jk jk

Moonrise Kingdom

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Why is Wes Anderson so awesome? I can't wait to see his new movie Moonrise Kingdom. Check out the trailer.

found on Nicole's blog :)

Etsy Love - Valentine's Day

2012-02-07T23:20:00.000-08:00

1. Sarah and Bendrix

2. Pretty Little Me

3. Paulova

4. One Garnet Girl

5. Love Sugar

6. BB Sweets

Music Monday - Robyn

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: The Fun Star

The following song is one I just can't get enough of. I won't tell you how many times I've watched this video because that would just be embarrassing. It's nothing new, but I wanted to share in case some of you haven't heard it. I love how uninhibited she is as she's dancing in this video. She's got moves.

So here is "Call Your Girlfriend" by Robyn. *Warning: If you haven't heard this song, it is addictive and it will be in your head for days.

You might remember Robyn from her late 90's hit, "Show Me Love." I loved her then, and I love her even more now.

How to: Heart Hair Clip

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I made this hair clip for Z the other day. I was getting sick of the felt flowers, so I decided to try something new. I like how it turned out and it was pretty simple to make.

I was going to make a whole tutorial on how I did it, but while browsing pinterest, I found this. This tutorial is probably better than anything I could come up with. So, do everything she says. And when you're done, glue it to a hair clip. Maybe even ad a little ribbon to the clip to give it a finished look.

Music Monday - Ben Howard

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Are you in a folky mood today? You've probably noticed by now that I'm almost always in a folky mood. Well, today is no exception. Here is "Old Pine" by Ben Howard. Perfect song for relaxing on this lazy Monday.

All You Need Is Love (free printable)

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

I made this print for Z's room awhile ago. I thought I'd share it with the blog world. It's pretty simple, but I kind of love it. I also thought it fitting with Valentine's Day just around the corner.

Click on the picture below for the pdf download.

Make-up Magic

2012-01-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched a video make-up tutorial? Am I the only one that is completely amazed at some of the transformations accomplished with just make-up? It's like magic.

I may or may not have spent the last 3 days watching make-up tutorials. Seriously, every free moment I've had for the last few days, has been spent watching these tutorials. They put me in a trance or something. You might say I'm a little obsessed. I just can't get enough of the before and after looks.

After watching many, many videos, I have a two favorites...

No make-up, make-up with Lisa Eldridge. This is one I would actually want to try.

If you've ever wanted to look like Kim Kardashian, this one is for you. Cara actually does a lot of celebrity inspired looks on her blog. Don't be completely freaked out by her face when you start watching. Half of her face has the completed look, and the other half does not. I think it's pretty amazing to compare the two.

I don't know why I'm just discovering the magic of make-up. I've always just worn a little. I guess I didn't know what I was missing. Now I just need to make an expensive trip to Sephora so I can try this stuff out.

Music Monday - Michael Logen

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

While watching one of my favorite shows, Parenthood, I heard the most beautiful song. I immediately looked it up and download it. It's called "Human After All" by Michael Logen . B was in Nashville at the time, and when he got back, I showed him the song. Turns out B spent some time writing with Michael Logan while he was in Nashville. Crazy right? I thought so.

Anyways, here's the song. There isn't a great recording of the song on youtube. This was the best I could find. I suggest downloading it on iTunes.

Human After All by Michael Logen and Sierra Noble

Music Monday - The Boy Least Likely To

2012-01-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

This isn't exactly a new song, but it's a goodie. It makes me happy.

Happy New Year!

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

2011-12-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

So great, right? It reminds me of how much I loved this movie they did together.

But seriously, what are you doing New Year's Eve? My New Year's Eve will involve lots of sparkles and dancing! Can't wait!

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T16:00:00.001-08:00

We got a REAL Christmas Tree this year! I love how it's smell fills the whole house. We got it about a week ago and it may or may not still be completely bare. But, I'm kind of getting used to my naked tree.

I was going to decorate my tree using the phone book (see this post if you're not sure what I'm talking about), but B threw it out last week. When I asked him why he threw it out, he was like "Who uses the phone book?" Haha, I guess my husband doesn't read my blog... :( .. tear...

Christmas Music Monday - She & Him

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love Zooey Deschanel...well, except for her ex, Ben Gibbard? I'm so sad they broke up btw, but I digress...

She & Him (Zooey and M.Ward) released a Christmas Album. Have you heard it? Below is my favorite track from the album. So go grab some hot chocolate, snuggle up by the fire, and enjoy "The Christmas Waltz" by She & Him.

Since that youtube isn't really a video, I thought I'd also include She & Him's latest video for "Don't Look Back"

She & Him - Don't Look Back from Merge Records on Vimeo.

P.S. She & Him will perform “The Christmas Waltz” this evening on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I usually don't watch Jay Leno (I'm still not over the whole Conan thing), but I'm going to make an exception tonight.

Family Pictures

2011-11-26T11:04:00.001-08:00

Tis the season for family pictures. We're getting ours taken today. I'm hoping they turn out something like this:

What do you think? Too much?
Check out more awesome Christmas Card pictures here.

Design Mom Feature

2011-11-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Just want to give a quick shout out to Design Mom (not that she needs it) for posting a link to my Nail and String letters. So cool! Thanks Gabrielle.

*if you want to know which link links to my blog, its the first link on the post. It says, "So rad! What would you write."

Handmade Holiday - Succulents

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love giving handmade gifts around the holidays. And I love it even more when those gifts are easy to make. So here's one of the gifts I'll be giving this year: Succulents.

All I had to do was find a container, put in some rocks, then soil, then the plant. Add a little ribbon, and you're done! The succulent in the pic above is called String of Pearls. Isn't it great?

Check out these little guys. Aren't they cute? I can't wait to give them out this year.

If you'd like more info on succulents (like how to keep them alive) click here.
If you need some ideas on how to arrange your succulents, check out these pics here, here, and here.

I'll be posting more Homemade Holiday ideas soon. Stay tuned. :)

Music Monday - Snow Patrol

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Check out this new(ish) video from Snow Patrol. It's pretty cleaver. They're releasing a new album at the beginning of the year. I'm excited.

How to Make Good Use of the Phone Book

2011-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I got a phone book on my door step. I mean, really? A phone book? Who uses those things anymore? I decided I needed to put this phone book to good use.

Here's what I came up with while browsing on pinterst:

1. Paper Hearts.

(found here)

2. Paper Flowers.

(found here)

3. Mini Pendant Garland

(found here)

Now I can rest easy knowing my phone book will not be wasted. :) I love crafts that cost nothing.

Hmm...these little projects might look great on a Christmas Tree... I do need some ornaments...

DIY: Nail and String Letters

2011-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

*Just want to give a quick shout out to Design Mom (not that she needs it) for posting this link on her blog. So cool! Thanks Gabrielle.

So, I was at Anthropologie the other day and saw these letters on the wall made with nails and string. I took this quick photo while I was browsing. Love Anthropologie...so inspiring. So I thought I'd go home and try to make my own nail and string letters.

The wall space above my kitchen cabinets has been begging for something. So that's where I thought I'd try this out. I decided to write "Bon Appetit," since it was going in the kitchen.

DIY: Nail and String Letters (Inspired by Anthropologie)

1. Find a font and size you like. The font needs to have strait edges (no serifs) so you can create the letters with the nails and string. The font I used was Bell Gothic Std Black. Print out a banner. Make sure all letters are correctly spaced.

2. Hang the banner where you'd like the string letters to be. Step back and make sure the banner is strait and the letters look the way you want them to. This is important. Take your time on this one.

3. Now you get to break out the nails! First put a mark on each nail 3/4 inch away from the head. This will help you to know how far in the wall the nail should go.

4. Put a nail in each corner of the letters and also around any curves. Decide how many nails you're going to use around the curves and be consistent.

5. Carefully tear off the paper. You'll have to pull the paper around the letters, so you don't yank any nails out of the wall.

6. Get out the string and start wrapping. I used some embroidery thread I already had on hand. To begin, tie a knot to one nail and start wrapping. When you're finished, tie the end to the same nail. I went around each letter 7 times with the string.

Now step back and look at how awesome your new wall looks. :)

Look what I made - Anthropologie Nail and String Letters

2011-11-11T15:53:00.001-08:00

Have you been to Anthropologie lately and seen the letters made with nails and string? I just had to make some of my own.

I know you can't see the whole thing, but it says "Bon Appetit" and it's in my kitchen. I love how it turned out. So cool, right?

Yes, I did just put 100+ nails in my wall, but totally worth it, right? Let's hope my husband agrees.

Music Monday - The Wonder Girls

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Wonder Girls are a girl pop group from South Korea. I really want to like them, but I'm not sure I do. What do you think?

25 ways to wear a scarf

2011-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and you know what that means.... pull out the scarves! Is it just me, or are scarves the best thing ever?

Before I saw this video on Creature Comforts, I only knew 2 ways to tie a scarf . Now I know 25! Woohoo! I can't wait to try some of these out.

Here is 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes

P.S. Remember when I mentioned the documentary, Being Elmo? Well have you checked out it's Rotten Tomatos review? 100%! I've never seen that before! Now I really can't wait to see it.

being elmo

2011-10-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a cup of joe and just had to share. I love elmo!

Doesn't it look great?!? I can't wait to see it.

Music Monday - BOY

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Take a moment and breath this in.

BOY performing "Drive Darling."
Learn more about BOY here and here.

Music Monday - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. They sing the catchy song "Paris (Oh La La)" Love that song. Here's a great hotel version of that song. So cool.

The more I learn about Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, the more I like them. Grace even recently collaborated with Kenny Chesney for "You and Tequilla." She's so versatile and creative.

Speaking of versatile and creative, here is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals covering Beyonce's "Why Don't You Love Me" Yes, Beyonce. :)

How to make Funfetti Pancakes

2011-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

While searching for a great birthday breakfast idea for my husband, I found this on pinterest. Funfetti Pankcakes seemed like the perfect breakfast for my sugar-loving, young-at-heart, husband. But after some trial and error, I had to modify the recipe a bit. So I've decided to share my new recipe with you. It's sooo easy and very delicious. Just be prepared for a sugar rush.

Funfetti Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/2 box (about 2 1/2 cups) Funfetti or Rainbow Chip Cake Mix
1 1/4 cup milk (give or take, depending on the consistency you like)
1 egg
butter, for greasing your frying pan
Rainbow Chip Frosting

Mix cake mix, milk, and egg together until well blended. Grease up the frying pan and plop some pancake mix right in there. Just FYI, the pancakes will be more dense then regular pancakes. And surprisingly, they won't have much taste. But that's where the frosting comes in. Grab the can of Rainbow Chip frosting. Heat that up for a few seconds, and pour over the pancakes. Viola! You have Funfetti Pancakes.

P.S. Don't try and make your own frosting. It is too much work, and it won't even taste as good. Seriously, I had to learn that lesson the hard way. :)

Air France

2011-09-22T11:57:00.001-07:00

Air France - L'Envol from Air France on Vimeo.

found via black eiffel

Music Monday - Ryan Adams

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Ryan Adams, he has a new album (Ashes & Fire) coming out next month. So of course I have to feature him on Music Monday. I know it seems like Ryan Adams always has a new album coming out (He's released 13 studio albums since 2000), but I'm pretty excited about this one.

Here he is performing "Dirty Rain" from him new album.

Read more about Ryan here and here and here.

Just a little FYI, Ryan Adams is married to Mandy Moore. Yes, Mandy Moore. Weird couple? I think so. But they've been married since March of 2009, so I guess it's working out. He must have influenced her last solo album, Amanda Leigh. It definitely had more of a singer-songwriter vibe. I guess she's come a long way since Candy.

They actually recorded a song together, back in June, called "Empty Room"

Check it out here.

Music Monday - Laura Marling

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have a soft spot in my heart for this kind of music. Acoustic, singer/songwriter, folky, simple, (think American singer/songwriters in the 60s and 70s). Laura Marling even references Ryan Adams in her song "New Romantic" (and Ryan Adams is one of my favs).

So this is "Sophia" by Laura Marling.

Find out more about her in the New York Times or on her website.

back to the start

2011-09-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Love this new short film by film-maker Johnny Kelly. It includes Willie Nelson covering Coldplay's track "The Scientist." Both the film and the soundtrack were commissioned by Chipotle to emphasize the importance of developing a sustainable food system.

You can download the song here.

(found via benton paul's facebook page)

Music Monday - Walk the Moon

2011-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

B and I saw these guys play on Friday night at the Cosmo. They were sooo great live! I pretty much loved everything that they played. We even got some face paint.

So here is "The Liftaway" by Walk the Moon.

say something nice

2011-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's some positive energy to brighten your day. Love this...

via black*eiffel

quote of the week

2011-08-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

found on pinterest via modern hepburn

Music Monday - Foster the People

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

B showed me this song a little while ago, and I heard it on the radio yesterday. I know some people hate it when their favorite songs get to the radio, but I love it. It means they're getting more exposure and hopefully, more money.

So if you haven't heard it already, here's Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People.

Bean Bag Chairs and other diy projects to try

2011-08-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these DIY bean bag charis? Dana at MADE calls them Rollie Pollies. I think I'm going to try and make one. Okay, lets be honest. I'll probably think about making one, maybe even buy some fabric for it, but then never really make it. But it's still fun to think about...

(images from made)

Other DIY projects that might be fun to try:

Abstract Wall Art by Oh Happy Day
Flowers from Crepe Paper by How About Orange
Air Plant Chandelier by Modish

make it work

2011-07-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Project Runway Season 9 starts next week! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Have you looked at the new designers? Any favorites?

I love this time of year. SYTYCD and Project Runway. Now if only I had DVR...

Music Monday - Ivan and Aloysha

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 songs from Ivan and Aloysha. Yep, not 1, but 3 (thanks to NPR). I think my favorite of the 3 is I Was Born to Love Her. Enjoy.

Check out more of their music here. Find out more about them here.

what kate wore

2011-07-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

I may or may not be obsessed with Kate Middleton's wardrobe. But how can you not be with clothes like this...

I love love love it.
You might start seeing a lot more of Kate Middleton's clothes on this blog. I'm just warning you.

Todd McLellan

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

images by Todd McLellan via Honestly...WTF

Todd McLellan takes things apart and photographs them. I love it. It gives a whole new perpective on the items. And they're arranged so beautifully.

Can you tell what these things were before they were taken apart?

Can you smell that?

2011-06-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever walked around all day, smelling something awful, but you can't quite figure out what it is? Then suddenly you realize it's you? haha. That was my day today. Apparently the shirt I put on (that was fresh from the dryer btw) had spent too much time in the washer before it was dried. You know what I'm talking about, right? I hate that smell. I guess I should be thankful I was just hanging out with Z most of the day. Poor Z. Actually, she probably didn't even notice anything. I don't think babies mind bad smells. Between dirty diapers, spit-up, and crusty food caught in their double chin, they're probably used to it.

old = boring

2011-06-07T00:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel as though the older you get, the less fun you are? I feel boring today.

So here's to feeling more fun!

Woo hoo! That was fun.

Okay, I think it's past my bedtime.

Music Monday - Brontide

2011-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something different, a band with no vocalist. I think the lack of a vocalist really allows you to concentrate on what they're doing with their instruments. Take a minute and listen.

"Matador" by Brontide

georges magazine

2011-06-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

I saw this magazine for children on design mom a few days ago. I loved every page. Isn't it lovely? If only I spoke French.

wall paint

2011-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of just adding a block of color to the wall to frame furniture.

image from mouta

I might have to try this idea as a headboard in my bedroom.

Music Monday - Jenny and Johnny

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love all things Jenny Lewis. I even loved her in Troop Beverly Hills. How could you not?

Here's a song from her most recent project with Johnathan Rice. It's called Big Wave.

Click here to watch on youtube. (I couldn't embed this one.)

Did you know she was born in Las Vegas? And that her parents had a lounge act in Vegas called Love's Way? I had no idea. You can learn amazing things on Wikipedia.

Music Monday - Christina Perri

2011-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in a girly, romantic mood today.
So I thought I'd share "Penguin" by Christina Perri. Christina Perri is an American singer and songwriter from Philadelphia. You may have seen her last year, when she performed on So You Think You Can Dance (click here to see that performance). And I heard one of her songs was recently featured on Glee.

I don't love this video. She has lyric videos for all the songs on her album, so this is one of them.

Don't you just love her voice?
P.S. I really miss So You Think You Can Dance. I can hardly wait for May 26!

baby love

2011-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Look who has started playing the piano. Her dad is so proud.

{--- photo resources --- }
striped tape from pugly pixel
polaroid overlay from fuzzimo

Music Monday - World Order

2011-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Music Monday post is a song by World Order. I picked it because I'm in need of a pick-me-up today, and this video is pretty fun to watch. Enjoy.

The video was created by Genki Sudo, a retired Japanese mixed martial artist and a kickboxer famous for his elaborate ring entrances and unorthodox fighting style. Yes, I'm serious.

Mother's Day Gift Tags

2011-05-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

*if you are my mother, stop reading right now, and come back after Mother's day. I'm serious mom.

While thinking of Mother's Day gift ideas, I came across this Motherhood Challenge. Lots of Utah bloggers have been posting about it (probably because they're being sponsored to do so), but I thought it was a great idea. I'm not doing the challenge, but the site had some great quotes and gift ideas. So it inspired me to make Mother's Day gift tags. Each tag has a different Mother's Day quote.

I think I'm going to attach the first tag to a piece of pie for my mom. That quote describes my mom perfectly. I stole the idea here. I think the last quote is perfect for you friends who are mothers.

Here's a download link if you'd like to use them:

Download the Mother's Day Gift Tags here.

It's a pdf file. Download, print on cardstock, cut them out, use a hole punch to make a hole, tie it on with a pretty ribbon, and you're good to go.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Happy Mother's Day!

Music Monday - Elbow

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love music. But who doesn't? I especially love hearing an amazing song for the first time. There's nothing like it.

You probably seen other blogs share their favorite music on Music Monday. I've discovered a lot of great stuff because of Music Monday. I also think its so interesting to see what type of music people like. I think it really helps you get to know someone. So I've decided to join in and share my favorite music of the moment too. So every Monday is now Music Monday.

For my first Monday Music post, I'd like to share a song by Elbow. For those of you that don't know Elbow, they're a band from the UK and have been together since the early 90's. They've recorded five albums, the most recent of which is Build a Rocket Boys!, released in March 2011. In the UK all of their albums have made the top twenty and seven of their singles have been in the top forty.

This song, "Lippy Kids," is from their latest album. This song speaks directly to my heart. Take a moment, and breath it in.

What songs are you diggin' at the moment?

watching grass grow

2011-04-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

We planted grass seed in our backyard last week, and look what I saw this morning?

Who knew it would be so fun watching grass grow?

Now, if only my vegetable garden were doing this well. I might have to dig that up and start over. If anyone has any vegetable gardening advice, I need it. Maybe I should just stick to growing grass.

In Motion

2011-04-18T09:30:00.001-07:00

Is this picture moving? or is it just me?

how about this one?

aren't they beautiful?

**when I say moving, i don't mean emotionally, I mean moving like in motion. :)

found them here, and they found them here

making baby food

2011-03-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

So I took a friend's advice, and started making my own baby food. It's pretty easy. The hardest part was the clean up. I started with peas and sweet potatoes.

(peas image)

For those interested, here's how easy it is:

Step 1: Buy some fresh organic veggies or fruit. I actually think a lot of frozen food is more fresh than what you can buy at the store these days, especially in Vegas. If you have a local farmers market, that would probably be the best place to purchase produce.

Step 2: Wash, peel and slice as needed

Step 3: Steam

Step 4: Blend with water or veggie broth. I used a blender.

Step 5: Put in frozen cube trays. Cover with plastic wrap. Put in freezer.

Step 6: Remove the trays from the freezer after 24 hours. Pop the cubes out, and double bag them in freezer safe plastic bags.

Simple, right? I would also label the bags with the date and what's in them. Sometimes it can be hard to tell what the foods are when they're pureed. Just heat up the amount you need during meal times and hope that your baby will eat them. :) Z loved peas yesterday, but today she doesn't.

Anyone else have any tips on making your own baby food? I'm new at this.

Etsy Love - Baby Things

2011-03-24T20:24:00.001-07:00

Oh how I love Etsy.

I love to browse all the wonderful handmade things people create. Its so refreshing seeing creative and unique things to buy. Lately, I've been loving so many baby things.

Here are some of my favs as of late.

1. headband
2. happy day print

3. freewheeling print

4. maple wooden clock

5. natural wooden teething toy

6. you are my sunshine print

I'm so excited to make this

2011-03-09T20:14:00.001-08:00

(found on Honestly... WTF)

Isn't this amazing. I'm heading to the hardware store first thing in the morning. Bracelets are my jewelry of choice.

hair bows and "great ideas"

2011-03-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

Anyone have any bright ideas on how to make a hair bow stay in my little Zurie's hair? She doesn't have much hair so I'm not sure what to do. I made these cute bow-tie hair bows, but I have not way of keeping them in her hair. I'm sick of headbands and I like how simple and sweet a little bow can be. velcro? some kind of no-slip-grip stuff?

Also on another note, I'm not an expert sewer. I'm definitely more of a beginner, but I'm considering making Zurie some baby shoes using this pattern. What do you think? too ambitious? But look at how cute they are!

(little london loafer)

Maybe i should start with these. They're supposed to be a little easier.

(reversible seamless crib shoe)

This also might be one of those times where it seems like a good idea now, but in a few days, I'll get serious and realize it was an awful idea.

Because I get "great ideas" all the time that usually end up being "not so great," I've recently adopted The Thirty Day Rule.

When I get an idea, I write it down and then I wait. Despite the temptation to act on it immediately and buy up the entire local Home Depot or Joanns, I continue to wait.

And then a few weeks later I browse back through my list and am able to weed through the ideas. Miraculously, I don't care about 99% of them anymore. If I am still as excited about an idea as I was originally, I know that it's something that is worth my time and money. And if I'm not, it gets trashed.

So this baby shoe idea is going on the list. We'll see how I feel about it in 30 days (if I can wait that long). They're just so cute!

dwell

2011-02-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Oh how i love dwel l. I just discovered they have kids wallpaper and wall decals. I have to find a way to incorporate this in Zurie's room.

painting the bedroom

2011-02-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the help of my friend, Samantha, my bedroom is finally painted. We even painted our bathroom as well. It was quite a project, with 5 trips to Lowe's in one day, but it's finally finished. At first I wasn't sure about the color, but now I really like it. I've learned that gray is kind of a tricky color. Our grey has a slight lavender hue in certain light, but I don't mind it. But now I'm not sure I can go with the blue, beige, and grey theme. I might have to take out the blues. I don't know, I guess we'll see once I start adding items to the room. I'll have to post some pictures when I'm done. Hopefully that will happen soon.

So the wall color looks a little like this.

(image)
See how it can look a little lavender? But the greys and beige look great. So my bedroom should turn out just like this, right? Let's hope it looks half as good as that picture.

*Maybe you already noticed this, but I don't know if I should spell grey <---- like that or like this ----> gray. So I spelled it both ways at different points in the blog. :)

Hey, speaking of "grey" you should check out this album released a few years ago. It's titled "Grey" and it's pretty good. And this guy also has an EP called "Trois." I heard he has another album coming out toward the end of the summer. I can't wait.

Put A Bird On It

2011-02-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious

Grey, Beige, and Blue

2011-02-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so back to my master bedroom. I decided to collect a few pictures for inspiration before I attempted to do any more decorating. I'm hoping it'll give me some direction. I would like a lot of neutral tones. I'm thinking gray, beige, and blue. It seems calming. So here are some pics I found.

(image)

(images)

(image)

So we'll see what I can do. I'm still sticking with the white bed idea. Unfortunately, my bed is a little too big for the space and covers a bit of the windows, my side tables are actually big black dressers, and I don't have a headboard... hmmm... might be impossible right?. Yeah, probably. Well, let me know if you have any advice. I'm really not sure what I'm doing here.

I think I'll start with a fresh coat of paint. I'm thinking a light gray. I really hope it turns out okay. I'm crossing my fingers.

And for those of you who couldn't care less about my master bedroom or my lack of decorating skills...

A beautiful video with a white bed.
It's an oldie but goodie.

Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance

breathe

2011-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

I think this sounds great. And its in Vegas!

decorating the house = not as easy as I thought

2011-01-31T13:19:00.001-08:00

We finally have our own place. We're not renting. We're not house-sitting. It's ours. And we're planning on staying for a while. So I decided it's time to do a little decorating. I thought I could have my house looking like this in no time.

(image Alice Lane)

Ha. After doing a little shopping, I realized this decorating thing is a lot harder than I thought. To start off I bought a few pillows and new duvet cover for my bedroom. I wanted a white bed. Like this.

(image West Elm)

Looks easy, right? Wrong. My pillows are too small, and the new duvet feels like sandpaper.

Some people just make it look so easy. And by "people" I mean blogs or magazines I've read.

So I'm a little discouraged, but hoping with a little more blog searching and magazine reading, I can figure out all the secrets to making a room look great.

(image H&M Home)

What do you think about decorating? Easy? Fun? Too overwhelming? I'm wondering if I'm the only one that finds it a bit difficult.

Eat Smarter, Look Better, Live Longer

2011-01-27T10:36:00.003-08:00

(image)

Like most people at the beginning of the year, I set a goal. I decided to eat smarter. In my quest to find healthy food worth eating, I discovered this blog. It is full of exactly the information I was looking for. The author, Skip, even sets weekly goals to help you eat better and smarter. I've been hanging my weekly goals in my kitchen and a friendly reminder. Check it out. It has a lot of great information, if you're in to that kind of stuff.

No, I am not a paid spokeswoman. I just honestly really like this blog. :)

Well Hello

2010-12-28T11:34:00.009-08:00

Hi friends (and by friends I'm referring to the 2 people who probably still look at this thing). I have been away for quite sometime, but feel the need to once again blog. It's a nice little outlet sometimes, don't you think? Being pregnant and having a baby took a lot out of me (literally), but I think I'm finally feeling normal again.

So I'll try to just pick up where I left off, sharing my favorite finds, fixations, and whatever the heck I want.

I started designing again. I made these Christmas Cards for my fam.

Unfortunately, I didn't get around to making one for myself. Maybe next year.

I've rediscovered my love for dancing and am completely obsessed with Dance Central. It taught me how to jerk. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, get with it and check out this video.

Dear Blog

2010-12-18T03:14:00.001-08:00

After a year long separation, i have returned.

NEW BENTON PAUL NEWS

2009-10-19T21:59:00.004-07:00

BENTON PAUL IS ITUNES DISCOVERY DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK! It's free! Check out his new EP while you're there.

He also has two other new songs he just released. Click here to get the goods.

Benton Paul is also going on tour with David Archuleta starting next month. Check out his myspace to see the dates. Whoo hoo!

"You and I" - Wilco and Feist

2009-07-16T12:36:00.002-07:00

so cool. love it.

Regina Spektor

2009-06-19T22:55:00.002-07:00

Regina Spektor has a new album coming out. If you click here, you can listen to it early. Yipee! I'm so excited.

Thanks again NPR

Zack is Back

2009-06-08T22:56:00.001-07:00

Check out this stop motion wedding invitation

2009-06-05T09:21:00.001-07:00

pretty rad. i found it on melancholy smile.

Paper Source has a Blog

2009-06-05T09:02:00.002-07:00

I love it. Check it out here.

P.S. School is out. This could mean I'll post more, or not. We'll see.

Paper Heart Trailer

2009-04-26T22:22:00.001-07:00

I can't wait for this one...

iTunes Front Page

2009-04-23T23:03:00.003-07:00

Check out the front page of iTunes this week. You might come across this...

click image to enlarge

Earth Day.

2009-04-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

something to ponder...

Oh and one more thing...

2009-04-21T22:08:00.004-07:00

Click here to download a 10-track sampler that includes Thao, Blitzen Trapper, David Byrne, The Decemberists and Blind Pilot. I'm not sure what I think of the songs yet, but check it out and decide for yourself.

NPR can be so cool sometimes.

I love listening to new music. And I love it even more when it is free.

Hurry, it expires April 30th.

Oh, and speaking of NPR music, you can also listen to the entire Camera Obscura album by clicking here. I'm diggin it.

I love Zooey

2009-04-21T21:57:00.005-07:00

even when she sings about cotton.

P.S. Sorry for the lame youtube posts once a month. I've lost all motivation to blog. I don't know what happened to it. I'll let you know when I find it again. Maybe in a month when school is out for summer. Hmm.. that reminds me of a song.... Such a sweet song.

How to Make Homemade Bread

2009-03-30T16:41:00.001-07:00

I think I'll try this. I've been looking for a good bread recipe.

Remember these? William Wegman is brilliant.

Everyone is Beautiful

2009-03-24T17:31:00.002-07:00

Cute video about beauty. I don't know much about the book, but I enjoyed this little diddy.

The Office Musical

2009-03-02T23:50:00.004-08:00

This is amazing. Someone put a lot of time into this one.

Forward it like its hot
Thanks Adam.

Lovely Music

2009-02-14T13:53:00.004-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite love songs in honor of valentines day.
Enjoy.

I couldn't find a good version of buddy holly singing this one. so here's the beatles.
and i can't forget this one

Happy Valentines Day!

Handmade Valentines

2009-02-10T20:12:00.006-08:00

Looking for some great valentine ideas? Check these out. Marta at M.Writes put together some great ideas from Martha Stewart. Oh how I love handmade valentines. I can't decide which one to make.

here
here
and here
are more cute ideas.

T-Shirt Stamping

2009-02-08T09:27:00.006-08:00

This is a cool idea from fine little day. I have a couple shirts that need a little update. The idea also reminds me of this book, which I purchased a while back. I should break it out and try some of the print ideas in there. She makes print design seem so simple. She even suggests carving a print design out of a potato and using it as a stamp. That could be fun. I love Lotta.

Here are some pics from the book.

What did I tell you

2009-02-03T20:54:00.003-08:00

click image to enlarge

The next big thing

2009-01-24T15:53:00.003-08:00

... is Benton Paul
even the Jonas Brothers say so.
Check out this webchat clip from earlier this week.
(forward to about 2 minutes in)

see. I told you. Benton rocks!
Check him out here and buy his music here or here.

The Best Day Ever

2009-01-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

The other day at school, one of my students said to me, "I have a flash video on youtube." So I checked it out, and this is what I found. I think it is amazing. A+

One more reason to love Target

2009-01-13T20:34:00.004-08:00

Orla Kiely Housewares

They've created dinner and servingware, storage boxes, closet organization, table and kitchen linens and even an apron — all scheduled to hit stores the first week of February. Whoo hoo!
I found this fabulous info here.

The Thing About Goals

2009-01-08T19:23:00.012-08:00

Photo credits: Dorthe Alstrup, Miss Dior Cherie Print Ad via fashionologie, Joanna Goddard's engagement photo by Max Wanger, heart balloon from Iefke de Roos

Having goals is a pain in the neck.

If you don't have a goal (a corporate goal, a market share goal, a personal career goal, an athletic goal...) then you can just do your best. You can take what comes. You can reprioritize on a regular basis. If you don't have a goal, you never have to worry about missing it. If you don't have a goal you don't need nearly as many excuses, either.

Not having a goal lets you make a ruckus, or have more fun, or spend time doing what matters right now, which is, after all, the moment in which you are living.

The thing about goals is that living without them is a lot more fun, in the short run.

It seems to me, though, that the people who get things done, who lead, who grow and who make an impact... those people have goals.

-Seth Gordon

I've been trying to decide if I should set some goals for the new year. I have mixed feelings about it, which are pretty much summed up by the words above. Looking back at last year's goals, I'm not sure how much they helped. By February, I'd forgotten most of them. Maybe I set too many goals. Maybe if I just make a few, I'll have a better rate of success, and a better chance of remembering them. Hmm, I'll marinate of that for a bit.

P.S. I know those pictures don't really relate to this post, but I thought they were beautiful. I hear balloons are the new mustache.

HEMA

2009-01-06T20:00:00.003-08:00

Click this out. It's amazing. Let the page load, and then wait a second. Pretty cool, right? I love it.

Beyonce

2009-01-02T10:06:00.005-08:00

If you haven't seen Beyonce's video for "Single Ladies" watch it here.

If you've already seen it, then you must watch this.

Say what?

2008-12-30T08:54:00.003-08:00

Did anyone else read this? I had no idea.

Happy Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T09:34:00.001-08:00

Fifty People, One Question

2008-12-23T08:49:00.007-08:00

Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn from Crush & Lovely on Vimeo.

I love this film series by Crush & Lovely called Fifty People, One Question. So far, two films are available to view on their site. They're sweet, real, and makes you think about the best things & people in your life. Check it out.

small things you can do to change your perspective

2008-12-23T08:39:00.002-08:00

Via Keri Smith at Wish Jar
(an ongoing list)

1. Change the height at which you perform everyday tasks. (i.e. brush your teeth while on your knees.)

2. Look under every object you encounter for a week.

3. Wear sunglasses all day (inside and outside). Notice how it feels to take them off.

4. Alter your body somehow so as to impede your motor function slightly. i.e. tie two fingers together.

5. For one day greet everyone you encounter with "top o' the morning to ya!"

6. Speak through a tube, (paper towel tube).

7. Move frequently used items (i.e. salt and pepper shakers) to places they are not normally found.

8. Place something small behind your ear for an entire day. See if you forget about it. (my husband does this)

9. Cut your food into new and interesting shapes. Arrange your dinner (or your table items) into a "grid" formation.

10. Exclude one vowel from all of your email.

11. For one month create all of your correspondence on an outdated form of technology. (i.e. typewriter, pen & paper, dictaphone).

12. Add something to your name. ("the 3rd", "the great", "the illustrious") Alternate: Add some letters to your name but don't tell anyone.

13. Sponsor a contest based on an everyday task. (i.e. "Contest for person whose socks stay up consistently")

Download Gift Tags

2008-12-16T17:06:00.003-08:00

Aren't these fabulous? Get them here. Via How About Orange and Martha

2008-12-13T13:03:00.004-08:00

How to Talk to Girls

2008-12-08T14:32:00.003-08:00

Sweet Sounds

2008-12-06T23:03:00.004-08:00

Here are a few songs I've been groovin' on lately. Enjoy.

Little Joy - Next Time Around
I have a soft spot for folk music with lots of harmony. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my dad loves Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Mayer Hawthorne & The Country - Just Ain't Gonna Work Out
The vinyl heart-shaped record is for real. He pressed 1000 of them when he released the single.

LCD Soundsystem - New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down
This is a pretty good song, but its the video that I love. Who doesn't love Kermit the Frog. I found this one via Billy.

James Morrison - You Make It Real
Here's a nice pop, love song. I love this guy's voice. However, I do not like his videos. So just listen to the song here.

Aqualung - Brighter Than Sunshine
I will forever love everything this man does. All his songs are wonderful, but I've rediscovered the beauty of this song during this week. The video is also lovely.

2008-12-06T11:10:00.005-08:00

via The Coterie

My next project

2008-11-25T17:01:00.003-08:00

I love this flower cluster. It's so j.crew, and it's a great way to give my cardigans an update. It looks pretty easy to make too. Click here for the tutorial.

Mix-It with the Gap

2008-11-23T08:53:00.005-08:00

I love these new holiday ads from the Gap. They've injected me with so much holiday spirit I can hardly stand it. I can't wait until Christmas. Enjoy... Check out the familiar faces.

Want more? Check out other videos here.

Looking Sharp

2008-11-12T20:28:00.006-08:00

Looking for a cheap way to decorate? How about with a sharpie? Check out what Charlie Kratzer did with his place. It's the ultimate in budget decorating--$10 worth of permanent marker, an imagination, and you're good to go. For more info and pics, click here.