Fresh Finds- Dorothy Perkins

Have you checked out the online shop Dorothy Perkins yet?  If not, you should probably remedy the situation immediately.  One of my rad co-workers told me about this site recently, and now I'm pretty much hooked.  Their pieces are stylish-but-not-too-trendy, and their prices are super reasonable.  There's so much to love!

 

-alison

Weekend Recap

This weekend...

It was pretty low key 'round these parts.  Friday night we hung out with our youth group kids. Saturday night we went out to dinner with my parents, and Sunday we did lunch with friends, and then settled in to watch the Oscars.  I caught up on all the March issues, rocked my new slipper socks, and flipped out over my new bag that FINALLY arrived after being on backorder for what seemed like forever.

How did you spend your weekend?  Did you catch the Oscars? I know that Morgan Freeman only did the intro, but seriously, is he not just the coolest guy around?

-alison

Most days....

......I don't do my hair.

Just sayin'

-alison

Into the Wardrobe- Old Navy for the Win!

It's been ages (and by ages, I mean years) since I've bought anything for myself at Old Navy. However, on Saturday when popped in to help my mom look for a baby gift, I hit the proverbial motherload. I bet I took at least 15 things into the dressing room, and literally loved everything I tried on. It was hard narrowing it down to the point where I would be spending a reasonable about of money, but after much deliberation, I came out with two maxi skirts, a dress, and a sweet dolman sleeved sweater. My grand total?

$50.97

Boo ya.

When did Old Navy get so awesome?

-alison

P.S. I realize that I am officially the last person in the world to get on this bandwagon, but I've started trying my hand at some photo editing tricks. Bear with me.

Fresh Finds- Coral Chevrons

Please.

Can we just take a minute to talk about the greatness that is this glorious t-shirt from Jessalin Beutler's Etsy shop?

 

Yes.

It's awesome.

As are 100% of the other products in her shop.

Check it out.

-alison

Weekend Recap

The weather 'round these parts was georgeous this weekend, and my time was filled with family.  Here are some of my favorite moments:

It was so nice out that I took Chowder out for the first "springtime" walk of the year (don't worry. I'm not kidding myself. I'm well aware that it's still the middle of Frbruary and that a blizzard could be upon us at any moment).  Along the way, we sniffed around the community garden located just outside our neighborhood.

Some friends of ours are sheep farmers, so we went on a visit to go see all the new little lambs that were born this week.  YOU GUYS.  I died of cuteness.  I tried to take one home in my coat, but the hubs said no:(

On Saturday, my stylish mama and I got crafty, and made candles out of some old tea tins. Then after hubs killed himself doing his P90X workout, I decided to make him feel better by cooking up some classic comfort food- Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

On Sunday, my in laws came to town to celebrate my youngest BIL's 15th birthday.  We went out for some excellent dinner, and then came back to our place for presents, and a Matilda-eqsue chocolate cake.

How was your weekend? 

-alison



Inspiration Friday!

The triumphant return of inspiration Friday!

1. Beignets

BakedFish

Tartlette

Camille Styles

Fig Test Kitchen

Homemade Simple

Remember when I said that on Valentine's Day, I had the best beignets I've ever tasted?  Well, it was true, and I've since been unable to think of pretty much anything else.

2. Mixing Prints

Emerald

The Glitter Guide

Kendi

 The Glamourai

Britney

Mixed prints are having a moment right now, and I for one am hoping it's a moment that lasts a loooong time.

3. Emerald

Love, Taza

PatternBase

Camera Obscura

Owlssayhoot

I attribute my newly acquired love for this color to the fact that I have recently become a redhead. Red+Emerald=Amazingness

4. Whisks

Grassroots Modern

Cooks Illustrated

 Anthro

Fish Food Blog

Simple Blueprint

I have recently, and for no apparent reason, become slightly obsessed with them.  I mean they are the most whimsical kitchen utensil, so why not?

5. Old Film

 Flickr

 Rose Eyes

 Pinterest

Tumblr

Don't get me wrong- I love my digital camera, but lately I've really been toying with the idea of getting an old film camera.  Something about the dreamy, slightly fuzzy picture quality they create just gets me.  I know you can get some of the same effects by editing digital pics, but I think there's something to be said for the real thing.

I hope you enjoyed the return of Inspiration Friday!  Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

-alison

Valentine's Day Recap

I'm a little late with my Valentine's Day recap, but better late than never?

I surprised the hubs by filling his Jeep with a bunch of balloons, and on each one, I wrote a different reason why I love him.  Some of my personal favorites were "I love you because you didn't disown me when I dyed my hair red," and "I love you because you get as excited about Costco samples as I do." For dinner we got fancy, and went out to Fresco, one of my favorite restaurants in Madison.  We stuffed ourselves to the gills with salmon, gnocchi, and beignets, and then wrapped up our romantic night on a little bit lower key, by coming home and watching an episode of "Worst Cooks in America." 

What about you?  Did you do anything fun or exciting to celebrate annual looooooove day?

-alison

Happy Valentines Day!

[image: by satomi @ lomography.com]

Happy Valentines Day! I hope your day is filled with love.

-alison

Fresh Finds- April Smith and The Great Picture Show

I've found new music love, and today it takes the form of April Smith and The Great Picture Show.  Not only do they have a ridiculously awesome name, but their album cover features both an accordion, and a sinking ship.  Oh yeah, and their music is rad. 

You may have heard their song "Colors" on the new Lowe's ad (the one with all the paint cans).  If you like that, then you'll like the rest of their music as well.  The whole album is full of cheeky, rollicking good time music.  If you like happiness at all, then you'll definitely like April Smith and the Great Picture Show.

-alison



Something Crafty- Valentine's Day Decorations

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?  Normally, when it comes to holiday decorating, I pretty much stick to Christmas.  However, there have been so many awesome Valentine DIY's floating around lately, I just couldn't resist.  Last Saturday, I sat down and got a little crafty, and now my mantle is just a little bit more festive!

I also re-used some of these glittered hearts I made last year to add a little love in the kitchen!

-alison

p.s. Lest you think I'm craftier than I actually am: inspiration for the crafts above found here, and here.