bunker up.

Last Sunday morning a wonderful man, my uncle, passed away from a brutal fight with pancreatic cancer.

My family and I have been busy traveling and spending quality time with family.

The service was quite beautiful and being the "planner of all planners", my uncle had it planned perfectly.

a great uncle, a great father, a great son, a great boss, a great co worker, a great friend, a great husband.

He was great.  He will be terribly missed.

We love you.

http://www.shoandtell.com/?p=1208

On a much different note, my husband and I are at it again.  It seems as when a year comes around, we must sell and buy again.  Although this time, we mixed it up.  We decided to rent since we didn't find anything on the market last year and now it's a whole new ballgame.  We have seen lots and liked lots.

Which brings me to today's topic.  Bunk beds.

It's funny how you look at homes differently once you have kids.

It used to be, "Wow- what a great room, this is the perfect wine cellar!!"  Now it's more like, "sweet room, this would be the PERFECT playroom!"

Do I hear an amen?!?

Which one would you pick?

happy tuesday!

(Right?!?!)

genius, simply genius.

You know how there are some items that you think,

"how the heck did I live without this?" 

 Well, welcome to today...

Some of these items are must haves for every day life while others just simply make it easier.  (and no, this is not an hsn ad :))

our journey begins...

kiwi crate- hands on fun, delivered right to your door!

delivered each month to your home with an activity for your 3-5 year old! 

genius.

perfect gift.

$19.95 per each month

kiwi crate- click me!

Now why didn't I think of this?!?

It may only be convenient enough for guys so who has a birthday coming up?

father's day?

hmmm...

(photo via twelevesouth.com)

cute, cute, cute!

BUT if you have babes around the house this may only attract them more to the outlets.

I love the concept though- maybe we'll just stick these in the office for now.

(photo via dumpaday.com)

If you know me, you know that I am notorious for losing my precious jewels.

It never is the costume jewelry, it's always the good, sentimental stuff.

I wish I knew about this 3 years ago.

It would have saved a lot of tears.

cover your vacuum with pantyhose...genius.

(photo via thedailybuzz.com.au)

Perfect idea for behind the tv.

Why are there 50 million cords anyway?  What do they even go to?

(photo via unplggd.com)

genius for those phone chargers on your night stand.

why oh why does that seem like the worst thing to do before bed?

Is it just me?  That's prob why my battery is always on/around 30%.

(photo via fannyordie.com)

Now this looks like the perfect morning coffee.

It would be a great way to serve it at a brunch as well.

(photo via gifts.com)

ahhh, isn't this beautiful?

you could pick any window, any where in the house.

It adds a touch of life and color.

Very inspiring for the end of winter.

bring on spring!

(photo via don'tcallmebetty.tumblr.com)

daycare? playdate?

whatever it is- these are fab!

You know how everyone seems to end up with the same cup?

This will definitely state whose is whose.

The origami stroller

The original self folding stroller.

yep.

you heard me right.

can you believe it?

all those times when you needed that extra hand trying to hold the baby, your purse, the diaper bag, the keys, the bottle, and fold up a stroller all the while keeping baby entertained...

voila...

check it out below:

smart stroller

(photo via alistmom.com)

hope you had a great weekend and an awesome "pardi" gras!!!

the weather was perfect this year in stl (home to second largest mardi gras).

statement pants

It seems as if everything is a statement piece in our wardrobes lately.  From necklaces to pants it's a wonder I don't look like lady gaga every day.  You see, the trick is, don't wear all your statement pieces at the same time.  Ah-ha you say?  yes, I say back.  No, seriously...I am totally digging the pants this spring.  In fact, some of them do look like a bouquet of fresh spring flowers.  Smell on...

Hope these were able to inspire your weekend (get out of the house and a have a beer) outfit.

I love pants.

...and boots

...and chocolate

...and coffee

...and bikes

Here is my new diet:

gotta remember this! 

(photos via forever21.com, zara.com, iloveboyshorts.tumblr.com, dree harper, whiskeysoaked.tumblr.com, pinterest.com, google images)

will you be my valentine?

whew- sick baby and sick mom = no time for blog.

I have so many great ideas for V Day, so you're getting blasted with all the ideas at once!!  (either you have a lot of time today or you're going to have to wait till next year for some ideas- OR screw v day and make up a day of love all on your own!)

You've guessed it- the year of diy's is coming at you in full speed this post...

Here are some ideas I stole and some I did myself...

I started the day off with this ever so cute v day egg toast.

Just use a cookie cutter on the bread, break an egg and boom...you've got breakfast.  Of course it wouldn't be complete without bacon :)

With the leftover hearts, we used those to soak up the runny yolk- no joke.

I did have to do a couple more for linden- still not a fan of the egg, you can make french toast with the leftover "hearts".

yummy.

(photo via petitekitchenesse.com)

We made home made play dough and dyed it red-

you know, the kind you used to eat.

I never knew it called for 3/4 cup salt!!

1 1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 cup water

3/4 cup salt

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

food coloring

mix all in pot over low/medium heat

stir for 5-8 minutes

layout on wax paper, knead, and it will begin to come together as it cools.

dang.

not sure why it didn't turn...

used hands for heart- just stamp and go!

We hand delivered to gramma, and boy did she like them!

"from the bottom of my heart,

to the tips of my toes,

I love you!"

love this site...

makes you think you can do anything!

and yes...i can make those love bangles

(photo via psimadethis.com)

If you were ever in doubt to wear red lips, today is not the day.

You should most DEFINITELY flaunt this sexy attribute!

(photo via pinterest.com)

perfect pairing for those red lips.

(photo via catherinemartinez)

houston was thrilled to pieces about the heart around his neck.

Linden thought it was pretty funny!!

(photo via weddingchicks.com)

5 weekend wants

Yep- changed it from "necessities" to "wants".  Let's face it- none of these were really anything I ever needed, well, except for the chocolate- that is most definitely a necessity.  Every day at nap time...ahhhh.  One moment to myself. 
Anyway- needless to say- now we will see where this list takes us.  I mean, it could get outrageous from here on out- well of course it will.  It will make Friday's so much more fun- hmmm... maybe I should do it on Monday's then.  I never seem to have a bad Friday.

5 weekend wants

chevron bed

land of nod

I so want this for Linden's "big" girl room- I hope it comes in yellow!!

(photo via landofnod.com)

go tom go!

{chill out, I know that's not the guys name...}

Just when you thought they couldn't think of anything else-

toms ballet flat

(photo via toms.com)

perfect for V-day!

free people crochet dress

It has a sort of innocence appeal-

(photo via freepeople.com)

vintage louis vuitton

what a beautiful bag we have here folks!

Sooo- I'm not a huge louis fan only because of that one bag BUT talk to me about vintage louis vuitton, those are some classic pieces.

the trunks, the leather- ahhhh.

I love vintage stores (and ebay!)

(photo via pinterest.com)

screw a treehouse- I want this for my house.

(photo via pinterest.com)

Even though winter has come back with a nice little blast- have a great weekend-

I'm thinking this will be the perfect Saturday for a trip to the local coffee house- mmmm, I can already taste that latte.

yummy.

I love coffee.

mint to be...

A couple of things here:
1) yes- I have felt better.  I have not forgotten about my blog but my mind and body just couldn't agree this week.
2) double yes.  NY Fashion Week has started and Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Pastels are the "it" color for spring, I mean, they always are, but this year EVERYTHING is turning colors.  I am not to complain- I love the colored jeans, the friendship bracelets and yes- even the backpack purses.  Out of all these colors-  mint happens to be my fav.

"Mint" for you and for me

I love this take on pastels.  This would look great with a coral flowy top.

To die for.

Anyone thinking perfect paris dress?

great color combo.

hmmm... should I put the bow in my hair or Linden's?

cute for a baby/wedding shower

yes.  I love blazers for the mere fact that you can dress them up or down.  Perfect play around town outfit!

ahhh... the envelope clutch.

Yes- chambray it up!!

love these jeans. 

a little something to get you till Friday!!!!

I should have told this one to my poor parents a long time ago.

(all photos via pinterest.com)