Favorite Finds Friday: Spring Essentials

Welcome to another Favorite Finds Friday!  Spring has been in full swing for a couple of months, but if spring where you are us anything like spring here - that means some rather erratic weather.  Even in the middle of May we can get some cool mornings.  With blazing hot afternoons.  And back to chilly for the evening. All this back and forth can make dressing more than a little complicated at times.

Despite that, there are a few items I consider my "Spring Essentials"...

Scarves:  I know what you're thinking...  "Scarves?  I thought she was talking about Spring essentials.  Not winter!"  Scarves, for Spring?  Uh... YES!  I love a good scarf year 'round.  Especially with a cute sweater or tunic and boots during autumn.  But once the weather turns warmer, I put away the knit scarves for lighter and brighter materials.

Scarves are perfect for adding a not-too-heavy layer on those cooler days when you need a little extra to keep the chill off.  Plus they can add a fun something special to a tshirt dress or a simple shorts and top combo.

Fun Nail Polish:  After wearing darker shades for winter (think navy, deep grey, and rich wines), or being downright neglected because they're hidden away inside my boots - my toes are ready to come out and play!

This means a wardrobe change to fun, bright colors.  Bring on the corals, the teals, and the bright pinks!

Dresses & Skirts:  I find pants a challenge any time of year.  It's difficult to find a comfortable, well fitting pair of pants.   Which is why I lean heavily on skirts and dresses once the weather warms up. (And I no longer have to worry about a winter wind finding it's way up my skirt...  brrr!)

Easy.  Cool.  And comfy.  That has Spring into Summer written all over it!

Speaking of being comfy pants challenged - I am crazy curious about the pants at Betabrand.com .  They have these Crop Dress Pant Yoga Pants which look perfect for Spring and Summer.  I am dying to try!  If I could look dressed, while having the comfort of yoga pants... yes, PLEASE!!  Check 'em out for yourself!  And while you're there, have a peek at some of BetaBrand's suggestions for Spring Essentials:

What are your Spring Essentials?  Share in the comments!

Favorite Finds Friday: Mother's Day

Mother's day is in two days y'all!  If you have a mom or are married to one, you have a couple more days to get prepared. And while all we really want is to know you appreciate us, and would be perfectly happy with a handmade card and breakfast in bed - we certainly aren't  going to be disappointed with a little something extra.

Target.com

If there is one thing every mom needs, it's probably more sleep.  And a comfy pair of pajamas to do it in.  Right now Target has select pj's on sale. Like these super soft (and adorable!) pants.

target.com

I am always happy to hear the words "mani-pedi".  A little relaxing that ends with cute toenails?  Yes, please!  Or, you could put together a fun little set for a DIY mani-pedi, including a bottle of polish in her favorite color.

Etsy.com

Jewelry is usually a safe bet for Mother's Day (and most other gift giving occasions).  And in my case, if it involves a bee or a crown - even better!

Lesliefreemandesigns

If mom is a coffee or tea lover, consider a beautiful handcrafted pottery mug.  I am completely infatuated with this mug by Lesliefreemandesigns on Etsy!


Of course, you can also find lots of great gifts at Queen B's Busy Work (wink, wink!)

 Unfortunately, you procrastinated to the point where it won't arrive in time for Mother's day. But sometimes a nice handcrafted Spa Bath Set is worth the wait!

Favorite Finds Friday: A little of this, and a little of that...

Welcome to another Friday y'all!

This week really has been a total blur.  I don't think i have taken more than a few minutes at a time to look up from my yarn and crochet hook!  Because of that there was no time to plan an actual theme for this week.  As a result, you are being treated to a fun little hodge podge of things I came across in my inbox throughout the week.  

homedepot.com

I just love this succulents wreath tutorial I found in an email from  this week!  Will I ever get around to actually making it?  Probably not...  

lionbrand.com

This mug would make a fun little gift for your favorite. crocheter or knitter slash coffee lover,  wouldn't it?   All I know for sure I'd that it made me laugh!

stellacarakasi.com

I saw this sweater featured by another blogger earlier this week; and I just love everything about it - from the lightweight knit to the asymmetrical lines.  Gorgeous!

recyclart.org

I am always fascinated when I find cool glass insulators in antique stores, but I never know what in the world I would do with them.  Until now!  Something like this would be so pretty for my mantel.  I may need to pick some up the next time I find myself in an antique shop.

Next week we'll talk about some last minute ideas for Mother's Day.  

What interesting things have you seen this week?

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My Favorite Finds Friday: Spring Cleaning

It's April.  Which means it's time for those 2 little words which strike up a deep sense of dread in my very soul.  No,  I don't mean 'tax season'...  I'm talking about Spring Cleaning (duh duh duuuuuuh... *shudder*)

And what better way to get prepared than by spending some time browsing the interwebs for tips, tricks, and hacks to make Spring Cleaning easier.  AmIright?

Here are some of the little gems I came across and have utilized in my own (half-hearted) attempts at getting the home clean and organized.

cleanmyspace.com

If you have a question about when or how to clean just about anything - I am pretty sure cleanmyspace.com has an answer for you!  Her Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide is no exception.  Detailed cleaning lists for each room, tips on getting started, and general cleaning tips are right here in one handy source!

budgetdumpster.com

It's called the Ridiculously Thorough Guide to Decluttering Your Home and that is pretty accurate!

Ruth over at Living Well, Spending Less has her own pretty thorough guide to Spring cleaning your kitchen.  She breaks everything down, area by area until your kitchen is sparkly, decluttered, and organized.  Which will leave you with time to sit down and enjoy her new book: Unstuffed

kidtokid.com

Once your Spring cleaning is completed, a consistent cleaning schedule can help keep it that way.  I have about 6 different versions pinned to my Cleaning and Organization board on Pinterest; but this one from KidtoKid is one of my favorites.

Have you done your Spring cleaning yet?  What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?

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My Favorite Finds Friday: Easter Eggs

I am a total geek when it comes to coloring the Easter eggs.  I always boil many... far too many... eggs.  The family gathers 'round the table with our cups of Paas egg dye and various coloring tools.  (The male offspring grumbles a little)  and we set to our creative work.  Much hilarity ensues.  A good time is had by all.  (Ignore the male offspring's grumbles)

According to the Internet, there must be about a billion different ways to decorate your eggs.  And thanks to Pinterest, I have seen examples of roughly half those ways.  Here are a few of my favorites:

craftymorning.com/

This looks like a very fun - and very messy! - way for the little ones to color eggs.  Maybe as an outside project?

ourbestbites.com

I wish I had found the directions for these "Dinosaur Eggs" when the male offspring was young!  You know, before he turned too cool for Easter eggs.

cutesycrafts.com

These silhouette eggs are simple to create with stickers and Sharpie markers.  A little more of a grown up look.  Or if you don't want to deal with cups of dye.

countryliving.com/

Would I love to find these beautiful eggs tucked into my Easter basket this Sunday?  Yes, please!!  Especially that bumblebee.  Gorgeous!!

Do you color Easter eggs?  Share your favorite method in the comments!

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My Favorite Finds Friday

It's Friday, y'all!  This week has been a total blur, and I think I may have lost a few days in the middle there.  I'm not even entirely sure how that happened,; because I really wasn't all that busy.  But no matter... with the exception of some grocery shopping tomorrow, my big plans for the weekend consist of sitting for too long, watching too much Netflix, lots of crochet, and painting my toe nails a bright Spring-ish color.

But first... Here are a few of my favorite discoveries from the past week:

Fashionable Romance at Biltmore

This new exhibition at the Biltmore Estate appeals to me on so many levels by combining history, romance, costume design, and Biltmore.  Featuring wedding dresses and attire from popular films throughout the house as well as a special display with a recreation of Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil's wedding gown and the actual wedding veil worn by Jackie Kennedy and her cousin Mary Lee Ryan (Who married the grandson of George Vanderbilt).  The exhibition runs through July 4.

Photo credit:  Indulgy.com

Speaking of historical fashions: When I saw this exquisite Edwardian Era "bumblebee gown" on Pinterest, I became a teeny tiny bit obsessed.  Edwardian fashion AND bumblebees?  Yes, Please!!

And while we're sorta, kinda on the subject...  if you're wondering what to do with yourself now that Downton Abbey is over, I recommend the above series from the Smithsonian Channel to scratch your Anglophile itch.  I didn't exactly discover it this week, but it seems to fit pretty well with the theme I've got going here. It showcases some of the real life American heiresses married to land-rich,money-poor English aristocracy in the late 1800's  and early 1800's.  Aka - the inspiration for Downton's Lady Grantham.  I have been watching full episodes on the Smithsonian Channel website and quite enjoying it!

And while you're at it... You might as well read the book behind the show (because: the book is always better, right?)

To Marry An English Lord

And there you have it.  If you enjoy history, costume design, romance, Downton Abbey, Anglomania, uber-wealthy Americans, or reading - I've got you covered!  You're welcome.

Have a wonderful weekend.

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