5 Things Friday

Happy Friday!  Who's ready for the weekend?  I am wrapping up my last full week of work, and will be on maternity leave after Monday (unless I have a baby over the weekend - eek!) so I am pretty excited.  I hope to take some decent of photos of Baby Cardigan's room to share with y'all next week, and enjoy lots of restaurant meals and solo time before that becomes a rarity.

Until then, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. Isn't this the kind of dress that is impossible to find when you want it?  If you find one that fits, buy it.  I still regret passing on an $89 option at Nordstrom Rack 18 months ago.

image via The Ivory Lane

2. I am starting to put together a big playlist for the day that I'll likely spend in labor, hanging out with my epidural and waiting for the big moment (pray it is that uneventful!).  I realized that there are a few bands and albums that I will probably love until I am an old lady.  The top ones are Better Than Ezra, the Room for Squares album by John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, and bands fronted by Andrew McMahon.  What are yours?

 Remember when he was so cute and clean cut?

3. I'm hoping to make this peanut butter fudge rice krispie treat masterpiece for my coworkers on Monday - looks easy and delicious!

4. Need a reminder of the power of Google reverse image search?  This rug was for sale on a fancy site for kids room decor, and cost $600 for an 8x10.  In 30 seconds I saved the image and uploaded it to Google in order to find other retailers who might be offering the same item (since it was obviously imported and not manufactured by that company) - lo and behold, here it is on sale from Floors USA for $450 with free shipping, before any coupon code.  Do your research before you overpay!

5. I love this so much - now to find a brunette lady, man with glasses, little boy, black weiner dog, and brown white mutt from the Lego lineup!  I think it would be an adorable Christmas card.

Have a nice weekend!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday! I hope all of you had a great week.  Mine was busy and still isn't over, but I am getting close to finishing Baby Cardigan's room - which is good news considering that he will be here by March 17th at the latest (eek!)

Before I go trolling Etsy for 8x10 prints, here are 5 things worth sharing on the internet:

1. I am so enamored with this home tour from Jessica Ahnert Davis of The Eagle's Nest.  I love everything about it, especially this little entry way vignette with the mirror and prints.

 via The Eagle's Nest

2.  When I have a waist again, I'm going to wear the crap out of a gingham dress like this one from Gap.  But I will button mine because I am a lady.

3. Last year I was really excited to get some "perfect" leopard flats from Gap, and I am now sad to report that they have been thrown out because after about 4 outings they smelled terrible.  I think these will be my next pair, but I'm on the fence about whether Steve Madden shoes are worth $59.  Thoughts?

4. This week's recipe is a blueberry power muffin made with Chobani greek yogurt from the Domesticated Academic.  I have been craving blueberry muffins, and these look almost too good to be true.  Stay tuned!

5. As the weather starts to warm up, let us all remember how fun it is to mix prints and how much mileage you'll get from a pair of brown wedges that are comfortable.

via Clothed Much

Bonus 6th Thing for Texas people + Crazy Dog Lady PSA:

** Harold has been adopted!!  Hooray!**  But the story is still important... let's put tags on our dogs, ladies!

Over the President's Day weekend, my husband and I found a big, sweet male yellow Lab wandering around our neighborhood.  Being the dog lovers that we are, we promptly leashed him and gave him some water before taking him on a long walk to knock on doors and see if anyone recognized him.  To our surprise, nobody did, so I put up lots of signs and we let him chill at our house and play with Maggie in the backyard.  He was wearing a collar, had neatly trimmed nails, perfectly clean teeth, and a habit of jumping on couches - all signs pointing to a dog with a family.

So, I did what I still believe is the right thing to do - I turned him over to our local shelter a day later (a Humane Society partnership with a very good live release rate) so his family could find him.  I wouldn't want someone immediately giving or keeping my dogs if they got loose, and I was positive that he'd be reunited soon.

Well, that was a week ago on Tuesday and now Mr. Lab is up for adoption without any takers.  If you or anyone you know would be interested in a calm, healthy male yellow Lab who is about 2 years old and great with other dogs, please point them to Irving Animal Services and ask about "Harold".  I'm sure they'd love to get him in a foster home, too.  I've contacted some rescue groups and none have responded yet, but the thought of him going "code red" makes me want to cry.  (Obviously, with a new baby on the way any day now, we are not in a position to bring a new dog into our home.)

You can check out his page here (he is not a lab mix, they use that label in both instances) and please take a moment to get the word out if you live nearby or have animal rescue connections:

So, the point of this besides finding Harold a family, is to PLEASE put tags on your dog and get a microchip!  My husband and I have found four strays in the past year or two, and not one has had any sort of valid ID tag.  It's so inexpensive, and now you can order tags online or have them engraved by a machine at Petco or Walmart.  Please do it this weekend if your dog is currently wearing only a collar.

The end.

/dismounts soapbox

5 Things Friday

It's Friday - hooray!  I hope y'all have fun plans this weekend - I keep thinking about how it may be one of my last without a baby and that I need to make the most of it.  Perhaps I'll find time for a movie in a theater with a large Icee and more candy than one person should consume.  Any recommendations on what to see?  I'm not up on any of the Oscar nominees, but I don't want to be sad.  Decisions, decisions...

Now, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. This post from SF Girl by Bay yesterday made my internet week.  Amelie is my favorite movie of all time, and I LOVE the art selections inspired by the character.  Check it out!

image via SF Girl by Bay

2. This tank is one of those inexpensive pieces that I could see being worn to death this spring and summer.  I'd layer on the jewelry and put a cardigan on top until the weather warms up.

3. I like the simplicity of this bedroom - a lot.  (It was designed by Geremia Designs.)

image via Rue Magazine

4. I really want to make this coconut and lemon bread (via A Feast for the Eyes), but I'll need to translate the recipe into measurements I know because I'm not what 140g of coconut looks like.

image via A Feast for the Eyes

5. Is this not the easiest gift wrap you've seen on Pinterest?  It's among the only examples that don't make me marvel at how much time was spent.  All I need is a roll of brown paper and some washi tape, which you can now buy in tons of colors for $2.99 at Office Max or Office Depot. 

Have a nice weekend, ladies!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, ladies!  I hope your week has been great, and that you've got some fun in store for the weekend.  I'll be trying to relax with my feet up (late pregnancy swelling is not.fun.) but also doing lots of organizing in Baby Cardigan's room and trying to make it ready in the event that he comes early. 

Before then, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. One of my favorite baby gifts from last week's shower is a set of Baby Lit books, which are toddler versions of classic tales that teach counting, colors, and other subjects with amazing modern illustrations.  Now I want them all!

2. As someone who was always the youngest in class, I thought this article was really interesting.  Basically, studies have been conducted in several countries and all have shown that the practice of "red shirting" kids so that they'll be among the oldest in the kindergarten class doesn't have long-term benefits and the younger kids consistently outperform their older peers by the time everyone is in 8th grade. 

He's wearing a red shirt... get it?

3. I've said time and time again that I don't know how I lived without my leather moto jacket.  It's the perfect weight, and goes with pretty much everything.  If you're in the market for one of your own (real or faux), now is the time to buy!  I really like the Bernardo brand that you can find at Nordstrom, and there are several styles half off right now!

 cognac / gray / tan / black

4. This pregnant lady wants to make a giant oatmeal cream pie REALLY bad.  Check out the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction!

 

5. I tend to keep controversial topics off this blog, but as a mama to be, I am now hyper aware of the possibility that someone's unvaccinated child could expose mine to a dangerous illness before he is old enough to be protected.  It really scares me, and since lots of people like to argue about this on the interwebs, I thought I'd share an incredibly well-written article penned by a doctor about this topic.  Besides the science (the not disproven, peer-reviewed kind), the issue of trust between doctor and parent is not one that I'd considered.

Bonus 6th Thing!  Do not click through if you are not up to date on Downton Abbey!

//// spoiler ahead ////

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday!  Thank you all very much for your sweet comments on my crazy pregnant lady post a few days ago.  It made me feel better, and I'm sure I'll pick exciting new things to freak out about this week.

Until then, here are five things (maybe) worth sharing on the internet.

1. I love how clean and simple this room is, and it may be sacrilegious to say, but my first thought was that it could easily be done on the cheap.  I'm thinking Ikea rug, Overstock headboard, Homegoods mirror, and a thrift store nightstand. 

via Domaine

2. This easy recipe for bread looks delicious! (via Alexandra Cooks)

3.  I never thought about it, but it makes perfect sense that a tattoo and piercing parlor would be a much better choice for piercing a child's ears than a store at the mall.  This article explains why.

I just liked this picture.

4. Remember this nursery that was all over Pinterest a while back?  I just came across a twin of the rug on RugsUSA and they're having a 50% off sale with free shipping! (another version)

via Lay Baby Lay

5. I have learned to love little boy clothes so much.  I definitely prefer things that are more "little man" than sailor suit/cutesy animals/cartoon sports print.  I also don't spend more than about $8 on anything, and usually less than $5.  Luckily, the Joe Fresh line at JCPenney is super cute and the sales are pretty great right now.  I just picked this shirt up for Baby Cardigan (for next year) and it makes me smile every time I see it.  

Check out the rest of the line here (there's some cute girl stuff too!)

 Have a nice weekend!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  I hope everyone is staying warm and gearing up for a fun weekend.  I'm planning on celebrating my friend's baby (due 2 weeks before Baby Cardigan - they're going to be such cute little buddies!) and hopefully making a bit more nursery progress.  (Who knew finding an affordable, large, round mirror in Dallas would be so hard?)

Until then, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. It's been years, and I'm still obsessed with gallery walls.  This one from Kelly Oxford's office is perfection!  I think the mix of white space and saturated color is what makes it pop.

via Domaine

2. My hair is getting super crazy long, and I want to try something like this but it looks hard to do on yourself.

3. I love when old things look modern - isn't it cool to think that this quilt is 114 years old but looks like you'd see it in West Elm today?  It can be yours for the bargain price of $3,200!

4. I want to have a waist again, and then wear a flared dress like this striped one at Gap.  I checked it out in store when I was shopping for $2 baby clothes (surprisingly plentiful!) and it's super cute and nicely made.  The sleeveless version would also be a great office staple, or even work for cocktail dress codes with the right jewelry and shoes.  I'd consider getting one tailored if you can find it for 40% off!

5. As much as I freak out about getting things done before the baby arrives, one thing I've been sure to keep doing is baking.  I love it, and this week's recipe looks pretty easy and my husband might even eat it.  Check out this lemon pound cake from Martha Stewart Living.

Have a nice weekend!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  I am not a fan of this week, and cannot wait for it to be over.  Hopefully I'll be able to make some progress on Baby Cardigan's room after our "fast track" prepared childbirth class (is all day really necessary? we are not excited) and watch a movie or two... or three.

Until then, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. If this is all it takes to be stylish this spring, count me in!  White + Denim = Easy.

But I will not wear overalls, I don't care who sells them or pairs them with heels. 

image via Madewell

2. In case you didn't know, being pregnant also comes with FEELINGS.  On any given day you'll find me fighting back tears about how old my dog is, any sad thing I see online, how much there is to do before Baby Cardigan is here,  and the fact that most boys in America don't enjoy reading and my son might grow to be one of them.  Luckily that last problem is being addressed by Guys Read, a literacy program for boys aimed at encouraging reading by finding the right books and ways to compete with the apps and games that dominate the lives of so many little guys.  Check them out if you've got a boy in your life who could use less screen time.

3. I am looking for a bookshelf like this one (1960s Drexel).  Has anyone seen a similar mid-century reproduction?  I am having to spread my books throughout my house now that our spare room is a nursery and it is distressing me greatly.

4. This week's recipe to try is Honey Beer Bread via Cookie Monster Cooking.  It looks easy and delicious and there is a bottle of Shiner Blonde in my fridge that will be sacrificed for this cause.

5. I love a good packing list, especially when someone else does the work of putting it together.  Even though most of us aren't going to Alt Summit, this roundup of mixable pieces via Jillgg at Good Life for Less is good for anyone planning a weekend trip soon.

Have a nice weekend, ladies!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  This week has felt like a long one to me (probably because it's the first 5-day work week I've put in since mid-December) and I can't wait for a weekend with friends and family - and my first baby shower!  Baby Cardigan and I are very lucky to have lots of people excited to celebrate with us.

Until we get the party started, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:


1. Have we talked about how much I love Nate Berkus.  His line at Target is consistently amazing, and the preview of the spring collection did not disappoint (although some of the pieces are already out at my local store).  I love how it mixes easily with vintage pieces, since I have a bit of a mid-century furniture obsession.  Imagine a showstopper tray like this on a console table, for $35:

2. Even though I'll be gaining about a pound per week until March, I'm trying to make good food choices after a holiday full of candy (in which I ate it all).  I liked this idea for a healthy snack station (via Lunchpails & Lipstick) because it appeals to my lazy side.  I like the idea of clean eating, but I need to have easily grabbable options.  This accomplishes both goals.

3. Want perfect swoopy layers like the Duchess of Cambridge?  Here's how to do it with a round brush and dryer.  (P.S. Let's stop calling her Kate Middleton in 2014, ok?  She got married a while ago.)

 via Camille Styles

4. I think this is the neatest idea, especially for someone with an eclectic decorating style or an older kid who needs room to display all their stuff.  Junior High Haley would have covered those shelves with cheap makeup, hard candy nail polish, Sweet Valley books, and a few beanie babies.

original source unknown  :(

5. This is one of those super long series of images you see on Pinterest (that Blogger won't let me post at actual size), but it's so cute it made me squawk at my desk and someone got up to see what the fuss was about.  There are about 10 more where this came from.

PSA: Both of those breeds often end up with rescue groups (dachshunds are really popular but can be stubborn, and weimeraners need lots of activity), so if you want one of your own, there are hundreds in need of a home.  Now someone recreate these photos!

Have a nice weekend!

5 Things Friday

Wow, it's been a while since I compiled one of these posts!  It's good to be back.   I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

1. While I was shopping for vintage maps this week, I came across this American Folklore map originally created by artist William Gropper in 1946.  I love the colors, and that it's so unique, so I bought an inexpensive poster print for Baby Cardigan's nursery where it will hang amidst vintage Spiderman pictures and a Hey Y'all print.  We like to mix things up!  (Note: this site is sort of strange, and it's not obvious that you can buy an unframed print for $18.  You need to play around with the default selections to get the price down)

2. Ever wondered how to make glitter letters or shapes in Photoshop?  Crissy over at a Berry Sweet Life breaks it down step by step and it seems pretty straightforward.  We could all make our own cards!

3.  Even though I'm slowly being limited to maternity clothes for the next couple of months, I can't resist checking out the sale items at LOFT and I feel compelled to let you know that they are BANANAS right now!  Extra 60% off, and depending on your store's selection, you can find lots of things things that are still in season.  Here are some of my favorites (including notes on fit, since I checked it all out in person):

Tipped Sweater Blazer: I found this to fit a bit long in the arms and it hit a bit lower than I like (I'm 5'4") so I got a petite size and it was perfect!  The material is thick and soft, and the cut is really elongating.

Cable Sleeve Jacket: This is a thick and soft, and looks super cute with jeans.  It's harder to wear if you have a large chest, but don't get it so large that it makes you look like a box.

Zip Shoulder Tunic:  This top is not as long as it looks on that model.  I am not tall, and even if I weren't pregnant it would not cover my behind.  That said, it's super cute with skinny jeans and I wore mine yesterday because it is also stretchy and soft.

Colorblock Top: The material is not thick, so don't be misled, but it's also not scratchy and fits normally.  Be careful washing it, though, since I can see it getting snagged by something else if you aren't really careful.

4. Since so many of us are making efforts to eat well at the moment, I thought I'd share this great post from The Copper Collective about how delicious and versatile zucchini chips can be.  I love them, and have never thought about trying chipotle spice before!

5. This made me smile because it's true.  As a cat-eye wearer, I can attest that sometimes it takes a little while to get the wing just right.

Happy weekend, ladies! 

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  Today's post is a quick one, but I hope you're all enjoying the holidays and better weather than we got in Dallas this week.  Four days in my house with a husband and two dogs was too many days.  However, my little buddy made a (literally) miraculous recovery much to the amazement of his vet.  We're very blessed, indeed!  Thanks to everyone for their well wishes, and sweet comments about Baby D's nursery deisgn!

Now, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. I am loving the design of Rebecca Minkhoff's NYC apartment, and can't believe her dining set was $50 at an estate sale!  I'd fight through a crowd to pay $500!

2. This free printable from I Rock So What is so cute and necessary for all guest rooms, including mine.

3. I will be making my usual Snickerdoodle bread loaves over the weekend, but now I'm temped to give these Knock You Naked brownies (via The Pioneer Woman) a shot!  They involve those little square caramels that you get in the bulk candy bin at the grocery store.  Mmmmmm....

4. This week I went to J. Crew Factory and it was magical.  The whole store was 50% off (and still is, online too!), plus an extra 15% off your in-store purchase.  I did some serious Christmas shopping and bought two pairs of flats, an invitation clutch, and two tops for $95.  Seriously.  I got these studded flats for myself for $21 because I'm having a baby and I have a stressful job and reasons.

5. The month of December is so important for shelter pets because many families are adding new additions while kids are out of school, and studies show that they are three times more likely to adopt if they speak to someone who has done so.  Although, we're not chatting in person, please consider this a conversation about how important it is to avoid buying dogs from backyard breeders and pet stores, especially when literally thousands of wonderful pups (and cats too!) are in need of forever homes.  My rescued pit mix, Maggie, is one of the best dogs my husband and I have ever had, and it sickens me to think of others like her being put down in city shelters because it's popular to pay hundreds for mixed breeds that will supposedly look like puppies forever (psssst... they won't) or a purebred puppy (which you can also find at shelters and through rescue groups!)

So, if you've got room in your home for one more soul, please adopt and don't shop.  He or she will love you just as much, if not more, than any other dog because you saved a life.  Now look at this Buzzfeed article that made my cry a little (it's happy!)

Happy weekend!