love this :: ellie's current favorites (march)

I asked Ellie if she would share some of her current favorite things on my blog. Here's the list she gave me:

Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!: This game is awesome! It is great for fine motor skills + everyone has a chance to win, which means we all get to learn about being a kind winner and what it feels like not to win. Ellie says, "I like when you get a storm and all the acorns blow away." 

Ellie says that The Very Hungry Caterpillar Puzzle is her current favorite because it comes in a box you can easily carry. She just about has the book memorized and loves reading it to herself. Puzzles have been a favorite for about a year now. 

Melissa & Doug's Pattern Blocks are a favorite during evening quiet time (something we are doing after bath time to ease into bedtime). Ellie has fun choosing which animals and colors - sometimes matching, sometimes going for the rainbow look. Listening to her commentary is always a treat.

Ellie and her Daddy love reading Ladybug magazine. It's for ages 3-6. It contains a variety of different mediums - poetry, art, and short stories, and it has recurring characters that they can follow from issue to issue. I love that it gives them something special to do together. It's also available in digital format, which would be awesome for traveling. They also enjoy reading Disney Junior magazine.

Ellie also wants me to tell you that she loves her Elmo nightlight. It came in handy when we almost lost power a few weeks ago. It was early evening and the light were flickering every now and then for about thirty minutes. Ellie kept it close to her so she could turn it on right away if the lights went off. She's still talking about how "prepared" we were if the power went out.

A little more about the evening quiet time: Around Thanksgiving, we found ourselves neck deep in the "I don't want to go to bed" excuses. For weeks we tried different things. It got really intense. One day last month I asked myself, "When I look back on this six months from now, what do I want to remember?" It was a take on my word of the year practice, thinking about how I would hope this time would look like if I came at it from even more love.

As I thought about this question, I had this vision of Ellie and I sitting in my bed. Me reading. Her looking at books or playing quietly with stickers. I realized that this time could be more about just being quiet together, letting the day fall away as we eased into bedtime. I could let go of "if you are a good mom, then your three year old should be in bed by this time or she will be exhausted and not thrive and her brain won't grow like it is supposed to" and all the other crap that gets piled up on a parent trying to do the best she can.

So we're trying quiet time. Sometimes it happens at her little white table or on the couch or next to me in bed. I'm letting go of the pattern of what the evening used to look like and letting this new way be okay. I'm listening to what I know and remembering how this serves me, us, again and again.

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commision when you purchase something from the linked website.

love this :: everyday outfits (february

 

A few good things that have been part of my daily uniform over here:

1. I've been wanting something like this Caslon top from Nordstrom all winter. I'm layering it with a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath. It hits me a little lower on my hips, and it runs big. I bought a large.

2. For the last few years, I've been wearing one version or another of these long-sleeve tees from Target. They wash well and are perfect for layering.

3. I've been wearing these Uggs for the last three winters. I work from home and wear them almost daily. No they aren't the most feminine shoes around, but I love them. They are super warm and have a surprising amount of support for my foot. And the lining is starting to wear out just a bit. So I decided to get these (pictured above). And my winter toes are now very happy as I hammer in the studio.

4. This Lands End vest is awesome. I have it in this green color, which reminds me of Spring, and as the rain rain rain comes down down down over here that is always a good thing. It is on sale for more than 50% off right now (only $19.99). Love how flattering the cut is. I'm actually temtped to get one in another color, but I'm pushing myself to be honest that I just need one puffer vest.

5. The Prairie Hoodie from Prairie Underground. After loving my friend Vivienne's Prairie Underground hoodies for years, I got one for Christmas this year. I love it. It is like a sweatshirt coat you can dress up or down. And it isn't so thick that you can't wear it as a sweater layer, but it also is substantial enough to be able to wear as a coat part of the year (especially here in the Pacific Northwest). If you have a Hot Mama store near you, they carry several styles. And their store is kind of awesome in that it was created with the idea that moms should be able to have fun shopping even with a baby or toddler in tow (i.e. plenty of room to push a stroller around plus take it in the dressing room with you plus they have toys and a play area). Note about sizing: I tend to be a 16 and am able to wear the L size in this style. Whenever I buy another one, I'm going to get an XL just to have a bit more room for layering underneath for a different look. (Shop Adorn in Portland carries several styles and sizes online here.) UPDATE: Looks like Hot Mama doesn't exist anymore. You can find this hoodie and similar styles at Adorn, one of my favorite stores in PDX.

(Not pictured) I keep meaning to write a post about these tanks. They aren't really shapewear but they do help smooth out that little adorable pooch right above my waist, which makes my t-shirts fit so much better. But they don't make you feel like you can't eat while you're wearing them. I have several colors because they are that awesome. And when you wear jeans, tuck them in so they stay put and keep you looking "smooth." If you want something a bit more like shapewear, try these. Also awesome. 

Quick note: Some links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission when you purchase from that online store.

love this :: everyday outfits (january)

In the last few years, I've begun to realize that I want to invest more in clothing and shoes that I love love love, that will last, that invite me to feel the most like me, and that really look great on me.

This has meant fewer trips to Target and Old Navy to buy five (or more) inexpensive new items a few times a year because I hope they will make me feel better about myself only to realize they don't really fit all that great after I've worn them a few times. And I've instead saved money over a few months to buy a few items that will be in my closet for a long time. I'm also doing a lot more handwashing when it comes to things like shirts from Anthropologie because the fabric usually needs that extra care. And this doesn't mean I'm not buying clothes from Old Navy and Target. I'm just being a bit pickier and looking for staples that are made well and fit great.

Today, I'm sharing one of my current daily uniforms (see past everyday outfit posts here).

1. The Ansonia Pullover from Anthropologie is soft and comfortable and comes in several colors. I usually wear one of these tanks from Target underneath.

2. The Lapis Mala of Intuition from Tiny Devotions that a friend gifted to me when she felt like it was ready to move on to a new home. (I know, I am totally lucky.) And when I wore it yesterday, the most beautiful day of listening to my gut unfolded. For real.

3. The Dreamer jeans from Old Navy. This boot cut style is super flattering with the "tummy taming" panel (their wording) in the front. I really like the slight boot cut and the regular length isn't too long on me (I'm 5'5"). And if you are reading this thinking, "I never find jeans," I dare you to go to Old Navy and try on every single style in your size and one size below and above. I'll be cheering you on. You deserve jeans that fit honey. (And if you are ready to invest in just one pair of awesome jeans, I really recommend NYDJ. They are my ultimate favorite and worth the investment. And if you go to Nordstrom, you can have someone help you with all the styles and sizes. Worth it. I should write a whole post about this.)

4. Headbands continue to make me happy. This one is from Flipside hats. Also love this one.

5. I'm usually wearing my word of the year "wildness" necklace. Love having this silver-toned option now.

6. The Ugg Grandle boot is comfortable and provides enough support as I stand in my studio hammering. And they have a shearling lining, which makes me happy. (And the buckles make me feel a wee bit badass. Yes, I just said that "out loud.")

Have you seen Kelly Rae's Wear Your Joy Project? Totally behind that practice 100%. 

Hope you have a beautiful weekend in your corner of the world! 

Quick note: Some links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission when you purchase from that online store.

love this: doctor who goodness

So we are neck-deep in a Doctor Who sort of weekend over here. Isn't everyone? So I thought I'd pull together some of my favorite Doctor Who goodies I've come across lately (and have been adding to potential gifts for Jon for Christmas). And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, no worries. I'll be back to non-time travel related programming in a day or so.

1. So this shirt references the scariest hour of television I've ever watched. EVER. But gosh the "Blink" episode was brilliant. (And I don't ever want to watch it again.)

2. Love this iPhone case. (I actually think it would be an awesome tattoo...not for me...but for someone.)

3. A "Sonic Screwdriver" toothbrush. But of course this exists.

4. The only thing that would make this 11th Doctor Mr. Potato Head better was if it was the 10th. (Because well, Ten Is My Doctor.)

5. And he's my doctor because he says things like this: "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey… stuff." And you can wear that on a t-shirt, which is pretty much perfection.

Hope your weekend is full of good things and time to just have a little fun. 

love this: everyday outfit ideas (october)

Lately, I've noticed how much joy I'm feeling by wearing the clothes I love, so about once a month, I'm going to share some favorites from my everyday outfits.

1) Loving this tee from Anthropologie. Shown here in plum, I have it in mustard and lilac. It is soft and just roomy enough to still be flattering.

2) These scarves from World Market are favorites. Love this color combination and I often wear the black. 

3) Cob Hill is a new-to-me brand and it might be my new favorite. I put these boots on in the store and had that "oh my gosh my feet are so happy right now" feeling. And they are cute!

4) This Let It Go Tiny Devotions mala is gorgeous. I actually wear the Mermaid mala several times a week over here, but my stone is different from the one they have now. The Sea of Possibility mala is on my wish list right now.

5) I'm a wee bit obsessed with this cardigan. It's from Nordstrom and comes in quite a few colors. Super soft + perfect with jeans or a skirt or even a dress. Love the cut of it, and there's a hood! (And I might even wear it to bed sometimes.)

And I usually pair this look with jeans (these are my current favorite) plus my own one word bracelet. It is an everyday look that is comfortable enough to get me out of pajamas and works for errands, lunch with a friend, and the jeans can easily be exchanged for yoga pants at the end of the day.

(Some links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission when you purchase from that online store.)

love this: ellie's current favorites

Ellie was looking over my shoulder and saw this post and said, "Mama, why is your purse in that photo?" I explained I was sharing some of my favorite things I like to wear, and she (no kidding) said, "Can I share my favorite things too?"

So here we go, a few of Ellie current favorite things (and note she has explained that all of these will be going in the suitcase when we go to visit Grandma Fina).

1. Hanna Andersson's Ruffle and Twirl Skirt. Ellie says, "I like all the skirts in the world. And I like this one because I like to wear it with my Mickey shirt." (The aforementioned Mickey shirt would be on this list if I could find it online. We have three and she's been wearing them for almost two years. You've probably seen them on Instagram. She is a bit obsessed with the mouse.)

2. White eyelet tank top from Target that Ellie explains is something "I like to wear to bed like a night shirt."

3. I found this adorable elephant purse at the T-Spot in Manzanita (love that store); you can also find it online here. Ellie says, "I like to take it on BIG trips with me like when I get to the date with the green circle when I wake up really early, I'm going to take my elephant purse with me on the plane." Phew! (The date with the green circle means the day we're going to Grandma Fina's that is circled in green on the calendar in her room.) 

4. Tiny Tom's are an everyday favorite. She actually has a pair with butterflies that I couldn't find online, so we went to the site and she picked these out as a possible "second favorite." We learned at Nordstrom that most kids need half a size down because the canvas stretches. This has been true for EJ.

5. Threadless tees make us all happy in this house. And what's not to love about a self-portrait? As Ellie says, "I like wearing it so much!"

6. Zutano tights are our favorite favorites! Because Ellie loves wearing skirts almost everyday, these are a must on cooler days to keep her legs warm. And all these stripes and polka dots are just happy. Ellie says, "I like to wear them to school. They're cool!"

This kid cracks me up. I'm thinking Ellie's favorites might be a new feature around here. Thinking we'll share her favorite books next! 

love this: everyday favorites

This summer, I'm slowly but surely cleaning our bedroom. Wanting to create a space that feels full of ease and full of...well...space. And part of this plan is to get my clothes down to my favorite favorites. I want to just have the clothes I LOVE to wear. Right now my closet is mostly clothes I really like and might wear some day soon, but the space I have for these clothes is so limited that I have trouble finding my favorites.

And feeling good in my clothes is one way that I'm creating space for really living over here. Simple truth. Yes.

Here are a few of the everyday favorites I'm wearing right now (starting at the top right going clockwise):

Hannah Andersson flipflops: Comfortable and cute! and on sale!

Flipside hats and headbands: You've probably seen some of these in my Instagram self-portraits. My collection is growing as I just added this one. They are made of super soft knit and fit my not small head comfortably but actually fit Ellie too (a little big, but she can pull it off).

Keens Sienna MJ Canvas shoes: Super comfortable can wear them right out of the box shoes. I have blue + red from last year's colors. LOVE this orange.

Fossil Explorer Tote: This is the bag I've been waiting to carry as soon as we no longer need to bring diapers everywhere. I LOVE IT! It has multiple great pockets, which are a very good thing since I'm one of those people who loses her keys every single day. And the aqua really is this gorgeous in person, but in trying to find a link it looks like it is almost out of stock everywhere except Nordstrom (where it's on sale). Other colors (some on sale too) at Zappos.

Ruffled Lyra Top: LOVE the green and the blue! Wearing them a few times a week around here as they work with everything. 

Necklaces from my 1993 Collection: It's true, I'm wearing my own necklaces daily. Layering these around my neck and on my wrist and loving how they transport me to my teenage years.

Converse tank: I've been wearing several versions of this tank for a few years now. Perfect layered and on a hot summer night. Super soft too.

How about you? What are your everyday favorites right now?

love this: succulents

top photo: my kitchen window, pots from Home Depot | wreath from Pottery Barn (and awesome tutorial for a DIY version) | my hanging terrarium from my brother (similar terrariums here and here) | terrariums with wood base from West Elm | terrarium necklace from Fairie Nest on Etsy

It's official: I am obsessed with succulents! And I've gathered a few succulent-inspired items to share today from pins I've come across on Pinterest (and from my home).

For Christmas, my brother gave me that little hanging terrarium + tiny succulent, and I have kept it alive (aka I have remembered to give it a quick shower once a month), and it just makes me so happy.

Then a few weeks ago I started seeing Elise's Instagram photos of her succulents (and the cute favors she made), and suddenly I started to become a bit obsessed with the thought that this could be the plant I could have in almost any room in the house. And. keep. alive.

Yes.

So when my mom was here, we went to Home Depot and bought several small succelent plants for the kitchen, family room, bedroom, and studio. They are so darn cute!

I'm thinking about getting a few terrariums like the ones from West Elm because I love the idea of adding a bit of moss and maybe a few good things that Ellie brings home with us from our walks along Puget Sound.

And I'm learning I'm not alone with this succulent obsession. When I posted a photo of ours on Instagram and Facebook the succulent lovers raised their hands. Next up is researching how to add them to our backyard because they thrive outside here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Are you a succulent lover too? Would love to hear about any secrets/tips you have.