Fabric Flowers and Raffia

I went into arts and crafts mode last night while wrapping a cousin's gift. They have a pet Dachshund, so I knew they'd like the paper. I love using several strands of raffia that are different colored. Instead of knotting them into a usual bow, I attached a fabric flower to add another texture.
To learn how to make these fabric bows, see here.

Holiday Wrapping

I was browsing dish towels on Crate & Barrel, and discovered a new way to wrap. How ingenious to use a festive dish towel to wrap a bottle of wine, or homemade sauces, dressings and jams, cookies, the list goes on. The receiver doesn't need to throw away the wrapping, it becomes a part of the gift!

Peppermint Dish Towel

Birds of Peace Dish Towel

Foiled Dot Napkins

Of course if you find cute wrapping paper, then by all means...

Winter Dachshund Wrapping Paper

And these ornaments are adorable when added to packages:

Elf Ornaments

Polar Bear Felt Ornaments

Cats make me Smile

Smiling cat from Ellentv.com

Found this image on my friend's facebook page. Happy Belated birthday, little one!

From Thedailycatblog.com

Cat Bounce from A Cup Of Joe

I'm definitely more of a dog person, but in my eyes, all animals are created equally. These kittens are too cute and perfect for getting me through hump day.

Coveting Grays

Current/Elliott Antique grey lace print jeans

Parker Sequin Flapper Dress

Smythe Equestrian Blazer

Botkier Valentina Satchel

Check Fraud

Uni-ball Pen

I was the victim of check fraud last week. I had two payments stolen from my very own mailbox. A crime committed on my front porch hits too close to home. I feel violated. There are very very bad people in this world. It's difficult for me to understand why a person smart enough to successfully scheme fraud cannot use their intellect to earn a living honestly and be able to feel good about themselves at the end of the day. Is it greed? Is it the thrill of committing a crime? I rarely pray, but I pray that they have the strength to turn their lives around. I pray that they receive love and support from friends and family. I pray that my perpetrators are caught and learn their lesson, and if they're not, that more people use pens with super ink that's formulated to become trapped in paper, helping prevent what happened to me.

Lace and Flowers

I'd like to wear this:

Image from GossipGirlFashion.net

While picking this:

And eating this:

My college friend came to visit over the weekend and like a typical couple of girls, we started talking weddings and fashion. She said she'd like to wear the yellow dress Serena wore on Gossip Girl while holding a hand-picked bouquet of wild flowers. Once I saw the Jenny Packham stunner, I'd like a do-over myself.
The gorgeous tomatoes are from my local farmer's market.

Milk and Cookies

I was doing a search on "Milk and Oreo shirt" and this image is one that popped up. It's hilarious...and reportedly caused quite a stir. Why I haven't seen this before? Huffington Post published this photo on April 18th - when Jackson was born! I had no contact with the outside world for the following 2 weeks when he was in nicu.
This weekend, Jackson will be eating his first solids with milk...just shy of his 6 month birthday.

Rain, Rain

Donna Wilson Rainy Day Blanket

Oktak Coin purse

Dgordon Lace Ceramic Cloud

Cloud Earrings

The first rain of the Fall season. Jackson slept through the thunder and felt his first rain drops. This weather makes me want to cuddle up in a warm blanket and watch old movies, eat snacks and online shop in bed all day. 

Into the Woods

Simrin Woodland Tray 

Forest Blue Factory Bunny Doll

Twig Chopsticks

Petrified Wood trivet

Mika Art Print

Sleepy King Tweed Squirrels

Fox Knob

Donna Wilson Throw

Oversized Paper Flowers

Mille Fiori Paper Flowers

Mille Fiori Creation

Giant Poppy featured on Design Sponge

Paper Roses by Bohemian Bloom

Oversized, giant, fantasy-filled paper flowers are my new obsession. I first wanted to use them as a creative, long-lasting centerpiece...but now, after seeing Mille Fiori's backdrop, I want to create something similar for Jack's first birthday. 

Wunderful

The most unique piñatas I've seen from Wunderland Home. I'm leaning towards the humpty dumpty for my son's 1st birthday party decoration.