a little weekend project: the porch

I needed a project this weekend and Matt was sweet enough to take the boys to his mom's to swim while I worked on it. He even went to the hardware store for the primer, paint and flowers: he's such a puddin'!

As you can see from the before picture the area needed a little help. It still had its winter clothing on:

A little spray paint, some flowers and a yard of outdoor fabric and the porch is reborn! Now, it's a sunny spot to come home to as well as a nice place to read and have a glass of wine. Still need to actually sew the cover (it's just wrapped around the cushion here) and get some feet for the pot (it's sitting on decking material samples) and it will be complete. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Ah, accomplishment. I needed that!!


The details:
1. The chair cushion was recovered in Greta Cinnamon Floral Outdoor Fabric from Hancock Fabrics. It only took a yard and it is on sale for $10.79/yard.

2. The table is the Lindved table from Ikea that I've had for a long time and repainted a bunch.
Was navy now it's a sunny yellow courtesy of Krylon.

3. I had the pot sitting empty on the side of the house and filled it full of shade tolent impatiens.

4. I'd like to update the welcome mat. I am thinking about this one. I have it in the back, too.

gorgeous

I love this bag. I want this bag. What is it you ask? It's the Hau Hauz Jive Bag I found at Huset. It will be going on the greedy slob list.

Question. Do I need therapy for my green obsession? Don't care.

very own ice cream...yum!

After a Sunday evening picnic, we took the kids for ice cream. Owen got his own this time. He liked it, as you can see. Ooof...

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.