simple pleasures

i heart.

2012-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

this bag from le souk has me very excited for

valentines. i know it is next month but i just

had to share its cuteness...

would love to carry one of these off to the

beach and getaway!

cheers to the weekend!

lemonade.

2012-01-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

we recently picked quite a few lemons from my parents tree.

nobody seemed interested, and oh how i do love lemons.

so ruby and dec helped me squeeze and pour juice,

then we shook up some rather delicious fresh lemonade

one afternoon last week. i really want to try it with honey

next time.

best part was ruby's hard working facial expressions

as she pulled down the lever and said gleefully:

'this is so much fun, i just love this'.

i think the flowery vintage apron made

it all the more exciting.

on the list this week is maybe some lemon curd with all

the extra juice. i saw some pretty awesome lemon

meringue cupcakes on pinterest involving lemon curd

and toasty 7 min frosting i'd love to try.

tid bits.

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

sweet midcentury home tour in mesa, az to gaze at.

here is a fun idea (scroll down a bit) for faux smocking

using elastic thread...not so easy to find but i intend to give it

a go this weekend. we shall see.

i also thought this was a cool diy idea to do for a kids

room, boy or girl. it would just look so happy.

have a super weekend!

i'll wash my hair with snow.

2012-01-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

a little trip up north for us was a chilly treat.

we were even lucky enough

to find an area with snow up the mountain

by the lake.

ruby was beyond thrilled to see, touch and play

with a bit of snow...and make a snowman!

it was indeed a nice little monday break

from laundry and the joys of home.

fun with photobooth.

2012-01-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

good times with photobooth on the computer.

im sure you have all had a go at this.

i kind of think it would be fun to actually print

some of these to hang up somewhere.

great how they hide imperfections eh?

and then it was time to get some fresh air.

maternity clothes.

2012-01-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

while wondering if i could possibly find

any chic maternity patterns out there,

i actually came across this website with quite

a few cute ones. hooray!

and was further inspired by some happy fabrics

over at pink chalk.

just love grey and yellow.

any good pointers for maternity patterns out there?

a bit of christmas and new years.

2012-01-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

i seem to have a pretty pathetic selection of christmas

pictures this year. i suppose i was rather enjoying

the moment too much and not capturing it too much.

never mind the awful night time pictures my cam takes;

see above aged looking photo.

i did need to take note though of good old Markle,

our elf on the shelf.

this particular morning he hid in the tree.

it was surely amazing to me how humorous

he was to the kids....every morning waking to the excitement

of going to find him and laughing at how silly his new spot was.

'that silly markle...he's so tricky'....'he went to the same spot as yesterday?

now that is tricky my friends!'

a bit if art.

a happy festive mantle.

a little girl who increasingly makes faces

like my little sister. hmmm.

a too cute moment in towels.

new years eve jumping on the trampoline

and blowing horns.

and our very fancy new years cranberry lime

and pellegrino drink in big girl glasses.

happy new year!!

art museum wednesdays.

2012-01-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

every once in a while there is nothing better than

a little jaunt down to the phx art museum on free

wed nights...3pm-9pm.

a perfect post naptime adventure for a long day

with the kids.

oh, and yes, you can go in the dinosaur cage...

considering the lady who works inside told

my kids to definitely go in. after i had told them

on the way in it was strictly forbidden.

hmmm.

paper bag gift wrap

2011-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

i had a go at making this the other day.

very easy, simple and satisfying.

if only i had some polka dot paper lying around.

super cuteness.

find the instructions here.

oh and by the way...

2011-12-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

with no formal announcement having been made....

let it be known that there is another wee one cooking

inside of me due to be born this june.

you could say ruby is pretty excited and is pretty positive

its a girl, or twins. declan on the other hand just says 'yeah!'

yeah yeah, what ruby said.

some pretty awesome questions have hit the table lately:

'what is the baby going to eat? just milk?

not the kind from the store?'

'is your baby going to fall in the toilet when it comes out

(followed with much concern and worry)?'

'if the baby is a girl, can she sleep in my bed?'

And as for the above photos, i dont have any swell shots

of myself yet, but i look about 6 months so watch out for this one.

the photos above are of our very exciting laundry mat day...

we could barely squeeze into the car and at one point i almost fell

out of the car trying to get to the kids.

i do highly suggest the laundry mat. done in one and a half hours,

instead of all day. something like 12 loads i think. good times!

family photos.

2011-12-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

so we recently got together with pete and emily

to take eachothers family photos.

i was pretty pumped with the results.

im thinking maybe some kids pics with cousins for their room.

so in case i slack on getting a card out, here is a wee taste.

there are like 5 million other to share.

cheers to the jolliest of seasons.

its officially cold here!!

{all photos taken by the talented emily}

happy birthday declan!

2011-11-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

the big no. 2

was shared by lots of wonderful family.

nothing like the joy of turning two

and being surrounded by cousins,

love, presents, cake, and cheer!

Thank you all for coming...it was perfect!

saturday morning walk.

2011-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

we had this really perfectly cold, cozy and incredibly long walk

to the market a couple of saturdays ago.

the lighting was just so lovely and so i snapped some fun photos.

it was nice to just take our time and let the kids just be for a bit.

very much enjoyed by all.

this is indeed the best time of year in phoenix for long walks!

halloween.

2011-11-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

halloween was pretty lovely this year...gorgeous weather

and lots of fun. we attempted some pumpkin carving,

which basically was more like drawing all over pumkins

with black markers and then carving it out really quickly.

Ruby was "Annie" and played the part gloriously

as she does most days.

and Declan was a leprechaun who refused to wear his

giant hat. how about that beard painted by Ed?

pretty awesome.

he really didnt want any photos taken. oops.

and he was all too into trick or treating.

once he saw his house at the end of the trip

he cried and wouldnt come home.

apparently the idea of going to doors for candy

was just too good to be true the the little lad.

hope you had a happy halloween!

capes for christmas.

2011-10-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

ive been meaning to post this for a bit

as i've been thinking seriously about making

one of these and i thought sara (ahem...therese)

might enjoy a circle skirt spiced up for the

holidays. looks pretty easy right?

find the tutorial here

super heroes.

2011-10-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

some pretty fancy stuff going on here.

let me tell you.

ruby was overlooking my martha stewart

magazine and spotted these super heroes

for halloween, which led to some spontaneous

capes, and many a damsel in distress being

rescued by some very cute little heroes.

some intense consulting going on here.

so behind.

2011-10-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

so ive been a pretty horrible slacker when it comes

to blogging...or more precisely being online in general.

i just usually feel like i can always find something better

to do...dishes, picking up, sleeping, soaking up my kids,

reoganizing, sewing, and the list goes on.

so on that note, a little while back i really felt inspired

to buy some patterns and make girlie dresses...

working up to maybe making myself another dress

(we'll see shall we).

so ruby helped me to pick out the pattern and fabric

which was half of the fun.

we ended up with this 'annie' dress

which i am just happy she likes to wear,

b/c there is nothing worse than all that work and effort

and the honesty of a 3 yr old not really liking it.

so here a some fun pics to share of one of our downtown

adventures recently. a trip to the market for a few things.

and a surprise pink apple.

quelle surprise!

oh, and for some reason the water was still on.

oh yeah, it was still kind of hot.

so declan had no problem getting totally soaked.

that crazy guy.

great show.

2011-09-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

always a great show around here.

i do have some funny lively kids for sure.

they keep me laughing,

and exhausted.

could not ask for more. maybe just a little

less sometimes. heheehee.

a day out.

2011-09-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

finally.

we ventured out last friday night

to the train...got some coffee/beer

and a quick pizza which is now

being sold at pane bianco.

crazy...you can now get those hard

to attain pizzas to go and cozy up with

them at home. too good.

but boy was it nice to get out and walk.

it has been too long. praise the Lord

for a change in weather!

I Love You Mommy

2011-09-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

new haircuts.

2011-09-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

i branched out a bit and we chopped ruby's

hair and gave her 'bang bangs' as she calls them.

i think the hair makes her look extra chubby.

wouldnt it be great if we were considered

oh so cute by getting a haircut that made us look chubby?

ok maybe not.

and unfortunately i missed dec's haircut. ed took him

on a whim when i was doing something with ruby one day.

he seemed to be feeling pretty proud, as he

always does when he gets his one on one

daddy time. he really loves his daddy.

i mean who doesnt?

little bits.

2011-08-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

of our day.

it was one of those days ruby begged to spend the whole time

'until night' in pi's. ok, i guess so. it doesn't really ever happen.

i promise.

sometimes its just fun to snap the craziness that is our day

and capture some bits on camera. no justice done, but

i love looking back and smiling at these.

just makes me happy.

sunday afternoon.

2011-07-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

declan finds a nice spot on the floor

to lay his weary head. on a nice bathroom towel.

and ruby is once again playing 'school'

where she proceeds to talk out loud a lot about what she

is doing and it is all very important and interesting.

this is a constant game of late.

hope your sunday afternoons are as glamorous.

just because.

2011-07-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

he's so cute.

i kind of can't stop squeezing him lately.

well....except in the moments when he

purposely spills his drink on the ground

or throws his food all over.

other that that,

yes, lot of squeezing

and wondering how so much

cuteness can be around me all the time.

just girlies.

2011-07-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

this little lady and i have not had a little 'just girlies' get away

in a while, and so the downtown baseball events that drew

the boys away gave me an opportunity to do so.

i really do have so much fun with her one on one

when that happens. never fails there are lots of giggles

(usually on my part).

she picked out some pretty sweet pink glasses

that she wore all around the mall. i just kept

looking at her and laughing.

one noted moment in proof of her strong self confidence,

i am only hoping will grow into a good thing later:

while sitting in pottery barn kids, pretending she lived there

essentially, she sat down at the vanity to say, 'i just need to check

if i am beautiful. yes. i am beautiful.'

eigh yigh yigh.

the beach part two.

2011-07-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

no no.

we didn't have any fun at all.

thoughts: considering creating my own beautiful

beach life look by filling a spray bottle with sea salted water

and spritzing myself throughout the day.

i might be crazy.

beach part one.

2011-07-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

lets just say the beach was incredibly cozy,

dreamy, full of perfect weather,

amazing meals, and oodles of cute cute kids.

as always our annual fourth of july

family get together was a success.

good to be home,

but always a bit sad to watch the

cousin separation and not to have friends

around every night and perfect dinners and wine.

oh beach we love you so.

off to the beach.

2011-07-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

the long awaited vacation finally began.

july 1st, super bright and early, we were

in the car and on our way to bliss...the beach.

no more links in the countdown chain,

we said goodbye to 115 degree temps and sighed

a sigh of vacation relief.

a new pink bike.

2011-07-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

due to our unlucky history with bikes,

we recently discovered that yes, they steal old kid bikes too,

not just awesome big kid ones.

so ruby has contented to inquire as to whether we can get

a new bike. i finally gave in and decided we could

go look. i got sucked in and we concluded on this

pink beauty.

so while declan ran around destroying the store

like a wild man the poor guy put the bike together,

i mean the poor mom did a series of bending and grabbing the

little guy and picking up the maddness....a trip to the grocery

and still an unfinished bike. in the end, we are happy to have

a bike back in the house. in, not out anymore.

too bad its so stinkin hot.

annie.

2011-07-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

we were recently pretty blessed and were able

to attend a sweet little musicale downtown at

the herberger (my favorite place to see shows).

annie.

who doesn't love annie?

and who doesn't love that kurt warner was selling shirts?

heeheheee.

ruby was beside herself that she was actually able to

meet the annie from the play and take a pic with her.

she was literally shaking with glee. starstruck.

that silly lady.

getting the most.

2011-05-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

the most out of gorgeous weather.

the most out of a good day.

and the most out of being with my kids

today at the park....

spinning, dancing, chasing after dec,

and rolling in the grass.

not only is ruby a pretty good photographer,

she's an awesome poser.

that guy.

2011-05-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

yogurt time.

declicious.

and after.

2011-05-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

cut off the collar and sleeves and turned it into

a more summery fancy free dress.

i was pretty happy with it.

sorry for the lame blurry pic. best i can do folks.

a bit of fun really.

2011-05-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

so we had one of those really fabulous weekends i didnt want to end,

and the slightly cloudy monday is topping it off just right.

we partied like we have not in a long time;

courtesy of my parents amazing cinco de mayo party.

fun live music and no nursing baby at home let me loose on the dance floor.

i wanted to wear something fun and bright,

and happened upon this winner at mercantile,

which i changed up a bit,

so i'll share the repurposed dress with you later.

i just love the color and print so couldnt pass it up.

and we recouped a bit with a lazy mother's day.

had a few afternoon milkshakes

and i snuck off to see 'something borrowed' during naptime.

great chick flick.

hope your weekend was so lovely and happy.

cheers to a new week!

a little spring cleaning.

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

i have been wanting to reorganize and clean out the craft room

for a while now, but it was such a daunting project so i kept

putting it off. problem being, every time i tried to do anything in there

it just kept bugging me and i felt stumped.

crazy i know.

anyhow, i moved out the big table and opted for a small and cozier

little desk to hold my sewing goods.

i folded all the piles of fabric and got rid of junk.

then i put the kids table right in the middle

where i think they have much more fun goofing around.

coloring on their bellies with washable markers

(i mean just declan that is)

or glue sticking everything in sight (ahem, ruby).

i was pretty pleased. enjoyed it for a day,

and now, BOOM, it is back to madness.

but that is all part of the fun.

here's to an exciting weekend;

a cinco de mayo party

and mother's day.

should be good.

happy mom's day to all the wonderful mom's out there!

cheers.

freshly picked.

2011-05-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

there is nothing like the satisfaction of a pretty cleaned

up kitchen, topped off with some

lovely smelling flowers from the yard.

i picked three incredibly fragrant flowers;

lavender, jasmine, and sweet pea.

oh how i will miss them come summertime.

not a whole lot to choose from once the high temps arrive.

oh, and here's a little looksie at one of those chairs.

my mom suggested some white oil cloth

cushion which i think sounds awesome.

paint party.

2011-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

decided these chairs on the ends of the kitchen

table {aka. farm table}

should be a fun color.

had this tealish turquoise lying around,

and so for some reason i thought i'd let the kids help.

it started out with ruby painting her doll house pink;

a whole lotta pink i'll say...gobs and gobs.

she got bored i guess and moved onto some deep

concentrated chair painting.

this is when dec chimed in and decided he no longer

cared about getting it all over him and spent quite a while

dedicatedly painting the chair until he gave up and

started giggling as he began to paint his leg.

and that is when the gig was up.

not so much fun scrubbing it off, but boy do the chairs

look fun and happy.

why is painting so fun? or is that just me and my kids?

i'll try to get a good shot in,

ahem, move all the stuff that is usually around

here and there and attempt to fit the pic into me

small lens and see what happens.

dont hold your breath.

happy.

2011-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

belated 4 year anniversary to us.

last week we spent a lovely morning visiting the farm

at south mountain.

i love that place. i always feel like i am getting away

from it all when i go there.

and then it helps that i hold a sweet memory

of my first visit there being with my dad,

who took me for lunch there;

picnic tables and baskets of delicious sandwiches.

some memories just stick with you forever.

i highly recommend the cowboy eggs we had;

chili, fried eggs, toast...yum.

we loved it. the kids loved wandering, and i held back

from helping myself to cutting some chamomile and

other various beautiful flowers in maya's garden.

do go.

ps. that second photo is of snow white of course,

in case you were wondering.

she is full of drama.

a happy easter.

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

it was a rather perfect kind of day;

the kind of day you are sad to see go,

the kind where little ruby asks:

'i want to go to easter again'.

yes, me too.

the weather was gorgeous and slightly windy.

our church had an outdoor service which was

such a blessing for the little guys (and us of course).

there were oodles of good eats,

happy kids hunting for eggs and throwing eggs;

a bit of confusion on ruby's part as to how to do

confetti eggs...

she just kept throwing it over my moms head

and then throwing hard boiled eggs in the same fashion.

i know, confusing.

and there were even boats and wooden crosses

to craft...so pretty relaxing to sit and sew in the grass

with family.

a little swimming, some cupcakes even,

and later on we were blessed with even more fun

meeting up with the mchale fam at a hotel for

more swimming and cousin fun.

i do feel so blessed by amazing people

all around me.

hope your Easter's were just as lovely.

railroad revival tour.

2011-04-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

with mumford and sons in the line up ed was

determined to find a way to make it to this show.

we mutually decided it would be a great way to

celebrate our 4 yr. anniversary

and since our kids love love good music

we thought we'd give it a whirl.

the setting was pretty ideal...

on the train tracks, a rocky field and the

general feeling that you were at a fair

that happened to have the happiest dance worthy

music line up.

you could say we had a bit of fun.

ruby rocked out, looked for friends in the crowd,

and slurped on a snow cone.

declan danced, played with rocks, passed out in the

stroller and woke up later only to be held and rocked

while occasionally waking to kick his legs to a good song.

so after a good show, sewing clothes for the kids,

cooking food and a few other Easter preps,

i guess you can see why i was a little tired.

all worth it...and i'd do it again.

nothing better than that feeling of getting

lost in a good song you love and just dancing like

you do not care...good to just let go

every once in a while.

pooped.

2011-04-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

what led up to Easter and the day of have left me pretty

exhausted.

so much to share, but for now, i am going to just catch up.

back soon.

hope you had a blessed and the happiest of Easters!

polvorones.

2011-04-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

i made these for the willows this week and keep kicking

myself for not keeping some around for afternoon

snacks with coffee.

they are oh so pretty and oh so yummy.

{find a recipe here}

happy gift wrap.

2011-04-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

a sweet little idea for you.

wrap up a magazine or two for that mother

you love so much.

everything is more exciting wrapped and tied up pretty.

I used natural craft paper, pink yarn, and some tissue

flowers i glued on top.

you know mom's day is coming up!

i shall share some more ideas for gifts soon.

tgit.

warm days.

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

call for rediculously cute mini popsicles i found at

the grocery. i squealed a bit when i opened them.

they are probably the cutest in dec's wee hands.

and the super happy look on his face when i gave

him one. more? he says when done.

i know, they are tiny.

some of the perfect food.

2011-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

chopped tomatoes you needed to get rid of,

dressed in olive oil, s & p, balsamic, chopped garlic,

atop of toasty rustic fresh bread,

homemade basil + arugula pesto,

and some bianco mozzarella.

just thought you should know.

thanks sarah for mentioning pesto the other day!

hucklebones.

2011-04-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

some really sweet little girlie dresses i found

on small magazine. love that big blue bow...

would be such a perfect little Easter dress dont you think?

i am kind of like fraulein maria.

2011-04-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

who knew that stripey ikea fabric that graced the table

at declan's first birthday would become so useful.

first it was aprons for the craft fair,

and now a fancy window booth....

originally made for movie night,

and now just generally anything: restaurant...movies...

'declan's general store', ie. handing me everything in the

cleaning closet he can reach as fast as he can, and finding

it all very humorous.

and now this pic i am sure is a result of her admiration

for my sister em's work in the modeling business.

they do catch on so young.

and for inquiring minds, this was really easy to make.

you just have to be as skilled as maria and also have a large

piece of fabric on hand; i am thinking an old sheet would

suffice.

i hope your weekend was super dooper as was ours.

i may have created the worlds largest pile of dishes

ever unfortunately...pancakes...museli for tomorrow...

stewed strawberry and rhubarb....puff pastry...sauteed spinach....

and thats not all.

you could say i felt like making a lot of food today.

toodles.

happy weekend.

2011-04-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

here's to hoping for some moments of calm...peace,

like this above photo.

some spontaneous dancing...

some fresh flowers...

and maybe some sweet treats!

cheers to the weekend.

sorry for the lack of posts this week...

so busy picking up that i find it hard to make

myself sit sometimes.

ps. ive been reading this book lately

and find it awe...fully interesting. let me know

if you want to borrow it when im done...

b/c it is very hard to get ahold of at my library!

finally finished.

2011-04-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

so i finally finished putting the collar on this dress the other day.

now just getting the guts to wear my little homemade number.

i am always paranoid someone is going to notice its crazy

imperfections. oh well, its just a fun church dress anyhoo.

spring.

2011-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

i was going to share some fun stuff but for some reason

my pictures keep coming up sideways....go figure.

just makes me lose my umph.

on a happier note, i really can not get enough of this spring weather...

our house has been full of breezes and fresh flowers from the garden;

we even had a perfect rainy weekend with a stop for hot coffee

because we were so cold. awesome.

i feel like the clock is only ticking waiting for the summer heat.

maybe that is just the negative little voice in my head.

well its off to battle the grocery with two crazies on my hands.

heres to hoping its ok. maybe a coffee will help.

weekend salad.

2011-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

i made this for dinner tonight and thought it was pretty

delicious so thought i'd share.

who says green beans are just for thanksgiving right?

green bean salad

ingredients:

2 large handfuls green beans

3 medium tomatoes

1 shallot

5-6 slices bacon

1/2 lemon

2 T. olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Boil trimmed green beans in salted water until tender. Set aside.

Chop tomatoes into medium pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cut bacon into one inch pieces and cook until crispy. With about 1 T. of remaining fat sautee chopped

shallots until carmelized.

Add all ingredients into bowl. Squeeze top of salad with 1/2 of lemon juice and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

serve immediately or chilled. enjoy! and have a lovely weekend!

showers in the tree.

2011-04-05T19:55:00.001-07:00

clever ol' me draped the hose into the olive tree

out front and created a sort of shower outside.

obviously not for big kids.

ruby and declan thought it was the greatest

and even broke out some soap. ei yi yi.

what the neighbors must say about

those crazy mchale kids.

a new simple dress.

2011-04-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

so i happened upon some ikea sale fabric while

Easter basket shopping the other day.

i've really been wanting to try this simple pattern

my mom had made last year, so i winged it

and it was ridiculously easy, fast and rewarding.

i promise i'll share a tutorial soon...

just not promising perfection.

anyhow, it was basically two pieces sewn together

with a casing at the top...and a long satin ribbon strewn

through the casing. the end.

oh, and i spied some cute j.crew kids clothes

as we were window shopping one morning recently

before swim class. dreaming of trying to

copy that giant flower onto a little white

dress...for Easter perhaps?

i shall also note my love of morning light for pictures.

i'll have to do this more often i guess. if only dec

wasn't such a busy body. ruby essentially has to

put him in a headlock and try to say cheese.

ps. ruby is laying here next to me, refusing to go

to sleep and just told me "mommy, you look

like mary poppins. why you're not mary poppins?"

not sure ruby, i'll work on that one.

best buddies.

2011-04-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

i really can not get enough of watching these two interact

lately. declan will do anything ruby does, and he pretty

much thinks she is the greatest ever (besides jack and balls

of course). can you not just see it in the second photo?

the extreme admiration for his crazy sister?

for example: we went out sat. night for a little birthday

dinner and dec woke up and wasnt too happy.

our babysitter put ruby in bed next to him and he

quickly went back to sleep and was just fine.

makes me melt.

i just want to pause and freeze them right now

at the ages they are at.

to the beach.

2011-03-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

so i've been having some fun on the other blog

i work on with emily

doing collages here and there.

go check it out for fun if you have not yet.

soon we'll have a new awesome header

that our good friend james is creating.

its going to be pretty awesome, so get excited!

fashionistas.

2011-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

two cute little ladies had quite a bit of fun

attending a rockin fashion show

over the weekend.

had me wishing i could attend a few more.

boy are they fun. also has me missing

project runway.

when is that show coming back?

anyone know? cant wait.

mercantile.

2011-03-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

my husband happened upon this darling vintage boutique,

also including a hair salon on central over the weekend.

i can not wait to go back and try on some of the

very affordable vintage frocks and perhaps a necklace

and a watch or two.

just makes me happy to know that phoenix is getting

better all the time.

ps. how cozy is that swinging chair? oh, and my camera

did not do it justice, but you simply must go check out the

counter in the place. it is amazing. i will just leave it up

to you to go visit for yourself.

jellyfish park.

2011-03-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

at least that is what we refer to it. ruby calls it a jellyfish,

some call it a tornado. so any way you have it,

this has become a great place to hang out after grabbing

a coffee at the market.

perfect grass, little hills, good downtown views,

a stage to dance on, bathrooms nearby and

even a water fountain to play in.

dec made it home in high fashion in his stroller

dressed in a dry diaper and sweatshirt only, sound asleep.

once again, another fun downtown adventure.

a little 'simon says'

{a new fave game of declan's}

soaked to the bone.

{and for all interested in great water features to play in

downtown...city scape has the best one ever...

so take your kids there one afternoon,

and call me so i can meet you.}

long walks.

2011-03-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

having a car that doesnt work really is not all too bad.

as long as its not summer, i will take long walks

in pretty sunshine and slightly chilly weather for as

long as i can. i also kind of enjoy the creativity

it enforces on me.

currently brainstorming good easter presents to make.

any good ideas?

i just love parties.

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

a little recap of the festivities:

so we started the day with the big bday

video, followed by french toast and

present opening.

we spent the afternoon decorating for the

little soiree the next day on our front porch,

where ruby refused to nap and thus

fell asleep on the glider out front.

we had some fancy pink cake that evening,

picnic-ing in the back yard.

one. two. three.

and the following morn

we awoke to a little bday breakfast

with some fancy princesses.

menu:

{for kids}

waffles.whip cream and berries.

{for big kids}

eggs en cocotte and bacon.

coffee and juice.

all in all it was much fun.

will admit i was pretty tired in the end.

turning 3 is so darn cute though.

my egg recipe for anyone interested:

preheat oven to 375.

heat water in tea kettle.

fill ramekins with about 2 T. heavy cream.

crack two eggs in each ramekin.

sprinkle with salt and pepper.

sprinkle with finely chopped fresh chives.

top with hefty handful of grated greuyere cheese.
place on sheet pan and pour hot water onto
half way up sides of ramekins.
bake about 45 min's. depending on how
well cooked you want them.
enjoy!

too much.

2011-03-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

what looks like one of the cutest and

sweetest books ever.

a cute crafty mom with 8 kids?

go watch the video and maybe buy

me a copy of the book here. hehe.

enjoy!

welcome monday.

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

so what a truly beautiful weekend it was here! the weather

has been so incredibly perfect, and even slightly chilly

after a pretty warm week. i guess you could say the

weather really makes life better for me...esp. when it

means a lot of time spent chilling on the front porch.

we had a very nice and successful birthday saturday morning

(which i will share pics of later).

i think breakfast parties are maybe my favorite...

the beauty of the morning and the possibilities

for fun and delicious food ideas are just a great

combination.

hope you had a lovely weekend

and your monday is off to a beautiful start!

ps. doesn't dec look cute popping out the window?

Happy Birthday Video

2011-03-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrWDTVmcrkI

enjoy

happy birthday!

2011-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

to you!

we love you ruby

and all your sillyness!

now stop growing so fast.

kids room inspiration.

2011-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

love that mobile and grey paint done just so.

i shall work on my paper crane making skills.

{found via pinterest}

love that wall color. that bed in its simplicity,

the floors and just the general color scheme.

if only i had an unlimited supply of paint on hand.

{found via first home via pinterest}

the first party.

2011-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

that is, miss ruby is turning three on friday

and so we are doing a birthday breakfast on sat.,

yet she is one lucky lady

and was blessed with a pretty awesome night

including lots of fun cousins...

and she ended up with the dreamiest of presents:

a dress up chest.

she is so loved.

'neslackases'

and flower picking.

dressing up in the new digs.

isnt it so cheery!

mr. balloon lover. ball?

miss sassafrass, the queen of fun

{who did us the honor of a sleepover

and was such a blast to have around;

my kids love her!}

the scene of the dress up madness.

and dec exploring the yard.

cheers!

st. patrick's day.

2011-03-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

definitely a highlight of last weekend:

the annual st. paddy's day whoopla

in which a whole pub facade is made in my brothers driveway.

green beer. darts. live music. lots of little kids dancing.

jumping houses. and irish kisses for sale.

it was one to remember, once again!

thanks guys for an awesome party!

this guy had one too many green waters i guess.

happy weekend.

2011-03-10T17:25:00.001-08:00

any exciting plans?

i'm thinking of trying a circle skirt

and mabye sewing up some favors for the

upcoming 3 yr. old birthday in our house.

i do love birthdays!

cookie stand.

2011-03-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

forget lemonade stands.

i want to have cookies and milk stand.

does it get any cuter?

{via pinterest via style me pretty}

cute idea.

2011-03-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

what a clever way to reuse an old can.

noted for the next can i come across.

{found here}

springy looks i love.

2011-03-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

wishing i was wearing these three looks:

i am a big fan of pairing cozy

scarves with a nice light shirt

in springtime.

and i do love a big fat wedge sandal.

{find it here}

long and perfectly cut lovlies

such as this.

{find it here}

simple and stunning

with the fantastic addition

of cowboy boots and belt.

{find it here}

sick kids

2011-03-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

so unfortunately the kids have been sick.

really down and out around here.

dec seems to be on the up and up

but lately ruby has been looking like the above photo.

it really breaks my heart to see them not be their crazy

silly selves. esp when they want to be better so badly.

i cant wait to have things back to normal

and play outside all day.

its lovely and warm here.

how was your weekend? any fun outdoor activities?

needs work. that dress.

2011-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

so i'm not done yet. but i thought i'd share what i was

working on last weekend.

soon enough i'll get the zipper in, and the collar sewed on.

and then perhaps i'll have my first dress done.

i had big plans for making something fun in white

with lots of pink trims for ruby,

but alas

i just never really get done what i hope for

as so many things get in the way.

or admittedly when i do actually get the time...

i just want to be lazy and watch a silly flick like

the proposal with my husband.

way funnier than i thought it would be

by the way in case you are in need

of a good romantic comedy.

hope monday is treating you well.

ps. the dress is out of this

built by wendy

book in the event you were looking

to learn how to make your own frocks.

happy weekend.

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

i have definitely been bad about posting

mr. dec

lately, so we had a little photo shoot

in the afternoon sporting his new target

shirt. i think he just might be an

orange man.

oh, that last face? that would be a look up

at one of the many helicopters that flew over.

they just never get old. yet i have no idea

what spurred the crazy face.

its just his personality. lots of it.

so i am actually off to cali spur of the moment.

i'll try to leave you some love for next

week but no huge promises.

maybe if you leave me lots of comments

i will feel obliged.

if you finish all your dinner you can have an oreo too.

happy weekend to you.

so i tried them.

2011-02-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

and they were probably the best choc chip cookies ever.

the use of raw sugar and sea salt make them i think.

beware: you should probably just give them to friends

and only leave a small amount within reach

as you will not be able to stop eating them.

oh wait, that was me.

{here is the link again}

little nook.

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

{bench side table for coloring,

or holding my coffee}

rearranged again. not a lot i promise.

ruby and i were playing 'princess fort'

the other day and scooted this bed into

the little nook by our kitchen

and thus it stuck.

i kinda like the cozy spot.

except it ensues a feeling of well deserved

nap throughout the day...a position mr. declan

is never too enthused with.

if he could speak i know he'd be saying

'get up and play ball right now mom,

i'll have none of this laying around baloney.'

yet instead he just looks at me in pain

and grunts 'ehhhhhh'.

ok, fine, you're rediculously cute. i'm up.

pretty pouches.

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

inspired by this post and great tutorial i spent a bit of

my sewing time this weekend obsessing over pouches.

who doesnt love a good pouch for pens, makeup,

paper, coupons, who knows...endless possibilities.

anyhow, i had some heavy weight white linen

and paired it up with colorful zippers,

and then decided a liner was even better.

if you live in phx, SAS is your place for buckets

of zippers. they were full of a bunch of vintage ones

still in wrappers. every time i go in there

i leave with about 10 new projects in mind.

and by the way, this was my first official zipper.

yippee! i did it. thanks to liz.

feeling pretty good.

promise to share the dress

i am almost done

with soon.

forgot to take pics.

errrrhhrhhrrrrrrgrh

2011-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

the sound our cd player makes now when you turn

on or off the car. and no, it is not currently taking

cd's either, so no more juno soundtrack for us i'm

afraid. its only been in there for about a year now.

ed said to me: 'maybe we should stop letting

them play in the car.'

but who does'nt love to catch up on some reading

or sewing on the front porch and listen to the ruby

commentary:

'im just going on a trip mom to a snowy place...

i just need to go to the store for snacks first

and then for gas cus the car does'nt works'

oh, ok.

and i have no idea why the air makes this

crazy clicking sound when turning from

cold to warm, or vice versa.

i guess the car is old.

who knows why they find playing in the car

so terribly entertaining.

i'm probably the only crazy mom

who lets her kids do this.

just add that to the list of things

i probably should'nt let them do but do anyhow.

delectable.

2011-02-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

doesnt this just make you hungry?

{via potrait-life}

happy weekend.

2011-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

up to this weekend:

attempting to sew a few things. dresses!

writing...not procrastinating.

reading this new book i've been devouring from the library.

and maybe visiting the parking lot at frances/smeeks for

a hot dog and good tunes.

any good plans coming your way?

check out emily and i's regular friday

wear.make.do

post for some fun links. enjoy!

{image via our work shop via seesaw}

a few fantastic shots.

2011-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

ruby takes every chance she gets to steal the

camera away from me.

here is her recent work.

i was off doing something in the kitchen

and found some surprises on my camera later.

she loves her feet.

as you can plainly see.

(oops...open fly shot)

and then we did a nice fancy pose for the timer.

lookin good as always mom.

and ps. what is up with the wild hand poses ruby?

and last but not least,

ruby's fancy collage.

she did spend some time

putting this together. and when i took two pics

she followed it up with

'another one!!!??'

yes, we had to get it just right.. b/c your mom

is kinda crazy.

chocolate chip cookies.

2011-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

i am always on the lookout

for a new chocolate chip cookie

recipe to try.

this one, in its attention to detail

and ingredients particularly

appeals to me.

once i get my hands on some quality chocolate

i'll have to give it a whirl.

problem is, i tend to eat most of them.

{find it here}

and as a side note,

would it not be so fun

to receive a whole loot

of cookies wrapped in wax paper

inside this cute lunch tote?

{found here}

a happy fete.

2011-02-14T21:09:00.000-08:00

we celebrated the big day well this past

weekend....with delicious food,

fabulous company (family)

and lots of laughs.

twas memorable and so lovely.

and psssst....here's a secret....

if you want to see more pics

go here.

emily and i have a new blog.

it is indeed new and we still have

a lot of work to do but

you should check it out.

be mine.

2011-02-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

happy valentines to you and yours.

spread the love and cheer!

i am counting my blessings....they are indeed many.

happy weekend

2011-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

any exciting valentine's plans?

we're cooking up a mighty feast

of a soiree. will share next week.

have a love.ly weekend!

chocolate boxes

2011-02-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

{before}

{after}

i found these in the dollar bin

at michaels. on the search

for boxes to jazz up for a family

valentines dinner we're throwing

this weekend.

i just chipped off the appliques,

painted them white (with a little

help from Ruby)

and wired in these tissue

pink pom poms

i whizzed up on a late night

cappuccio. ummm.

then i could not go to sleep.

just happy

2011-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

to be out with you.

happy to have you and the silly

things you say.

happy to see your smiling face everyday.

peachy pinks

2011-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

as im sure you've noticed,

if your color obsessed like me

that the new hue for spring

is all about peachy pinks.

so happy. i just love it.

yes please

2011-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

head over to seesaw

and enter to win

one of these lovelies.

just love them.

how do you like

2011-02-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

those cute chubby legs in

adorable pink mary janes?

ruby insisted on taking one of

my feet

next.

so i thought i's share her photography

skills.

she also took this of dec trying like

mad (and grunting im sure)

to open bubbles.

we finally had a warm day today

and ruby seems to be getting better

{she was rather sick over the weekend}

so it was nice to emerge

and just play again.

i also caught a wee bit of superbowl

half time.

yikes, that was painful.

and i thought watching football

was the least thrilling part.

how bout some justin timberlake i can dance to huh?

happy weekend

2011-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

have a lovely weekend.

im pooped.

i'll take a nice bit of relaxation,

although im sure that wont happen.

one can wish!

via loving pretty things

modeling on the beach

2011-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

well not really.

i just found this rather large

piece of driftwood and the kids

took some funny pics.

image stolen from emily.

that's a camera?

2011-02-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

yes.

and for only 25 bucks

ruby may be getting

her first for her bday.

no more using mine lady.

this way she can dress up

and be a princess spy

and take all the secret pics

her little heart desires.

buy it here

found via design love fest via design sponge

tasty

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

i made this the over the weekend for dinner.

chilie verde that is. i highly recommend it.

i omitted the jalapenos and lets be honest

was not terribly strict at following the amounts listed

but i did follow the method and boy was it tasty.

i also made some rice (brown rice cooked

with salsa, s & p, cumin, and bit of butter)

to go with it

which i thought was a nice addition.

we then had it for leftovers with shredded chicken

added instead of pork.

i think this might be going on the list

of faves.

pomtastic

2011-02-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

i'm after some of these for miss ruby's 3rd birthday

coming up in march.

love an excuse to plan a party and decorate with

pretty things.

{found here via you are my fave}

why is it?

2011-01-31T20:20:00.000-08:00

that trying on fun glasses is always a good time?

we had a fun adventure day...visiting a few

thrift stores and ending up downtown

testing out these rockin shades at urban

outfitters.

i was diggin the green pair but ed said they

made my nose look fake.

and not sure what ruby is doing....

making sure the stay on her face,

or calmly praying to herself

that her mom will make sure she gets

in her naptime tomorrow.

you make the call.

from the backseat

2011-01-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

not really sure why, but i took these

at a red light recently.

sometimes i wish it was me in the backseat

throwing out all the demands.

they sure are cute.

the kids, not the demands.

hope you're weekend was gorgeous.

we are in the middle of painting our bedroom

so look forward to a fun before and after

later this week!

toodles.

pretty pink garland

2011-01-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

i made this sweet little pom pom garland

to hang on the mantle (my favorite piece

to decorate). it was really super easy

and involved no sewing.

any interested parties speak up

and i'll do a diy post next week.

it'll give me an excuse to make one

for someone else i love.

valentine love

2011-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

i was doing some valentine dreaming

and thought i'd share some ideas....inspiration.

how about a box of fresh doughnuts

in that cute bag above?

{above image found here via here}

and this is such a sweet little card!

found here

i personally want one of these...

but where would i put it?

maybe in a bathroom?

found here

and of course. jewels.

i thought this was lovely.beautiful.charming.

found here via here

what are you pining after this year...

or shall i say planning on making?

we're planning a pretty sweet valentine

dinner party.

should be awesome.

cant wait to share!

a little happy

2011-01-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

these cute girls were at the conference i just went to and i thought this video was just so happy! enjoy!