wedding weekend

I am so excited to watch the Royal Wedding tomorrow!




I've got to remember to set my DVR tonight to start taping it from the start.


(Photo of these fabulous cupcakes by Caroline via here.)

reading round-up

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I loved the format of this historical fiction! It's comprised entirely of letters sent between the residents of Guernsey (members of the "Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society") and Juliet, a writer in London. She wanted to know more about the German occupation of Guernsey during World War II. They wanted to share their stories of hardship and triumph. And so the plot unfolds! Juliet's witty writing reminded me of some of my favorite blogs... if she was around today (and a real person!), I just know she'd have one.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

You know a book is a good one, when every girl on the train is reading it on the way to work, and when Wade said he'd seen lots of people with "The Help" in tow, I knew I had to add it to my reading list. (My friend loaned it to me, so that helped too!) Set in Jackson at the start of the civil rights movement, it's the story of three women who become the unlikeliest of friends as they work together to write an eye-opening book about the reality of Jackson's young white women and the black maids they employ. Loved it. And Hooray! I saw that it's been made into a movie and coming to theaters this summer. The entire time I was reading, I was imagining what a good movie it would make.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book! (It wasn't part of my high school English syllabus, and though I'd recognized the title, I didn't know anything about it until a friend recommended it.) First published in 1943, "Tree" tells the story of Francie Nolan, a bright, but lonely girl growing up in the Brooklyn tenements at the turn-of-the-century. Living in poverty, she had very few possessions and lived a pretty tough life, enduring hardships no child should ever have to face. But she had a vivid imagination and found simple pleasures in even the littlest things. Betty Smith's writing through the voice of a child is so beautiful and memorable and makes this book easily one of my favorites.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood

The last few weeks or so, this book has been at the top of our pile of bedtime books. Sometimes it's actually the only one we read because before I even have a chance to say "the end," Henry and Amelia are already asking with great insistence for "moh, moh, moh!" Most nights we read it five or six times before they've had their fill (and I've managed to convince them that the little mouse has gone to bed). Thank goodness it's a cute story and with even cuter illustrations, otherwise I'd go crazy reading it so much!

style file: summer dresses

Though my wardrobe tends to consist mostly of pieces in white, black or gray, I think I'm ready to bust out of my lack-of-color-rut.

And am happy to do so with any of these...




(Clockwise from top: 1. Kimono Dip Dye Dress at Calypso St. Barth; 2. Strapless Ikat Dress at Calypso St. Barth; 3. Lilac Sleeveless Tea Dress at TopShop; 4. Marrakesh Ruffled Summer Dress at Built By Wendy.)

design inspiration: alexandra angle interior design

I have had so much fun ogling all the photos in Alexandra Angle's interior design portfolio.

This one here, though, of a sunny office overlooking a scenic, tree-filled vista on Cape Breton Island made me catch my breath...


Could you imagine working at your desk and getting to gaze at that view every day? I could sit there for hours (given a more comfy chair, that is!)

PS - I also love the recycled tin cans as pencil holders.

(I first saw Ms. Angle featured on Thoughtful Day.)

monday monday

If it had been any other day, we probably would have felt guilty about all the sweets we ate, but since those bunny-shaped chocolates and jelly-bean filled eggs come but once a year, we shamelessly devoured them.

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

And because I've now got a bit of the Monday blahs (and am going through a bit of sugar withdrawl), I'm sharing this photo today because it makes me happy...


(Available here.)

spotlight: apple & bee

A delightful little shop from Down Under, Apple & Bee makes cosmetic, travel and baby bags using only eco-friendly materials.

I especially love the summer jute A&B Eco Tote with the company's signature message...

(Totes, pencil cases, coin purses, and stuff for the kids all available here.)

style file: kate spade jewelry

Bright colors + classic style.

I'm loving the beautiful simplicity of the spring jewelry line from Kate Spade...

(Dot To Dot Studs, Seaport Twisted Bangle, Take A Dip Necklace)

design inspiration: gallery wall

Yet another gallery art wall that's caught my eye...

And so loving the little vignette at the end of the hall. The simple, modern console table is in perfect balance with the old, dusty chalkboard, and the metal industrial lamp contrasts wonderfully with the sleek black and white pottery collection. I wish I could see the rest of the room!

(Image via Suzie Beezie Tumblr.)

chocolate eggs

Dark.

Chocolate.

Covered.

Caramel.

Eggs.

Alone they don't mean much, but string those five little words together and I'm powerless against them. How can I resist such a wonderful treat?

Loving that Easter is just around the corner...

And now I have to stop looking at these and focus instead on convincing myself that walking up to the corner store for an afternoon candy fix is not a good idea.

(Available at Terrain.)

xoxo stationary

The perfect sentiment. On letterpress.

(Hugs and Kisses Box Set from Petite Alma)

style file: totokaelo

I just spent WAY too much time looking through the Totokaelo look book.

I'm lovin' the casual vibe - easy layers, neutral colors, ankle pants - skinny and wide - and uh-mazing shoes.

A few of my favorite looks...

The change in seasons leaves me wanting to change my entire wardrobe. Am I the only one?

design inspiration: spacious entry

I sometimes think that the coming and the going at my house would be so much easier if only I had a decent space* in which to do so. A large, storage-galore space. I imagine myself gliding in and out with ease. Marveling at how organized everything is. (Basically, it's the EXACT opposite of my current sad, little crowded routine - trip over the dog, while putting on shoes, without dropping purse, while digging for keys, and convincing kiddos to sit still.)

A place a little like this...

(Image via That Kind of Woman)

*My current entry? in case you're wondering, is a teeny little 5x5 square with zero wall or floor space for any kind of storage whatsoever. My current mudroom? Ha! not a mudroom in sight.

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Hooray for weekends!

I can't wait for two days off from the hustle and bustle, rush rush rush of the week. Henry's getting his very first haircut on Saturday! And we've got tasty brunches and dinners out planned with friends. Last I heard, the temps are supposed to be in the 70's on Sunday... perfect for airing out the house and getting the whole gang outside to play.

Whatever your plans, I hope you enjoy every moment of your weekend!

xo, Kristin

(Image via Maureen DuLong on flickr.)

hi!

Just like I knew it was right to step away for a while a few months ago, it feels so right to be back now, starting again from where I left off. Hello again!

And now it's spring here in Chicago! And it feels so nice. Even if it is only 50 degrees. And supposed to rain. But I'm not gonna let that get me down because we had a rotten winter (rotten!) and a little rain now means gorgeous flowers and green grass later.

For now, I'm just so excited to be back and to show you all the wonderful things that I've been filing away, knowing that I'd share all the loveliness with you some day again. The day is come! And today I am loving her cheery, colorful prints...

(Bird Chirping Weather by Katie Daisy on Etsy)