Stuff.

We all know how it is when STUFF gets in the way of life. I've been doing lots of this STUFF and haven't done much new at my house. I do have some wonderful projects coming up that I've decided will wait until Fall. It's not as though I haven't done anything at all... I've rearranged some pictures, cleaned out some closets, and have tried to fit in lots of fun! This print sums up how I feel about fun. I've neglected it for a long time and always opted to run an errand, do a chore, or stay home spinning my wheels...so no more of this! Start having fun now. Chores can wait!

So I thought I might share some things with you in this post. All of these things are very random, but I miss connecting with people through my blog so I figured I would do a post about STUFF. Are you getting the picture here?

Jason got me this set of prints for my birthday. I'm going to frame them and hang them above my television. I think they are the sweetest things I've ever seen. And, yes, I turned 31. I mean 41. Sheesh, that's hard to admit. I feel 31 and that's all that counts.

Have you seen this movie? Please do. It's funny, touching, poignant. I loved it.

We went with some friends to see Roman Holiday at the Guthrie Theater this past weekend. It was my favorite movie of all time. Who doesn't love Gregory Peck? The musical was just as good. Did you see it?

My daughter and I went to see Meiko this past weekend too. Do you know of her? You should.

Have you seen the new Elle Decor magazine featuring Reese Witherspoon's home? I bought it yesterday but have been saving it. I can't wait to peak into her palace!

 

 You must watch this video for a messy ballerina bun tutorial. I've been wearing my hair in more buns lately and love it. Plus, I love the style of this video that they did. Fantastic!

 

So have you guys tried Turkish or Fouta towels? I've heard they are wonderful, but with a sixty dollar pricetag, I am not sure. Plus, I wonder how they hold up in the wash since I'm a freak about washing my towels. I really like this one for what I have planned for my bathroom...

   

I really want this bubble necklace and considering it's about $150 cheaper than at J. Crew, I think I might just bite the bullet and order it.  

Well, that should give you some things to think about. Let me know what you've been up to. Are you revamping your house? Ready for Fall? Sick of the heat? I miss you! -Stacy



A fun little book!

I found this sweet little book a few years ago and just dug it out again. It's one of those timeless books that you can look at today, or in a few years, and still appreciate it. The best thing about it? It's only $7.58 on Amazon right now. Order it. I know you'll like it!

-Stacy

The cutest summer sandals!

I'm in love with a good wedge sandal. I always have been, and always will be. You know me and the classics. So when I was at DSW the other day, I saw these. I knew I had to have them and did as soon as I tried them on. However, I resisted. I have a million pairs of shoes...all of which I love, half of which I wear. I couldn't bring myself to take in one more pair. Instead, I'm being nice and sharing these with you. Please go buy them and then send me a picture so I can see them on you. They have velcro to close up around your ankle and are extremely comfortable. I love them!

 

Now head over and buy them here! Even if it's only to make me jealous!

-Stacy

One hot summer.

Need I say more? If you know me, you know I will. I live in Minnesota...maybe you do too? Temperatures have been averaging about 90 degrees this summer. I have come to relinquish myself to excitement when they say there is a "cool down" coming. To me a REAL cool down would be considered 75 beautiful, comfortable, windows open, luxurious degrees. Well not so much. Apparently this now means 85 degrees and a bit less humidity. True to form, I will tell you that it sucks. My flowers look bad, my tan has faded from staying inside, and my house hasn't known the feel of a fresh breeze in days and days.

Let me give you a short list of things to do regardless of the heat. I am not suggesting you do all of these, but maybe one or two. Take my advice for what it is worth, and try to enjoy the new standard in summer temps.

1. Make a trip to the bathroom to cut your own bangs after having them one length for 2 years because you are stir crazy. It's a trip. I know from experience.

2. Eat ice cream everyday. If it makes you feel better, eat frozen yogurt. There really isn't a difference. Hate to burst your bubble. 

3. Have a picnic in your living room. Get takeout and wine, throw down a blanket, and have a picnic in the air conditioning. It's fun when you can eat without sweating. 

4. Make plans for a winter vacation. Go someplace warm to bring you back to your summer memories. Perhaps hell would work for this? Or you could just try Jamaica.

5. Check on your neighbors. Especially if they are older. Heat is hard on people...make sure they are doing alright during these long stretches.

6. Finish every project you have ever started in your house. When you do this, let me know and I will let you come and finish mine too. I will feed you lunch. 

7. Adopt an animal and then spend lots and lots of time bonding. Cats or dogs are preferred. Bonding with a snake...not so much fun. Remind me to tell you the story about the time we babysat a snake and I thought it might like swimming in the tub. I can tell you that I was wrong.

8. Get some good books and spend a day out of the week reading. I have a stockpile that I have been reading and it's a wonderful form of escapism. Fifty Shades of Grey is still sitting half finished on my Nook. Why they think a baby boom will come from that I will never know. I've never read such horrible writing. Ever. 

9. Talk to yourself and say "when it cools down I will start walking and exercising more". Then call yourself a big, fat, ice cream eating liar because you know you won't. Did you go walking when it was 10 degrees last winter? Ummm, I didn't think so.

10. Do something nice for someone. Smile at them, bring them dinner, take them to a movie, or just write them a note to tell them you appreciate them. See, I'm not all bad. 

Now let me leave you with this...

It's right around the corner so enjoy what you have today or look forward to tomorrow. I'm not sure about you, but I think I'll just live in the moment. Give me 6 months and I'll be complaining about that too.

Enjoy your summer!

-Stacy

Classic style. Can you go wrong?

I don't care what style you sport on a daily basis, everyone needs a classic outfit for wearing to that casual work outing, neighborhood party, or just running errands. Here is mine and it could be yours too...and for cheap! Let me know what you think.

I prefer the French Sailor shirt in red because I think everyone needs some red in their life, but navy blue is equally classic of course. Hop on over to L.L.Bean and get yours for under thirty bucks!

Next head over to J. Crew and pick up the Everyday Chino. Or just head to your local Target because they have great khakis too...

These are my favorite new sandals. I will give you two shoe options because many of you will think these look like kids shoes. I can assure you, though, that they do not look like that when they are on your feet. I love these in gold. Paint your toenails a flashy color and sport these with your casual new outfit. 

Remember these? I bought a pair of Tretrons last summer, threw them in my closet and forgot about them. I used to wear these in high school, my friends. Do I need to mention that I graduated from high school in 1989? I didn't think so. Go buy these. They are comfortable, stylish, and classic.

So there is my preppy, classic outfit for you this summer. I promise that I will be back with some of the things I've done around my house in the next few days too. I know this is actually a home blog, I just haven't been motivating myself to take pictures of my home. I will change that and you will benefit from it. Have you done some new things around your house?

-Stacy

A new little tip for summer.

By now you've all heard of the cult favorite in Asia called BB (blemish balm) cream. Have you tried it yet? Well I have! After lots of research, I can tell you that I am in love. I decided to go with Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream since I wanted fuller coverage. From everything that I had heard about this particular brand I knew I had to have it. It is very dry and you get no shine from using it, it has an SPF of 30, and you need to use very little of it. At $37 it has replaced my moisturizer and my foundation. I'd say the coverage is medium...more than a tinted moisturizer and less than a full foundation. It's wonderful stuff! I use the darkest shade since I've (somehow) developed a great tan in the past few weeks. Be sure to try it on your face for the perfect match. Let me know what you think.

Hope you're having a wonderful summer so far!

-Stacy

I'm back!

Happy Spring, everyone! I've missed you all more than you know! I knew I needed to come back when I started finding more projects around the house to share with you. I also have a bunch of new favorites that I've found that I just had to tell you about. So what's new with all of you? Are you enjoying the smell of the Magnolia trees, in awe at how early Spring has come this year, and getting ready to think about what you are going to plant this summer? I hope so!

I have two favorite nail polish colors for Spring and Summer! 

First is Essie Watermelon. It's the PERFECT melon color for your fingers or toes!

Next is Essie Turquoise and Caicos. I prefer it on my toes when I'm tan, but I may try it on my fingernails.

Aren't these fun?!

When I was at Sephora a couple of weeks ago the sales person asked me if I wanted to try a few samples of perfume. UM, have you met me? I love perfume! I took three samples home and fell in love with one. It's Dior Addict to Life and it smells like a flower garden. I like floral perfumes so if you don't, stay away from this one!

Did you know that Toms now has ballet flats? You can't feel bad about spending almost eighty dollars for shoes when you know that someone who can't afford them is also getting a pair because you bought them!  This is what you tell your husband when he asks you why you have so many pairs of shoes. Don't you want to help those less fortunate, honey? 

I (of course) want these...

You aren't surprised, are you?

Next, if you're looking for a new rug or two, have you seen Flor? You really can't find anything like this in stores. Sign up for a catalog to get special deals like free shipping or 25% off a few times a year. Then start praying that they open one of these showrooms in your state. Some of these are so cute they make me want a bigger house just so I can have more rugs. Did I mention they are squares that you put together and if they get dirty you can wash them in the sink? Yup. How cool is that? 

I love this one because it looks like a camel colored knit sweater.

And this one because it's fun!

Don't think I'm crazy on that one, just go look at the website and see how it looks in a room!

Now hop on over to Anthropologie and look at these! Doesn't it make you feel like changing the knobs on your desk, dresser, or SOMETHING just so you can have these?

They are ten dollars per knob, but well worth it if you just need a few! Owl love.

So what sorts of things are you liking for Spring or Summer? Have you thought about swapping rugs or lamps in your rooms to have a different look for a bit? Maybe paint your front door a fun and cheery color? Or just buy a pot of Pansies and set them out on your front steps to remind you that flower season is on its way! 

I'm so glad to be back. I've missed blogging and I've missed you! 

-Stacy

Today's Etsy!

If you know me you know I love cats, so when I saw these on Etsy, I knew I had to show you. I will be getting one very soon!

I can't resist this one.

But this one is so cute too!

Or maybe this one?

I just don't know how people can be so talented. If I could do something like this, I'd wallpaper my house in them. I can't even draw a stick figure...

-Stacy

Today's Etsy!

For the love of frames!

I love, love, love this frame. I can see it with a picture of someone you love sitting on your nightstand, can't you? At only $14 (YUP!) you can buy two!

The colors are so great together...I would do a whole room around just this frame!

-Stacy

Amazing Architecture!

Okay, I know...it's been almost a month since I posted last and I promised a continuation of my Sunday Drive post. I'm finally back and I've decided to do a post every day this whole week. EVERY SINGLE DAY. You don't believe me? Watch me! In my defense I must tell you that I did break my foot and am wearing a cast. Life has been a bit challenging lately and while that is no excuse, I hope it's reason to at least check back this week and see what I have for you! I've missed you!

Back to the architecture! My husband went to a Lutheran college in Minnesota called St. Olaf. We drove through while we were out last month to look at the Fall color. In theory this was a great idea but the wind had blown most of the leaves off of the trees and I ended up being glad because it made me notice the amazing architecture! What I saw follows.

They even plant beautiful mums all over campus. I guess the hefty price tag pays for a few perks like this.

So while Jason sat in the car with Tinkerbell in tow, I went off to take some pictures.

The buildings are fantastic! 

More colorful mums planted at the other entrance. I loved the combination of colors.

Did Jason have ANY idea how lucky he was that he got to see things like this everyday? I doubt it!

Can I live here?

Look at these fantastic light fixtures! They are huge. I would love a house with these outside.

The detail on these buildings is incredible. They don't build things like this anymore.

The entrance is grand and the fixtures on each side are, again, gorgeous!

This one is my favorite. Do you see this design in everything these days? From iPhone covers to wall stencils. All those years ago they were really onto something.

Beautiful!

So we drove around the neighborhood a bit and I took a few pictures of some of the homes and shops.

I love this one! The colors they chose are wonderful!

And who doesn't like the classic white with black shutters and red door? 

The town is quite charming and I wish we'd had more time to shop. 

This garden store was so cute. They were all decorated for Fall and I would love to drive down and see what they do for Christmas. 

After all of that, we took our dog, our apples, and ourselves and went back to the city.

See you tomorrow with something new!

Thanks for hanging in there with us; we didn't forget about you!

-Stacy

A Sunday Drive.

If you live in Minnesota, you know that Fall is a very big deal. With the leaves changing, the apple orchards in busy mode, and preparation for Winter, Minnesotans tend to make the most of this beautiful season. Especially since we all know that when Fall is over comes...SNOW! So in true Fall mode Jason and I woke up a couple of Sundays ago and decided to go on a drive. Yes, we're ninety. We enjoy these sorts of things and it was a good alternative to doing housework! 

So where should we go? We decided to head to Jason's Alma Mater, St. Olaf College in Northfield. It's a short 40 minutes from the cities, they have a great apple orchard just off the highway, and the St. Olaf campus is beautiful. So off we went...first stopping at "our" coffee shop that we love for some coffee and sandwiches and then we headed out with Tinkerbell in the back seat!

Here's our girl! She's in love with Jason so she's smiling because she gets to go with.

If you're ever in Northfield, I hope you will consider stopping in at Fireside Orchard. It's exactly the way an orchard should be...very small town-like and simple. That said, this place offers EVERYTHING! 

Want pumpkins? They've got em! We got two huge pumpkins for twelve bucks! I almost had a heart attack when I saw how cheap they were! These were some beautiful pumpkins.

The hugest pumpkin in this group was only seven dollars. Um, HELLO! We're not in the city anymore!

Since we had made a bunch of our own jam, we skipped buying any. However, I couldn't resist pumpkin and apple butter. 

They had cheese too! We didn't get any because we didn't have a cooler with us, but I wish we had.

Of course there were apples!

All varieties perfectly sorted! We bought Honeycrisps and Haralsons. YUM!

And look at this great little seating area they had for you to sit and enjoy an apple, some cider, mini donuts or fudge. Loved this.

Then there was the orchard. Next year we will leave Tinkerbell home so we can walk through and pick our own apples. We've already decided that this will be our Sunday drive many, many more times in the future.

What have you done to welcome Fall into your life? Did you go to an orchard and buy two pumpkins, two 5 pound bags of apples, a dozen mini donuts, a gallon and a half of apple cider, apple butter, and pumpkin butter like we did?

I will post part two of our Sunday drive in the next few days so watch for it! Oh, and thanks for hanging in there for our month long break! It's been a crazy month and we appreciate you stopping by to see what we've got going on. We don't want to lose you so we'll get moving on the posts STAT!

Have a fabulous Fall!

-Stacy