I Love Your Style

I saw this book awhile back in the J.Crew catalog and I think it's right up my alley. Defining/refining my style is a goal I have for post pregnancy. I have always had an interest in clothing and fashion but the trouble with me is, I'm all over the map when it comes to dressing myself. (I think I'm all over the map in a lot of things but I'll just leave it at personal style for now.) I say this because I'm drawn to a little bit of everything: classic to bohemian, super feminine to tomboy-ish, bright colors to all black. I need to figure out a way to rein it in while at the same time making practical choices for my lifestyle. Afterall, I am a stay-at-home mom who could technically stay in my pajamas most days. Anyway, I thought this book might help. I also have some really stylish friends who have their own definite style and always seem to look really put together. Perhaps I'll solicite their advice and post what they have to say on the topic here on the old blog. Does anyone out there have any great style advice? Please share! In the meantime, I'm going to try to hunt down this book at the library.

Good Brown Bread

There is nothing quite like the aroma of homemade bread baking in the oven. (There's nothing quite like the taste of it either!) I got this delicious recipe awhile ago from my friend Marnae, who is a really good cook and has the best recipe for pretty much everything. This wheat bread recipe is no exception:

Good Brown Bread
4 C. warm water
1 C. brown sugar
4 T. white sugar
4 T. butter
1 T. salt
2 T. yeast dissolved in 1/2 C. warm water
4 C. Whole Wheat Flour
7 C. White Flour

Mix water, sugars, salt and butter. Add yeast dissolved in 1/2 C. warm water. Stir in 4 C. wheat flour and mix well. Add the white flour gradually until dough is easily handled. (You may need more flour is the dough is sticky.) Knead until smooth and spongy. Cover and let rise until double. Form into 4 loaves (I only get three loaves from this recipe so it might depend on the size pan you are using.) Let rise in pans for about 20-30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes. Enjoy!

Plate Collection

Around this time last year I started a plate collection which has been slowly but steadily growing. (You might remember the inspiration I blogged about here.) All but one or two of the plates were thrift store finds including the two newest additions: the white one at the top with the scalloped edge and the one blue and white one directly below it. I love searching for just the right pieces (the best collections are built over time, right?) and the way they look when they are grouped together into a little display.

Pom Pom Goodness

For the love of all that is fluffy and good in this world! I tell ya, Anthropologie's styling gets me every. single. time. I'm thinking the time has come again to make a few of these and hang them around my house. It could definitely be the cure I need for the winter doldrums.

P.S. You can see the tutorial I posted awhile back (right here) if you are interested in making your own pretty poms.

(Image via Anthropologie)

The Hide-A-Bed

Currently providing hours of entertainment for my kids. Not only does it function as a full-time couch, it also moonlights as a trampoline, a fort, a ship, a bunk bed, a bear cave, a tent and a wrestling ring, just to name a few.

And there are 57 days until spring.

Flock Print

For the past year or so I've been seeing this modern bird print all over the web. Most recently on this Flickr stream, (which is full of all manner of thrifted home decor goodness, btw.) If I had an extra 35 bucks lying around, I'd definitely snatch one up for myself.

Books

So far I'm doing really well with my resolution to read more books. I'm nearly finished with the top two in the picture and I have a small stack of others waiting in the wings. In the past, finding/making the time to read was somewhat problematic. However, since Jared is gone late studying most nights, I have a couple of hours to myself after the boys go to bed and I now find myself looking forward to cozying up with my cup of hot chocolate and a good book!

Another Taste of Spring

I'm not sure why I am even bothering to look at pretty clothes since the only thing in my fashion forecast is maternity-wear. Whatever. I still wish this is what I would be wearing when the snow melts and the temperature begins to rise. With that being said, I think it's about time I added a cute blazer to my wardrobe arsenal.

(P.S. 66 days until spring.)

(Image via Anthropologie.)

Resolutions

I know I'm a little late in blogging about this but it's the time of year for making resolutions! I like to make mine as clear and concise as possible. I don't do well with resolutions that aren't very definite or measurable (for example, be a better person, eat less sugar, blah blah blah.) Last year one of my goals was to make a throw quilt for Jared and I's bed. (I finished it mid-December, just in the nick of time. Phew!) Although I have many on-going goals, this year there are two things I really want to make priority.

1. Read more books. My goal is five. I know that doesn't seem like a lot but I like to set the bar well within reach. :) I am planning to put my GoodReads account, that has been neglected for quite some time, to good use!
2. Go on a date once a week with Jared. This won't be the first time we've made this a goal but I'm determined to make it a priority this year. I love spending time with my kids but I also love spending 2-3 hours alone with my hubby-whether it's for a vicious game of Scrabble or a quiet dinner at a new restaurant.

What are your resolutions for 2010?

Party Planning

Now that we are into a new year, my party planning wheels have started to turn. Especially since I just discovered the new party planning feature on the Pottery Barn web-site, complete with ideas, tips and recipes. If you are thinking of throwing a few parties yourself this year, check it out here.

(The lovely dinner party pictured above is via Dolci Odille)

Gladiators

I'm coping with the frigid temperatures outside and the harsh reality of the long, gray winter that lies ahead by looking at new spring arrivals online. (Yay!) Last year I was on the fence about gladiator sandals. Most were too bulky and had too many buckles for my liking. These simple ones from J.Crew are just about perfect. But really, isn't everything from J.Crew just about perfect? (Love that honey brown color too!)

A New Year, A New Baby...

Yep. We're expecting! Baby number 3 is set to arrive this June. Mitchell is really hoping for a girl, Spencer is pretty much oblivious and Jared and I will be delighted either way. Right now I'm just happy to be out of the cruddy morning sickness stage. What will you be up to this year?

(Photo of Mitchell's feet by Summer Potter.)