Thursday, July 28, 2011

Do Your Homework



Those three words would have been way more happy for me growing up if my desk had been stocked by Present & Correct.



Their mission is to spark a distant memory, make you smile or look at the most mundane in a new, and fonder, light. And I'd have to say that they've succeeded.



The collection is a mix of handmade goods, vintage items and work by designers from all over the world with no shortage of eye candy.

It's been so nice to have a break from homework this summer. It might actually have become my favorite thing about summer. H doesn't like it one bit, so it's always a battle, and I'm sure second grade will only bring more our way. But thankfully, we still have about another month before we have to start tackling it again, and I'm going to enjoy it!

[ITEMS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Homework Pencil Pocket and Homework Pencil Case; Free Schedule; Primary Card Set. Find many, many more smart items right here]

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Golden Gogos



The other day, my oldest came home from camp asking for gold Gogo's Crazy Bones. He said everyone at camp was trading them and he *needed* some too. Since we've been through the gamut of trading toys [Pokemon cards, Silly Bandz, Club Penguin, Bakugons], I'm always a little bit skeptical whenever a new something is introduced that they *must* have or they'll live a torturous, I-have-nothing-to-trade life. Because it's only a matter of time before they get sick of that something and the discards are all over the house.

After much begging and pleading and promises to "spend his own money," we head out to the toy store. He only has about $4, mind you, because he's always "spending his own money" or having to replace something that he's destroyed, like his sister's inflatable swim pool that he so sweetly popped. [He said he was bored and found these dull garden clippers in the garage, so wanted to see what would happen. Now he knows.] Anyway, we make it to the store, and he finds the tin. It's definitely more than $4, but we make a deal about some extra chores and sleeping in on Saturday [Yes, we bribe our kids to sleep-in on the weekends. When it comes to sleep, I'll do whatever it takes.]

When we get back in the car and he opens the package, I have to resist the urge to snatch it right out of his hands. Really. These little guys are so darn cute! So adorable that I gave some to a friend for her birthday last weekend. A little risky, I know. I thought, she's either going to love these or think that I've lost my mind. Thankfully, it was the former, and she appreciated their golden cuteness as much as I do.

Did you have trading fads at your camp or school growing up? I used to trade those charms for the plastic charm necklaces that were so big in the 80s. You know, the ones with the little bells on the clips of the charms? My favorite charm was the roller skate. We used to hit Sparkles Roller Skating Rink quite a bit during those hot Atlanta summers!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Summer Reading



Alright, friends -- got any summer reading recommendations? I just finished reading The Hunger Games series, and I know that it is classified as YA, but I couldn't help myself. It was so good, a real page-turner, and in my opinion, a perfect summer read. A little dark? Yes. But the questions it asks are so important. But now, here I am. In that bittersweet place of having just finished a good good good series, and now it's over and I'm craving something else.

What are your latest favorite reads? I'd love to know!

[Picture above from Blabla, makers of the most adorably snuggable dolls out there!]

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Brights



If you're looking for some summer color inspiration, check out this post over on Decor8. It was written by Leslie from A Creative Mint after her recent trip to Japan. All the brights on white make for some fantastic contrast. And that planner? The best. I'm totally inspired to brighten things up around here!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Work Happy

The first thing I do when I get the mail, is quickly scan it for "good" mail: hand addressed envelopes, announcement-looking envelopes, check-looking envelopes, and magazines. The rest I usually leave for Reggie to deal with. I'm sweet like that. Once I've determined the good mail, I get to opening. And when I open to find a thick, almost board stiff note? That's orange and white, no less? With a heart? It's definitely good.



But what surprised me most, was that it was from Poppin! Remember the new online shop with the fantastic packaging? Them. Just checking in to see if I liked what I bought.



And I do like what I bought, especially my tape dispenser.



So go order something from them! It's really fun.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Perry Video Productions



Perry Video Productions in Houston, TX has been in business for 9 years running, producing the most beautiful wedding videos. It also just so happens to be the company of my close friends Julie and Jack Perry. Remember our recent Disney trip? While we were sitting in a Saloon in Frontierland eating carved turkey and carrot sticks, we caught up on what was going on in their business. They've been filming with the new DSLR Canon Cameras for HD Film Production, and having seen their finished product, I have to say that their videos are nothing short of a true treasure. With their clean, unfussy design aesthetic and quality film equipment, any couple can feel confident about having Perry Video capture their special day. Plus, I can only imagine how much fun it would be to have them around filming!

If you're in search of a one-of-a-kind production, give them a shout!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Commemorate







Commemorate that jar of jam or glass of water with these plates by illustrator Owen Davey that were a response to all the fuss over the royal wedding. And that also made me laugh. There are more designs and info right here about the project and his process.

If you could design a plate to commemorate something ordinary and everyday, what would it be? I would commemorate getting the mail. Or cutting up waffles.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Photoshop for Real



I love this clever version of Photoshop. Be sure to click right here to see some behind-the-scenes shots. I can't believe how big the whole set-up is -- it looked smaller to me in the photo.

[via Anthology blog; Anthology is also one of my favorite new magazines. It's really more like a beautiful little book, and makes my day when it is sitting in my mailbox!]

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Dear Photograph

Take a picture of a picture from the past in the present.
That's what Dear Photograph is all about.
Here are some that caught my eye:









Submit your own
-- it would be a fun project to try and create!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The Fourth



Hope yours was a good one!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Summer Baby Challenge

As if you needed something to do over this 3 day weekend, here's something you could do if you felt so inclined: vote in the Minted Baby Announcement Challenge! Below are my 3 submissions [click on the image to go to that card's voting page]:

Sunburst Monogram


Announcing the Arrival


The Only Show


I was inspired for The Only Show by how Ben and I would just watch Henry sleep. Literally, sitting in our living room in the evening and just staring. Every little nose wrinkle and squeak was much more entertaining than any TV show! I wish I'd thought of it for M's baby announcement. Although with her, there wasn't as much sitting around and staring. How about all you other parents out there -- did you do the same?

Hope you have a fantastic 4th!
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