Hello and Thank You

I wish I had something profound to say but I don't. I wish I had something sparkly to dazzle your eyes but I'm afraid I have not that either.

Please do forgive if my posts are here or there or no where to be found for a bit. If baby doesn't come this weekend then he is for sure coming on Tuesday as I am being induced Monday night. So, I'll have good reason to be MIA for awhile, you see. And after he arrives, well, my posts might be a little more mommish and wordy then stylish and pretty. But we will try to stay interesting!

Next week is Thanksgiving. Are you thankful? I should be far more thankful than I am. I can tend to focus, sometimes, on what is wrong instead of what is right. Ok, more times than just sometimes. And so much more is right than it is wrong. When I focus on those types of uglies and my heart steers away from gratitude I find life to be so much more difficult. It is kind of sad that it is taking turkeys and pumpkins and all that to remind me this. But whatever it takes, I suppose. Being grateful and thankful and recognizing your many blessings is a choice. And maybe for some it comes a little more naturally but today I am choosing to have a grateful heart and a thankful soul. I suppose that is a little "Thing to think on."

Now a few random things should this be my last post for a bit.....

1. Dear childbearing friends... have any of you tried the Belly Bandit? Should I be admitting that I ordered this? Have you tried this? Does it work?

2. Do you know about the Sweeterie and The T Ruffle Girls? I'm a little obsessed. A daily fix.

3. Is this not the sweetest idea? Clever ....clever!

4. If you have recently e-mailed me, saying such nice and sweet things about my little blog, and asking to exchange links or for me to feature your very creative work, please forgive me that I haven't been able to respond to you personally. I still have your e-mails. I just haven't been able to get back to each and every one of you. I plan to. It just might take awhile. Probably quite awhile if I'm honest

xoxoxoxox

images : tumblr : tags from etsy :

Paper Work

Trying to catch up with every possible thing that I can in the next couple of days. Wish my clutter and papers and things looked this pretty but somehow if it was mine it still wouldn't look as pretty because other people's things always looks better.

If I have time I'm going to tune into Tracy Porter's Radio Show today.. you should too.. it's pretty fun!

: image Tumblr :

Baby Love : Rikshaw Designnky

Have you heard of Rikshaw Design? So gorgeous! I am loving these little elephant pillows. It's def on my wish list. And the baby bedding...looks so soft.. just want to wrap myself up in it, like that sweet little baby. For more great style visit their blog!

Copy Cat : House Crush

House 2

This is nothing but a little re-posting going on. Is that so wrong? I just like these homes and I want to keep record of them so I can find them quickly. And, of course, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Do you think? Some people don't. I've never been one to mind if someone takes an idea....if they did all the time that would start a case of the "you annoy me's" but mostly I'll take it as a compliment. And I suppose it would depend on what they were copying. A pair of shoes, no big deal. An entire outfit, not good. Anyways, all this to say I like, like, like and even love these spaces.

: first home (which was in Cottage Living) from Urban Grace (btw, this was a before and after... you can see the befores by clicking here) :

: second home Two Ellie :

One More Door

I like this door. But then again I like blue doors. I tried to paint mine this kind of blue. Sadly, it does not look as cool. The gray color, door fame, topiaries and, well, even the dogs help.

: image from One Kings Lane :

Knock Knock

Anyone home? Ever feel that way? I do, sometimes. Sometimes, I feel like I'm talking into mid air and all my words are turning into a thin and swiftly disappearing vapor. . . and sometimes it's more like not even getting the chance to walk through the door and speak at all.... And sadly, I am sure others feel that from me from time to time. Got me thinking about doors somehow and I think these are pretty gorgeous in a rough sort of way. The 2nd is my favorite. Something beautiful in all of the markings and the balloons....its like wearing your heart on your sleeve or something. A rough beauty . . . (apologies for the overuse of the word "something" today!) . . .

:images via Tumblr :

Nothing Specific

Isn't this a sweet picture? I just like it and thought you might too.

I should be in bed. I'm tired and kind of grouchy. I was only suppose to be checking a few blogs and e-mails and as usual find myself glued to the bright screen of wonder. One place just leads you to another and before you know it you are in a new land. New faces, spaces and places. Full of interesting things. This and that and everything new you think you must have. Information you seek and don't always find. Searching for answers or opinions and only to discover too much information and further confusion. But it is all the pretty. All the pretty pictures, words and ideas. Keeps me coming back for more.

A Comfy Bed Please......

All I want is a bed that I don't want to get out of. I kind of had that bed, sort of. We got a new mattress and bed about a year ago. The mattress (A Simmons Raquel Pillow Top - Do NOT buy this) was so soft and cozy but somehow had two sink holes where we slept and a huge hump in the middle. After replacing it 2x. We decided to try a new mattress (do you really want to know all this?). So we upgraded to a Sterns and Foster. Which I expect no troubles from. Since sleeping in sink holes dear hubby has been having back troubles and now insists on a firm mattress (yuck!). How do we compromise on this and how do I even come close to deciding what is comfortable when I am 9 months pregnant ... NOTHING is comfortable. So we decided and on a Firm pillowtop. That sounded like a compromise. It arrived on Wednesday. And it is horribly hard. Like sleeping on the floor hard. I can't sleep. And of course dear hubby says he is sleeping great. I guess we should have gotten a sleep number, but who knew. We both liked soft pillowtops before the sink hole mattress.

I dread the bed and that is bad. So I'm researching some today. I don't even know if they will let us trade again (Ashley Furniture, that is, and they have been GREAT).

Well here is to dreaming of a comfy bed that I don't want to get out of, like the picture above. Those sheets and that food on the platter- scrummy!

Happy Weekend!

x Trina

image via This is Glamorous

I Bought . . .

Letter writing, pretty handwriting, fun stamps...these are a few of my favorite things!

Look what I just bought.... Now, this I am convinced, I really truly and honestly do "NEED!" I'll be doing birth announcements and Christmas cards and I always love writing letters, almost as much as I love getting one in the mail.

I ordered from Lettergirl (have you seen her work? It's gorgeous and fun and I wish I had handwriting like her....speaking of ..did you ever have a try to copy other peoples handwriting in school... I did all the time). I just couldn't decide between the two designs. So I asked her if we could combine the two (border/frame of the first with the font of the second) and she so kindly said yes! Perfectly pretty and fun all in one!

I think you should get one too!

Couple of Cools

So, I saw this really cool necklace on Daily Candy, maybe you did too? It is by Gemma Redux and basically it is a super cool mix of chains that comes with a magnet and can be worn a bazillion ways (even as a headband or belt). I don't need this. I don't need anything right now. I've been buying way too many random things but I do want this. At only $98 and all the different ways you can wear it, I think it is a pretty good deal. Who knows maybe for Christmas or something?

Another cool, and this one is free. Tracy Porter (I do love her blog, her style, her writing, her way of life.... If I haven't told you before) is starting a radio show and it starts TODAY (Wed @ 2pm CST)! I'll be checking it out and hope you can join in too. It will be like a big blog tea party!

xx Happy day

Nesting

I am in crazy nesting mode. I can't open a drawer without ripping it apart and organizing. It is getting a little out of control. I came in with groceries today and ended up cleaning out the fridge before I could put them away. I don't think I was this neurotic with the other two so I'm not sure what this all means but it must mean something?

Today, we went to the apple orchard and the grocery store and I had some crazy desire to eat at Red Lobster (or Red Slopster as we like to call) it. Fried shrimp. I don't know. And today, I was toting around a big bag of El's change, in hopes of depositing it at the bank (lets be honest, the bag will probably be in my car for the next week). Well, in a harried hurry in the pick up line at school, I jumped out of the car to move it out of her seat and of course dropped ALL of the coins, as I seem to drop pretty much everything at least twice a day. And the coins went everywhere. It was a mess..... me and my belly picking it up. But a nice mommy and her son helped me..and so of course I naturally told him he could just keep a handful. El wasn't so sure about me letting a boy in her class have some of her money. Oh well. He earned it.

All that to say if I am neither here nor there then be assured that I am nesting. Some drawer, some closet, some pile, some cabinet is getting happily cleaned out.

image : Tumblr

Testing 1-2-3

Trying to blog from my phone. Just call me techno mom! Feeling a wee bit better today (thank God). Had lunch with my little big girl (could she be any sweeter). There is something so special about alone time with each little.
And tonight I'm out with the mister making mad dashes in and out of stores for baby stuff. And maybe if we are lucky we can actually sit down to dinner.
Happy weekend and trick-or-treat.

A Fantasy and This & That

I have a fantasy...my husband walks into the bedroom with a beautiful cup in hand and says, "Love, would you like a cup of tea." And it's not just any old cup of tea that he makes. He knows how to make the perfect cup of tea (and has picked out the prettiest cup or one that just suits my mood). Tea just the way I like. ALL the ways I like it, actually (English tea, with milk in first, green tea with honey, my teavana concoction, etc. etc.) Don't get me wrong ...the Mister is great. He emptied the dishwasher and swept the floor tonight. But making tea takes the cake.

I should be sleeping but I have a computer addiction. In case I don't get to posting again this week due to the sickies... here are some things...This and That to be exact:

I can't stop reading Mackin Ink

Speaking of tea, right now my tea of choice is this mix from Teavana

I thought that using an old Kleenex box for your old/dirty Kleenex's was a good idea. It's not. I just reached into the dirty box thinking it was new Kleenex.

I downloaded 24/7 Tutor for French (free version) for my iPhone and worked on my French while having my Non Stress Test at the OB today. What are your favorite apps?

I have been looking for one these type baskets (I like this shop, Shoe String Home . Cute blog too.)

I'm really wanting to update my blog. I'm tired of some of the images and such but I'm not very hopeful for a full on makeover before baby arrives. Maybe a few changes here and there but don't even hold me to that, please. Update 1, complete. Profile picture current (well at least for the next 4 weeks it is).

Did anyone watch this episode of Oprah? I'm always so fascinated about how other women around the world live. And was totally taken by Denmark. They let their babies sleep outside, when no one is watching them and a family with 3 kids live in this house. Chic and petite.

Someone please tell me what to hang on my walls in my baby boy/guest room. The more I look, the more confused I get. And I can't stop looking. So far, I've just ordered this for the walls (its one thing & its small). I did get the blue pillows & the olive green elephant baby blanket.

Oh, and my new favorite tv show this season is this.

Well, my tea is not making itself so I'm off to fulfill my own fantasy tonight (and I might have some cookies too....these are REALLY GOOD)

image via Tumblr

Feeling Fuzzy

I thought I had avoided the sick that has been lingering in my house but I wasn't so fortunate. I hoped to be back this week with some great posts but for now it's all about the Kleenex, tea and my bed. I'll pop back in when I can. But I wish you all a very lovely and healthy week!

x Trina

image : Flickr

Hello & Goodbye

My kiddies have been sick with some sort of virus. Fevers, coughing and the like. I having been walking around like a crazy, with a mask on and can of lysol in hand. Doing my best to avoid germs. Because sick at 8 months pregnant is not a good idea. And..... tomorrow I am heading to the city with my mom for two days of rest and retail therapy. I am so looking forward to a little time away before baby arrives. So I just refuse to get sick! All that to say...... Hello and goodbye for the week. I hope you all are having a lovely and healthy week!

I love these images from Pink Wallpaper... I love all her posts. They just make me happy!

xx Trina

House Crush : Black Lamb House

Loving this house {designed by Eliza Barnes} that is featured in this months issue of Living Etc. My family room has a few similarities. I have wooden beams, mind you not as old and not as cool, and bookshelves in a very similar color. I love the chandeliers, as I still have to get rid of some ugly track lighting (ideas are hard to come by with the beams though) but I just don't know if my husband will allow another chandelier (it is a problem I have). This lovely home is in Sussex probably not far from my dear friend, Maggie. If I was planning the perfect weekend I would be headed to Sussex, renting this home and visiting Mags and her family! You can flick through the current issue and really zoom in on the pics by clicking here.

{images via Living Etc. & Eliza Barnes}

Need-O-Meter

I got to do a little shopping today. Serious, must get through my very long list, shopping. I tried to shop like a man and move quickly but being that I had no children in tow, I could not help but do some browsing. And boy was my need-o-meter on high alert. I saw so many cool things. One of my favs were these sleek & stylish watch band bracelets by DKNY. You attach them to each other and then wrap them around. And at only $12 each you can't go wrong! I am so going to get some of these... maybe next time!

{image via Nordstroms.com}

Give

{image via Tumblr}

Let them Eat Cake!

Last week was L's 4th birthday! I did not throw an elaborate party, not as much energy this year but we still had a grand time. Instead, I did try to be a little over the top with the cake and I thought I'd share it with you. I actually got this fun and fabulous idea from the ever clever Tracy Porter (and by the way her blog is BACK! Love her!). Her cake looked a million times better than mine but my cake generated enough oohs and ahhs from the kids (especially the boys, girls if they are anything like me seem to be more of the chocolate type).

Basically, you can just buy a cake at the store (or 2 like above) and go crazy with candy decorations. The more unique the candy the better the cake. Unfortunately, where I live there is no old fashioned candy shop. But for the kids, I do believe this was Willy Wonka enough!

A Makeover

Are you a Southern Living fan? Well, the always fabulous magazine is getting a bit of makeover. As with anything, a little new life and freshness is always a good thing. I was able to preview the October issue and it is full of beautiful decor, always fabulous food and holiday festive ideas. One of the new features that I think is great is called "Mama's Way or Your Way." Mom's old fashioned recipe versus your modern, easy step way to make or bake the same thing.

Sadly, I have no fall decorations up. I'm just trying my best to get babies room in order. But this photo is inspiring me to just buy a few pumpkins, mums and hang a wreath. I do adore fall.

{image via Southernliving.com}

Photo Art

I love the idea of using photos as art on the wall. I am just horrible at pictures on the wall or in frames theses days. I blame it all on digital cameras and never developing pictures like the old days. I have, or maybe I should say had, high hopes of doing a photo collage wall like the second image and also blowing up a poster type picture for the baby/guest room before baby arrives. I know there are so many other great images and ideas out there and I imagine some of you have beautiful photos walls in your own homes. Would LOVE to see what you have done or have come across!!!

{image 1 House to Home?: image 2 Sixx Designs: image 3 Real Simple}

la la Loving: Angel Tray

How sweet is this little tray? la la Loving this angel wing tray from Viva Terra. I think it would look super cute on an entry way table to toss keys onto.

Nursery.....IDEAS

After WAY TOO MANY hours of looking around I think I have narrowed somethings down for the baby/guest room... here are my ideas. I should be ordering this stuff instead of putting it all together but I always LOVE your suggestions!!!! So leave me comments because I've got to order TODAY!!!

-Pillows for Guest Bed (all white bedding). Which ones do you like better (blue or gold based)?

-Striped Bed skirt from Target

-Maybe the Elephant sheet from Target? But better yet .... the Olive Elephant fabric from Umbrella Prints & a custom blanket made!!!

- The animal prints from here (maybe just one or maybe 3 in an ornate frame?).

-Toadstool nightlight because I have been wanting this FOREVER

-Snowball light fixture. Which I'm not sure if I can even purchase in the states? Anyone have any info?

-I don't have a bench but I thought it would be fun to paint the changing table green like it (image via Decor8)!

-And still on the lookout for a cool bedside lamp & maybe a coordinating pillow for the {ugly} rocking chair

Any ideas, suggestions or pieces you've seen that would look good?

La la Loving: Recipe Book

I am totally la la Loving this recipe book I found at Anthropologie. Is it any wonder that they carry the prettiest and really quite practical recipe book? I am always looking for a way to keep recipes in an organized fashion and in something that is worthy of passing down. What I LOVE about this book, besides that it looks super cool, is that is broken down into categories, there is ample space to write out your recipes but there are also little slots to hold recipe cards or pictures you have clipped. It's like a cooking scrapbook of sorts. I am a fan of keeping the original cards and clippings. Your grandmas handwriting or a picture from your mom's old cookbook. These are things that make the cooking more special and all around delicious!

Pretty Paintings by Polly

Want to introduce you to Polly Jone's paintings. How sweet is the name Polly? And her paintings are just as sweet. Here are few of my favorites that I know you will adore just as much as I do. To see more visit Polly's blog & Etsy shop.

Going Green & Blue

I'm going a little green & blue. This is all started with the yarn I chose for the blanket I'm knitting for baby (for some reason I'm wanting to do everything a little funky this time, guess that is how it goes with #3). And anyhow, as I was knitting I kept seeing green and blue and just went with it. Hope it brightens your day & week!

xx

ps- for more pretty green, and in the decor fashion visit Brown Button today!

This Week

Some things I fancy that I found online this week......

Jenna's Picks (Jenna Lyons of J Crew). I love everything on the list but I'd love these pretty little gloves best!

I am so not Vegan or gluten-free or anything free. Bring on the sugar and the sweets (all in moderation, of course) but after reading GOOP this week and looking at these pretty sweets from BabyCakes, I so want to try one and visit the bakery and get a hair cut like the owner, Erin McKenna and maybe even work there because look at the fun they have!!!!!

So these are home made monster birthday party invites {Found Here}. So cute, right? Love all things monsters right now (not scary ones but cute ones). I am in the process of making a chore chart and a house rules chart. No fun. But I thought why not make it look fun? So I am making a monster chart!!!!! It might not look quite this cute and a list of rules and chores are def not as fun as being invited to a party but hey I think it is still a pretty good idea!

And speaking of ideas. I'm suppose to be searching high and low on the Internet or baby bedding and figuring out the room. Only 8 weeks left and nothing done....

Things you can send my way.... Inspiration for baby/guest room.......and any ideas for house rules (I've seen a few out there and they were great!

Happy Weekend!

la la Loving: Boots

Now that we talked about nourishing the inside yesterday lets get to the outside (very important too, if you ask me). If you've been reading for awhile than you know I love beauty products. Admittedly, I usually favor the department store creams and potions but I had heard that the ever famous British brand Boots was going to be gracing the shelves of Target soon (another reason to love Target). Since I was out of night cream I thought I would give that a try first.

Boots No 7 is part of the anti-aging regimen and I have to say this Lifting and Firming Night Cream is great. It's nice and thick, has a lovely smell and my skin has felt super soft since using it (no more flaky forehead which I seem to be prone too). And for $20 that is not a bad bargain.

There are tons of other products at Target so go have a look and pamper yourself a little!

Fill 'Er Up

It's been a busy couple of weeks of running around and adjusting to the school schedule. I'm feeling totally depleted. So this morning while both kiddies are in school I decided to refuel. Well as you can see, with bagel and coffee but also with some nourishment for my soul.

I have to tell you, when I am getting a little low and running on fumes, I am not the nicest person. All I think about is me, me, me. Anyone else know what I am talking about or brave enough to admit it? It's really not a great site and I'm really no fun to be around. I don't even like to be around myself when I'm like this.

But thankfully, and finally, at 32 I've noticed this little pattern and though I might be a day or two late in recognizing it, I try to catch it and correct it.

For me, it is always time by myself. Even if it is just an hour. Time to hear myself think. Time to read and get some new perspective and some guidance. Time to write. And time to just be. And without a doubt a little time with just me always gets my thinking off of me. Life is pretty miserable and unfulfilled when it is always focused on "ME."

So if you are feeling a little overwhelmed, crabby, maybe?, and your all consumed with yourself...then maybe you do need a little more "ME" time by yourself to refuel. I'm going to get back to that right now.

And I'm excited to see what kind of inspiration I'm going to come up with. I know I want to do something special/helpful for someone in need this week. It would be fun if you all join me....and maybe at the end of the week we can share stories and ideas!

Have a beautiful week! xx

Lounging Around

Wouldn't this be nice? Lounging in a gorgeous tub like this on the beach just listening to the sea, maybe reading a book and sipping on some tea? Sounds perfect to me today. I'm still sitting in my pj's and I just might stay in them until I have to get dressed for dinner tonight. My friends in England introduced me to Chadder & CO who makes these pretty tubs.

{image via Chader & CO}