Watch Me

At some point in the last few years, I stopped wearing a watch. I think I was tired of being the person who everyone asked, "What time is it?" So now I just check my cell phone when I want to know the time. But you know what's cuter than a cell phone? A watch. In particular, this Timex design from J.Crew and it's interchangeable bands.

Monogram Mugs

First off, thank you for your sweet comments yesterday. All of you (and lemon bars) make life better. Something else that would make life better, or at least drinking hot beverages better, are these monogram mugs from Anthropologie. They're a collaboration with Samantha Robinson, who designs the most beautiful porcelain objects. I've already started making up reasons why I need particular letters. Well, I need a "z" because when I get a dog, it's name might start with a "z" or I need an "m" because it's the fourth letter of my maiden name. Totally valid, right? Clearly, we have a collect-all-26 situation.

When Life Gives You Lemon Bars

It's been a particularly annoying week at work, and it's only Wednesday. I've found that when your day feels like a punch in the face, stuffing some food in there puts things back in their proper place for a moment. I don't mean scarfing down a bag of potato chips or a box of Girl Scout cookies in a fit of frustration/anger/tears (although sometimes, that's necessary), but I mean taking a few minutes, going for a walk, treating yourself to something you love and savoring every bit of it. So yesterday, I visited the bakery down the street from my office and learned when life gives you lemon bars, suddenly things don't seem so bad. Here's hoping we all have wonderful Wednesdays.

Lady in Red

Wedding season is almost here. With bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and all other bridesmaid gallivanting approaching, I need a versatile dress. I'm thinking about ordering this simple red number by She-Bible. It may just be the one. (Seriously, every dress should have pockets.) Plus, I've got primary colored-visions dancing through my head, so I'm thinking about pairing it with this cardigan in yellow and maybe some blue shoes or accessories. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Weekend in Photos

While Saturday was rainy and humid, Sunday could not have been more beautiful. There was pie baking for the church potluck, some summer vacation planning, a casual brunch -- which included blueberry mascarpone pancakes, a walk around the neighborhood, and a peek at the bunnies through the local pet store window. How did you spend the weekend?

Thoughts of the Week

If someone ever smashes an egg on my head, I hope it's one of these.

If you don't want to make brownies this weekend, then don't click this. See, I told you. Now you'll have to make brownies.

I want this apartment and the outfit to match.

I gots to get me some ranunculus.

Nature is the best at coloring eggs

Clearly, I need more art on my walls.

I may start eating candy by the bottleful.

Hope you all have a springy, flower-filled weekend and a Happy Easter!

Braid School

I'm pretty helpless when it comes to styling my own hair, but I'd really like to learn this beautiful side French braid before summer rolls around. Because there's nothing worse than a sweaty neck buried under long hair, and that my friends, is my motivation.

[courtesy of: ...loveMaegen]

Primary Colors

I remember learning in kindergarten that primary colors magically combine to form other colors, but no one ever taught me they could look so good together.

[brooch bouquet; engagement shoot; cardigan and skirt; bunting quilt; emersonmade bouquet; cardigan and skirt 2]

Take Note

I'm a list-maker. At any given time, there are three Post-its in my purse filled with reminders and to-dos. They don't get thrown away until everything gets crossed off. No offense Post-its, but these library note cards are way cuter and look at all that extra space for listing things.

Know Your ABCs

Saturday was stormy and cold in New York City, but a dinner out managed to salvage the day. The husband and I went to ABC Kitchen for the first time. It's just north of Union Square and they have a beautifully decorated, open space. There's a focus on organic and local ingredients, and everything was delicious. Here's what we ordered: a clementine fizz, possibly the happiest drink ever, crispy pork belly, fried chicken, a whole wheat pizza topped with mushrooms, parmesan and a farm egg, and for dessert, lattes and doughnuts with bacon fudge sauce. Yep, bacon fudge sauce.

Reading is Fun(ny)

I finished Tina Fey's Bossypants last night. I loved it. It made me want to be funnier and more clever than I currently am, which is a quality I greatly admire in books and in people. I'm already looking forward to Mindy Kaling's book even though it isn't out until November. Apparently, it's my goal to read all books written by women who star in Thursday night sitcoms on NBC. What are you reading these days?

Flower Girl

I rarely wear prints. I'm a solids and stripes kind of girl with the occasional polka dots thrown in. I have one floral top that I love, which is usually referred to by my husband as "that crazy shirt." So I guess I'm in the market for a crazy (and altogether lovely) dress.

[all dresses from: anthropologie]

Can't Contain Myself

Can you believe this home in Kansas City, Missouri, is constructed from five shipping containers? It's so bright and homey and beautifully decorated, you would never know it apart from the walls. It made me realize I could live anywhere: a shipping container, a house boat, an apartment with a slide. I'm flexible.

[spotted on: the designer pad; images courtesy of: home contained]