My Favorite Things

a little link love for the weekend.

2012-03-02T12:13:00.001-08:00

image credit | Tom Hussey

Happy Friday friends! I'm ready for a relaxing weekend. How about you? Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from this last week that made my favorites.

Reflections.
A top-notch st. patrick's day goody.
Gold leaf a picture frame whydontcha?
Stripey party pencils.
French vs. American parenting.

helpful hint | beach bag.

2012-03-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

I was over at my sister's house today to escape the hum-drum at home. While the boys and the babe were tearing up the playroom, my sister and I started discussing the best beach bag.

I have a big canvas tote from PBK. It is a few years old and has served me diligently but I have always thought I could do better. Since the canvas is quite a sturdy heavy duty type, it doesn't bend, doesn't go with the flow so to speak.

And then I realized, duh, baggu! I have been a long time fan of the baggu bags. Sturdy yet flexible, easy to clean and when folded, takes up no space. I use the big baggu when traveling, as a laundry bag. And now I believe I'll use one as my beach tote too. Problem solved.

P.S. want to know what all I fit?
- three hooded PBK beach towels
- one sun hat
- two squirters
- one small baggu bag that holds arm floaties and small water guns
- two swim vests
- one make up tote with multiple sunscreens, swim diapers and chapstick

And there you have it.

the perfect outing that ended terribly.

2012-03-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

The mister is working this weekend and so I declared a mid-week family night outing. We hit up Double Dip and stuffed ourselves with hotdogs and custard. The weather was pretty near perfect and everyone was in a delightful mood. The boys skipped around on the painted hopscotch as we each took turns corralling Nicholas away from the parking lot. All was going well until the van door promptly and securely closed on my Benny's little hand. It was terribly horrific. Luckily it seems that no bones are broken. Tears were dried and an impromptu sleepover in mom & pop's room occurred. Whew, let's not repeat that again.

motherhood | i don't know it all.

2012-02-29T05:30:00.000-08:00

photo take last easter. 2011.

I won't lie, this week has been exhausting, which is quite depressing since we are only on Wednesday and the mister will be working this weekend. When deep breaths are not enough, I reach for a second diet dr pepper. The caffeine has little to do with it. It's the bubbles. Oh the satisfying burn. But this post has absolutely nothing to do with my drink choices...

Motherhood is constantly shaping me into a new me, a better person. Flowing, evolving, growing. My children consistently provide me with ample opportunities to learn & explore the human soul. What makes my boys tick? How do they cope with stress? Why does one like to cuddle but not give kisses? Uncovering the answers is the part that makes my heart ache at times. I don't know it all. I am still growing into motherhood, rearranging my thoughts, sifting through each day, hoping against all hopes that I am doing this right.

My Benny is struggling lately. Middle child syndrome? I know not, but I do know that when one of my boys struggle, I struggle right along with them. Their sadness runs deep into my core and has me longing to kiss the hurt away.

...He is fighting with his older brother, his temper flares and he becomes so angry. He is much too rough with little N...

He knows. He knows how to make good choices. To be kind. I know he knows. But how do I figure out what is causing him so much angst? Am I not spending enough quality time with him? Does he feel left out? Alone? Not enough sleep?

The struggles seem to cycle in phases. Just at the moment I feel on top of the world, the mood shifts and everything topples.

But at the end of each day, as I snuggle up to him, his breaths become deep and in that twinkling, all feels right once again.

loving | from my sponsors.

2012-02-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

MFT has some of the best sponsors. Truly. They are companies that I love and adore. If you are like me, I read a lot of blogs on my phone or through google reader. And I'd hate for you to miss out, so I'd like to hi-lite a few things I am loving right now.

I am in love love love with my painted antler from MadeByCassandra. Ya'll it is down right awesome.

P.S. and now she has a painted hatchet. I kid you not. Awesome!

image credit | Auburn Soul

Even though Stephanie (of Auburn Soul) is a dear friend, I am continually amazed by her work. She captures a moment in time that will remain forever. The gallery wall in my kitchen boasts three different photographs she has taken of my family. Each one stirs emotions in my soul that have been buried over time but are awoken once again when I gaze at them.

And it goes without saying that Whisker Graphics offers the BEST TWINE EVAH! Divine Twine is truly divine and you can use it for so much. Even if you are not super crafty, you need twine. Everyone does. It is as simple as that.

interested in sponsorship? email me for deets! info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com Lots of fun to be had :)

binth candle.

2012-02-28T07:54:00.003-08:00

Binth is a favorite here at MFT and I was pleasantly surprised for find that they now offer candles. They take their signature design and combine it with a one of a kind scent for the perfect duo. I have yet to try one out but I am sure they would make the perfect gift.

Binth is a MFT sponsor. Interested in sponsorship? Email me for details. We have lots of fun over here! info AT afewofmyfavorite DOT com

currently crushing | colored skinnies.

2012-02-27T07:55:00.001-08:00

I've already professed my undying love and adoration for denim. Like I said before, I'm a diehard fan of denim. So I would like to officially declare my love for colored skinnies! Really, they are pretty perfect. I challenge you to tell me otherwise.

1. joe's jeans : the highrise skinny in baltic
2. GAP : 1969 lightweight always skinny skimmer jeans in lilac
3. madewell : skinny skinny ankle colorpop jeans in wild poppy
4. madewell : skinny skinny colorpop jeans in electric citron
5. GAP : 1969 lightweight always skinny skimmer jeans in fuschia

friday favorites by : Debbie.

2012-02-24T05:30:00.001-08:00

image credit | Becky Lai | via flickr

a few of Debbie's favorite things

feeling the sun on my skin

snuggling in bed with my family

warm salt/seaweed baths

long walks in nature

napping outside in my hammock

relaxing massages

reading inspiring books

how I feel after a good yoga, belly dancing, or S factor workout

raw chocolate

my 14 month old son using the potty

Thanks Debbie and happy happy friday friends!

Want to be a friday favorite feature? Find out how right here.

what kind of denim to you do?

2012-02-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

I am a jeans girl through and through.

colored. dark. light. wide leg. trouser. skinny. boot.

I don't discriminate and I welcome all --- as long as my butt looks good. That is my one requirement. I feel at home in a good pair of jeans, so much so that I rarely wear much else. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe that's a bad thing. Skirts. Dresses. Leggings. They are all find and dandy but they just aren't jeans.

What kind of denim do you do? Or are you a skirt girl? Because if you are, that's okay too.

my boys. all in a row.

2012-02-23T09:15:00.003-08:00

I've been clicking through pictures of old, organizing & reminiscing. Time is swiftly flowing by. My babies are growing as I struggle to take it all in. I don't want to miss one single second of it all. Not one.

Here they are, one-two-three. All around the same age. They have each taken a piece of my heart and for that, I will never be the same.

sunny days mean denim shorts.

2012-02-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

The weather has been magnificent today. Really, so so lovely. And that means I need to slowly start aquiring spring/summer clothes for my oldest. The other two hooligans get hand-me-downs for the most part.

My oldest is a skinny little guy and most knit shorts slip right off his non-existent hips. I ordered a couple of pairs of these mini Boden denim shorts. Can't wait to see how they work out.

i've got my nose in this book | education series.

2012-02-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading this book, the unschooling handbook, and I must say, it has changed my views on unschooling. I am not 100% sure that I could do it but I like what I am reading. I love learning new things and watching my views on different topics take shape.

on a monday.

2012-02-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

on a monday we...

- went grocery shopping
- had to slow down for a cow to cross the road
- said hi to his cow friends
- made a green smoothie
- made the yummiest cantaloupe & strawberry juice
- painted a few doilies, just for fun
- did a bit of cleaning
- folded laundry and then folded some more

Our Mondays are typically busy. We wake up and go, go, go. So today, on a Tuesday, I'm calling in a pajama day and a nap for mama while the older boys are both away at school.

currently crushing | kitchen edition.

2012-02-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

1. awesome kale chips recipe
2. my new breville juicer
3. green smoothie recipe from Caroline Armelle
4. wood & class canisters
5. wood & glass salad bowl
6. honey pot

favorite pretties for the lips.

2012-02-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

I found it! I discovered the pink lip color I posted about just the other day thanks to a comment mentioning I should check pinterest. Want to know what it is? Stormy Pink by Revlon. It really does look like the sharpie color. It is a bit hard to tell in the picture above. But trust me. It is worth the six dollars. Get thee to the drug store and buy it! The mister even commented how much he liked it and he is not always a fan of the bold lip.

Since one of my goals this year is to wear more lip color, I thought I would let you in on my all time favorites. From the bold lips to the subtle glosses. All here, in one spot. How does that sound?

pink gloss : mac tendertone lip balm in sweet tooth (color is no longer available but the one I linked looks like fun.)
red gloss : fresh sugar lip gloss in sugar shag
sheer berry gloss : bobbi brown black chocolate
soft pink : bobbi brown retro pink
pink/magenta : mac love forever
sharpie pink : revlon stormy pink
coral pink : bobbi brown papaya
red : mac dubonnet
orange/red : nars heatwave
chapstick : carmex (i have these scattered about the house because i am addicted to chapstick.)
lip balm : minted rose (love all three mentioned!)

And I am dying to get my hands on dior addict lip polish in fresh expert. It is recommended by Sarah and she knows her beauty stuff.

Okay, so tell me, what are YOUR favorites that I simply must try?

jbella.

2012-02-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

image taken from jbella.net

Texas can't decide if it should be hot, cold or somewhere in between. But right now a blazer would be perfect and jbella has one on sale that is calling my name. I just need to figure out how to make it magically appear in my closet!

jbella is an MFT sponsor. interested in sponsorship? email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

pretty in pink.

2012-02-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

See this sharpie? My little sister and I want that color in lipstick form. I have Love Forever by Mac that is similar but has a bit more magenta in it. Anyone know of a lip color in this shade of pink?

image credit
i love maki's things
sharpie.com

ombre lips + happy love day.

2012-02-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

A little ombre lip action and a happy love day to you from me!

sibu beauty.

2012-02-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

image taken from sibubeauty.com

I've never been one to have flawless skin. Trust me, pictures can be deceiving. I am a stickler on washing my face morning and night. Always. Because if I don't, I suffer.

For the past few weeks I have been using a new product by Sibu Beauty. It is their sea buckthorn balancing facial cleanser. It contains the sea buckthorn berry which is apparently loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a range of omega fatty acids.

A couple of key factors I consider when using different beauty products is the scent, ingredients, and price. This particular facial cleanser has a clean, light citrus scent which passes my test. It also contains mirco-particles that gently exfoliate as you wash. It does not foam, which I don't mind. My typical facial cleanser I use doesn't foam either. Foaming action doesn't necessarily mean your skin is cleaner. I also really like the fact that it is paraben-FREE and sulfate-FREE. The more natural, the better.

Overall, I really like the buckthorn balancing facial cleanser. It cleans, it exfoliates and it smells nice. My skin feels refreshed, not tight or dry. It might just end up taking the place of my normal cleanser and that's saying something.

I was sent a bottle of the facial cleanser to try out. My thoughts. My words. My opinions. I only post what I love. Interested in a product review? Email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

growing,growing, gone!

2012-02-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

The weekend was pretty much perfect except for the fact that we still have some sniffles around these parts. The passing of the germs keeps on going, lucky us.

But I did have the pleasure of gallivanting about town with my numero uno. He is a delight to run errands with. And it goes without saying that this here boy is growing much too fast. One day I will turn and look and see a man. It is a beautiful and bittersweet process, watching your children grow. Beautiful and bittersweet.

currentyly crushing | valentine book edition.

2012-02-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

10 valentine friends
HUG
i love you through and through
mr. prickles
the kiss that missed

teacher valentine and happy friday!

2012-02-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took advantage of having the older boys home and set them to work on creating a valentine for their teachers. I wanted it to be simple and relatively inexpensive but still fun!

I decided on tiny little metal mailboxes and valentine word magnets from the dollar section at target. The boys enjoyed placing the magnets all over and in any which way they fancied. We filled it up with their teacher's favorite candy bars.

Next I used japanese masking tape to create a heart shape design and gave the boys pink thick tempura paint to fill the inside with. After it was dry, I removed the tape and painted a bit of pink watercolor for the background. The boys scribbled a little note and we placed both things in a brown kraft heart bag (again from the dollar section).

Done and done!

P.S. happiest of friday friends. i am dreaming about sleeping in tomorrow. that's about as exciting as the weekend gets for me. which is pretty much perfect.

today on a thursday.

2012-02-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today I had all three boys home. Sniffles all around. We stayed in our jammies all day and enjoyed being lazy.

Today ---

I took a nap.
Baked bread.
The boys created a valentine for their teacher.
We painted.
I wiped Nicholas' nose a million times.
We watched cartoons.
Finished book 20 in the Jack & Annie series.
Cuddled by the fire.
Played simon says...

Today was a good day.
How was your Thursday?

salty + sweet.

2012-02-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

I am quite confident that I could never entirely give up sweets. I've never even tried. I would fail in an epic way. Everything in moderation, yes? So it goes without saying that I have a small love affair with Sprinkles. I am a cupcake snob. I know what I like. A slightly dense cupcake. Moist. Buttercream frosting. I have tried many others and so far, nothing compares to Sprinkles. My favorite is the salty caramel!

motherhood | i need a minute.

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I need a minute. Mama just needs a minute.
I found myself sputtering those words to my five year old yesterday. On the stairs. In a fit of tiredness. My body wanted to shut down, curl up in bed and let go of everything.

The exhaustion.
The worries.
The endless needs of three boys.
The expectations.
The comparisons.
The dirty floor.
And the extremely full kitchen sink.

My body wanted to quite but my heart said keep going.

Keep loving.
Keep nurturing.
Keep giggling.
Keep playing.
Keep reading.
Keep dancing.
Keep cuddling.

Just keep going.

And somehow, during those few seconds, my heart won. It told this ole body of mine that it could. It would. The boys needed their mama and somehow that mama survived another day.