wednesday inspiration

Images like this inspire the heck out of me...






(Via here.)

design inspiration: a gardener's balcony

Isn't this balcony - full of potted plants and flowers - a delight?



Kinda makes me want to grow eggplants because they're just so pretty to look at.

(Image via here.)

spotlight: perideau designs

Ah, birthday parties.

We've got a two-year old birthday party on the horizon (for two!) and already the wheels are turning for this year's theme.

Whales, perhaps?



I think Bridgett's use of bold colors and modern, simple designs is brilliant.

(For more from Perideau Designs, click here.)

coconut bliss ice cream

I think I might need to try some of this coconut milk ice cream...




YUM!

(Available at Whole Foods. For more info, click here.)

Have a great weekend, Friends! Do you have plans? Wade is going out of town on a golf outing and my days are wide open. I'm happy to fill them with long walks, a visit to the farmer's market and the zoo, and plenty of cuddles with the kids. And it must be that the weather is feeling more comfortable because I've suddenly got the urge to bake something. Hmm... perhaps this?
xo, Kristin

spotlight: farmaesthetics

I've read about Farmaesthetics online. The farm-grown, organic skincare products have gotten a lot of buzz lately. I never knew there was a shop, though, until we started on our run down Bellevue Avenue in Newport last Saturday. There it was just across the street from our hotel. I popped in on Sunday morning, and the apothecary boutique was every bit as charming as I would have imagined.

Every inch of the small space was considered - from the black-and-white striped awning on the storefront to the antique mantle at the fireplace. There was one whole wall of glass-front cabinets holding rows of glass bottles and stacks of tins. No detail was overlooked, and the result was a crisp, quiet space with a very old-world feel.

Listening to jazzy tunes in the background, I could have spent the entire morning perusing the lotions and potions. (And probably would have if Wade wasn't with me.)

I wasn't able to get all the things I would have liked (darn those carry-on rules!), but I still came away with a few goodies and a handful of samples the sales girl graciously threw in.




Next time? I am so signing up for a facial.

(Farmaesthetics Apothecary 144 Bellevue Ave Newport, RI)

newport

I've got to add a new favorite to my list... Newport, RI.


Cresting the bridge into town took my breath away as the view opened up to amazing beach houses, sailboats in the harbor, and vibrant, colorful flowers galore. It was postcard pretty.

We stayed in a lovely old hotel that stood among shops, restaurants and the mansions on Bellevue, which were so enormous my idea of mansion is forever changed. (Think 140,000 square feet!)

We wined, we dined (on plenty of fresh seafood) and even got a chance to catch a flick on a rainy afternoon. Oh, and how could I forget this? We slept in! (I haven't slept until 8:00 since before the kids were born. What a treat!)

It was the perfect long weekend away, and after only a few days there, I completely fell in love with this little city on the sea.

All that's missing was The Twinkies. It was the first time I was away from them for so long, and I missed them loads. I was so happy to see them when we got home! (and it made leaving all that much easier.)

(Image via here.)

spotlight: little brown pen

The Paris Color Project.

Capturing the loveliness of Paris one photograph at a time...







Wouldn't it be amazing to go on a picture-taking adventure with Nichole and Evan of Little Brown Pen?

(To see the rest of the collection or to purchase, click here.)

recipe to try: banana cream pie

Mel wrote about this pie over a month ago, and I am still thinking about it!

(I suppose it doesn't help that I have it saved in my favorites, and the words banana! cream! pie! stand out to me like they're in neon.)

I think it's high time I make one...




And I am definitely going to follow Mel's advice and save a piece for breakfast. yum!

design inspiration - white bath

Probably my favorite thing about a room is when there's a mix of old and new. Pieces that have been well-loved and with a story to tell that are living side-by-side with new pieces that have been thoughtfully selected.

Kind of like this bathroom with its old, chipped bench and sleek glass-walled shower.

I'm going just a little bit gaga over it...




Just a titch.

I wish I could see the rest of the room!

(Image via here.)

a weekend in newport

[UPDATE: sorry that i'm posting this again, but i'm trying to figure out why there are problems linking the photos. argh! any suggestions?]

A few months ago over dinner at my sister's house, she casually mentioned that she'd love to take the kids for a weekend so Wade and I could get away and celebrate our anniversary. Of course we are thrilled to take her up on it! (I honestly could not leave them in more capable hands.) And I'm so excited that our weekend away is nearly upon us -- next weekend, to be exact!

We're heading to Newport, RI, which I have heard nothing but good things about. I'm already daydreaming about lobster rolls, lazing at the beach and sleeping in.

And now I've got to think about what to pack.

Here are some day and night outfits I put together that I think would be lovely for a weekend away with the hubs...








Are any of you familiar with Newport and do you have some recommendations for things to do? I'd love if you shared!
xo, Kristin

(For day: tank, sunglasses, espadrilles, earrings, shorts, purse)
(For night: dress, necklace, clutch, sandals, perfume)

chicago fave: the doughnut vault

I would like to introduce you to a new favorite place...


(The Doughnut Vault)


I don't know how long this little spot where heaven meets earth has been open, but I've gotta tell you, the doughnuts are so good! And I don't even consider myself a doughnut person. Well, until now at least.

There are only so many delectable doughnuts churned out each day, and so if you get there late you might just be out of luck. It's genius, actually. Tell someone that she might not be able to have something, and of course she's going to want it more! Most mornings you'll see a line of hungry peeps out the door waiting to get their doughnut fix.

Lucky me, The Doughnut Vault just happens to be down the street from my office.

And yes, I am more than willing to get in line...



Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!
xo, Kristin

precious metal

Oh my!


Love.love.love this heart necklace handmade by Rebecca Overmann in her San Francisco studio and available here. Wouldn't it be cool to see her in action on a studio tour? Jewelry making is definitely on my bucket list.

If you have time, check out the rest of Rebecca's latest collection. Her wedding bands are gorgeous!


PS - Builty By Wendy is having a summer sale. Happy shopping!

vacation

A week away from it all...



The kids and I took a trip to my parent's house in Wisconsin last week for a much-needed vacation. A week away in a quiet suburban neighborhood with nothing to do but play outside in the fresh air did wonders for us all. (I don't think my kids have ever slept better - or gotten dirtier!) My biggest concern was to remember to reapply our sunscreen. It was easy, breezy vacation living.

And for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say that I feel rested. Really rested. Since I've become a mom to twins, I've gotten used to feeling at least a little bit tired (if not completely exhausted) much of the time. They wear me out! I guess it's a rite of mommyhood.

So this little break from normal, this little trip away where we didn't have anything to do but enjoy each other's company was everything I could have asked for.

(My daily afternoon naps were pretty nice, too.)

PS - Happy belated Fourth of July! Hope you had a spectacular holiday weekend!

(Image via here).

beach beauty

A little slice of heaven...


If I concentrate hard enough, I can almost hear the waves rolling in.

(Image via here.)

spotlight: rikshaw design

Beware the cuteness!

When you click through to Rikshaw Design, you may start to feel a little giggly and find yourself imagining all the little people in your life donning pieces from their block-printed apparel collection...



Especially those bloomers! I'd be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn't melt at the sight of those little ruffly bottoms toddling by.

(Click to see more sundresses and bloomers.)

a happy moment

I had one of those moments yesterday. One of those aha! moments when my mind was completely, 100% focused on the present. And it was wonderful.

I'm sorry to admit that these don't happen very often for me. Most of the time, my thoughts make up a confusing cobweb of must-dos... remember to take the chicken out of the freezer, add graduation cards to the Target list, do I have time to do a load of laundry? And unfortunately, that doesn't leave much room for smelling the roses, so to speak.

But yesterday. Yesterday, my friends, I was standing in the kitchen, putting together the ingredients for a strawberry rhubarb crisp, when I looked out the window and noticed how beautiful our neighbor's birch tree looked blowing in the breeze. How the sunlight filtered through the leaves onto the bricks behind, and I just stopped. My breath caught up in my throat, and I felt so happy. I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing at that moment. And as that feeling of contentment flooded in, I had this wonderfully profound feeling that my life is so good. And I am exactly where I am meant to be. Right here. Right now.

As with all aha moments, it went just as quickly as it came, but not without leaving a little dent. I did get back to baking my crisp and tackling the ump-teen dos on my list, but even today, over 24 hours later, I still haven't forgotten about my happy, quiet, fleeting moment.

And I look forward to catching more of them.



This kitchen looks like a family kitchen, and because my family kitchen is one of my happiest places, I thought it was a nice picture to post.

(Image via here.)

paper art at paper trail

Perhaps it's the designer in me, but I am just loving the paper art over at paper trail...



Those iconic chairs!

(Mid Century Chair, Louis Chair and Cafe Table available at Paper Trail.)

design inspiration - pink room

Really loving this bedroom decorated for a little girl...



(Image via Tiny White Daisies.)

raspberry brownies

My parents spent last weekend at our house. It had been a pretty long time since they visited, and so I wanted to mark the occasion with a special treat. And since I come from a long line of sweet-tooths, I knew it had to be really, really good.

While I was weeding through my recipes, I kept coming back to these Raspberry Brownies. The recipe looked simple enough (kind of a necessity now that twins are underfoot!), and I'm such a sucker for the combo of rich chocolate and tart berries. So the decision was made, I mixed up the batter, sprinkled some fresh berries on top, popped them in the oven, waited - very impatiently - for the timer to ring while the smell of dark chocolate filled our entire house, and then proudly brought them to the table once our dinner plates were empty.

Oh. my. gosh. Let me tell you about these brownies. In a word, perfection. Rich, chewy, dark chocolate. Not too sweet. And with little bites of fresh raspberry flecked throughout...



Needless to say, they were a hit. ;)


PS - the only thing that can possibly make these better is a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Of course I speak from experience.

(Recipe from Sweet Paul Magazine.)

summer styles at lands' end canvas

I can think of a whole lotta reasons to add these to my summer wardrobe...



Starting with... they're so pretty, I could wear them everywhere!

(Dress and wedges from Lands' End Canvas)

loving sea green

I didn't realize it until I looked at them all together... but it seems that almost every thing that is inspiring me lately or that is on my wish list is a lovely shade of green.


Like this statement necklace...

This swirly pillow...

This scalloped dinnerware...

And this seaside bathroom...

It must be that spring is here.

bold bedding

Morning, Sunshines! Hope you had a lovely weekend.

Speaking of sunshine... we had NONE for the past three days. It was quite possibly the coldest, rainiest, dreariest, windiest May weekend in history. (Well, that I can remember at least.)

But walking out to sunshine and blue skies and the greenest, green grass and brightest spring flowers (thanks to all that rain!) put a big smile on my face, and so I guess our lazy weekend at home wasn't quite so bad...

And all that spring-ness outside made me think of this...



Bold, bright, colorful. Just like a spring garden. It would be a treat to wake up in this bed every morning.


(Laelia Bedding. From Anthro, of course.)

fuzzy head

Without fail, every time I sit down to write you something today, the minute I poise my hands over the keyboard to type, all the thoughts that were swirling about in my head just disappear. Poof! Gone.

I've got nothing to say.

(you don't even want to know how long it took me to come up with that paragraph.)

Because I'm feeling much too lazy to force words that aren't there, I'll just leave you with this...



This is exactly where I'd like to be on a day when I just can't make sense of my thoughts. Here's hoping a good night's sleep will give me a little bit of focus tomorrow.

(Image via here.)

it's hummingbird cake, y'all

A few weekends ago, Wade took me to Table 52 for dinner. Dinner was outstanding, but the real show-stopper was dessert. We finished our meal with one of the most delicious, won't soon be forgotten slices of cake I have ever eaten. It was Hummingbird Cake, which from what I've heard, is a pretty popular cake down South. And now I can't stop thinking about it!

The love child of banana bread and carrot cake (except with no carrots at all, but with pineapple) and with thick layers of cream cheese frosting, this cake has very quickly staked its place in my top five favorites list...




And I am so excited that I found not just the recipe but HIS recipe! online.

Now I need a special occasion to make it. Perhaps because tomorrow is Tuesday would be a good reason, no? I'll let you all know how it goes. And if you happen to have a recipe for Hummingbird Cake that you love, please share!


PS - Everything about dinner was uh-mazing, and I highly (highly!) recommend it to anyone in Chicago.

(Photo from here.)

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.

tgif

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)

it's time

Here we are nearly wrapping up January, and I haven't even gotten around yet to telling you about my resolutions for '11.

This year, I don't have a list. It's just one thing, actually. This year, I am not going to spread myself thin with too many commitments and too many to-do's. It happens all the time... I can't say no (or I don't want to say no) or I just have to finish this "one more thing" before I go do this, this or that, and I feel anxious the entire time because I'm trying to get everything done. And then I feel guilty when I'm unable to get to everything, which of course happens more often than not! And it's a horrible cycle that I don't like very much at all, and so I figure I can avoid the whole thing if I am just realistic about what I can and cannot commit to and do.

One project that has continually been pushed back is this very blog. I haven't been able to give it the time or the energy I had when I started on this adventure a few years ago, and the quality of my posts really shows it. I want to do better for you, but don't know how to fit that in with everything else. And so it's time I say goodbye. Maybe not forever. But definitely for now.

I want to thank you all so much for your visits. For listening to my stories and sharing your thoughts with me. The fact that you took the time out of your day to write something to me has made such an impact, I wish I had better words to say thank you.

And so... good-bye, Friends.
xo, Kristin

(Image via Tiny White Daisies)

decor idea: terrarium

Aren't terrariums cool? Little gardens growing beneath a glass dome. What a great way to add a fresh breath to your house -- especially during the dark days of winter. This example, with moss overflowing from the edges, is gorgeous...



I'd love to grow my own terrarium garden, but I'm not exactly sure how to begin. And this might sound like a dumb question, but how do the plants stay alive in there? Would I have to periodically take the top off so they can get some fresh air? Or does that defeat the whole purpose? I'm going to need to do some research. Any know-how you can share on the subject is much appreciated!


(Cloche available at Terrain.)