our week >> according to instagram

wow - per wade & my instagram pics life's been pretty simple! it has - i've loved it! wade was in town all last week studying & reading. and i kept busy w/ small projects around the house. it's finally cool enough around here to have the windows open at night ... and to enjoy our little front porch oasis! :) yipee! w+i went to the farmer's market saturday am and bought new herbs and some fall flowering plants. and we bought apples! lots and lots of apples. enough for snacking AND a gorgeous apple pie (i'll share tomorrow).

i loved // a bouquet of fresh flowers - just bc it was saturday! and i can't believe i haven't shared w/ you all my new cheese plate (i got it for my birthday back at the beginning of august). my sweet friend & pottery classmate amy is showcasing her whimsical pottery collection later this fall. each week we ooh and ah over her latest creations. for my nashville readers - i'll share show dets soon!
 
i learned // a lot about love the past couple of weeks at church. we're currently in the middle of a series called the reckless ones. and it's amazing, people. Christ gave us 2 commands: 1) love God. 2) love people. but most of us are "churched" beyond our obedience. are we really obeying those commands? even if it means living a bit reckless & really loving people!?!  if you have time - check out these beautiful podcasts (1 & 2) from crosspoint nashville's minister pete wilson.

i liked //

• this set of mini modern colored pencils from target. okay okay - so i'm an office supplies junkie. aren't they adorable though?
• this brilliant trash to treasure workbench via me & jilly (and featured on brooklyn limestone). yup - i'm on the hunt, craigslist nashville!
• this silk cashmere dipped hem sweater from poetry fashion just in time for fall! especially in soft aqua! yes, please. okay okay - i would probably ruin a cashmere shirt in about 10 minutes. but a girl can dream!

i look forward to //  we're heading home later this weekend just in time to celebrate a big birthday for my mom & to help her care for my grandma. i'm so excited for the trip - and even more blessed that it was wade's idea. :) he's a keeper, y'all.

house + hem: print

house // hand towel via h&m uk

hem // fabled canoe sweater via spool no. 72

maybe it's bc of the cool evenings reminding me that fall is just around the corner. or maybe it's bc i've made 5lbs of baked beans to compliment the 40 hot dogs & 40 hot dog buns we're taking w/ us this weekend. or maybe it's the anticipation of living in the wild for 3 days and 2 nights w/o running water or electricity. but i'm really digging these warm rustic tones paired with native american inspired prints. i especially NEED that sweater. gorgeous, right?

i'm a real odd ball ...

it's been a little boring around the blog this past week. surprisingly i've never been busier!!! ha. my evenings have been filled w/ crafts i can't share yet!!! our big birthday camping trip is coming along swimmingly. but i've been holding off on sharing as i don't want to ruin the experience for party-goers and the hubs! gah! that said, i will have a whole heap of blog posts at the end of the month! have patience, i'll try.

in the meantime, w + i have been trying to limit our fun money this month. we each used a portion of our budgeted "fun" for the each other's birthday gifts. (side note: wade reminded me last night that the term "fun money" implies that when it runs out, we no longer have fun. touché.)

it has however come to my attention that i use my portion of the fun money very randomly.
specifically - this month i bought:

1 // this adorable little green sap bucket!

{credit: vintage abbey road @ etsy}

2 // these penmanship workbooks first published in the mid-1800s.

 

 of course there's a method to my madness. these each contributed to my 31 before 31 list!

4 // relearn to write in cursive - and become comfortable w/ my penmanship. 

practice makes perfect!

7 // collect something.

how many of an item qualifies as a collection? and where exactly should i display my "sap bucket collection"? we need more wall space.

purchased anything random lately?

shop: three potato four

i'm really smitten w/ all things new england & outdoor fun lately as i scour the interweb for inspiration for our end of the month camping trip! and today i fell in love w/ this eclectic little shop. husband + wife graphic design team janet & stu launched three potato four in 2007 bc of their love of collections:

{bottom 3 images clockwise from upper left}

1 // boy scout pack w/ wooden frame

2 // rustic wire egg basket

3 // folk art wooden whale

 i'll take one of each, please.

house + hem: mint

i'm 16 days away from turning 30, y'all!

and quite possibly going through a bit of a crisis mode. i cut bangs again, i'm on the hunt for a neon bra and even crazier: i'm considering challenging myself to not purchasing any plain ol jeans in year 3-0. and maybe an add-on: no jeans for work!?! would i dare? the thing is ... i work in the music business. we say "music business casual" aka "dress like a rockstar" so i'm not opting for stuffy work clothes. but i can't dress like a kid forever! it's time to step it up.

so here's a little house + hem inspired by this mint pleated midi skirt. a perfect launch to my goal?

house // old havana dinner plate via anthropologie

hem // pleated midi skirt via asos

house + hem: salmon

house // ikea svalbo table DIY via the sweet beast

hem // combined trouser via zara

really really really digging colored skinnies right now.

thinking i need a pair of these in salmon and another pair in a mint. agreed?

house + hem: neon

i love an organized blog. yes - i'm somewhat ocd (by now you've surely caught on to that!) so i'm excited to introduce house + hem - a fun new post category! and a place for me to spotlight favorite decorating & fashion finds in perfect pairs.

of course, what's hotter than neon right now? the perfect summer pair:

house // electric pink salad bowls via wind&willow home

hem // summer chevrons romper via anthropologie

look for less: free people

the jean:

 
{l} free people - candy stretch skinny jean {78.00}
{r} charlotte russe - denim skinny jean {29.99}

the top:

 

{l} free people - short sleeved marled sweater tee {88.00}
{l} macys - rachel rachel roy sweater w/ asymmetric hem {41.24}

the shoes:

{l} free people - dolce vita drew lace oxford {79.00}
{r} alloy - eloise loafer {29.90}
{honorable mention} alloy - neon sole oxford {29.90}

the bag:

{l} free people - clarmonte bodega hobo {598.00}
{r} roxy - highway bag {48.00}

 TOTAL:
free people {843.00}
my look {149.13}

of course ... this look is completely about that stunning lila rice necklace. yum! not willing to shell out 385 buckaroos? tune in tomorrow! we're making our own. :)

{l} free people - lila rice alarra necklace {358.00}
{r} my version! DIY dets tomorrow.

xo.

kiss me, i'm irish ...

a few of my favorite items for a pinch proof holiday:

1 // 2 // 3

okay i'm not really irish. about everything else ... a welsh, german, dutch mutt. but don't you love how everyone's irish on st. patrick's day anyway. today we celebrated at the office w/ corned beef and cabbage and the cutest irish creme cake pops from nashville cake pops! too bad for me they aren't gfree. luck of the irish, wade! (yes - he is irish!)

oh hey, color: a pretty spring dress

1, 2, 3, 4

nothing says spring more than this little xhiliration dress i picked up at target over the weekend. over-sized flowers √,  Aztec print √ + loads and loads of color! i'm especially loving navy w/ teal and tomato + salmon this spring. but i'm 100% smitten w/ that chevron camera bag from ketti handbags. perfect w/ red interior. yes, please! (now the fingers are crossed w/ hopes that they will restock!)

hello, friends

it's makeover week at the office. i was scheduled to be out of the office monday through wednesday. i had a photo shoot scheduled for both tuesday and wednesday and fittings all day monday - so the makeover schedule fit my schedule perfectly. of course, now it's thursday and they haven't even started on my office. womp womp. good things are worth the wait, right?

speaking of waiting ... i've been waiting patiently all week to get a new pair of boots in the mail. my old boots had sprung a leak and i'd found boots @ target - remember? they're awesome but super tough. i wanted something a bit feminine as well. i found these lovelies within my budget at UO:

ecote stallion leather boot - an urban outfitters exclusive

$89.99 online

{$59.99 if you find them in stores + they can order your size online!}

"boots with the spurs" (sung to the tune of flo-rida's "boots wit da fur"). aren't the cute? i bought the brown - but was so so so tempted to go back and buy them in grey/black as well. instead i will pray they continue to be available until i have replinished clothes funds in march.

on a side note: you know how there's the kid on christmas morning that enjoys the box more than the toy that came in it? i have pretty big plans for the box these lovelies came in as well. the DIY wheels are a turnin'.

i've missed you all this week! how's life? how's your "31 days to a better photo" challenge coming along? click here to send me your progress reports! :)

work attire ...

wade's office might be getting a dress code. a dress code, people - blah!

wade's in non-profit. i am thankfully in the music business ... where there's quite a bit more freedom. however lately i've been wondering if i could possibly earn a bit more respect around the office if i dressed a bit less like a kid, yo. i've gotten so stressed over work attire at times that i've envied my friends that are required to wear uniforms to work. ha. yup. i've been thinking about it so much ... i had an anxiety dream last night that the office no longer allowed JEANS. gah.

what would life be like w/o jeans?

a challenge i'm willing to accept ... at least w/in the workplace. in fact, i've committed to purchasing a dress or skirt per paycheck for the next few months to build my jean-less wardrobe (within the "blair's clothes" perimeters of our budget of course).

here's what i have my eye on:

1 // pretty lace dresses, dark tights and t-strap heels ... via asos
2 // oversized cardigans + polka dots ... via sunday crossbow
3 // more lace & herringbone (in fact any mixed textures) ... via sidewalk ready

credits:
blog bling - pugly pixel

{ look for less } target boots

it's official, mama needs new boots. i have loved my intyce riding boots from steve madden for the past 2 winters. but yesterday my left foot sprung a leak ... a crack completely across the sole. very unfortunate considering it was a typical rainy winter day in nashville.

when i walked into work this morning - i was determined to shop during my lunch break for a new pair of boots. so of course i noticed tiffany in publishing sporting an awesome pair of boots. "figures," i thought to myself, "tiff has a pair of fryes." ... correction: tif has a pair of mossimo's from target 2 years ago that look EXACTLY like fryes. now we're talking.

the boot to be exact is the mossimo supply co. katherine engineer boot. apparently this boot sold out immediately after released in late 2009. now they've restocked for online purchase only. it's remarkably similar in style to the frye harness 12r boot - and, unlike most knockoffs, made of genuine leather.

{ the look }                                                            { the less }      

 { l } frye harness 12r - $228.00

{ r } mossimo supply co. katherine engineer boot - $59.99

and this isn't target's only knockoff ... 

i've always had my eye on the melissa button boot from frye. w+i have a friend that owns a pair in each color they carry. (speaking of colors ... i'm slightly green w/ envy!) so what do you think of this similar but much cheaper option? the kasia boot from merona. also made of genuine leather and available online only.

{ the look }                                                            { the less }       

                             

 { l } frye melissa button boot - $328.00

{ r } merona kasia boot in cognac - $69.99

okay so i might have ordered a pair of each. i've seen the 1st boot - and it's spot on. and i can easily return the 2nd pair if they don't meet my expectations. and right now when you spend more than $50 @ target ... the shipping is on them. plus it's buy 1, get 1 50% off. goodbye, december clothes money (yes, i'm aware it's november). 

so your turn: have you found a knockoff that you're proud to share? please do!

-------------------------------

don't forget about the giveaway (ends sunday, 11/20):

eleven ...

{source: lilyja on etsy, leo reynolds on flickr, wild goose chase on flickr}

happy wishing, sweet readers! :)

{ someday } alsolete

don't tell wade. lately i've been a bit baby crazy. i mean we have 8 kazillion friends that are pregnant this fall. so exciting. and to increase the madness ... i of course had to stumble upon alsolete - a barcelona based clothing store for children 12 months to 14 years. after studying @ the art & fashion techniques school in barcelona & working in the fashion industry for 15 years, designer marta gambùs launched alsolete in 2000. her intention ... to design children's clothing that express the mediterranean way of life - modern yet comfortable.

{source: alsolete}

mission accomplished! i am especially in love w/ the colors in her collection. okay so secretly i wish they had a mommy/daddy line too!

{someday} w+i will travel to barcelonato visit alsolete! in the meantime - check out the estore!

confession: a bit of a shopping spree

wade needs new clothes! ... like bad. he started running regularly about a month or two ago. that plus our time at the gym = low rider jeans that no belt can remedy. luckily we devoted a small portion of our budget to a clothing fund under the advice "if you're gonna need it anyway, budget for it."

so i did a little shopping ...

... for him:

{clockwise from upper left: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5}

and ... for her (bc honestly blair needs new clothes too!):

{clockwise from upper left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

... yah. a little shopping. but do you see those prices?

last night we received a catalog in the mail from lands'end canvas. i'm SO impressed w/ their line (and w/ their customer service - we're talking a handwritten note w/ my last order!). the canvas line @ lands'end is more fashion-oriented and perfect for young professionals. right up the j.crew alley - yet more affordable.

 {click to shop!}

right now they are having a fall sale - we're talking ULTRA LOW prices, people!
3 jeans, 1 corduroy, 2 t-shirts, 1 tank, 1 blouse, 1 polo + 1 sweater = $150.00

and check out this promo code (expires 10/15) for $10 off + free shipping over $50.00:
MJ11 pin: 4423

so have you had a chance to check out lands'end canvas?

---------------------------------------

again ... you have until FRIDAY (tomorrow!) to sign up for the stella & dot giveaway hosted by independent stylist melissa olson. don't miss out. click the logo above for details!

{ hello munday }

 {source: shop // allure by u, eat // make&takes, covet // madewell}

shop // this pretty little leaf bracelet from allure by u on etsy. i'm feeling rather girlie today & loving that price - $20.00!

eat // yes - i'm still on my apple kick! it's fall, after all. and especially now that i've seen these adorable apple cupcakes from make&takes - a must make for all future falls! however - i'm thinking a little tweak. apple-flavored (and gfree of course).

covet // mama needs a new blazer this fall! while i find lots and lots of inspiration on madewell (gah - love!) ... my new clothing budget is more suitable for a second hand find w/ a few alterations. w/ printed inspiration, it's time to thrift.

{source: make // the picket fence, visit // oh, hello friend, play // one sheepish girl, smile // sears}

make // this cute little corn husk fall wreath from the picket fence. hmmm i posted a wreath last week. it's official - i need 2 front doors! ;)

visit // it's yellow week on oh, yello friend (woops - oh, hello friend). yellow is my ultimate favorite color ... it just makes me so happy! click here for to instantly brighten your day!

play // this photo challenge display from one sheepish girl has me completely inspired to attempt this super fun 30 day photo challenge from oh so lovely. okay okay so i'm a month and a half behind ... woops. but i just bought some new gear for the camera w/ blogging in mind and it should arrive any day now! so am i up for the challenge? hmmm ...

{source: oh so lovely}

smile // it's official ... i stumbled upon the ODDEST thing on the internet. these 7" spike heel ballet ankle boots from sears are NOT OKAY. i was googling rainboots for my mum and happened upon those bad boys girls. hmmm - what are you thinking sears? stick to hardware and appliances.

{shop} plümo

i am absolutely in love w/ these hand-blown glasses available through plümo. they are exactly like the ones we used everyday during our honeymoon. i searched the souks in both marrakesh and essaouira for something similar only to find out via plümo that they are algerian not moroccan after all. that explains why i couldn't find them!

{source: plümo}

our first anniversary is just around the corner in september (crazy, eh?). i thought this would be a cute little addition to our collection - plus a perfect time to buy w/ them on sale! but i've attempted to put in an order 3 days in a row. :( supposedly plümo has my item on hold - and has emailed me a shipping quote to approve.

anybody else tried to order from them and had trouble?

yes, please. no, thank you.

yes, please:

these adorable rompers + floral dress from bluebird. just $29.00 right now on swirl. haven't heard of swirl? it's dailycandy's sample sale site. click here to check it out! i would also like her pretty red hair!

{click to shop}

no, thank you:

these disco nail rings from bijules exclusively at 80s purple. at $170.00 a "ring" ... i don't think i'll be rockin' these bad boys on the dance floor any time in the near future. do you think they'd actually stay on in full disco mode? to be honest, i just don't get it. but if you do - more power to you! :)

{click to shop}

well ... it happened again.

i'm a spotted mess w/ a ridiculous benedryl hangover. :(

friday afternoon i noticed my polka dot torso and freaked! i had over 20 bright red spots on my stomach and back. a spider in my shirt? no. this had happened before a few weeks back. i couldn't be that unlucky. worse ... office flea infestation? bed bugs? small pox? do not attempt to webmd. (lesson learned!)

i loaded up on benedryl and tried to socialize at dinner w/ friends (my apologies ketric + ashley & kristin + eric) ... and by 9, hit the sack. in fact, i spent the entire weekend in a medicated haze - not good as we had a wedding to attend (congrats reed and taylor)! my sweet husband even bug bombed the apartment to ease my mind. unfortunately by sunday night, i had several new spots despite our remedies. lovely.

so today i gave in and scheduled a dr appt. (without fail - every time i finally give in and head to the dr my symptoms have faded or are completely gone all together. isn't that frustrating!?!) well - today i lucked out and the rash remained.

the conclusion ... HIVES!

soooo thankful that we don't have bed bugs. but what gives with the hives!?! stress? allergies? poo.

while i work off the benedryl - i lack creativity.
but i hope you enjoy this polka dot inspired collection:

1 // how to polka dress - modcloth {52.99} ... pretty pretty open back!

{click to shop}

2 // stuck on you 3-piece japanese masking tape - ruche {9.99} ... my latest obsession!

{click to shop}

perfect for this adorable japanese masking tape diy by how about orange:

{source: how about orange}

3 // blue polka dot headscarf - asos {18.47} ... the ideal summer head gear!

{click to shop}

4 // polka dot underwire tank swimwear - j. crew {64.00} ... maybe it's the former swim team in me - but i love a sexy 1-piece.

{click to shop}