French casual

I need to get my tushy into some skinny jeans, stat!

Being a parent, I worry that I'm falling into a rut with my casual wear. But something like this just goes to show that a pair of heels and some simple accessories can glam up a tee and jeans. Consider this my inspiration for when Spring decides it's really here in Utah.

Skinny Minny

Mary requested photos of me in all my new, skinny jean glory, so here you go. Plus Aspen. Plus the moby wrap (under my hoodie). Plus Aspen's beanie. And binky. We'd just gone for a walk with the dog, alright?! These are Old Navy's skinny jean in Flirt. I got them for $8.49 on clearance. I love my life!

Get yourself a pair, stat.

Polka dots in Paris

ModCloth is fabulous. How great would this dress do while enjoying an outdoor summer party?

I can picture myself sitting under my apple tree, enjoying the shade and some ice cream while wearing this pretty little number.

It also fits my Parisian kick I'm on this week!

Bring me summer, please and thankyou.

Hello, summery, pintucked, eyelet dress. Why yes, I do have room in my closet for you. In fact, for how inexpensive I found you in Old Navy clearance, I'm very happy to take you home and wear you with flip flops, a cardi and maybe even a pair of leggings if you're feeling too short and frisky.

Postcards as invites

How refreshing would it be to use postcards as party invites? I found the idea online while pulling together ideas for Aspen's first birthday (I know, it's still 4 months away).

I love these downloads, which can be purchased from Etsy and used as many times as you'd like (for personal use).

Two of my favorite things

French inspiration and hippos. Two of the best things ever.

I think this has sparked plans for Aspen's first birthday.

They say that I'm a dreamer

One of my favorite stills from my trip to Monhegan Island.

It's true that only 65 people live on the island year-round. Seems like it might be kind of nice.

Perhaps one of these days Kev, Aspen and I can utilize one of their summer rentals. Maybe after we win the lottery.

Japan relief

With the 9.0 magnitude quake still fresh in everyone's minds, I thought it might be nice to share creative ways one can donate to relief funds.

Artisans on Etsy are offering amazing items in their shops with some or all of the proceeds going to aid Japan. If you'd like both give and get, check out some of these listings on Etsy (click photo to visit shop):







You can also donate directly via American Red Cross.

Vactionland

The Maine state tree is an evergreen, so this is yet another trinket that makes me think of home.

My favorite part of this charm is definitely the star. It's the finishing touch this little tree needed.

Isn't it sweet?

Fifty nifty U-nited States!

AlterDesigns knows that it's possible to have love for more than one state. This is especially useful for me because I feel I have two "home" states. I was born and raised in Maine, but have spent just as much time living in Utah as well.


This Etsy shop offers TWO state charms on one necklace for only $23. You can pick silver or gold to further personalize your choices. If I had one of these necklaces, I'd have one of the most squiggly states juxtaposed against one of the most square states.

Monhegan Island artwork

The last time I visited Maine was in August 2009. It was a beautiful week; the first of the summer that was without torrential downpours every day.

My parents and I ferried out to Monhegan Island where it did, in fact, rain buckets on us. About 12 people live on the island year round (okay, maybe more like 60) and it's such a charming little island with local artisans flourishing.

I was so happy to come upon this Etsy shop that features lots of land and sea scapes- many including the Maine coast. It makes me wish I hadn't given up so quickly on painting when I was a teenager.

On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again

I'm going home to Maine in April (wish me luck, I'm flying solo with an 8 month old!) so I'm kind of on an east coast kick right now.

This, believe it or not, is a photo album made from a Maine license plate. Awesome! Kev has dozens of collected plates in the garage, and I bet we could easily make something similar. Check out the other designs in Lauren's Etsy shop.

30% off at Gap, Old Navy or BP

Now through March 20th, you can receive 30% off your in-store or online purchases with Gap, Inc. I can email you the coupon for multiple in-store uses, or you can use it online once. Let me know if I can hook you up.

Bonus: 5% of your spending will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Woo!

SPRING FEVER

I'm seeing a cream color scheme theme with a lot of DownEast Basics' new items. And I'm okay with that. However, I'm more okay with the blue moon colors they're offering.

I need spring.

Martha beat me to it!

I had a post all written up about how much I love CoverGirl's LashBlast Fusion. It was all, "hey, this is the best mascara I've ever used! I'm so glad I had a $2 off coupon! Woo!"

Then I opened up the April issue of Martha Stewart Living yesterday and it was all, "hey, this is the best mascara ever! It's only $9! Woo!"

So. Yeah. Thunder officially stolen.

If you're in the market for a new mascara, one that separates, lengthens and defines your lashes without gunk building up or leaving streaks on your cheeks, then try LashBlast Fusion. It's awesome.

Go Find a Giveaway!

Darci is hosting a CSN giveaway until March 10, so get over to her blog and take her up on it!

I just found the diaper bag I want on CSN, so even though I'm telling you about the giveaway, I'm really hoping you don't win. I want that gift certificate, dang it!

*EDITED TO ADD LINK TO DARCI'S GIVEAWAY... hahaha ooops. Guess I really really really don't want you to win.

Print your blog and *poof* it's a real journal!

Blog2Print is running a 15% off promotion until March 9th, so if you've thought about making your blog into a real book, now is a great time.

I also find Blog2Print to be a very straightforward program for organizing my blog for printing- especially after trying to use Blurb. Prices are very affordable as well. I just ordered my 2010 books (it was less expensive to split the year into two books) and I'm so excited for them to arrive.

This is the first time I've printed my blog and I hope to do it every year from now on. If you want to take advantage of 15% off, use code 'READYSETB2P.'

Due back in 3 weeks

As a lover of books (I just went to the library again today!) I think this would be the perfect notebook for me to keep in my purse. The cover is an upcycled library card! Inside are blank pages, just waiting for me to jot down a recipe, a wishlist, or a happy thought about my daughter.

Visit Crab Apple Designs for more.