Teacher Thank You

Inspired by some of my creative girlfriends, and with desire to thank James' teachers for being a blessing while we transition him from home with babysitter to daycare, I picked up a few Starbuck's gift cards as a small "thank you".



Using mini notecards and envelops, I created a message for each teacher that said "Thank You for making school fun" to include with the $10 gift card.

The envelops were created with my favorite "Honey Script" font.

I hope they like them!  

On the way home from school yesterday, James and I stopped at Starbuck's and had a little date.  He insisted on bringing Monkey and wubby (his blanket) inside too.  He ordered the chocolate milk and I had an iced tall 2-pump mocha.  We sat on the patio and chatted, "cheersings" our drinks too many times because he thinks its funny and I'm addicted to the sound of his laugh and the way he looks when he can't contain the laughter.  It was a sweet 15 minute stop on the way home that just might become a weekly tradition.

Man, I love this kid!!!  So, do you have any special "dates" with your kiddos?  I remember loving hearing about Cassie's holiday dates with her kids last year.  It's such a precious thing to be able to create and enjoy these moments with our kids and family.  

Pioneer Woman

Although her blog is wildly popular, I wasn't really familiar with The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummund, until I found her cookbook while browsing Barnes & Noble with my husband and son on a recent Saturday morning.

I love Ree's story of how she met her Marlboro Man and he rescued her from the hectic pace of city life in exchange for life on a ranch.  Our lives seem impossibly different as I live in the 4th largest city in the U.S. and she lives in a small town ranch.  But I just enjoy her so much!  Not to mention that she is a photographer with amazing talent for capturing beautiful real-life images.  Her tutorials are awesome too.



This weekend I recorded and watched her new show on Food Network.  She cooked the kind of food that I know my husband wishes I would cook for him (chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes - with lots of butter - and gravy from the grease drippings, and sausage breakfast sandwiches).   I think it would make my hubby so happy, so I'm gonna surprise him and cook it for him this week:)

Did you catch the show too?  What did you think?  

Upholstered Headboard

Our bedroom is on my list of rooms in our house that I'd really like to revamp.  We brought to our new home the furniture we had in our old townhouse and it doesn't reflect the look I'd like to achieve, so some changes are in order.  



I plan to replace our dark square leather headboard for a curved upholstered headboard.  I think it will soften the room and give it a more romantic, peaceful quality that I'm after.

The leather club chair and ottoman need to go too.

The bedroom below from Love This Life is one of my favorites.   I love the monochromatic look that is still interesting.  The gorgeous paneled ceiling and floor to ceiling windows don't hurt either!

The Ashley Goforth designed bedroom is another one of my favorites.

And I've always admired this peek at the bedroom below.

I've seen some gorgeous DIY upholstered headboards, but I'm not that ambitious, so I've been searching the different varieties for sale.  We have a king bed, so that's what I've been looking for.

I'm leaning towards the High Fashion Home one because it's not just the headboard, and it also has nailhead trim.  But I'm not crazy about the price.  What do you think?

Mason Jar Delight

Lately I've been feeling that itch to create something pretty.  I'm a little rusty in the crafty department these days, but I think that a mason jar project is in order!  So many things you can do with those age-old jars!

This Christmas snow globe is so cute too- I can't believe Christmas is just 4 months away! Can you?

Fall Table Decor

I think it's in the air- first it's back to school, then on to the fall season ripe with pumpkin spice lattes and fall decor.  Designer Alicia Wicker put together a super cool post with links to awesome sources for affordable fall table decor.

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Oh, I couldn't help myself. I caught myself dreaming. Wishing, wanting, thinking about decorating for Fall. I so don't need anything else right now and not a single spot to store new stuff.

Then I thought, maybe you'd like something to get your Fall table decor a new splash of life. It's not like you'd have to buy all this stuff, just a couple new things might just be what you need. Oh and when you go out and get the new stuff and your honey asks about it, just tell him... "It was on sale."

If you click on the image, it will take you to a PDF, which has clickable links, just like the Mood Boards that I create for clients do. Neat, huh. Oh, and I'm telling you there are some screaming deals. Like that Two-Tier silver plated charger?? Oh, it's under $10. Yes, it is. Small at 12", but good for decor you want to change out at an affordable price point.

The bottom row items are from Pottery Barn. So, not as cheap, but so cute. I lurve it mucho. Con queso. And there's your espanol lesson for the day. You're welcome.

p.s. These aren't affiliate links. I don't make a dime on anything you may click.

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Isn't that awesome!  I'm inspired to do something different for our table this year too.  I'm gonna need to take down the summer mantle too and replace it with some fall fun!

If you are interested in Alicia's design services, you can visit her website here. 

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

Last weekend, I went into the Michael Kors store in search of these shoes, which they didn't have in stock.

But then I saw this purse!  Love it for something different. 

I usually buy purses with shoulder straps, so the carry handle is different for me.  Still getting used to it.  Are you making fall fashion purchases yet?

Back to School

I'm thinking this morning of all those kiddos going back to school.  My heart is going out to all the mommies (and daddies!) that watch tearfully, but proudly as their babies start school for the first time.  My little guy started last week but I can't quite say it's "school" since he's just barely 18 months.  We had to transition from our at-home babysitter because, she too, is returning to school.  I'm happy to report that James is doing so great with his new routine.  When I drop him off in the mornings around 9:00 it's playground time, which he loves.  When I picked him up the first day, they were playing musical chairs and James was dancing, smiling his head off and laughing!  Such a good sight for an anxious mama.



I tried to get a picture of him on the first day, but he was running around so much, I couldn't get a good shot:)  He has to wear tennis shoes instead of his usual Crocks, so it makes him look like such a little boy!

Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who entered the recent giveaways and it's time to announce the winners!

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I will email you with the details of claiming your prize!

Have a great weekend everyone! For those of you with kiddos heading back to school- I hope everything goes smoothly getting them ready! 

Summer "To Do" List - FAIL??

I had to laugh when I just looked back at the post I wrote on June 20, 2011 proclaiming my summer to do list!  My husband just declared it an epic FAIL!



I have accomplished all of TWO of the NINE things on the list!  We managed to get to the beach for a little vacation and my hubby and I recently went on a date.

Planting the hydrangeas- um, no.  BBQ with friends- not so much.  Swimming lessons and bike rides- my bike has a flat tire!

But I can't really say it was a complete fail.  Because this summer we played like crazy with James and relaxed and enjoyed ourselves and our new home.  Lots of time was spent in our backyard with a little inflatable swimming pool, a homemade sandbox, and sidewalk chalk.  Many a popsicle and ice cream cone were eaten.  Naps were taken and photos were snapped.

I'd say it's been a GREAT summer!

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P.S. The winners of Black & Decker Steam Mop giveaway and Ali Grace giveaway will be announced Friday.  Go HERE and HERE to enter!

Jewelry Storage

I saw this jewelry organizer in my Container Store catalog and I thought it was so cute- for only $18!  It's nice to be able to see your necklaces and earrings- I know I'll forget what I have if I can't see it!  I previously blogged about how I organize my jewelry last year.  If you missed it, you can go HERE to see it.

Designer Finds at Discount Prices

Is summer really coming to an end?  If fall is approaching, at least I have this to look forward to:  

On Tuesday September 13, the Missoni for Target collection (said to contain over 400 pieces from home decor to clothing) arrives in Target stores nationwide!  Prices for the products range from about $3 to $600, but most will be under $40.  Only 30 more days:)

Go here to see the entire collection!

Excited?  I love the tableware, the teacups/saucers, and laptop case.  The luggage and throw are pretty cute too!