a few good things.

i just put the baby down for her morning nap-it's a blistery day and my neighborhood is covered in a layer of fresh snow. i've spent this week catching up on laundry and cleaning and now i'm feeling the need to get out of the house & wishing the weather was warm enough for a walk. the cold has me feeling a bit blah this morning, so i thought i'd list a few things (we're talking actual things, here people) that make me happy on days like today.

ancient grains granola with almonds: if you're a costco member, please buy this granola next time you are there. i've always been a granola lover, but this stuff takes the cake. if you like big hunks of crunchy granola (not fine granola), you'll love this. my favorite way to eat it is on top of a big bowl of greek yogurt (drizzled with honey) for breakfast. i seriously dream about this breakfast.

anthro's blue volcano candle: do i even need to say anything? we all know the scent of this candle is intoxicating & instantly makes your home feel brighter, cleaner and more beautiful. buy it. burn it.
i go through one every 6 months or so. (thanks to jennie for my current one!)

the new girl: if you aren't watching you should be! how hilarious was this week's episode and jess' rant about "the polka-dot incident"...i was dying. jess...you rock a lot of polka dots.

glee's "human nature" cover: this cover is good. i dare you to listen to it and not feel happy & motivated to have a nice day. go ahead & try. this week i've also been listening to a lot of the civil wars (although they are not happy or motivating in the slightest. you've been warned.)

target's dark denim jeggings: and when does target not get it right, though?! in the past, i've been a lover of skinny jeans from urban outfitters or jbrand, but i have to say these target jeggings rival my more expensive favorites. i have two pairs and i live in them. they are tight and comfortable and perfect for a day at home or a night out.

fresh flowers: again, i get mine from costco. in the winter, i love to buy one of their $8 bunches and split it up into 3 pretty arrangements that cheer up my home. $8 for a bit of spring in the dead of winter? that's a no brainier.

clementines: the perfect winter pick-me-up. between evie & i, we will eat at least 6 of them today.

nars illuminator:  like summer on your face. instantly brightens your skin without even a hint of shimmer or sparkle. i like to mix a drop with my moisturizer or put a tiny bit on each cheekbone.


what about you guys? what items help you survive a dreary winter day?

too good not to share.

while browsing ikea the other weekend i came across this plastic case meant to be used for organization in the kitchen, but i thought it might be perfect for makeup instead. most of my makeup is bare minerals and although i l love it, i don't love the way it leaks powder all over everything when tossed in a makeup bag. i've been searching for a way to store it all upright for a while now and this is the perfect solution. the case is slim, it fits perfectly in my bathroom drawer and it keeps everything from spilling. best of all, it cost next to nothing.

mom, this post is mostly for you. brilliant, right?

 

ps. i still store my brushes upright in glass cup like i always have, but a few of them would easily fit in the case as well.

face-lift.

i've been wanting to jazz up my blog for a while, but unfortunately i don't have the right skills or programs to do it myself. luckily, wonderful jenna is a design guru and happily transformed my little blog for next to nothing.

if your looking for a face-lift of your own, i would definitely recommend her! she probably emailed me 20 proofs today alone and never complained about the billions of changes i had her make.

and seriously...her pricing is unreal. check her out here and thank you jenna!

because i love a good referall.

right now, i'm loving...

map lipglass in underage
and diorshow mascara

i'll never go back to my cheap drugstore brand again. a mascara that never flakes off, separates perfectly, and curls & lengthens is well worth a few extra dollars.

try it, mom!

rad.

a big congratulations to my own mother who's handmade broaches were featured on channel 14's morning show today. in case i haven't mentioned this, all of her broaches are now available at your local whimsy clothing boutique. she has had tons of success with these darling broaches & i am so proud of her. and just in case you thought they were cute before, watch out, because they are about 50 times cuter now. she just keeps getting better.

dear summer.

i really really miss you.

i know i always say that autumn is my favorite season. and i'm sure it hurts your feelings to hear that (i apologize), but right now you are my favorite season. and i want you back.

remember our hot, sunny, football games?
they were so lovely.
thank you for always burning my face.

i miss our midnight shake runs with gjo.
(why is it that midnight shake runs only happen in the summer?)

i miss days on the beach with you.

and i miss the way you leave my face tan
or burned
either way is cool with me.

i miss my braid (which permanently died when i cut "the bangs")
and is more of a summer time look anyways.

(this is the kill-me-now face. not sure why i wanted to die)

i miss your berries and cream....

our roses from the backyard (rip beautiful rose garden)

and i miss wearing flip flops. so very very much.

please forgive me for the few times that i complained about your limited clothing options (post-temple marriage, of course) and pleaded with you to morph into fall. i don't know what i was thinking.

come back soon, summer.
you are dearly missed.