my summer reading list

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin.

I LOVED this historical fiction that tells the story of the little girl that the book "Alice in Wonderland" was based on. It's a bit of a love story, a bit of a mystery. And a little bit sad. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, and I was really taken with this story - I think because I never knew there was a "real" Alice. It was so good that I started doing some internet "research" to read more about her. I didn't want the book to end!




The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Oh, this book was SO good. The story is about Edgar, a young boy who was born mute, and who lives on a small farm with his parents and his dogs. Everything's hunky-dory until Uncle Claude returns home, and that's when Edgar's world turns upside down. There's a reason why Oprah picked this for her bookclub. I laughed, I cried, and I was constantly awed by the author's knack for words and the images he provokes. If you're a dog lover, you are especially going to like this. I can't even count how many times I put the book down to hug Lulu.




Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan

This is a super-quick read. As in, you can finish it in a day. It's a great little book about how to eat, what to eat, when to eat, and how much. I really liked it and have recommended it to a lot of friends. (and now you, too!)



World Without End by Ken Follett

Love. War. The Plague. Ken Follett's done it again with this historical fiction. It's huge - 1000+ pages! - but goes by surprisingly quickly once you get into the story. I actually liked this better than "Pillars of the Earth", his first novel. Bottom line - it's an epic love story with a whole lotta obstacles thrown at the love-birds. And I really liked it.





The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett

This was a favorite when I was a kid, and I couldn't pass it up when I saw it at the library. A great story about friendship and appreciating nature and believing in yourself. I can't wait to read this with Amelia some day.



The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog! by Mo Willems

Mo Willems is awesome. His books are awesome. I love that kooky pigeon.




Have you read any of these?
I'd love to hear what you think.

Now I'm looking for something new. Have any to recommend?

Happy Reading!
xo, Kristin

summer fun

So, how have I been spending my lazy days of summer? Just doing a little of this...

gobbling up ridiculous amounts of watermelon * smiling at my flip-flop tan lines * chasing after two little ones who have learned to crawl - and fast! * eating gooey marshmallow s'mores * finally getting a library card and checking out some new reads * wishing I could dance even just a little bit like my favorites on “So You Think You Can Dance” * looking out for beautiful pieces of vintage milk glass *




growing my first tomato plant * cuddling with my pup * celebrating a birthday with a volcano cake * enjoying family walks with stops along the way for chai lattes and blueberry scones * loving the days that have been humidity free * treating my tootsies to pedicures * reading a few chapters before bed each night * roadtripping to northern Wisconsin for a week of family fun * (and lamenting the speeding ticket that I still have to pay) *




baking my very first carrot cake with cream cheese frosting * running at daybreak * wishing my friends luck as they pack up and move to the suburbs * using the grill more than the oven * bending into lots of down-dogs * enjoying the bounty of fresh summer fruits * drinking a fair share of chilled white wine * brunching with my best girl friends * watching in awe as my children learn and do new things each day * playing like a kid again *




And finally, thanking heaven for this wonderful life that is mine. all mine.



(All of the images in this post are from the uber-talented Jane Heller and are available for sale here. 1, 2, 3)

hello dears

Hi, Dear Readers. I'm sorry I was away so long. And for disappearing without so much as a note saying I'd be taking a bit of time off. Please do forgive me. I can only say that I've been takin'-it-easy. Living my own version of the "lazy days of summer." (As much as that's possible with twins!)

It was nice to take a break from blogging, though. I felt like things were getting a little stale around here. I needed a recharge. And I think I got it. Feeling newly inspired, I'm ready to jump back in and share some of my little joys with you.

Thanks for hanging with me.
xo, Kristin



Here's a lovely still life from the portfolio of Lisa Hubbard.
Isn't it charming?



(still life by Lisa Hubbard)

PS - if any of you happen to see a tablecloth like this, please let me know. I am smitten with it!

spotlight: 1 canoe 2

Here's a great letterpress gift for the cook/baker in your life...





(Set of recipe cards & dividers by 1 canoe 2)

design inspiration: flea market bath

Just one word.
Perfection...


(Image via Vintage Rose Garden)

10 things: getting to know inspiring interiors

If you've got a few, head over to Inspiring Interiors. I pinky-swear... you will not be disappointed. Kifus scouts the web and shares her delightful finds with us. Amazing house tours and gorgeous interiors shots, the design ideas abound. And she really covers every style... from a modern urban loft to a country-chic cabin to a grand old-world villa, it's a design showcase all wrapped up in one neat little blog.

My only warning... be sure to give yourself plenty of time to peruse. Because if you're like me, you'll intend to sit down a do a quick scan, only to find yourself 45 minutes later still swooning.

Now, on to Kifus' 10 Things...

The last thing I do before bed: Watch cartoons with my hubby.

Favorite thing about my house: The house itself, it's really old and gorgeous. And I have to add the windmill in our garden.

The best place to be in the spring: Paris, with hubby and daughter.



My signature dish: Lemon cheesecake. They like it so much at home that I make it twice a week.

When I need to unwind: I get into bed with a hot water bottle (my feet are always cold!) and read a book.

Celebrity crush: Johnny Precious Depp.

On Sunday mornings you'll find me: Blogging!

I could spend the whole day: Surfing the net and playing computer games (shh, don't tell my kids!)

I feel my prettiest when: I don't know why but it is when I'm driving!

It's worth the splurge: Fresh flowers. Not so much of a splurge but I make a point of buying them almost every week. Nothing makes your rooms look more appealing and welcoming than flowers.



(Photos from here and here.)


Kifus -- keep up the amazing work! You continue to razzle and dazzle with the great house tours and photos you post. And thanks to Inspiring Interiors, I've a file full of ideas for my next house! Also, do you think you might want to share that cheesecake recipe with us? I can't stop thinking about it... That, and Johnny Depp. ;)

design inspiration: the family table

The calm before the storm...

The chairs have been polished. The table is ready to be set. The room is still.

Family and friends are on their way, bringing with them stories and laughter and compliments to the cook. Dishes will be passed, each bite savored. Anyone for seconds? Growling tummies are long forgotten. With glad smiles on their faces and maybe a few top buttons undone, all sit contentedly around the table.


But for now, all is quiet.

(Image via Tiny White Daisies, originally spied by Margot Austin)

spotlight: madewell

Seriously loving the summer collection over at Madewell.

A few pieces on my wish list...










(From top: Wanderlust Roppongi Dress, Ahoy Striped Sweatshirt and Rail Straight Cutoffs, Ropey Soles Simple Espadrilles, Romantic Ruffle Dress)


I sure would love to see all of this in my closet!


(I never heard of Madewell, until I read about it on Cup of Jo. Thanks, Joanna!)

tgif + etsy spotlight: is photography

Looking forward to some fun and sun this weekend.
I just hope it's not too hot. ;)

(Umbrella by Irene Suchocki, IS Photography.)

Happy Weekend, My Lovelies!
... and Happy Fourth of July!
xo, Kristin

royal apothic rollerball

"inspired by the scent of a California orange grove in bloom."

I just can't stop smelling my new perfume...

(Royal Apothic Rollerball Perfume in Orange Blossom, $16 at Anthropologie)

i love it. love it. love it.

design inspiration: style swoon

Let's take a little stroll...

Through a bright white mudroom




a huge kitchen




a delightful kid's room




a chic country bath




and a cozy nook



Want to swoon a little more? Take a peek here. I adore every thing.


(All images from KML Design. Via Mary)

spotlight: up up creative

I'm back!!

I had a lovely week with my parents... full of lots of laughs, lots of hugs and lots of relaxation. If I wasn't missing my hubby and my pup so badly, I might have extended my stay! But it is good to be back and to share some new things with you...



Like this inspired idea!
A deck of feelgood cards is sure to come in handy every now and then...

(Feelgood Cards by Up Up Creative)

If you're feeling a bit down in the dumps, simply grab a card for some quick & easy mood-boosting advice. There are 38 tips to choose from! That frown will be gone before you know it.


Also, be sure to check out the Feelgood Lists. The inspiring backstory has got me composing my own list of bad mood busters.

a little vacation

Hi Dears!

Just popping in to let you know that I'll be taking the week off. I'm heading up to Wisconsin tomorrow (with the Twinkies in tow) for some much-needed quality time with my parents. I've been looking forward to this trip for a long time and am so happy it's finally here!

Be well, and I'll see you next week!
xo, Kristin

tgif + etsy spotlight: smac shop

This gives me goose-pimples.
In a good way.


(Salt Air Kitchen by sMac Shop.)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

i want it now: toms shoes

You know what they say about all that glitters.

Seriously swooning over these shoes...


I loved my first pair of Toms, too. Adorable green and blue plaid. Right up until my furry rascal, who goes by Lulu, thought it was a good idea to turn them into chew toys.

May they rest in peace.

They're 'shoes,' Lulu... not 'chews.'

me? i'm honored...

Lovely Minnie was kind enough to pick me for a Beautiful Blogger Award, and well, I'm just tickled that she thought of me. How sweet! I do hope she knows that the feeling is quite mutual.

So, I guess I should share seven things with you. Some random bits...

1. My husband and I took our honeymoon in Italy. It was an amazing trip with stops in Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre and Florence. We ate our hearts out and saw so much beautiful architecture. But probably my most memorable thing from the trip happened on the last Sunday that we were there. I got up a little early, laced up my sneakers and headed out for a jog through the hills just outside of Florence. It was a gorgeous morning, and I was just trucking along taking in the sights, when a single church bell started ringing. And then another. And then another. More and more bells chimed in until it seemed as if the whole city was ringing. It was magical. Brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my skin. I'll never forget it...

2. My favorite movie theater treat is a combination of milk duds and popcorn. It's the perfect duo of sweet and salty. Although, I'm sure my dentist would cringe if she just read that...

3. I definitely live by the credo that things happen for a reason, and so I try very hard to have no regrets. If things didn't fall exactly into place the way they have all these years, then I may not be where I am today. (And where I am is very happy.) BUT if I did have one do-over, it would be to have studied abroad while I was in college. I could kick myself for not doing it! I was so worried about missing out on all the college parties and friends, but instead I missed out on an amazing opportunity to get some culture, make new friends, and see a whole new side of the world. I wish my younger self knew how lucky she was to have the chance to do that...

4. If money weren't an issue, I'd love to move out to the country, restore a big old farm-house, grow a huge vegetable garden and raise chickens and goats and maybe a potbelly pig. (And my kitchen would have a soft-serve ice cream machine!) Lots of fresh air, wide open space and yummy dinners using our homegrown veggies sounds quite lovely to me. So does as much soft-serve as I can eat...

5. I love cereal. It's what I have for breakfast about 95% of the time. But I rarely ever pour just one kind of cereal. Nope, my bowls are all about mixers... I'm always mixing at least two, sometimes three (heck, yesterday I had four!) different kinds together. And as long as I'm telling you, I also pour in a ton of milk, let the bowl sit for a minute or two so the cereal gets a little soggy, and then I first drink all the milk and then eat the rest. I know it's so weird...

6. I have a major girl crush on Kelly Ripa. She just seems so lovely inside and out. She's got a wonderful sense of humor, her style is impeccable, her body is rock hard -- that girl works out! -- and she just seems really down to earth. I'd love to meet her someday. And then we can become besties...

7. My idea of a perfect Saturday morning is to wake with the sun and go for a long run through the still quiet city streets. I'll return home to my bright and cheery family who are all dressed and ready to go to breakfast. At breakfast, Wade will suggest doing splitzies (he never wants to share and usually refuses my requests), and we'll both get a taste of something sweet and something savory. On our way home, we'll breeze through the farmer's market for a lovely bouquet and some ripe fruits and veggies. I'm looking forward to the weekend already...

(This is what I like to imagine the view would be on my farm. Image from Julias Vita Drommar. Found it via darling Mary.)

Thanks so much again, Minnie. Mama Without Borders is most definitely one of my favorites!

what's cooking: menus!

Here's what we ate the last couple weeks:

Monday - leftovers both weeks!
Last Tuesday - Linguini with Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
Week before - Penne with Pesto Alla Trapanese (apparently I have a thing for pesto on Tuesdays!)
Last Wednesday - Grilled Chicken with Peppers over Rice Noodles
Week before - Roasted Tomato Tabbouleh
Last Thursday - Black Bean Tacos
Week before - Balsamic Portobello Burgers with Garlicky White Beans
Last Friday - Hot Dog Roll-ups (I know I'm not 10 years old, but they were samples at Trader Joe's -- kosher beef dogs wrapped in pizza dough baked until golden brown and with yellow mustard to dip -- and they were so good, I had to have more!)
Week before - Gnocchi with Sausage & Spinach

Favorite? Definitely loved all the pestos, and the Tabbouleh is a fabulous summer dinner, but the Hot Dog Roll-Ups were just that good.
Least? Not a fan of the Gnocchi. It was a little bland. I thought it was missing something... tomatoes maybe? And it was a little heavy on the onions.

Some pictures (not mine!)...



(Roasted Tomato Tabboueleh and Portobello Burgers via Martha Stewart)

tgif + etsy spotlight: sadie olive

Because I {heart} baking.


(Rolling Pins) by Sadie Olive.)


And I think this would look quite lovely hanging in my kitchen.

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

design inspiration: outdoor living

With a few good friends and some tasty nibbles, I could sit out here all day...

(Image via Lonny, Outdoor Spaces photo gallery)


Anyone up for an afternoon cocktail?

tgif + etsy spotlight: kitty rogers

Because lilacs are so darn pretty.


(Everywhere, For a Moment by Kitty Rogers)

Happy weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

10 things: getting to know 'life in the fun lane'

Holly is quite possibly one of the most motivated people I know. If she's not out treasure-hunting for art and antiques in lovely Vancouver, she's busy refurbishing furniture for her shop, helping Clients decorate their houses or renovating her own. And all the while, she's chasing after her adorable toddler, Wren.

A DIY-er through and through, Holly has loads of talent and quite an eye for finding diamonds in the rough. Every time I pop over to Life in the Fun Lane, I walk away with a pocket-full of decorating ideas. Full of Before-and-After shots (one of my favorite features!), it's a super inspiring blog.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Holly LOVES white. A kindred spirit! (But she has enough guts to actually decorate her house in an all white palette. With a baby. And two dogs. She's superwoman!)

I'm thrilled Holly is sharing 10 Things with us today...

The last thing I do before bed: Read. I cannot sleep unless I read for at least 20 minutes. My favorites are old mysteries I pick up on my treasure hunts.

Favorite thing about my house: The light. As soon as we walked in the front door I knew this was house when I saw light streaming in through a skylight down all the stairs.

My signature dish: Fried Rice. I really don't cook, so when I master something it is my go-to dish. This is one because it is easy to make using leftover chicken (like those rotisserie chickens from the grocery store). It is a rare day I make more than one dish with a meal, so I know I need to work on that...

The best place to be in the spring: In our backyard. I love the greenery and birds. We have birds singing all day long, and it is really private back there so I feel really relaxed.

Book I can read again and again: Ooh tough one! I have quite a few. I have read Mansfield Park (Jane Austin) a ton of times, and if I want to snuggle in bed for an afternoon I always curl up with The Lord of the Rings. I just love the characters, and feel like we're old friends by now.




If I had one do-over: I would have started our reno with the kitchen!! It costs the most and now we keep putting it off to finish other things...

When I need to unwind: I fill up the jacuzzi tub and grab my favorite book.

Celebrity crush: Rhett Butler. What a gent!

Words I live by: Do what you love! Life is too short to waste what you like just living for 2 days a week.

On Sunday mornings, you'll find me: Playing with Wren, going to the park.

Don't knock _____, until you try it: White! People tend to be scared of it for some reason, even when they love it.

Day I'd love to live again: Our wedding day. It was just so fun and romantic, and I loved my dress.





I could spend the whole day: Painting! There are days I forget to even eat I love it out in my garage so much!




I feel my prettiest when: I am wearing my favorite jeans and a great tee shirt.

It's worth the splurge: Good paint! You will spend more time, energy and money trying to get good coverage with the cheap stuff.

(all photos are Holly's ... so, you can see she's great behind the lens, too.)



Holly -- you are a gem. Beautiful inside and out. Thank you for the endless ideas you share with us to make our homes beautiful. You are a true inspiration!

PS - I don't think I'd ever take that wedding dress off. ;)

snippets

Some fabulous floral finds saved for a rainy day.


I want to wrap up after a steamy shower in this...




I'd like to decorate a desktop with this...




I'd like to throw a lovely dinner party like this...




I'd like to snuggle up in this...

Because flowers are lovely. Pure and simple.

what's cooking: last week's menu

It was a very lazy week in the kitchen for me. Must be the warm weather, but I just did not feel like cooking. Lots of grilling and simple salads for us...

Monday - Cheddar Burgers with Roasted Corn & Tomato Salad and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie for dessert (I wish I remembered to take a picture!!)
Tuesday - Hawaiian Pizza with Radish Salad
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Salad with Apples
Thursday - fend for yourself night
Friday - Fig & Prosciutto Crostini

Favorite? The Hawaiian Pizza! Caramelized onions, though not a typical ingredient, were a really good idea. We could have eaten the whole pizza but managed to show a bit of restraint. (Which made me very happy as I enjoyed leftovers the next day!)
Runner up? The chicken salad was quite fantastic. And SO simple to make. I'll be eating this again and again and again this summer. It was cool and refreshing... and it's just as good without the chicken as with it. And I should add that I normally wouldn't go near chicken salad because I don't like mayo, but this salad has a nice tart lime dressing, perfect for mayo-haters like me.
Least favorite? Ugh. I learned I do not like radishes. Who knew they were so spicy?! I felt very guilty throwing out the rest of the bunch I bought from the farmer's market but there was just no way we were going to finish them.

PS - I love how Wade and I have the exact same tastes, which includes an extreme dislike of mayonnaise (and now apparently radishes, too). We were meant for each other! ;)

(Photo via Real Simple)

One more thing... I should quickly mention that the pie was awesome. It was the perfect mix of sweet and tart with both the strawberries and rhubarb. I forgot how much I like the combo of the two. And how much I like pie...

That's all.
Let me know if you want any of the recipes.
xo, Kristin

tgif + happy holiday + etsy spotlight: alicia bock

I cannot get enough of Alicia's work, and I think this is the perfect photo for my weekend send-off.

To me, Memorial Day Weekend is the official start to summer. I'm hoping mine will include lots of lazy days under the sun...

(The Start of Something Good by Alicia Bock)

Happy Weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

your decorating style: a quiz!

It's official. I'm 'Cozy Casual'.

You see, a few months back, I took a fun quiz in the March issue of Real Simple. (I cannot resist those magazine quizzes!) It was super quick with one page full of different objects -- a Bertoia chair, a potted orchid, a stack of leather-bound books, a cashmere throw to name a few -- and all I had to do was mark those that I was drawn to. No thinking, just quick picks. There were probably about 30 or so items, and each was marked with either an A, B, C, or D. After making my picks, I tallied the letters. And my majority was C: Cozy Casual.

Cozy Casual is... Warm. It's traditional. It's weathered. Laid-back farmhouse style. "Just about any movie by Nancy Meyers." Oh yes. That's me. Most definitely.



Herewith, a few interiors that I think have that Cozy Casual feel...


(1. My Home Ideas)



(2. Design Sponge)



(3. Country Living)



(4. NY Times Style Magazine)


(5. Decorology)



Put 'em all together, do a bit of editing, and together they'd make a fine home, no?

Play along with me! I'd love to know what your style is.