My Grandpa's Style

I have seen this picture before.  Apparently, old school picture organization came in the form of rolodexes and we are lucky enough that my Dad's parents were picture loving people- I surely get this from them.  So, this means that we have pictures upon pictures, some from meaningful occasions and other randoms that were just "because" shots- I'm thinking this is a just because shot.

Recently, I've been obsessed with Macklemore's Thrift Shop, which is not appropriate for small ears, so don't Google it while they're around.  But there's a lyric that really hits me and makes me think of this picture

I'ma take your grandpa's style, I'ma take your grandpa's style,

No for real- ask your grandpa- can I have his hand-me-downs?

Velour jumpsuit and some house slippers

I can't help but think about this picture, taken in 1970, 43 years ago and how it's still relevant today.  I also can't help but think that I come from a long line of people with tons of swagger- we're confident and cool; velour jumpsuits are part of that look, y'all.  So next time that I'm feeling down and thinking that I'm not as hip and cool as I used to be (and yes, at one point I was very cool), I can remember this: one day, my grandchildren will hopefully be listening to a popular song and be like, "that reminds me of my grandma; she's one cool gal."

These Twenty-Four Things: Random Edition

It's been awhile, but I haven't stop looking at things that I want to buy... again, not things that I need to buy, but things that I want.  So, here goes:



Look at this little toy organizer, it's darling yet practical, and my children love when they can point out all of the Sesame Street characters they know.
Price: $34

via: Walmart

This "first blanket" looks amazing, I wish they made it in an adult sized blanket.
Price: $39.95

via: redENVELOPE

My friend, Katie gave me a necklace similar to this one and I adore it.
Price: $29.95

via: zazzle

Peplum dresses are amazing.  Period.
Price: $17.80

via: forever 21

So Dogeared jewelry is expensive, but worth it.  I have a few of their pieces and I love the symbolic meaning behind each of them.
Price: $54

via: NORDSTROM

Who doesn't love/need a good shear blouse?
Price: $30.80

via: KOHL'S

I'm a sucker for a good mascara and this is my latest love.  Believe it or not, I saw that it was recommended it Parents magazine and I felt that they wouldn't prey on the vulnerabilities of make-up loving Mom's everywhere so I bought some and it's pretty amaze.  The only slight issue I have is that it's waterproof, although if you have a good eye make-up cleaner, there's nothing to worry about.  Go ahead, try some for yourself.
Price: $6.94 at Target

via: MAYBELLINE

I seriously want to take some risks with my hair; like purple, blue, pink risks; but for several reason (corporate work environment, not wanting to get a divorce) I haven't.  However, this might be the perfect solution- I can just temporarily have the hair of my dreams.
Price: $14

via: Free People

My sons are obsessed with dog-dogs, this shirt is pretty awesome for a whole bunch of reasons- look at those ears.
Price: $16.95

via: baby GAP

I'll admit it, I'm obsessed with gray- it's so chic and compliments almost every single color perfectly.
Price: $8

via: essie

I know that they're expensive, but they are knock outs.  I'm going to get me these one day.
Price: $350

via: TORY BURCH

If you love to shimmer and want to smell nice, invest in this; you will definitely not be disappointed.
Price: $7.45

via: LUSH

A scarf with references to current cultural symbols, who can resist?
Price: $18

via: deloom

These book ends are super cute and hot pink- double winner in my book.
Price: $39

via: PB teen

This jewelry holder is perfect for everyday jewelry storage, and it has a bird on it.  Legit, birds are my favorite.
Price: $19.99

via: Target

How adorable are these little guys?  A perfect, inexpensive gift idea for any little kid.

Price: $7.99

via: Ikea

These shoes rock my world and could really be a signature piece in my wardrobe collection.  I'm almost considering them sold.

Price: $39.99

via: Target

I'm so obsessed with this stem wear, it's chic and classic.  I already own eight, but I want eight more.

Price: $2

via: Pier 1 imports

Bubble necklaces are my jam.  I don't own any yet, but this could be the perfect one.

Price: $20

via: GYPSY WARRIOR

If you've never heard of or listened to Lianne La Havas, your life is not complete.  Best new artist, hands down.
Price: $4.99

via: Amazon

Never heave met a quilted anything that I didn't like, this is no exception.
Price: $158

via: Calvin Klein

Navy blue is going to be my color of 2014, right now it's still gray and yellow.  This iPhone case would be the perfect start to my navy blue everything collection.
Price: $38

via: Michael Kors

Look for less:

I have been obsessed with an envelope necklace for the past few years.  I find this one to be simple and practical.
$99.95

via: redENVELOPE

But wait, here's one that's just as nice but like $85 dollars cheaper.
$14

via: fredflare

Love Is

Love is getting a special piece of artwork, hand-made by a very special seven year old.  As a little girl, I remember coloring for hours- I actually thought, "Damn, I'm probably like the world's best color-er!  Look at how I outline the cartoon character all dark and then color it in all light; tres magnifique!"  And it's awesome to see my niece do the same thing; for seven years old, I think those flowers are pretty amazing.

But what gets me the most is the inscription, "L-sun-ve is nacher," do you remember when you used to have innocent thoughts like that?  I'm inspired by her positivity; that's something that I think you either have or don't, it's really hard to make someone into a positive person.  Being a positive person myself, I'm drawn to her energy and the spelling is just too much.  I mean, nacher instead of nature?  How adorable is that?  The answer is: too, incredibly adorable.

My Valentine's

I spent a few days thinking up a cute idea of what to do for the boys' Valentine's cards for our family and friends... and here's what I ended coming up with.  The boys had a good time and the cards were a hit, so everyone was happy.


The front of the card/email text said:  guess who stole your heart?

Mr Clean, Mr Clean

These little men are going to make their future spouses entirely happy; fighting over the vacuum cleaner is a serious event in our household, we're talking 10 rounds, at least.  I'm imagining that the thrill of the vacuum will wear off over time, but for now, I'm capitalizing on it as much as I can.  I have read a few articles that talk about when kids need to start doing "chores" and I always think that's so odd to have them start doing chores, because if you set it up right "chores" are just something that they like to do that become habits.  For example, if we take out the dustpan and broom without letting the boys help, there are some serious tears and likewise, there was some pretty intense "sharing" going on with the lint roller the other day.  Hopefully, my kids won't even have to do chores, but will just enjoy cleaning up because it's a good habit that they developed early... although, they are my children, so I'm not holding my breath.

Moment of awesomeness: my octopus rug; isn't it ah-may-zing?

BMOC

Sometimes this guy acts like he's the Big Man On Campus; he's all chillin' like he owns the place and that's what I love about him.  There's something to be said for people who are confident and I'd like to think that I'm raising two confident, yet self-aware little men.  Sometimes, I think confidence and arrogance go hand in hand, but that ain't the case up in this house, arrogance has no place here.

So, the next time that you're able, confidently but kindly invite someone to sit with you and share some happiness with them.

When In Doubt

Spike your mohawk and smile.