dreamdaymusings

... what i'm reading

2012-03-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

{the anthologist}

i've been having so much fun

between these pages.

it's been a long time since i've been

so caught up in a character and

caught off guard more than once

by a single line.

...on a side note,
yesterday was national grammar day.

ever since i discovered

this guide while

substitute teaching i've been a bit smitten

with grammar girl and her smart ways of

making things stick!

click here for some handy dandy resources

to celebrate this oft ignored date then

make sure to scroll down and read the

2011 grammar day short story contest winning

story by gerald warfield, titled,

"the origin of third person in paleolithic epic poetry".

xo, m

... i wanna smash stuff

2012-03-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

this was only the beginning.

all i remember is going into michaels for

a martha stewart paper punch , walking by a
display bursting with personality
and kinda losing my mind (but in a good way).

it's everything i've dreamed of for all the bits and pieces
of dreamy moments i've collected in a drawer that
need a resting place to ripen.
(thank you kathy for leading me to this video!)
after spending hours going through my old scrapbooks
and diaries i know that one day... perhaps when i'm around 80,
i will treasure this stuff and laugh over all the fun
i had when i was "young".

wishing you a little wink ...and a big smile ;)

xo, m

... looking through

2012-02-29T08:55:00.001-07:00

i love the morning light in this house... it calls me

to be thankful, to see the miracle in the way

every moment has it's place in the puzzle

and it's not up to me to understand.

today is an extra day

for dreaming.

xo, m

... squeeze of lemon

2012-02-27T08:01:00.002-07:00

{kiki's list}

{atlantic pacific}

{zara}

pucker up!

xo, m

... home office ideas

2012-02-24T06:39:00.002-07:00

moving to a new home

i find there is always one room that is ignored

until the rest are decked out and ready for the ball.

the cinderella room in our house is the

office. poor thing, if she only knew the big

plans i had for her once i get the mice to

work on the perfect gown.

some affordable and functional office ideas

from apartment therapy

using pegboard...

my area de resistance!

now i'm convinced i need a wrap station,

but until the magic wand is waved and i see

my coach there is always

this cute pumpkin. ;)

xo,m

{ideas courtesy this curated office collection from

kirtsy.}

... thoughts on paper

2012-02-22T09:44:00.001-07:00

{sugarboo paper designs at found}

do you have a place where you keep your innermost

thoughts? are you brave enough to

put them on paper?

would you let others read what you have to say?

what if you waited... how many years would it take

for the words to be safe to share with the world. how long

would it take for you to discover who you are

by the words you have written?

xo,m

... a twisted goldilocks tale

2012-02-20T09:40:00.002-07:00

{anthropologie}

after reading this story yesterday in the

arizona republic i have a new appreciation

for bug bravery. both of scientists and

reporters....

here is my own creepy crawly take on a well known

tale...

in the early 90's we moved back

to arizona from denver with a newborn and toddler in tow.

we found an apartment located near a canal lined with tall eucalyptus trees.

it was tiny, one crib placed in the walk- in closet, the other

in the living room, but it was all we needed for the short term wait

while our house was being built. a pretty location, near

our parent's, it had a small garage where we stored all of

our belongings. it seemed perfect.

we moved in during the monsoon season,

which in phoenix means muggy days

and downpour rainy

nights.

cockroaches love water but they also need shelter.

one night as my two year old and i opened

the medicine cabinet to get our toothbrushes out

for the bedtime brush we found

a nice plump roach resting on the bristles.

curdling scream #1.

but the worst was yet to come.

papa bear out of town for work, my brave

mama bear mentality in full force, i grabbed

a handful of tissues and quickly grasped the resting roach along

with his bristly bed and ran to the door throwing the whole

contraption out and slamming the door shut without

a guilty thought about littering.

bedtime stories read, baby fed,

both boys tucked in their cribs for the night,

i gradually unwound from the evening's earlier trauma.

relaxed, i stretched out on our bed, happy that tonight

i had the entire mattress to myself.

both boys breathing sweetly,

a steady rain outside, relaxed and at peace

i was just dozing off... on the doorstep of a dream

when teeny tickly footsteps up my leg made me sit up like

a soldier at attention with the realization that there was

something crawling up the inside of my thigh.

ripping off the sheets and reaching down

to find a huge roach who had found

a better place to rest

than a bristly toothbrush and who was trying

to get frisky with me while my husband was away.

yes, there really is such a thing

as a silent scream.

xo,m

... easy crackin'

2012-02-17T08:29:00.003-07:00

i came upon this simple

but oh so smart ingredient that perfects
the art of peeling a hard boiled egg.

thank you lindsay at "delighted momma"
for the pin-tested tip!
check out her blog for all kinds of
easy ideas using natural ingredients....
like this one for deliciously smooth skin.
xo,m

... i wonder

2012-02-15T10:35:00.001-07:00

my oldest son and i... fifteen years ago this august,

mission beach, san diego.

i remember standing "here" on this pier with him.

i know it's cliche' but seems so long ago

yet only yesterday, as if every day

is a photograph in a neat pile,

the years only inches apart.

{"oh, the places you'll go"

via "the bedlam of beefy" }

one of the graduate schools he recently visited

is within our gaze in this photo.

both of us looking out and away while

keeping him close, my hands next to his heart.

i wonder if next year he will

stand upon the jutting cliffs just off campus, look

back towards this same pier and see this day.

if time is told by the ocean, the

waves already know.

xo, m

... the big 100

2012-02-13T07:39:00.001-07:00

{image}

{calendar}

tomorrow my native state

of arizona is celebrating her centennial.

she's still young and has much to

learn but i love her!

{print}

xo,m

... our own fortune cookie

2012-02-11T09:14:00.001-07:00

{thx thx thx}

xo,m

... my collection

2012-02-10T09:46:00.001-07:00

seashells, coins, stamps...

the typical things children collect.

my groupings always failed to grow because

once taken out of their environment

they turned into a copy of what they once stood for.

seashells need to be nestled in the sand

and rolled in the sea.

coins belong tucked in pants pockets

or in pocketbooks as my grandmother called them,

handed to you for special treats or magically pulled
from behind your ear as my great uncle
loved to do.
stamps belong stuck to the sender's envelope
marking the path from writer to reader for how
else can you see how far
their correspondence has traveled?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
now, years past that age and saddened
i have nothing to show, i suddenly
realized i've been collecting and connecting
something my own all along....
my life's most salient moments sewn together
into a mosaic of memories,
curated in the collection space of my mind,
organized and illuminated by
my heart.

i hope you enjoy!

sharing with you is a heartfelt treat.

xo, m

test

2012-02-10T08:56:00.001-07:00

i'm testing you please work

... manly treats

2012-02-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

sometimes it's much easier and even more fun to let

someone else do the shopping for you.
i discovered this site on sunday and
realized it would be the perfect belated
birthday gift for my cousin. i love the concept...
a box a month with gift items built around a theme.
you can sign up for one, three or six months.
you can even pass on a month if that
box of goods doesn't interest you.
check it out here!

february's box- "alchemy"

bespoke sent me this sweet deal to share.
it's good for today only so don't wait!
{We know the guy(s) in your life will love Bespoke Post,
so we're offering 10% off any one, three, or six box gift,
or $10 off a regular subscription.
Just use code BOA2 at checkout and help him enjoy Valentine's Day. }

another playground of unique gift ideas is wantist.
it's a fun site to sit back and peruse even if you
aren't sure who or what you are looking for.
i'm blushing over this valentine goodie but have to share...
our college mascot was the lumberjack.
i've always been fond of a good
woodsman ;)

xo,m

... nytimes story, how it happened

2012-02-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

for the past week i've had all sorts

of thought filled conversations with friends

and family about this story.

the first thing they want to know is
how it came to be that i, a mom, wife, blogger and
very part time substitute teacher, from mesa, az.,

would be mentioned in the nytimes.

honestly, it still seems unreal and came about from
a simple comment on facebook about friends
and the need to pare down your list sometimes
as your life situation changes and how to let someone go
if you feel the relationship
isn't working.

the comparison was made with facebook where
you can "friend" and "de-friend" a person
with a simple click.
is this how real life... outside the
social network scene works?

i think the term "un-friend" is a gentler and more descriptive
term of what takes place as our life situations
change over time.
some relationships must be allowed to revert back to
ones that resemble acquaintances more than friends.
like any relationship, sometimes it gets to the point
where things don't work out.
i think it's much more natural to back off
than try to pinpoint a specific reason
and tell the person.
sometimes it isn't a question of fixing,
it's just a mismatch. nothing to fret over.
just as friendships come into focus over time
they can also fade.

i had no idea if my words would be used

but emailing back and forth with the reporter
was a good exercise in organizing my thoughts.

i'm a bit hesistant when speaking out, especially when
it comes to touchy subjects that i feel strongly about.

i was so shaky when we spoke on the phone
that i was even more grateful to have shared
my bit of the story in writing before
telling it out loud.

a huge thank you to alex williams
for letting me have this opportunity.
it was a dream!

xo,m

... enough to share

2012-02-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

i've been finding so many

wonderful bits and pieces to share.

seems like it's either feast or famine

for me as far as ideas go.

do you ever feel that way too?

for the last few days i've been feeding a cold.

one of the foods it prefers, besides

cinnamon jelly hearts,

is chinese.

my fortune last night read...

"never stop. one always stops as soon

as something is about to

happen."

that made me smile.

i always keep the best ones... seems taboo

to throw them away.

{the lettered cottage}

here is a cute idea from one of my new favorite

blogs to pass on your good fortune

to someone you love.

xo, m

... pitter patter, page one

2012-02-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

( a valentine set to a dreamy thought...
a rainy day,

splashing in puddles,

squishy sneakers and a backward glance...)

if i could tell you i love you i would, but i don't want the words

to ruin it...

heart mug via dilly dallas

also in pink.

xo! m

... happy february

2012-02-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

from {here}
good morning! happy february.
... one of my favorite months!

it begins with my mom's birthday
(rabbit rabbit, and a very happy birthday mom! xo)
has a love filled center, and ends with my son's.

...except every four years and this year
happens to be one of them.
sometimes i dream about silly things,
like what it would be like to have a child who's birthday
is on the calendar only once every four years...
less parties to plan? no.
age slower? nope.
a kid whose day straddles two months? yep.
xo,m

... not an ordinary weekend

2012-01-30T10:27:00.002-07:00

friday evening i drove downtown to "found"

to pick up the coffee table
the alber's had been patiently holding for me
since the last basement sale.

put your feet up, no fuss...perfect for our family room.

if you haven't visited "found", located in downtown mesa,
here is an idea of what you are
missing...
new for february.

saturday included an impromptu two
hour road trip
to prescott.

the plan was to buy a new "used" car.
fail on the car purchase but success on spontaneous fun!
there were stops for treats,
like mcdonalds french fries and ice tea,
and once in town
a search and supposed find of a
"full service" car wash that ended up only servicing
the outside of the car...

so in problem solving spirits i sported
a friendly smile and snagged a towel from a
guy working there with promises to
return it promptly.
giggling like teenagers working a car wash
fundraiser, jeff and i had her glistening in the
cool afternoon sunshine
in no time.
big fail on the car buying, but oh well.
things are not always what they seem.
a bit disappointed and worn out from cleaning
the car, we headed to the
historic gurley street grill for a late lunch...

located just off whiskey row
and across from the historic
courthouse square

which sparkles like this at christmas time.

sunday morning began in the usual way,
sunday newspaper and coffee,
but was anything but ordinary. wow.
thank you alex williams for sharing my experience.

my words and name, in print... in the nytimes?!

pinch myself priceless.

this dreamy day ended on a sweet note with

strawberry shortcake.

my sister made the heart shaped cakes
from scratch and jeff whipped the cream
into generous fluffy white clouds
that called for an extra large dollop.

a perfect precursor to valentine's day and a

happy birthday wish for our mom!

xo, m&l

... a clue

2012-01-27T13:20:00.002-07:00

{pottery barn}

i'm waiting for the locksmith to arrive
and re-key our house.

it's a bit unsettling to realize i am

putting a complete stranger in charge

of securing our home.

so... if i don't

return i suggest that colonel mustard

did it in the kitchen with the

candlestick.

xo,m

... xo!

2012-01-25T07:38:00.002-07:00

{instructions at woman's day magazine}

i had another post in mind

but this cutie is calling to be shared, stat!

honestly i don't craft much but i'm pretty sure

glue sticks don't go bad. the modge podge fiasco

where i lost four fingerprints and could have

stolen something without leaving a clue behind was ALL my fault.

i should have taken the not so subtle hint
from the fumes that it was time to start fresh.

lesson learned!

a bix "xo" to deluxe modern design

for the link. it's sweetheart worthy even if it's

not meant to wear!

xo, m

window to window ...

2012-01-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

i've been away at altitude summit in salt

lake city, utah attending a blogging

conference.

sounds a bit goofy to

some i suppose but i don't know what else to

call it. "blogger camp" sums it up best...

a bookshelf full of activities,

the pages between opportunities to learn and observe,

to reflect and to rest,

to see and be seen,

all depending on the way you read it.

i left with an open mind not knowing

what to expect but expecting

to come home with a lot on my mind to

dream on.

i need a few days to gaze out

the window of my mind

and sort the words.
music always seems to help.

xo, m

planning...

2012-01-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

pretty~

accessories~j.crew, anthropologie, coach

practical-

boots-hunter

four days of fabulous

and snow!

xo, m

... the day before

2012-01-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

i can't leave on a trip without

cleaning my house. what about you?

i really wish i was one of those people who could

pack the night before and be off without a blink.

so far i have dinner cooking in the crockpot,

a detailed list of to-do's and a prayer to find an extra hour

in my pocket for a fresh polish like this pretty one

from emily.

cupcakes and cashmere

but before i can treat my hands i have a few things to

keep them occupied while my mind does

some mental packing.

i always seem to forget something!

the worst was an overnight trip and i left my baggie of

liquids on the bathroom counter including,

my perfume, face wash, contact solution (!),

and makeup.

how do you travel, light or with outfit options?

do you make a mental list or a checklist?

what's the worst thing you have ever forgotten

or lost while you were away?

i would love to hear!

xo,m

ps~i lost my driver license while visiting a friend in colorado.

my husband had to fedex my passport to me so i would have

identification to fly home. it was a fiasco!!!

when i went to pick it up at the

fedex where it had been sent, the agent told me he

couldn't give me the package without some sort of identification.

we went back and forth until i was about to burst with frustration

and he finally agreed to open the package FOR me which

of course was "against policy". i pleaded

... he did it. it was me and he

still works there, fyi.

... a dreamy guide

2012-01-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

for a little decorating inspiration that encourages you
to mix it up a bit then whisk in a heaping
smileful of charisma with items
you already own as well as smart hints
on what to add and how to know when it's a "must".

frame worthy water color illustrations grace the pages
along with sensible ideas about grouping
and placement to avoid the staged and
too perfect look.

my checked footstool is now next to the tub.

without the ideas and direction from this book
i never would have thought something so insignificant and
tucked away, mostly to add a bit of interest,
could be so functional.

it's multiple uses are now...

as a stool for sitting, a side table for books

to read in the tub, a spot to stack towels
or even a place to lay out the next day's outfit.

because it's small it can't become a catch all,

which is one of my goals,

less clutter.

this book also reinforced a feeling
i've always known and have had a hard time

explaining to my husband.

"found" basement sale begins today!

if you are head over heals, madly in

love with something, can't stop staring,

stalk it in circles like a predator, heart pounding, palms

a little sweaty, your friends playing lookout hence that

other person who is eyeing your prize pounces

on it before you AND... you won't be

robbing your children of a meal, shoes,

or books it's a "must".

the dreamiest things i own were bought

without a plan. sometimes it took a while and

some moving around, observing them in their environment

and getting a feel for them before they

found their perfect place but over time it happens.

ask my husband. he's only a breath

away from saying these chairs
i bought at the last basement sale
and have suffered through his despising glare
were the "best buy ever".

xo,m

... lit up

2012-01-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

i've been so good at using what

i have and not buying anything new for

this house that i decided to

reward myself for good behavior.

antique mercury lamps

loved them both but in the end the

round base won.

xo, m

... counting down

2012-01-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

the days until paris!

little brown pen

nichole captures the dreamy

nuances and charm of daily life in paris.

along with this calendar and single prints for sale on etsy,

her paris color collection can be found

on postcards, color coded and sold in sets.

i'm partial to pink ...

and looking forward to a published collection

of her whimsical work which will

be ready in the spring.

so timely!

xo, m

the weekend...

2012-01-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

{kiki's list}

time to enjoy!

any fun plans on your plate?

wishing a happy birthday to my

friend lisi of the beauty file.

hope your weekend is

dreamy!

xo,m

... terrarium magic

2012-01-03T19:35:00.001-07:00

moss is not so

easy to find here in the desert.

a huge thanks to grace bonney of design*sponge

for tweeting about this...

moss milkshake

from terrain,

a member of the urban outfitters family and

lush with inspiration for the
loveliest landscape ideas.

dreamy!

xo, m

... feeling planted

2012-01-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

{terrarium tutorial by amy merrick at design*sponge}

finding inspiration in these rich mossy green tones,
my color curiosity has been awakened by the
wall colors of our "new to us" home.

i've been slowly

linking from blog to blog

imagining i'm walking on stepping stones,

looking down at the moss carpeted mulchy

soil under my feet, woodsy wet smells wafting into

the front of my mind from the treasure trunk of memories

in which they are stored. smells from my childhood...

family trips to the mountains of greer, arizona
and seeley lake, montana. memories that bring to mind

the thick mustiness of moss curtained trees,

cooperatively worn paths winding their way like
slinky worms through the dense flora,

childlike bravery, pretending you are an adventurer yet

trusting that those whose footsteps you

follow know the way.

xo,m

... words to live by in 2012

2011-12-31T07:53:00.001-07:00

{ sweet blessings via denese bottrell pinterest }

instead of rushing into anything this year i'm
reminding myself that new beginnings are best begun

with stillness and a deep inhale.

no judgements or expectations, just the simple focus
of filling your lungs, holding the air inside
and feeling it... further more,
making myself do this, even when it hurts
because, as my dad's cardiac nurse told him,
"that's when it helps the most".

if 10 days could ever be described

as event filled it would have to be the last.

"you will never be given more than you

can handle"...

have you ever said something just to

realize it being unexpectedly frisbee tossed back at you?
maybe it's life's way of keeping the words spoken
from your heart alive,
incubating and then returning them
when you are most in need.

here's my focus for 2012...
to appreciate the pauses, commas and
deep inhales of life
while wishing you many
dreamy breath filled moments
to fill your heart.

xo, m

... eat, drink and get married

2011-12-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

anthropologie

three celebrations in one weekend!

added incentive to kick this cold.

hope your weekend is merry

and bright mixed with the

perfect sparkle of

dreamy!

xo,m

*happy wedding anniversary to my dear friend lisi...

discovering all the things we share

makes me smile.

... a stick of sweet and salty

2011-12-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

{delicious, delightful dipped pretzels}

i was reminded of these adorable and maddeningly

addictive treats that my friend daniella makes

while i wandered around wantist looking for a unique

gift for someone special.

it's a great site for pinpointing the perfect purchase

and as for the pretzels beware,

one is not enough!

xo,m

hello again ...

2011-12-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

{pottery barn}

mine is in "metal", thank you mom!!!

yesterday all the cables were connected and we

now have phone service, a working tv

(although an itty bitty one)

and internet!

we've been busily unpacking boxes and searching

for the illusive missing box that seems

to be scripted into every house move we make,

(same with the water heater going out

the first night when a hot shower is a necessity).

good thing my parents live close by,

i don't know what we would

have done without

them.

thank you for coming back!

i'm voiceless from a cold today,

but thankful my fingers

still work.

xo, m

... moving day

2011-12-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

last night my husband brought

up the fact that every time we've moved

it's been rainy!

i like to think it's symbolic of

a fresh start.

so although packing has been a pain

in the you know what, i have been able to prune

away at our possessions plus have a few

teary eyed precious moments with

out of proportion pictures and penciled prose

from my children's preschool aged past.

love this one...

"you are the smartest mommy in the whole

world and daddy always

listens to you".

noah

{laura winslow photography}

i'll be back monday blogging amongst

the boxes in our new house!

in the meantime i've bookmarked this page for

next year and want to share it with you.

laura's wall art wednesday posts

never fail to amaze me.

xo, m

tag, you're it ...

2011-12-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

brown paper packages tied

up with string and tagged with one of these

from pixelimpress

would make a pretty presentation

under the pine...

an assortment

go green

or pretty in pink...

my favorite!

xo, m

... sunday soup

2011-12-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

{williams sonoma white bean soup}

cooking isn't one of my favorite activities but i do

like to taste, eat, compliment and clean up.

last year my husband asked for one gift

and this was it. he specified blue.

knowing it meant something delicious was in store

for the rest of us i obliged... i'm so glad i did.

every sunday there is a pot of hearty soup

simmering on the stove...

warms my heart.

xo,m

... for megan

2011-12-07T05:42:00.001-07:00

some bridal inspiration from

bhldn (beholden) by anthropologie.

i'm so happy for you. xo

{images}

megan is the keeper of all things sparkly.

i've never known a day when she wasn't smiling

and laughing. she's a dreamy gal and her fiance is a lucky guy!

in case you are a little overwhelmed megan

here is a good place to start...

bridal questionnaire .

in honor of her big day lets all play.

answer the five questions from the questionnaire above

and tell us your result in the comment section below.

i'm a nostalgic romantic.

xo, m

... fit to be tied

2011-12-05T05:53:00.001-07:00

this is how you wrap!

from sugar paper in the december issue of

matchbook magazine.

wrapping gifts is not my forte nor

my favorite part of giving... i lack the knack.

funny that my first real job

(meaning a paycheck to cash and taxes to pay)

was holiday gift wrap at "goldwaters"...

a local and very fancy, beyond my budget, department store.

my grandmother's friend proved the adage

"it's who you know rather than what you know"

sometimes rings true.

thanks to her i had a place to go over my winter

break from college to earn a little cash and swoon

over the cookie cutter ken doll who worked in men's.

tall, his face commercially chiseled cute, he could give you a fit

of the giggles with one sparkling dentyne smile.

all i ever managed was a bright red blush.

xo, m

... brought to you by the letter "c"

2011-12-02T08:55:00.001-07:00

candy cane sugar

sprinkled on cupcakes

cake

cocoa

cookies.

sweet peppermint perfection!

xo,m

...my open house

2011-12-01T08:17:00.001-07:00

15 days until take off...

so far packing and purging is not

as painful as i had imagined.

finding peeps of tender moments on yellowed pages

that had been packed away...

treasures hidden to remind me

of where i've been,

the scaffolding secure and holding

the place for where i'm going...

come in!

but best of all is this...and it can't be packed.

xo,m

... holiday cards and a calendar

2011-11-29T08:23:00.001-07:00

my favorite thing about the holiday

season is a stuffed mailbox.

seeing how faces have changed and keeping in touch

if only once a year brings me so much joy.

i want to share today's post from "ciao, chessa!".

besides a calendar contest she is offering

a 10% discount at pinhole press on holiday cards!

with her personal recommendation as a

professional photographer

you can't go wrong.

{photography by monica shulman... ciao, chessa!}

i'm in the process of ordering our christmas cards from

laura winslow (another fave photog!)

with photos from our family photo session last may but i'm

thinking a calendar would be the perfect way to preserve

twelve of my own favorites for 2012.

don't you?! happy choosing!

xo, m

... soon it will echo

2011-11-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

"journey" by simply hue

over the weekend i started packing...

not for a fun getaway but for a move away.

we sold our house with the intention of finding something smaller,

cozier for three but still in the neighborhood.

my emotions haven't yet settled.

i'm thankful... thankful we sold quickly in the current market

and SO thankful that this house was our home

from the time my oldest turned 15 until

the 15th of this december, 2011.

i remember his birthday party, it was the weekend
after we moved in, the first of many milestone
celebrations held here. his friends brought their gaming systems

plus cables, extension cords and a few small tv's.
the boys hung out on the floor nestled against boxes
playing video games into the early hours
of the morning taking staggered breaks to eat
homemade oreo ice cream by the heaping spoon full
until the 2 gallon can was empty.

when i woke in the morning and walked out to
survey the damage, i found the family room turned
into a teenage fort with boys crashed out between boxes,

and the blankets i'd unpacked and stacked
in a neat pile for them???
...ignored.
some kids were hunkered down in a tight ball for warmth.

one boy, tired and needing peace, found solace under the
dining room table, the only sign of him his brightly stockinged feet
sticking out like the wicked witch from the wizard of oz.

usually a stickler for order and neatness,
i found it much easier to relax and let the mess go
amidst the move in chaos.

" a new horizon" by yvette inufio

now packing up to move on, piles of pictures plucked off walls,

books in tightly taped boxes, i'm feeling that same relief.

the more i pack the less sadness i feel for leaving these
walls that have come to know my family
so well for the past seven years.

our story is moving with us,

and that is something

to celebrate.

xo, m

... wishing you

2011-11-23T05:44:00.001-07:00

a delicious thanksgiving!

my favorite family holiday because it's

all about food, sharing and tradition.

it has taken us years to finally find our favorite

turkey preparation and as of last year the vote

was unanimous (it really did have this deep dark glow

as if it had been tanning on a tropical island for days).

if you figure you only get one try a year

i guess 20 isn't so bad.

{handlettering cite}

ps-still looking for a wowza salad to share? last night i tried

this one and know that kale is my new calling!

i'm thinking a little leftover turkey tossed

in would make a perfect light meal

the day after.

xo, m

... a penny for your thoughts

2011-11-20T09:11:00.001-07:00

copper colored dreamy moments~

*an unsolicited hug from your child who has
grown taller than you.

*the perfect fortune found tucked
in a pocket.

*an overlooked email that answers a

question you hadn't even asked.

these are mine.

what are yours?

xo, m

ps-happened upon this practical use for a penny
thanks to the sweet lady next to me on the plane ride home
who shared her stash of magazines...
"drop a penny into vase water with a pinch of sugar to
keep cut flowers perkier longer."

... last friday

2011-11-18T09:30:00.001-07:00

i always take a notebook with me

when i travel and try to journal my day

before i go to sleep at night while all is still fresh in my mind.

funny how simple facts can become

dreamy memories to cherish.

this is dana varon.

actress, rocker, perfume oil alchemist,

and angel to all animals.

we arranged to meet up friday afternoon on a corner

in the east village... st. marks and 1st ave. to be exact

( *noted in my notebook)

which was a funky corner in a cool part of town.

not sure she would recognize me but knowing

i would recognize her from this picture,

it was a blind date friendship success.

as soon as we sat down i felt like i had known her forever...

which seemed to be the underlying theme of this trip.

she even brought me a sample of a

new doll perfume oil soon to be released!

like it's predecessor suntanned , it can be worn alone or

layered and works over time with your bodies warmth

and chemistry to create a soft scent unique to you.

without giving too much away

i can say it's dreamy!!!

xo!

... a hop, skip and a jump

2011-11-16T07:31:00.001-07:00

i first heard about co. (pronounced... "company")

from a cup of jo's, nyc guide

series back in september.

{photo co.}

only steps from my cousin's apartment in chelsea

it was the perfect place to hang out

community style (love that you can overhear

tidbits of juicy conversation from the people around

you, and of course we contributed the same for them).

we shared the artichoke salad (which i was silently rooting

for michael to choose), had our own bowl of ribollita soup

and barely any room left for the best pizza i have

ever tasted!

we couldn't get over the textures and inviting aroma

of the soup. we tried to disect every flavor from

this hearty dish and i'm hoping to recreate it from

this very similar sounding recipe.

the secret is not overcooking the beans and vegetables...

it's a soup you "eat"!

with two slices left over for the next day's lunch it

was the perfect meal!

Co. is a nyc must...meagan take note!

xo!

... dream daily

2011-11-14T05:37:00.001-07:00

i'm back from new york city with

so much to tell you i don't know where

to begin. i think i'm still in the sorting stage...

savoring the moments and letting them form their

own stories as they simmer in my mind.

until they are ready here's something i

hope uplifts your spirit and perception of

change and uncertainty in your life

as much as it does mine.

i tested this site out on my husband who is

a tough critic of inspirational

messages on the internet.

he loved it.

no matter what your circumstances

i hope you find it helpful in "embracing

the unknown path of your dreams".

today's daily love

have a dreamy monday.

xo!

... the runway

2011-11-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

i'm flying to new york city today
to see dreamy wings on this runway tomorrow!

{photos michael kretchmar 2010}

cousin kisses to michael for a place to stay...

and big hugs to dean for this beyond dreamy invitation!

i'll be back monday with pictures and tales.
can't wait to share!!!
xo!

... getting cozy

2011-11-07T06:34:00.003-07:00

if only i were a cup!

the cozy project

adorable, affordable, reusable
and easily transportable.

four of my faves...

happy monday ;)

xo!

... on my mind

2011-11-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

for the weekend.

how to make your own bows

{a beautiful mess}

beers for brains
and sunday brunch (with a practical hostess gift).

will let you know how it goes...

xo!

... hellowww!

2011-11-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

anthropologie

"When the party line is already in use,

if any of the other subscribers to that line pick up the phone,

they can hear and participate in the conversation.

Eavesdropping opportunities abounded,

as shown in the 1959 film Pillow Talk."

(wikipedia)

popcorn please,

xo!

... faux fan

2011-10-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

last night some friends invited us over

for a fantasy football rivalry game and dinner.

i have a hard enough time keeping the offense

and defense straight so clearly i was clueless

as to who or what was scoring points for "our" team.

instead i took possession of this catalog off the coffee
table and did a little mental holiday play planning
while faux cheering and grumbling alongside

my teammate.

inside i found a few faves...

faux fur throw

$79

faux fur hot water bottle

$29

vintage library games

$69

vintage workman's flashlight
$18-29

four square anywhere
$14

classic marbles
$12.95

joe's sticky stuff
$20

survival kit in a sardine can
$15

hope you have a happy halloween!
faux real ;)
xo!

... on the shelf

2011-10-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

mrs. meyer*s sticks with

her eco-friendly philosophy

with these clean day seasonal scented

soy candles. i discovered them last weekend
at target and my mind is spinning with ideas for
homemade gifts for the holidays.

seems the smart packaging holding this dreamy scent

was produced with a duel purpose in mind.

once the candle is burned, just clean,

remove the thin strip of label at the top
and you have a pretty jelly jar
with a simple black
screw on lid .

here's what i'm thinking ...
spiced ginger-apple butter labeled
with this "handmade" stamped tag tied to the top with twine.
simple, sweet, and from the heart...
more delicacies from besotted brand here.
i'm in love.
xo!

... amidst uncertainty

2011-10-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

{fortune cookie coin purse}

sunday night the five of us met for dinner at

our favorite chinese restaurant.

at one time there were four of us.
two boys,
one a baby the other a toddler,

one in a booster the other in a high chair swishing

his hand back and forth windshield wiper style

to unstick the rice from his pudgy fingers.

then there were five.
two little boys, one to each side of

us in the booth, at the end of the table a highchair

holding a bald, blue-eyed baby girl who played with the rice

like her brother but made more of a mess.

now, two young adults
and one teen at the big round table.

instead of managing the meal and apologizing for

leaving rice on the carpet there is much more time to converse.
sharing about subjects such as due dates and graduate school,
car problems and stolen bikes,
eating right, managing homework and changing majors.

... a full plate of growing up while still making messes.
i think the secret is to trust that in the most
uncertain times, life is creating spaces
for your fortune to find you.

... craft much?

2011-10-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

over the weekend i transformed the pages of my
pictorial webster's dictionary ...

(which i bought on a whim last year at
this dreamy little shop in brooklyn)

{photo credit~ robert wright }

... into a decoupage pumpkin inspired
by jaimee's post and

country living's 40 pumpkin

decorating ideas.

with purple paintbrush in hand...

* a pumpkin from michael's

(it's been perched on my closet shelf for two years)

*about eight pages of the dictionary photocopied
on standard printer paper
*scalloped scissors for cutting out the pics
*modge podge i've had since the 90's
(the last time i used it my 15 year old daughter was 2)
i created this little hodge podge picture pumpkin.

the middle of the book was easiest to lay flat and copy
...serendipitously it was the "p" section!

my finished product is not exactly what the "country living" recipe
calls for and their picture pattern is more uniform than mine
but i'm happy with the hodge podge look
and even happier i had all of the ingredients on hand.

a few hints....
modge podge is fumey (or maybe mine was just old)
but make sure you leave a window or door open
if you don't choose to work outside.

true to how life happens,
a realtor called to show our house when
the pumpkin was mid-modge.
i quickly put it outside, opened the doors
and lit a candle.
hopefully the fumes didn't kill the deal.

also, if you working on this close to bedtime and wear
contacts be sure to switch them out for glasses.
you will need to use your fingers as well as the brush
to smooth out any air bubbles under your pictures.
no matter how much warm soapy water you scrub your hands
with you won't be able to completely remove all of the glue.
i thought my fingers were fine until i went to remove
my contacts and my eyes screamed NO!!!

lessons learned just for you,
xo!

... dreamy additions

2011-10-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

i added some favorites to the blogs

on my right sidebar...

come see what all the fuss is about!

a beautiful mess

is exactly that.

i could cuddle up in my grandma's

quilt and spend a whole day

just sifting through the magic.

mrs. lilien

is eye candy with a lilting ditty

dancing alongside it.

reading her descriptions is like driving on

a rolly polly country lane and feeling

butterflies that make you giggle.

stories from the stoop

is where i make a steaming pan of homemade

hot chocolate, bundle up and join andrea on her stoop...

a cup for her, a story for me.

dream on.

xo!

... imagining the ridiculous

2011-10-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

wouldn't it be fun

to just click on a whim?

if only

for this single detail...

shoulder detailing that makes my heart zing!

already calculating 40% off

which still leaves me with triple digits

totaling half of last year's net salary.

reason # 3 why i should not

return to work there.

can you say anthroholic?

... saturday at the fair

2011-10-17T07:04:00.001-07:00

we arrived early to empty rides overhead...

my daughter and her friends danced...

next up the little girls in cutie costumes...

the performance was
finished off with a "fun house" colored finale...
halloween anyone?!
i not so secretly love these costumes!

afterwards we needed an icey drink.
gone are the days of the floating
old fashioned scent of sweet cotton candy,
today's modern fair is coated in the
cologne of everything fried...

from butter to bubblegum.
it put my guilt for caving in to my
craving for an ice cold coke to rest.

ps~ i returned home to this kind post

from my friend denese and she's correct,

soon there will be some sweet treats on my site.

... all dreamy, some a little drooly and each
hand picked by me.

stay tuned and thank you
from the bottom of my heart for
following my blog.
you are a dreamy part of my day
and your words and sweet readership
make me smile.
xo!!!

... around town

2011-10-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

such a gregarious bunch, their autumn joy runneth over...

a few days ago my friend monica
posted this photo of pumpkins in manhattan.

i'm wishing for a fairy godmother

to cast her spell and whisk me away.

...but there is much to do here in town this weekend
and although it's going to be a warm one

with a few simple waves of your imaginary wand in a
swirling "C" like motion

you too can create a fall mood in phoenix
even when the temperature disagrees.

some new found favorites...

candles

cocktails

crafting

looking forward to my daughter and her friends dancing
at the fair tomorrow!

where are you fluttering off to this

fall weekend? please share!
xo

... all i want for christmas

2011-10-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

dreamy delicious

and tied with a bow

xo!

... double duty

2011-10-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

the dreamiest desserts

can be eaten for breakfast.

the dreamiest excercise (zumba)

is costumed in a disguise called dance.

the dreamiest friends are those

who help you redecorate
your living space both inside and out

bringing out the best and making it sparkle.

i shared a healthy dose of all three with

denese over the weekend.

she even treated me to lunch

at this dreamy den

hidden in the scottsdale civic center courtyard,
where we dined on delicious salads

and pulpy fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

with a splash of fun.

yummy!

thank you denese.
i'm so happy you came to visit.

xo!

... slowing down

2011-10-07T09:55:00.001-07:00

sometimes i let my "self" get ahead

of where i should be...

some reminders to slow my pace

come into my line of vision subtly

and take time to decipher...

(handlettering cite))

others seem to smack me in the head

and force me to lie down, close my eyes,

and step out of my self imposed race

to take a well deserved rest.

yesterday morning i experienced this very thing.

i had a short amount of time and a visual in my mind

of my impatient "self" tapping it's foot as

the second hand

ticked away on the clock.

on one side of the ring, my hands occupied folding laundry,

on the opposite, my competitor,

the rhythmic ticking hands of the clock.

as my mind lined up the list of tasks that had to

be finished in order to claim victory

i opened the door to dispose of an old dryer sheet in the

nearest trash can which happened to be

just outside the laundry room door in the garage.

one foot holding the door ajar i flicked the sheet into

the plastic lined can then turned quickly to finish folding.

my body must have taken action before my brain

could catch up and the next thing i knew there was a loud

crack as my forehead and nose met the molding outside the door.

starry eyed and stunned it took me

a moment to realize that it wasn't a bad guy breaking in

but just good old me engaged in a one man brawl.

abandoning the half folded pile i staggered to the kitchen,

puzzled husband in the middle of a work project,

i could see in his face that he was still busy piecing together

the unknown sound with the sight of my teary eyes

and hand holding my nose, the heat pounding inside

i was afraid to remove it in case there was blood.

a bit confused myself and sure it was broken but afraid to look,

i asked him to tell me the awful truth.

hesitantly i moved my hand and gazed into his face trying

to read his eyes for the terrible message before the words

could confirm what i was sure was coming.

instead he told me it didn't "look" broken

but he had heard the commotion and if nothing worse was sure

a black eye was on the way.

he filled an ice pack, stacked up some pillows,

and played nurse as he laid me down on the couch,

placed an ibuprofen on my tongue and held

a glass of water to my lips to wash it down.

i laid back and noticed the

icy numbness as it slowly crept down my forehead

and said a silent prayer of thanks for saving my nose which

was beginning to throb but never bled

and still felt straight to my tentative touch.

though my head was

pounding and my "wonder mom" multi-tasking

self pride bruised

i had to smile, just a little,

but it hurt.

a helpful quote on slowing down...

It is always the simple things that change our lives.

And these things never happen when

we are looking for them

to happen.

Life will reveal answers at the pace life

wishes to do so.

You feel like running but life is on a stroll.

This is how God does things.

~Donald Miller

printed reminders here...

... "ohmymy"

2011-10-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

it's the word i made up to describe the

the sight of felix fu's watercolor creations

from his shop felix doolittle .

... they make my sight receptors dance

with delight!

i'll share some of my favorites,
then go see what strikes your fancy.

paperweights...

return address labels...

and
bookmarks

read more on felix's background and
if you'd like you can follow his shop
on facebook.

my etymological inspiration...

umami

also known as yummy.

xo!

... changing seasons

2011-10-04T10:31:00.001-07:00

things are slowing down
yet speeding up at the same time
and i'm feeling a little stretched.

summer started with wandering daydreams of beach days.
my mind floating away on the salty breeze
while my fingers stayed grounded in the sand
searching for small reminders
from the sea
buried by day only to be pulled back out
and polished again at night...
a message that the work done in the dark
leaves us feeling
differently in the light.

"night house"
{cake with giants}

"...if you have good thoughts

they will shine out of your face like sunbeams

and you will always look lovely."

-Roald Dahl

... thoughts on paper

2011-09-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

sometimes we find reminders tucked away
just waiting for the right moment
to be discovered.
the other day i found a few forgotten momentos while
cleaning out my sub-bag that had been
left undisturbed for over a year.

*an unfinished paperback book i had been looking for

(bookmark still in place)

*petrified strawberry fruit roll-up
(still in it's wrapper)

*crumpled mess of "i love you" and "you are the best notes"...
fan mail from students, some written
in crayon and illustrated with a colorful picture.

(now tucked neatly into a pink folder for safe keeping)

*this handwritten note

(i even sketched myself a picture)

sometimes it's the bigger story at play.
the wheel turning while

each small incident takes place to shape the whole.

each ingredient a spoke of actions,
reactions and the silence

in between.

the saga slowly unravels.

the most interesting stories have conflict,
anticipation, and over time some sort of resolution
all the while leaving memory marks

on the mind's eye to be saved and re-used in future

situations.

a good story isn't smooth sailing.

our own unedited honesty
is sometimes the best reminder...

... pumpkin pie milkshake

2011-09-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

seems as if this treat was made
for people like me who fancy the flavors of autumn
yet reside in a climate where fall is just a footnote
so they are forced to pretend they are having as much
seasonal fun as everyone else.

thank you wantist for piquing my curiousity!
now i'm all googly eyed over
"a beautiful mess" ,

so much whimsy and fabulousness...
i feel like i'm at the fair when the fair was fun!
speaking of fun, this is for you elle!

oh, and don't forget to

sip in style...

xo!!!

... boots and 'brellas

2011-09-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

courtesy...
the daily spark

planning a family weekend in
portland oregon at the end of october!
the perfect excuse for new fall wellies.
hard to pluck a favorite from
this patch but my choice would have
to be checkered and buckled #3.
what about you?!

our kids have never been to this pretty city
so i'm excited to share a day out and about
with them while my husband is in work meetings.
truthfully, i've never used an umbrella while visiting portland.
if anything it's been a bit drizzly or misty
and the moisture feels refreshing compared
to our dry desert climate in phoenix.
we always stay downtown and walk most everywhere.
the people are friendly, the transportation system, if
you need it is fabulous and there are always
pooches to pet in our hotel lobby
if you miss your *own.

*our dog "luce" is from portland so while there
we are going to visit to his "birth" home.
i'm taking a big dose of willpower before we go.
puppy kisses make me weak.
xo!

... a day of firsts

2011-09-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

i'm up and out early this morning to

substitute teach a classroom of first graders!

after recess we are going to imagine that

the air outside is crisp and cool,

then we will gather around the glowing bonfire,

roast marshmallows and pretend

the brilliant leaves fluttering to the ground are real

while i read them this book.

here in the desert where i live and the afternoon

temperature is STILL in the triple digits,

we get plenty of practice using our imaginations when

it comes to the changing seasons.

if you have any fall favorite stories,

especially for elementary school age children,

i would love for you to share.

i relish a new book as much as the kids!

thank you bunches, xo!

... wide eyed

2011-09-21T07:06:00.003-07:00

pink!

more pink!!

and paris!!!

i was wide awake at 4:45 a.m.

so i traveled to blogland

while everyone else was sleeping.

xo!

(thank you kristin for your paris post.

i ordered a calendar for e. gift #2, i see

a theme emerging.)

... paris print

2011-09-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

my daughter is taking her first year of french so

i couldn't resist this adorable "parisian abc"

print from coco draws.

it arrived yesterday perfectly wrapped

for safe keeping and printed on high quality paper.

my first gift purchase for the holiday season...

i hope i can wait!!!

want to see more?

take a bite of today's pretty post.

simply delicious!

xo!

milk and bookies...

2011-09-19T14:36:00.001-07:00

i loved this morning's post from the lil bee
about milk + bookies !

... from individual donations to birthday parties,
there are many ways to participate and share
the love of books!

my favorite part of the day in elementary school was
when our teacher read to us after lunch recess.

still talking in our "outside voices", we would hastily finish
up the last bits and pieces of conversation as we walked two
by two up the sidewalk and back to class.
hot and sweaty we'd lay our heads on the cool desk
to rest while our teacher waited for the relaxed after recess
quiet to ripple over the classroom.

i loved listening to the adventures of spunky ramona
and curious ralph.

i remember the stark silence in the classroom
as twelve year old nate expectantly waited for his

enormous egg to hatch and cheering gleefully as
james was lifted away from his cruel aunts
in a flying insect filled peach.
there were boundless possibilities between the cellophane
book jacket that warmly crackled as the teacher
opened the cover to reveal the unfolding
tale within.

these are just a few of my most memorable
childhood stories and i know i'm digging way back.
let me know your favorites, past and present.
there is nothing quite like bonding over a good book.
i'm hoping to do more for milk + bookies and
hope this gives you some information and ideas
on how you can help too!
xo!

... storyteller night

2011-09-15T07:49:00.001-07:00

what better way to

celebrate the change of seasons than with

a good story indoors within one

of the most gorgeous outdoor settings in the valley.

{photo: desert botanical garden}

double digit daytime temps, evening highs in the 70's...

i'm jumping the gun and considering this my first

fall outing. in the spirit of "back to school"

i'm already planning my outfit.

probably this botanical

print i picked out last month from apart.

if you are local, hope to see you there!

why you shouldn't talk to strangers...

2011-09-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

my mom used my middle name.

that's when i knew.

"marni lyn, what are you doing on twitter?"

insert thought bubble here...

umm, i am in my 40's mom, if stranger danger

hasn't kicked in by now i don't think

you can save me.

on sunday i tweeted i was running to trader joe's and

just happened to see that someone had

tweeted back.

he said try these...

i tried one, hmm, interesting.

then another, umm, yummy.

then a third, wow, these are good!!!

then i had to hide them...

so no one else would see.

maybe mom was right.

from one friend to another, try them.

i dare you.

xo!

... remembering

2011-09-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

i don't think i've ever posted on the weekend

but today is different.

the numbers 9 and 11 can't be spoken together

without a picture paired with terror and disbelief

flashing it's horrific face in my mind's eye.

yesterday morning, driving across town, i passed under

an airplane taking off from sky harbor international airport

and thought about september 10th, ten years ago and

the unimaginable that was a sunset and sunrise away.

we all have a memory of that morning...

the bits and pieces we temporarily pieced together

only to rearrange and then rearrange again like puzzle pieces

on a slippery table as we tried desperately to make sense

of what the images on the tv screen were telling us

before the reality of what was happening became known.

tuesday morning september 11, 2001,

my boys, 9 and 11, were home and still asleep,

raspy and congested, snug in their beds with back to school colds.

they had stayed home the day before, crashed on the couch,

one at each end, a blanket and a pillow, silly cartoons to watch

and cough medicine every 4 hours.

the morning of september 11th i slept in knowing

they would be home another day relieving us all of the

morning routine...waking them and making

lunches, signing crumpled papers stamped "due today!"

then backing out of the garage as they double checked

their backpacks and i drove the fifteen minute path

to their school, slowly pulling up in front

to stop and sending them off with an

"i love you, have a great day".

always.

deep asleep, the ringing of the phone on the bedside table

was incorporated into my dream until i awakened to

my husband's voice on the answering machine telling me to turn

on the tv, the tone of his voice oddly tight and urgent.

downstairs i sat on the couch, remote in hand, watching and

wondering what this meant. no one seemed to know, just visions of

airplanes crashing and mirrored flames, hellish chaos and terror

filled faces, and it happened again and in other places

and still no explanation.

none.

the boys and i spent the day cuddled on the couch

watching the news instead of cartoons, discussing instead of

laughing, them comforting me more than they knew.

i was glad we were safe at home together.

i selfishly held them tighter realizing that so many

people had said their last good-bye's and i love you's

not knowing the nightmare they were about to enter.

always remember, never forget.

... douple dip

2011-09-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

happy weekend!!!

dreaming of double digits

and wearable fall flowers.

xo!

... itching for fall

2011-09-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

remember this book?

over the holiday weekend
i was engrossed in ant behavior.

like a fat picnic sandwich, the best chapters
are in the middle, between the bread.
whereas we primarily depend on sight and sound,
ants think and communicate through their sense of smell.

i have a new found fascination with ants
and their "pheromonal chatter".

some sensory clues that autumn is on it's way...

sweaters, the color of fresh cut pumpkin stems

sitting pretty on the shelves at j.crew.

the cozy smell of
buttermilk spice cake with brown sugar frosting

cooling on my kitchen counter.

fond memories of fall break in boston

beckoning for my return
in this season's first bite of a pumpkin donut.

and behind it all... a great music mix
from brian ferry.

enjoy,

xo!

... good morning september 2nd

2011-09-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

this morning greeted us with clouds,
cooler temps and freckles on my windshield
(the result of sprinkles mixed with dust).

i opened the car door and luce happily hopped in
not knowing we were on our way to the vet for a blood draw.

his lipids are high, which means prescription food
and monthly monitering.

while i drove i thought back to my grandmother's childhood
growing up on a farm in colorado. i don't imagine they could have
fathomed testing a dog for such a thing but then again what about
dressing them in a tutu and toting them

around in a handbag?

i love his chocolatey coat and how he gets so excited
to ride in the car, air conditioning blowing on his furry face,
listening to me sing along to my favorite song and "smiling"
no matter how terrible i sound.

i spied these boots this morning.
i think they follow today's post perfectly.
dreaming of prairie skirts with boots, chocolate and smiles...
xo!

... bite my tongue

2011-08-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

(a perfect postsecret for this time of year.
even better is frank's cheeky title...
everyoneshotinarizonasmile)

i'm trying to find something appreciative to say

about this time of year. when the daily temperature in phoenix is
stuck at 115 and the evenings offer not a whisper

of relief it's difficult.

if i could go into reverse hibernation

i would.

wake me up when the snowbirds return.

i will never say an unkind word about them again.

promise.

... the library

2011-08-30T07:44:00.001-07:00

eyeglasses, book, stamps

... this weekend

2011-08-26T10:52:00.001-07:00

since it feels like phoenix is on the top rack,

oven set to broil outside,

i'm hoping to stay inside and convince myself

to cozy up for a bit on the couch with a thin throw,

the sounds of football simmering in the background,

and enjoy this book i rediscovered on top of a

forgotten but neatly stacked pile in the corner of my closet.

and yes.... i bought it for the cover.

a summer adventure i saved until

the end....

although a renowned biological theorist
and two time pulitzer prize winner,

this is e.o. wilson's first novel which he wrote at the

at the age of 80.

a fascinating review by barbara kingsolver.

stay safe east coast friends.

hoping for the best!

... what to do?

2011-08-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

last night i was writing checks (yes, i still do that)

to pay a few bills and came across

a sweet surprise.

my j.crew card had a negative balance

as in "please do not pay, instead come in and spend!".

my wrists are loopy with lust over these beauties and my nice

little balance will allow me more than one!

{lulu frost for j.crew}

thanks for the post & pics lisi!

dreamy!

xo!!!

... simply pretty

2011-08-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

caroline commented on my blog last week.
i found her etsy shop full of charming
illustrations with simple captions i love!
i picked out a few of my favorites.
each one brings a friend to mind.

the signed and dated prints (only $11 or $16)
paired up with a personalized note
would make the perfect gift for that
sweet and special someone.
xo!

ps- if it fits your fancy you can
follow her on facebook .

... lemon is the new chocolate

2011-08-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

life is full of treats handed to us

at unexpected moments.

i'm so grateful for my friends that feed me

yummy sweets that i blog about but

am too timid to conquer....

thank you victoria! i think this is the BEST lemon cake

i have ever tasted. the perfect proportion of dense, moist,

and creamy sweet while the drizzled glaze had

the perfect pinch of tart and bursted

with lemony goodness.

it was as enjoyably fun savoring each bite as it was

listening to your giggling tale of the labor intensive

but oh so satisfying 8 hour cake.

i'm glad you were still smiling when you invited me over

and served me a piece...and as if that wasn't enough,

sent me home with my own half.

i took two pieces along with me to a fun

stormy night stay-in at jaimee's.

we ate pizza and cooed over the cake and later

each cuddled up on one of her white linen sofas.

mine included this dreamy soft striped throw (which is

now mentally marked as a must on my holiday wish list).

we told silly stories and shared our summer adventures

while the weather threw a hot mess fit thundering

"yes, i know, i'm as sick of the

sweltering heat as you!!!"

this morning, after i slumbered sweetly

to the rhythm of rain on my window in her guest room

under a canopy fit for a princess and linen sheets

from the willows , jaimee made fresh lemon crepes.

truly a happily ever after to a sweet

storybook night of friendship.

friends can help us see

things in a fresh way. i'm truly grateful.

happy weekend... hug a friend!

xo!

... target party!

2011-08-16T09:33:00.023-07:00

sound fun???!!!

if like me you are past valid college id age

i'm very sorry to burst your bubble.

Target is hosting private shopping parties for 36 universities

and colleges around the country for "welcome week."

Students should bring their student identification cards in order

to be let in and can look forward to DJ music,

games, prizes, snacks, Coca Cola sampling and gift bags.

A Target express bus will be available

for transportation. The event will be held from

10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 20.

in case one is still in the need of a dorm decorating pick me up,

a week later you can hop on the free

shuttle to this private party....

IKEA also has some sales for dorm room supplies
and will host a college night from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 27.
Students will need their ASU identification cards
to IKEA’s Tempe location at 2110 W. IKEA Way
in order to participate, as well as be entered in drawings
for free decorating advice, free furnishings,
gift cards and room makeovers.

sad they didn't have this back in "my day"

when madonna (happy birthday to her!)

set the fashion trend and we all danced around

in our black leggings to "holiday" and "lucky star"

while 19 and legally drinking dime beers on a school night.

seems a little dreamy right now.

big sigh...sounding old.

i still have all three of my college id's.

though they are faded and long past valid they are fun

reminders as to how my hairstyles and baby face

(figuratively in the first two, literally in the third)

changed over the years.

isn't it funny how kids these days look

SO young!

xo!

... yummy lemon loaf

2011-08-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

i've been looking for a recipe for

the moist and luscious lemon loaf they

serve at starbucks.

it's one of eliza's favorite treats.

i think i've found something close,
maybe even better, at "savory sweet life"...

photo and link to recipe here

bonus:

i have all of the ingredients in my kitchen,

even two fresh lemons just waiting

for a nice squeeze.

i'll give you my official taste tester's

opinion. she's taking culinary arts this year

which is pretty dreamy!

...as is this plate.

{anthropologie}

xo!

... featherwear

2011-08-12T09:22:00.001-07:00

it's back to school week for us which
means my baby is entering high school!
seems particularly fitting that she wants
to wear feathers... time flies!

last week while we were shopping for back to school
supplies she asked if we could
stop at michaels to get a thin headband,
a small square of felt and a package of feathers for
a back to school headband craft she had watched
at her favorite "how to" hairstyle site.
i always appreciate when she searches out ways
to be creative especially when it comes to hair which
has never been my forte.
for less than five dollars in supplies, a glue gun,
scissors and simple directions
she came up with two cute headbands
in about 10 minutes.

easy to follow

"cute girls hairstyles" tutorial here!

smile!!!
xo!

... newport beach

2011-08-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

or...

"my summer vacation"

i'm going to let the pictures do the talking but

please don't hesitate to ask specifics about any

of the locations...

all are in the newport beach area.

we don't like to stray far from "home base".

enjoy!

i brought a little bit of the ocean back for you.
watch and listen...
xo!

... signature vanity piece

2011-08-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

on friday my attention was drawn to a whole page of

marni at barneys. if i could choose anything

i wonder what it should be?

suggestions?

it's happy back to school week here in my hood.

let's all be mindful to slow down for the kiddos
and stop for school buses....

this also applies for any mama's out learning

to walk in sky high fall wedges like these.

no pun intended ;)

happy week my friends!

xo!

... "you can always change your mind"

2011-08-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

{via kate spade}

today i was going to share

pictures of our week at the beach.

instead i'm saving them because

i want to share some dreamy news i read

on a blog i follow.

i almost e-mailed my friend denese

to share my excitement with handfuls of colorful

words bursting forth like confetti all over the page

followed by a countless number of

spouting exclamation points.

i decided to write about it here instead... a place where

i share with you the dreamy things that

make me smile... which i hope make you smile too!

whether it's my experience or someone else's

it's my favorite emotion to celebrate...

connection.

congratulations to brian ferry for his big news at

"the blue hour".

when you do what you love eventually

the dots connect.

xo!

ps-he makes the best music mixes.

check them out here.

... let's shop

2011-08-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

remember this dress?

if you haven't ordered anything

from APART here's your chance!

melisa at the lil bee has

picked out a few frills to keep us going

until autumn decides the summer crescendo has reached

it's peak and it can arrive to a standing ovation.

fall is the season that seeks the most adoration.

i'm not pointing a finger...just part of it's nature.

here in phoenix that day most often

coincides with halloween.

yep, the tank tops will not be packed

up anytime soon.

here's what i bought....

you have until august 6th to take advantage

of this $50 sale. in my experience the

clothing runs true to size.

i ordered the top in medium and the dress size 6.

happy shopping!!!

and please share, i do love a little

show and tell!

xo!

... happy birthday times two

2011-08-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zum Geburtstag!

... good wishes from my heart for you to have
a happy birthday.

nico

max

we started the celebration a few days early
lounging on low pillow strewn couches while leisurely
dining on a five course moraccan supper and shaking it up
with some belly dancing in newport beach.
yesterday's agenda included an all day shopping spree
at scottsdale fashion square followed by
juicy double burgers and crispy fries
at "five guys" which they deemed current favorite
in their quest to discover the best burger.
tent and sleeping bags stuffed tight in the back of our
little honda, hayden and his hamburg friends
took to the road this morning to
camp at the grand canyon
and explore sedona.

growing up playing dolls i imagined having twins.
the three of them seem like brothers so i'm having fun
with my "triplets"...(though three babies at once is unimaginable!)

hayden(my son) max and nico
happy 19th my dear boys!
xo!

... good-bye july

2011-08-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

july signed off with seven days of salty kisses ...

whispered on the waves,

the ocean shares her deepest secrets.

i have much to share about our beachy week at

the shore but for now here's

a simple tropical diy

summer scrub

to leave your sun kissed skin glowing.

plus, instagram pics from

ari's iphone.

she's all apple and i admit, i'm green.

xo!

... my beach read

2011-07-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

as we bid another bookstore farewell

i can only remain optimistic that there is a

bright star shining in the distance.

i'm telling myself to look through the transition like a

jumbled kaleidoscope and focus on the colorful mosaic

working to position itself for the future.

my fave local independent bookstore linked

this magical ode to books that is taking place in scotland.

this book art piece was discovered at the national library of scotland.

the note reads...

"a gift in support of libraries, books, words,

ideas... (and against their exit)"

and this fantasy land was found at the scottish storytelling centre.

the note reads...

"Once upon a time there was a book,

and in the book was a nest,

and in the nest was an egg, and in the egg was a dragon,

and in the dragon was a story."

so far the artist is a mystery.

(insert dreamy sigh here...)

changing hands bookstore is where i picked up this little peanut

to snack on while lying on the sand

front row center to the orchestrations of the ocean.

i've already read

the first story.

i'm a sucker for salty temptation.

ps- away until august...

please wait for me!

... a cool break

2011-07-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

last weekend my husband donned bike attire

and rode a friends harley-davidson from the

desert to the mountains as a favor.

i was treated to dreamy pics

along the way.

he sent some sentimental ones

from durango where we

spent a night on our "just married"

move to denver in december of '89.

we stayed in a friend of the family's cabin

with only a fireplace for heat. it was cold

and snowing and the sulfer

in the well water made me hold my nose

while i showered but left my skin

and hair silky smooth.

simple, not fancy in the least, but

still a special chapter in my life story.

phone pics from durango...

love the retro neon font

hmmm, what's the story?

the same theatre where we saw the matinee

showing of christmas vacation,

while warming our hands wrapped around steaming

cups of hot chocolate.

summer green leaves in every shape

and size against brick and iron.

such a rich contrast!

the bikes

stunning scenery on the way to silverton

exciting for us...

we leave for some family time at the beach

in just a few days. dreamy for him...

a week home in the desert

bookended by mountains

and ocean.

... harry potter and the summertime santa

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

a duo, they waited expectantly on the tiled entryway,
ears attuned to the crescendo
of grumbling motor,

followed by a drawn out measure
of squealing brakes then seconds later

rolling metal playing an up-down washboard rhythm.

a whole rest,
(sometimes multi-measured if the boxes were buried)

tagged by a doorbell ding-dong overlapped

with a triplet fist rap against the solid wood front door.

it was the song of the "ups" man.

i assume deliveries such as these were his most rewarding.

the door flung open just moments after

retracting his knocking knuckles

by an overly exuberant mama,

the exasperation of repeated reassurance

magically washed away to reveal a relieved smile.

her two boys, blue eyed, sun blonde buzz cut hair,

jack-o-lantern grins, standing stiff as soldiers

to each side of her expectantly waiting

for their book sized

brown box.

sensing their excitement, a twinkle in his eye,

he handed each their package.

a soft reminder nudge evoked a shy chorused
thank you before each dashed for his "called" couch,

book in hand, adventure enclosed and waiting to
escape the confines of the hard cover.
a smile and nod, the door shut,

a repeating rumble
and away went santa in his
summertime sleigh.

... kisses from "fresh"

2011-07-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

sugar honey lip treatment

spf 15

right now "fresh" is offering free standard shipping

which makes it the perfect time to try my favorite

ultra conditioning lip treatment.

you'll feel the difference (so will your honey).

enter the code SUGARHONEY

at the checkout.

also choose 3 free samples...

an added bonus to ordering fresh online.

i use a variety of their products due to

sampling and loving the results, plus they are

the perfect size for your weekend getaway.

your lips will thank you, it's like nothing else!

and one more thing...

creme ancienne

deep breath if the price freaks you out a bit.

a little goes a long way... this tiny jar lasts two months or more.

inspired by the first emulsion based cream used to

heal gladiators wounds and hand blended in a monestary

it's powerful goodness does seem mystical.

(there ya go heidi, i bared my "secret" just for you)

i'm a devoted fan of all things "fresh".

i know you will be too.

give them a try and tell me what you think.

xo!

... color wash

2011-07-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

i woke to a low rumbling in the sky and rainwater

dripping in an unsteady rhythm from the roof.

summer showers are a welcome sight.

i spent yesterday morning sweeping and wiping

dust from our back patio and furniture

filthy from last week's haboob.

i always have my best thoughts during mindless tasks.

it makes me appreciate my conscious practical

mind and how swiftly it steps in to stomp it's foot

and direct my creative shadow into

hanging out in the background behind the wall

where the nerds converge at recess.

just give it a manual task to consume

it's time

on autopilot and

i begin to dream in color.

... take a peek

2011-07-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

at the jcrew fall lookbook.

i can't let go of this big blush of a bag.
on page 3 and now sitting pretty in my shopping cart.

doesn't mean it will be mine...
but a girl can dream.
oh and see her bangles?
save money, be creative, and make your own
in the prettiest of color combinations.

{delighted momma}
she's giving this stack away!
just follow the link above to enter.
love them!!! thanks to the lil bee for
posting this crafty summer fun link!
xo!

... as if

2011-07-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

saturday's egg sizzling on the sidewalk

temp wasn't enough....

{ring blush envy}

* note-the rings in her etsy shop are sold out

but don't despair, more fabulous designs

are in the works for fall!

last night a tsunami of dirt

officially termed a "haboob" (insert childish giggles for

a serious subject here. not funny, but yet such a silly word to say.)

tucked half our state in at dusk with a dense comforter

of fine dust as if we were

disobedient children being sent to bed without dinner.

no crevice immune to it's unwelcome

advance, it slipped through doorways and

windows into homes and cars, and caught outside,

unsheltered bodies.

{az central reader photos}

today is the first day of summer i can

sincerely say i'm thankful we don't

have a swimming pool.

swiffer time.