The Friday Five

Sorry for the lack of blogging as of late.

A LOT has been happening in the world of a + b,

both good things (new house!) and not so good things (sick baby!).

Oh, and I've officially entered into the "super pregnant stage".

(sigh)

More on all that to come, I hope.

But in the meantime, here's what's good this week...

1.

Mumford and Sons

Saw them live in MKE just over a week ago,

and it was all I hoped it to be.

(Note:  I was not 32 weeks pregnant and shirtless at the concert.  Rats.)

2.

Funky chandeliers.

I will need a few more for our new home!!

Love the color and structure of this one, in particular.

3.

charcoal gray + b&w strips + gold baubles

A new twist on neutral!

4.

Giant coloring roll

So fun!

5.

Love.

Everyone deserves a love like this:

And a few more fun links, just for you...

A crostini party!  Just pair with wine.  How easy and delish!

IKEA 2014 collection.  Wow!

Top inexpensive beauty tips.

10 veggies you can grow in the shade.

Surprising facts about parenting in India.

Purdy little candles.

Best holiday onesie.  Ever.

These parenting fails made me giggle.  (Probably because I'm guilty, too.)

Happy Weekend to you!

~images via duskjacetattic.blogspot.com, crushculdesac.tumblr.com, omy.fr, & stylabl.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

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~

Summer hostess gifts

Before you grab that bottle of wine or six-pack,

think about upping your summer hostess gift-giving a notch.

(Don't worry, I have ideas.)

For starters....Meyer's Liquid hand soaps.

Always a go-to fave.

In new summery scents - like rhubarb or rosemary!

$3.99 {HERE} or at most retailers.

 

Cute measuring spoons,

because one can never have enough of these.

$17.99 {HERE}

Or, how about a copy of "Cocktails for a Crowd"?
Delicious planning for their next shindig.

$18.99 {HERE}

If you bring something exceptionally tasty,

why not bring a copy of the recipe along with a cute set of recipe cards?
I particularly love these little lemon gems.

$12 {HERE}



Does the host/hostess plan to show off a new garden?
Why not garnish them with this adorable set of garden starters?

$19.99 {HERE}

Or, finally, how about something fresh and luxurious for their guest bath?

I'm digging the Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage set.

$17 {HERE}

What's your go-to summer hostess gift?

I know I'd be happy to receive any of the above.

Happy {Summer} Partying!

~images via links above~

Holiday treats

How is it already July?!?
Did June even happen?

I feel like the nice weather has finally just started around here.

I need to seriously get crackin' on my summer "to do" list!

(I will elaborate on what that entails at a later date.)

Thinking about making some of the following DIY tablescapes and treats
for this week's relaxing, patriotic holiday...

Both crafts involve mason jars (obvi.)
One is a beautiful, rustic votive holder (that your kids can help you create)...

...and the other, a simple utensil holder.
Festive handkerchief napkins in red and blue.
Then simply use the jar as your party glass!
Genius.

And most of the treats that are appealing to me involve summer berries...

Oh, and cake balls.
Because when is a cake ball ever bad?

YUM.

I will be sure to share anything worth your while.

What will you be grilling and chilling up this year?

~images via mynwnest.blogspot.com, lilyandcompany.wordpress.com, twopeasandtheirpod, insidebrucrewlife.com, foodvee, theberry.com, popestella.com~

The Friday Five

Happy Friday!

Another busy week has come and gone.

I am sooooo ready for the weekend.

1.

Girl Power!

I know, I know.  I'm a little late to the game with this one.

(And Alicia Keys is right up there with Christina and Maria in the "beautiful voices but after one song I want to consume an entire bottle of Excedrin Migraine" realm.

But this remix is catchy and full of girl power.  

Enjoy, ladies!

2.

maroon + navy + tan

A perfect January color combo, no?

3.

Uplands Cheese

Holy cow, pun intended, is this shit good.

Directly from a sweet little farm in good ol' Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

We had it {HERE} last week and I've been Jonesing for more ever since.

Too bad I've missed this particular cheese's peak season,

but I'm bound and determined to find myself "a" wheel somewhere!

Buy it {HERE}.

(P.S.  If a Wisconsin girl recommends a cheese, I suggest you listen.)

4.

Hot Beverage Bar

I think all this snow and cold weather calls for a party with a Build-Your-Own Hot Beverage Bar.  It is awards season (and NFL playoffs) afterall!

 

5.

Indoor Activities for Toddlers

{HERE}

...because who wants to step outside when it's -20 degrees.

I hope I turn out to be such a fun and creative mom!

 

And a few more links for fun...

I think I need this all-purpose sweatshirt dress.

Why not 10 more sweater dresses while we're at it.

I'm digging these pendant lights.  Cute above a kitchen bar, no?

I want to be invited to this grown-up tea party.

Roasted veggie tacos.  YUM.

Haha!

Happy Friday!

~images via pinterest, uplands cheese, make it luxe, hip hostess~

Modern wedding

Here's a little ode to a San Francisco wedding (and bride) I'm swooning over.

From her sweet, short dress to the apple red nails

to the fun invites and personal touches...

I can't get enough!

See all the sweet details {HERE}.

Even their engagement session was charming!

Don't you sometimes wish you could plan your big day all over again?

I LOVED planning mine and would do it annually if it were socially acceptable.

;)

~images via Snippet & Ink~

The Friday Five

It's  FRIDAY!!

Holla atcha girl.
I legitimately didn't think I'd make it this week.

Top 5 things I'm digging....ready, GO!

1.

Feel good beats.

It is the start of the weekend, after all, and Miike Snow hits the spot.

2.

More layers.

(Sorry, I just can't seem to help myself.)

3.

Josephsbrau Dunkelweizen

An amber, unfiltered wheat beer.

The Blue Moon of fall/winter, if you will.

Buy it at Trader Joe's!

4.

10-Minute Intense Full Body Crossfit Workout

{HERE}

About all I can muster in the realm of exercise these days,

but it at least it makes me sweat!

5.
Making Your Baby Laugh
{HERE}
Always a goal, but even more so when your little one is feeling sick or fussy!
Peek-a-boo, smiling, funny faces, & his favorite songs are sure-fire methods for us.
What are your secret to make your baby squeal with glee?

And a few more links, just for f-u-n...

150 stocking stuffers...in case you're an early planner like me!

Dark red lipstick looks great on everyone - proof {HERE}.

Free printable banners.  I'd like to make one for every occasion.

One of my favorite pics of B.O. - how cute are they?!

Another cookbook that's making me hungry.

Thinking about make this pumpkin crunch cake on Thanksgiving.

10 travel websites worth bookmarking.

Have a fantastic weekend, m'dears!

~images via refinery29.com, tumblr, athleta / photo by b~

The Friday Five

I survived another week of 7-5:30.  Barely.
With Baby A's first ear infection (read: an a + b all-nighter cry fest) to boot!
Waaaaaaaaa!

1.

Welcome Home

This melody has been floating around in my head all week.

Can't WAIT to get home and spend the weekend snuggling my two loves!!

2.

John Vogel accent chairs from West Elm

{HERE}

I think they're so architecturally interesting...and stylish!

3.

Simple + chic birthday cakes

The huzz's birthday is next week.

How cute (and easy!) is this cake design?!

Candles optional.

4.

denim + army green + navy nails

Great fall color combo, no?

5.

30 Simple Ways to Get Your Child to Read

I'm not sure what it is, the bright colors or fun page flaps,

but our little guy is really into books.

I can only hope this love sticks!

These tips are sure to help....{HERE}

And just a few more links, just because...

Too tired for sex?  Here is how to snap outta that bad habit - quick!

Out of eggs?  Dont' worry.  Here's a handy dandy list of baking substitutions.

I want one of these name rings so bad! (Insert baby/husband's name.)

This layette looks soft and cozy.

This made me LOL.  (Because it is true.)

~images via west elm, briana monaco photography, cup of jo & the simple mom~

Friday favorites

1.
Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay
What a sultry performance...and voice!
Fitting for our relaxing vacation up north on the lake.
(And because the huzz and I were just talking about how we'd like to take another trip out to "the" Bay - San Francisco - sooner than later!)
:)

2.
Home Coffee Bars
Wouldn't one of these be great if you had a large kitchen?!
How convenient for house guests, too...help yourself!

3.
Olivia Palermo's style
That b- always nails it.  From her hair right down to her shoes.  Le sigh.

4.

Polka dot pumpkins

When I go back to work in October, there won't be much time for elaborate pumpkin carving.  This is one fabulous alternative! So simple and pretty.

5.
Things We Need to Say to Our Children
I love ALL of these!  So good, so true...
{HERE}

And a few more fun links...

Would you wear legging jeans?  I think I might.  (Emphasis on "think.")

16 healthy wrap recipes = lunch upgrade!

8 great dates for moms and sons.  Aw...

Cute fall party favors.

An honest portrait of a mother.

Read this for a comical mood booster! :)

Happy Friday to you!

~images via the vintage wren, lauralizabeth.tumblr, martha stewart, & the maternal lens~

Popsicle cocktails

It is, like, 100 degrees out today.

And muggy as hell.

Thus, I would like one of these...

Or these...

Or, an ice cold beer out of a canoe cooler!

AMAZING summer/Labor Day party ideas, no?

~images via pinterest~