The Friday Five

How is the summer over?!
Please tell me it ain't so.
But it's my birthday weekend, and a long one at that, so I will relish it.

1.

Let's go!
So catchy for a birthday weekend.

2.
Watercolor maps!
I want one for so many special locations.
{HERE}

3.
Polka dot perfection!
I know, I know.  I seriously have a colossal hard-on for polka dots.
But they simply never get old for me!

4.
Glass jar art supply storage
LOVE how streamlined (and fun) this looks!

5.
What Not to Say to Kids (and What to Say Instead)
I can literally hear myself saying some of these things on a daily basis.
Le sigh.
But this article offers some really insightful alternative suggestions!
{HERE}

(P.S.  Isn't my naughtly little biscuit just the cutest?
He's also equipped and ready to handle your biggest shits.)


And alas, a few more fun links to kick off your weekend...

This set for your sink smells divine.

What to put in your annual photobooks.

Loving these boys' Mini Boden graphic tees.
(Bonus:  Current sale is buy any 3 items, get the 4th item for $1 + free shipping!)

J. Crew maternity - finally!  Small collection, but so exciting.

"Then and Now" images of NYC - so cool.

The cost of raising a baby today.  Wowza!

Ha!  So fitting after Miley's VMA performance.

TGIF, m'loves!

~images via maps.stamen.com, ahouseinthehills.com, & raisinglemons.com / photo by b~

Heat wave hair

With these hot and hazy dog days of summer we've been having,

I've been rocking the messy top knot all week.

Complete with a cat eye shade,

and you have a classic summer look with minimal fuss.

How are you keeping cool?

~images via duskjacketattic.tumblr & fashionmenow.blogspot.com~

Party in style

It's my birthday tomorrow,

(I'll be 29 for the 3rd time...ssssssh, don't tell anyone!)

and while I'm not having any big shindig this year,

I always festive summer parties on my mind.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas for your next gathering...

A little glitz and garland.

Fringe-y placecards.

And al fresco dining.

(LOVE the lighting at dusk and the bold floral centerpieces.)

Happy partying to you...whatever the occasion may be!

~images via ablissfulnest.com, mintdesignblog, & classy-inthecity.com~

The Friday Five

Sorry I've been MIA.
Vacationing up North for the last 7 days.
(Pics to come!)
But I'll be back in full force next week!
Here's what's good for now...

1.

Vampire Weekend

Road trippin' for a total of 12+ hours in the car with the huzz
ensures a LOT of Vampire Weekend will be heard.

Why not embrace them in all their glory?

2.
blue & white stripes + navy blazer + tan leather belt
A perfect end-of-the-summer look for a night out on the town, no?

3.
Mosquito repelling plants
Must remember to position a few of these in pots on the deck, near the front door (and anywhere else we might be spending outdoor time) for next year!
Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Castor, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Cedar, Peppermint, Clove, Geranium, Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavendar, Basil, Thyme, and Garlic!

4.
5 warm grays for the home
I'm feeling these way more than the drab beige realm.

5.
Finding the calm
Hoping to achieve exactly just this up in the North Woods of WI.
{HERE}

And a few more fun links just because it's Friday...

A less messy, hand-held version of s'mores.  Still made in the campfire!

LOVE this flowy anthro dress.

50 rules of vacationing.  So apropos.

An interesting twist on a Cobb salad.

OMG, this is hilarious.  And true.

Have a happy, happy weekend!

~images via mackenziehoran.com, designbynaturenursery.blogspot.com, calloocallay.ca, & the fresh exchange blog~

Modern living

Loving these open, airy, modern LR's...

Like a breath of fresh, beachy, California air.

Can't wait to (hopefully) get into our new home and start renovating soon!

~images via Julius Shulman, coco+kelley, & the decorista~ 

Weekend recap

A few days late and a dollar short.

(Story of my life these days.)

Baby with fevers (of unknown origin) for the entire weekend,

left us feeling less-than-refreshed for the week.

Thankfully, between fever spikes we were able to enjoy the following...

A stroll along the beach!

Complete with lunch from Northpoint Custard.  YUM.

...And a little people-dog-triatholon watching over afternoon coffee!

A Target excursion for the necesseties (and then some...obvi.)

And, of course, the State Fair!

Ruined slightly by rain,

Herb running out of rootbeer milk, and the return of sick baby.



Thankfully, everyone's health (and sleep schedule) seem to be back on track.

And, it is already Hump Day!

Thank you, Jesus!

The Friday Five

1.

Oh, Sheryl.

Just when I've forgotten you exist,

you occasionally come up with a tune even I can't resist.  

A catchy mix of country and rock'n'roll.

(Not to mention the perfect kick off to a lazy weekend with your love!)

2.
white + collar necklace + straw tote
Get it while the gettins good, ladies.
(And by that, I mean before Labor Day is soon upon us.)

3.
Cute toy storage
On sale! ~ {HERE}

4.
Summer centerpiece
So pretty!  Simply place fresh-cut flowers from the garden in glass bottles (or mason jars), place on a silver tray, and voila!  A perfect (and easy) summer centerpiece.

5.
What happy people do differently
Always nice to hear a few helpful tips!
{HERE}

And a few more fun links, just because it's Friday!

What color eyes will your baby have?
(Crazy how both the huzz and I have brown eyes and Baby A has blue!)

LOVING these interior pops of green.

Holy popsicle-gasm!

Pretty, pretty baubles.

Madonna's insane workout (a.k.a.  "No, thank you.")

Essential must-have home barware.

Haha!  Hot.

TGIF!

~images via vogue, container store, dyingofcute.tumble & psychology today~

Wednesday wisdom

(27 weeks and counting!)

~images via gratitude1000.tumblr, happydayout.tumblr & thestir.cafemom.com / photo by b~

Organize!

Some of my favorite organizing tips as of late...

Fabulous travel photo storage boxes!

Cupcake papers in a spaghetti jar!

Genius.

Bed linens inside the matching pillow cases.

So tidy.

And we can't forget the ever-important "car kit".

Here's to a little more organization in your life!

~images via iowa girl eats, torie jayne, the daily buzz, & pink polka dot creations~

Weekend recap

Another gorgeous, sunny, summer weekend in Milwaukee!

Water fountain play outside of the art museum along the lake front.

Post-swim cowboy cookies + coffees and watching the bread-baking

at Alterra...err, Colectivo.

Reaping the benefits of fresh garden tomatoes...

...along with a Pinterest-ed brunch recipe.

But don't be fooled.

It's not all stress-free bliss...

The huzz is still working nights

(and had out-of-town guests for a baseball game Saturday),

leaving me with my very energetic and adorably mischievous date!

Lesson:  Don't even try to do laundry, dishes, bake, etc. until the toddler is asleep.

Period.

Needless to say, as wonderful  as my solo time with the little man is,

Mama's le pooped!

If only I could channel 1/8 of his energy.

But alas, it is Monday.

And all I have is this decaf Americano.

So bring on another week of the same ol' grind.

Hope your weekends were lovely as can be!

~photos by b~

The Friday Five

The huzz is working nights the past 2 weeks,
leaving me a full-time working, single mother.
Oh yeah, and I'm 26 weeks preggs.
Woof.
I don't know how the thousands of super single moms do it.
Kudos to you!

Links aren't working from my work computer, nor is formatting,
so excuse the odd bolding and poorly functioning links until I can fix tonight.

Not to mention, I'm falling asleep in my decaf coffee.
Nor have I been able to wash my hair in 3 days.
Mmm-hmm.
Hot mama.
But at least tomorrow is Saturday!
And here, in true rough draft-style, is what's good this week...


1.

This makes me want to ride my bike.  Really fast.

(Or partake in some other summer-like activity).

2.
Tomato Sandwiches!
'Tis the season.
From "Dinner:  A Love Story"...so still need this book.
{HERE}

3.
A delicious summer scent
sand + jasmine + sea spray + mandarin = yum.
{HERE}

4.
Tunics.
Flattering on one and all!
And nice and breezy for the muggy August days.

5.
Be a Better Mom
{HERE}
Some great reminders.

And a few more fun links to end your week...

Fun monthly calendar templates
(for those of you who have August-ending planners like me!)

Finally!  LOL.  Bishes take note.

Have a happy weekend!

~images via dinner a love story, nordstrom, thedaybookblog, & diapers & daisies~