Fabulous Friday — I love children's books!

Just some of our vintage books on display in the nursery. All toys from my childhood.

It is no secret to regular readers that I love children's books of all shapes, sizes and vintage. It didn't take me long to find some like-minded folks. I don't want to copy exactly what they are doing, but do look for more book-themed posts here and there. 

Silly Eagle Books —  You'll find books, books and more books and crafts, crafts and more crafts. The perfect combination if you ask me.

Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves — Reviews of vintage books and every Monday, a book giveaway. One of these days, I'm going to win!

Bird and Little Bird — Books are not the main focus of this blog but she does review children's books on Library Mondays. I'm including her here because Annie has just launched a quarterly e-magazine Alphabet Glue full of "activities and inspiration for kids who love books (and their grown-ups)." I file it under why didn't I think of that.

Fabulous Friday — Dressing like a grown up

Recently I dropped off some pants at my favorite consignment shop, Zoe, located in Forest Park. Of course since I was kid-free, I had to look around and soon they started a dressing room for me. And this is what I found when I was ready to try on. (Sorry, just had the cell phone with me.) 

All the clothes sort of match color-wise. This really floored me. I wouldn't be able to voice what my favorite colors/combinations are but there that answer was, staring me in the face. I had subconsciously picked out complete outfits and items that could be mixed and matched to make more outfit combinations.

Whoa! When did this happen? I'm such a T-shirt and jeans girl. But maybe it is time for me to pay more attention to my appearance before the guys from "What Not to Wear" show up ... actually Stacy and Clinton you are welcome anytime!

Curious what I took home? The teal long shirt (first from the left) and the green shrug (fourth from right). I let my consignment credit build and consider it my mad money.

Folks who really know how to put together color combinations ...

Creature Comforts

Kristina Klarin old blog/new blog

Color Collective

Fabulous Friday — Books!

Today is my favorite book sale! Meet me at the Emmet O'Neal Library at 11. I'll be there at 10 to beat you to all the great finds. Above is a picture of last year's haul. Quite a few of these became favorites of Will and/or Joseph. As for myself, I loved the board book "All Asleep" by Joanna Walsh (4th one down) but could not, not, not get Joseph interested in it. My favorite line is "Even the babies who wake up all night are sleeping now, are sleeping tight." Every momma's dream!

Found any good books lately at the library, thrift store or yard sale? Got your Amazon cart filled with wishful purchases? (Mine stays full!)

Fabulous Friday — bada bling

Check out this ring! Bada bling!

At the mall the other day, some jewelry in the window of one of those trashy stores caught my eye (you know, one of those places with stuff only teenagers could wear) and all the costume pieces were on sale cheap, cheap, cheap. They also had this owl in gold but I like the turquoise. 

Sure it's pretty gaudy and not quite my style but I love it! Sometimes, you just have to buy the stuff that makes you grin every time you wear it.

Fabulous Friday — Benjamin Franklin

I adore makeup. I love to buy it. Which is funny because I don't wear it that much. And what I adore more than makeup is makeup samples. I'm a makeup sample hoarder. Those free gifts with purchase ... basically makeup samples. We have two Sephora stores in town (I heart Sephora) but I would rather order online because each order comes with three samples. Just something about the little packages makes me happy.

So when I read about Birchbox (via Cool Mom Picks) it was as if it was made just for me. It's a makeup sample monthly subscription service. They send you new samples every month. Now, that is fabulous. The plan is that you'll love the product and want to buy more. It's not cheap so I'm going pass. I like my samples free. My words to Chris were, I can think of other ways to spend $100. For example ...

Red Rosette Tote, $28
Night Owl Paper Goods

You Are Where You Need to Be, 11x14, $28
LoveSugar (via Paper Crave)

Dreams and Love, 11x14, $28
LoveSugar

Nest Necklace, $125
My Retro Baby

So if you had Ben Franklin drop out of sky like magic, what would you buy? 

Fabulous Friday: Who's there?

Owls are everywhere. At first it was just here and there but now it's a full-on trend. Here's a short list of things I've bookmarked lately ...

Made by Joel

Living Lucado loves owls ... Halloween gift tag

Made by Joel ... Paper owl mobile

My Owl Barn ... Choose from 30 art prints to make your own 2011 Owl lover calendar

Woman's Day magazine ... Okay, I can't find a link to this but if you have the Woman's Day 2010 Best Ideas for Christmas special issue, on page 56 there is the cutest owl ornament made with burlap. I promise to post a picture after I've made a few. Instead, here is a cute owl pinata.

Paper Crave ... Owl favor/treat box

Busy Bees ... Owl treat bag topper

Mini-eco ... Hoot Hoot mobile

Fabulous Friday

We live in Birmingham, Ala. Yes, we know our past isn't that great. But we're working on it. Slowly with progress here and there. Right now, that progress is in the form of Railroad Park. One heck of a cool park where people of all types and sizes are gathering to play, watch movies, listen to music and MORE. Even though it took years to build, this park has done more for this city in just a few short weeks than any grant or focus group could. It's brought us together to say look what we can do when we work together. 

And you can watch trains go by. Doesn't get cooler than that for my little boys!

Not one but three play areas to be conquered.

Lots of space to impress folks with our bike-riding abilities.

Fabulous Friday

Less than 100 days until Christmas. I know, scary to think about that! But I've got two presents in the closet and I've started the annual "what to buy for who list" because this year is going to be different. This year I'll mail the Christmas cards on Dec. 1 and I'll have all the presents under the tree two weeks early in matching gift wrap and perfect bows. 

HA! HA! HA! That's a good one. 

While my Christmas plans may not be perfect (and who likes perfect anyway!) at least I know that I'll do my best finding perfect presents for friends and family. 

Like this tea mug. It is perfect for Will's godmother. It falls under the category, why the heck hadn't someone thought of this before?! I know I'm not the only one that loses tea bags habitually. The design is crazy good. Which is why I saw this first on Design Crush. I'm still tracking down where to buy it but my understanding is that it is sold in the U.S. 

Tie Tea by George Lee, founder Le Mouton Noir & Co.
(photo by Joseph Hsu)

Fabulous Friday

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ..."

Yes, I know it is August. But I've got a 4-year-old who's already decided that he is going to put his wish list by the tree so Santa won't miss it. He's even planned to put present ideas for his friends on there too. Santa better get to work in that there workshop of his.

In the meantime, I've started to think about what I can make as presents. Some of my favorite presents over the years have been those that are handmade. In this case, some talented folks have done the leg work. I just have to press print ...

Check out these alphabet flashcards from Jill of Homemade by Jill. She just had a baby for crying out loud! She's one of those moms that makes me wonder how does she do it! All the cards are adorable. Laminated, these would be perfect for my under-3 neighbors. Of course, we'd need a set for Joseph too.

But I have young girly neighbors too. I think they would love the build-your-own-cupcake freebie whipped up in the kitchen by Jessica of vol.25. It's tea-party fun!

For the babies, how about some ABC posters or numbers. Sprik Space has both. And in several colors so you can match nursery colors. Frame it and wrap. I'm going to print an ABC one to hang over Joseph's crib.

"Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright ..."

Fabulous Friday

I love bags and totes and carryalls and even diaper bags. The more useful the better. I have tons of the "new" green grocery bags; most are freebies from a variety of companies.  I try very hard to keep them in the car so I can reduce the number of plastic bags in circulation. Every bit counts and so on. Here's a cute ABC tote from abc kitchen. Found after seeing a different (also cute) tote on Eat Drink Chic so I went to check out the website. Of course, if I'm ordering one might as well get the numbers tote too.

I also like to admire designer bags from afar ... usually far, far away in the pages of magazines. I have one Coach bag (third traditional anniversary is leather! Score!) and a thrifted Michael Michael Kors which is a little beat up but I think adds to the charm. I'm about 97 percent sure it's not a fake.

There in a nutshell shows how I'm at odds with myself fairly often. I'm all reduce, reuse, recycle but have an eye for the pricy ... That makes this the most awesome bag for me!

Jak & Jil  Blog via Design Crush

Fabulous Friday

Today is fabulous because I just survived play group at my house! You know some people can easily entertain and are so relaxed ... I'm not one of those folks. I'm stressing about how the house looks and usually cleaning/baking at the last minute. But not this time! I got all the cleaning done last night (maybe I did stay up a bit late to do it) so I just had to put a few things up this morning (or is it just me that dumps a bunch of stuff on the master bed?) and wait.

To be honest having all the kids running all over the place stresses me out. I'm usually doing head counts and cringing as they dump every single toy on the floor. But having Joseph has mellowed me a bit ... sure the toys got dumped everywhere but I had already put up what I didn't want played with so no biggie.

Play group can be fun. Everyone brings snacks and the moms try to hold a conversation. The kids are getting older so there's not as much fighting over toys as there used to be. We headed outside for half the time to blow bubbles and run all over the backyard.

And here's the most fabulous part. Chris' parents are visiting Sunday and the house is already clean. I'll just have to maintain it the rest of today and tomorrow. And tomorrow, since I'm not doing the "big" cleaning like floors, I'll have time to do some nitpicky cleaning like wiping out the microwave and dusting the dining room lights. Stuff no one notices but me and the MIL. Fabulous indeed.

Fabulous Friday

Look! Up there at the top! Isn't it fabulous?! Thanks to my wonderful hubby for creating a new header for my little space of the internet. And yes, I've got a new name too. I think it will more accurately reflex what I want to do here. Which is really just write about anything I want ... family, home, what I made for dinner last night. I'll try to make it interesting and keep it updated.

So welcome to my nest. Opinions expressed are my own and yes, I'm rather opinionated. If you see something you like, please comment. And no stealing posts or photos. That's just not nice. But I'll share if you ask sweetly. Thanks for visiting.

Fabulous Friday: I want one!

This has to be one of the coolest things EVER! Chris told me about it in a e-mail with the subject "Why didn't WE think if this." Because it's one of the coolest things EVER!

Though maybe just in our household filled with Mac products. We've got a computer, laptop, nano, iPhone and yes, we now have an iPad too. Even the Cozy Coupe sports an Apple logo around here. And I almost wish we didn't have the iPhone and iPad because all day long we hear, "Can I play on the iPad? Daddy's not sharing the iPhone." It's amazing to think that while I didn't have a computer until college, William and Joseph will never know a world without the internet and WiFi and high-definition everything.

Leave to the Japanese to meld iPhones with old-school technology. So just what is it? It's a book that interacts with a free app on your iPhone. See the cute window for the iPhone to show through? Chris said I should get busy writing an American version but I'm sure someone in the American publishing realm will put one on the shelves of my local Barnes & Noble ASAP. Otherwise, I'll head down to the bank for some yen.

Read more about it here. And then try to tell me it's not one of the coolest things ever.

Fabulous Friday

So I wasn't going to post anything today ... honestly, I'm not feeling that fabulous. But I have a cure for that.

Then I remembered this sweet, sweet story I wanted to pass on. I visit a wonderful little site called Eat Drink Chic regularly. Amy Moss shares her work and what inspires her. The ideas and photography are eye candy.

Amy had been working very hard on her engagement party and it turns out, there was a very good reason she was helping so much with the details. So go read and remember how sweet those first few days, weeks, months together as a couple are. Best wishes to the newlyweds.

Now for my cure. Locally, this is Magic City Art Connection weekend. It's our biggest art festival of the year located downtown. I love going BY MYSELF to actually get to see the art and look, really look instead of having to chase someone around. So I'm off to have some me time, maybe buy my mother's day gift (it's getting to be tradition) and later I'll take Will back after school so he can create art in the kids' area. One fourth of the festival is devoted to art education!

I wish you a chance to get out and enjoy the fresh air too! It's best for what ails you.

Fabulous Friday -- Tweet!

I'm starting to have a serious addiction to all things bird -- bird nests, felt birds, you name it. If it has a bird on it, I want it. Take for example, this so-pretty bird nest pendant by starrydesigns on Etsy. I've got a local source and one day I'm going to call her and place my order. She makes necklaces AND rings so can't I have one of each?! Pretty please! (If you have the time to DIY, there are tutorials on YouTube to make your own.)

At the same arts/craft fair that I spotted the soon-to-be mine bird nest ring/necklace combo, I fell head over heels for a bird nest painting, picture frame with birdie (which had it been blue and not pink would already be in da house), and a necklace with a delicate bird charm. BIRDS ARE ON THE BRAIN.

And I've got a reason for it. Will was born in April and that's close to Easter so he's got quite the rabbit collection (okay, so mommy has quite the rabbit collection). With Joseph, also born close to Spring in May, I've associated birds with his birthday. So much so, the theme for his first birthday will be "Somebirdie is turning 1."

I even had several designs for the invitation sketched with the idea to stitch felt birdies. They were going to be a lot of work (yes, I'm crazy like that when it comes to birthdays). And then I found this Valentine freebie from June Craft which is PERFECT and will save me a ton of work/time. Heck, I'm going to use them for thank you notes too! (See, not so crazy.)

Cats, dogs, fish, rabbits and raccoons ... what animals do you think are fabulous?

P.S. If you enjoy bird watching with the kids but like me don't know much beyond the robin and mockingbird, follow this link to get a free "Celebrate Urban Birds!" kit from Cornell. Tip from Birmingham Bargain Mom.

Fabulous Friday — When life hands you lemons ...

You squeeze them to death, add sugar and invite the neighbors over for lemonade. I love, love, love this. My Crate & Barrel catalog arrived in the mail yesterday with this beauty on the cover. I immediately had to e-mail my friend Hannah with the subject line, "Did you see this?!!!" Because, for a few years now we've all been passing around Hannah's similar-styled jar for our parties. But this one has a spout! And I really think we need it in time for Joseph's birthday party. Okay, okay ... I really WANT this in time for the party.

Because it's just fabulous.

Fabulous Friday — I would SO wear this

I would so wear this T-shirt. Probably while walking down the street with Chris following two or three steps behind. But I'd be ready if anyone asks, what time is it? 'Cause the cool people always know it's Hammer time! T-shirt seen on The Awesomer by way of Fashionably Geek. And thanks Chris for sharing it with me.
In my former life, I worked with pictures and words. If I was still in that former life, I would already own this and would wear it often, especially to the press room. But I would like to see it in actual colors. Seen on Leo on the Loose but you can buy it at the Supermarket.

Fabulous Friday -- I love me some bunnies

Now, don't think you need to run out and buy me a bunny every holiday, birthday, anniversary, etc. But I do love me some bunnies. So soft and cuddly ... the stuffed variety. I have never thought real bunnies make the best pet. But then, I've read Watership Down more than a dozen times and would hate to think of Hazel and Fiver stuck in a hutch somewhere.

So back to the bunnies ... I want to make a dozen of these!

The gal behind Playing with Your Food was even kind enough to share a pattern. I know, how freakin' cute! I think I will have time next week to whip up two for some special little boys.

Who loves Peeps? I do! I do! And I would love to make this Bunny Bunting for the mantle. But this, this I will not have time to do. Maybe next year. Dana has the tutorial on her wonderful site, MADE.


One last bunny craft for you. If you are making cupcakes for a school Easter party or the office, Skip to My Lou has cute toppers to download. While there, you can search around for other Spring and Easter-themed crafts.

Happy Spring! Happy Easter!

Fabulous Friday — It's my party

Actually, it's not my party but both boys have birthdays coming up. I try to give myself a month to plan their parties so to avoid the last-minute-do-everything rush ... which happens anyway who are we kidding. I love designing and making the invitations. For Will's party, I have three made, 17 to go. They are fabulous and I can't wait to show them off. But that would require picture taking, uploading ... and I plan to improve the template and post it here for anyone. But first, I have to finish making them. So while you wait, here are some other fabulous invitations ...

Is that not the cutest?!!! For a little boy's first birthday. Made by this talented momma. Pats on the back people, she even made the envelopes! I spotted it on Twig & Thistle.

Amy Moss of Eat Drink Chic made origami hearts to use as invitations to their engagement party. I'm impressed by the sheer amount of work it took. And I congratulated her and her intended for not killing each other in the process. Seriously, working together on projects is a good test of a relationship! Read about the process and then make your own.


Under the category "if I had a million dollars to spend on whatever," I would leave a chuck of change with Night Owl Paper Goods. I love their cards and invitations (printed on wood!) and this tote bag!

Fabulous Friday — Alabama Chanin

Just look at those outfits. GORGEOUS!!! They are from the Alabama Chanin Spring 2010 collection. Let me just reach into the ol' wallet to pull out ... hmmm, I've got $3 and about 76 cents in change. Not even close. But here's where I pull the old bait and switch.


Me: Honey, can I have $2,000 for a GORGEOUS dress?
Chris: No.
Me: Then how about $24 bucks for the book that will inspire me to make my own?
Chris: Go for it.
Me: Oh, and I'll need another $24 because there's actually two books ... blah, blah, blah.
Chris: Sure, whatever.


Because I want both of Natalie Chanin's books. Somehow I missed the first one, Alabama Stitch Book, published in 2008. And now the second book, Alabama Studio Style, is arriving on shelves now. Chanin is the designer behind first, Project Alabama, and now Alabama Chanin. A darling of the fashion world, she traveled the world and came home to Florence. The designs are wonderful, rich and very unique. I would love to own a T-shirt or two. She's not selfish either, writing these books to share her how-tos. Now, you may or may not know that I am obsessed with craft/design blogs right now. I love reading wonderful folks sharing their wonderful ideas. I check a bunch daily. And I started to notice a trend. Chanin was everywhere. She drove to Nashville to work a project with this gal. She answered a Q &A here. The new book is being reviewed all over. Makes me wish I thought to request a review copy myself. But I found myself wondering, why is Chanin all over my favorite blogs? And then I found this. Being new to the blogsphere, I hadn't seen a "blog tour" before. It's pure marketing genius. The perfect application of this "new" beast called social media. So follow that link and follow Chanin on her blog tour. Or you can follow me to the bookstore.