Grey Dollhouse heels

During November and December, I searched for the perfect grey boot. I read reviews a noted that the pair I loved didn't hold up very well to regular wear. I even went to the mall (gag!!) and tried on boots at Forever Young. They had a great pair, but in the end, I couldn't justify spending $35 on boots. BOOTS. I've become a major tight-wad and sadly put the boots back so I could keep the money in my bank account.

Fast-forward to this week. I'm at ROSS shopping for a baby shower (why shop anywhere else?). After picking up a few items that were on the mama's registry, I went over to shoes just to look. Of course, I ended up trying things on, just for fun. I even promised Aspen I wouldn't buy anything.


That promise was promptly broken when I tried on grey suede heels with a $9 price tag. I decided to cancel my plans to snatch a sandwich from Chik-Fil-A and instead bought myself the grey shoes. I still hope for grey boots someday, but for now I'm thrilled to have my grey heels.

Happy are we!

My new friend Frederick.

Mandi and I went to Weber State's book sale (hosted by friends of the Stewart Library) and found ourselves some treasures. I love the book Mandi bought (but since it's a gift for someone else, I'm going to keep my mouth shut!) and I managed to get 6 books for Aspen for $5.

SCORE.

"Frederick" by Leo Lionni is probably my favorite. It's about a sweet little mouse with sleepy-looking eyes who knows how to stop and smell the roses. Since my copy is an old one from WSU's library, it needs a little repairs. But that's nothing that some tape won't fix!

Get a copy today for your little one and you'll be pleasantly surprised at little Frederick's insight.

A new twist on Farr's ice cream.

On Thursday night, my mom, Kev and the babies (Aspen and Maddie) went to the Riverdale dog park. After Maddie had a load of fun sniffing other dog bums and running around, we piled back in the car and stopped at the new Farr's ice cream shop on the corner of Riverdale Rd and Wall Ave.

Stop reading this post and get over there right now.

As soon as we walked in I commented that it seems to be the Farr's ice cream for the new generation. The tables are topped with industrial metal and there is a completely different vibe than the old-school versions of the two other Farr's shops in Ogden.

This Farr's offers a selection of delicious soft-serve ice cream with dozens of topping options. Ice cream lovers such as myself can pick a cup and mix/match flavors and toppings to our hearts' contents. The soft-serve is weighed and billed by the ounce so you can choose how much bang you get for your buck.

I mixed orange creme with strawberry and then I died and went to heaven.

If you like soft-serve, custard and/or frozen yogurt, then I recommend you visit this new Farr's. I believe there's one in the Orem area as well (Sophia, check it out for me and have some soft-serve for dinner, will you? I know you like that). The best part for me is that you're invited to sample the flavors and the cups they offer for the task are HUGE. Like, I almost helped myself to a handful of samples and called it good.

Please go, and tell me what you mix up.

I am all about spoiling myself.

When CSN offered to let me do a product review, I was super-psyched. They have everything from bistro sets to strollers, workout equipment to kitchen faucets.

I debated what I should test out- I even asked Kev if there's something he'd like. When he couldn't think of anything I almost considered getting something baby-related. Then I said to myself "heck no! You get yourself something nice."

To help me lose the 10 lingering baby pounds and to tone up, I decided on something Pilates-related. I'm exited to check it out and let you know how awesome it is!

Delight in Old Navy

In my pregnancy, I've accumulated four of these foldover skirts from Old Navy. At $15 each, and with the fold that can cover my belly, it was totally worth the investment. I also plan to be able to wear them after baby comes since they fit so well under the bump.




I picked this seahores tee last week at Old Navy for $10 (in addition to my fourth foldover skirt). Anything that fits over the belly is worth it these days. And believe it or not, I purchased my first pair of skinny jeans as well. For only $15 I figured I should take the plunge.


I still need to get them hemmed, but I think it's pretty impressive that I took a risk and dared to even try them on. Who would have thought it possible to buy one's first pair of skinny jeans when 30 pounds overweight?

Who doesn't love free date nights?

One of my favorite things to do is spend quality time with Kev. We just cancelled our cable (YIKES!) this week because 1) we're cutting back on expenses; and 2) we don't need to waste our time in front of stupid TV.

On Monday we went to the Ogden Amphitheater to enjoy the free concert and family movie. We only went once last year and I regret that we didn't take advantage of the opportunity more consistently.

The weather was perfect and we ran into the dog who made me adopt Maddie.


It was so good to see that little schnauzer and his mom Kerry. Kev and I left Maddie home because she's sometimes a toxic cloud of aggression in public places and neither one of us had the energy to keep her corralled.

Next week they're showing a Star Trek movie, and the week after is The Blindside. Let me know if you'd like to join me and Kev!

Be sure to enter Friday's giveaway!

Sharing is caring!

Kev and I browsed some TOMS shoes at The Gateway Mall in April and I was not impressed with the selection... I know I'm a bit of a shoe snob, but seriously, all the styles were ugly. The mission of TOMS shoes though is to provide a pair of shoes to someone in need every time a pair is purchased, which is beautiful. So I've resisted the urge to tell everyone how ugly I think the shoes are. I've only told a few people.

I decided to look at the website to see if I've just overlooked some better styles that exist. I'm really glad I visited the TOMS site because they actually have great wedges that appeal to me much more than the popular canvas flats. Some of the designs on the flats are alright, but in person I really don't like how they're constructed. There just too granola.

This navy striped pair is much more doable for me. It's a summery style and it's a little more sophisticated than the flats, but still casual enough for jeans, bermuda shorts or a sundress. I know granola is the whole point of TOMS, but I'm happy to see that other options are also available for a snobby East coaster like me.

A huge sale still doesn't take away the sting.

I love two fragrances from Bath & Body Works = Butterfly Flower and Wild Honeysuckle. They are subtle and spring-like and fantastically light.

Of course, they are being discontinued this year (with many other favorite signature scents). Thankfully, they're on sale for $4 each. AND I even bought an eau de parfum of Wild Honeysuckle for less than $7 because they're on sale for 75% off in stores.

The sale started yesterday, so GO NOW and stock up on some of the best scents out there. Additionally, the fragrances not being discontinued are on sale with the usual awesome deals B&BW offers, like buy 2 get 1 free, or buy 3 get 2 free.

I did manage to find a new scent that may be able to fill the void that will eventually be left when I run out of Butterfly Flower and Wild Honeysuckle. I bought a $1 sample of FORever Summer and I have to admit it's refreshing and reminds me of the beach just as the name implies it should.

Not bad for an inexpensive pick-me-up.

Sugar and spice and everything nice!

I am pretty darn excited about some great news for you.

This little blog has the opportunity to host a giveaway for you, but first I'd like to ask a favor (besides your continued readership).

If we can work together to get "Liv's Favs" 50 followers I can hook you up with this giveaway. Until then, keep spreading the world about this little part of the Internet so we can hit the magic 50 for a giveaway valued up to $40. Woo!

Thanks a million!

I wish I could find this in stores.

I can only find this onesie online and it's so disappointing because I want ot redeem my "in-store only" coupons.





Maybe it's a good thing though. I don't want it to appear that we're trying to persuade our child too soon to appreciate good music. She may need to wait a few years before she's ready for Pink Floyd.

I always worry about getting mugged at the Weber County Library, but I keep going back..

I checked out 7 books three weeks ago. I'd like to recommend the ones that didn't suck:

Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
Change of Heart by Jodie Picoult
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lilly Ponder by Rebecca Wells
Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner (so-so)

Also, I purchased Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See and absolutely loved it.

The Jodi Picoult books are kind of emotionally charged, much like the novel by Rebecca Wells. I probably should not have read them while pregnant. Much sad/happy crying occurred. Rebecca Wells also wrote Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, which I haven't read, but I saw the movie on a bus once.

Lisa See's book was amazing. I could not put it down. I even had dreams about having my feet bound that woke me up freaked out in the night.

I'm happy my thirst to read for fun has start resurfaced. I realized how tired I was getting of watching TV in my spare time instead of curling up with a book. Now that the weather is warming up, I look forward to taking them outside with me under the apple tree. Books make me think so much more than HGTV or reruns of America's Next Top Model.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up my shows entirely. Just switching gears for a while.

Coast to coast

I'm hosting a sale in my Etsy shop to make room for new merchandise (no idea yet when that's going to be unveiled, so hang in there) so be sure to check it out! Until April 30th, all merchandise will be 50% off the purchase price.

My favorite part about the sale so far is that this necklace was purchased by two lovely ladies on opposite coasts. One lucky new owner is in California, while the other is in Maine.

Good to know it's a versatile style.

Be sure to get yourself a little treat while the sale is still hot!

I would have bought the couch too.

I don't usually wear logo tees, but as I lean toward someday working part-time, I figure the occasionaly casual tee will be acceptable. I picked this one up at Zumiez (in purple) for $9.99. It's possible I also picked up something for my sister as well. She can agonize over it for the next three months until I give it to her for her birthday.

I really wish I could have walked away with the couch in Zumiez, even with the fresh coffee spill on one cusion. It was low-profile, comfortable and boasted a quirky pattern that the Pink House would love.

Wardrobe malfunction.

While in SLC for my birthday, I realized I'd made a packing mistake. I'd packed a bright red and a hot pink bra for the trip. Both of which showed through the white shirt I planned to wear on Saturday.

I covered up with a wrap, but as the weather warmed, I knew I couldn't keep the outfit on all day. GAP swooped in and saved the day with a $7.00 boyfriend tee in pale pink, and a white tank for less than $3.

Being a boy-fit tee, it easily goes over my baby bump while still giving me some shape. Truly a life-saver.

And although I'm disappointed that I was over-charged $10 for this tee (it was marked at $17.99 but I paid $27.99 and didn't notice until I got home) I'm happy that I added this button-up to my wardrobe.

At nearly six-months pregnant it's a tiny bit tight, but I know I'll fit into it after the baby comes. I've set reasonable goals for myself regarding my post-pregnancy body: I don't buy six 6 pants believeing I'll fit into them. But I will buy items slightly too small now that I know will fit when my stomach is no longer the size of a basketball.

I suppose the best alternative would be to stop buying non-maternity clothes, but at such great deals, I can't always make myself pass them up.

Gettin' the juices flowin'

I told Kev I want to consider making a mobile for my pilates buddy.

The part that he's supposed to care about? I want to make it with rock climbing holds. Kev has a lot to choose from, and he even suggested using alphabet or number holds. Cute, huh?

We'll have to see what ends up working. After all, I don't want to do a shoddy job and end up clobbering my pilates buddy with a porcelain letter "A" as she rests in her crib. I'm thinking regular holds will work best since their holes are drilled in the center and can easily be hung to hang interesting-side-down for baby's viewing pleasure.

Have you ever made a baby toy or accessory out of non-traditional materials?

Une bebe et moi.

La petite bebe jolie et moi.

Nikki and I attended a baby shower for a mutual friend and I got to play with Nik's wee one for a little while. She is just so great with the camera. She almost always seems to smile for a photo.

Well done, Nik, well done.

Yes, I am obsessed with Canada.

Perhaps being born and mostly-raised in Maine is what instilled within me a great love for our neighbors to the north. Perhaps it's my life-long exposure to Anne of Green Gables that prompted me to become enamored with the luscious, cold, green land that is also known as America's Hat.

It's difficult to pinpoint the source of my adoration. But I just know that I love Canada.

This print can be found in English Muffin's Etsy shop (naturally, my go-to for art these days).

Delight in DSW.

Kev and I did a little shopping on Friday night and he said if I was quick I could window shop in DSW.

Nine West is the best. Even if they don't photograph well via my cell phone.

Ribbet Ribbet, sip it.

One of the last times Kev and I visited IKEA I picked up a couple of these Mata frog bowls (in blue and green) for pennies in the "As Is" section. I also got one of the sippy cups. It's weird that we'll now have to accumulate child-friendly dishes. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going to store everything in the kitchen once baby's needs go beyond a boob, a spoon and pureed fruits and veggies.

Look no further.

I was just telling myself I'd like to get a pair of sports sneakers that aren't white (even though I love my white sneakers with hot pink laces). I got a $10 off coupon from DSW for Valentine's Day and found these amazing Rocket Dogs on their website.

The number one reason I love Rocket Dog shoes is the comfort. I have never had a pair of their shoes, even sandals, that are uncomfortable after a long day. I love them. I may just have to head to Layton and put my coupon to good use on a V-day gift for myself. Afterall, Kev said that this year he'd actually like to celebrate by doing something other than our taxes.

He's such a romantic.