wishlist friday: rainbow connection

a couple weeks ago i did a modcloth contest where you constructed a rainbow-colored wishlist and a winner was picked at random for a gift card.  unfortunately, i didn't win (and i had a darn good wishlist), but i can still publicly pine over these rainbow goodies.

as a matter of refract dress 

beach club dress

red-y for tea dress

instant wishes dress

boardwalk with me dress

you say tomato dress

coral-y invited dress

bosc in the glory dress

blossom day soon dress

you look migrate dress

lakeside brunch dress

coach tour dress in azur

from what i gather dress

i thought my roygbiv inspired wishlist was perfect- and this was only a fraction of it!  i love all the colors for spring & summer- no blacks & greys here.  i think i'm loving corals & greens this spring- definitely coral (of course, i always love coral).  and yourself?

wishlist friday: green with envy

all week i've been thinking about what to wear to celebrate st. patrick's day- there are a lot of irish people in the area- so there are always parades and all kinds of fun.  i think tomorrow we're going to go down to our favorite neighborhood irish pub for a kegs n eggs breakfast, then watch the local parade & an adult big wheel race.  i discovered that i really don't have a lot green in my wardrobe- no idea why- green is a perfectly nice color.  i had a roommate in college who once had nothing but green clothes- she finally branched out (not sure if you read this, but you know who you are).  ;)

here are a few green pieces that i'd love to give a permanent home to!

collared green top - modcloth

blossom day soon dress - modcloth

ain't over until it's clover dress - modcloth

the swan i love dress - modcloth

you look migrate dress - modcloth

how are you going green for st. patty's day?  or would you rather be pinched?!

wishlist friday: valentine's day date duds

like i need an excuse for getting dressed up, but valentine's day (my favorite holiday) is just around the corner.  i also don't need an excuse to wear red or pink, or red and pink together for that matter...  i already have a cute little outfit planned for valentine's day... but i could always go for something sweet...

1.  linger a little longer dress - modcloth

2.  wheel be there soon dress - modcloth

3.  polite & day dress - modcloth

4.  baked with love dress - modcloth

5.  how amore-able shorts - modcloth

6.  radiant ruby dress - modcloth

7.  cherry tomato salad dress - modcloth

8.  beauty counter browsing romper - modcloth

9.  red-y for fun top - modcloth

10.  the red queen dress - shabby apple

11.  open your heart sweater - modcloth

12.  tea party dress - francesca's collections

13.  hearts and crafts dress- modcloth

14.  strawberry pavlova top - modcloth

15.  dessert date dress - modcloth

happy valentine's day loves.  what are you wearing?

wish list friday: handmade goods

it's time to explore the world of handmade goods.  i am the least crafty person in the entire universe, so it really amazes me that people can make things- pretty things.  here are some things in the handmade world that i'm wishing for...

tiny fete pink arrow carryall by tiny fete.  this adorable bag combines hot pink with a graphic pattern.  adorable bag just to pick up & run out the door with.  this is from the etsy shop of one of my favorite bloggers

state map love custom print by anewhistory.  adorable custom made print.  would be so cute for dave & me.

doily envelope-style clutch purse by krust.  love this adorable clutch.  so cute for spring!

set of 5 porcelain lace bowls by hideminy.  these bowls are so pretty.  the detailing is really amazing.

my list is pretty short this week.  i'm sure there's so much more out there that i'm missing.  any handmade goods you just love?

wish list friday, er wednesday... for you

dear ian- i can hardly believe you're already 2.  time has gone by so fast- too fast if you ask me. this is a big year for you- so many changes are coming this year- i certainly hope we survive.

my wishes for you this year- health & happiness first and foremost.  my hopes are that we have a year with very few sicknesses- no sniffles or coughs, no nights with upset tummies.  i'm sure i'm dreaming here, but this is a wish list.

i hope that you're happy- i know this year is going to be tough.  there's just so much that you just don't understand- i wish i could explain everything to you and make you understand- that this minute's problem will be forgotten in just seconds.  i hope that you'll understand that screaming & crying aren't getting you anywhere- you're such a big boy- with words- use them.  i'm listening.

i wish that i'll have the patience to deal with the challenges that we're going to face this year- you're definitely a good teacher.

i wish that you'll have lots of adventures this year- from the simple ones at home, to a journey away from home.  ball games, picnics, you name it.  we're going to have fun this year.

i wish that you'll only continue to get smarter and funnier- you amaze me every day with something you say or do, and you make me laugh a dozen or more times a day.

i wish for more love and hugs than you already share with me.  you're my little snuggs bunns.

i wish for lots of family time together.  this may be the last year it's just the 3 of us- although i'm not ready to share you yet.

i wish for more time in general. it's just going by so fast.

i love you little eans beans.  i wish everything for you.

wish list friday: things to read

i read a lot of books this year, which makes me very happy.  i want to get into more reading and less watching last year (which is probably why our dvr is full) and i did it!  i'll post more later on the books i did read in 2011 (which were all books made into movies).  this year i'm going to read whatever the heck i want.  i've gotten so many books in the last year or so, but i didn't read them last year because they didn't fit into the challenge criteria.  here's to reading about anything & everything!

5th avenue, 5 a.m. by sam wasson.  i just finished what i was reading and this is on my night stand ready to read.  this book is all about the making of breakfast at tiffany's from novel to film and how hepburn's portrayal of holly golightly changed women in film.  breakfast at tiffany's is one of my favorite films.

in defense of food by michael pollan.  dave got this for me last year and i still haven't read it.  i feel like i've made an improvement to how i eat, but i still have a long ways to go.

the hunger games by suzanne collins.  i've been waiting to dive into this trilogy... but i only have book 1... noooo!

drowning ruth by christina schwarz.  i'm not an oprah fan, but her book club books are usually wonderful reads.  i'm very excited about this psychological thriller!

frankly, my dear: gone with the wind revisited by molly haskell.  gwtw is my favorite movie of all time and i'm excited to read a little more about the background of the movie and book.

taste & see by john piper.  looking forward to starting this devotional.

is everybody hanging out without me (and other concerns) by mindy kaling.  i actually don't own this book yet, but i'm definitely planning on reading it.  love mindy on the office.

nice girls don't change the world by lynne hybels.  i received this book for mother's day at church last year or the year before... just haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

the immortal life of henrietta lacks by rebecca skloot.  henrietta lacks died at the age of 31 in 1951.  her cells were taken from her body w\o anyone's persmission and became the multi-billion dollar foundation of modern science, yet her family had no idea and lived in poverty and poor health.  it sounds too crazy to be true, yet it is.  

organized simplicity: the clutter-free approach to intentional living by tsh oxenreider.  i'm dying to be uncluttered, and we're getting there very slowly, but there's always more that can be done.  

well, those are just a few of the books that i'm wanting to read soon!  have you read any of these books?  are you planning on reading any of these books?  what's on your book wish list- please share!

wish list friday: modcloth duds

1.  look on the bright cider tunic - i have a weakness for bright red, holiday themed sweaters, and this one does it without being ugly sweater party material.  looks warm too, and i need it- it's 26 today!

2.  lieutenant lovely cardigan - love the colors and button detail.  would be cute alone or over anything.

3.  new hire and higher dress - this dress looks slimming and classy.  can't go wrong with that.

4.  what's the peter plan top - adorable top.  i know i'd feel just like madeline!

5.  strawberry waffles dress - adorable dress that could be styled so many ways

6.  freedom of the dress - lovely dress- and it has sleeves!

7.  streetcar tour dress - a classy dress that comes in a variety of colors that's appropriate year-round!  yes!

8.  london collar-ing dress - love this sweet dress.  the color is a winner

9.  loving care dress - another sweet dress.  i think it could be hit or miss on me though!

10.  three square teals dress - knit retro-looking dress.  very cute
11. double your output top - stripes and lace.  i think so
12.  presidio pose dress - cute, but way out of my price range
13.  snow news is good news dress - perfect sweater dress for illinois weather
14.  radiant ruby dress - i'm in love with everything about this gorgeous red dress
15.  evergreen and gorgeous dress - love the color of this pretty maxi dress
16.  brunch date top - i really love this top, can't figure out why it was only available for about a month!

like anything you see?

wish list friday: shooooes

shoes, shoes and more shoes.  i am a lady after all.  i don't wear heels much anymore- i'm a flats girl.  i call that embracing my height.  here are the cute heels & flats on my wish list.  

1.  spotlight heels- modcloth.  adorable cut-out oxford heels
2.  naughty monkey combat heels- piper lime.  i could use some new black pumps- they're always classic.
3.  all tide up flat- modcloth.  these canvas rope-trimmed flats are so cute.  summer, where are you?!
4.  room to bloom flats- modcloth.  another easy way to wear mustard this fall/winter
5.  kiltie conscience flat- modcloth.  adorable loafers.  i could use more shoes like these.
6.  how do you dewey heel- modcloth.  oxfords in a fun color.
7.  can't hardly slate wedge- modcloth.  adorable perforated wedges- and they're vegan. 
8.  the to-toes heels- modcloth.  these are seriously too cute.
9.  seychelles- ampersand.  love these.
10.  naughty monkey untamed heels- piper lime.  cute heels.

do you prefer heels or flats?

wish list friday, er, monday: winter boots/shoes

i skipped last week b\c we were at the movies late...  and i took this past friday off for thanksgiving... this is off to a poor start, but no worries, i'm back

what girl doesn't love shoes?  a crazy girl that is.  i'm always looking for new shoes- unfortunately you don't really get to wear pretty shoes in the midwest.  i spent most of last winter wearing my sweater boots- which are comfy and warm, but not necessarily the cutest.  most heels are basically out- so i need cute, flat shoes that are warm.  oh, and they most likely can't be suede or anything like that b\c the snow will ruin them.  it's a shame.  a real shame.

 here are the boots on my love list. i'll be back later this week with heels & flats!!  ;)  maybe...

1.  undercover studs boot- modcloth.  cute, flat and under $50.  yes, yes, yes.  

2.  jersy boots- blowfish.  the partially hidden zipper is a cool look.

3.  sueded desert wedges- old navy.  my old navy shoes have lasted for years.

4.  write now bootie- modcloth.  out of mama's range, but cute.

5.  riley tall slouch boot- payless.  extended calf.  sometimes i think i need this.

6.  xhilaration kainda boot- target.  i bet i can't navigate ice & a toddler in these...

7.  coconuts dylan boot- piper lime.  flat boots, yes.  ended up getting boots similar to this at target for $10!!

8.  merona kasia boot- target.  most wanted: tall, flat, black boots, but sorry target- $50?!  ha.
9.  xhilaration sadella heeled booties- target.  cute, except that i am scared of heels b\c of all the ice & snow!
10.  naughty monkey misfit- piper lime.  not a wedge, not a heel.  manageable!
11.  elzinga boots- aldo.  my fave on the list- love the hidden wedge!
12.  b.o.c by born martina boot- dsw.  these look like they have a super safe sole + look super comfortable!
13.  naughty monkey detective boots- endless.com.  again with the not-heel, not wedge thing.
14.  clooney by coconuts- piper lime.  these look identical to another pair listed... but with a wedge
15.  faux leather riding boots- old navy.  i've been happy with all my inexpensive old navy shoes- they always hold up well.

i ended up going with a pair of flat motorcycle boots from target that didn't even make my most loved list, yet were only $10- and that always makes my list! 

wish list friday: winter coats

i'm starting something new here called wish list friday in hopes that i will reinvigorate my blogging and blog reading.  and because i want a lot of things, and we're broke so i get no things.  it's like a collection of dreams.


first up, in honor of it SNOWING today.  grrrrrr brrrrr.... winter coats!

1.  candy cane cutie coat in frost by jack/bbdakota- modcloth (could replace my old white coat)

2.  duffle coat- delias (i love toggles)

3.  philanthropy chair charmer jacket by tulle- modcloth (cute short jacket)

4.  the icing on the coat in red velvet by knitted dove- modcloth (mmm, red velvet)

5.  calvin klein double breasted stand-up collar coat - lord & taylor (could use a new black coat)

6.  the perfect piccadilly coat by tulle- modcloth (cute retro plaid)

7.  ojai coat- jack by bbdakota (unique + love my current jack coat)

8.  polka dot margie coat by tulle- fred flare (sweet.  plus the dots are stitched, not printed)

9.  regimentary my dear coat by tulle- modcloth (love the zipper!)

10.  double cloth metro coat- jcrew (love the cobalt blue)

11.  very vermont jacket by jack/bbdakota- modcloth (looks warm!)

12.  candy apple chic coat- modcloth (belted & ruffled)

i doubt i'll be getting a new coat this year, but these are just so pretty to look at!

my biggest wish-  a safe & happy veterans day.  thankful for all those who served & who continue to serve- esp my family & friends.  praying for a safe return to the states this holiday season for my cousin carla's husband, austin. 

30th Birthday Wishes

my 30th birthday is a little over 6 weeks away- and husband's 30th birthday is in a mere 6 days!  Usually i'm on the ball with birthday gifts for dave- but i'm stumped (sorry dave).  i want something really special seeing as it's his 30th birthday...  any ideas?  anyone?  anyone?  help!

however, i know what i want for myself... of course...

 

this gorgeous comforter set from target.  our room needs something new- and i think this will really brighten things up for spring and summer!

this mixer.  duh.

when it finally stays warm here, i want these on my feet when i'm not wearing sandals or flats!

i've never had a "nice" watch before- this one is so pretty

a new pair of brown shoes- either these or, the more wallet-friendly ones from f21

a beautiful handmade scarf from the pleated poppy

or this beautiful handmade necklace from allora handmade

just a few things that are on my list!  i'd be lucky to just get one of those items!!  but i guess mother's day is coming up too!!

now, what to get for husband... running out of time!

straight from the heart

valentine's day is in a week!  i love valentine's day a little too much.  it's safe to say that it's my favorite holiday- while for most people it's a day they wish just didn't exist.  i used to always go overboard for the big day- i've changed that a little since being married, but i still want sometime cute to wear for my dinner date with the husband.  modcloth's newest look book straight from the heart pretty much belongs in my closet- and confirms that my taste is a little twee...  oh well.  here are my faves!

all items from modcloth

1.  heart act to follow cardigan

2.  to the patisserie sweater

3.  traveling translator tote

4.  lace embrace top

5.  on the ball-et dress

6.  tweet on you dress

7.  flowers of romance dress

8.  seafoam of affection dress

9.  moments to remember dress

10.  eye in the sky heel

11.  flurry up top

12.  constellation rising top

your thoughts on valentine's day?  love it or hate it? 

fall wish list- coats/outerwear

because as my husband says, "you only have 7 coats, do you really need another?"  what do you think?

i could only fit into 3 of those coats while pregnant, and i'm guessing the same outcome for this winter.  so it may be time to part ways with some of those coats, and make way for some new ones... and it's now really appropriate for me to have so many coats seeing that illinois is like the arctic.  i may have made it through my pregnancy last winter with only wearing gloves and a hat most days- but i had body heat for 2.  not so much this time around.  i'm going to be cold.

here's what made my wish list!

clifton coat - bbdakota

romaine coat - jack bbdakota

tuileries garden coat - modcloth

first brass coat - modcloth

big city blues coat - modcloth

wear the heart is jacket - modcloth

women's wool-blend peacoat in golden gate - old navy

cute as a button coat - ruche

evelyn military dress coat - delias

i have to say i have really been looking for coats in gray or navy because i pretty much have them in all the other colors that i've spotted online, but didn't find a gray or navy that i just have to have.  the delias coat is closest to gray, but i'm not sure i love it.  the clifton coat is close to navy, but maybe not as deep of a blue as i desire.  i also just realized that the clifton coat and the big city blues coat are the same coat...  the orange old navy coat- i just love the color- it just makes me dream of pumpkin bars and pumpkin spice lattes and changing leaves- and i got my first peacoat from old navy over 10 years ago- and it is still going strong!  the wear the heart is jacket is more cute than warmth.  (btw, modcloth has a coat warmth scale- how awesome is that)?!  the white coats are probably my favorite- i just see them with a peek of skirt and colorful tights sticking out.

dreaming of coats... but not the weather that would necessitate one...

i wish for

my birthday is coming up very soon!  i love birthday's.  mine and others.  i love giving gifts, and i love getting gifts.  who doesn't?  some people always have a hard time knowing what they want for their birthday- i am not one of those people.  i always have some kind of running list going of books and other things i want.  here are my top wishes for this year...

clothes from ann taylor loft.  so yes, i shouldn't buy all my clothes from one place, but i can afford them.  they fit.  they're cute.  i love this place.  i love it!

the get outta town shoe from seychelles.  i saw these shoes about a week ago, and i am absolutely in love.  i know there are lots of knock offs around- payless has a pair, and someone at my next door neighbors house on saturday had a pair sitting outside their our door.  it took all my willpower not to steal them- but then i remembered poor carrie at the baby shower on satc. 

gone with the wind 70th anniversary edition.  i love this movie.  i could watch it a million times.  i already own a copy, but not this copy. 

i am in love with this vintage style cake tin.  it gives me the inspiration to bake a thousand cakes, just so i can show up with them in this tin!!

chance chanel by chanel.  i am in love with the way this smells.

this mixer will be on my wishlist until the end of time i get it.  sorry husband.  unfortunately, this color has been discontinued and people think it's cool to sell it for $700.  supply and demand, baby.

 

i would love another pair of havaianas. 

hopefully i will get lucky!!  have a happy tuesday!!