Pride in My Ride

Jared and I watched this video last week and it keeps cracking me up. I had a short stint with a mini van which, you may remember, ended abruptly when I ran into a parked car- (ouch!) However, now that we have number three on the way, I might be rocking the mini van scene once more. What about you? Are you a mini van hater or a mini van lover?

I Love Your Style: Katie C (Update)

There were a couple of questions I forgot to include in my original feature on Katie so I'm updating here:

What have been a few of your most recent favorite purchases?

just two pairs of shoes and a killer pair of marble earrings. i picked up a pair of keds and green espadrilles. so happy. truth be told, i'll probably pick up another pair of keds very soon. in a colour, i think. red, maybe.

Anything you plan on purchasing in the near future?

quite honestly, not too much right now. just [over-priced yet exquisite] swimwear.

Since i saw this swimsuit, i pictured how i'd wear it and what beach i'd walk around in it and what flavour of ice cream would best suit it. the gold fish belt is what captured my attention. and then the classic early-american style and navy--one of my favourite colours. so flattering.

i'm also pretty crazy about this swimsuit. the shape, the colours. gorgeous. i love maillots, the name of the style of swimwear; they're so flattering to a woman's body.

there's something so perfectly delicate and delightful about a one-piece swimsuit.

Summer

I've got summer on the brain today. (Probably because it's hot and sticky here so it feels more like August than May!) Anyway, this straw cloche and a lazy beach vacation to go with it are calling my name. A piña colada doesn't sound too bad either.

Sandals

Summer is rapidly approaching which means it's almost time for my tootsies to make their annual debut. I painted my toe nails last night (and almost squished my baby in the process!) but I'm still on the hunt for a new pair of sandals. I've heard really great things in regards to comfort about Chacos and I like that they come in all black but they are pretty pricey and maybe more athletic looking than I want. I did stumble across these last night and I think they might just fit the bill. What about you? Anyone out there have any great sandal recommendations?

Bouquet

Mitchell picked this little arrangement from our flower bed and gave it to me for Mother's Day. It's still making my day, every time I walk into my kitchen. I've decided one of the first things I want to do when we have a permanent residence is to plant a cut flower garden full of all my perennial favorites. Love, love, LOVE fresh flowers in my house!

I Love Your Style: Katie C

Meet Katie. The first suspect in my I Love Your Style series. Katie works as a recruiter/writer in the San Francisco Bay Area but also happens to be a long-time friend and style guru. We grew up in the same rural area of Ohio playing M.A.S.H. (mansion, apartment shack...) and slobbering over J.Crew catalogs together on Sunday afternoons. When I first thought of doing a series on style, Katie was the first person to pop into my head. The girl oozes style and what I love most about her style is that it is all her own. She's not afraid to break the mold or take risks when it comes to well, anything really, but her style is no exception- whether it be with her hairstyle, an accessory, a particular outfit or deciding to paint her finger nails neon orange. She's confident and gutsy and I think that is what true style is all about. So, enough of my babbling. Here is what she has to say on the subject of style:

How would you describe your current style? (Classic, vintage, etc?)
Both. There are parts of me that are very classic--I love my faux pearl stud earrings--and some that are very vintage--my grass green button-down-the-front knee length skirt rocks with a graphic tee tucked in. I love mixing the two-current pieces with vintage--and coming out somewhere in the middle. Seems I walk out of my apartment feeling like I'm walking into the 1970s at least 3 days a week.

How has your style evolved over time?
My style has done a complete 180 over the last 10 years. Ten years ago I was all about name brands and pointy shoes and blazers and heels and fitted tees and jeans. Now I'm into looser blouses, retro sweaters, textured materials, odd collars, funky dresses, flats and loads of colour, and fits I wouldn't have considered before, like the dolman sleeve. Ten years ago I rarely wore dresses. Now I'm in them regularly--even Saturday afternoons. I've also learned the art of not matching and making it work.

What inspires you and the way you dress?
Everything: the weather, people of no name, people of significant fame, movies, time periods, pictures in magazines, my maternal grandparents, my mother, my sister. I could continue...

Do you have any specific fashion icons or people whose style you love?
Yes! Even when I was young, I noticed the grand style of my maternal grandmother. She was always dressed and her hair was always perfectly coiffed. From her patent leather black heels to the cuff of her boiled wool bolero jacket, the woman was the meaning of the word, style. I saw it in photographs of her in her younger days too. Audrey Hepburn is a no-brainer (I love her in Funny Face in her ankle length black pants, black turtleneck, and black flats) and the entire cast of Charlie's Angels Season One.

What are some of your favorite places to shop?
I'm all over the board on this one! There are some local shops that I adore: Therapy, The Pretty Penny, Thriftown. And there are the mainstream retailers that I love: J.Crew, Gap, Anthropologie, ZARA, etc.

Do you have any tips for the novice shopper?
Be brave, shop around, and buy what's on sale. Avoid trendy items. Shop for you and what you like.

Is there any one thing in your closet you keep coming back to season after season?
My navy blue chucks, opaque black tights, my long tan cardigan, and a black and tan print pashmina from my sister-in-law. Oops, that was four items.

What are some of your favorite outfits/combinations?
Over the past few season I've come into a number of cardigans and I'm wearing them with everything. For example, I have a magenta silk dress that hits at my mid-calf that I wear my long tan cardigan over. I love my Transformers graphic tee tucked into my green button-down-the-front skirt. One of my recent favourite winter outfits is a magenta turtleneck (normal fit, not very tight) tucked into my orange-red wool vintage Givenchy Sport button-down-the-front skirt, navy tights, and open-toed putty coloured low heels with a couple layered necklaces.

Are there any trends you are looking forward to for spring?
Generally speaking, the loveliness of spring fashion is in the light and flowing fabrics. I feel the most feminine in spring clothes-ruffles, extra frills, delicate fabrics, colour, floral patterns. Lovely.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to find/capture their own personal style?
I have three points of advice: (1) Don't try too hard. If you're wearing something that doesn't feel right because it's trendy, take it off. And, if you're wearing something that's vintage but you feel like a fraud trying to play the vintage game, take it off. If your perfect Saturday outfit is jeans and a t-shirt with your chucks, embrace it. Chances are someone out there is noticing your style. (2) You know the style rule of if you haven't worn it in a year toss it, right? Most of the time, the rule applies. But if there's a nagging in the back of your head fighting you against throwing that sweater out, listen to the nag and keep the sweater. Style--personal and what's trendy--changes every moment and you may find that sweater could be the perfect pieces you need for an outfit later down the road. (3) You determine what's in style for you. Trends in the fashion world shift faster than I can pull on tights and I believe that what's in style is what makes you feel good about yourself. The confidence you have in wearing it will show and capture the attention of others.

Thanks again Katie for letting me peek into your little world of style!
If you would like to see more of what inspires Katie, check out her blog:
Violet & Earnest.

I Love Your Style: A Mini-Series

You may remember me mentioning the book, I Love Your Style a little while back. I have since had a chance to read it (thanks Nicole!) and I loved it. While I didn't learn anything ground breaking, it is full of inspiring pictures and good tips which left me very excited to do a little wardrobe tweaking post pregnancy. Named after the book, I have decided to do a little mini-series here on the old blog. I'm not sure how long it will last (I don't have that many friends!) but I plan to feature at least a few people whose style I find inspiring (and hopefully you will too!) I'm still working on getting my first feature put together but I should hopefully have it up in the next week or so. Stay tuned!

An Amazing Perspective

An inspiring story (you are probably already familiar with) with an amazing perspective on motherhood. (Just in time for Mothers' Day this weekend!) Definitely worth 8 minutes:

Gestating

I have had a few requests for a picture so, here I am at 32 weeks/8 months. That means I'm in the home stretch with only 8 more weeks to go! I've been busy reading all sorts of natural childbirth books (I'm taking the plunge this time - no epidural!) and enjoying the nice weather with the boys. It's kind of crazy to think there is going to be a third munchkin running around this place pretty soon. "Mother of three" sounds like really serious business.

Chevron Wall

I pretty much love everything about this chevron gallery wall in interior designer Caitlin Wilson's home. I just stumbled across her blog, Style Files, and it makes me wish I had just an ounce of interior design capability OR money to hire an interior designer OR an actual house to decorate OR really any combination of those three things. If you like the chevron wall too, she shares the how-to here. You can also see some gorgeous images which were taken in one of her client's homes here. Can I be Caitlin Wilson when I grow up?

(Style Files via A Little Sussy)

Felt Pom Poms

I am newly curious about these fuzzy little poms after reading about them here and then coincidentally, here. I'm thinking the possibilities with these little guys could be endless. (Felt pom poms for purchase here.)

Skirt Steak Burritos with Tomato Corn Salsa

I clipped this recipe from an old Rachel Ray magazine. I love easy recipes that sound fancy but call for just a few ingredients and still manage to taste spectacular. (This is one of those.) It's very fresh and summery- enjoy! (Click here for the recipe.)

Note: In my opinion, the salsa is what makes this recipe. I think you could pretty much ignore everything else- throw whatever kind of meat you have on hand into a tortilla with the salsa and you're good to go. Also, I like to serve it with diced avocado and sour cream. (Yum!)

Tickled Pink

Jared and I weren't going to find out the sex of our baby until he or she arrived, however, we had an ultrasound this week and we just couldn't resist the opportunity. As it turns out, we are having a little girl! (We didn't find out with either of the boys until they were born and we've always enjoyed the surprise in the delivery room but I must admit, a little surprise mid- pregnancy is also pretty fun too.) I would have been just as pleased with a boy but I am excited to even things out around here. I was beginning to feel a little out numbered. :)

Also, this bird stack print is now reminiscent of our family with one little pink birdie on top! (More cute prints in this Etsy shop, Printspace.)

Holy House Makeover

I am a total sucker for before and after pics when it comes to home renovation projects. I just discovered this site, young house love, which documents a newlywed couple and the total renovation of their first little home. It's amazing! Go here for before and after shots room by room and a comprehensive list of all their sources. Also, my friend Vanessa has a serious knack for home re-dos. Go here and scroll down a little to see some of the before and after shots of her home.

Piper

This is a recent photo I took of my little niece, Piper. Isn't she the cutest?

It's April!

Holy cow, it's April! I'm not sure where March went and I really don't care. I'm just happy it's over!
Also, the weather here has been a-maz-ING! Like 80s, sunny and no humidity amazing. I am happy as a lark and looking forward to a fun weekend filled with sunshine, Easter egg hunts, jello salad (can't seem to get enough of that stuff lately) and lots of jelly beans. This weekend is also the semi-annual general conference for my church. I love, love, LOVE conference weekend. Regardless of your religious affiliation, if you've always been curious to know what us kooky Mormons believe or are looking for some spiritual enlightenment feel free to tune in right here. (Sessions are from 12-2 and 4-6 Eastern time on both Saturday and Sunday.) Happy Easter!

Busy

I'm alive. I've just been busy. We moved 2.5 weeks ago into a new rental house and it has taken me a full two weeks to recover from it. (Side note: I really hate moving. I actually wrote a poem about it, which I considered sharing here, but it is rated pg-13 for language so I decided against it.) Jared was also on spring break during part of that time, I was sick, then my mom came to visit, and then my kids got sick. I have also been busy doing cartwheels in the nice spring weather and making out with Mr. Sun. (He was away for quite some time and absence always makes the heart grow fonder...) Hopefully I'll be back to blogging more regularly soon. In the meantime, Happy Spring!

It's a Miracle

And this folks, is a clear blue sky. I'm not sure when I saw one last. No wait, I am. It was February 8th (nearly a month ago) because I took a picture of it that day too. Unbelievable. I guess dreams really do come true. They do come true!

(I'm obviously not all the way there mentally by the time March rolls around but there are only 16 days until spring so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Bear with me.)

Happy Birthday to Jared

Happy Birthday today to my sweet and hunky husband.
I'm so happy you're mine!

PS This is Jared's cross country pin from the 9th grade or something. (I added the cheesy smooches because seriously, what a hottie!)

ROY G. BIV (In Cake Form)

The Mister's birthday is this week but due to a very full calendar, we decided to celebrate with family over the weekend. I made a rainbow cake which ended up being a big hit with the adults and the kids. When I said I brought a rainbow cake, everyone assumed in was a "Funfetti" cake and so were pleasantly surprised when we cut into it to reveal 8 layers of food coloring over dose!

I was sort of guessing as I went along and it seemed to turn out okay. Here is how I did it, for those of you who are curious: I used two white cake mixes and made them according to the package directions. Once the cake mix was made, I put one heaping cup full of batter into a bowl and added the appropriate food coloring. (It is important to measure the batter so all the layers end up being the same thickness. Also, I used Wilton's gel food coloring you find in the cake decorating section at Michael's. I think it is more concentrated than the liquid kind.) Since I only have two round cake pans, I baked two colors at a time, 350 degrees for 15 minutes, and then washed out the pans and reused them. I was totally guessing with the amount of batter for each layer and I ended up with one cup left over. Hence the pink layer in my Roy G. Biv cake. I frosted the cake with Swiss Buttercream. It's not as sweet as regular buttercream and I think it is easier to work with. You can find a recipe for it here. (Note: I used the recipe for a 9 inch cake and I had enough frosting for the whole thing. However, I only used a scant amount between each layer. If you like a lot of frosting, you might consider doubling the frosting recipe.)
Have fun!

(Inspiration for the rainbow cake from here.)