The Lovely Life Daily

February Book Club

2011-02-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

The astonishing new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about a family torn apart by an accusation of murder.They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's so verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world, and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else, but truly doesn't know how.
Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject--in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's--not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect--can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
Emotionally powerful from beginning to end, House Rules looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way--and fails those who don't.

Favorite Things Round-up

2011-02-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a round of of some things that I am loving right now! Happy Valentine's Day!

{1}   Smock Everyday Notebooks
{2}   Small iPod Speakers from Merkury Innovations
{3}   Jax Glasses from Crate & Barrel
{4}   Rhino Box from Jonathan Adler
{5}   The Caves Resort in Jamaica
{6}   Everything on Sweet and Saucy Supply
{7}   Boatman Geller Correspondence Cards
{8}   DIY Photo Magnets and Tacks - Martha Stewart
{9}   DIY Silhouette Escort Cards - 100 Layer Cake
{10} CouponCabin.com - Coupons for everything!
{11} Valentine's Favor Tags by greenapplepaperie on etsy
{12} Jonathan Adler Water Bottle - See Jane Work
{13} Giraffe Lamp from Jonathan Adler
{14} Calendars from Wiley Valentine

Favorite Valentine's Day Posts

2011-02-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Whether you are having a party, making Valentines for friends or children's friends, or just love to look at all the pretty things that come with Valentine's Day, there are so many great resources on the internet. Here are a few of my favorite Valentine blog posts from around the web!

1. Vintage Flower Valentines Day Sweets Table from Hostess with the Mostess
2. Pintrest Pin by Tidymom
3. DIY Cookies by Anders Ruff
4. Valentine's Macaroons by Sweet & Saucy
5. Printable Valentine's Cards by How about Orange
6. Heart Charm Wish Necklace by Ash & Anchor
7. Valentine's Card Round-Up by Oh So Beautiful Paper
8. Romantic Vintage Valentine's Tablescape by The White Library
9. Printable Valentine Round-up by The Long Thread

Cutest baby I know

2011-02-03T03:32:00.001-08:00

I just love my nephew!

posted from Bloggeroid

Valentine's Fruit Stickers

2011-02-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

I came across these adorable stickers on Twig & Thistle and wanted to share! Visit the post here for a link to the FREE pdf download and instructions! These could be used in lieu of Valentines, or just to make that special someone smile. Enjoy!

Pictures are all from Twig & Thistle

Super Bowl Party Menu

2011-01-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

Are you hosting a Super Bowl Party and need some menu ideas? Look no further. Here is a collection of great recipes that will be perfect for game day.

Appetizers:

Blue Cheese Bacon Dip
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Baked Mini Corn Dogs
Soft Pretzels
Kobe Sliders
Five Spice Chicken Wings
Seven Layer Dip
Guacamole

The Main Event:

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Beef and Dark Beer Chili
Mac and Cheese with Bacon & Blue Cheese
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken-and-Cheese Enchiladas
Turkey Sausage (substitute spicy italian turkey sausage for a little kick!)
Chicken Fajitas

Desserts:

Football Whoopie Pies
Cheesecake-Marbled Brownies
S'mores Cheesecake Bars
Potato Chip- Chocolate Toffee
Mini Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Chocolate Quesadillas

Drinks:

Beer Margaritas
Dark and Stormy
Sans Souci Punch

Recipes compliments of Make Merry Events, Food Network, Epicurious, Everyday with Rachael Ray

Onesie Project

2011-01-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

My cousin is expecting her first baby in the next few weeks. Instead of getting something off their registry, I decided I wanted to do something different for them and their baby boy to be. I had seen some shower ideas where everyone makes a onesie for the baby, whether it's with fabric markers, or glue and fabric. I made them a set of three onesies with different animal shapes in fun fabrics. Since they are having a little boy, I stuck with reds, blues, greens and yellows for the fabric colors. Below are the steps to do this yourself and some pictures!

The Steps:
1. Go to your local fabric store and pick out some fabrics that you like. Remember that the shapes may not capture a large pattern, so look for small patterns that will still look great in small pieces. The fabrics that I used are quilting squares from Jo-Ann Fabrics. They were ideal for just getting a small amount of fabric in a bunch of different patterns.
2. Purchase Heat n' Bond paper which will attach the fabric to the onesie. I used ultra hold, but if you want to sew a boarder around the edges of your shapes, you need to get the "light" version of this paper.
3. Pick out some shapes and draw them on a piece of paper. Cut that shape out so that you can use it at an outline.
4. Iron a piece of the fabric (large enough for the shape that you have selected) onto the Heat n' Bond paper. Follow the directions on the package to make sure you are using the right side first.
5. Trace the outline of your shape onto the back of the Heat n' Bond, then trim the Heat n' Bond and fabric into your shape.
6. Remove the back of the Heat n' Bond paper and place your shape on the onesie.
7. Follow the instructions on the package to iron the shape onto the onesie with the correct amount of time of ironing.

These should be washable, however I have not personally tested that.

These make an adorable personalized gift for a baby on the way!

Crazy About Stripes

2011-01-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

I can across this bedspread on West Elm which peaked my interest in adding some stripes into my life.

Here are some of my favorite decor ideas that I came across.

Striped Duvet from DwellStudio, Blue Bedroom from House to Home, Green Bedroom from House to Home, Striped Candled Vases from Martha Stewart, Garden nook, Black, White & Green Patio, and Twin bedroom, sources unknown, Striped Cement outdoor patio from HGTV, Striped dishes from Jonathan Adler, Red and White Entry from Elle Decor.

V-Day is coming!

2011-01-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

So I know that Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that people may love or hate, but my Mom's birthday is on Valentine's Day, so it has always been her favorite holiday and thus has become a favorite of mine. Here are some fun valentine's cards, gifts and links that I have come across!

All of the above can be found at www.fredflare.com

Check out some great DIY's on Pizzazzerie. From printable hearts to candy wrappers and treat bags, this is a great post!

The Art of Snail Mail

2011-01-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

So I realize that most people have moved on from snail mail to email and social media, however I am still in love with handwritten notes. Who doesn't love to get things in the mail? I know my Grandma appreciates the letters that I send her on a regular basis. Whether it is a thank you note (something that I obsess over), birthday card, sympathy note, or just a note to say hello, I think that snail mail is a lost art form.... especially when there is so much beautiful paper out there. Here is a round up with some of my recent favorites.

{1} Seine monogram letterpress stationary from Smock. {2} Blakesly stationary from Wiley Valentine {3} Social Stationary collection from Wiley Valentine {4} Snail Mail Correspondence Cards by Kate Spade {5} Engraved Classic Yellow Correspondence Cards by Kate Spade {6} Letterpress Thank You Cards by Vermillionstarpress on Etsy {7} Bicycle Cards by Boatman Geller {8} Bohemian Custom Stationery by Edencreativestudio on Etsy {9} Gocco Printed Bicycle Notecards by ChunkyPinapple on Etsy {10} Festive Lanterns by Pinkerton Design for Tiny Prints {11} Greetings From Personalized Stationary by Ann Gardner for Minted {12} Spring Blossom by J Press Designs for Minted

Beautiful Juliska

2011-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Juliska makes some of the most beautiful glassware that I have seen! Perfect for wedding gifts, birthday, or even just to spoil yourself. Here are a few of my favorites from their website.

January Book Club

2011-01-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am already looking forward to January Book Club. The book we are reading is Finny by a local Baltimore author, Justin Kramon. Happy reading!

We meet Finny Short as an observant, defiant fourteen-year-old who can't make sense of her family's unusual habits. Her mother offers guidance appropriate for a forty-year-old socialite; her father quotes Nietzsche over pancakes. Finny figures she's stuck with this lonely lot until she meets Earl Henckel, a boy who comes from an even stranger place than she does.

Unhappy with Finny's budding romance with Earl, her parents ship her off to Thorndon boarding school. But mischief follows Finny as she befriends New York heiress Judith Turngate, a girl whose charm belies a disquieting reckless streak.

Finny's relationships with Judith and Earl open her up to dizzying possibilities of love and loss, and propel her into a remarkable adventure spanning twenty years and two continents.

Kramon has given us a wickedly funny odyssey, with a moving and original love story at its core. Finnyintroduces us to an unforgettable heroine, a charmingly intricate world, and an uncommonly gifted young novelist.

2011 {Printable} Calendars - Part 1

2010-12-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

I have found about a thousand calendars on Etsy that I love! I want to get one for my desk at home, but I have no idea how I am possibly going to decide which one to get. Here are a few of my favorites, more to come! Keep in mind that some of these are printable pdf files**, so you can buy it once and print it as many times as you want. These may make a great Christmas gift or birthday gift for friends, co-workers (or just for yourself)!

1. This Modern Design Calendar by Pinkroses1220 on Etsy is so fun. It comes in 8.5"x11" format and is sent to you as a pdf file. {$10} **Printable File!

2. This Pink Lily Press Simplicity Desk Calendar by Pinklillypress on Etsy is adorable. I love how clean it is and the graphics are great! {$15}

3. This is a great Printable** Calendar by Empapers on Etsy. Buy it once and print it as many times as you want! {$10}

Holiday Pillows on Etsy

2010-12-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

Some great holiday pillows from RamonaOwenDesigns on Etsy! (All for $24 or less!)

Holiday Inspiration - Dessert Tables

2010-12-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

If you are throwing a holiday party, here is a little inspiration in the form of Dessert Table Decor. Enjoy!

1. This "Pink Nutcracker Suite" buffet is compliments of Kate Landers Events is beautiful for a little girls birthday around the holidays.

2. This beautiful Winter Wonderland Dessert Table by Canvas & Canopy Events would be perfect for a rustic winter wedding or your holiday party.

3. I love this fesitive holiday dessert table that Amy Atlas created for O Magazine's holiday party.

4. This is an great table set up for a holiday party, and better yet, you can get all of the printables right here on Andersruff's store on Etsy.

Love this Baby

2010-12-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

The Mayas

2010-12-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pics from an impromptu Christmas Card shoot with the Mayas. What a beautiful family!!

Gift Guide - The Men in Your Life

2010-12-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is another gift guide. This one if for the men in your life. 15 days until Christmas! Happy Shopping!

1. North Face Slippers {$40} 2. Fire Sense Hotspot Notebook Portable Grill {$45} 3. Philips 9" Widescreen Portable DVD Player with Dual Screens {$179.99} 4. Hand Paper Shredder {$23.99} 5. Bone Collection Amplifier for iPhone, Horn Stand {$24.95} 6. Mustache Beer Glasses {$15 each}

Stay tuned

2010-12-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

I have a busy week this week of end of semester papers and a new job starting today, but I am working on some posts including 2011 calenders, more gift guides and some great stationary, so stay tuned!

Holiday Gift Guide - Sister & Friends

2010-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Since the holidays are upon us, I have been doing a lot of online shopping to try and find gifts for everyone on my list. Hopefully these ideas will save you some time!

1. Dainty Red Wine Glasses from Olive & Cocoa {$78 for 6} 2. Vintage Bumblebee Locket from Verabel on Etsy {$39} 3. Missy Camera Bag from Jo Totes {$94} 4. Cowl Scarf from iveta67 on Etsy {$40} 5. Bare Escentuals Gift Set from Sephora {$85} 6. Goldfish Wrap from Banana Republic {$49.50} 7. Take Me Everywhere Wallet from Anthropologie {$48} 8. Playing Favorites Necklace from Anthropologie {$48}

Coastal Living Room

2010-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

I love the cool colors of this living room. It still feels like a beach home but there is a touch of the holidays too!

Picture from myhomeideas.com

Crate and Barrel Giveaway on the Half Baked

2010-11-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

Half Baked - The Cake Blog is doing a $100 Crate and Barrel Giveaway. What a great idea! Visit their blog for a chance to win!

Trimming the Tree

2010-11-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

Here is some inspiration for decorating your Christmas tree this year. I love the idea of doing a theme for the tree. Hopefully we will get one at our house soon!

Pictures from Martha Stewart.

DIY Wreath Project

2010-11-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

My friend Jaime just made a beautiful wreath for the holidays and shared her project pictures with me. The wreath turned out so great and she got all of the materials on sale at Michaels! She used gold potpourri to add some sparkle to the standard wreath. I think it looks great!

Candy Cane Swirl Drink Recipe

2010-11-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

In honor of the holiday season that is now in full swing, here is a yummy looking drink for all of you holiday hosts!

Ingredients

1 oz.SKYY® Infusions Raspberry
3 oz. RedCranberry juice
0.5 oz.Grenadine
0.5 oz.Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda

Directions

Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.