Big Snuggles {when I need it most}

Little E and I grabbed a few pictures together yesterday. I have to admit, it was a doozy of a day so these sweet hugs and kisses were a welcome bit of love. I think much of my frustration lies in the weather this week, as it's our spring break together as a family and we've not been able to enjoy the outdoors. We've certainly kept busy, hitting the hot spots around town to make sure the boys have had a fun little holiday. But my visions of daily picnics at the park vanished quickly when the temps dropped at the start of our week. Bah!

Oh well, silly me. There are worser things ...

{on me: jacket & dress - Kohls, sweater - Forever 21, shoes - DSW

on E: hoodie - SA, jeans - 77Kids}

I've also had a rather stressful case of spring cleaning fever of late and I've taken to washing the walls, mopping the floors, and stripping all the beds with much ferocity this week. If only one could look at the daunting task of deep cleaning a home with a certain amount of happiness instead of the stress I often feel. I know people like that; they are out there (you know who you are ... you lucky lady :).

So yesterday I took to the dining room, bringing out new (thrifted) linens and rearranging the wall decor. You can see a couple of updates here on Facebook. Spring has sprung in the dining room!

And finally, we had some wonderful little features this week around the worldwide web! Elliot was caught looking stylish over here at Baby Blackbird and my DIY spring wreath made a list of "the best DIY projects of the week" over here at Babble. Very exciting! Welcome new readers and I promise, I'm not usually so sullen.

See you on the other side and in the meantime, have a fantastic (and deliciously warm?) weekend!

Pretty Picks {fashion meets decor}

Morning friends!

Just sharing some of my inspiration picks today, those that pair well together. I find that if I'm ever wanting for inspiration in decorating any area of my home, I need to look no further than my closet. Colors, textures, and obsessions will be evident there and can often be a great starting point for you when you're in an uninspired fog. 

When the in-between seasons hit us, I always love the idea of pairing a sundress with a leather jacket. Feminine and tough, all at once!

 {1 & 2}

The dark romantic. 

 

Love the laid back reading nook above and am longing for a few hand woven baskets for summer decorating.

{1 & 2}

{1 & 2}

Really, what's not to love about this?

 {1 & 2}

Moroccan wedding blankets, still teetering at the top of my wish list! 

Everyday Casual {printed pants}

I love the look of floral pants (love these ... oh, and these!) and though I bought this pair a year ago, the garden inspired printed pant seems even more popular this season. So I guess I'm now finally (ever-so-slightly) cool when it comes to the cheery leg trend, though I'm sure that no one in GB will think so. :) It's okay though ... I've got you!

{pants - Target, hoodie - Aerie, shirt - J. Crew Factory, sneakers - Old Navy, purse - Urban Outfitters (gift from little sis}

DIY Spring Wreath

I've had the best luck thrifting of late, one of my fun finds being this twiggy wreath form for 25 cents and 2 containers of tiny silk flowers, 50 cents each (definitely have a vintage feel about them, though I'm not sure how "old" they are). So with a $1.25 well spent I got busy this morning creating a whimsical wreath for our front door, just in time for Easter. It's a dainty one and I think it would be perfect half the size, perched atop a little lady's head for Easter pictures. Don't you agree?

DIY instructions:
1. Map out your design on the wreath before you begin.
2. Grab that hot glue gun and go to town!

In other news ... 

Last night I tried this recipe. It was a hit! Very appropriate for a spring lunch with the girls (minus the sauce perhaps) with a tomato and mozzarella salad with balsamic vinegar dressing. And fruit salad and ice cream for dessert. Just sayin' :)

Sunday Best {feeling a little 80's}

 Today kicks off spring break for our family, so it's a busy week ahead! We're planning a few fun outings for the kids and plenty of time at our favorite parks with picnic lunches. For the first time in ages, the weather is somewhat worthy of a spring break ... thank goodness! It's not too unusual to spend it huddled indoors waiting impatiently for the snow to melt. Not so now!

This outfit was inspired by the 80's - jean jacket, lace skirt, leather pumps, and a tiny white shoulder bag. I was challenged to create a look with pieces from that decade, styled in a 2012 way. I hadn't initially thought so but it seems my closet actually has a little crush on the 80's.

{jacket - Hollister, shirt - J. Crew Factory, necklace - Loft, skirt - Target, heels - Nine West, bag - garage sale}

Ocean Blue and Seafoam Green

I recently found this gem of a skirt at Target and it's become quite the compliment hogger! I love the comfy fit which works just as well with a casual t and sneakers as it does with a pretty blouse and a pair of wedges. They come in several gorgeous jewel tones as well as a couple of neutrals. Go snatch one up pronto (and let's all meet for coffee in our matching skirts!).

{jacket - Gap, purse - T J Maxx, t & skirt - Target, bracelets - Target and American Eagle}

The boys experienced their first s'mores a couple of nights ago and they thought it was delicious! Here's a look at how it all went down, a progression from one hungry little man to the next. 

S'mores make us very, very happy. 

Happy weekend friends!

A Photo Shoot {the Garcia family}

Hello friends! I'm back. :)

 I was away for a bit of outlet shopping yesterday, hence the quiet day. But today I have some really special photos to share with you! This is the Garcia family (here's their first photo shoot) and I joined them at a nearby drive in movie theatre to photograph their family enjoying the beautiful late afternoon together. 

Thanks Garcias. Always a pleasure! 

If you would like to schedule a photo shoot or get some more info, send me an email to kirstyloug@gmail.com.