Cuffed

Moms are usually pretty easy for me to buy for...dads on the other hand often are tougher. I came across these great photo cuff links at Saige Nicole's and think I might just place my order and be done with it so had to share in case any of you all had the same problem!

Hat Head

I recently got my haircut by a new stylist and am struggling with the cut to say the least. Let's just say he went a little crazy with the layers... with this said, I've been spending a lot more time with a baseball cap on these days so am very tempted to buy this cute, stylish, monogrammed option from Robin Carlton. For $18 it seems like a steal!

Jenny Journaler

I kept a journal for years as a teenager. It's so fun to look back at them and read about how "tough" my life was what with the confusion about boys and what to wear to Friday nights football game and the like. Too funny! While I don't journal now I really would like to get back into it as I think it is such a great thing to do. These adorable suede journals from Monogram Market might just turn me into Jenny Journaler all over again!

Style Swap

As most of you know, I love Girls Nights and Girls Weekends....there is just something so refreshing about that time with friends. Last Spring I hosted a Clothing Swap Party and we had a total ball. Now, according to my very in the know friend SG who works for Hearst in NY, Biore Skincare & Cosmo Magazine are hosting a similar event in various cities around the country and has even put together a great template for how to throw your very own Style Swap! It’s a great way to “spring clean” your closet of all that stuff you don’t wear anymore, while filling it with new fashion finds and of course fun time with friends!

Mothers Day Madness

My sweet friend JS emailed a bit ago asking for some fun ideas for Mothers Day gifts. I gave her a few of my ideas from Red Envelope but thought I'd see if you all had any fun ideas for our moms and MIL's. Post away!

I heart tea (and the occasional Frappuchino)

Although I do make fairly regular Starbucks runs I am actually usually a tea drinker (although the new Dulce de Leche Frappuchino Light is making this a tough decision for me). When I came across these adorable gift teas I thought they were too cute. The Spoon Sisters have an amazing selection of really unique gift items all categorized by recipient so shopping couldn't be any easier!

Flats + Notecards = Perfection

I love flats - there are so many cute ones out there and they are so great for chasing the twins around the playground. And as you know, I love stationery. When a friend recently told me about Cassie Adams Designs and I saw this notecard I realized it had to have been made for me! They offer darling invitations, notecards, stickers, return address labels and the like...definitely worth a visit...

Headband Heaven

I've always loved headbands but sadly I just dont have the head for them...for some reason they are always too big for me and make my hair poof out in a less than cute way however when I saw these adorable striped ones on sale for $3 I have to say I was tempted to try yet again. In the meantime, I figured someone out there would have a good headband head and might want to give them a whirl as well! Their seersucker clutch is darling too and seems like a steal at $10!

Lucy's Great Lengths

My adorable Mother in law VR got me a great gift certificate to Lucy for my birthday. I'd never tried their clothes before but had heard great things about them from my friend JL so was thrilled when her gift arrived. I went last week to check out the goods and left with what is now my new favorite pair of workout pants. I got the low-rise style and it is so comfy and literally everytime I've worn them I've gotten compliments about how I look like I've lost weight...have to love that don't you? The coolest part is that Lucy makes their pants in 3 different lengths which is awesome because I always seem to have one of two problems: I look like I'm wearing floods OR my pants drag behind my 5'6" self making me wish more than ever that I was tall. Thanks to Lucy this is one problem solved!

Paperweights

As you know, I love things that are personalized and have fallen in love with these adorable paperweights from iomoi. They seem like they might be the perfect gift for the mom or mother in law who has it all and with so many darling patterns to choose from there is no reason you can't find one that suits even the hardest to buy for friend or relative!

Ribbon Fan

It rained all day yesderday so the twins and I spent the day indoors. We had friends over, made muffins and attempted to clean out my craft cabinets. This last activity made me realize what an obsession I have with ribbon...I just love the stuff and have SO much of it. I'm really not sure what I save it all for but should you ever need some you know where to go. Would you prefer to search a real store, The Ribbon Jar has an amazing selection....even by my standards!

PS. Their "Ideas" section offers some awesome inspiration for crafty types too!

Calling All Moms

I oftentimes think I'm a self-help addict....I literally cannot get enough of it. Are there any books out there for that???? Anyhow, my recent favorite is a book called MotherStyles and it's an awesome book that is based on the Meyers Brigg test and helps you understand what your parenting style is and why you do the things you do. For example, I'm an EFSJ - "The Happy Together Mother" and as I've mentioned before I live with a list in my hand. The book encouraged gals like me to actually write down fun time with my kids on my list to make sure that I make time for it...sounds easy enough but somedays I actually need the reminder that that time is WAY more important than having clean clothes or milk in the fridge. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.

DecorateME

I am in total decorating mode....me, the house, the list goes on. I would LOVE to be on What Not to Wear and have someone give me a total makeover but am not sure I really qualify at this point...maybe if I start wearing sweats everyday?!?!

With regards to the house, my sweet friends at girls night last night talked me out of the craziness that is white couches at least until the twins are a little older and aren't eating goldfish crackers and other equally stainable things! I did find some great new oil rubbed bronze knobs for our kitchen cabinets and am in heaven with the new look! Now just a few new accessories and curtains for the family room and I think I'll be feeling happier with everything.

One of the things that I'm dying to try but not sure I'm brave enough for are Wall Words. I have no idea what saying I like enough to look at everyday but think it's the coolest concept. I've tried to get the photo to attach about a million times but it doesn't want to cooperate (it's been one of those days already!) so you'll have to trust me on this and just check it out!

Sticker Collecting

I had THE best sticker collection as a kid. I remember trading stickers and keeping all of my favorites in my hello kitty sticker book. Tell me I am not alone in this. Now that I've found Whitney English and her incredible collection of stationery, stickers, etc...it makes me hope that my girls will do the same just so I can take part in it! Her stuff could really blow a gals budget so be forewarned.

My new favorite tote

Maybe it's because I'm wishing I was twelve all over again or maybe Pottery Barn Teen just has cuter stuff than ever. I'm totally in love with these personalized polka dotted tote bags among other things and had to share them with you all in case you were looking for a fun summer bag for your beach reading, towels and sunscreen! Can you tell our girls weekend in Palm Springs is coming up and I'm thinking beachwear?

Made with love

My dear friend CN brought us a delicious homemade dinner on Friday after what seemed to be the longest week ever. I can't tell you what a fabulous treat this was! She totally puts Martha Stewart to shame and makes me wish I was even half as "together" as she is. Anyhow, the moral of this story is that I honestly think some of my favorite gifts are the things that are homemade....like this great dinner and my longtime love of mix tapes (yes, I know, I am aging myself here). Now thanks to these adorable cd stickers we can give thoughtful gifts of music that look stylish too. The to-do for dinners, those may come from friends other than me! :)

Happy Tax Day/Birthday

Happy Tax Day to all and Birthday to me. It's the big 31 and I've already eaten more cake than a girl really should have! I promise a "real" post tomorrow after my suger high goes away!

For the princes and princesses in our lives

I know I should give practical gifts but it's so much more fun to give things that we would never justify buying for ourselves or our kids. Some of my favorite gifts that the twins have recieved are things that seem totally over the top for one year olds but I love having (think bathrobes, mini monogramed chairs, Lily Pulitzer bathing suits, Ugg boots, Crocs and the list goes on). Anyhow, I came across Princess Linens and think that this might just be the best of both worlds - some practical but mostly very cute things. My favorite at the moment is this Crayon Keeper which I think is so great that I almost want one myself!

Tagged!

One of my favorite bloggers at Suburban Cupcake got me thinking this might be a fun way to kick off the weekend so enjoy! TK and SG consider yourselves tagged!

Three things that scare me:
1. Roller Coasters
2. Fear of being alone
3. The idea of not completing everything on my list of things to do before I die/living a full life

Three people that make me laugh:
1. Twin A and Twin B who laugh at one another on an hourly basis and have me cracking up alongside them despite the fact that they know what they are laughing at and I'm just laughing with them!
2. My girlfriends and the amazingly strange situations we get ourselves into
3. Adam Sandler oddly enough

Three things I hate:
1. Peppers
2. Being stood up
3. People who are insincere

Three things on my desk:
1. Picture Frames with photos of my sweeties
2. The never ending to-do list which I couldn't live without
3. A copy of "Daily Candy A to Z: An Insiders Guide to the Sweet Life" - a birthday gift from my sweet friend AG last year

Three things I’m doing right now:
1. Thinking about things to add to the above mentioned to-do list
2. Listening to the hum of the dryer
3. Trying to come up with a third thing

Three things I’d like to do before I die:
1. African Safari
2. Sit in the audience at the Oprah show
3. Design a house from the ground up

Three things I can do:
1. Type without looking at the keyboard
2. Make conversation with any and everyone
3. Walk the dog, push the double stroller, carry hot tea and talk on the phone all at once

Three things I think you should listen to:
1. Music? Are you serious? All we listen to these days are the latest CD's from Music Together the twins music class
2. U2 is always my best standby
3. Your mom

Three favorite foods:
1. CPK Salads
2. Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce
3. Pineapple, especially when in Hawaii

Three shows I watched as a kid:
1. Punky Brewster
2. Silver Spoons (LOVED Ricky Schroder)
3. The Facts of Life

Three things I regret:
1. Not keeping up with my Spanish more after living in Costa Rica. I was totally fluent and am not anymore. :(
2. Not being more committed to one sport in high school...instead I dabbled and am now so-so at a lot of things
3. That's it....I actually live a pretty regret free life thankfully.

Stamps & Embossers

As you know, I love fun address labels but I have to say that embossed addresses on envelopes I love even more! The stamp and embosser options at Three Designing Women are classic, elegant and fun all at the same time. Now the question is, which to choose?

Hostess with the Mostess

As you know, I love to entertain. I think it's the only child in me that likes having people around. I'm generally pretty casual when it comes to guests - make your own pizzas, sundae bars, bbq's, etc. but love to do cute invites, centerpieces and favors as much as the next girl. Now that I've found Hostess With the Mostess I'm in serious trouble...just check out all of the fun ideas and themes for parties of all sorts...Mothers Day Brunch anyone? Needless to say, I'm inspired. Let the planning begin!

Beach Lover

When darling hubby and I moved back to SoCal a few years ago I decided that my house would become our beach house of sorts. Given that we live 7 miles from Laguna Beach we have lots of great inspiration here but when I found Snappy Turtle of Kennebunkport I fell in love with some of their nautical and beach inspired things! Our beach house is still a work in progress, but I really believe in the theory that a home can never have too many picture frames!

Monogram Heaven

As I've mentioned before I love all things monogrammed and personalized. When I came across the website for Lauren Nicole I was overwhelmed with the great choices - from jewlery and totebags to baby items and blankets! What unique gifts for all the moms, dads, grads, etc we need to buy for in the coming months.

Resort Wear Must Haves

It's been a drizzly Easter weekend in SoCal and since I've been dreaming of warm weather, I've also been fantasizing about my would-be resort wardrobe. I found some darling clutches and flip flops at Sara Langley Designs and it just makes me think Hawaii-bound! Might have to talk to hubby as I have reason to believe he's not quite on the same page :)

Design on a Dime

I am addicted to HGTV and am in a serious home re-decorating mode right now which is always dangerous. I'm thinking I want to recover our family room couches in white cotten a la my girlfriend HP whose house is darling and I could move right into. Yes, I know I have two kids and a dog and a husband who likes to eat chips with salsa and other equally messy things in the family room but that's what bleach is for right? I do love the crisp, clean beachy look of white so I'll keep you posted. Anyhow, I've found another site that inspires me. Cath Kidston has adorable fabrics, kitchen items, bath items, even such fun things as cute ironing board covers and door stops...those things that I always say would make my chores more fun but have no idea where to find...search no farther...this is the place

Is intelligence or common sense more important?

Appologies for the lack of posts. My poor sweet little twin A has been in the hospital for a virus and severe dehydration. Anyhow, thankfully we are home now and doing better....

Anyhow, I love board games...embarrassingly darling husband and I even took travel Scrabble on our honeymoon and I would choose a game night any night of the week given the chance. I'm dying to get this fun Table Topics Game which looks like its really more of a conversation starter than a game....just think of the fun discussions you'd have over dinner with friends! Wrapables has tons of other fabulous finds as well including home decor, pet goodies and all kinds of unique gifts.

Pink Loves Brown

Talk about a cute company name! When I saw these too adorable book plates from www.pinklovesbrown.com I knew this was a site I would love and really as always when there is cute stationery involved how can you really go wrong? These are perfect for book lovers of all ages...maybe a fun thing to give the Mother who has it all come Mothers Day? I know one who would love them!

Madison Sloan

I love all things personalized so while I don't typically use laminated placemats I thought these were great and could be a fun thing for small kids who love to see their names on things. Might make mom happy too because they still look stylish and match the decor.

Design Yourself

The question has come up as to whether or not I actually buy or try all of the fun things I share with you all. Sadly my stay at home mom "salary" does not afford me the luxury of doing this nearly as often as I would like which is why your comments are that much more important when you have bought or tried things so please do share!

Here's something that you can buy or just have fun with...My friend SP told me about Design-her-gals and I've been having a ball on the site trying to figure out which "gal" I am....is it the one with the jeans, t-shirt, ponytail, double stroller and dog or the one with perfectly dried hair, pearl necklace, skinny black pants and pointy toed heels? Depends what day or maybe what hour of the day you ask I guess but the great thing is that when you DO figure out which version of yourself you like best you can have it printed on notecards, stickers, recipe cards, notepads and the list goes on...enjoy!

Key Fobs & More

I've had the same keychain for years...I can't even remember when I got it but I'm not one to change it out very often. However, if I was one to update the keys on a more regular basis Lindsay Designs is a place I'd definately look. Their affordable, cheery key fobs would make me smile everytime I got in the car and turned on the ignition. They have some really cute pet things as well...matching collar Holly? Oh and yes, there really is a Lindsay who by the way nicely offered 10% off on all purchases made before April 30, 2007 with the code "treehouse".