potatoes and treats- oh my!

{pinterest payoff?}

ah ha.

I love trying new things which is why I love pinterest.

not only is it totally inspiring (and then makes you hate your house and wanna move) but trying all these fun ideas/innovations is great for the mind and soul.

Which is where I bring to you today:

berry basket

(photo via marthastewart.com)

difficulty:  if you can move your arms/hands- your all good

time:  this too depends on your ability to move- how fast are you at errands?  do you wander around the aisles aimlessly and then forget the entire reason why you went to hobby lobby in the first place and walk out with 2 mirrors that you never even needed?  Okay, okay, long story short: if you have all the items- 5 minutes.  if not: couple hours

outcome: the most perfect "because I love you" gift.  Here's the idea: 

- make your own card  (get stamps on sale at hobby lobby)

- basket (any local craft store)

- strawberries (farmers market)

- scones/muffins (you can make from scratch- or if time is limited- whole foods has some great packaged options)

If it's for a special occasion- throw in a gift card to their favorite coffee shop!  perfecto!

pass or pursue?

pursue it!

you didn't think that was it- did you?

smashed potatoes

(photo via americastestkitchen.com)

difficulty:  from 1-10, it's a 2. 

time:  1 hour- although it's a little longer than some recipes out there- you can always boil the potatoes first, "smash" them, refrigerate and then pull them out and bake when you need them.  If you have the time- they are soo delicious!

outcome:  dare I say it?  the next best thing to a fry.  There.  I said it.  These were incredible!  Affordable, easy, different.  They would be perfect for an appetizer at your next get together.  I followed the instructions and just added olive oil, salt, and pepper- and like a fry- they didn't need anything else.  Of course- if you want a little variations feel free to add a kick;

-cayenne and garlic

-provencal (yummy!!)

-cheddar cheese

(you get the picture!  you can add anything to a potato!)

pass or pursue?

definitely a go in my book.  In fact, if you see me at my next outing, you just might see a tray of these walk through the door!

some things I'm loving on pinterest this week:



(photo via vogue-wish.tmblr.com)

(photo via apartmenttherapy.com)

(photo via mojitosandblow.tumblr.com)

(photo via blogs.babble.com)

ahhh snap.

tomorrow is friday- so make this thursday the best!

it's here!

I hope your weather sure is nice, because today is the day.

toms shoes

'one day without shoes'

check out information here:

one day without shoes



here we go again...

yep, monday is here folks!

I'm enjoying some real nice weather- actually being really spoiled with this weather.

Hope you had a great weekend with family and friends!

Ours was fantastic!

Not only did we get to celebrate our nephew's 2nd birthday, we had a great time with the rest of the family, bonding over bloody mary's and plastic eggs :)

officially a pro at egg hunting

(we totally practiced)

Here are some things that have caught my eye around the world wide web:

kate spade charm bracelets

starting at $28

whoo hoo.

art on wood plank

so doing this in linden's next room

buy the wood at michaels and let your child do their own design; unless of course, you are a tad anal- do your own and surprise them with a "signature" on the back :)

photo via shop.uncovet.com)

bicycle paper clips.

$4

I am obsessed with all things bicycle- in fact, I would totally trade in my car for my awesome bike.

(lucky me, I have both!)

But of course, where would I put the car seat?! (and the diaper bag, and the stroller, and the snacks, etc)?!?

(photo via containerstore.com)

paper pot

genius solution to buying kleenex boxes over and over again!

get your toilet paper and voila-

done and done.

(photo via infmetry.com)

color scanner pen

o.m.g.

this would be perfect for linden at restaurants!

one pen, many colors!

once again, genius.

(photo via dumpaday.com)

post it watch

wonder how many you can fit on one wrist?

hmmmm...

(photo via wired.com)

it's monday.

bust a move.



5 weekend wants

ahhhhh.

the weekend.

those are becoming my two favorite words.

sleeping in, brunch with the family, soy latte, scone, walk with the dog.  that's the stuff dreams are made of :)

It's here folks.

a weekend of family fun, good food, and praise God- he has risen!

5 weekend wants

1) essie pastels.
What better way to celebrate Easter than having your nails look like an easter egg?!?
I'll be sporting the purple!


(photo via letsmakebelieve)

If you're really feeling easter this year-
here you go!


(photo via polishandpearls.com)

 2) We're dying eggs tonight!!!
Since I did all the work last year- I can't wait to see what Linden will think of this tradition.
I'm thinking: messy = super fun.
silhouette easter eggs

(photo via lepapierstudio.com)

3) chick bread
how cute will your easter table be with a basket of these little guys?!?
chick bread recipe


(photo via cutestfood.com)

 4) kaldi's latte
I crave these things like none other
highly trained barista's at Kaldi's- overall it's a great product
kaldi's coffee


(photo via google)

5) the perfect easter dress
floral- check
pastels- check
can't wait to wear those new wedges!!
floral belted dress  $90







happy easter!
have a great weekend!



you'll drool over these!

bib necklaces.

kate spade

(photo via katespade.com)



statements pieces are all around us this season so why fight the urge?
grab it and go!
a great alternative to your old scarf routine- spiffy up ANY outfit with a bib necklace.
white t-shirt, jeans, pastel mint dress, floral button up-
you name it, it can be done!

handmade bib necklaces

yes you can!

ruffles and stuff

(photo via rufflesandstuff.com)

tribal pieces-

great with a maxi dress

(photo via moredesignplease.com)

stella and dot $48

love the colors- would look great with a coral top/dress

(photo via stelladot.com)

yoyo bib necklace

love the combination of colors-

I made a similar looking headband for linden-

if you have time hobby lobby has similar pieces that you could sew together and make your own-

if not- roots by linda quartey

(photo via linda quaertey)

pom pom bib necklace

(photo via designbrushblog.com)

summer wedding?

wouldn't that just be SO gorgeous?!?

(photo via thegloss.com)

ideas on what to do with your bib necklace!

easy, peasy.

(photo via reasontobreathe.tumblr.com)

aww snap.

love those colors- that would cheer up any day!

(photo via kailaniskomer.com)

did I mention brighten up any day?

yep.  move this to the top of my list.

not one thing wrong with this combo!

(photo via lextravagance.tumblr.com)

this is kind of screaming my name.

it would work for any kind of outing---

chic traveling, cute date night, wine bar with the girls!

(photo via stylescrapbook.com)

a kiss (necklace) to build a dream (an outfit) on (around)

the most perfect necklace yet!

the chains, the chiffon, the colors.

nice, naughty, trendy, classy.

gotta have it!

by whimsical jewelry- etsy.

happy tuesday peeps!



a few of my favorite things.

there are some things that just POP up,
things that are so darn cute you either save them on email for days on end
or you take a picture of it with your phone and look at it at every opportune moment.

florence rain flats
anthropologie $70
can't you just imagine stomping in the puddles on a warm, rainy day?

baby giraffe- $24.95
just what every mother needs- an extra hand!
babygiraffe.com

pink lining diaper bag   $120
seriously the cutest diaper bag ever!  They have a variety of bags- even a twins diaper bag!
check them out!

drawer organizer stickers  $5
who knew they even made such a thing?!
great for the little ones around the house- or maybe even a forgetful spouse!
They come in a variety of colors and at this price- it's fun for the whole family!!








and for the finale....


house of history
by rachel oertli


a couple years ago I met this great girl through a friend and we hit it off instantly through our love of fashion.
She lives in DC and has a vintage store with items available on etsy.
you gotta check it out!!

vintage mod lucite link bracelet  $22

vintage 1980's swee lo cocktail dress  $113

vintage coach 80's shoulder bucket shopper $63

vintage 80's harem cheetah pants $48

vintage 1960's dressing table set $38

detailed 1970's large macrame handbag $35


house of history
I just posted a few of my favorites-
from one of a kind 70's maxi dresses to wall art---
it's a must have!
With a keen eye like rachel's you are sure to find something you like!
Plus- the prices are great so go ahead and pick yourself up a couple items- you deserve it!!


hope you had a fan-dan-tastic weekend!