Let the pinning commence!

Ok my friends... I've finally organized and uploaded all of my home inspiration photos on pinterest!  YAY!!!  Every day that we get closer and closer to our new home, makes us more and more excited.  I  can't wait to get in there and start working on it.  We're really hoping for a breezy, open, and serene feeling in the house, and these inspiration photos I've been collecting totally nail the look.  I think they're the perfect combination of modern and comfortable.  Clean and fresh, but not too fussy, and just the right amount of quirk.  You know, I'm all about the quirk.  If you have a minute, pop on over to my pinterest page and take a look at the Home Decor board.  I'd love to know what you think.  ♥

P.S. Here's a sneak peek of the board: 

Farmer's Market fun...

Will you be at Farmer's Market tonight?  I love all the gorgeous Summer crops.  I love the crazy long lines and mega-crowds a lot less.  But the people-watching never disappoints.  

hot dog!

This may not be the fashionable thing to say, but...  I love a good hot dog.

I don't actually eat meat very often, but once every couple of months I have a ridiculous hot dog craving, and so... once every couple of months- we'll have a ridiculous hot dog dinner.  It's easy for a hot dog dinner to be sufficiently gross- so I've learned to follow a few basic rules before presenting this ballpark favorite to my family...

1. Most importantly, buy really great hot dogs.  

If you had to pick just one thing to be insanely picky about in life- it should be this.

2. Make them special.  

As in, fancy little baguettes instead of buns, a variety of mustards, pretty plates and fabric napkins, etc.

3. Serve them with something really fresh.  

I like a simple arugula salad with most every meal, but a nice tabouli, or quinoa salad would be great too.

And I ask you... What says "SUMMER" better than a tasty hot dog on the back porch at the end of the day?   :)

What's on your nightstand?

I'm a bit of a nightstand fanatic. Can you tell?

I love having my favorite goodies, current books, lotions, potions, and yummy-smelling stuffs 

close at hand when I go to bed- and when I wake up in the morning.  I neeeed a plant next to me.  Constantly.  I secretly harbor grand plans for an austere, minimalist room with nothing but my lamp and a glass of water on the nightstand.  But, what will I read?  And what about when my feet/lips/hands/face feel dry/chapped/uncomfy?  What about those 2am thoughts that simply must be written down, immediately?! 

This nightstand-glimpse says everything about me.   That I'm obsessed with my own comfort, that I can't camp to save my life, that I pack way too much, that a lifetime of allergies dictates an ever-present hanky... and the books!  They'll tell you the real truth about me...  

I'm a sassy-mouthed wordy, a reluctant Francophile, a mama... and I'm still learning.  

 Here's a peek at the current situation:

Clockwise:

Eau de Parfum, "Brigitte" by Tocca -
Everything by Tocca feels so over-the-top glamorous. Even in jammies.

Candle, Votivo "Rush of Rose" no. 55a - So pretty and fresh. The smell reminds me of my grandma.

Mustela Baby Lotion - I've used this for 12 years... Light, refreshing, and it smells like my 3 babies!

Butter London 3-Free Nail Laquer - This polish is beautiful, durable, and free of the nasty stuff.  :)

Fresh Sugar, tinted lip balm in "Passion" - Smells amazing. Feels even better! The best.

Micron Pen by Sakura - Archinerd essential.  Kinda can't live without my 005.

Notepad by Rifle Paper Co./Artist, Anna Bond - Tricks me into thinking my to-do list is a pleasure!

Hair tie - Remember these?  I love them.  They look like gumballs!

Pin Cushion - My mom always had these around the house when I was little, and I'd pull their ponytails.

Matches - Sacred Heart by HomArt

Hand-me-down phone, courtesy of my friends at MNKR.  It's time for a new one.  :)

Plant. - Necessary.

Hanky. -  Never, ever more than a few feet away from one.  Dozens. Fijian souvenirs. Allergy gear.

Rosebud Salve - Sooo good on dry spots. Addicted to it.

Chloe - It gives me sweet dreams.

Glasses, Betsey Johnson

Books:

-Lollygag: Quirky Words for a Clever Tongue, Chronicle Books
-Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman