would you? could you?

These backdrops from Castle Gibson seen on Beefy's blog would be SO AMAZING for a photo shoot...but could you actually live with the bohemian chic, torn and tattered look? I'd like to say I could...but I'd most likely have my paint swatches out after a week or two.

envious

okay,okay...stick a big,fat "L" on my forehead for watching DWTS (and now I'm an uber-loser because I abbreviated Dancing With The Stars like we're close and personal friends) BUT--
check out the PONYTAIL on Nicole Scherzinger (of PussyCat Dolls fame)...I die. And would I push people to the floor, run over them with high heels if she were giving away that body of hers...yes I would.

sing out

I teach a third grade small reading group which just happens to be five boys. At first I thought they would be a handful, but I'm actually enjoying our time together. There's no snarkiness like among the third grade girls and they all get along quite well. The SWEETEST thing is when we are grading papers and they sing their answers . They LOVE to do it and my heart smiles when they do--SO sweet.

get cara cara-ed away

My daughter told me about the uber sweetness and joy a CaraCara orange will bring to your tastebuds and she was right! What's the big diff you may ask...well, I've done the research for you:
Cara Cara Oranges are very low in acid, with a naturally sweet flavor. Some people feel that they are superior to other navel orange varieties in flavor, and they are often in high demand in produce markets when they are in season.
Go. Eat. Enjoy

yes

this weekend is supposed to be GORGEOUS and I'm planning on enjoying every drop of sunshine and every blade of grass as I walk winter away. Enjoy yours as well!

image via weheartit

reinvented vinyl

are these just the coolest? okay, okay...not to the grocery store or schlepping the kids to school ...but if you're out and about and want that great accessory and showstopper. I know I had the Madonna album and I've been told more than once the resemblance to Carly and who can forget their crush on Rick Springfield?
From Reinvented Vinyl's etsy profile:
"A few years ago, I begin the arduous process of constructing a purse from a castoff record album. Many trials, tribulations, bad designs and hours in consultation with friends and family later -- ReInvented Vinyl was born. Giving birth to a child was easier.
Like most Wonder Women, I construct purses part time, squeezing out one purse at a time in my studio. There are never enough hours in the day. "They are hard to make!" said my friend Kim O'Neill. "You are the Master of the Obvious," I replied. But I forge on, in hopes that like-minded Wonder Women will see, appreciate, and BUY my record album purses on Etsy."
Which one would you get?

hello eight weeks

I'm going to the doctor's today for (hopefully) my final x-rays on my foot. If all goes according to plan; my left foot will be back in business. My pedicure is all set for Friday...yes!

all images via :we heart it

Santa Cruz Spring Break

We met in Santa Cruz to throw a baby shower but who knew we would have so much fun on the boardwalk? It was the perfect place for a Dressing On The Side photo shoot (also perfect in that the rides were not open as of yet; no swarms of cotton candy fist filled sweaty people; and no missing teeth carnies were around...not saying that all carnivals have missing teeth carnies...but I'm just sayin).

back in the groove

we loves us some spring break around here...the only flaw is that you have to bounce back into reality after a late flight and an early alarm. We'll give you more details later but one word=wonderful.

is it time yet?

We actually do have a bunny or two in our yard so if we're going by "rabbit time" I'm assuming that spring might be close at hand. We're off for California so take care of yourselves while I'm gone...talk soon!

more is more

It's over the top. It's too much. It's all those things... and it's mine. I'm a sucker for vintage pieces and when you throw them all together on a necklace...I die. It's not a wear it all day piece--it's heavy--but it's such a conversation starter, I couldn't resist. From Raquel Castillo.

spring break

I'm one of the lucky ones who get to enjoy spring break even beyond college years. Working for the school district does have some perks...and this is one of them.


For my spring break, husband and I will be traveling to Santa Cruz California where we rented a beach house to throw a baby shower for our daughter and her husband.




Hoping for some warm sun to relax and enjoy these with the family that will be arriving. Don't you love the folding doors? Bring the sunshine indoors...hello spring!

We're a talented bunch and will be cooking for the event from here...I love checking out someone else's kitchen. What about you? Do you get to enjoy a week off sometime this month?

oprah on ebay

SO...are you bidding?

Oprah's big ebay sale is ON but ONLY for another 24 hours or so. All proceeds go to Oprah's Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Looks like the highest price item thus far is an alligator clutch for $4000 but if you're jonesing for a piece of O there's a Coach hot pink pleated skirt for only $215 (just what every size 12 woman wants to wear....what was she thinking??!)

"There's that damn Helen Mirren..."

"Steve; that's Dame Helen Mirren"

"oh...sorry"

I'm such a ten year old when it comes to stupid jokes.

When we do a road trip to Vegas and drive by Hoover Dam--I'm on the floor with laughter.

"Can we stop at the dam bathrooms?"

"Where are all these dam people coming from?"

"Watch out for the dam crosswalks."

"Oh look...it's a dam tour guide."

The thrill of being "naughty" without really being so bad.

mystery shopper

I love to shop online and when I do I click some items into my cart and "hold" them until I have a day or two to think it over. I'm trying to tame the impulse purchase machine inside of me. Most of the time I forget about the item--so, in some strange way, I feel as if I'm saving money (ask our accountant about how well I "save" money...)
Imagine my surprise when I clicked to Anthropologie (after receiving their newest catalog...gorgeous!) and seeing that I had items in my shopping cart--AND--they were still available--AND--on sale!
The "Leading Lady" trench coat by Eley Kishimoto (no clue...but sounds like he's sort of important in the fashion industry) was originally $495 (!!!) but was in my cart for $119. The weird thing is--you can't find it on the Anthro website. I clicked on the coat, I searched, I googled--it's no longer available--but, here it was sitting in my forgotten shopping cart.
We'll see how it looks--love that the double breast buttons are wider on top and narrower on the bottom and another blogger mentioned it fit her better than her Burberry. It will be great with all the "basic black" I have in my closet; I just hope it doesn't make me dizzy when I wear it.

and it's gone

If I had these right now. this moment. they would be gone.

have you met?

First house. Portland. Writing that puts a smile on your face. Let the adventure begin.Here.

hair

can you stand it?! she's an etsy shopgirl and she is so gorgeous. of course, if I had the same hair I would most likely look like Kramer on any given day and hate it. so unfair.