Friday Happies!

It's over y'all. You've made it to another weekend! Got any plans for Father's Day? I have to work all weekend, but I'll be calling my Papa in Nashville (can't say his gift on here because my folks are my most devoted readers- you cutie patooties) and spending time with my B after I get off work on Sunday (I'm lucky enough to have two men in my life to honor- though with wildly differing tastes). So, in honor of those great men in our lives, I've put a few fun gift ideas, some inspirations and some regular ole Friday Happy regulars to get you stoked for your weekend! I hope you enjoy!

*I <3 Dad chocolates! Because he's sweet and deserves a treat!

*This homemade shirt for Father's Day too, because Awww!

*James Taylor releases his first new album in over 13 years! It's great and what a good gift for a Papa in your life (or really anyone, because its so good!).

*How about keeping his favorite radio station pumping out the great music he loves? Donate here!

*A modern classic for him to enjoy. 

*A classic classic for him to enjoy.

*Why not make him a watermelon grill? He may just laugh himself silly! I almost did.

*A great cookbook for him too (as he loves to experiment in the kitchen)! I'm partial to the John Besh one myself.

*Awesome site of dads and kids! Like Iron Man & Iron Son above. Sooooo good!

Now on to the rest of the list!

*I want to try Graze.com's snack line!

*This is a great article not only on the tiny house movement, but on the "New Old" house movement (of which I am super into!).

*The cast of Gilmore Girls reflect back on one of the best episodes of the series, the dance marathon episode (*geek out*).

*Meet Lenore. She is 99 years old, and very interesting and self-sufficient.

*Have y'all heard of a She-Shed? Let's all go have these now, please!

*Well, here's one way to make lemonade. Due to her dog's rampant stealing of food, this photographer created an adorable series of...her dog stealing beautifully photographed food.

*I saw Jurassic World this week. I loved the action, could not ignore the sexism (really Hollywood?) and delighted in the references and Easter eggs hidden throughout. Oh, and I LOVED Jimmy Buffet's cameo! Loved it!!

*Then zookeepers around the globe began making memes teasing at the the image of Owen and the Velociraptors from that very film. It's called Prattkeeping. Silly and fun!

*I am super intrigued by this group of boys (The Wolfpack) and this documentary about their entire young lives spent locked in a tiny apartment together in NYC. Fascinating and resilient young men.

*Why is this photograph of Professor Sydney Engleberg holding a student's infant child during his lecture sparking conversations on parenting? Check it out for yourself, it's pretty great!

*The Elf Whisperer of Iceland?! Yes please!

*There is a facility/day school in Seattle that is for the very young and elderly to be together. It is awesome and makes me very happy to know it exists.

*This restaurant decided to restructure their financial system by barring tips April 1st. What happened? Their profits tripled, y'all! Their employees and customers all report better experiences all the way around. Check out their cool story!

I hope you have a truly wonderful weekend, y'all! Don't forget the first day of Summer is this weekend!

 Keep the love and positivity flowing. Pour your gratitude out every day and make sure you always tell those special people in your life that you love and appreciate them. 'Specially those daddies! Ciao!

Friday Happies!

Throwback. Savannah, 2008. I simply cannot believe that was seven years ago. Seriously!

Hello friends! How was your week? Mine went by in an utter blur! This weekend is the BIG yard sale. I am so excited to get rid of all the stuff I've gone through during my KonMari adventure. I have a sneaking feeling I will be getting rid of much more afterward. Anyway, here's this week's list of happies, funs, interestings and what-nots to get you stoked for your weekend adventures!

*An anonymous man donated his wife's wedding dress after she passed. He pinned the sweetest note to it and now it's gained worldwide attention.

*Fascinating. A woman vowed to wear the same outfit every day for the month of May as an experiment with "Decision Fatigue". Here is what she had to say!

*Where you lead... GILMORE GIRLS REUNION!

*This mom owned the dance floor at her son's wedding.

*I (and everyone else on the planet) love this little girl's sassy dance recital! Work it girl!

*Heh. Harry Potter and grownups.

*These guys described what they'd like to see their girlfriend's makeup look like to a makeup artist. The results were...mixed.

*I have been drawn to these simple linen aprons lately.

*I tried this scarf trick yesterday at work and we are all obsessed now.

*I'm going to make these for the hubs for his morning nosh this week.

*Coffee ground soap...I'm super intrigued.

*Every time I find this on the interwebs, I get so dang tickled my eyes water. Mischief managed!

*You know I love these "100 years of" videos! The '05 outfit was straight up Lorelai Gilmore!

*The kitchen registry items we still use today (and the ones we wished we had and hadn't registered for).

*"I tried living like every Instagram fashion girl".

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Friday Happies!

Pineapples.

Hey y'all! What do you have planned for the weekend? I have a family reunion here and I'm going to take off a few days for myself to recover from the insanity of the past month as well. Yay! I most likely will be going to see this one afternoon to snort laugh by myself. Anyway, here's this week's list of funs, happies, pretties, interestings and what-nots to get you geared up for your weekend whatever you may have going on!

*Have you had fish grilled in pineapple bark? What the what?! It sounds amazing!

*Some guy took a picture of a woman nursing her infant at a restaurant (a total stranger mind you) and posted it to his Facebook, shaming her for feeding her kid in public. She wrote back.

*I love this summer time gift wrap! So cheeky!

*Now that is how I'd wear a one-piece swimsuit (add high wedge heels and dramatic hat and shades).

*I have to bring something to the family reunion this weekend that can get warm and not kill anyone. I'm thinking this. Any standby recipes you make for gatherings like that? I'd love to know!

*It has been said at times I have the sense of humor of a frat boy. National Lampoon's anything, 21 and Over- those are my movies I watch alone while I laugh like Beavis & Butthead. All of this is to say, THERE IS A NEW VACATION coming out!!!

*And the bluegrass side of Ed Helms (who happens to be in the new Vacation film). He's so talented!

*Molly Ringwald at 47. She's so cool!

*This was so sweet! A dad stops the father-daughter dance at his daughter's wedding to play catch with her. Ack! I ugly cried.

*The British Prince and Princess's debut photographs side by side.

*Fifteen words to eliminate from your vocabulary to sound smarter! Yeeeeah, I pretty much use them all...

*A sweet video of an expectant family and their dogs. Aw!

*For the new front porch (my house is yellow).

*Smart kid. He gets paid to wait in line at one of the most popular barbecue joints in Austin.

*This picnic blanket is awesome!

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Friday Happies - Birthday Edition!!!

How was your week, friends? Mine was a little off, but good. I worked a lot and spent a lot of time trying to "get ahead", whatever that means. Amiright?

Well, I'm off for the weekend because  IT"S MY BIRTHDAY (on Monday)!!! I love my birthday. It's all red and pink and tulips and chocolate and chilly pretty weather in all its swirly February-ness! Heh. I digress.

I hope y'all all have a nice relaxing weekend planned (and even if you have to work), here is a list of pretties, funs, happies, feel-goods, interestings, and what-nots to at least put a smile on your face! Here we go!

*This is Rami. He is a love child (obviously) of a dachshund and a pit bull. I love him, but there is a wait list at the shelter in Moultrie (just an hour or so from me!) for possible adoptive parents. That is a good thing, because I would totally take him home tomorrow otherwise.

Rami

*Woah. The cost of things in the U.S. after living abroad for fourteen years! Wowsers.

*Heh. Perfect for a birthday girl!

*I love all the ladies on Saturday Night Live. They are incredible from A to Z (Aidy to Sasheer Zamata). This article on Aidy made me smile. She's interesting and funny and smart and I just liked it so there!

*I like practical things that are beautiful. These scissors would be so beautiful on my (one day) desk.

*Peonies and tulips are two of my favorite flowers. But, I never heard of Peony Tulips until yesterday! What the what?! They are the prettiest flower I've ever seen!!!

*Workouts you can do according to how the characters on your favorite shows act! Love it. It's the perfect balance of totally lazy and getting exercise.

*What a pretty garden thermometer! It'd be so pretty outside a screened-in porch (I want a screened-in porch so badly!).

*I got two great records from my dad for my birthday and they have been on constant rotation on my record player since. This one makes me dance around like I'm James Brown!

*Hmm! Coming out as "anxious".  Super duper interesting article!

*Now these are some par-tay shoes!!!

*A really pretty blog about gratitude and other lovely things. The Garden of Eating.

*What a hilariously dark, weird, funny looking movie. The Voices.

*And a beautiful, chilling and charming movie. Woman In Gold. 

*Ahmahgah! I wish I had found these before Groundhog's Day!!! I could make them for myself for like- a regular Tuesday in the future, right? Right?!

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! How could you not after seeing that groundhog cookie? P.S. If the image is no longer moving, refresh the page and scroll down and be prepared for utter joy!

Friday Happies!

Little Jimmy Dickens, that ole son of a gun.

Happy Friday fellas! I'm very much looking forward to a day off. It's been an interesting week. My plans? Clean! Organize! Menu plan! Exercise! Naps! I am waiting with baited breath. I hope y'all all get some nice time of respite soon too! Heeeeere's the list of funs, pretties and happies to help nudge you into your weekend with a smile on your face!

*This made me laugh...and cringe. How to spot an American traveling abroad. I'm definitely guilty of the tipping and talking to strangers. My husband is guilty of the white socks and baseball cap!

*I need a little bit of this. "McMindfulness".

*Unique and pretty glass boxes to organize jewelry or little keepsakes you treasure. I love the idea of a "curiosity" display.

*Oh my goodness! Twin Peaks pin up girls! I just got inspired to do a Twin Peaks marathon!! I love me some Sherilyn Fenn!

*I love the simplicity of the jewelry from Masha Moon! I think I'll be perusing their site more frequently.

*Y'all know I'm a history nerd. Well, I found a site that teaches you how to date undated old photographs by what the people are wearing, how their wearing it and hairstyles. So cool!! I got lost on it for a little while.

*Something we all need! Seven things that clean up your gut. I don't recognize a couple of these, but I'm still intrigued. I'm convinced that so many maladies can be remedied from a healthy gut (and I don't mean a spare tire!). Interesting stuff!


*Though I don't necessarily think a little girl needs to get married to consider herself worthy like a "Queen", I still love what that this papa is teaching his (adorable) little girls to know they deserve love, respect, honor and good manners from the people they choose to have in their lives.

*I know it's way to soon to be thinking about warm weather clothes, but I saw this top on Parc Boutique's web site and just loved it. It makes me want to wear flowy linen pants and super long light weight sweaters and sophisticated sandals. It makes me daydream about living in a little beachy historic town and having a little shop and living simply. All for the low low price of...well- we won't go there! Yikes!

*Y'all, Tony Bennett's new record Cheek to Cheek is really lovely. I adore him and this new release of songs from The American Songbook just makes me smile. Listen to the whole record here! 

*In the rush of the holidays (and the apparently unavoidable cold and buggy virus from hell that accompanied it), I missed my awesome mom's awesome post about the holidays! It's so lovely and tactile and visual. She really has a way with creating a bittersweet, cosy and magical nostalgia with every little thing she touches. So what if the holidays are over?! Walk down that little path with her today, it's charming and warm and sometimes you just need something as simple as that to make your day better.

*Beauty insights from a French tomboy. Fascinating for those who love French style, but don't really want to care about not caring that much. Ha! I definitely am stealing a handful of these tips!

*There is something truly magical about flower bulbs. I'm a February baby, and have always had a soft spot for tulips, crocus, and daffodils as they start to sprout up around then. But I also love amaryllis and just about anything else that comes in bulb form. They're just little gifts that keep on giving and remind me of a lot of lovely women in my life. Even the ones that didn't garden much! All of that is to say, check out these bulbs, y'all! Plant some magic today!

*And on a upbeat but melancholy note, a farewell to Little Jimmy Dickens. When I was a little girl, my dad played drums at the Grand Ole Opry and I saw and spoke with Little Jimmy Dickens practically every time I was there. He was always nice, even to a little kid he didn't know. I didn't know until I was a few years older just how special, funny and talented he was. Rest in peace, sir.


Have a great weekend, y'all!

Friday Happies!

Fleecy Flock Ribbon (see below!!)

Hey y'all! Can you believe it's only 5 full days until Christmas? That's nuts. It seems like this season has been slow (helloooo retail!) and very fast at the same time. This weekend I'm working like a damn hound, but it's okay. It's almost done and soon it will be New Year's! What a whirlwind of a year!!

Anyway! You know what Fridays around here mean! Here are some funs, happies, heart-warmies & pretties to help usher you into your weekend (and hopefully put a smile on your face too).

*It met with mixed reviews, but this year's tree in Reading, Pennsylvania was pardoned even though some city council members and residents thought "it was too ugly". Not only has it been saved and is on display in the middle of town, but they embraced it's Charlie Brown Christmas Tree-ness and placed a blue blanket around the base (think Linus' security blankie) and a single red ornament. Everyone in the town has been invited to help jazz it up (just like at the end of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special) on Christmas Day and they've even started an essay contest so people can submit writings on the real meaning of this season. Now talk about getting it right, y'all! Way to go guys!

*Fleecy Flock Ribbon Sheep?!?!?! I didn't realize it until now, but now that I know it exists; I must procure it for loved ones!

*A possibly transformative New Year's Resolution (more on those next week).

*These parents got together to give their kids' crossing guard a new vehicle when his was repossessed due to mounting hospital bills for his sick wife. What a lovely gesture!

*As you know, I dream of having a smidgen of "grown-up" in my bohemian, quirky & inner-child friendly apartment. I really liked this makeover for a newlywed couple feeling the same way. Though the realist in me wonders just how much that makeover actually cost.

*This would be so perfect for the hubs' bedside table (and one for me too...*ahem*).

*Check out this Japanese man's totally zen gift-wrapping style. I cannot even figure out what shape the wrapping paper started out in but woah!! I'm impressed! While you're at it, check out this Japanese man's incredible ironing skills (I'm baffled by most garments myself- though cloth napkins I've got down), and this Japanese man's shoe-shining skills. As my husband says, "there is something so soothing and gratifying about watching someone do something with their hands, and do it so masterfully." Japan has definitely gotten some things figured out!

*Minus the bows, I would totally wear these and pretend I was Phryne Fisher.

*In that same vein, these bad boys would work too (but in a champagne colour like she wears)!

*Nine year old girl writes a kind letter to her teacher. "It's just your life."

*We love Ray Blount Jr. at our house, and his hilarious commentaries on Southern life always make my day better. His take on Christmas songs is a winner for me. Love it!

*This is (literally) one of my favourite holiday songs (other than all things Vinve Guiraldi & Nat King Cole). I don't know what that says about me. I also love that the video for it is from an entirely different song. Hilarious.

*Never underestimate the power of egg whites. From pancakes, cookies, soups & cocktails, this surprising ingredient is Best in Show for many a recipe. Check some out here!

*Contrary to my love of the 20's, I know I'm a nerd and thiiiiiiis close to being a macaroni necklace-wearing earth-muffin...but I still totally want this (and have for years now)!

*Remember that delightful chunky knit throw from Tuesday's post? Here's a way to make one yourself!!

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Post A-puzzle-ypse

A funny thing happened while me and my friend worked on our puzzle last night. After spells of chatting and spells of quiet, we both kind of basked in the therapeutic benefits of solving something. She and I have our own issues going on in our lives, our own struggles and have powered through with varying states of grace (her more so than me). However, we both looked up at various points to note that this puzzle-solving (or puzzling as she put it which reminds me of this) was a manifestation of the organization of our own thoughts in a physical form.

It was relaxing and challenging. We laughed and cussed and told stories. We shared trials (she was bit by one of the children she worked with and I think she may end up being patient zero for the zombie apocalypse) and work/friend/life gossip, yadda yadda. As you can see, we didn't finish the puzzle and we didn't expect to. But I think we both walked away feeling a little more peace, a little more clarity and a little more love and appreciation for our friendship.

Yay for puzzles!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Gettin' Ready!

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope your weekend was lovely and relaxing. In the retail biz, this week is nucking futs and as always, I'm trying my best to remain as calm and positive as I possibly can.

Have y'all started shopping yet? I'm almost finished and occupying the fleeting free moments I have looking for beautiful eco-friendly wrapping options. What do you guys use? Every year I try something different. Almost always it involves recycled brown paper because I'm a predictable ole earth muffin. One year I used old sepia postcards as name tags. Another year I wrapped presents to look like faery tale toadstools. Today I pooled a few options that have tickled my brain. I'd love to share them with you and I'd love to hear about what ideas have too!

And in the meantime, let me remind you that this is the time set aside for gratitude (which should be daily, honestly) so please remember what Black Friday really means too: hard-working family-having retail workers are working their asses off this week (and the five weeks following) so please be kind while you're out doing your thing. You can get wonderful discounts and still not treat people like trash. I've been doing this for 16 holiday seasons now. It's hard and we really don't give a shit about your discounts. We want you to be happy and to get out as quickly as possible so we can spend time with our family members and loved ones.

Let us all make a pact to be kind to each other no matter what. And with that...here's some fun-

I love to give wine. A gift that keeps on giving. And this is such a lovely handmade way to present such a thoughtful (and easy gift).

Super cute polka dots.

Gifting with buttons!!

Celery print fabric wrapping paper!

Metallic Sharpie on brown paper. Love.

And last but not least...for the bibliophile in your life...

I truly hope you have a beautiful day!

Friday Happies!

Little mouse print!

Happy Friday, y'all! How was your week? Mine was filled with work and getting a head start on holiday gift shopping. I can't believe they are creeping in so soon!

*As the holidays loom ever closer, I think I may need this mitten flask to get through...just kidding...maybe!

*This seems like a cool gift or thing to try on a blustery, cold night!

*Let me tell you a story about the best socks ever. Boom. They're just the best for your snuggly tootsies! I absolutely live in mine (cold tile floors, brrrr!).

*I really want to make this for my pitifully orchestrated kitchen! Clever and chic, no?

*I've had this song in my head for a day or two now. I had forgotten how utterly awesome this video was!!

*Well, damn! Aunt Bill's brown candy sounds just amazing. What a nice thing to give to neighbors and to have stashed for emergency "oh my god! I forgot to give so-and-so a present!" moments this holiday session.

*Unconventional but awesome wedding ideas, indeed! I particularly like #9, it made me laugh out loud.

*As if I could afford these...but aren't they so lovely and classic?!

*I wouldn't mind this bad boy in my stocking this Christmas. It looks so delicious!

*What an interesting story!! I can't wait to see this documentary!

*And I would top off that with a couple of these! Dang that sounds so good!

And last but not least!

*Welp, this is pretty much the plan for me this Winter!


I hope you have a truly wonderful weekend!

Friday Happies!

*I listen to this song at least three times a day. It makes me so happy. I've been a big fan of Brett Dennen for nearly a decade now and he just keeps getting better. His feel good, well-written, quirky and often wry music always makes me feel up for an adventure. Dig that this record was made in my hometown of Nashville, TN and dig the 70's vibe in the video too.

*My feet have been so cold lately.  I could use these! I'd feel like a Scandinavian princess!

*This is a need, not a want!!!

*I absolutely love this tunic! I'd wear it with gold heels, leggings, a turtleneck and gold dangly earrings!

*I love this beautiful magnolia leaf wreath. It's so simple and Southern and lovely.

*I have a pretty casual style. Mama always said "never leave the house wearing something you'd be embarrassed to run into Mam-maw & Uncle Snap in". Mam-maw and Uncle Snap were my great-grandparents, and though they are both gone now, I still keep this in mind. That being said, I am a devout fan of nice, cozy loungewear- but it stays at home for lounging! It gives me something decadent to look forward to after a long day of dealing with annoying customers and when I am out, I don't ever have to worry about being schlumpy or too casual. All of this is to say, I kind of adore these slouchy pants by Parc Boutique. But they stay at home...

*Great article on actress Joy Bryant and her beautiful home. She seems like she'd be someone you could end up sharing a private joke with about some crazy misadventure.

*Have you ever played King Kubb? I think I'd like to try!

*I think I'm going to make some of these as gifts this year. Or just for my container garden.

*And now, something just weird and funny for you to enjoy.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Friday Happies!!

Cute kid!

I'm so glad it's Friday. I hope y'all have a wonderful, fun and relaxing weekend planned. I have to work and attend a 2 hour meeting I am dreading on my day off no less- ick- but I hope to squeeze some fun in there while I'm at it. Well, around here on Fridays I like to curate a list of happy, funny, awesome, inspiring, pretty and just plain interesting things to get you in a super positive mood for your weekend.

*Well I definitely know a handful of people that could benefit from this little gift.

*This made me laugh. And yes, it's quite true.

*This too!

*I'm oddly fascinated by mudras. I've tried them a few times when meditating or stressed out and it seemed to actually work. Perhaps its the accidental hand massage, or perhaps some amazing connection to the brain, but seriously- I've actually noticed an effect!

*Since I've been on this decluttering/organizing/crafting kick, this appeals to me very much. I want to make a version of this myself in harvest colors for Thanksgiving or multiple shades of pink, red, and purple for my birthday (around Valentine's Day). The possibilities are endless, really!

*Are you abibliophobic? I think I may be. Seriously!

*I post this pretty regularly, but if you can take some time every day to have a moment like this to show gratitude for just how miraculously badass your life really is, then it will only get better!

*Ha! This pretty much covers every moment I spent alone as a child.

*Hell yeah. Thank you Netflix. I've been streaming Gilmore Girls nonstop since they made it available. The hubs says "it's just fine", but we both know he really wanted Rory and Jess to end up together in the long run.

*A few more pounds and a few more dollars and this look could be mine. In my head I can totally wear it now, but in reality... a few pushups and sit-ups couldn't hurt the ole girl.

*Is it just me or is this time-traveling Taylor Swift from the 1960's? I saw this online the other day and its weirded me out a little ever since. It totally looks like her!

*Meditation. Yes! Exhale!

I hope y'all have a wonderful, peaceful and completely awesome weekend!

Project 3: Jewelry

Happy Thursday, y'all! I hope your week has been awesome. I'm day three (well, technically today is day 4, but- y'know) of the declutter challenge. So far the week has been awesome and inspiring, however, day three didn't go as great as I had hoped. That was mainly because I was absolutely exhausted after a closing shift at work while simultaneously training two new employees. Geesh. I'm still tired, to be honest.

However, miracle of miracles! I did manage to take a half hour or so to go through the house and harangue all the jewelry that I have strewn all over the place (I can admit I can be a hurricane at times- in fact, I have strategically placed bowls in every room to corral it all). I didn't get all the jewelry organized, but that's because I have a few boxes of sentimental and/or family heirlooms that will take a day. I did go through all my everyday jewelry and weeded it out a little bit then figured out about how much I had so that I could get all the supplies for...

...the awesome new jewelry hangers I'm going to make!!!

Aren't these cool?! I showed them to the hubs and he said he'd totally help me make them (i.e. he'll totally make them because he's cute when I start a project he wants to help then he ends up doing it himself). Regardless, I'm so excited!!

Now I know I said I'd be working on pi's and accessories etc. too, but I just couldn't. Tonight maybe!

Any great crafts or DIY storage ideas that have made your organization journey a little easier? I'd love to know!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Project motivations!

Happy Monday, guys! How was your weekend? Mine was spent with family and friends and funny costumes and good food. Well, if you remember last week's post, you know that I've been super inspired to get organized and decluttered. While falling down the wormhole of Pinterest and the internet looking for tips and ideas to further move me along this wave, I've found all kinds of crazy awesome crafty projects I want to try too. That's silly, I know- the cart before the horse and what-not; but I think I'm going to use some of the cool ideas as a type of reward system for accomplishing my organizing/decluttering goals. Each time I knock one of those goals out of the way, I'll do something nice for my crappy little apartment. Nerd alert, as per usual.

I found this great hand towel ring project from a blog I love called Yes & Yes (check her out here). My apartment has the worst bathroom accessories. They come apart from their hardware and they just annoy me, frankly. I love this idea of a simple ring and a strap of leather. I'd make this for my kitchen and two bathrooms in a heartbeat!

The hubs and I use our laptops for everything. My blog, the online stores, banking/bill-paying, and all entertainment. I hate to even admit that, and it doesn't dominate our lives, but still they are in frequent use. However, I like a clean dining room table, I get very tired of have cluttered table tops and strive to have them clean for proper meals together with no screens. So this little project would create a space for our computers to rest when not in use. Seems pretty easy, right? Perhaps there is a dormant talent for carpentry laying in wait for the right project (I did make a pretty decent cassette holder in shop class in 6th grade).

I currently have six plants of varying life cycles in the window of my dark kitchen. I would love to make this hanging plant rack to store them vertically in the sliding glass door to keep the kitchen window decluttered.

Or perhaps I could expand the space of the kitchen window storage with these shelves. It doesn't solve the "clutter" situation, but it would keep the plants off of the windowsill, up and out of the way so it feels cleaner and less cluttered. Head space, folks.

Any DIY projects you know of that have worked for you, or have inspired you to get your butt in gear? I can use all the help I can get!

Have a good day, y'all! Hope your weeks starts out wonderfully!

Friday Happies!

Hey y'all! I can't believe it's rolling up on the weekend again! This week has just flown by. Well, you know the drill around here on Fridays, it's all about funs, happies, pretties and the like so you are ushered in to a great weekend with a smile on your face (even if you have to work all weekend like me!). Here we go!

*I was really inspired by this post. Why You Should Hang Out With + Date People You Admire.

*Black cat Halloween pumpkins?! Soo cool!!!

*Yum times a thousand.

*I'm not that into "shabby chic" but I dig this idea of making your crappy fridge look more rustic and less well- crappy!

*Um, yes please. 

*Well that is certainly something. I love it and its so odd!

*Watercolor mirrors. What a cool idea! I think I want to try to make some for gifts (and one for me...ahem). Would you try something like that? It reminds me of a beautiful watercolor tattoo I saw a few years ago.

*This made me and the hubs laugh so much for so long!

*Holy cow!! That. is. awesome!!!

*Akinator, the Web Genius will guess any fictional character you think of by asking you 20 questions. It guessed my obscure one. The hubs stumped it by picking a real person. Either way, it's eerily good! Fun!

*Well, that puppy is the cutest puppy I've seen today. Little feller!!

*A comedic gymnastics routine? Yep, and it made me chortle. There is definitely an homage to Mr. Bean or Monty Python in there somewhere.

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Friday Happies!

I can't believe it's Friday again! How was your week, guys? Mine was good. I kept forgetting which day of the week it was, so I had something like three Wednesdays. The hubs and I are celebrating our 4th (legal) anniversary and I'm working the rest of the weekend, but I surely hope y'all have a great weekend planned with days of relaxing in the Autumn breezes, quality time with quality people and loads of positivity! Here's this Friday's lists of happies, pretties and funnies to get you started!

*I love the cluster of frames and what-nots (above). It's so pleasant, quirky and interesting. I like to have art in the house that intrigues me every time I see it. Maybe in the new apartment (whenever that happens), I'll put together something like this!

*This made me laugh, though there are a few edits I'd make.

*Just a delightfully cheeky reminder that it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and y'all- ya gotta feel your boobies!

*What I wish I'd done for my bestie's baby shower last April! So cool and chic.

*Fresh pumpkin crates in three color schemes?! Yes, please!! I can't tell which one I like the best. Maybe the green and white!

*I love this metallic DIY centerpiece for Fall. Seems easy enough! Famous last words, right?

*Just finished binge-watching the final season. I miss those guys. 

*What a stunning wind chime. Me wanty (for the prosperity gua in my house- I love Feng Shui).

*I found this video a few years ago and I just love it. This one too. So sweet and magical!

*Now that is a good looking iPhone case/wallet. I could care less that it's Buffalo leather (would prefer it weren't actually), but the design is cool and sophisticated in a pleasantly rustic way.

*What absolutely gorgeous lampshades. The detail! The colors! The whimsy! I don't know which one I love more. They'd be so great in a child's bedroom, or an ahem, adult woman's living room.

*I weirdly love this.

*I used to sell these candles in a shop I worked in, I love them and get all excited when I see the Fall colors. I think I'd get these for Fall, these for the Holidays.

*A knockout bourbon punch recipe. Wowsa!

*I need quite a bit more exercise before I can get away with this, but dammit, I think it's so pretty. Perhaps I should lay off the knockout bourbon punch...

I hope you have a truly wonderful day and weekend!

Give a Little Bit!

Greyhound photo by Elke Vogelsang

Hell y'all, it's Wednesday which means another dose of awesome people, animals and other organizations you can contribute to to help make the world a little bit of a better place! Remember, even just $5 can help so much!

*Help make a change in Africa, Asia, and Central America by helping to give clean, fresh drinking water to those in need. 

*While we're at it, let's get our Earth's soil in better shape too! Donate to the Soil Association today!

*Help General get the surgery he needs. He's a good boy and they're so close, only $970 away from their goal! He got 5 of my dollars!

*Best Friend's Animal Society! Help save them all! Love those sweet animal faces!

*I've got animals on the brain today! Help the only no-kill shelter in Tuscon relocate to a better location. 

*Help fund a billboard in England to raise awareness on the lives of racing greyhounds. They're close to their goal!

*Grayling Ceramics Studio is soooooo close to their goal, only $1037 left to go and 10 days left to do it! Give them a helping hand if you can!

*Clorofilia, a magazine of plant and ecology inspired articles and comics by artists and farmers needs your help to be published!

I hope you're inspired to help others today, and I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Love Yo'self!

My super up-close coffee scrub.

It Thursday, y'all! A good day to turn that amazing outward positive focus inward for a minute. You have to refuel your positivity, love and kindness reserves pretty regularly too, you know! Now, usually I post a bunch of fun self-care recipes and goodies here, but this week I'm doing something a teeny bit different. This week I tried one of the many recipes I've hoarded for homemade skin care products. I found this coffee scrub and decided (because I had all the ingredients in my pantry- otherwise I apparently can't be bothered) to try to duplicate it at home.

It just looks like a cup of old coffee grounds, but it's so much more!

It was awesome, if not a little messy. I don't know (or care really) about it's cellulite-banishing claims or whether it really works in that department. However, it does leave your skin feeling incredibly tingly and soft and smelling amazing.

I felt like I was brewing some artisanal hipster coffee brew though. Tub-infused lady coffee. Ew. You could make some money in Japan with that methinks. Ew again. I'll totally make this again though, it made me feel magnificently scrubbed and smooth and moisturized and it is a unisex scent so even the manliest of dudes can try it.

Give it a whirl, y'all! It took five minutes to make and the duration of a quick shower to use (preferred over an actual tubby soak because, ew ew ew!) and bada-bing, bada-boom- you've given yourself a lovely little pick-me-up.

Take the time to care for yourself today. Even if its just ten minutes. Ten minutes can be spared, I promise! It's simply ten less checks of the FaceTube, the Tweeter or whatever else you kids are doing online these days. You deserve the attention and the time, so does your psyche and- in this case, your skin.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day, y'all!

Love Yo'Self!

I don't know about y'all, but I need some TLC this week. I'm taking steps every day to care for myself better but I find I could still do better, especially at the tail end of a stressful week. Thursdays are all about self-care around here, so here are some fun little things to try to perhaps calm your nerves and your weary bones.

* Dinner tea to help you digest.

*It's important to laugh!

*Honey Lavender Bath Melts. That sounds incredible. I am particularly obsessed with these little buggers. I can't wait to try them!

*Oooh! And a skin nourishing bath tea from Little Green Dot. I'm kind of loving this web site these days.

*I would give just about anything to have this green tea scrub, and a spa tech to scrub me down with it. TMI? So sorry.

*DIY All-in-one balm. Sounds incredible!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!


Image courtesy of Happy Money Saver

Happies

Fridays always seem fun to me. It has stuck in my head as such even though I don't have normal weekends in my job. Friday night rolls around and I get excited like I'll get to sit down and watch T.G.I.F. on television (Sabrina the Teenage Witch!) and get a pizza for my sleepover. It's funny how those things stick with you!

Anywho, it's Friday and I'm off to spend a quiet weekend with my husband down on the coast. Here are some funs & happies for you to peruse and enjoy!

*Turn torn leggings into lampshades?! Intrigued! Would you try it? I totally might!

*I've read this a million times but every time I find it, I read it again. It was about the wrong guy!!

*Ha-larious. Suuuper awkward. And then ha-larious again.

*Just take my money.

*Help these kids get a bus! I donated, but they still need your help!

*I love interior design, and this house is great (a little Danish too-too for my taste, but it's not my house). However, I love LOVE the little bedroom nook. When the hubs and I find a smaller apartment, I want to make something like that. It's so very cosy!

*I'm a Southern girl and have beaucoup mason jars laying around the house. This would be something cool to try, perhaps for gifts (yes I'm already thinking of Winter holidays).

*And finally, a piece of my heart resides in New Orleans. I was so happy to see Jon Batiste & Stay Human on Colbert the other night take their music out into the streets and parade around New York. I was furthermore thrilled that they did it multiple times! There are too many videos to choose from , so here's a fun one from the subway. Shake your tail feathers, mes amis! Laissez les bon temps rouler!!

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!