a valentine for my valentines

Remember how I talked about creating a Christmas greeting card early to beat the holiday chaos and what not?  Yeah, well, that didn't happen.  And I felt horrible and like such a slacker. I mean, it's just not like me.

But still I was determined to send something and soon. New Year's greeting cards didn't happen, 'cause mama got sick, but fortunately (and thanks to) Gen's Favorite hosted a Minted giveaway for Valentine greetings and I was the lucky duck who was selected! I was beyond excited!

 So now I must choose a design I like and place my order... and soon.

images source: Minted

I've narrowed it down to these three and I'm having a difficult time deciding.  Hmmm, eenie-mini-miney-moe...

By the way, Gen's blog really is a favorite of mine. She has a great eye for design and style and I follow her blog religiously, which is why I was doubly-excited to win her giveaway.

Ok, I must go now and force myself to make a decision.

not going to the chapel

Photography by Lacie Hansen via Once Wed

While I do appreciate a huge wedding shindig with all those fabulous little details and despite never having had the chance to have one of my own, I've pretty much convinced myself that should I find that special someone I want to commit to for a lifetime, I'd rather keep the nuptials simple. But simple doesn't mean it won't be beautiful. These elopement photos spotted at Once Wed are a perfect example that it can be done.

Merry Monday!

the little things

image source: Holly Mathis Interiors

image source: unsure, I saved this image a while back. please share it if you know it.

image source: unknown, again please share it if you know it.

It's the little things that make me take note, like corralling the crayons in a wooden bowl, or a lovely bowl/dish for fruit, or even displaying a collection of perfume on a cake stand. For some reason this makes me smile.

Have a lovely weekend, yall!

keep it simple, stupid

image source: A Well Traveled Woman
 

image source: 29.media.tumblr.com
 

image source: Garance Dore
 

image source: Purse Forum
 

image source: The Empty Apartment

I have moments where I stand in front of my closet forever, thinking and rethinking what to wear. It drives me insane! I tell myself, "This is not rocket science. Just pick something, anything!" In those times I need to remind myself, keep it simple. 'Cause sometimes, simple really is best.

enjoy a laugh

SH*T OSCARPRGIRL SAYS from Oscar de la Renta on Vimeo.

Do you follow Oscar PR Girl? She shares an insider's view of working with fashion great, Oscar de la Renta.  And just recently shared this little video with a reminder from Oscar, "don't take it all too seriously."

Enjoy.

color block

Top: gift (two years ago). Jeans: Target Mossimo. Boots: Jessica Simpson (two years ago). Belt: Target.

I actually wore this New Year's Eve, since I knew I wasn't going to be going out, but still wanted to wear something fun regardless.  This is my attempt at the color blocking trend, which is not always easy to pull off in the winter.  Now that I look at it, it seems kind of monochromatic too, with the blue and green kind of blending into each other.  Color block, monochromatic, whatever. It's color!  Does anyone else have trouble color blocking in the colder months when most people's wardrobes are neutral?

happy colors

image source: The Purl Bee
 

image source: Anne Harper at Saatchi Online
 

image source: Absolutely Beautiful Things
 

image source: The Architecture Blog

Hello, everyone! In case you didn't realize it, it's Monday. While I was determined to start this new week off to a good start, I have a coughing child at home, so it's derailing my plans a bit to get my list accomplished. Oh well, tis the life of a mother. If you're having a tough start as well, maybe this jolt of happy colors will bring a little smile and inspiration your way.

signs of life

It's finally Friday and even with the holiday on Monday it still felt like the longest week ever.  Here's the latest round of snapshots taken in the last two weeks, just the little things I want to remember.

top: Elvis had a birthday celebration / my little leg workout / an intersection in the very small town my parents grew up in
middle: my little snow bunny / a blurry reflection / mama and daughter headshot
bottom: my backseat companion and me / some new dresses for my dress-obssessed daughter / a warm oregano-lemon-honey concoction to help get rid of my cough

Also, in case you don't read the Urban Grace Interiors blog (and if so, um, why aren't you?), she just recently shared this site called The Glow. It's a "a glimpse into the world of inspiring and fashionable moms" where "you’ll find their styling ideas, go-to gear, multitasking secrets, and enviable decor."  Yesterday I spent a considerable amount of time going through the photos featured. Mom or not, go check it out.

Happy Friday, friends!

my next bed

image source: Traditional Home
 

image source: Elle Decor

image source: House & Home

I think it's pretty much safe to say my next bed will have an upholstered headboard.  These are just a few of my favorite bedrooms featuring them and it only makes me want one all the more.

tribal times

Word on the street is tribal influences are hitting hard in 2012. It may even wipe out the ikat craze of yesteryear. What are your thoughts/concerns/issues on the trend? love it, hate it?  I support it, as long as it's done right, which is pretty much my stand on anything.


image sources: desire to inspire / that kind of woman

oatmeal cake

One of my family's favorite cakes is none other than oatmeal cake. The name may leave something to be desired, but trust me, it's so delicious! My father's mother would make it often and so my mother copied the recipe from my grandmother's cookbook. Not sure what cookbook, but either way, here it is.

image source: my photos taken in Instagram

Just a few things to note, the recipe calls for oleo. I don't have an exact explanation for what that means, but I can tell you all I did was use a stick of butter where it called for it. Also, the recipe requires chopped nuts. I only used pecans.

It's seriously so good!  

potty time

image source: Dustjacket Attic

I've seen this image a few times here and there and I finally had to save it because I think it's an inspiring space.  For one, this bathroom could've had the potential of being that horrible little secret who no one outside the family is allowed to see. Instead, they took a lemon and made the best darn lemonade they could make. From the tiling to the gallery wall to the skirted sink to the mirror - all of it has it's charms. Not to mention, the interesting light fixture used. When you add it all up, you end up with a lovely little powder room that no one could be ashamed of!

happy friday

image source: Doodle Home
 

image source: Relax

image source: Citizen Couture

Just a few things that made me smile in the last week. I'm gonna keep it short. I've been fighting laryngitis and need to squeeze in a nap before the little one is out of school for the week. Hope yall have a happy weekend! 

carousel horses

Top: Asos (the same print but in maternity). Jeans: Old Navy.  Heels: Franco Sarto (a year ago).

I tend to keep things pretty simple in my wardrobe, always wearing solid colors and what not. While it's great to have some basics like that, I also try when possible to shop for prints as well. I had been wanting a repeating pattern print for awhile now and when Tiffany showcased this one on her blog a few months back, I decided it was a unique enough so I bought it. It's hard to tell, but it has one of those pussybow tie fronts, which really adds to the front, making it a bit more girly.

In case you missed it, here was my last outfit post.

catch up day

HOW I FEEL...

image source: Pinterest


HOW I WANT TO FEEL...

image source: We Heart It

This week has been kind of a mess, what with an unexpected snow day (meaning the little one was home) to a roping event (team roping, to be more specific) to support my brother. I'm tired as heck, feel like I'm losing my voice and I have loads of blogs to wash and tons of clothes to read. Huh? You know what I mean. Forgive me as I play catch up.

a child grows with it

One of the more popular child's rooms to make the rounds on blogs belongs to the son of Jenna Lyons, the creative director at J.Crew .

Our first sneak peak at it was in the late Domino magazine...

Later Living etc featured it as well...

and most recently with Jenna's home being up for sale, we got another view of how the room has grown with her son...

I think one of the reasons it has evolved so well is because bright colors blended with neutrals were chosen initially, what with the stripes on the ceiling against the black wall. And when you add in the colorful toys or a few brighter items, like the chair, toy bins, bedding (first and third photos), it makes it easier to grow with a child.

I feel people get too theme-y with their baby's room and they forget that in a few short years that child will be an active toddler and then a preschooler, but Jenna did it right. Great job!

image sources: Habitually Chic, Live Creating Yourself

for the love of leopard

image source: Style at Home

image source: Who What Wear

image source: Lonny
 

image source: Shala's Rabbit Hole 
 

image source:  Glitter Guide
 

image source: Pretty Stuff

image source: unknown, please share if you know it.

image source: Glitter Guide tumblr
 

image source: unknown, please share if you know it.

image source: Kate Spade tumblr

 

image source: Sanity Fair
 

image source: Sierra Chantal
 

image source: unknown, please share if you know it.

image source: I Am Only Human
 

image source: unknown, please share source if you know it

image source: Matchbook Mag tumblr
 

image source: Made by Girl
 

image source: google
 

image source: Gadabout tumblr

No matter what anybody says, I strongly believe leopard never goes out of fashion. Never. It always is and always will be in style. It's like black. It's a constant. It can have attitude, yet act like a neutral. It's not going away.

So if you're a devotee to leopard or want to add a bit to your life, check out my picks below:

1. High Street Market Snow Leopard Throw Pillow $48
2. Target Leopard Print Bench $299
3. Forever 21 Leopard Print Dress $24.80
4. Godfrey Leopard Pony Hair Wedge $59.97
5. J. Crew Invitation Clutch $138
6. KitchenAid Mixer $450
7. Steve Madden CroquetL $80
8. Zara Leopard Print Blouse $49.90