friday favorites : by Heather.

image credit | Shelby H (greencandy8888) | via flickr

a few of Heather's favorite things

community coffee 

autumn 

pugs 

scrabble 

being crafty 

knitting 

belly dance 

reading 

writing 

spending time with people I love

thanks Heather and happy happy friday friends!

want to be a friday favorites feature?  click here to find out how!

newness.

 image credit | auburn soul photography

Goodness, is it Friday yet?  All day yesterday I had it in my mind that it was Thursday.  It wasn't.  But hallelujah it is Friday tomorrow.  This mama is worn down to almost nothing.  Who is ready for the weekend?

If you check out the sidebar you will notice I put together a new little button for you.  More personal.  If you like, you are welcome to it.  Just click the picture and grab the code.

And if you have a small business, etsy shop, blog or want to advertise something you sell-make-create, email me for sponsorship details (info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com).  I am currently accepting October sponsors and would love to have you join MFT :)  Holiday season is about to high kick it into every store, shop and home and now is a fantastic time to place an ad.  If you decided to place a 3 month ad, I am extending a 10% discount.  Hip hip!

October is my favorite month and the holiday season makes me happy.
What makes you happy?

frame your face with glassesUSA.

Autumn has arrived.  Leaves will fall.  The air will turn crisp.  And pumpkins will make their way to my home.  Time to take count of your fall wardrobe and update a few pieces.  Yes?  Why not also update your glasses at the same time.  A new season.  A new look.

Glasses are the new hip accessory as of late.  A simple way to change the whole look of an outfit.  Even if you don't need prescription glasses, you can still frame your face with a stunning pair of spectacles.  Black.  Square.  Vintage.  Tortoise shell. Round.  The combinations are endless.

I recall my little sister getting excited when she found out she needed eyeglasses.  You see, I have had to wear prescription lenses ever since grade school.  The husband actually told me one time, it was one of the first things he noticed when we met.  Score for team glasses!

GlassesUSA.com is a fantastic online store that makes purchasing glasses so completely easy and hassle free.  And right now they have a few killer Fall sales taking place.

• Take $25 off any order of glasses with Transitions lenses with the code: Trans25
• Buy any pair of glasses totaling $120 or more and get a second pair free from our private collection. Code: 2ndPair
• Take 10% off any order. Code: Blog10

So if you are ready to take part in the glasses trend, be sure to check out the virtual mirror.  Play around and find the picture perfect pair of frames.  And if you are like me, just send in your eyeglasses prescription and GlassesUSA will take care of the rest.  See, I told you it was hassle free.

P.S. Did you know that GlassesUSA now offers gift cards?  Well, they do.  Just in time for the holiday season friends.  Oh and don't forget to check out their facebook page too :)

This is a sponsored post.

pssst...down here. Interested in becoming a MFT sponsor? Email me for more details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

motherhood | waking up is hard to do.

 image credit | auburn soul photography

The one aspect of motherhood that is the absolute hardest for me is the lack of sleep.  I need a solid 8 hours to function, or once upon time I thought I did.  I can obviously perform menial every day tasks but I am pretty sure my brain has turned partly to mush.  Perhaps that is why I am not a "baby person".  The constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep the first year of life almost about does me in.

I love labor and delivery.  I don't mind changing seven poopy diapers a day or folding the endless piles of clothes that accumulate on my bedroom floor. I can handle cleaning up the kitchen after yet another snack time and potty training I can tackle.  But ask me to wake up at 1:30 in the middle of the night and I inwardly cringe.  Even though I am doing this motherhood thing for the third go around, it has not gotten one bit easier.

I like sleep.  No, I take that back,  I love it.  But we obviously can not be besties like we once were and I'm okay with that...sort of :)

Confess --- what's the hardest thing about motherhood for you?

bold brows.

Friends, I have a confession.  In high school I over-plucked my eyebrows.  They are fuller now than back in my younger years but I envy a thicker brow.

The husband chuckles every time I mention "oh, that gal has a great brow".  The perfect brow really lays the foundation to a pretty face.

I'm considering purchasing a product that will help with hair growth.  Have any of you, my readers, had luck with such a thing?

So do you like a fuller brow or do you opt for skinny?

Kristen Stewart | W Magazine
Kate Winslet | Vmagazine.com | via pinterest
Camilla Belle | a chic critique
Christina Hendricks | younger you

my life in pictures (according to instagram)

I'm sick friends.  Think head cold.  sneezes + sniffles + cough.  I feel pretty crummy.  Yesterday I stayed in bed and reunited myself with one of my all time favorite movies --- Anne of Green Gables.  If you have never met Anne with an "e", you need to.

Life doesn't stop or slow down much, even when you are under the weather.  My oldest lost another tooth.  He has the most darling little lisp and pretty much looks completely adorable.  Date night happened on Saturday night, just as the cold was making itself at home.  But I am not one to pass up a night out with the husband.  And I have been baking up a storm over here, which I need to stop.  Unfortunately I sample far too many goodies when I bake.  Not so good for the waistline!

How was your weekend?

do you instagram? yes?  come say hi!  I'm mollyelmer :)

link love.

 image credit | clare vivier

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.

This outfit is perfection.
Tiny tassels?  Yes please.
I love this bedroom.
The possibility of the perfect nook.
Fall crushes.

friday favorites : by Leslie.

 image credit | martha stewart

 

a few of Leslie's favorite things

my wedding cake (chocolate with lots of sugary white icing!)

gladiolas

my husband and beagle softly snorin

a great deal

movies in bed (especially a rainy weekend Harry Potter marathon)

young adult books (Sweet Valley High, Baby-Sitter's Club, Nancy Drew)

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia  

Don McClean's "American Pie"

an organized storage space (pantry, closet, etc.)

Thanksgiving dinner

thanks Leslie and happy happy friday!

Want to be featured as a friday favorite?  Go here to find out how!

a lazy day no more.

My day started like all the rest.
One of the children climbs in bed at 6am.
I nudge husband to dish out breakfast.  (I did, after all, wake with N at 3:30 to feed the babe.)
I roll out of bed at 6:30.  Zombie like and completely not ready to start my day.

In that instant I knew I wanted a "lazy morning".  Drop off biggest brother at school.  Putter around in my pajamas with my two youngest boys and then make our way to school to dine with Tyler.  Unfortunately the cards that I was dealt pretty much squashed my dream of laziness.

All three boys piled in the mini (van) this morning and I got nothing.  Dead.  Mini wouldn't start.  Her battery sounded like an eighty year old with a hacking cough.  Luckily I have a total rockstar of a friend.  She zipped by, grabbed Tyler and toted him off to school for me.

So now after nap time, instead of lunching with big bro, we will be at Walmart, getting a new battery.  The fun level on that activity does not even register, blah.

And that is when I ate a pumpkin muffin and a homemade oreo and a diet dr pepper for breakfast.  If I couldn't have laziness, by golly, I was going to have sugar and caffeine!

How did your Friday start? 

motherhood | my ongoing battle with dirt.

I am, by nature, a very clean person.  I may be on the side of a teeny tiny bit uptight.  Although I would argue that point before agreeing --- ha!  But I soon learned that having three active and lively boys, well, that does not translate to a dirt free life.  On the contrary, it means the exact opposite.

Just the other day, we walked to our neighborhood park where I met up with a good friend.  Oh and did I mention she has four boys.  Yes, so we get along quite well.  I almost feel as though I have membership in a secret club.  The "my life is crazy-a smidgen off kilter-dirty smelly boy" club.  And this particular day they were catching frogs by the pond.  Can you guess what happened?  Tyler inched too close and whoosh --- his foot sloshed in --- well past his ankle.

He walked up to me crying.  Why you ask?  Through the tears he told me he did not want time out for getting muddy.  It was really only an accident.  My heart broke a little.  Yikes, I needed to unwind about this whole dirt business.  No, I did not want to clean up the shoes and do extra loads of laundry in the already "black hole" scariness my laundry has become.  So I took a breath and told him no big deal.

Here I had a little boy who was afraid to get dirty.  Be a little boy.  Now friends, I will embrace the mud.  I didn't say I would like it but I suppose, for my children, I will tolerate it.

What have you had to embrace as a mom?

simply modern mom.

I'm visiting over at Simply Modern Mom today and you should to!  Come see what I am posting about :)

hello sophie pie + a giveaway.

One of the absolute best treats about MFT (my favorite things) is the opportunity it provides to meet new people.  new businesses.  new products.  For me, it is like shopping on steroids.

Sophie Pie is one of MFT's newest sponsors and I am thrilled to introduce you to Jamie and her lovely creations.  You friends, are one of the first to sneak a peak at her new fall line (available this Friday) of brooch/hair clip combos.  Picture feathers.  Flowers.  Vintage buttons.  Wear it on your favorite sweater or clip it in your top knot.  The perfect fall accessory ladies.

 image credit | Jamie -- Sophie Pie

And because MFT has some of the best readers of all ---- it is time for a giveaway.  Five winners.  Each will get to choose the brooch of her choice.  Pick from the selection in the image provided.  The giveaway starts today and runs through Friday at midnight (CST).  A winner will be announced that weekend.  As always here are the ways to enter...

---leave a comment
---tweet about it (with @favorite_things)
---like MFT on facebook
---blog about it

Make sure to leave a separate comment each time you enter.  Good luck!

pssst --- I am now accepting fall sponsors.  Interested? Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

UPDATE : Winners announced below!!

You have until Friday to contact me, otherwise I will choose a new winner.  Thanks!

avast ye scurvy dogs | pirates day + a missing tooth.

Today is pirate day at the elementary school.  Lucky for us, we are equipped with pirate garb.  And thanks to a very sweet Grammie --- we had a rockin' pirate tee to top it off.

I love that he still loves to kiss my cheek before hoping out of the mini (van) and scurrying off to school.

I love that he has a gaping hole in his little boy mouth because he lost tooth #3 this weekend.

I love that he is so so brave.  You see, he pulled his loose tooth out all by his six year old self.

I love that he still is my little guy.

What do you love this Monday?

dress my room.

Here is a little room inspiration to take you into the weekend.
Thanks Deb (of dress my room)!

image credit
howard elliot mirror
gold frame
wooden frame
pendant lamp
emma tufted chair
sablon tufted loveseat
zahir floral armchair
ikat pillows
sweater pillows
fox pillow
rose gold ottoman
cowhide rug

today was made for me.

My boy and I went for a walk.
The sky was darkened with heavy clouds.
The trees rattled.
The chimes chimed.
The leaves crackled beneath my steps.
The air had been kissed with the crispness of fall.
And as we strolled the breeze whispered, today was made for you.

Fall makes me immensely happy.  It just does.  And these quiet winks of time I sneak with Nicholas make me even happier.  When big brothers are both at school, Nic Nac and I share stolen moments.  This afternoon will be a little harried with early school pick up and allergy doctor appointments with an overtired babe.  The quiet morning Nicholas and I shared will propel me until I tuck each one in tonight.

My boys already begged to put up the few Halloween decorations we have.  Sometimes at night, we light the spider and witch candle and read spooky Halloween books.

And then after each little boy has passed out in a stupor of exhaustion, I believe I will soak in a bubble bath with a good book for company.  And applaud myself for making it through another day.

What type of day makes you the happiest?
Do you have any favorite Halloween books?

Here are a few of ours...
The Runaway Pumpkin
The Spider and the Fly
10 Trick or Treaters
Halloween Night
One Spooky Night
Skeleton Hiccups

tiny prints.

image credit | tinyprints.com
  
Have I professed my undying love for holidays?  I am sure I have.  I love to celebrate, big + small.  I adore each step of the process when getting ready for a party or holiday celebration.  From the invitation and ending with the favor --- it all makes me smile.

Oh and did I mention that I especially love Halloween?  Sweet baby N will turn one on that spooky day and of course we will be hosting a small, intimate family gathering.

Right now Tiny Prints has a boo-tiful collection of invitations + greeting cards.  And don't forget, it is never to early to start swirling around ideas for your holiday 2011 card.  Right now Tiny Prints is offering 20% off your order of $99+ or 25% off your order of $199+ with code holiday11.  Hurry hurry, the offer ends on September 20th!

So tell me friends, do you have a favorite holiday?  I love 'em all!!

friday favorites : by Amy.

image credit | ClickFlashPhotos - Nicki Varkevisser | via flickr

a few of Amy's favorite things

dressing up 

paul newman

chips and salsa

napping outside

thrifting

underwater cameras

game nights

iced coffee

california's central coast

listening to old records 

thanks Amy and happy happy friday friends!

want to be a friday favorite feature?  find out how right here :)

motherhood | cartoon confession.

After number 1 boy was born, I knew sooner or later cartoons would be a presence in my life --- as little or as much as I allowed.  And as all moms know, there are cartoons that you loath.  I've made up lame excuses as to why my boys couldn't watch a particular cartoon or I tried my hardest to steer completely clear of the rubbish.

I remember falling in love with Charlie and Lola and anticipating the day my boys might actually want to watch that over, say, Spectacular Spiderman.  Really, what's not to love about the british brother and sister duo.  They are charming and delightful and fortunately my boys do enjoy a good Charlie and Lola marathon.  But seeing as they are boys, Spiderman will always hold a place in our home.

Okay, spill mamas --- what cartoon(s) do you have a crush on?

hello j bella.

 image credit | j bella

I don't consider myself fashion forward and I am definitely not a trendsetter.  I am a creature of habit and routinely find myself grabbing at the same pieces of clothing over and over.  A bit boring?  Yes.  So I am insanely happy when I am introduced to a new to me shop.  Maybe step out of my comfort zone a bit.  Find something new.

J Bella is fashion at affordable prices, which is a win/win all the way around.  Think denim.  Outerwear.  Tops.  Jewelry.  A nice selection for everyone.  Right now, if you are one of the first 5000 to "like" J Bella on facebook, you will walk away with a $5.00 gift certificate.  Yay!  Head on over.  Browse.  Shop.  Have fun!

This is a sponsored post.

pssst...down here. Interested in becoming a MFT sponsor? Email me for more details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

currently crushing | fashion edition.

Mother Nature, she is a bit fickle and can not make up her mind.  But regardless of her indecision, I am aching for fall to arrive.  Here is a bit of what I am currently crushing as of late...

I actually have those fantastic fossil boots sitting in the box in my bedroom.  I can't decide.  Yes? No?
What are you crushing on at the moment?

image credit:
clutch via shop pretty mommy
shirt via steven alan
necklace via shop pretty mommy
pants via talbots
shoes via fossil
ring via catbird

interact.

image credit | Dorli Photography via flickr

Good morning friends!  It is the start to a new week and I still haven't decided if I am ready to tackle all that lies ahead.  Are you ready to go this Monday morning?  The weather is heating back up down here in Dallas for a few days and I am unhappy about that mother nature!

I wanted to ask you guys a question...
What can I do to create a fun blog environment for you?
Is there a better way I get get you (my readers) to drop comments?  to interact?
Do you like what you see?
Want to see more of something?

Ready, set, go!  Tell me, I want to know.

link love.

 image credit | auburn soul photography

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 dainty gold rings make for a lovely wedding band.  I love the simplicity.
Interesting parenting article.  I love to read how other moms parent and why.
PB&J sushi roll anyone?
Have you browsed the new Styled magazine yet?  If not, you're in for a treat :)
This room is perfection and those grey shades need to be mine!

P.S. a big thanks to Jillian (of Cornflake Dreams) for guest posting last week!

halloween.

halloween was always so much fun.. candy + dressing up. what's not to love?! one of my all-time favorite halloween costumes was a bride. {i am going to wear a real wedding dress next year- sooo no more dress up!}

that's me with my brothers (the cowboy in the white hat + batman) and my neighbors...as the only girl on the block it's surprising i didn't turn out to be a total tomboy.

back to halloween... other stand-out costumes included a 50's girl (complete with saddle shoes and a handmade poodle skirt), a farmer, a baby (i think this was a last minute idea),and Ginger from the spice girls (they were a BIG deal when i was in 8th grade!)

i still like to dream up themes for my friends (in college it was disney princess', nurses, ...and now that we have matured we have dressed up as the 1985 chicago bears (i was ditka!), the village people and the crew from the wizard of oz. now that it's almost october i need to get my act in gear and think about a costume!

what was your favorite halloween costume?

xo,

jillian from cornflake dreams

friday favorites : by Kat.

 image credit | Arianna Marchesani via flickr

a few of kat's favorite things

date night with my hubby at" Taqueria Del Sol in Decatur" or "Harry and Sons" in Virginia Highlands

long walks with Fergus, my beloved Boxer

origins skincare and chanel lipgloss in braise 158

pink and green in anything from clothing, to stationery, to home decor

dinner at the pool with my sweet girls

jcrew vintage-inspired jewelry (great pieces at a fabulous price)

tennis, any time

havaianas flip flops

frozen hot chocolate from the Paris Market in Savannah

white chocolate macadamia nut cliff bars

capturing the perfect shot with my Canon Rebel T1i 

thanks Kat and happy happy friday friends!

interested in being a friday favorites feature? 

find out how right over here.

i don't know how she does it. finding balance.

I have really enjoyed reading the balance series Joanna posted about on A Cup of Jo.  Finding balance between work, motherhood and life in general is a tricky act to maintain.  It often appears as an illusion that is just never within reach.

On Monday I will have the good fortune of attending the screening of I Don't Know How She Does It (which is also a book) starring Sarah Jessica Parker.  a mom.  a business gal.  a wife.  a woman.  Trying to keep all the balls rotating before each comes crashing down.  Looks funny, yes?  I'll be sure to let you know if I laugh.

i was not compensated for this post but did get to see the movie free of charge.

back to school.

Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies.

-tom hanks said it best. (you've got mail)

even though i have been out of college for four years i still get a little excited about 'back to school' time. i have fond memories of picking out shiny new folders, markers and clothes. now that i don't have a real reason to buy new office supplies i admit i also get a little jealous of the kiddos running around the store with their new school supplies. this year i have decided to join in on the fun. i recently purchased a desk and i am in the process of setting up my dream home office with these fun accessories from poppin and west elm...

office inspiration:: via, via, via

magenta ruler $5, classic scissors $6, navy tape dispenser $8, signature turquoise ballpoint pens $6, striped tumbler $8, stackable in/out boxes $19

bonus! poppin has some seriously cute packaging when you order...(packing pillows with bright phrases to greet you when you open your box)!

xo,

jillian of cornflake dreams

fall color crush.

i think one of the prettiest things about fall are all the changing colors in nature-- and in our wardrobes. i love all of the spicy and earthy tones and these fall finds get me excited about shopping!

cardigan $59, cable poncho $69, boots $298, tortoise watch $250

pleated mini dress $59, necklace $26, one-shoulder top $24, nude flats $62

a huge thank you to molly for inviting me to guest post! feel free to stop by cornflake dreams anytime for even more fashion, travel, and design inspiration!

xo,

jillian of cornflake dreams

fall fashion with jcrew.

 image credit | jcrew.com

Correct me if I am wrong, because I have never professed to be a fashionista, but is a blazer on the fall fashion line up?

If so, then yay!  I just placed an order for the jcrew maritime blazer.  Since I romp around with my three boys on a daily basis, my wardrobe pieces have to fit into the category of "can I roll around on the floor in this?".  And this blazer looks "stylish" and "moveable".  I'll let you know if it is a keeper.

What is your fall fashion must-have?

pumpkin.

pumpkin is one of my all-time favorite flavors... so much so that i used to request pumpkin pie for my birthday (in june). i love that fall means i can eat as much pumpkin flavored goodness as i can handle. i am dying to try out these recipes::

pumpkin spice rice krispies, pumpkin cupcakes with maple frosting, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin gingerbread trifle, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin whoopie pies with marshmallow cream filling

what's your favorite fall flavor?!

xo,

jillian of cornflake dreams

candy corn + cornflake dreams.

Perhaps one of my favorite things about my blog is reading the comments from my dear readers.  A happy smile slips across my lips every time a new comment pops up in my inbox.  Pinky swear.  And that is how I met Jillian from Cornflake Dreams.  I knew you would want to meet her too so I've asked her to guest post this whole week.  Lucky us! 

About Jillian : Hello! My name is Jillian, I live and work in Chicago, IL with my fiance. I love to travel (we have a trip to Spain coming up at the end of the month) and plan our summer 2012 wedding.

About Cornflake Dreams : Cornflake Dreams is a life and style blog about all the dreamy things in the city and travels abroad. I love to blog because it gives me a creative outlet and it allows me to connect with lots of people who have similar interests.

Favorite must read blog: A cup of Jo, this is one of the first blogs I started reading and I still love reading about her family and life in NYC.

Favorite season: Fall, my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and I love a good piece of pumpkin pie.
 

Favorite store [for you] to shop at: West Elm... I love everything in the place and I wish I could go on a mini-shopping spree.
 

Favorite beauty product: I rely on Clinique’s Dramatically differently moisturizing lotion to keep my skin looking fresh and hydrated. 

Welcome Jillian!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi there! it's jillian from cornflake dreams. i am soooo excited to be guest posting this week, i will be sharing my favorite fall things. i am celebrating my one-year of blogging this month and it has been a blast! the blog-world has exposed me to lots of fantastic bloggers and readers. I am inspired everyday and I love sharing all of my favorite fashion, design and travel finds!

via,via,via,via

one of my favorite things about fall is the candy. candy corn is one of those things that i eat too much of during the fall months and then i cant touch for the rest of the year. i'm also a big fan of pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, apple orchards (apple cider + donuts!), thanksgiving, and the changing leaves. i look forward to sharing more of my fall favorites all week!

xo,

jillian of cornflake dreams

pretty mommy.

Pretty Mommy is a down right, outrageously fantastic online shop overflowing with the latest fashions.  Also, the gal behind the shop - Michelle, she is actually a pretty mommy herself.  And what's even better, the icing on the cake so to speak, is that she will be in Dallas this Friday ladies.  Throw on your heels (or flats) and meet me there.  You will want to go, so pencil in the date!

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

friday favorites : by heather.

image credit | jennifer k warren | via flickr

a few of heather's favorite things

community coffe

sunday breakfast

my pug broly

fall

snuggling

sleeping in

reading

blogging

vlogging

discovering new and exciting things

thanks heather and happy happy friday!

interested in being a featured friday favorites? go here to find out how!

fall on my feet. my favorite fall picks.

I am impatiently waiting for fall to arrive.  And seeing as I live in Texas, I am melancholy at the fact that she most likely won't grace us until November.  But I can still daydream about shoes and picture the crunching leaves beneath my feet.

points-of-light oxfords
cleary heels
sadie high heel bootie
baisley boyfriend cap toe
jenna inside zip
earth and gold heels

f is for frank x3. the husband did good.

 

We shared a quiet evening at home.  The children were asleep as we dined on take out.  We had plans of working on the wood floors.  Hanging a new pendant lamp.  And curling up to watch Eat Pray Love.  A quiet celebration.  Just the two of us.

As a side note --- I love holidays, celebrations and parties in general.  And I will admit, I love a thoughtful gift.  Husband did good ladies.  He bought me a few pieces of jewelry from f is for frank.  He knows me.  That man of mine knows me.

thanks love!

this is what I received...
rose gold peacock luck necklace
smitten charm necklace
rose gold peacock earrings