Wise Old Purchases

I've been seeing more and more owls popping up all over the place, from fashion and accessories to stationery and home accents. Here are some of my favorites:






1. mittens
2. wrapping paper
3. iphone case
4. switchplate
5. earrings

Nesting Cups

I saw these great tumblers at a gift shop in Newport over the weekend. They are so cute! I think they would make neat little bud vases for newly emerging spring flowers, too. They need to be displayed--definitely not something meant to be stored away in a kitchen cupboard.

I adore fun kitchen accessories!

Strawberry Stash

I recently spotted this adorable tote that folds up into a little strawberry. I thought it would be perfect to keep in my car for spontaneous farmers market trips and last-minute grocery store runs. I just wish they had a variety of fruit so I could collect them all!

Do you have a favorite reusable tote?
taylor

Puddle Jumping

I love traditional Hunter Wellies, but when I spotted these gold ones, I was really smitten. They make sloshing around in the rain somewhat glamorous, don't you think?!

Bouncing Here and There and Everywhere

I love fun and unique home accents and this product is no exception. It's a chandelier made from over five thousand hand-strung gummi bears! There are only ten being made so they are very limited edition, which makes me want one even more. It's probably important to mention that the gummi bears are made of acrylic (not sugar) in order to withstand hungry kiddos and the heat of a 75 watt light bulb. Of course, the price is available only upon request, which is never a good thing. Wouldn't it be fun hanging in a breakfast nook or a playroom? This is the cutest thing I've seen in a long time--so creative!

Happy Friday!
taylor

All About Bows

There's been a lot of blogging buzz about J. Crew's new catalog and some of the unique jewelry pieces. Well, my catalog finally came in the mail yesterday and something else struck me: bows. There were pretty feminine bows on shoes, accessories, and even bathing suits! I love bows and I just hope I'm still young enough to pull them off. Check out some of my faves below!

I especially love the swimsuit. It comes in a pretty eucalyptus color, too.

What's your favorite bow-piece?
taylor

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

I love trying out new recipes, especially ones from my favorite Food Network shows. Giada DeLaurentiis never seems to fail with her clean, simple recipes that taste great. I recently saw an episode of Giada at Home where she bakes peanut butter cookies with blackberry jam. They looked amazing, sort of like a peanut butter thumbprint but with raspberry jam instead of a chocolate kiss. That's what I mean about her cooking, though. She takes something familiar and puts a fun, gourmet twist on it. I cannot wait to try the recipe--perhaps this weekend! Her kitchen is simple and beautiful, too. I would die to have that much counter space!

Do you have a favorite Food Network chef or show?
taylor

Required Reading

Speaking of books and reading (see below), wouldn't this be an amazing way to catalog your collection? It serves as a library and a work of art in the same room. I love it. It's aesthetically pleasing to me on so many levels! (seen on Beauty in Everything)

Read & Repeat

I absolutely love getting lost in a good book, but my busy work schedule isn't always conducive to that. There are days that go by that I only read children's books and don't even open something intended for those over the age of 6. I pick up the occasional Sunday crossword here and there, but typically summertime is when I catch up on good books. That being said, I have been doing some "light" reading lately in the form of the Twilight series. I know, I know. I'm past the respectable age to admit this, but it's still fun. I'm about halfway through the final book in the series, Breaking Dawn, and I'm looking for my next leisurely read. I am usually drawn to memoirs, humor, and the occasional long, complex novel. Some of my favorite writers are Wally Lamb, Pat Conroy, David Sedaris, and Judy Blume.

I was in Borders over the weekend and picked up Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes (by Elizabeth Bard) and instantly fell in love. I think I read for a good twenty minuted before I realized how much time had passed. I need a book that grabs me right from the first few pages and hooks me so I can't put it down. I think this book will definitely be my next read; check out a sneak peek here. I couldn't even buy it on the spot because I'd never finish the book I'm currently working on.

Have you read any good books lately?
taylor

Muppets Make Me Smile

Do you have a favorite Muppet? I've always loved Beaker, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's lab assistant. I love how he "meeps" instead of talking. The poor guy is always getting set on fire or electrocuted, but he still comes back for more! I watched the new Muppet Christmas movie in December and it was hysterical! I love shows that are funny for kids and adults alike. Beaker and Bunsen certainly continue to make quite a pair.

Did you know you can design and build your own Muppet at FAO Schwarz? I've been to the Muppet Whatnot Workshop in NYC but I got serious stage fright and couldn't decide on what to make! Next time I go back I'll definitely be more prepared. You have to admit, that is a pretty overwhelming toy store. What a great idea though!

What would your personalized Muppet look like?