HomeStudio.Etsy.Com

My sister Rachelle just gave me a fantastic gift. It is a pendant that says Faith Hope and Charity. I really like the crown and I love purple. She got it at HomeStudio.Etsy.com and they are having a great sale right now where you can get a free pendant if you buy two! I love the scrabble tile made pendants they have such careful detail and are a joy to wear. The next pendant I want is this green wildflowers one. Home Studio has some of the best pendant designs available.
I really like their stuff and they are an inexpensive personalized gift. I think I might get my mom the "keep calm and carry on" pendant, or maybe just a bird on a wire so she doesn't worry about me calling her high strung. Plus they are using Scrabble tile pendants- I want my pendant to have the letter J on the back of it.
Cost of One Pendant? $6.50

Trash Can

I would love a new trash can. Danielle likes to get into the Trash can. It motivates me to keep the trash can empty but one time I was sitting in the play room and Danielle brought me a diaper out of the trash can. Yuck! This morning she knocked over my Grandma's trash can so she could get trash out of it. Like our dogs used to do, only she is much more crafty. It is important that the trash can I own has a good seal on it- for the dogs if they can't smell it they are less likely to try to break into it and I want to throw diapers in it. Baking soda in the bottom only goes so far.

When I went to the Container store I saw the perfect option, a tall trash can with a small hole Danielle couldn't reach. Plus it is Stainless Steel which I love. The Container Store is such a great store and their summer sale is going on now- that is where I got storage boxes on sale- fabric ones that everyone seems to like. This trash can would be so convenient for my life right now!

A Description from the Container Store:

Our Lock-Tight Can is an exceptional choice for out-of-doors - on the patio, by the pool or by the grill. It has a convenient locking inner lid to keep out insects and moisture while locking in odors. The rubber ring keeps a plastic trash bag in place while a side hook holds the lid so you have hands-free access to the opening when needed.

Total Cost $139.00

Emile Henry Faitout

I thought I should talk about this item that is on sale at Williams Sonoma. Some of the advantages include that I have no idea how to pronounce what this is. I know that most people mispronounce the name of the crockery but what is a Faitout? I think it looks like a fancy soup bowl and I love it. I love that it is blue and so is my kitchen. I love that it is on sale. Something about items on sale makes me feel urgency to empty my pockets.

williamssonoma.com
Here is a description from Williams Sonoma:

In French, fait tout is translated as “does everything,” and this traditional ceramic casserole certainly lives up to the name. Ideal for baking and serving everything from Thanksgiving dressing to vegetables and other side dishes, the covered pot circulates heat and moisture during baking, then keeps foods warm at the table. The sturdy piece with integral handles is handcrafted of Burgundian clay to withstand the most extreme temperature changes, which enables it to be safely transferred from freezer to oven. The colorful glaze won’t chip or craze over time. Microwavable and dishwasher safe. 4.2-qt. cap.; 11" diam., 6 1/2" high.
General Information
Dishwasher, freezer, microwave, oven and broiler safe.
Never use abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads.

Total Cost: $49.99

The Soft Kingdom

Well John and I decided to build a rock climbing wall in our house. I really like it but we haven't fully overcome the problem of Danielle and what we can do with her. She likes the rock climbing wall. So I remembered a kid zone at Momentum Rock Gym and wanted to get one for myself. Google Checkout took me to at site with something called The Soft Kingdom.

It is from csnsupply.com and is the wesco 4789 Soft Kingdom. csnsupply offers free shipping on this item and in 1-2 weeks I could have my fantastic new gym. I think Danielle would love it. It could live on the garage floor and could become her new floppy zone so she wouldn't have to flop on my bed. I would love it. I guess this means that I shouldn't be too cheap about getting a small air conditioner for the garage. She loves climbing on these things! Here is an online description.

This range of tiny tot modules can be combined in any number of ways so that tots can experience a variety of situations in terms of expressions and relationships. Children often delight in climbing high up and exploring. This Soft Kingdom will allow children to develop motor skills as they crawl and climb on the comfortable modules.
Features:
Consists of 2 Half-Moons, 2 Soft Waves, Valley, Hilltop, Four Wave Mat, 10" Cylinder, Two Steps, 2 Small Slopes, 3 90 Degree Corner Mats, Small Hump, Two Wave Mat, 2 Basic Mats and Trapezium
Made from high density foam jersey lined vinyl covers sewn with a very strong nylon thread
Meets fire safety requirements
Covers can easily be cleaned with soapy water
For children ages 3 months to 3 years

Total Cost $1089.00

Line Upon Line

My sister told me about these great cards at lineuponlinecards.com Some of them are pretty tongue in cheek references to Mormon culture and scripture. For example a newlywed card that says families are forever then "Hope you like your in-laws." Who hasn't thought about that at one point in being married. Just the other day we were on Family vacation with my husband and my sister in law was talking about how we are all an eternal family. I told her good thing we have agency.
Or a card that says you are so talented.. Will you do that for me for free? I know lots of people who want free services- a free haircut from a visiting teacher or a free quilt from someone who knows how to sew. How annoying is that? Some of the cards are just sweet but I am glad there are some cards with more sarcasm.
One of the cards says "bless your heart." But I am still waiting for the bless her heart card- followed by a really negative comment.

Each Card $3.00
Pack of 5 $12.50

Scribble It Online

Well I have recently discovered how neat decals can be. I have this fantastic vinyl decal that says "I wouldn't eat that" on my fridge at home. I put it on my freezer full of ice cream and I laugh about it. Yes I should not be eating ice cream and my blue decal tells me that. Decals are a great way to decorate a room without buying expensive wallpaper. Also they are removable- you can save them for later when you want a decorating change. My mom thinks this bird in black would make a great Halloween decoration. I think the idea of having temporary decorations is so exciting! Now I can put up snowflakes for Christmas!
Scribble it has a blog and a website and my favorite- an Etsy shop! You should go enter their giveaway on their blog this month.
http://scribbleitonline.blogspot.com/

Cost of the Diet Help? $7.50
Cost of the Raven $9.50

Motherhood from Brandon Dayton

When I was in college I knew this guy named Brandon Dayton. In the glorious tradition of Facebook I found him and read his blog. He is a really talented illustrator and I thought I should show some of his great work. This illustration is called "motherhood" and I don't have three kids, but I think it is Fabulous! You can order prints of the illustration. You can also commission Brandon to make a drawing or illustration. How cool would it be to have your own personal illustration of your family? For example in my motherhood picture I would have to have blond hair. My baby has recently discovered how funny it is to pull out mommy's hair. I say no and that it hurts and she laughs. When daddy tells her no she cries. I can't wait until she can talk and starts to use her little baby powers. Brandon is super funny and a great guy. I would recommend giving him money just because he is quite entertaining but as a plus he sells great stuff. Because we all need a little super hero illustration in our homes.

Cost of the Motherhood print? $31.38 That's on Canvas!

The Most Beautiful Crib

When I had a baby we bought a crib that was a floor sample sale. It is cherry and beautiful, but I hate it. I wish I had twins so I could get a different one. Restoration Hardware just started a baby line and their clothes are beautiful and their cribs are beautiful. This is the crib I always wanted. Too bad by the time I have enough money to get it I will be too old to have children. Also how do I tell my husband that I want a new crib when there is literally nothing wrong with the old one? Why can't my dog just start chewing up furniture and pick our crib as his item to destroy?
I have a fundamental belief that baby cribs and furniture should be white. Also I love canopy beds. I wish I had one. And I wish my baby had one.
Their description of my dream crib:

• Handcrafted of hardwood with fine birch veneers
• Tapered posts
• Features hidden hardware, an easy drop side, four height settings and scissor springs beneath the mattress for superior support and easy adjustability
• JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification ensures that the product was safety tested by independent laboratories for compliance with current ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) standards, and passed their rigorous testing. JPMA-certified products meet or exceed all requirements of current safety standards. For more information about JPMA, visit www.jpma.org.

Total Cost? $999.00
Conversion Kit $129.00
Shipping surcharge $99.00

I love rugs

Well since we live in a place with pretty cheap carpet I have learned to love a nice rug even better. I love this rug from the Pottery Barn and I wish I had another one! I love the dark brown rug and the neutral colors are great for the carpet- I like just a solid color and the Henley Rug is a classic. Here is a description
The subtle design and tone-on-tone palette of our Henley Rug make it exceptionally versatile. The sheared wool pile is dense and soft to the touch. Canvas backing. Use with our Rug Pad (sold separately). Imported.
My sister needs a 9 by 12 rug for her floor and I think the Taupe one would look perfect since it is a neutral color.
Total Cost $749.00

Lois Hill Earrings are FANTASTIC

I have sensitive ears so it is hard for me to find good earrings. No one wants cheap earrings and I feel like jewelry stores don't have very much diversity- it is the same Diamond studs and pearl creations that I could do without or already have. So I love Lois Hill- she works with silver so her earring posts are soft- be careful with your lovelies. But they don't irritate and look great. The silver gives it a classic look. I found a pair at Nordstrom- (really my favorite store ever) that make classic hoops look more interesting. The best time to buy these is the half yearly sale- they become so affordable! If there are any left after the half yearly sale they are a STEAL! That's where I try to get all my pieces.
The description:

Finely woven band of sterling silver with cutout detailing is flanked by hammered contrast on handcrafted hoop earrings.

• Post back.
• Diameter: 3/4".
• Width: 3/8".
• Sterling silver.
• By Lois Hill; imported.

Total Cost: $114.00

A new Bag

I am in love with bags. Actually I wish I had the money to be in love with bags. In all actuality I like how my older sister has really nice bags- they are just lying around with her stuff. It breaks my heart that she doesn't want to donate them to charity- the younger sister charity. Kate Spade is one of my favorite designers and I like what she has done lately with bold colors. I am absolutely in love with this red baby bag from Nordstrom. Wouldn't that look great with My red shirt? Nordstrom is so great and I love their customer service. Going to the King of Prussia mall isn't as personal- some of the salespeople are downright rude- but every other store I have been to has been fantastic.
Here is a description of my new bag:

Topstitched leather trim and updated metal logo accent an oxford nylon tote with plenty of pockets and a coordinating changing pad.

• Top zip closure.
• Drawstring side pockets.
• Interior zip, wall and bottle pockets.
• Stroller straps.
• Leopard-print lining.
• Nylon/leather.
• By kate spade; imported

Total Cost: $385.00

Travel High Chair

I love travel high Chairs. They attach to the table at a restaraunt or a friend's house so baby mess can be minimized. I don't really like feeding Danielle exclusively from my lap so we decided to get one. Then I realized that there are some really cute ones out there. I found a pink one earlier but as I was searching today I couldn't find it. But I love cute colors- don't just get a black travel high chair- yuck! I found this high chair on John Lewis.com and I am in love.

Total Cost 34.95 Pounds.

Magnolia Pottery

My sister in law gave us a lesson on pottery the other day. It was pretty exciting actually. I had never done it before and it was hard- my first attempt fell apart. She was really positive though, which I liked. She has a website for her pottery and it is cute- actually she really should take the date out of the photos and make the background white but I think she focuses more on craft shows and word of mouth for sales. And family supports family so she has made a vase for my dad. This vase if my favorite she has right now. The glaze looks so cool and interesting- it is beautiful!

Check out Magnolia Pottery

Total Cost of My Favorite Vase? $30.00

www.magnoliapottery.com

Colespic Cards

I love the idea of sending someone this card from colespic. The card says Hope you have an upped your meds sort of day. What a great card! My favorite part is probably the huge pill with antidepressant written on it. That woman looks great! Unfortunately many of the people I would give this card to actually take anti-depressants or just wouldn't think it was funny. This site also has reusems cards and you write your name in it and then give it on- what a great idea- people like reusing cards and I feel like this celebrates that- why not just come out with it!
you can get cards or a letter set.
www.colespic.etsy.com

$5.50

Daily Tea Collection for Summer

I love everything about Tea Collection clothing. They are really well made. The pants and shirts match- so if your son or daughter spills on their shirt you can just change the shirt- there are so many comfortable coordinating pieces and I just love them. The line for Summer this year in the daily tea collection is just beautiful! I love the Blue dress and red pants- my daughter looks fantastic in blue and a dress is perfect because people don't ask me if she is a boy when she is wearing a dress. Their sizing is great and you can wash them like normal clothing.
The Avery collection is in the picture and has a dress, a sleeveless dropwaist dress a tank top shorts and pants- so many possibilities! I love it.

Total Cost 105.00

Erin McMorris Park Slope

My friend Dana brought over some of her fabric and I love it. I want it. The Park Slope line from Erin McMorris. I think the Fat Quarter shop had the best selection I could find. Dana seems to have better taste in Fabric than I do which of course makes me jealous. I really like the pink line and you can get a fat quarter bundle of it. 15 fat quarters for 41.25 which comes out to be $2.75 a fat quarter. Good luck finding these fabrics anywhere else though. They have some good selections on etsy. I like to just google the selection and click on every link- watch out for overpriced shipping!
Total with Shipping
$46.20

Tupperware

I remember when I was growing up my mom had food storage. She was good at it. Every Sunday she made bread by grinding her own wheat and baking it. I was so impressed but I only make cookies every Sunday. Our family wasn't rich, and my mom figured it cost 46 cents for each loaf of bread.

Then tragedy happened, we got those little flying bugs in our wheat and food storage. Our food storage was in a closet under the stairs and little bugs would fly out. The type of bugs that if you see one you know you are in trouble. All our food storage was bad. My mom couldn't get rid of the bugs. It was devastating to us, to throw away all that food. We didn't have money to replace it. The culprit: storage containers that weren't really airtight.

So my mom became a believer in Tupperware. She never sold it but her fierce brand loyalty was passed on to all of her children. Including me.

So this last week I signed up to sell it. I am not really the type of person who sells Tupperware I feel. but I love the stuff, and can't help feeling like it would have spared me one of my scariest childhood memories.

You can get Tupperware from my site and until the 27th the modular mates 10 piece set is on sale.

Total Cost 87.54

with shipping and tax. how exciting!

I want Sweet Potato Fries

Well I really like the sweet potato fries at Iron hill and I didn't go there tonight since I opted for a movie but I still want those fries. I will get them eventually. Iron Hill is a brewery but like many breweries it has pretty good food. There are lots of items on their menu that I want to eat. I don't like food that is too spicy though, so the ribs just aren't for me. one of my favorite things is going there with Danielle because they have really nice children's food, including chicken strips with a vegetable side. Danielle loves eating cucumbers and sweet potato fries, and it's nice to have a place that will give you vegetables for your one year old instead of just macaroni and cheese. Although macaroni and cheese is available. Also good- their homemade root beer. John tells me it is like the root beer his family made at their family vacations and I am telling you, it is a sad thing that I never got to go to that reunion vacation. too bad the restaurant is closed and the baby is in bed.
total cost $8.50

Black Shoes

I really want some black slip on shoes but I want one's that my sister in law Kathryn has and I just can't find the exact thing I want. Something that i can slip on fast for when I want to leave- it just seems like I have all black pants but no black shoes. I found a Josef Seibel pair on Zappos that I like. Also for something fun there is a pair of Keds shoes there I don't think the Ked's ones would go with as much as the others but they are so darn cute. I just want to buy them so bad but I am trying not to spend any money this week. It seems if I can't stop spending money my family will start to fall apart, which is sad. I always want more and more shoes.
Keen shoes are also really great and I used to have a pair of black slides from them but I just wore them so much that they wore out. I would love to have a pair of leather slides or mules or flats or sandals that I can wear on a regular basis, when my red shoes just don't match. like with my fantastic green or pink shirts. Every time I see their shoes I find myself drawn to the colors and cute options rather than the black ones. Like the Berkeley sandal. I like a black soled shoe with a lighter color inside rather than black. I feel like a black inner part of the shoe gets on your feet and eventually isn't as good looking. At least with the Keen shoes. Anyway here are my new shoes. I wish they were mine.

Money Mondays - Here comes the compulsion...

So, I was searching the web on the Crate and Barrel site because obviously it's important, and found something I really want. I want two of them, in fact. The Allison pillow. It's so great I MUST HAVE IT! Seriously, I am really fighting strong urges to purchase this. Alas, not having money also helps me resist. You just must click on the link to see it. It cheers me. But that's what having a compulsion does I guess.