Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving Thoughts...



Earlier this year, we lost one of our dear friends, Philip. We’re lucky to have his amazing and lovely wife, Cecilia, join us for Thanksgiving this year. A couple of days ago, Cecilia passed on a note that Philip used to send to friends and family before Thanksgiving, and I thought it was so lovely I had to share it here.

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

*****

We are about to celebrate one of our great American holidays, Thanksgiving.

This celebration leads us to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in this wonderful country of ours. We have a great deal to celebrate this year. We have our family and good friends to thank for getting through another year.

We are blessed for being here in this country, enjoying a multitude of advantages .We have bountiful food, freedom of thought, religion and politics. We have our health and many intangible things to be thankful for.

As we sit down to our Thanksgiving meal to celebrate the start of our holiday season, let us not forget the wonderful privileges that we enjoy.

We must always enjoy our family and friends around us, and never, ever give up an opportunity to hug and kiss someone we love, each and every day.

A Winner...


Image via Satsuma Journal

The winner of the Satsuma Press 2010 Calendar giveaway is Tiffany. Congrats!

Also, be sure to check out the special Thanksgiving giveaway (photo above) over at Lynn’s blog (it involves Heath Ceramics …swoon.)

Per Lynn -- “There will be two lucky winners: one will receive an apron from Skinny laMinx, a teapot from Heath Ceramics and a set of stationery printed by Satsuma Press, designed by Heather of Skinny laMinx for Heath. The second winner will receive two tea towels from Skinny la Minx, a vase from Heath Ceramics and the same stationery set…”

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Team Cooking...



images via the selby

I love these images of photographer Dan Martensen and his girlfriend Shannan Click’s home over on The Selby, especially the shots of the two of them in the kitchen together...

I am a lone baker. It’s therapeutic. One of my favorite parts of the book Alice Waters and Chez Panisse was the description of the restaurant’s first pastry chef (and partner), Lindsey Shere, creating all of the desserts in a little shed behind the restaurant. Right before dinner she would run her creations across a path to the restaurant, sometimes under an umbrella in the pouring rain… I love that image. Total bliss that job, no?

But when I cook a meal, I love nothing more than the camaraderie and mild chaos of cooking with a few other people. I can’t wait to spend Thursday in the kitchen with my family turning out a huge meal.

Total bliss that job too…

Monday, November 23, 2009

Scenes from The Week-End

a little gift for my friend Cindy adorned with one of Suann's most excellent pencils...

The weekend was busy and lovely and full of fun activities...a friend's birthday lunch, late night with the girlies at the Dallas Museum of Art on Friday, preparations for Thanksgiving (we're hosting the big day for the very first time... my family + several dear friends are coming, so I'm in the thick of planning the menu, scheming the table decorations, washing the wine glasses...) And sweet hubby is working away on the table -- it's so close, and I can honestly say it's turning out even more fantastic than I imagined.




And then of course there was the Kirtsy Book Party on Saturday... So much goodness -- some evidence below (+ more here.)



The brains behind the book -- the utterly amazing Laura Mayes...

loved meeting sweet molly from my favorite things (+ her lovely friend Stephanie...)


All in all, it would have been a pretty much perfect weekend if not for the family photos we decided to have taken bright and early Sunday... Bad idea. What is it with taking a family photo to bring out the absolute worst, most anal, stressed out, Meanie McMeanerson part of me?

Does this happen to you?

p.s. don't forget the Satsuma Press giveaway!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Blogger's Favorites -- Lynn of Satsuma Press + A Giveaway!

This week's list belongs to Lynn of the insanely lovely letterpress line, Satsuma Press. I had a chance to get to know Lynn a bit after I posted her calendar in my roundup, and I can safely say that she's not only incredibly talented, but also incredibly kind... She is a wonderful mother a gifted artist and is endlessly supportive of other independent artists (the proof is in her list below!)

Lynn has also kindly offered to give away one of her gorgeous 2010 calendars to one of my readers. Just leave a comment on this post by Tuesday at 6pm CST, and I'll announce a winner on Wednesday!

I can't wait for you to get to know Lynn a bit better through her favorites! So without further ado, herewith Lynn's list. Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!



*****

I was really excited when Joslyn asked me to write a favorites list for her lovely blog. I am a list making fool and it also turns out I have an awful lot of favorites, so it was harder than I thought to narrow this list down to a manageable size. I tried to include some things that haven't already been listed – and I hope you see something you love too, particularly with the holidays around the corner. It probably goes without saying, but the true favorites aren't listed here – that is, my 5 year old son, Liam and my husband, Ben; my friends; my home; my studio and letterpress printing ... These are always at the top of the list, but here are some more tangible top 20 things (because I couldn't seem to make my list any shorter!)

So, in no particular order, with love for each and every:


  • House plants in white ceramic pots. I bought the filigree pattern one at the Portland grocery store, New Seasons, but it is also available here. The leaf pattern one is from IKEA.


  • Orla Kiely mugs. I bought these on eBay (make sure you check the worldwide option when you search.)


  • Kitchen linens. My favorites are from Elisabeth Bentz and Skinny laMinx. Elisabeth and I have done several trades – linens for letterpress – and we'll both be at the Sunday Best Holiday Sale in Portland the weekend after Thanksgiving. Heather of Skinny laMinx and I have recently collaborated on some lovely letterpress stationery and gift tags. Heads up – there is going to be a giveaway soon featuring an apron from her, a teapot from Heath Ceramics and some stationery that Heather designed and I printed for Heath. Check my journal for details.


  • Field books. I've recently converted from Moleskine Notebooks to these Field Books by Russell + Hazel. And I love a good mechanical pencil, too – plus these come in great colors and different lead thicknesses.

  • Tea. I drink a lot of tea. My daily one is PG Tips, but I also love a good green oolong. You can buy excellent loose leaf tea from Imperial Tea in San Francisco. The gaiwan (covered teacup) is also from Imperial Tea. The yellow (upside down) one is from White Forest Pottery and the dark orange one is from another all time favorite, Heath Ceramics. The origami placemat is from Modern Twist).


  • Necklaces. I love these necklaces, which seem to be really the only two I wear. They are from NY based Local Library. These are Lauren's little wings and silver fringe. I also have my eye on this one. I also love the combination of ochre and grey. The yellow hair clip is from Anthropologie and the grey one from J. Crew.


  • Food magazines. My favorite is Donna Hay, but I also enjoy Gourmet and Bon Appétit. I also especially love The Kitchen Diaries by Nigel Slater, most likely available at your local bookstore, but also right here.

  • Knitting. I like a project that I can come back to when I have a little free time (which isn't often). I most enjoy making sweaters for little kids. My favorite pattern is for an owl sweater by Penny Straker. This one is my son Liam's, knitted in Blue Sky Alpaca in copper

  • Bud Vases.I love these little bud vases with these little yellow flowers, which I only recently learned the name of – craspedia.


  • Pretty stamps. It makes all the difference for your packages – and I send a lot of them for my online shop orders. It's easy enough to find the good ones – just go to the USPS website. Also good for pretty packages – glassine envelopes and patterned Japanese masking tape (like I did for my 2010 calendar. Don't forget to leave a comment here for a chance to win a calendar for yourself!


  • Wooden spoons. The best ones found mostly at antique stores, but the middle one is from the oh-so-lovely Herriott Grace.

  • Japanese paper. So, so beautiful. I'm using it for a new project – the first ever Satsuma Press Perpetual Calendar. Check my journal for updates. You can buy your own sheets of chiyogami and katazome online at the The Paper Place.

Images clockwise: Modaspia, Max Wanger, Yu-I Chan, Pigeon Toe Ceramics, NPR, Powells

Thursday, November 19, 2009

A Moral Question (sort of)...

So...is it bad if I buy this Paris Map Tote for Audrey for Christmas fully intending to steal it from her to use myself?

I mean really...it's just so cute -- see proof below.

image via map tote

But, seeing as I'm in the thick of holiday gift buying, I can't bring myself to buy anything for me. Guilt is a powerful thing friends...

Now, to be less obvious that I'm giving my six-year old child a gift really intended for me, I have a plan. I'm going to fill the tote with some of her favorite books, but in French* (like this one and this one too), each individually wrapped, and I intend to make my move on the tote while she's busy gleefully unwrapping the books...

Clever, non?

*We're having a major French moment right now, Audrey and I, as at a birthday party this past weekend, we met a very cool mom + daughter who told us about a class she takes each week that combines art (shading, perspective, oil painting, etc...), piano and French lessons.

Audrey was so excited (all her very favorite things -- music, art and french -- in one single class... Sacrebleu!) that she fell into sort of an eerie calm and just said in a low and determined voice,

"i. want. to. take. that. class."

She starts this afternoon...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Loving...

photo Stephen Lam via sf chronicle

This genius holiday DIY (via anh minh's article for the SF Chronicle) which I most definitely plan to steal.


These incredibly sweet kiddo clothes...


Kathryn Bentley's gorgeous jewelry via Beklina. Sadly, I want it all...


Perfection from Pinch via the lovely and talented Sarah...


Heidi's lovely photos of some of the specimens housed at Melbourne University's School of Botany...


Incredibly cool ceramics by Jonathan Cross...


Quite possibly the most perfect holiday cards from Bailey Doesn't Bark...


image via la porte rouge

Everything about this blog...but her photography especially -- oh my.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Kirtsy Book, Girl Power, Oh and A Party!

I’ m so honored to have a piece included in the new Kirtsy book, “Kirtsy Takes a Bow – A Celebration of Women’s Favorites Online” for all the obvious reasons (i.e. having something I’ve written in a book (!), being included alongside such talented and amazing women as her and her and her and her... oh and her too…)



But I’m especially honored and excited because the book is so cool. I love what it stands for – the power and strength and creative energy of women.

I grew up with two amazing sisters and now have two (lovely and amazing if I do say so myself) daughters...I’m all about girl power and collaborating with and supporting other women. I think it’s far too easy for girls (and women for that matter) to fall into that trap of being catty and gossipy and untrustworthy, and despite some regrettable actions in high school (and perhaps a few in college too…we live and learn), I’ve tried with every ounce of my being to show my daughters, through my actions and words, that being a mean girl is never a good thing. Never.

As women, we still have so many uphill battles in so many areas... Imagine our collective power if we banded together encouraging, supporting and cheering each other on. We’d be unstoppable, no?

So take a peek at the book and be sure to check out the lovely + inspiring book “trailer” created by Katherine Center (below).




And if you’re in the Dallas area, come by the book signing this Saturday from 5-7 at Little Bean and say hi...


Hooray for girls!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Scenes from The Week-End

Friends the meyer lemon has landed.

I discovered it Friday morning (a lovely start to the weekend) when Audrey and I peered out the living room window to see that it had plopped onto the grass during the night. I'm trying to ripen it a smidge more, so I currently have it perched next to the bananas...

The other lemon (there were two on the tree) is almost ready too, so I've been trying to sleuth out a recipe worthy of the two beauties. Right now I'm leaning toward Rachel's lemon bars, but let me know if you have something swoon worthy I should try.



The rest of the weekend was decidedly more laid back than the last. We had our couples book club Saturday evening, so the girlies enjoyed a spend the night adventure at their grandparents' house. There were also two fun classmate birthday parties on Sunday, but mostly the girlies and I just lazed about drawing, listening to music and reading while Bryan worked on the table (he's racing to finish it by Thanksgiving.)

In fact, one of my loveliest moments of the weekend occurred at approximately 1:47 on Saturday (and I know this because I looked at the clock in an attempt to burn the moment on my memory -- I'm nutty like that.) You could hear the buzz of the sander in the garage, Millie was drawing a groovy little picture, Audrey was writing a note (on her own!) and I was listening to Carli Bruni on the ipod and working on a necklace. It was quiet and peaceful and, well...pretty much perfect.

It's the small things friends, no?

Friday, November 13, 2009

Blogger's Favorites -- Mary Swenson of Pretty Good and T. Ruffles

image via mary's incredibly lovely blog pretty good

As promised, this week's list belongs to the other half of the genius team behind T. Ruffles, Ms. Mary Swenson (or as she's affectionately called in some circles, Mary Ruffle)... Like Karey, Mary and I met through Kirtsy, and I can safely say she is one of the kindest, loveliest and most talented (seriously her photography is beyond stunning) ladies in blog land.

So without further ado, Mary's list. Enjoy all the perfection that are her favorites and have a splendid weekend!


I first spotted the Harper’s Bazaar Russia editor on The Sartorialist, and thus began my frenzied search to find as many pictures of this little fashionista as possible on the internet so that I could study her look. I covet her hair, her extensive collection of tights, and her cool confidence spiked with just the right dash of adorableness.


Shoes make me extremely happy. And my friends will confirm that my inventory consists of only two types: the highest, most impractical heels possible, and flip flops. Lately, though, a third type has elbowed its way into my closet: the wedge. They look great with jeans and cute with casual skirts (the suede pair, above, from Anthropologie makes me drool), and even mid-heeled styles (like the adorable red pair by Report) are the perfect way for me to get my heel fix even when I’m running to the grocery store. And though I’m an expert in teetering around atop four inches, doing so in a pair of wedges is far more comfortable.


Forget what I just told you about shoes. My real weakness is ceramics. I love bowls, platters, cups, and pitchers and have the over-crowded cabinets to prove it. My current wishlist includes these handle-less pitchers and single-stem vase from Ceramicpix, and a pair of perfect spouted bowls from gleena{shop}.


I could take or leave chocolate. And, as a general rule, I leave it (I’m a salt-lovin’ girl, you see…) But sometimes, even a dessert-averse person like myself can be swayed by sugar and vanilla and raspberries. And when I saw this yogurt cake with raspberry currant sauce in the August 2009 issue of the late, great Gourmet, I was swayed. I’m waiting for just the right opportunity to indulge.


I’m an avid fan of do-it-yourself, even though I’m often just cheering from the sidelines. But ever since I saw the amazing sign Amanda Johnson made and read how easy it was to make on her blog, I’ve resolved to make one of my own, and I’m currently obsessed with figuring out exactly what it’ll say.


Here’s what I do as often as possible: I buy a bouquet of fresh flowers, take it home, split it up between random little bottles, cups, vases, jars (whatever I’ve got handy), and scatter them around the house. (And then I take pictures of them. Because photographing flowers is my all-time favorite thing to do.) This little ritual is not only relaxing and fun for me, but it’s hands-down my favorite way to display flowers -- see how casually pretty they look in this photo by Steven Myers Photography (via Once Wed)?


Emilie79*’s photographs are, like, whoa. They’re moody, pretty, and often layered with scraps of other photos and simple words to create amazing little pieces of art. This girl’s a genius, in my book.


Speaking of genius. And words. And photos. Last-but-never-least on my current list of favoriti is collaborating with one of the most unique voices in blogging – my partner-in-crime, Karey Mackin. We’ve started here. But it’s only the beginning. And that, my friends, makes me downright giddy.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Just A Few Random Bits...

I'm realizing I still owed you a photo of the necklace...


This made me feel better about the boots



images via the LA Times

I've read this article three times... I'm endlessly intrigued by anyone who is living "smaller" voluntarily. This line from the piece is my fave:

"When you have this small space, every decision is critical," Conder says. "You can only have things that fit within the scale of this space. And these are all things I have wanted for a long time. Everyone needs to question the idea of what we really need."


I can't get this space out of my mind (via desire to inspire)


I'm dying to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox with Audrey...

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

It's Calendar Time...

When it comes to holiday gift giving, I’m a major planner (oh who am I kidding, when it comes to pretty much everything, I’m a major planner… Let’s just say I’m not so much a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl, but I digress…)

I start mapping out my holiday gift strategy each year pretty early in November. I sleuth around for things I love and make a big list to keep me on track. I don't necessarily finish all my shopping early (call me crazy, but there’s something festive about making a mad dash on the 23rd for that one last gift), but if I have my game plan set and at least know what I want to get for everyone on my list, I won't end up desperately buying something I don't really love at the last minute.

Groovy, artful calendars are one of my very favorite gifts to give (and get ;-) so I start poking around for favorites early (the best ones always sell out fast.)

Here's what I've got bookmarked. Of course the hard part is trying to resist buying one of each for myself too...


I'm a huge fan of Flora's work, so a calendar filled with it is pretty much perfection...


Incredibly cool "Friends of Book Arts" calendar from Genesee Center for the Arts...


Always love Suann's simple, elegant, incredibly lovely work... and her calendar is no exception.


Tiny calendar by the paper thieves. It's on a shipping tag... so clever!


I'd hang this one from Oddball Press in my kitchen...(in case you're wondering.)


Satsuma Press' lovely, organic calendar (think feathers and botanicals) + the packaging is *almost* as pretty...


I've already expressed my love for this one from SeeSaw Designs, but it's so good I had to include it again...


Completely digging the concept (Odd Birds of LA) and the Hugo Guinness-esque drawings on this one from Krank Press.


Totally gorgeous accordion style calendar from Brooklyn Bookbinder. The covers are all so amazing, I'm not sure I could pick...

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Loving... + The Laughing Tree Lullabies Winners

This Anthro necklace -- I have a major necklace issue friends...they're my jewelry drug of choice of late.


UO's cozy grey sweater (The short sleeves work for Texas.)


Mav's gorgeous installation at Chellis Wilson. You must peek at it all...it's seriously stunning.


Gabriele Wilson's book covers (via parcel post)


Joanna's Paris posts...


Lovely Akio Nukaga pieces at Heath ceramics (via Remodelista)


And speaking of Heath...look at all this goodness. Seriously.

Now for the winners of the Laughing Tree Lullabies giveaway.
Congrats Nicole and Alexis!

Drop me a line with your addresses and I'll pop the CDs in the mail...

Monday, November 9, 2009

Scenes from The (Possibly Overscheduled) Week-End

We kicked off the week-end with the (v. fun) party at Little Bean on Friday. Audrey and I went together, and she managed to consume what might possibly be an illegeal quantity of mini cupcakes... I'm just sayin.



(Amy, I snapped this one for you. Look at your lovely goods front and center!)

After the party we had dinner with our friends Julie and Tim, which would have been perfect if Audrey hadn't been going out of her mind a bit due to the aforementioned cupcake consumption.

Then Saturday afternoon we made our way out of town a bit for an annual party at one of Audrey's former classmates' house in the "woods"... It was the perfect setting for this time of year -- the kids ran around, roasted s'mores and just generally had a blast with their buddies.

We finished up the weekend with a little neighborhood get together and a lovely Sunday dinner + I managed to make a couple of apple, cranberry pies.

So all-in-all a fantastic weekend, if not a little full. I find myself lately cramming so much (maybe too much) into our weekends (my hubby will be so proud of me for actually admitting this, as it's not something I'm wont to do) that Monday morning we all wake up feeling a bit, well... spent.

It's hard for me to say "no." I love having lots of fun things lined up. I'm not so good at the "relaxing."

I need to work on this a bit I think...





Friday, November 6, 2009

Blogger's Favorites -- Karey M. of Mackin Ink *and* T. Ruffles

image via Mackin Ink

I've attempted to write the intro to this week's blogger's favorites no less than five times.

You see it's hard to find words to describe just how fond I am of Karey... She was one of my very first Internet friends and (as Audrey would say) is one of my besty, best, bests.

She's funny, she's wicked smart, she's a fantastically inspiring mother to her girlies three, she's urbane and interesting and her words, well...her words are like magic. Truly. Not only can you see evidence of her creative prowess on her equally amazing blog, but she and the lovely Mary Swenson, (you'll get a peek into her faves next week) have started a rather genius new venture that marries Karey's words with Mary's photos.

Yep, it's pretty much perfection...

So without further ado, herewith Karey's favorites. Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!


*****

i fall in love a few or fifty times daily, it seems. which is a particularly serendipitous quality these days. my family just moved back to the states after about six years overseas, and my minute-to-minute swooning sessions have really saved me over the past three months.

i am that woman in the grocery. who’s the genius who invented golden oreos? seriously. no. evidence. and don’t even get me started on all the brill cleaning supplies. soft scrub is my new fracas.

but those don’t count as my favorites. these, however, definitely do…

seasonal uniform. in black. always.

you may never see me in a color other than black or one of his close relatives. and, man, jersey is my thing. i’ve three formal dresses and countless tops made of the stuff. i love the way it falls from a shoulder, lazes on a collarbone, and drapes over the most subtle curve. making it anything but…

and while i desperately crave haute hippie and elizabeth and james, i am just fine with clean lines over lineage. i used to frequent zara in jordan a few times weekly. patterson j. kincaid, a happenstance get on sale at shopbop, is currently courting me. {oh, who am i kidding? i’ve said yes to patterson jersey at least three times. i’m easy like that.}

lately, i’m digging short black jersey dresses that hug like a high school memory. with just two accessories: legs and these boots…

{sigh.} did i mention how i miss jordan? that country was for sure one of my faves. i think it’s good form to get to know another or two other countries. in both grand and small ways. it makes you love your own more. and often makes you love the world more. both excellent results, yes?

the unexpected.

i’m not a flighty girl. but i find - especially as i gain years and confidence - that i’ll battle the expected to its death.

the unexpected details thrill me. if an outfit unequivocally demands black heels, i tend to nod my head in seeming agreement. you’re right, outfit. i should wear black heels. which is exactly why i’m choosing caramel over-the-knee boots.


mismatched earrings are my latest delight. like these. except not gold. a truer turquoise. and maybe not 4,500 usd. because i seem to be 4,500 of anything short of that number. i’m trying to convince an etsy crush to design a few for us all.


while we’re on the subject of baubles, i am a sucker for turquoise. hidden messages. and jewelry you would try to eat at some point. i just tripped over mctega yesterday via a treasure trove of a sight called pour porter. {warning: do not visit her unless you want to stay awake all night. plus look like a stalker on her site meter.} i would giddily wear this necklace. as a bracelet. and it’s not 4,500 anything.


oh. and washington dc is cold. especially for someone who’s been living in a giant sand castle for years. i think these mittens are charming. i will wait for them to go on sale. however, if they do not go on sale within the next three days, i will order them anyway. because i am sure they’ll be worth it. plus my fingers are numb.



women.

i’ve always written how i want my girlies three to grow up to be women who love themselves so much that they want the best for the world. i hope they’re listening to me. for once.

i am in love with women. strong and stylish and smart and daring and kind women are my favorites. women who believe that if i succeed, she succeeds. and then? well then, we all succeed.
i don’t think i could describe joslyn any better than that.

in other news, i want to age as enthusiastically as polly mellen.



until then, i will enthusiastically covet style from the likes of daphne guinness and kate lanphear.

who gives good hair and wrist. very good wrist.



words.

i have a weakness for words. but to see words in a writer’s own hand? ugh. makes my heart beat so triathlon fast. i eat maira kalman and keri smith like candy. i must’ve read this one fifty times. at least. guts me every time.



it’s true. on any given day, my heart shatters and then magically pieces itself back together. but somehow? i’m left stronger. more inspired. and that’s the great thing about falling in love, isn’t it? love inspires you to take chances. say yes. find the unexpected. be daring.

some or all or even smidges here and there of my list of faves moved me to start something new.

it’s called t.ruffles, a creative confectionery by me and mary swenson. who i’ve never called mary swenson. to me, she’s mary ruffle. we met on kirtsy {see women section above. especially the part about women who love themselves so much they want the best for the whole world.} and never looked back.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Because What's More Fun Than a Little Party?


Christine is throwing a party at Little Bean tomorrow from 5-7 to show off her lovely new fall windows! If you're in Dallas definitely stop by for some bubbly and a cupcake + the kiddos can get their faces painted.

Hope to see you there!

p.s -- She's also participating in Partner's Card...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

“Kid” Music + A Giveaway!

When Audrey was born, I vowed that I wouldn’t succumb to the idea that you had to have a slew special “kid stuff"… Truth be told, I think most kid necessities are just ploys to get people to buy more things they don’t really need. But that's just me.

Don’t get me wrong, we bought baby things -- a crib, a nice rocking chair, a lovely high chair. I buy toys and clothes for the girlies + loads of kid's books, trying to be mindful of quality and giving anything handmade bonus points... But there are entire categories of things that really don’t need “kid” versions in my opinion. Specifically I get irked about “kid food” -- Once the girlies started eating solids, they ate mostly (I do have some picky girlies) what we ate, just simplified and mashed up (but I have an whole entire other blog about this topic, so I won’t bore you with that here) and “kid décor” – I'm a big believer that you can decorate an entire nursery from Urban Outfitters to great effect and still have a useful room when your kiddo is five…

But perhaps my greatest peeve is “kid music.” In fact I once wrote an entire post about this topic on Design Mom, and I stand by my original statement that music was an ever-present aspect of my own childhood and “kid music” was never part of my parent’s MO. To them, all music was kid music. We listened to what they listened to and loved every minute of it.

There are a few exceptions -- the great Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell are examples of the kid music genre that manage to break through our otherwise air tight fortress of The Beatles, Vampire Weekend, Sondre Lerche and The Ting Tings (our girlies current faves.) And we’ve recently found another anomaly in Laughing Tree’s new collection of lullabies, which is totally mellow and lovely -- perfect for when we're gearing things down for bedtime.

Now for the giveaway...(were you wondering when that would come ;-)

Laughing Tree has kindly given me two CDs to give away to my readers. Just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, November 8th at 6pm CT and I’ll announce the winners on Monday!

p.s. -- Laughing Tree also donates 10% of the profits of the CD sales to the work of Sweet Sleep, an organization that build beds for some of the world's poorest children in places like Moldova, Uganda and Haiti. ) V. cool, no?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Loving...


Roxy Marj -- so talented, so cool, so cute...you must take a peek! (via black*eiffel)



Polarn O. Pyret's striped goodies... I'm seriously digging their stuff for the girlies (more on that later...)


This interview with Lynne and Melissa of Sugar City Journal (two of my favorite ladies in all of blogland) over on Progressive Pioneer...


Dolci Odille's fabric flower garland. I'm scheming ways to work this into Millie's room redo.


The interior of Bar Jules in SF (via alice q foodie)


Stewart Brown's jacket dress from Beklina...love Beklina.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Scenes from The Week-End -- *Lots* of Photos Edition

We've had loads of rain of late -- lots of dreary grey days, so the minute the sun came out (and it was out in full force this weekend, I got a little snap happy...)




Sunny spots around the house...





Cupcakes + Halloween costumes in action...




Chalk art...

It was a good weekend, puncuated with a lovely Sunday dinner. Hope yours was great!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Blogger's Favorites -- SeeSaw Designs


It’s pretty safe to say that the three ladies (Angela, Lindsay and Raquel) behind graphic design & letterpress studio, Seesaw Designs are brimming with creative prowess. Their creations are perfection (their 2010 calendar is at the tippy top of my list) and the Seesaw blog is one of my daily stops (+ Angela’s personal blog is pretty awesome too…)

So of course their collaborative list is just as fantastic. That embroidered necklace is calling my name big time.

So without further ado, herewith Seesaw Design’s favorites. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!


We enjoy juxtaposition in all forms. Particularly loving this balance of natural and industrial at the Kivik Art Center in Sweden.


There’s something so subtly appealing about the depth and movement in bathymetric lines. (Nature is amazing.)


Great photography and styling, like this image by photographer Sam Robinson, pretty much always brings a smile to our faces.


The three of us have varying tastes in music, but we’re always spinning something in the office, whether it be old favorites or new sounds. A few picks from this week: Andrew Bird, Laroux, The Dodos, Kid Sister.


Ampersands - they’re functional and beautiful. What’s not to love?


Can’t get enough of the current geometry trend. This embroidered necklace from Etsy seller spinthread is especially rad (yes, I bought it).


There’s a lot of mid-century architecture gems hidden around our valley. We love hometown MCM hero Al Beadle.


Of course we love letterpress (that’s why we do it!) but seriously... the paper, ink, and tactile quality... paper goods don’t get any better. Here's a close-up of our new Frank Lloyd Wright letterpress print.


We’re convinced Arizona has some of the best thrift stores, antique shops, and estate sales ever. Our mid-century and vintage collections just keep growing. This is a dress Angela just refashioned into a skirt.


We might be in the desert, but we love water. This is the most insanely amazing and perfect pool ever, Les Bains des Docks, by French architect Jean Nouvel.