Ten Links

Image via fiveandspice

I found this article incredibly intriguing. It kind of makes me wish for a TV kitchen makeover... BUT we rent and I really, really love subway tile... 

Lighthearted tips for happy marriages. I liked this. :)

This salad looks like perfection... this said by someone who doesn't even love salad as a general rule. I also LOVE the words to accompany the recipe. I totally relate.. and it's rare that a beautiful food blog is accompanied by beautiful words. ;)

This just makes me smile.  

I made this bread pudding  the other day and have been wanting more since. SIMPLEST recipe ever. (Also the best way to not waste leftover bread).

With all the babies being born around here (none mine!), I'm always looking out for great gifts, and I kind of love this right now.  

These are seriously the cutest prints. I'd love the whole set for the girls' room.

I've been craving a trip to NYC, and this picture didn't help things! Why do I love cities SO much? (ps. follow me on pinterest, if you want ;) 

Lastly, I LOVE this. Such a good read.

Happy Friday to you! 

So Good: Wunway

Here's a little story: Sophie randomly decided one day that she likes wearing extra long leggings that she can wear under the heels of her feet. She would refuse short leggings because she couldn't keep that little fabric under her feet when she's wearing short leggings. 

Thankfully she's come out of that stage, but it delighted her to no end when a little box from Wunway came in the mail, carrying leggings that did just that on their own. Wunway just seems to KNOW what kids love... 

It's no big surprise: the creators of this charming brand are three mothers themselves- to 10 children between the three of them! They're well versed on comfort + style... whimsy + edgy, with neutrals mixed in to keep things just right. In addition to a modern loop leggings, Sophie got the new twirliest dress in her closet. This dress spins with the best of them. 

"Style starts young" is Wunway's motto and how true it is. I've learned that somehow opinions- strong ones- develop early, and preferences are clear.  

Maggie is a bit young, and for her, comfort is everything. She is enjoying her high-waisted animal-print leggings and cozy cream sweater because of its softness, mostly. I think it's adorable because it gives this high-fashion-for-kids look, but feels JUST right for a backyard playtime. (and those chubby toddler hands are my favorite thing). 

The clothing at Wunway is unpredictable, yet on trend. They are always fresh, and always comfortable for kids... And their accessories options!! I love when kids' accessories and clothes don't take themselves too seriously! 

So! Here are some other favorites from Wunway... and you'll have to drop by their site and check out the other cuteness they offer! 

Samples were provided for review. The opinions are all our own. xo

That Was Fun: Vince Fashion Brunch

SO here's a new one: I went to a fashion show last weekend. And it was fabulous. It's incredibly fun to deviate from my normal role of stay-at-home mom on a Saturday, and enjoy some gorgeous adult fashion and eat everything on my decadent plate all by myself. ;)  

I got the invitation and had no idea what to expect. This isn't NYC, obviously. For me, it was perfectly ideal. NYC fashion doesn't come accompanied by a three-course brunch at the Four Seasons MKT restaurant with friends, which is what we were able to enjoy together. Views of the city included.

Dreaming of a day Brian and I can take a stay-cation at the Four Seasons... I mean, the views!!! The food at MKT! Lovvvve this place. I'm craving the burrata salad as we speak!  

Eggs Florentine at MKT

The Vince holiday 2013 line. Soft, luxury fabric and gorgeous outerwear.

Thanks for the amazing brunch MKT, and to Vince for the serious fashion inspiration! We'll be back in a heartbeat.

xo

Birthdays are the best

Gorgeous sweets all created with love by my dear friend Hilary // The Sugar Studio.

 (The Happy Birthday song was a bit unnerving for both of my girls at their 2nd birthday). ;)

Maggie at 2:

Loves puppets & Mickey Mouse and friends. Says "okay" to everything (!!). Adores her sister, calls her "Vivi" and copies her dance moves. Requested at her 2nd bday party to eat her cupcake with a spoon and took 30 minutes to do so. Likes to eat anything we've ever given her, except zucchini. Can read books by herself on the bed for a looong time (15 minutes is ages in toddler time). Colors until every inch of a picture is filled. Spins and says "whoooaaaa" until she's dizzy enough to fall down, for kicks, daily. Takes paper bags or boxes, puts them on her head and runs full speed around the house (thoroughly terrifying her mama). Sings one note as loud as she can for as long as she can hold it. Clutches a neon pink stuffed octopus every time she falls asleep... or else falls asleep in a fit of tears. Takes off her diaper any chance she gets. Brings her dishes to the sink and tosses them in after most meals... also tossing food wherever she goes. ;). Wants to wear jackets every moment of every day. Takes shoes on and off as much as possible. Squeals and jumps up and down when her daddy comes home. Watches the garbage trucks out the window every week in awe (both girls do). She is sunshine on any cloudy day. xo.

Can't wait to celebrate your every year with you, little Maggie girl.  

Ps. (The Sugar Studio is amazing. Take classes with Hilary & buy all her sweets (they'll change your life... or at least your pallet... with their fresh deliciousness).

Sweets // Puppet Theatre // Temporary Tattoos // Puppets (tutorial soon!) // Striped Paper Cups  // Candles // also, thanks to Manus for photo help. :) 

Two Years

Two years ago, my darling Maggie came into this world. She is joy beyond what I could ever expect. She lightens every day with laughter... it comes so naturally to her to smile all day long.

The day she was born, there was overwhelming emotion and I wrote my heart on my secret little blog for family and friends at the time: I wrote my pain, and my joy-- it feels appropriate to share here today, two years later:

August 19 & 20, 1997 were the hardest days of my life thus far.

My brother was a beloved hero to me who breathed his last breath on August 20, 1997. 14 years ago. I remember the details of the 24 hours preceding his death like none other. I remember falling asleep on the 19th unsure whether or not I would see him alive when I awoke the following day. Loved ones stayed over & up all night, spending time at his bedside praying and singing and reading scripture to David. I remember us ending a prayer and my brother opening his eyes and asking weakly that we pray more. I ate normal meals and drank apple juice. My brother couldn't eat or drink anything. We prayed for miracles that night. We prayed for life all morning. We prayed that he would see my sister and mom again. They were flying from Virginia on the earliest possible plane.

Our prayers were answered. My mom and sister arrived home. Gave kisses, said goodbye. We held my brother's hand and watched him close his eyes for the last time and be at rest with the Lord finally. It rained the entire day, night & morning before he took his last breath. 

Then it happened: He breathed his last. I walked outside in surreal shock and God showed me rainbow in the sky. "Remember my promises," He said to me. He said to us. He sent us a rainbow.

His grace is sufficient.
He is holy.
His Words are true.
He is sovereign.
He will turn our mourning into dancing.

His promises are true.

I cannot look at last night without seeing that rainbow again. Our Lord is so good to us. Thirteen years I've spent August 19 & 20 with a sorrowful heart. Today- I see instead God's generous hand blessing our family with our Maggie. Of all the dates and times for her to be born, she came in the middle of a night so set in sadness for our family and brought joy to our Augusts forever. I cannot believe this was any sort of accident. 

How beautiful it is to know Christ. To have hope. And to be joyful.

Happy birthday to my darling little Maggie. Our little spark of life, our beaming beauty with sweet, delicate features, and an even sweeter heart. We adore you.

xxoo.

Ps. All about her little birthday party and favorites, coming up tomorrow... it was a smashing success- we had one happy little 2-year-old on our hands! 

Summer to Fall

That chill is coming and it's one I know and love: FALL. Crisp leaves, cider, coats, yes please.  

We had the most fabulous little photo shoot at Blink Inc. the other day, which is where I got these amazing pics of my kiddos... One, painless little 10-minute photo shoot was all it took! I'm baffled at the skill level.

We created the shoot as a way to show how my girls like to transition their summer staples into their fall wardrobe. (I managed to forget to bring Sophie's jacket, like any good mother taking their children in 65 degree weather, taking pictures for fall, but we can all use our imaginations and get the idea...)  

Maggie likes shorts. I like when Maggie wears shorts because it means it's nice and warm out, and I'm probably exploring the city and smiling and laughing a lot. Shorts are a one-season item, right? Wrong. Shorts are crazy-adorable on little girls who want to look their preppiest in the fall. Shorts with grey tights and sassy moccasins and their favorite green peacoat hand-me-down. Happy all around.  

There is nothing my Sophie loves better than a good twirly dress. Her go-to is a floral number that she has worn or requested to wear 23 of the 24 days she's owned it. She loves it to bits. It has a halter though, and that's just not necessarily a practical decision when the temperatures drop a bit. What do we do when she wants to hit the playground in her favorite dress when it's a misty morning? Knee high socks, rain boots, warm scarf, and any basic jacket or sweater! 

The moral of the story? KEEP the summer gear!! Be creative with it, and have your kids' clothing live to see another day, stylishly! 

The other moral of the story? Find Blink Inc. ASAP and book a session. Photographic brilliance in mere minutes. GREAT for the kids who just don't love long photo sessions, and SO much fun to do with props!

Cannot wait for the next chance to get more picture gems of my kiddos. 

xoxo