:: the little things are taking over...

[all images via 'weheartit']

this week i'm loving::


warm days---lazily sipping iced tea

basking in the sunshine

pouring through an amazing novel

all things hippie-chic

pink peonies

bike rides

& banjo pickin' tunes

:: 5 holiday loves

okay. if i pinky swear that this is the last list of the week, will you indulge me once again? saw this fun one at promise's blog. and when she encouraged her readers to create one of their own, i could NOT resist. especially since i've already confessed my premature holiday cheer this season. so here it is:: my 5 holiday LOVES::

1) sparkly ornaments

2) spritz cookies (grandma's recipe, of course)

3) all things Charlie Brown Christmas

4) starbucks holiday cups filled with peppermint white chocolate mocha

5) christmas music
(my all-time favorite being this Jackson 5 offering)

(all images located via google image search)

the 20 weekend highlights:::

1. eating apple pie & vanilla ice cream with my grandpa
2. greg laswell's cover of "this woman's work"
3. warm chai tea lattes
4. new winter pajamas
5. driving with the window rolled down--cool breeze flowing in
6. picking out the perfect birthday card for my sister
7. kim walker-smith
8. having a good hair day
9. ordering anthropologie tea cups
10. finishing week 1 of the esther study
11. watching movies until the morning
12. the new toast catalog
13. dissecting the lyrics of "brand new"
14. spending time with rachel
15. watching "jim & pam: the office wedding" on my dvr
16. falling asleep to amos lee & the swell season
17. getting absorbed in mitford (again)
18. picture message updates from suzanne in ft. worth, tx
19. long phone calls with kim & tami
20. wearing cute sweaters i forgot i had

::: the fall list

after admitting in yesterdays post that i was a bit slow hopping on the "fall wagon", i came across this fabulous list from Sarah at Pink of Perfection. it totally inspired me to keep the autumnal theme going for one more day. in doing so, i decided to compile a list of my own. and here it is:

30 Quintessential Fall Activities:

1. eating fresh donuts and cold cider from apple charlies.
2. packing up the tank tops and shorts---and replacing them with sweaters and warm pjs.
3. painting my nails dark colors: browns, plums, deep reds
4. assembling a christmas shopping list
5. digging out the charlie brown holiday DVDs
6. locating my window scraper
7. making pasties
8. deciding on a new perfume for fall (i most definitely switch with the seasons)
9. celebrating my sisters birthday
10. watching/attending college football games (GO BLUE!)
11. accessorizing every outfit with a scarf
12. accessorizing SOME outfits with a warm hat
13. stocking up on hot chocolate and chai
14. re-discovering my favorite hoodies
15. taking walks in the crisp, cool morning
16. raking leaves
17. drinking hot tea before bed
18. saying a tearful good-bye to the flip flops, and a hearty HELLO to the leather boots
19. making a fall playlist
20. flipping my window heating/cooling unit from "cold air" to "heat"
21. deciding on the perfect centerpiece for the thanksgiving dinner table
22. switching my starbucks order from "tall iced chai/coffee" to "tall pumpkin spice latte"
23. using flannel sheets
24. commencing the search for the perfect Christmas cards
25. sporting my khaki colored trench coat---everywhere
26. applying multiple coats of lip balm. (burts bees, please!)
27. re-introducing warm, hearty soups into the regular menu
28. lighting cinnamon/apple pie/vanilla/milk & honey candles
29. wearing fuzzy socks to bed
30. simmering mulling spices on the stove

what are your favorite fall activities?

for today:::::

9/9/09

Outside my window...the sun is attempting to escape the cloud cover. it's drizzling rain. fall is moving in for a few months.

I am thinking...about carrie & her family & the fragility of life. about cleaning. about finishing my current read.

I am thankful for....safety. love. and a day with an empty house.

From the kitchen...breakfast:: raisin bran. coffee. strawberry cheesecake yogurt.

I am wearing...green stripped shorts & grey t-shirt. PJ love!

I am creating...a beautiful card for my pen pal in Seattle.

I am going...to organize & drink more coffee.

I am reading...The Time Traveler's Wife. Crazy Love. the Sept issue of LUCKY magazine.

I am hoping...my plans for the day pan out. that the sun shines for longer than 5 seconds.

I am hearing...the musical stylings of The Glorious Unseen. and Joshua James.

Around the house...there are clothes to be washed. cats getting into mischief.

One of my favorite things...is my first cup of coffee this AM & reading blogs.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Thursday: spending the day with my boy & dinner with Steph. Friday: work. Saturday: work.

blogging template from: The Simple Woman's Daybook (via [AE] )

:: i hope it's gonna make you notice....

these final moments of summer are slipping from my grasp so quickly, it seems. i am trying with all of my might to cling onto them. savor them. but each day it gets darker earlier. and each night it gets cooler. and each afternoon get quieter as, one-by-one, the children in the neighborhood start going back to school. i am trying to see the silver lining behind the arrival of fall and winter. i am focusing on scarves and sweaters. hot chocolate and warm apple cider. pumpkins and orchards. the swell of holiday excitement. crisp leaves crunching beneath my feet. but, try as i might, i can't help but mourn the loss of the heat. the sunshine. hot pink sandals. warm breezes. tan skin. the smell of coconut lotion. the feel of cool water. summer makes me feel so alive. and man, do i love that feeling.

in other news:
1) i am indescribably ecstatic about the new seasons of Top Chef and Project Runway. i don't watch a lot of TV, and can't say that i adore the reality television era we live in, but i can't get enough of these two shows. i love showcasing creativity---and if there is anything in this world that i want to spend additional time engaging in---it's food and fashion!

2) it's official: i have received my tickets in the mail---and i'm going to the Kings of Leon concert. if you haven't heard these guys- you must! their creativity and passion are contagious. i can't wait to be a part of the energy in their live show.

3) i am currently creating "the list"-- which consists of all the things i plan on budgeting for and purchasing in the next few months. i figured setting some shopping goals might help soften the blow of summers end. so far i've established that i will be purchasing::

a michael kors watch
a really good pair of jeans
new fall attire from j.crew and anthropologie
new perfume
a fall bag
a new hair cut

ahhhh....i feel a smidge better just thinking about fresh new things. there really is something therapeutic about buying things, isn't there?

here's to summer and fall and shopping and living!

:::: oh where oh where have i gone?

ahhh.....back in blogland!

life has taken over these past few weeks and i've nary had a moment to spare! my days and nights have been filled with concerts and dogs and children and work and sunshine and writing and packages and amazing food and movies and laughter and cupcakes and music and dancing....is that enough?

things don't look like they'll be slowing down anytime real soon, but i had to take a moment to stop in and record some of my current obsessions::

I AM TOTALLY LOVING:::

1) Mad Men
2) Kings of Leon, Paolo Nutini and Diane Birch
3) My new J.Crew sweater
4) The iphone 3G
5) My 2010 planner
6) Floral measuring cups from Anthropologie
7) Red Velvet Cupcakes (chilled!!)
8) Starbucks Non-Fat Iced Chai Tea Lattes
9) Sugarland's LIVE CD/DVD
10) Monte Cristo crepes

now...off i go to savor these last bits of summer....

the tuesday list:

what's on my mind this tuesday:::

- my new essie nail polish

- the summer j.crew catalog (it's love. pure visual lustful love)

- new music on itunes

- cleaning. cleaning. cleaning.

- book club with s.

- one more day of work before my "weekend"

- hotel reservations for a stay-ca-tion

- an afternoon in birmingham:: anthropologie. the cupcake station. the palladium. sum-thing.

- payday!

- changing purses

- love. loss. loving again.

- taking pictures. printing pictures. charging my poor little camera

- love for my 5-year diary

- the paper exchange

- wishing summer would return::: rain & 60 degrees? single tear.

" when we wear a mask: the only person we are fooling is ourselves"

what i love today:::

i just can't wait to try this darling little cupcake shop that recently opened near my work.
their treats look amazing. and i've heard they taste even better.
pictures & a full report as soon as i indulge.

i did it. i ordered another pair of TOMS. i went out on a limb and ordered them in the silvery variety.
i love sparkle. and these bad boys have got it.
i am having such a love affair with my original TOMS, i knew i could do no wrong with another.
these gems should be arriving today.
oh the sparkly summer adventures we'll have.

I adore genevieve. have you seen this woman's HGTV show? can she do any wrong?
i love every room she puts together. i drool over every accent item or focal piece you chooses for a room.
her passion for her expertise is contagious.
what i'd give to let her and the crew loose in a few of my rooms...

you don't have to be getting married to love this summer's issue of martha stewart weddings.
i was drawn to the bright, cheerful cover while standing in the checkout line at target.
i loved the pink fonts. the balloons. the sunshine.
i bought a copy. and can i tell you--the pages are oozing with colorful decorating and planning ideas.
you find yourself dog-earring every page. grabbing your sticky note tabs.
anyone who is looking for a creative fix should pick up this issue. whether you're single, engaged or already married- there are ideas you can use in a variety of creative capacities.

for today::::

FOR TODAY
June 27st, 2009

Outside my window...the sun is shining. cars are driving by. it's summer!

I am thinking...about my schedule for the rest of the week. my plans for tonight. marta's mango salsa.

I am thankful for....a job in this economy. for peace & quiet. for people that love me.

From the kitchen...made chicken, apple & gouda cheese sausages with garlic hummus for lunch today.

I am wearing...dark pink sport shorts with white strips, a white t-shirt and bare feet.

I am creating...my july calendar....& it's already filling up.

I am going...to get motivated... maybe.

I am reading...my overflowing google reader. & the july issue of INSTYLE magazine

I am hoping...that a strong cup of coffee will help wake me up.

I am hearing...Lucy panting outside the door--begging to get into the computer room.

Around the house...there are towels to be washed. dishes to be dried. dogs to be loved.

One of my favorite things...is FINALLY getting to sleep. snuggling with the pups. warm breakfast sandwich's before work.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Sunday: movies w/Sandhya & work. Monday: Melting Pot w/Jill. Tuesday: Royal Oak with Sandhya. Wed: work. Thursday: R & R. Friday: work. Saturday: Fourth of July fun.

A picture to share... i love this picture- taken from an article about coffee all over the world. i love international love of THE BUCKS!!

.

blogging template from: The Simple Woman's Daybook (via [AE] )

:: what i'm loving : a week in review

here we are. closing the cover on another beautiful week. i am actually pretty jazzed about the resident's graduation tonight. my new summer dress, white heels and chunky jewelry are all howling to be put to use. stay tuned for pictures.

in the meantime- here's what's been tickling my fancy this week:::

this restaurant:

this show:

this purchase:

this movie:

this city:

this catalog:

the ultra-condensed "what i've been doing" list:::

the ultra-condensed "what i've been doing" list:::

1) flea markets:

one of my favorite people to work with is a gal named kelly (or 'patches' as she is more affectionately known). two days into my five day work stretch, she convinced me to catch a two hour nap in the morning and meet her up at her favorite yearly flea market. as an antique dealer, patches loves to snatch up a good deal. having a way with words- she made the whole affair sound enticing, so i agreed to forgo my MUCH loved sleep and join her. while she sped around the grounds flashing checks like it was going out of style, i slowly made my way from booth to booth. not really looking for anything particular. just seeing if anything caught my eye.
i reached a small table full of little nic-nacs being run by one solitary old lady. nothing enticed me until i spotted a box of photos on the corner of the table. they were the really amazing antique kind: deep sepia and printed on that thick embellished cardboard. i love old photos, and i was getting a real thrill out of this peek into the past. i was about to move on when i decided to flip one more photo. i swear my mouth must have dropped when i feasted my eyes on what was next::: paris postcards from the 1930s. i snatched them immediately, finding underneath something even more awesome:: personal photos from someones tour of paris, dated 1938. written on the back of the photo- in that awesome centuries-old script were the words:::

"april 28 1938:: tour
lilas et glycine"

which my research leads me to believe means: "lilacs and wisteria" in french. with the bill totaling out to only $1.00::: these gems instantly became one of my most favorite treasures.





2) cafe muse:

yesterday morning ended my 5 day work stretch and, in celebration, my friend sandhya and i decided to trek out to royal oak to eat breakfast at the much talked about "cafe muse". apparently featured on Oprah (i did not know this!), the unassuming little cafe is known for it's home-made ingredients and unique flavor combos. the place is darling::: on your way through the outdoor patio, you pass a small container of dog treats for all the patrons with four-legged friends. when you enter the front door, you are swept into an inspired world of rich colors, ornate lighting and charming small tables- each adorned with fresh daisies. the menus (yes, plural!) were almost overwhelming, but i eventually decided on the stuffed french toast with mascarpone & 5 spice pear nage- accompanied by a fresh cafe latte. both were unbelievably delicious. we spent a good 2 hours laughing in our post-midnight shift delirium, and enjoying the awesome food. when the bill came, we were each presented with a wrapped twizzler licorice. i was delighted. i can't wait to go back.





3) photographs & fonts:

in the mornings, before i turn in for some sleep, i've been using the glorious sunshine to experiment with my camera. at this moment in time, all i have is a simple point and shoot- but i'm learning that, with the right environment, it can still work wonders. i loved the look of my favorite mug and these dried roses. i couldn't help but embellish the photo with some john mayer lyrics. especially since it gave me the excuse to tap into my newest obsession: dafont.com. i have successfully managed to absorb about a 1/4 of my hard drive with new scribbles and scripts. my favorite at the moment is featured in the photo below: celine dion handwriting.
don't you just love it?

::: 5 questions

Laura at Under the Sheets...shh has challenged us bloggers to answer these five questions on our blogs today. Although still bleary-eyed and groggy from an afternoon of interrupted sleep, I think I'm going to take a whack at it::

The Five Questions:

1) What topic would you write your book about?
How does one even go about choosing a topic. I have 1,000's of pages of ideas. It's 'Sophie's Choice'. It's epic. It's deciding the very BEST way to portray all the thoughts and feelings and emotions and experiences you've ever had. It's intimidating. However, it's also something I give a lot of thought to. At the end of the day, I've always wanted to write. and it usually always comes down to a book of poems. But I'm pretty sure that's a cop-out because I am afraid of the novel. How do you write one fluid 300 page story? It scares me, but I'm trying. Right now I have an outline for a book in the baby-stages of drafting. It's about love and loss and infertility and this big mess called life. So many little things from my life have impacted different parts of the story. It's playing more like a screenplay in my head. I'm excited to see where it takes me. One of my goals is to have something stable (no matter how rough) on paper within six months.

2) What is one of your guilty pleasures?
In the spirit of honesty and disclosure, I will admit that the very FIRST thing that popped into my head when I read this question was: listening to Cher. I admit it. Proudly. I love this gal. Many, many a junior high evening was spent jamming to Cher's greatest hits in my bedroom while talking on the phone to my bff Kim. I owned 'Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves' like I was the one born in the wagon of a travelin' show. To this day, Cher is on my ipod. she motivates me while I clean. while I write. while I drive to work. while I run (or mostly walk) on the treadmill. she's classic. maybe I'm not so guilty about her :)

3) What are some of the things you do to get yourself out of a bad mood?
I get in the car, blast the radio, and head to Starbucks. or I call Liz and we get sushi. or I pull up my MOTOWN playlist and jam. I mean, how can you stay in a bad mood when Barry White is crooning in your ear. Or while Marvin Gaye is telling you he "needs your lovin?" Or while Diana Ross reminds you that "there ain't no mountain high enough?" It's $0.99 itunes therapy. and it works for me every time!

4) How long do you think it will take to get the U.S. economy back on track?
I'm not sure our economy will ever be the same. but I do think that, with more time, we will become a stable, prospering nation once again. How much time will it take? I have no idea. There's a lot of work to be done. I'm thankful for baby-steps in the right direction.

5) Do you think there is a fine line between creepy and romantic?
No. I think there is a huge, fat, screaming black line between creepy and romantic. and it's littered with red flags and flashing lights and "creeper crossing" signs. flowers on your car in the morning; notes in your lunch; your favorite song requested on the radio; rose petal trails--that's romantic. Google earth-ing your house; stealing your pictures off of facebook; stalking your friends at their jobs; inviting you to his house for a party and then realizing you are the only one invited-- that's creepy. for me it's pretty black & white.

: cats & crafts & coffee & cupcakes & & &

yesterday proved to be just as magnificent as i suspected. so many little things happened. so many details. it would take countless posts to fill you in on everything::: so i hit the high points with a collage of some of my favorite moments from the day::


details::

1). sitting on the couch talking to my mom before she left for work:: my big fatboy at my side
2). taking full photo advantage of some awesome sun and shadows on my front porch
3). reveling in the fact that beauty grows and thrives:: even on the edge of the city alley
4.) putting the finishing touches on my totally elise blaha inspired "23" mini-book
5). snapping photos in the flower aisle at the local craft store
6). cupcakes in the coffee shop window
7). sipping starbucks with my sis on the outdoor patio at barnes & noble
8). wrapping up a game of bananagrams with a photoshoot


speaking of photos:: that girl you see snapping shots in the lower picture is my one-and-only little sis. (btw::: i am uber envious of her camera). her passion has long been photography. in fact: the cupcake and starbucks shots in the collage are compliments of her. i've linked the picture below to her new blog.

click it. look around. leave love. she'll adore you forever.



the final high point of the day involved purchasing/receiving some top-notch goodies. nothing was too extraordinary. nothing was too extravagant. but it's what i love. and it made my day in a huge way.

i'll leave you with the list::

* felicity season 1*
* the daily writer: by fred white*
* hummus, pita, edamame, goat cheese, wheat crackers and cucumber water*
* marta's mini-diary*
* loads of pretty paper, velum and stamps*
* the new issue of: yoga journal*



"i'm beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones, after all." -laura ingalls wilder