Hello, Sunshine

Everywhere I turn, I find cheerful yellow accents that I just can't resist. What better way to bring a little summer into your home than with some punchy yellow accessories? I couldn't resist treating myself to these darling citrus plates yesterday. At that price, how could I say no? If you're looking to liven up your living space, here are some other fun yellow pieces. Hurry and buy them so I won't have to!

Clockwise: Tandie Vase; STAACH Cain Collection Stool; Daisy Pillow; and Nesting Hexagons.

Isabella Oliver Maternity

Thanks to Isabella Oliver, I may actually find something great to wear to my 10 year class reunion this summer. I have to admit, I've been dreading it a bit knowing that I'd be very obviously pregnant by then. I love that all the pieces on this website are well-tailored and solid color. Just add great shoes and a fab necklace and you're all set. Now I have to figure out which will work better: pants with a great top, or a cute dress. Any other ideas for class-reunion-friendly maternity clothes???

Lucky

I'm such a lucky lady. When we were dating, my sweet B used to pick flowers for me on the way to my door. Just thinking about it still makes me blush. Now he's taught little H to always remember and pick a flower for me. That means that everytime we go out to get the mail, I'm rewarded with a sweet purple blossom and a big kiss. It really doesn't get any better than this.

Great Colors

I did some tags a while back for an old co-worker of mine. Erica was the visual merchandising manager at the store where I worked. She has and incredible eye for detail and color; not to mention the fact that she came to the rescue numerous times when I had to do an event with a minuscule budget. I was beyond delighted when Erica asked me to be even the tiniest part of her big day. I figure it's OK now to share the photos of the tags, since the wedding was last weekend. Erica was working with 10 different colors; all the colors of her flowers. I can't wait to see how everything turned out. This may just be the brightest, happiest wedding I've ever come across.

Not sure where I was focusing in this bottom photo, but the tags read: "Bubble blowing is encouraged throughout the evening." Is that not the cutest idea ever? I can just imagine such a joy-filled evening with bubbles everywhere. Erica is such a happy person, and I think her wedding reflects her personality so well. She's promised to send over some pictures after the honeymoon, so stay tuned for more fun wedding stuff from Erica.

What were your wedding colors, or what colors do you want for your wedding?
{My wedding was all shades of pink...kind of girly. Thanks, B, for living through that!}

Snack Time

I spent a lot of time cooking during the last week...I was helping with a family get-together over the weekend. I'm definitely not a pro, but I have been around the kitchen a few times. All of B's aunts wanted my recipes; and I figured I might as well share them with you, too. What better way to kick off the summer picnic and bbq season than with some great food?

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. And they're so simple to make. My best advice: don't over bake them! Eight minutes is perfect. I wish I could take credit for both the recipe and the photo, but I got them both from my beloved allrecipes.

My signature popcorn. Well, I guess I should say it's my grandma's signature popcorn. But I've kind of adopted it as my own. I posted the recipe last summer, and you can find it here if you weren't with me way back then. Also, you can throw in a handful of m&m's for a little color.

Oh, and I shared my sugar cookie recipe earlier too. I don't have a great photo, but you can find it here.

In other news, H starts swimming lessons today. He's a little nervous. Keep your fingers crossed that he actually gets in the pool!

Happy Weekend!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

This photo is from etsy shop green island studios.

Definitely stop by for more fantastic photography...and while you're there,

pick up a little something for your gallery wall.

Strawberry Lemonade

A long weekend seems to be the perfect time to whip up a batch of fresh strawberry lemonade. One of my favorite Italian places makes the most amazing sparkling strawberry lemonade. I've become obsessed with re-creating it on my own. Here are a few versions I'm using as inspriation:

Photo via Milk & Honey, with recipe from MyRecipes.com

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Slush

from Betty Crocker

Strawberry Lemonade from Martha Stewart

So what are your plans for the long weekend ahead? My plans involve lots of people I love and lots of food! {More on that later}.

To Do List

I don't know what it is about a good list that makes me so happy. Maybe it helps me delude myself into thinking that I can get my act together. The problem is, I'm constantly misplacing said to-do lists. {Which doesn't really help with the illusion of keeping it together}. Maybe if my lists were on these cute notepads from etsy shop jot it down, I would be more motivated to keep track of my lists. I'm especially fond of the This Week, Menu Planner, and Babysitter notepads. Happy List-Making!

Elizabeth Wren Vintage

I've just stumbled upon my newest favorite vintage etsy shop, elizabeth wren vintage. She has such a fun collection of true vintage items. So many of the things in her shop remind me of trips to my grandparents farmhouse and all the books and toys we used to play with there. Stop in and check out her shop for more fun stuff.

As I sat admiring these little bowling pins, H ran into the room and said, "I need that! I need that!" Um, it looks like he's been hanging out with his mom too much. Have a great Tuesday!

What's for Dinner?

I made Dijon Potato Salad last night for dinner.

It was super easy and gave me a great reason to use the fresh

parsley from our little patio garden.

Definitely give it a try next time you've got some little red potatoes

hanging around.

{photo and recipe from Martha Stewart}

What's for dinner at your house tonight?

Me??? Well, I haven't thought that far ahead yet.

I could use a little inspiration in the dinner department tonight.

Sweet Kicks

In just the last few days, I've been noticing a lot of sweet little kicks coming from the tiniest member of our family. To celebrate, I thought I'd share some sweet kicks of my own.


I love this little yellow gladiator. Just the perfect amount of gladiator-ness. Not too over the top.

Great price, and a little leather ruffle. What more could you ask?

I love the thin little straps on these sandals. It's the perfect way to add just a hint of color to any outfit.

Last summer, a friend of mine had the greatest jeweled sandals. I didn't ask her where she got them, because I was afraid the moment I opened my mouth, I'd drool all over her shoes. But this may be my year for some jeweled sandals of my own. The only trouble is going to be narrowing down the options.

So I must apologize in advance if my posting is a bit light this week. Tons of fun stuff going on this week in our family, and I've got lots of work to catch up on before I can play.

Take a Seat

Relax. Put your feet up. Slow down. Take a break.

We all need that from time to time. How about now?

If you need a little help getting started, here you go:

Pull up a chair and watch the sunset.

{Rest Stop by eddyizm}

Try a little ocean side picnic.

{Best Seat in the House from E.S. Photography}

Plop down in a rocker and reminisce about the good ol' days.

{Idle Away the Hours, by cabinetofcuriosities}

My favorite: Act like a kid again and go for a little swing.

{Red Swing by Curious Robin}



Or find a nice bench and read a book.

{Childs Bench by Dumainestreet Photography}

All photos for sale on Artfire.

Now that I've given you some hints, how are you going to relax this weekend?

Pinwheel Pastime

Now that all the fun summer stuff is out in the stores, H has been begging me for all of it. Waterballoons, sunglasses, even a hula hoop. Yesterday the emphasis was on a little patriotic pinwheel. Normally, I'd just toss one in the cart to stop his whining and think, who cares? it's only 99 cents. But lately I've been trying to teach him that he can't have everything he wants. It's not the money, it's the principle of the matter. Seriously, when did I become such a responsible parent???

He's still licking his wounds from the pinwheel rejection yesterday. So maybe I can make it up to him by helping him make one of his own. Plus, these would be darling on his little car he likes to ride in the annual July 3 children's parade in my hometown. Photographs and instructions can be found on Martha Stewart, of course.

30

One balloon for each year of your life.

Happy Birthday, my wonderful B.

You make me happier than a kid chasing a pigeon.

{photo: I took this one all by myself.}

Cake, anyone?

Birthday preparations are underway at our house. We're gearing up for a full weekend of celebrations. B turns 30 tomorrow. Tomorrow! I wish I were confident enough to make him this cake, but perhaps I should stick with the traditional chocolate cake and ice cream.

Any special birthday traditions at your house?

{image from Williams-Sonoma}

It's a Party.

City Sage is turning one this week! I'm so delighted to participate in birthday week. For a chance to win some of my new stuff, or anything currently in my shop, visit here for more details.

{Photo by Matt Armendariz for Design*Sponge}

Oh, and you can really make these cupcakes. Check out the original Design*Sponge post for the recipe!

Tried + True {Michelle from Design Evolution}

Michelle from Design Evolution was one of my first blog friends. I feel so honored that she would take the time to contribute to my Tried + True series. Michelle is the epitome of good taste and ladylike class. Reading her blog is like being friends with that girl who's got her act together all the time. I was even more excited when Michelle told me that she's pretty low-maintenance. She's beautiful and down to earth. It doesn't get any better than that.

I was so excited when Christina asked me to contribute to her Tried + True series because I love reading the posts other bloggers have contributed. I had to rack my brain a bit because my beauty routine is pretty low maintenance. These are some of my favorites in my medicine cabinet:

I’m pretty much in love with every thing Fresh does; I’m a sucker for their beautifully simple packaging and products made from unexpected ingredients. The one item I go back to time and time again is the Sugar Lemon Eau de Parfum. The scent is so fresh and light (and yummy). It’s not an overpowering scent but I always get compliments when I’m wearing it. I’m intrigued by some of Fresh’s new scents like Fig Apricot and Sugar Lychee but I’m not sure I’m ready to give up my signature scent.

I used to use this cleanser religiously and loved it. It’s completely non-abrasive but leaves skin incredibly soft without a trace of makeup. I have adult acne and I curse the days when I was 17 and complained about a few stray pimples on my forehead. If only I appreciated what great skin I actually had then. I was swayed away from using this product by the Proactiv infomercials but this is the only stuff that really keeps my skin in check. I’ve learned my lesson and I’m ordering myself a new bottle asap.

Supernatural is the perfect name for this stuff. It makes your skin feel incredibly smooth and creates a great base before applying foundation. The best part is that it’s lightly tinted and contains SPF so you can wear it alone when you’re not in the mood to be totally made up. It will provide only sheer coverage but it does help to even everything out.

I just started using this foundation (there was a Revlon sale at CVS so I thought I would give it a shot) and I really like it. I usually have an issue when applying foundation because apparently my forehead is a different color then my cheeks. I work outside in the Spring and Summer so I guess my forehead and nose get more sun then the rest of my face. This product is so great because I can apply a slightly darker shade to those areas but it still blends together seamlessly.

I carry this classic tin where ever I go. I have a few of them stashed in different bags and my desk at work. As much as I love color on my lips I usually can’t be bothered with the effort. This keeps my lips soft and I love the minty tingle. It’s even great during allergy season. I dab a little on my poor over blown nose. It moisturizes and the mint works kind of like the menthol in Vicks.

Thanks, Michelle. I knew your list would be as fantastic as you are. I'm starting to see a problem with my series. I'm such a product junkie that hearing all these great things about so many wonderful products makes me want them all. What's a girl to do?

Coming Soon

Here are some quick photos I took of some new personalized notecards that will be appearing in my shop sometime this week. Now I just need to take some better pictures. :)

Tatty Devine

I stumbled upon these handmade necklaces by London designer Tatty Devine a while back and they make me giggle. In Jr. High, necklaces were my signature...just a little something to help me stand out from the crowd. Perhaps the most notorious: the Oreo with a bite out of it. (Remember that one, Em?) At least I was trying to discover my own style; I give myself at least couple points for having the confidence to rock the Oreo. :)

Definitely check out Tatty Devine Boutique for more quirky, fun stuff. Needless to say, I would have gone bonkers over this stuff in Jr. High.

Ping Pong Necklace

Crisp Necklace

3D Glasses Necklace

Handwriting Envy

I'm in love with this handwriting. Check out the blog Love, Jenna to see more of the ways she's been able to use her extroardinary talent. Next time I throw a fancy party, you know who I'll turn to for that extra special finishing touch.

{photos from Love, Jenna}

Mission Accomplished

I have to say that I'm more than relieved that I finished my most current project on time. One of my best friends is in charge of the PTA Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. I was so excited when she asked for help with the invitations. But I get really nervous to make stuff for friends and family. These are a little different than some of the stuff in my shop, but it was a fun springy project to work on. Anyway, these little cards included matching RSVP cards, and they're perfect for hand-delivered invitations.

I'll be back either later on today or tomorrow with instructions on how to make this card. And just in time for Mother's Day.

{sorry about the bad photo...it was getting late.}

I hope you all have a great Wednesday, and thanks for dropping by!

Tried + True {Christina from Down and Out Chic}

Not only does she have a great name, but she's got fantastic taste. So you can see why I was absolutely overjoyed when Christina from Down and Out Chic agreed to share her favorite beauty products with us. Her blog is one of my daily must-reads; definitely hop over there if you haven't had the experience. Christina is super stylish, and she knows how to find a great deal...a truly enviable combination. Now if only everyone who shares her name could have such effortless style. Sigh.

Let me begin by saying that I love beauty products and absolutely cannot go into places like Sephora without a friend who will stop me from buying too much. Even with all of the options out there, I learned a lot about skin care from my grandmother who died without more than maybe two wrinkles (I'm not kidding). She didn't use anything fancy on her face, but she was adamant about moisturizer and would often cut open aloe leaves and slather the goo all over her hair and skin. She believed that with beauty products, less is more. I think I agree.

1. I've been using Purity by Philosophy for about a year now and I've even invested in the largest size available. This is a gentle cleanser that doesn't dry my skin out but it gets the job done. I'd be hard pressed to find a basic facial cleanser I like more than this.

2. I think you can compare facial scrub to floss. A daily cleanser is like toothpaste and we all use it, no questions asked, but floss is a whole other issue. Many of us neglect scrubs just like we neglect flossing...it's sometimes a pain, but it's totally worth it. I use St. Ives Apricot Scrub Renew and Firm formula. This is a gentle, inexpensive cleanser that I can use a few times a week. I always feel like I glow afterwards.

3. I fell in love with Bare Escentuals bareMinerals when a friend did my make up for a wedding a couple of years ago. I remember thinking, "my skin looks flawless, omg." Currently, I'm liking the Mineral Veil 'Feather Light." This formula has a pearlescent finish that adds a dewy sort of sheen (perfect for winter, maybe not so good for the summer).

4. My hair has gone through every length possible the past few years and the one products that remains consistent is Loreal tex playball. It's a lightweight pomade that adds texture and I fear that it may have been discontinued. It's lasted me FOREVER until recently when B started using is (what?!). It smells divine.

5. I'm kind of ashamed to say it, but the ONLY lip balm I really like is Carmex. I've tried sooooo many different lip balms from medicated to all natural and organic, and I always come back to Carmex. Carmex recently came out with strawberry and cherry flavors which means I will not be breaking this habit any time soon.

6. If you have an observant eye and happen to be in my home you would notice bobby pins lying in very random places. In fact, you'd notice a lot of them strewn about. This is because I'm growing my hair out and constantly have them in my pockets and/or hair and I have a really bad habit of not keeping up with them. Bobby pins are one of my very favorite things and I want to kiss the person that invented them.

A big thank you to Christina for contributing this fantastic list. I've always been a huge fan of Carmex and bobby pins. I especially love having product recommendations from friends.

Living on a budget and trying new products can be stressful. I always feel obligated to finish up bottles of bad decisions just because I don't want to waste the money. My friend Emily said that to me once; I think of it every day because I'm right in the middle of one of those bad decisions. So, my friends, don't let that happen to you! Check out the previous posts in my Tried + True series before you fork over your hard earned cash.