un-mom look no. 2 | 4th of July

Just in time for the 4th of July, I’ve come up with a new “un-mom” ensemble for your wearing pleasure. This time: shorts and a t-shirt. What could be easier or more comfortable? Here’s what we are looking at:

1. White Scoopneck Tee in True White Target $8.99
Why it works: Not just a plain old t-shirt, but a pretty fitted top with simple details at the neck and feminine sleeves. Remember, just because you’ve birthed doesn’t mean you should hide your somethin’ somethin' underneath a baggy top.

2. Madras Bermudas j. crew $49.99
Why they work: Nothing says summer like a little madras. Bermudas are nice because they are cool but long enough to hide a little thigh. The pattern is fun and goes with EVERYTHING. Also, if the little one splashes some Kool-Aid on you or (better yet) you spill a little red wine, no one will notice.

3. Beach Tote Target $9.99
A classic tote, it’s just plain fun and you can fit everything in it.

4. Tort Wedge Payless Shoe Source $17.99
Why they work. The bermudas are long enough that a little height in the shoe won't be too hoochy-mama. I love tortoise shell (the faux kind, of course). These are casual but also nice enough to wear to work with a skirt. Remember, the clothes must multi-task.

5. Bold Plastic Square Sunglasses Target $17.99
Every girl needs a little glam.

6. Turquoise Cabochon Bib Necklace Banana Republic $59.00
Why it works: I am all about accessories because they change everything. This beautiful necklace upgrades the outfit a little bit, nice if you are going to a more adult gathering. And again, I know I keep saying this, but versatility is key: turquoise goes with everything.

stuff i love | beauty products

Two beauty products that I am loving right now are Revlon’s Colorstay Nail Enamel and Jergen’s Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer. Here’s why:

The nail enamel is easy to apply--two coats of the bonding color and one coat of the clear sealing shine. Sounds like a long process, but the polish dries pretty quickly between coats and it seems very forgiving. Mess up one coat and the next coat seems to self-correct. The sealing shine is really shiny and hard. What I love best is that, while it will wear over time, it does not chip. I’m a graphic designer so I deal with paper and I spend a lot of time making mockups. I don’t usually wear polish, especially dark colors, because one false move and I’ve scuffed the paper with the edge of my nail and left an indelible mark. That doesn’t happen with this polish which means I can wear vampy red all I want!

The moisturizer is great for three reasons: it works fast, looks natural and, best of all, it doesn’t have that icky self-tanner smell. It actually has a subtle, but pleasant scent. I have pretty fair skin but I use the formula for medium skin tones because I didn’t notice a significant change with the fair formula. This stuff works the first time and lasts at least a couple of days. By day three you will notice a nice, natural glow. I usually stop at day three and coast for a couple of days because I notice if I do it too much it does start to get a little orangy for my taste. That may not happen if your natural skin tone is a little deeper.

the women are back!

I am so excited. One of my all time favorite movies, The Women, is being remade and will be released on September 12! And not only that, but it has a FABULOUS cast including my all-time favorite girl-next-door Meg Ryan in the lead role as Mary Haines. If you haven't seen the original, you must Netflix it immediately. It was made in 1939 but it stands the test of time. I hope the remake does it justice!

Check out the trailer here.

jackson's special gift

My brother Mike gave Jackson the most wonderful gift for his birthday...the gift of his time. My nephew Zack and my older brother spent a whole day and night with Jackson doing everything from having breakfast at the airport to riding the kiddy rides at Funderland. You name it, they did it...ice cream, pizza, movies, the whole schbang. My bro sent me these pics midway through the day. I know Jackson had a blast, but it means more than I can say that the two of them did this for him. Memories that will last forever. Thanks, guys. I love you both very much!

Zoo faces.

Jack + Zack on the merry-go-round.

Teacup madness.

Flume smile. (I love this one!)

The dragon.

Ice cream wave.

happy wednesday!

food for thought | monday morning wake-up call...whoa!

Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. — H. Jackson Brown

I ran across this quote on unclutterer this morning. There's an interesting article attached.

inspired | lantern pattern

The lines of the bench inspired me, so I created this pattern based on it.

a detail

OMG!

I just caught a glimpse of the Xi Li Bench by House Eclectic on dose of design. If this wasn't $1,000 it would be sitting on my front porch right now. It also comes in lemon, yum!

kidstuff | the owyn toybox

This is so adorable and creative. It's the Owyn Toybox from modmomfurniture. I love the way the leaf shape come off so you can get inside. A beautiful design for the kids' room or even the living room. Love it! (And, of course, I love the name...and the spelling is cool, too!)

the un-mom look | no. 1

I’ve been inspired by a post from Jules at Pancakes and French Fries that was a response to a post from Nicole at Making it Lovely. So here’s the deal: among the many awesome things Nicole covers in her blog, she posts a much anticipated monthly style report. This months’ report features some really cute items, most of which I thought there is no way I could pull-off. I felt that while it was super fun and cute, it may not really fit my lifestyle. Plus, I think I am too old for some of it (darn it , anyway).

See, like Jules, I am the mother of two small boys. I used to stay at home with them pretty much full-time and I know all too well the frustration of being caught in the “mom-fashion-trap,” perhaps more appropriately titled the “mom-UNfashion-trap.” As Jules also points out, so many mothers feel this way. They put on a t-shirt and jeans and throw the hair into a ponytail and go forth into the world of Cheerios and The Backyardigans never to look back and certainly never to pass by a mirror.

So here’s my story. I got to the point where I felt if I didn’t do something quick about my style I might forever fall into the chasm of tapered jeans and appliqued sweatshirts. Something needed to happen and come hell or highwater I was going to make it happen. How I did it is not very important or interesting, but I have found some tricks that have really worked for me. Nicole and Jules’ posts have inspired me to share it with all of you moms (and moms to be‑‑this will happen to you if you are not careful). Hope this helps or at least inspires you to get help. You can do it. Moms can be stylish.

So I’ve put together a little style post of my own. Check it out and let me know what you think(:

1. Printed silk twill boatneck top jcrew.com $39.99
Why it works: It's shape is flattering and feminine and the 3/4 sleeves won't drag through the oatmeal or fingerpaints. In case something does spill it will blend right into the pattern. It is silk, but you can hand wash and hang dry silk. The Chinese have been doing it for centuries, so ignore the dry clean only label.

2. Lux Hi-Waisted A-Line Pant urbanoutfitters.com $19.99
Why they work: These pants are called hi-waisted, but they actually should hit right about the belly-button. This is great for those of us with a little tummy; anything higher will make the paunch look larger. The color is key here, it pumps up the outfit and gets you out of the too-neutral zone. Red is actually very versatile, you'll see. Pants plus: no time to shave, no problem.

3. Steve Madden Rocket sandal in gold famousfootwear.com $20.00
Why they work: They are flat, so no wobbling around or breaking an ankle chasing the kids though Target. Plus, the little splash of gold gives that current bling to your outfit without saying "I follow the band." Alternate ideas: wear with jeans, flowy skirts, bermuda shorts.

4. Merona® Large Tote Bag in natural target.com $29.99
Why it works: It's fun and summery but still big enough to shove a couple of diapers into. It's neutral enough that you can use it all summer long.

5. Xhilaration® Oval Hoop Earrings target.com $8.99 and Colorblock wooden bangle in multi color bananarepublic.com $24.00
Why they work: The earrings are cheap enough that when they go out of style, you can recycle them into something else or hand-me-down them to the babysitter. The bracelet is timeless, the wood and gold work nicely to bring some warmth and texture. You'll have this one forever.

jackson turns 6

Jackson's birthday (a mine, too) was on Thursday, May 29th; he turned six. We had a birthday party for him on Saturday, the first time he had a party with friends. We invited his entire kinder class and got a pretty great turn out. All of the kids and their parents are so nice. He had a great time. I rented an Incredibles jump house and the kids bounced their brains out.

Can't believe he's six...

the buds

Jackson + Owen gettin' their bounce on.