Favorite Friday, Travel and Home

Here's some things that inspired me this week.


{1: our mantra, 2: you'll never loose your sunglasses and keys again, 3: sleep among the trees, 4: farm muffins,
5: lego storage finally in the US, via, 6: natural beeswax crayons, 7: $3 modern outdoor lighting}

Favorites Friday, Art, Food & Parties

Here's a random slew of ideas I've found inspiration from the past few weeks on the interweb.


{1: eskimo kiss. so sweet. via, 2: caterpillar and mushrooms, 3: a good day print, 4: apples and salty medjool caramel, 5: love you more download, 6: color ratio chart. pure brilliance, 7: mail a tube of chappy for the cost of a stamp}

Favorites Friday, Put a Plastic Animal On It

Ok, granted, "put a plastic animal on it" doesn't have the same ring as "bird" does, but I'm telling you here and now, they are the next it item. And they are my favorite new things.

They're popping up everywhere from DIY's to those for sale.

Here's a terrific smorgasbord of both.


{1: photo holder, 2: place card holder, 3: craft jar organizers, 4: wrapping paper decoration,
5: jewelry holder, 6: fridge magnets, 7: candle holder}

Be sure to check back every day next week for terrific new busy bag ideas
that you will not want to miss!

Favorites Friday, 2011 Favorite Posts

Here's a quick look-back into 2011, with some of the pivotal posts and terrific opportunities that have come along these past 12 months. Thanks to you for your input, encouragement and spreading the word.

Happy New Years!!



1. my very first feature! it was an exciting opportunity that has since opened up more wonderful experiences (see list at right) and has me hungry for more.

2. summer list of activities. this activity really pushed me to think outside of the box (no pun intended) to make a memorable summer for the kids.

3. Tayden's art in a closet, what he coined "art stop" and has brought endless joy and creativity, proving a small house shouldn't limit opportunities.

4. vintage transportation party featured on Hostess with the Mostess. seeing this little party on her blog had me over the moon with joy.

5. our busy bag. what a (continuous) labor of love. it was so much fun to explore this new-to-me concept and push myself to see teaching in a new way. looking forward to sharing more ideas in the new year, until then, make sure to check it all out from the tab above.

6. doggie bo's birthday party was an unexpected little pep to taking an idea and turning it into a week's worth of activities that has continually sparked interest in the 3 year old for the next celebration. may put him on payroll soon.

7. thanksgiving activity mat. this little mat starting bringing new audiences to the blog, to which I am most grateful.

8. a month of advent activities. I loved dreaming up 25 activities and challenging myself to do them each and every day, even in the crazy hustle of the holidays. the kids totally benefited from it, so that makes it all worth it.

9. guest post week! so, so much fun having other fabulous bloggers sharing their passions here. I've got plans for many more this next year, starting in January so look for that to come!

Favorites Friday, Trees!

A few years back I started collecting snowmen. Their cuteness is irresistible (and I'm not a collector...too much clutter).

But lately, I've found them a bit too cute. You know what I mean? I'm definitely finding favor with the humble Christmas tree. In all forms.

Check out some crafty finds I've rounded up. Trying to decide which one to do this year, they're all so fun. The ice cream cone trees would be super fun to do with the kiddos, in lieu of a gingerbread house. Same with the pine cone & pom pom "tree", it's only 2 ingredients (Kiwi Crate has a whole 2 ingredient series that's definitely worth checking out)!

What collection do you fancy for Christmas decor? Leave your comments below!


{1: wood pallet tree, 2: candy cookie trees, 3: vintage ruler tree, 4: piñata tree,
5: felt trees, 6: wood block tree, 7: pine cones & pom-poms}

Favorites Friday, Matryoshka Nesting Doll Kitchen

Oh among my many favorite things, Russian nesting dolls has always held a sentimental spot in my heart.

Whilst I plan on starting a collection for Sedae, gathering a new set every year, I need to re-vamp some items in our kitchen and want all these seen below. Especially that worlds-cutest-pillow. Have you ever?? Love her.


{1: nesting storage containers, 2: stacking cups, 3: tea towels, 4: nest friend pillow,
5: measuring spoons, 6: kitchen timer, 7: stacking glasses}

Cookies and Champagne Holiday Party

It's a simple premise: invite guests, each guest brings 2 dozen of their home baked cookies, you set one dozen out, and one dozen aside for everyone to take home, eat, drink, be merry and bright.

Just the simple act of adding cookies and champagne together, makes for one magical day of friends enjoying the Christmas season.

And one of these years, I'm going to have one...

Here's what mine will look like.

And if you beat me to it, two things: I better be invited and here's the invite to send. (click image below)


This perfectly updated girly color palette will draw everyone in. Focus on pink and gold, and throw in some yellow and orange. How fun, right?!


Scroll through the pictures below for more party details. Cheers!

• set up your table for guests to set their cookies on and grab a glass of bubbly like this gorgeous table with chevron backdrop
• send each guest home with a cookie spatula and sweet tag thanking them for coming like this gift tag found here
• how amazing would your cookie labels look with some jeweled bling
• you can order these limited edition möet & chandon champagne bottles to add to the festive pink & gold
• make sure to dress up your invites when you send them out, as they set the tone for the party
• no party is a good party without drinks and humor
• make these tiny trees using champagne corks either before as decorations, or during as a fun project everyone can do when a bottle is opened

• buy or create this cute toast towel to send one lucky winner home with a bottle of bubbly to go with their cookies
• set up tables for guests to assemble their cookie take-homes while sitting and enjoying a plate like this eye catching set up
• easy decor can be done using glass pillars, water, floating candles and embellishments like found on this dessert table
• don't forget the details like this pink and gold pillow
• recipe cards are a must for your guests to bring and share so provide them with a dozen like these free downloads
• break away from just cookies and have some other treats available for your guests to munch on like these ribbon candies
• fill a big bucket of ice with plenty of bottles of champagne chilling and if you're feeling adventurous cover them in pink wrapping to spice them up even more

Favorites Friday, Stack it Up

If you're looking for some open-ended toys for your tot, check out these stacking toys that will really stack up!

Oh... bad joke.

But really, these are great and will last through the generations.


{1: balancing blocks, 2: vintage romper room round abouts, 3: magical beans,
4: tobbles, 5: vintage bill ding blocks, 6: stackrobots, 7: witty worm}

Cyber Monday

{make boozy olives, bay rum after shave and mountain spice liquid shaving soap, bottle opener and resealer,
hand printed rock glasses, vintage Emerson clock radio converted to mp3 player}


{kenyan black tea, 100% goes towards education of kenyan orphans, heart on your sleeve long gloves,
iPod/iPhone stand, ruffle front skirt, vintage 70's drinking glasses}


{hand knit wool owl, dancing ballerina, fabric button hair clips, set of 3 babushka russian matryoshka cloth dolls, hand painted wood cubes}


{vintage push out puzzles, recycled car crayons, hand knit crankypants, wood tic tac toe, vintage wooden trail pull toy}

Favorites Friday, Muppets Mania

There's a new Muppets movie coming out next week and I'm so excited! I can't wait to take the kids...and have an excuse to see it too.

The thoughts of this new movie made me remember a miss piggie ornament I had when I was young. Every Christmas it was my most treasured ornament. It had to have front row center placement on the family tree.


(photo source)
Did you have any favorite Muppet paraphernalia growing up?

Here's a round up of some other super cool Muppet themed items you can get or do too!


{1: haters gonna hate, 2: ornaments, 3: muppet puppet printables, 4: art print, 5: minimalist muppets, 6: kermit snack, 7: retro concert posters}

Favorites Friday, Billy Buttons

I can guarantee these little billy buttons will be present, in some form or another, in our Thanksgiving feast decor.

I can also guarantee you'll be seeing a lot more of these native Australian flowers everywhere in the near future.

To billy buttons! Aren't they cute?


{1: invitations, 2: custom wine labels, 3: botanical art print, 4: boutonniere, 5: embroidered, 6: table decor, 7: felted wool diy}

Favorites Friday, Halloween Crafts with Kids

Gear up for Halloween with your kids by doing one, or a few, festive projects. Here's a few ideas to help get you started!

 {1: make a wool mask like these, 2: order and address invites for your party, 3: make some misfortune cookies like these, 4: decorate treat bags with these free printables, 5: make play-doh creatures, 6: play with shadow makers, 7: decorate with fanged pumpkins}

Favorites Friday, Black and White Fall

Today is the first day of fall so if you're looking for some inspiration on how to decorate this year, consider the simple yet strongly-stated use of black and white.

It doesn't have to be just for Halloween, but all season long.

Stretch your fall comfort zone with these bold colors, and daringly mix them with with natures abundant colors you see outside. 

 {1: black and white plates mixed with natural fall colors, 2: make some fall art, 3: white watering can and gourd with black numbers and neutral flowers, 4: love this striped cover-up, to stay dry in the rain, 5: arrange a gorgeous bouquet of black and white flowers, 6: embroider a statement and frame it, 7: stencil a silhouette on a pumpkin}

Apps for Kids

If you have an iPhone, iPad, iTouch, iWhatever...and kids, this is the post for you.

I have four folders on my phone full of educational, and fun, games for my kids, to play and learn on when the need arises.



Have you heard of the website Moms with Apps?

Well now you have.

And you're welcome in advance.

Why? Because every Friday, they have what's called App Friday, and they bring you new or popular app developers that offer their app for free or deeply discounted.

Only for 24 hours though. Then it goes back to regular pricing.

How rad is that?!

Below are some of my kids' favorites.

Perfect for those moments when you need another hand.

Click on the links to take you straight to iTunes store to download.

Here's to happy learning (and putting that investment to good use)!

• ABC Balloon Pop: $0.99. Ages: 2-7. Teaches letter shapes and recognition while popping balloons.
• Alphabet Tracing: FREE. Ages: 2+. Trace letters and numbers like a doodle pad to learn letter shapes.
• Color Dots: FREE. Ages: 1+. A color tracking game.
• Dash & Ditto: $1.99. Ages: 1-7. Seven different games in one app. Full of cute little bunnies.
• First Words Sampler: FREE. Ages: 2-7. Teaches letter recognition, letter sound and spelling.
• Go Go Mongo: $0.99. Move Mongo around the screen to help him catch food to eat. Teaches hand/eye coordination and timing.
• Gunther is a Star: FREE. Ages: All. A fun little puppet that does funny things and sings.
• Helicopter Taxi: $1.99. Ages: 1-7. Fly a helicopter all around your house, or anywhere you go!
• I Hear Ewe: FREE. Ages: 2-5. Kids learn animal and vehicle sounds with real sounds. Easy to play.
• Kids ABC Alphabet Puzzle: FREE. Ages: 1+. Building letters through moving puzzle pieces.
• Learn My Letters: $1.99. Ages: 2-6. An adorable little owl teaches letter recognition and orientation.
• MeeGenius: FREE. Ages: 1+. A library full of children's books.
• Moody Monster: FREE. Ages: 3-8. Kids can make their own monster, learning emotions, or play games teaching sorting, matching, colors and more.
• My Little Suitcase: FREE. Ages: 1-7. The kids pack their suitcases for four different vacations, then unpack once there with hidden discoveries. Simple and endless fun.
• Preschool Adventure: $0.99. Ages: 2-6. Eighteen learning activities that runs the whole gamut.
• Toca Doctor Lite: FREE. $1.99 for full. Ages: 3+.  Five puzzles, letting your kiddo play doctor, while learning.
• Wood Puzzle Lite: FREE. $1.99 for full. Ages: 1+. Just like the real wood puzzles, but virtual. Even has a baby mode.

Favorites Friday, Let's Hear it for the Boys!

 {source: off the wall expressions}
How many times have the boys been overlooked by all the girly stuff on the market? From boyhood to manhood, the story still tells the same. But there are many people out there trying to do something about it. And today we're paying tribute to some of these awesome products and ideas.

Dig into this virtual sandbox and get a little dirty:

 {1: I love the simple idea of making playdoh monsters. Add wiggle eyes and done! 2: a file folder car ramp! perfectly portable fun when vacationing away. 3: Patrice. the coolest plush on the block.  4: personalized 3d letter art. buy it or make it. either way will make a statement in your boys room. 5: parts is one silly all-boy book you'll both get a kick out of reading. 6: make a space shuttle out of cardboard tubes.}   {1: this story cube idea is one of the coolest things. 2: cardboard tube monsters. 3: a lego and car IKEA table re-do. 4: make these easy and adorable page corner bookmarks. 5: have a pirate day with this hat, hook and spyglass tutorial.  6: these 'stache straws would make any meal more fun. 7: the raddest set of peg dolls ever. there's even a harry potter set to make. 8: have a monster themed party or playdate with this set of cupcake wrappers.}
I have to stop daydreaming about awesome boy projects now, and attend to the clingy girl at my feet.

Needed a Laugh

In light of the tragedies and unspeakable injustice that happened on this day a decade ago, a laugh was much needed around here.

I thought of these pictures that my mother-in-law took of Rich's dad, Rich, Sedae and I sitting on a curb eating a bbq dinner on the California coast.

Later that night when we were all looking through them, we realized the quick capture hilarity of these two photos.

They may not be the funniest to you but it was the last time I can remember laughing so hard my sides hurt and happy tears were streaming.

To the good things in life. Like a country where we are free to share such things...

Favorites Friday, Ombre

Ombre is the gradation of a color from dark to light. And it seems to be the new black. It's everywhere! For good reason, too. How great would any one of these be in your home or for your next party?

 {1: i love lamp, 2: swell, 3: vintage pitcher and glasses, 4: sky's clearing dress, 5: storage, 6: celebrate, 7: invites}

Favorites Friday, Dessert

Wipe the drool off your keyboard, click on the links below, and get in your kitchen this weekend.

 {1: brownie and salted caramel ice cream sandwiches, 2: double chocolate peanut butter ice cream, 3: blueberry oatmeal crumble bars, 4: white sangria popsicles, 5: chocolate coconut cookies, 6: browned butter salted caramel rice crispy treats, 7: DIY popsicle memory game}

Favorites Friday, Dog Party

I had grand plans for having a fun fourth birthday party for our little pup Max this year. We celebrated big on his first birthday but then one kid came, and then another and the poor pup became third fiddle.

I was determined that this year would be the year to do another party.

A bunch of dogs all romping around the yard is tons of fun and it's a great excuse to hang out with their owners over great food and cocktails.

So I sent out invites and everything. See?


Well, his birthday weekend just so happened to fall on the only weekend we had open and was the weekend my wonderful husband wanted to send me on a girls trip.

So, I chose to be selfish and cancel the party.

In hopes of ever getting to this party again this year, here's my inspiration board. If not, well, the 5th birthday's a big deal right?

Happy (much belated) 4th birthday to the craziest poodle around!


{1: tutorial for quilted scottie pillows, could be great party favors or an activity for each guest to choose pre-cut fabric and take home to do, 2: dog toy ice lick, would keep the dogs entertained and hydrated on warm summer days, 3: balls, bones, and leashes oh my!, 4: doggie bags to send treats home in, 5: dog bowl platter could hold all sorts of yummy food, 6: great silhouette party invites, 7: the center of attention can't go without a party outfit, 8: plush bone party favors, 9: gather friends and celebrate all your dogs' special day}

Favorites Friday

Which one inspires you?


{1: peach margaritas, yes please, 2: DIY paper pouches, 3: magnetic airplane clips, for displaying artwork, 4: Will Schofield prints, 5: i like you print, 6: zach the triceratops, think i'm going to try my hand at making one, 7: we're in need of new drinking glasses, and I'm in love with these}