twinkle.

one of the summer projects i have been working on has been a little backyard improvement. first there was the new grill, a few potted plants, then added some twinkly lights around the fence. linds added a nice wicker bench and coffee table. it's looking pretty good so far.

we have a growing mulberry tree in one corner that needed something. i saw these DIY mason jar lanterns over at renest and thought they would look great.

i made 6 lanterns last night with a little help from AT and will be collecting more jars to make more. no need for mason jars, i used just random glass jars i had been collecting. you can find the directions on how to make your own here.

or if you are not much into DIY, alyssa ettinger has there gorgeous porcelain mason jar lanterns that can be found here.

pb&j.

i've been taking a lot of pb&js for lunch to work lately. they are just so easy and delicious.

i've also been trying to cut down on the amount of plastic i use. i first found these at home eco on macklind ave. and then online and i think these little reusable lunch bags called lunchskins from 3greenmoms are too cute.


you can buy them here or here.

why jane anne rocks.

my mom and pops came down yesterday to help with making a stressful grown-up decision--buying a new car.

to ease the stress of making all these adult decisions, my mom suprised me with this wonderful gift to harness my kindergarten creativity.

charley harper coloring book! i love charley harper's illustrations and what better way to destress than to color.

you can buy the coloring book here and don't forget the crayons!

summer cocktail.

i have a new favorite summer cocktail from the wonderful matthew and patrick. they had us over for dinner the last saturday on one of the balmiest, stickiest t. louis nights and were perfect hosts.

after walking in the door i was happily greeted with one of these:

moscow mule

this is a perfectly refreshing drink for the summer. AT and i recreated it the other night and they were just as wonderful as the first time. the cucumber is really flavorful and makes it very summery.

M&P's Moscow Mules:
fill glass with ice
1 shot of vodka
splash of lime juice
fill rest of glass with ginger ale
orange slice
cucumber slice

after a little investigation, most people make it with vodka + ginger beer(not ginger ale) + lime. probably delicious as well, just haven't tried it.

perfect car + handbag...yes, please!

while searching for the perfect new car, i am beginning to realize more and more that i am in love with cars from the 70s. 

at the very top of my list is the amc pacer. yes, some people may think it's hideous, but i think they look so fun and retro.

and of course, if i purchased a pacer i would have to get the matching purse. check out these great bags by kim white. she takes vintage car upholstery and turns them into absolutely lovely bags!

this clutch is made from a 1975 amc pacer.

rainy sunday project.

after seeing this article over at oh happy day! i knew it would be fun to make some cute little onesies for some babies on the way.

photo: Oh Happy Day!

they were easy as pie! here are how mine turned out:


i'm brewing up some more ideas of where i can use these cute appliques.
any ideas send them my way!

dreamer.

so my car is busted. yep, old mitsy isn't doing well and i think it is time to retire her, but she will always remain my first love.

thank god rockstar obama passed the new "cash for clunkers" program when he did. now i have a nice gold nugget for a down

 payment.

photo via oh happy day!

i am looking at new cars, but can't help but dream about a vintage fiat 500. oh, they are are so cute and so euro. i can totally 

see myself zipping around town in one of these. 

photo via  oh joy!

a girl can always dream.

collecting.

this amazing couple: a postman and a librarian who have one of the most amazing contemporary art collections. so impressed with their commitment to the arts.

i am really excited to see this movie. although, i am afraid it will inspire me to buy artwork that i can't really afford.