY | anthropologie top, banana republic shorts, emersonmade necklace, fossil watch

TUESDAY | anthropologie top, anthropologie cargo capris, lemonade handmade necklace

 

WEDNESDAY | emersonmade tee, jcrew trouser jeans, banana republic gold hoops, black target ring

THURSDAY | boden tunic, target leggings

(went swimming all morning and this is all I could throw on with the little energy I had left)

FRIDAY | gap white tee, gap wide-leg trouser jeans, vintage pearl necklace, laura lombardi earrings (c/o shop pretty mommy) 

FRIDAY DATE NIGHT | target tunic, target leggings, matta maya necklace (c/o shop pretty mommy), purple toms

1000 cooks for the cure. KitchenAid mixer giveaway.

image credit | kitchenaid.com

Breast cancer has not touched my life personally but it has touched the life of my in-laws.  And for that reason I'd like to share how great companies are coming together for an even greater cause.  DelWeb, along with KitchenAid and Susan G Komen, are making it a goal to host 1000 dinner parties across America to raise money for breast cancer research.

From July 15th - 24th, DelWeb communities (across the nation) will be hosting events that are free and open to the public.  You can go and enjoy cooking demonstrations, food samplings, silent auctions and much more.

And today I have the pleasure of giving away a Cook for the Cure edition pink KitchenAid hand mixer.  The giveaway will run through Friday (midnight CST) and the winner will be announced on Saturday.  Please leave your email for easy notification and check back at the bottom of this post to see if you won.  To enter simply leave your favorite summer or "pink" recipe that could be baked at the event.  You can receive extra entries by doing the following...
tweeting about it (come back and leave a comment stating that you did, along with your twitter handle)
"like" My Favorite Things on facebook (leave a separate comment)
blog about it (leave a separate comment)

Good luck and help spread the word for a good cause!

UPDATE : Emily Kate is the lucky winner!  Please email me your shipping info!

harry potter.

I already have a baby sitter lined up for tomorrow night and am anxiously awaiting the last and final Harry Potter movie.  I am a geek and so I rounded up a few "harry potter" items via etsy.

Anyone else as excited as I am?

sources
1. deathly hallows necklace
2. muggle born onesie
3. harry and hedwig sticker
4. i solemnly swear i am up to no good greeting card
5. time turner necklace

motherhood | budding personalities.

 image credit | auburn soul

I must say, the older my boys are getting, the more engaging I find them out to be.  Don't get me wrong, I love my babes when they are tiny but I'll admit, I am not a "baby person".  My oldest is six and it is proving to be a very fun age indeed.

I marvel at how their personalities are forming, taking shaping and creating a tiny human before my eyes.  They are learning and growing and expanding their capabilities and views and it is fascinating.

Tyler will enter kindergarten this fall.  He is on the smaller side for his age but is brimming with confidence.  He is outgoing, super friendly and doesn't give up easily.  He reminds me a lot of the husband, only in miniature form.

Benny will attend preschool this fall.  He is more reserved, a bit sensitive and has even deemed himself shy.  He is not always up for trying new things like his older brother and already has a touch of "middle child syndrome".  I think sometimes he feels slighted since big brother goes through everything first.  I worry about Benjamin the most.

Nicholas is still so young and little but I do hope he keeps his mellow attitude and easy going vibe.  He takes life as it comes and only fusses for the important stuff - you know... hungry, tired or hurt.  He is always quick to smile and is an all around pleasant baby.

As I watch them grow, it is a constant reminder to keep my flaws in check and help cultivate their positive personality traits.  Help encourage.  Help guide.  But in the end, love them unconditionally no matter who they become.

miss ruby sue.

 image credit | skye johansen photography

Every time I browse the shop of Miss Ruby Sue I want to throw on a dress and my party heels and go out on the town.  Her hair accessories are full of fancy.  Bright bold colors, ruffles and tulle.  Lori takes great care in each of her creations.  In my opinion, they are one-of-a-kind works of art.  Don't be deterred by the prices.  At first glance it may seem a bit steep but you will be oh so pleased with what you get.  Miss Ruby Sue accessories make a statement - happy, flirty & fun! Right now I am totally in love with the flash of foliage.  Do you have a favorite?

p.s. if I had a little girl I would most definitely adorn her with that adorable crown on her birthday!

This is a sponsored post.  Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

getting dressed.

I've had the pleasure of becoming "internet" friends with Michelle from Pretty Mommy, who just so happens to also be a My Favorite Things sponsor.  Her shop is lovely and she, my friends, is even lovelier.

The other day she wrote about "getting dressed" and what a mood booster that can be, especially to moms of young children and babes.  And although that may register as shallow to some, I couldn't have agreed more.  My days seems to go a bit more smoothly and I definitely have loads more confidence when I feel good about myself.  And part of that "feeling good" is feeling good about how I look, how I present myself. 

I am by no means savvy when it comes to fashion but I hopefully know what works for me and go from there.  Michelle put a 7 day challenge out there.  Get dressed every day - top to bottom and document.  I decided to join her in this pursuit and have been snapping pictures via instagram (because that is my lazy way of doing things, haha).  This began Friday and so I share with you my getting dressed from Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  As I sit here and type this (at 11:45am), I still am sitting in my sleep clothes.  Baby steps friends.  I'll revisit after the 7 days and share with you the rest.

 FRIDAY | nordstrom top, fossil shrug, anthropologie cargo pant, nine west shoes

SATURDAY (boys basketball game) | GAP tee, anthropologie capri, toms shoes, fossil sunglasses

 SATURDAY NIGHT (girls night) | wet seal cardigan, target dress, GAP skinny jeans

 SUNDAY (sick boys) | lounge wear from anthropologie, glasses from glassesUSA.com

p.s. here is a peek at Michelle's progress...

motherhood | on my mind. enjoy the right now.

Bear with me - I don't usually post on the weekend and typically save my motherhood posts for Wednesday but this is what spilled forth from my swirling of thoughts and I wanted to share with you.  Because after all, I have the best readers ever.  Really.  I do.

Nicholas has been such a sweet blessing to our family.  He completed it.  I look at pictures of my little family of five and a wave of contentment washes over me.  This is it.  This is my family and it feels good.  Oh so good.  And just like that I know that my three boys were meant for me.  And then I am like boo-yah, this baby making factory is closed and my body sighs in relief... bwahahaha.

I think this is the first time I have really "let" myself enjoy each stage of a new babe.  From beginning until, well, each day we get to experience.  Now hear me out before you judge.  I love each of my boys with a fierceness like no other.  The way they each squeeze at my heart is unimaginable.  But I am older.  More experienced and have slowly learned to let go of the little things.  I said slowly people, I still have a ways to travel in that arena.

With Tyler, he was my first.  Just that in and of its self was a bit nerve inducing.  Was I doing this right, am I going to kill my baby, cry it out or snuggle to sleep?  So. Many. Questions.  I don't think I realized how easy of a baby Tyler was because I was a little, what's the word, tense at times.  Oh but Tyler hated the car, there was nothing easy about that.

With Benjamin, I had postpartum.  I was not in a good place.  Benny cried more.  Less easy going.  And already displayed signs of a temper like his mama.  I wanted him, just not right then.  I wanted to fast forward.  I wanted easier.

With Nicholas, there is a nice (almost) four year gap.  My pregnancy was killer but Matthew tells me I was the nicest yet (yay me).  The birth was magical (yes, I said magical).  And Nicholas is my dream come true.  The only difficulty was the breastfeeding and well, that is a thing of the past.

I am at a place mentally and spiritually where I am fully enjoying my baby.  Fully enjoying my family.  Oh I have my moments.  I still tend to get stressed (over seemingly unimportant trivial things) but there is a peace that I can't explain.  I want to freeze time and watch it unfold all at the same time.  This family business is gut wrenching and beautiful and utterly exhausting.

I don't think you can fully prepare in becoming a parent.  A mother.  You can read books, listen to advice and formulate your own plan.  But in the end it is the doing.  the being.  It is the living.  the loving.  And the best part?  I get to keep them forever.

tiny dallas.

image credit | via tiny dallas

Have you heard of tiny dallas, no?  Click on over and take a peek friends.  I feel honored to be featured!

room by room | your favorite space.

Courtney from Babyccino Kids is our guest this week in the room by room series.  Beside being gorgeous, Courtney is one of the original moms behind the ever popular blog Babyccino Kids.  Courtney and her husband (along with her three adorable children) just moved into a new renovated house in London.  I love her style and am excited to share with you her dreamy kitchen.  Lucky you, I'll be back next week to share her daughter's room with you too.  It's perfection!

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image credit | all images are from courtney


I live in London with my husband and three small kids. We spent the past 9 months renovating our house (it was a big project!) and just moved in 3 weeks ago. I love looking at design blogs and reading interior design books for inspiration. I also, of course, have my own parenting and lifestyle blog, Babyccino Kids.


We bought our house purely for the kitchen space. I love how light and airy it is, and I love that it looks out onto the garden -- it's great for the kids to run in and out, and it's also nice because you really don't feel like you live in a big city when you look out onto green grass and big trees. We just renovated the whole house, the kitchen included, and I really spent a lot of time making the decisions for the kitchen. I wanted to have an island in the middle where my kids could sit while I cook. As far as design, I chose a warm greyish colour for the kitchen cupboards because I liked the way it complemented the marble worktops and it felt somewhat French-inspired. The overall kitchen was inspired by the lovely kitchens made by the Plain English kitchen company.

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Thanks Courtney! 

debbie carlos.

 my custom poster hanging in my boys room

If you have not visited Debbie Carlos' etsy shop, you need to and soon.  Her posters are pretty much perfect for any wall space.  I love the fact that she offers photo prints and awesomely oversize posters.  She prints her posters on a plotter (a printer used to produce engineering prints) and they come in two different sizes (medium and large).  I recommend getting your hands on one of her custom posters.  Nothing more fabulous than a huge picture of a special someone(s).

My current favorites are the giraffe poster and perfect twist poster.
Do you have a favorite?

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email for more information.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

motherhood | electronics.

My boys are big time into electronics.  Television.  Movies.  All types of video games.  If they had a choice, they would play all. day. long.  Ugh.  Some days I feel like chucking every last piece of electronic device in the garbage and being done with them.  But I won't.  I will admit that, in my lazy moments, I will let them play the computer or watch a cartoon or two.

My rule of thumb is, a little bit each day is not terribly bad and I can most definitely tell when we need to detox.  I call it an "electronic free" day.  My boys start out hating it but end up usually playing really well together and coming up with the most imaginative games.

So what is your take on electronics?
Do or don't?

clarisonic mia.

image credit | clarisonic.com

I am a bit OCD when it comes to taking care of my skin.  Whether I buy my products at the drugstore or department store, I want what works best with my skin type for the best possible results.  Summer is my worst "skin" season.  I feel more oily and sweaty, which equals more problematic skin.

I was fortunate enough to receive a Clarisonic Mia a few weeks ago.  I have heard rave reviews from other bloggers who own the original Clarisonic.  I was a bit skeptical at first by the price tag.  Was it really worth the money?  Would I be able to to tell that significant of a difference with my skin?

The Mia is the smallest Sonic Skin Cleaning System.  It has one button.  One speed.  Stays on for 60 seconds.  And comes in a rainbow of colors.  It makes for an awesome travel companion.  The power link charger attaches magnetically and allows for 20 minutes of use.  If you use it day and night, the charge will last you ten days.

I have to say, I am a bit in love with my Mia.  No my skin did not magically become flawless and perfect, ha!  I wish.  But what I have noticed is how clean my skin feels, which says a lot.  I feel less oily and so very fresh after I wash my face every evening.  The Mia is so incredibly easy to use that there is no reason not to wash morning and night.  If you have been on the fence about purchasing a Clarisonic and have the budget for it, I say go for it.  Your skin with thank you.  A lot.

p.s.  I just use my own facial cleanser that I like. 

I was given the Clarisonic Mia for free to try out. All opinions are my own. I only post what I love! Think you have a product that would be a good fit for My Favorite Things? email me for more information. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

vote & share.

 image credit | via Binth

The Binth baby book show & tell is live.  Come post and share your pages; we want to see.  And if you would be so kind, come "like" and "comment" on the pages I posted (tiny toes & picture of mother).  Would you?

happy independence day!

image credit | martha stewart

A quick hello and happy fourth!  Stay safe and have fun :)  And if you need any last minute decor ideas, Martha Stewart never disappoints.  See you back here tomorrow!

Monte Carlo.

I had such an enjoyable time being a part of the "media" when Selena Gomez was in town.  I find it extremely interesting to catch a glimpse of a stars off screen personality.  Selena was gracious and warm and instantly made everyone in the room feel relaxed.  I do hope she stays grounded as she continues to grow in her career.

 image found via disnology.com

Now that Monte Carlo has hit theaters today, I can give you my take on the movie.  It had a bit of a "Disney" feel to it but then again, her target audience is young girls.  That being said, I think her target fan base loved it.  All the young teeny boppers had a blast at the screening and even more fun having their picture taken with the star.  The movie was very clean with a sweet romantic twist.  Monte Carlo may not have made my favorites list but it definitely made me want to hop on a private jet to Paris.

i was not compensated for this post but went along for the ride with press/media privileges.

room by room | your favorite space.

Kirsten Grove is our guest today in our room by room series.  She has a totally awe-inspiring blog titled Simply Grove.  I wish I could take a peek through each room in her home.  Her style is nothing short of fabulous!

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I recently moved into a new home with my fam. Because of our busy schedules this spring, we haven't done much to the house. We recently started on the bedroom....finally! I styled the north side of the room using my grandparents dresser that I inherited. I styled it with art by my husband, a Jonathan Adler tray filled with a few treasures and 2 vases that I reclaimed and a family photo. Lots of sentimental moments on that dresser. Just what I love!!

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Thanks Kirsten!