Tricks & Treats: Goody Bag Download

If you're anything like us, some of your best buddies live waaay across town. Chances are pretty good that most of Hudson's friends won't be knocking on our door for Halloween. So we're taking the fun to them. Hudson picked out all the tricks: colorful fangs, spider rings, spooky tattoos, and erasers. And what good is a trick without a few treats?

If you want to make goody bags of your own, go here to download the labels. Then fill up some cellophane bags (mine are 5 x 11.5") with all your favorite stuff. Cut off the excess cellophane from the top of the bag and staple the label on each side. Happy Haunting!

Now I'm off to make some monster cupcakes for Charlotte's birthday.

The "It" List: October 29

Today's list has a decidedly fall feel. Take some time today or this weekend to peruse these awesome blogs! The list is hoppin' this week!

• good life for less has the perfect fall outfit from the perfect summer dress. Check it out!
• adella avenue kicks off a great new series that pits East vs. West. And whether you live on either coast or some where in between you'll love it. This week she chooses fall shoes suitable for each coasts' weather!
• merci blah blah goes all spooky on us with spooky library decor. It's making me rethink my own Halloween decorations. I just love all these spooky but inspired rooms!
• jewelscapes definitely inspires with this fall outfit popping with yellow! I just love this look... yellow is so alluring this time of year! And you know she always has each outfit perfectly accessorized!
• closet confections fakes it 'til she makes it... why spend three grand on a coat when you can get a perfect alternative from Forever 21. I love this coat on her!
• good tots! pulls together 3 great maternity looks all using one pair of jeans. If you are expecting a baby or know someone that is, you will love these looks!
• you can call my chris has a fun series called "fight the frump" - this week she features bold tights. They are a great way to not only avoid looking frumpy... but to look down right festive!
• really cute stuff has your hard-to-buy-for Christmas list in the bag. These monogrammed notecards are super classy and practical. They are perfect for teachers, co-workers and long lost friends.
• rose a la mode is seriously rocking winter shorts. I am so inspired to try this look, she has it perfected!
• dressing mommy is giving away a gorgeous pair of JessLC paisley earrings. Go.... go enter NOW!
• karina, ink whips up an adorable fall place setting using apples and other fall goodies. She makes it look effortless - I'd love some of these on my fall table!
• fashionably southern gives lace a try... and likes it! She tracks down some great lace tops - some of which I am completely in love with for fall!
• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle celebrates vanity this week... get a sneak peek into the stylish vanities of fellow bloggers and inspiration galore for creating your own vanity spot at home!
• one hundred inspirations gets you this great fall outfit that Reese Witherspoon is wearing for only about $100. This is definitely a look to snag!

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Interested in learning more about the "it" list or being featured on it? Click here for details!

Fighting the Frump: Colored Tights

It's fair to say I've been obsessed with colored tights since last fall's Kate Spade collection. And tights are one of the quickest (and most inexpensive!) ways to add a little sass to your wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite inspirations:

Kate Spade does it again

and again.

Just in case you were wondering, colored tights do exist in the real world, beyond the glittering world of Kate Spade: 

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I've always been partial to black tights. But I'm feeling brave this fall. Perhaps it's time to step out of my comfort zone. 

Any thoughts? Are colored tights a do or a don't in your book? 

If you missed last week's installment of Fighting the Frump, go here.

*All "real life" images from lookbook. Individual sources linked below images.

Laura Amiss

Lately, I've really been loving the creations of Netherlands-based artist Larua Amiss. The only problem: choosing a favorite. 

City Living

Teapots

Canal Houses

Doily Dreaming

Never Enough

'Tis the Season...

...for pumpkin patch photos.

Last week we ventured out in the fog and rain with Ashley and her kids. We had such a great time. I feel so lucky to have a friend that can take such gorgeous photos of my little pumpkins. Thanks, Ashley!

Don't Forget...

...today's the last day to get 25% off a Punchbowl membership upgrade. Read here for more details.

Garage of my Dreams

Today I'm daydreaming about a garage makeover. Clean white ceiling; crisp, bright colors; and so organized it hurts.

Check out these photos of Annie Selke's garage. Love those stripes.

If you can't find me while Hudson's in preschool today, I'll be painting the inside of my garage door hot pink:

For those who are too tough for hot pink, just add a little blue: 

Hanging up unused car seats, and a tray for boots = brilliant.

And don't forget to dedicate a corner of the garage to gardening: 

eek! It's not even Halloween yet, and my spring cleaning/project list just got a whole lot longer. :)


Photos: 1& 2 House Beautiful; 3, House Beautiful; 4. house to home 5. Real Simple; 6. DIY

The "It" List: October 21

Happy Friday everyone! This week we have another stellar line up here on the "it" list... take some time today or this weekend to check out all of these inspiring blogs!

• honey dearest has her fall decor all set for the season. Stop by to get some inspiration for your own home... I know I can never get enough gourds this time of year!
• rose a la mode found the *cutest* boots at Aldo this week. I absolutely love the hidden wedge heel on these boots... now I am crushing on them too!
• jewelscapes pairs a zebra scarf with a zebra print ring that is just gorgeous! A match made in heaven if you ask me! That ring is amazing.
• merci blah blah is practicing dressing like a countess. Fur vest and a back draped dress. Check and check! This ensemble is sexy chic!
• one sweet find just opened her etsy shop... stuff is flying off the shelves, so stop by soon. I've got my eye on this sweet white foo dog. Yes, please!
• 100 inspirations brings you their editors picks each week featuring amazing items all under $100. This week they feature sweaters, faux fur vests and boots. It must be fall!
• maggie rose's shop carries one of my favorite staples for wrapping gifts: baker's twine! Perfect to add to hostess gifts or holiday gifts this time of year!
• dressing mommy gives a nod to menswear with this super chic and modern look. I just love this blazer!
• closet confections takes one LBD (little black dress) and creates five amazing outfits for any occasion - you just HAVE to see these!
• good tots! just launched this week... a stylin' blog for moms and their kids. Make sure you stop by and check out these great outfits for family photos!
• adella avenue pulled together a great ensemble suitable for fall travel... but I would wear this any day! Perfectly casual-chic!
• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle is working on revamping a room in her house to be an office... she pulled together some decor inspiration that will have you absolutely smitten!
• fashionably southern tries leggings for the first time and is in love. I know what she means! I love this outfit!
• really cute stuff carries these amazing personalized notepads in all sorts of styles from leopard print, to chevron to tribal print. I can't choose a favorite... they are all just SO fun!
• you can call me chris loves all things printed or using Kraft paper. I agree whole-heartedly and you will too when you see the inspiration she's pulled together. This makes me want to get creative!
• good life for less pulls together great flats all for under $50. Flats are a great staple for fall... and you will have a hard time deciding which of these pairs you like more!

Have a fabulous weekend!

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If you are interested in learning more about the "it" list... click here or email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!

good tots

Have you heard the news? The stylish and brilliant Jill has launched a new blog. Good tots is all about kids and moms. And of course it features all things beautiful and inspiring in the baby/kid/mom realm. Just what I need to keep me motivated.

I'm so honored that Jill featured Charlotte's nursery over on good tots today. If you haven't seen Charlotte's nursery yet, go here to check it out.

Fighting the Frump: Waist Belts

Last weekend, I took a rare solo moment to zip through the mall. Instead of coming out refreshed and inspired, I left feeling disheartened and frumpy. Spending last fall in nothing but maternity clothes has left me especially out of touch.

It's high time I start caring again. Because I'm not ready to give up just yet. 

I'm taking a stand. I'm fighting the frump. How, you ask? With a new blog series (and perhaps a little shopping of my own). In the next few weeks, I'll break it down into quick, easy ways to update and build on the wardrobe you all ready have. Up first, the waist belt. Wear it over a dress or over cozy layers to instantly make a statement and pull your look together.

Here are a few of my favorite waist belts for fall: 

More 7 For All Mankind...

More Kraft

I heart kraft paper. That's been well-established. Looks like I'm not alone. Check out these super-cute printables from Mushy. 

Go! Print them now.

printable cookie bags

printable popcorn bags

You can bet I'm gonna stitch up some cookie bags the next time I drag out the ol' sewing machine.

Have a great Wednesday!

Kraftastic

Let me break it down for you: kraft = paper perfection. 

It's the ideal neutral--it goes with everything. 

It's natural and earthy-looking, and commonly made of recycled content. 

Love it. So here's a quick round-up of my favorite kraft-related items.

The pretty side of Kraft:

Kraft Labels; image via Real Simple

Paper Boat Place Card

Faux Bois Kraft Tag

The colorful side of Kraft:

Typography Wrapping Paper

colorful business cards

The manly side of kraft:

greeting card

"Manly and Pensive" notebook trio

See what I mean? Kraft pretty fantastic.

Recent Projects

Here are a few of the things I've been working on lately: 

I work with the kids at church. (Have I mentioned that before?) Anyway, here's part of a little project I've been working on. I love how each kid's silhouette so distinctly represents their personality. My favorite detail: the untied shoe. 

Some new business cards for the nice ladies at Icelee Photography

And more wedding favor tags, as usual. After 2+ years of making favor tags, I'm still surprised at all the different ways you can customize a 1.5 inch circle.

Bridal Shower Picnic

Recently, a friend asked for some inspiration on a bridal shower. She said the shower would be pretty casual. And since it's going to be in Nevada, fall is the perfect time of year for a picnic. Actually, after putting this inspiration board together, I'm seriously wanting to have a fall picnic of my very own. Grab your favorite scarf, and meet me at the nearest picnic table.

P.S. All image sources are linked right here: 
Top Row: macarons, invitation, soda Middle Row: cafe lights, forks, boxed lunch Bottom Row: sorbet, mason jar, chips 

The "It" List: October 15

Hi Everyone. So excited to be participating in this series of the "it" list. For your weekend reading enjoyment, here's a few of the best posts from around the web this week. Enjoy!

Happy Friday Folks! There is oodles of great inspiration in the "it" list today... dive in and find some new blogs or revisit some of your favorites! Plus there are some great fall themed posts that are just right for this time of year.

• you can call me chris rounds up the most gorgeous selections of carved pumpkins I have ever seen. These really get my creative juices flowing!
• style within reach takes inspiration from Martha Stewart and features a gorgeous costume for a spell binding sorceress. This is SO gorgeous! I want to be her for Halloween.
• really cute stuff just started carrying these fabulous monogramed reusable shopping bags. These are SO chic... I'd like to replace all of my grocery store brand bags with these! And they're affordable as well.
• honey dearest visited an apple orchard on a sunny fall day and then baked up her goodies... check out this post for gorgeous fall photos and the link to the recipe she used!
• adella avenue has a great tip for easily choosing an outfit... find a narrative for it! I love this idea and she has some great illustrations as well.
• merci blah blah takes us with her on her Laguna beach vacation (isn't that sweet of her?). This one picture alone has me wanting to make some reservations stat!
• fashionably southern rounds up her jewelry finds from Kohls. I love a good (and inexpensive!) accessory and there are plenty to be had at Kohls, of all places!
• I love this star colander from Maggie Rose's shop. This would be so perfect for the holidays to fill with fruit and set on the counter top. Or just to strain your noodles... either/or!
• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle features a Brooklyn home that balances beauty and practicalities (read: children's toys) perfectly. My daughter has this same kitchenette so I can relate... now if my kitchen just looked like hers! Gorgeous!
• I just LOVE these earrings from jewelscapes! The smoky quartz is just perfect for fall, it could easily dress up any outfit.
• closet confections committed to a little bit of leopard print in each of her outfits this week. Check out which pieces of leopard print she is using and how. This is such a fun challenge!
• dressy mommy pulls out some basics and whips them up into an outfit that is anything but basics. I love the use of leggings here! This outfit looks comfortable and chic!
• one hundred inspirations pulls together quite possibly the cutest and EASIEST outfit inspired by Rachel Bilson. I am going to be copying this look soon!
• jillgg's good life is in love with sequined sweatshirts - who would of thought they would be the best combo? She features three looks that will have you wanting one too!

Happy Weekend!

If you are interested in learning more about the "it" list... click here or email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!

Nest Pretty Things Kids

I love the product photography at Nest Pretty Things Kids. Its playful perfection makes me smile.

color wheel bracelet

sweetie necklace

tiny aqua rose earrings

little flower chain bracelet

Not to mention that the jewelry is so cute I want to eat it. Have a great day!

Halloween PJ's

The kids haven't popped by the blog all week. They were begging me to show you their Halloween PJ's. 

Here, Charlotte's practicing her makeup application skills with my lens cap. She wants to make sure she's got the technique mastered by her first birthday.

A little morning refrigerator literacy session in progress. All of his words run together, but if you look close you'll see the words: "cat" (spelled with a K), "log", "cow", and "pee." He was really pleased about putting "pee" on the fridge all by himself.