made to order...

whether it be a new baby, a sick friend, or just someone in need of a little t.l.c, bringing dinner into a friend's home is a way to show your love and support while providing a little home-cooked goodness for their soul.


a friend and i recently did this for our friends who had just brought their new baby home... we made baked ziti and filled a bag with salad makings, dessert, and some wine for the new parents to share.  


the gift allowed them to have a date night in without the stress of trying to cook and change diapers/breast feed/or calm a crying lil' babe.


we made a little card for the baking instructions, but this simple touch of decorating an aluminum lid is pretty much genius and will be my go-to way of bringing dinner from now on.  


- decorate lid with a sharpie... be sure to include baking instructions and any other tips and/or additions that would compliment the meal.
- serve & deliver in recyclable aluminum baking pans that eliminate the need to return a friend's cookware!


**photo inspiration from enormous champion

rifle radness...

sweet little anna bond... 
and her husband/business partner nathan.


they had a vision.
they trusted their guts.
and they leapt.


i first stumbled upon her whimsy hand painted creations on a wedding blog three or four years back... and since then, have watched rifle paper co. fully flourish.  her artwork is unmistakable and knowing that each piece is created by her sitting at a table with her paint set just makes you appreciate her devotion to her craft... it's true love.


anyways, this holiday season... she's offering custom made holiday cards!!! how sweet is that?


i'd love to have these made for our family holiday greeting, but told myself i MUST wait until i have long locks again otherwise our family portrait might be easily mistaken for three boys... or the three wise men! ha!


you should definitely order now...the holidays will be here before you know it!

son of a...

etsy never ceases to amaze me. 


i could spend hours upon hours pouring thru the storefronts and continually be amazed by the talent, time, love, energy and just do it attitude that this community of artists exudes.  


newest obsession is son of a sailor... and at these prices, it's almost too easy not to just get swept to sea!

s'more of that...

S'MORES... when was the last time you had one?

mine was last night... and every time i eat one, i always find myself wondering why the heck i don't eat them more often.

the rich milky-ness of the chocolate... the ooooey-goooey, and on my s'more, charred sugar goodness of the marshmallow squished between two crisp, crunchy graham crackers....mmmm mmmm.

and... i'm convinced that s'mores bring people together...

everyone's got their ideal way to make, assemble, and eat a s'more... so before you know it, people are sharing their s'mores knowledge, collaborating, and stuffing themselves full of jet-puffed awesomeness.

heck, last night, we even came up with a million dollar invention that may just take the world by s'torm!

they also hold a pretty special place in mine & keith's heart... it started with the xmas of the s'more maker... then made an appearance during our wedding weekend... and now, serve as the perfect way to spend an evening under the stars, with great friends

plaid pleaser...

dear sam. 
the majority of us ladies are big, big fans of yours. we wait each season's collection with baited breathe and breathe several oooh's and awwww's at your never disappointing array of footwear.  fall is wonderful and i'm smitten by alvin, but have just one teensy-weensy request.


...can you pretty, pretty please make a holiday edition in tartan plaid? 


my feetsies would be so excited.


thank you.

entertain-tip #9... setting it up

one of the best things about a great dinner party is the long, lingering, "don't-want-this-night-to-end" feeling that engulfs a table and makes you feel like you're the luckiest person on the planet.

it's something about the coming together of a mix of people, the varying topics of conversation that flow, the smiles, the laughter... all enhanced by a delicious meal prepared with love, and wine that flows more and more as the night passes by. it encapsulates the essence of togetherness and provides a fullness of the heart that i truly cherish.

and it's these feelings that make me love preparing a table. setting the stage where the magic will later unfold. whether you take an elaborate or simple approach, a well thought out table looks beautiful and sets the tone for your evening.

and because we can all probably use a little refresher:

-  forks go on the left (smallest on the outside working up to biggest closest to the plate)

-  knife lives to the right of the plate

-  spoon sits to the right of the knife

-  bread plate goes in the upper left corner

-  wine & water glasses in the upper right 

now, dim the lights & don't for get the candles... or the flowers. or any other little tchotchkes that will spark conversation & help set the mood.

we'll be over soon. can't wait to see you.

sister... sister

the sartorialist is always always good for whisking me away and plopping me in the middle of an every day street scene that captures a moment and makes me want to linger in it.


this picture...the one with the two sisters. this one makes me miss MY sister. it makes me want to transport her here, into my every day life, permanently.


i love the contrast here..it sums up sisters so well. their similarities in looks and stature paired with the vast difference in personal style. 
but yet, you can sense their closeness and know this picture would make thier momma proud.

... and then there is this one. this picture makes me giddy and makes me cherish my closest of close, most bestest friends. my soul sisters. my kindred spirits. and my missing pieces. 


i love that you can't even seen the girls faces, but just from their body language you know they're close. having deep chats, conspiring, giggling their way thru the day.

terrific two...

being able to view the world thru the eyes of a child is a pretty magical thing... today marks my 730th day taking the world in from this vantage point and, i must admit, i am forever changed.

from here...  each day is greeted with a smile...the world is a big place with an adventure around every corner... and each step is an exploration in self-discovery...you wear your heart on your sleeve... you trust in people... you laugh at yourself,..and you cry, too...you appreciate the small things...you embrace your independence...you cherish the security of home... you pass no judgement...there is always love & a smile to share...and you laugh, SO much.


curren oliver, you rule. your wit, passion, kindness and eye for adventure inspire me. i love you beyond belief. happy birthday!!!

finger find...

wow. just discovered these rings (here & here) from st.kilda's eclectic line of jewelry. i'm completely obsessed with the subtle, hidden details of both versions. would be the perfect token of love for the romantic's out there or a push present for those momma's to be.


now...i've got to figure out a way to convince my honey that i'm deserving of yet another piece of jewelry to adorn my fingers

missoni for moi...

i know the line is going to go like hot cakes, but you can bet your bottom dollar i'll be in line 9/13 to get some missoni for moi!