Currently Loving: Coffee Table Books

I wanted to share a few books I've been crushing on lately. The truth is, I have a real fetish for books: old, new, to read, to display-doesn't matter!

Naturally, I migrate to them when garage saleing or second-hand shopping, making my collection quite vast. Though because I have recently purged some old books, I can't see how adding a few more could hurt. Enter these lovelies~

Home Economics: Vintage Advice and Practical Science for the 21st-Century Household

Not gonna lie, I love the cover of this book! It's sweet, vintage-esque and just plain lovely!

Country Living Simple Country Wisdom: 501 Old-Fashioned Ideas to Simplify Your Life

Pretty much every review on Amazon noted how beautiful the pictures are in this book, as well as the useful and {mostly} practical advice.

The Farm Chicks Christmas: Merry Ideas for the Holidays

Because I LOVE decorating for Christmas and always welcome fresh new ideas!

What about you? Any book crushes?

all images/amazon

Currently Loving: Perfect Brownies

I am such a sucker. No really, every time The Perfect Brownie commercial comes on TV I tell myself I'm going to but one next time I'm at Bed Bath & Beyond (they have an entire "As Seen on TV" section!). And now it's been over a year since I first said that and my kitchen still lacks the Perfect Brownie pan.

It's not as if I am incapable of cutting brownies the old fashioned way, but I LOVE that every brownie comes out perfectly even and each has that coveted crispy edge! And unlike most gimmicks, I know this works because I bought one for my mom and mother-in-law for Christmas last year and they both love it!

I have endless ideas for the pan, such as: individual blondies, Rice Krispie treats, lemon bars, carrot cakes and so much more! Plus, you can decorate each one seperately. So fun!

Are there any silly gadgets you wish you could bring yourself to splurge on?

Currently Loving

Just a few things for the home that make my heart go pitter patter...

Anthropologie always has the most unique and whimsical assortment of dishes. I've had my eye on this serving bowl for quite some time. After all, I have the matching individual bowls and would just love to complete the set.

Being a girl who is always in search of new ways to keep my house fresh, I love the idea of Scentsy's flameless candles. They have some really wonderful scents {ahem, can we say coconut palm!} and now the base comes in these super cute plug-ins! I would love this gray one for the living room.

And this turquoise one for our bedroom.

I won't claim to have been an avid reader of the fabulous Domino magazine {gasp}, but I did love to browse an issue here and there for inspiration. This book seems like a great compilation of past issues and is bursting with gorgeous interiors!

Have a lovely Thursday!

Currently Loving

Ever since I took British Literature my senior year of high school, I have been smitten with classics such as: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice. Naturally, I chose to keep the books once I read them for class and have even picked up a few of them since (especially while studying in Oxford...something about the intellectual air!).

But I would gladly pass on my older versions for a beautiful set of these! How charming would they look sitting atop our bookshelf?!

I might even be inspired to read them again!

You can find them here!

A Craving for Summer

With the wonderful 80 degree days we have been having, I can't help but daydream about fun summer activities! Here are just a few things I've had my eye on to make Summer a bit brighter!

How perfect would this jersey v-neck dress be on weekend trips to the farmers market or just laying out by the pool?!

While I've never been a fan of Toms, I have a whole new feeling about them after seeing these adorable yellow wedges!


This sweet, multi-functional beach tote could easily carry everything needed for an impromptu picnic.


And finally, I found the perfect picnic blanket! Too bad it costs an arm and a leg! Maybe I cold actually learn to quilt and make one myself:)

*Sigh* Summer is so sweet!

This Summer I'd Like to...

I always have an ongoing list of activities, trips, projects and the like I want to do, just ask my husband! I can't help it, especially with the summer getting so close! So I've been dreaming up what I would like to accomplish this season. Here are a few fun things I've got planned.

Alameda antique fair ~ The largest antique flea market in the country that takes place the first Sunday of every month in the Bay area. The Tattered house is an adorable vintage shop here and they are always talking very highly about this flea market. I so want to make it a girls day, because I'm just not sure my husband would appreciate it the same way!


Weekend trip to Monterey ~ I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE living in Northern California! There are so many amazing "destination spots" right at our fingertips, or at least a few hours away! Chris and I haven't taken a drive to Monterey in a few years and I'd say it's about time we re-visit the California coast. I am most looking forward to a lovely dinner of fresh fish! YUM!!


Lots of picnics ~ The season of picnicing has arrived! Bring on the watermelon, corn on the cob and fresh berry pie!


Cooking class at Newcastle Produce ~ You may remember the sushi making class I took with my friend Parris last summer. We had so much fun and I've been itching to get back there for another one (or two) of their technique classes!


Taking a day off ~ I am talking a REAL day off, no errands to run, no cleaning, basically no plans! Everytime I have a day off it gets filled with neccessary tasks, but I would like to take off a random Wednesday and just relax, maybe even grab a good book and head to the park!


Do you have any fun plans for the summer?

Summer Blockbusters

It's almost that time of year when the box office will be full of new releases! If you haven't already figured it out, Chris and I LOVE movies! In fact, a big thing we loved about living in Abilene was that we could justify going to the movies much more frequently because they were so much cheaper. Those were the days! Nowadays, a movie has to look really good to be deemed "theater worthy", otherwise we just wait to rent it on Redbox.

But there's something about the summertime that gets us there a bit more often. While watching previews a few weeks ago for the Back-Up Plan, it happened; that wonderful excitement that comes from wanting to see every movie previewed! In fact, being the list maker and total and complete geek that I am, I jotted them down in my little notebook, so not to forget a single one.

While I am absolutely positive more will be added to this list, here is a quick rundown of the Summer blockbusters I'm itching to see.

Sex and the City 2~yes it's true, I indulge in this guilty little pleasure! I absolutely loved the first one as it captured everything I wanted it to and tied up all the loose ends from the tv show. I can't wait to see what new adventures Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda are up to this time around! It will be fabulous!

Eat, Pray, Love~ while I didn't have much interest in reading the book, now seeing the previews for this flick, I feel it must be read before I see the movie! Not at all what I thougth it was about. A big plus, Julia Roberts, one of all time favorite actresses plays the lead!

Iron Man 2~ and not just to please my husband, I actually loved the first one! We will most likely be seeing this one in the next week or two!

Killers~while Chris will most likely not be joining me for Katherine Heigl's newest romantic comedy, I will absolutely be making my way to see it (possible girls night?)! If for nothing else, to see Katherine Heigl in all her cute outfits!

Just Wright~classic (read possibly cheesy) romantic comedy. As much as my hubby hates it, I love watching movies that are somewhat predictable. What can I say, I like knowing a happy ending is in sight!

How about you? Any new flicks you're looking forward to seeing?

Currently Loving

Just wanted to share a few fun things I've had my eye on lately! You know, some kitchen additions I would love to have, but certainly don't need anytime soon. Sometimes I think those are the best!

To put it mildly, I love Giada! I have two of her cookbooks and often browse them when I want to make something absolutely stunning and decadent! This is her brand new book, Giada at Home, and besides being filled with delicious looking recipes, it is also full of the sweetest pictures of her family, including her precious baby girl. In my opinion, a girl just can't have too many good cookbooks!


Chris and I have an amazing waffle iron that makes the sweetest heart shaped waffles, but I think it would be nice to change it up with the occassional belgian waffles. I love this waffle iron by Krups!


I adore the simplicity of these Normandy bakers from Crate and Barrel! I've been very pleased with the rectangle baker (it's perfect for making cinnamon rolls!) and I would love to add that deep casserole dish to my collection. I imagine using it for a yummy baked pasta!

How about you? Any fun kitchen items you've got your eye on?

Inspiration: Weekend Sewing

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross

On Saturday, as my mom and I waited patiently for our number to be called at the fabric counter in Joann's, we browsed this adorable book! It has all kinds of fun and easy sewing projects like: guest room slippers, an overnight bag, pillow cases and even an outside puppy tent. And a bonus, the book is filled with whimsical, vintage-chic pictures. I am officially adding this to my birthday list!

On My Wish List

It's that time of year when my Mom starts asking for a Christmas list. Yes, I still make one of those:) This year, unlike the past few, I actually don't need anything else for our house, and more surprisingly, the kitchen! When I started thinking about things I would like I of course went straight to 'my favorites' on Etsy! Just wanted to share some cute finds with you today!

These first two are from Inkandbutton. Aren't they absolutely adorable?!

The Martha Headband



The Emma Fascinator



Fingerless Gloves by FriendlyBrown. LOVE these and could so use them at work!!



Coffee Cozy by UptownAvenue. I seriously should have invented this! Probably my favorite new find!!



I am also loving this Amy Butler fabric.



Wouldn't that fabric look fab on this Birdie Sling Bag?!



Enjoy your Tuesday! I most certainly will as we have the day off tomorrow in honor of Veteran's Day! Quite a nice little treat in the middle of the week:) So it's sushi with my friend Parris tonight and sleeping in tomorrow!