Favorite Things: January

The last few weeks I have come across a few wonderful things that I really want to share with you guys. Some things that I think will brighten your day. And let's be honest, on Mondays, who doesn't need a little brightness to their day? 

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things. 

The Civil Wars 

I know I talked about them last year, but I recently purchased their newer album and I completely love it. Here is a video of one of my favorite songs from the album. 

The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down by Andrew McCarthy 

About six months ago, my dad recommended this book to me. I bought it right away, but it took me about 5 months to get around to reading it. And I really enjoyed it. This book is all about Andrew McCarthy finding his way home and being able to settle with his family. Andrew was a member of the 'Brat Pack' and started in movies such as Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire. The book takes you to the Amazon, Patagonia, Costa Rica, Killmanjaro, and a couple other wonderful places. For a good review of the book click here. I really did love this book. 

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed 

This was another recommendation from my dad, and again I took a long time getting around to reading it. I bought it at the airport in San Francisco right before my flight to Korea, and still I didn't start reading this book until a few weeks ago. I'm about about 3/4 done with the book and to be honest I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love it, and I think you should read it, but it's hard for me to read. Similar to McCarthy's book, this book is all about finding yourself and 'coming home'. At times the things she shares are heartbreaking and frustrating, but it's completely honest. And that's why I've stuck through the book, and recommend it to you.  

Honey and Lace 

In love! This on-line store has the most amazing maxi and pencil skirts. I can't wait to order a few for the spring season. Since I don't really wear pants all that often, I like to get a few new skirts every once in a while, and this season I think I'm going to go with Honey and Lace. 

{via}

Pen and Paint -Etsy Shop 

{via}

Seriously, how beautiful! I encourage all of you to hit up her shop and order something. I know I will be pretty darn soon. 

Rifle Paper Co. {Shop link here}

I was searching around the other day and came across a wonderful paper company. Rifle Paper Co. has an amazing selection of cards, stationary, prints, and calendars. 

// Heart Bandit Card // Anatomy of Love Print // You're a Fox Card // London Print // Valentine's Day Postcards // 

And there you go- a few of my favorite things. What do you think? 

Favorite Things: Downton Abbey

I love Downton Abbey. I really do. And if you haven't watched this show... stop reading my blog and go watch it... go... now! 

{This contains season 3 spoilers. So don't read if you plan on watching the show.} 

So where was I ... oh yeah, I love Downton, but sometimes that show just makes me so mad. 

I was sobbing when Sybil died this year, but now this. 

What the hell Downton? 

I know Dan Stevens asked to leave, but this seemed like a little too much after Sybil's death. 

{If you have no idea what I am talking about read this.}

I knew what was going to happen and I still cried. 

I even wrote this in my 5 year journal on Sunday. Haha 

And now we have two babies that are living without one of their parents. That seems a little extreme for  20th century England. 

Anyway, regardless of what Downton did this season, I am still a huge Downton fan. 

But does anyone else get a little confused with the timeline. I feel like in seasons one and two they did a good job of placing a timeline, but season three they lost me a bit. 

If you feel the same way. I found a really good Timeline for Downton. 

What I really love about Downton is that Matt is secretly into it. Every week I ask if he wants to watch it with me and he says no. And then about 20 minutes into it he comes and sits a little bit closer. By the end, he is completely watching it. 

This happens every week! He loves it.

I mean who could not love this:

 I will faithfully be watching season 4! 

A Guide to Valentine's Day Gifts

{image via} 

Valentine's Day is coming up and that means- A mad dash to find the right gift for that special someone. 

Here is a little tip: Everyone wants a little something on Valentine's Day. Even if they believe it is a corporate holiday only created to make money, they still want something.  

When I was younger, Barry would always get me and my sister, Chantal, a dozen red or pink carnations, and he would always get my mom red roses or some other type of flower. 

My mom would get each of us kids a few little gifts and place them on the table for us to find in the morning. Now, it was never anything big, but I loved getting something from my parents. It was so exciting and it showed they cared. I am all about 'corporate' holidays because they remind people to think of others, and I think that is okay. 

This year I have been shopping around to find the best Valentine's Day gifts, and I thought I would share. These gifts range in price and some you can even make on your own. Some of us might not have a large budget to use for Valentine's, some of you might, but everyone should think of their loved ones this time of year. 

The best thing is, you don't need to have a lot of cash to make your loved one feel special. 

Last year, Matt and I made each other Valentine's Day Cards and it was a lot better than a store bought card. 

If you don't want to make your own card, there are plenty of sights out there that have FREE printables for you to use. And they are super cute. 

Check out this post from My Owl Barn. 

Or the blog Free Pretty Things for You  

Or the site hellolucky.com 

You can even type in the words Valentine Printable in Pinterest and get all these links and ideas 

There are so many ideas for those that have a tight budget, or want to make sure their gift is unique. 

Here are a few of my favorite things: 

"Sweets for My Sweetheart"- if your loved one is into sweets as much as my loved one is, this is a perfect and easy gift for you. You can easily buy these from a Gourmet Gift Basket company, or you can just make it (which is the route I would take). Here is a sample, but you could do it however you want. 

"Candy Gram"- Again, another homemade easy gift that is all about the candy. My Aunt Nickie started making these a while back, and I have always enjoyed when I get the opportunity to make one. You basically get a bunch of candy from the store and turn it into a message. {For example: Honey, some might think you are a NERD, but I think you are one HOT TAMALE.} And you would tape the candy in place of the word. 

{This is one I made for my best friend Beth on her birthday. It was in better condition, I promise.}

"Try Something New: 100 Ways to Spend Time Together" - this book is a great gift because it gives you all these ideas for fun activities. If you are the couple that has the same conversation of "What do you want to do tonight" "I don't know. What do you want to do" This book is for you. 

Pay Scale: $ 

 "Date Night in a Jar" - From the blog Life in the Green House. This is basically the homemade version of the book above, but you make the date ideas varying in price.  Life in the Green House gives you some date ideas and step-by-step instructions on how to make your own date jar. If you have a mason jar and some popsicle sticks you are good to go. *You could also make this with envelopes and paper. 

"Custom Gift Book" by Datevitation. These are the best coupon type books out there. They have books for all occasions {if you have a birthday or anniversary coming up}. They also have all sorts of different categories for you to customize your book. They even have E-dates that you can send for those that don't want to buy a whole book. These books are not just for your spouse or boyfriend/ girlfriend, but you can give one to your kids, or parents, or best friend. They are personalized to whatever you want! 

*If you are going the romantic route check out the 18 or older coupons they are so funny.* 

And of course you could make your own coupon book. For me though,  I think this is the faster route. 

"Your Memory Lane" - by Memory Lane. Okay, if you have a lot of money to spend I would get this. You basically type in all the important events/ dates/ places in your relationship and the company turns it into your memory lane. I think this would be perfect for the couples that have been together for a long time. {I.E. 20, 40, 50 years} My Abuela and Papa will celebrate their 40th this year and I really want to make this for them. The only downside is they are really really expensive. But it might make for a good collaboration gift. 

"The Tie Bar" - by The Tie Bar. If your honey is a fashionista like mine is, or if they just like cool bow ties or ties, the tie bar is the place to go. They have tons and tons of really sweet ties. And the price is really not that bad. The thing I love about the Tie Bar is that they have a collection called the Jesse Tyler Ferguson Bow Ties and 100% of the proceeds go to the TIETHEKNOT.ORG in support of marriage equality. But if you are not into that, just get all the other ties from The Tie Bar. 

"State Art" - I am seriously, seriously in love with state art. This would be perfect to remind each other where it all began, or to see all the places you have been together. Really you could do it for anything. I recently sent some state art to my sister Chantal who just moved from Georgia to Utah. I wanted to remind her where her true home was. And she loved it! I love the state art that is wedding related. There are so many sites on Etsy that do this, I didn't want to just pick one. And if you have never seen or heard of state art- get on the band wagon. *Note: for all my international friends, most of the companies do other countries as well. 

"Personalized Mugs"- From pick any Etsy store ever! Matt loves mugs. He is always trying to get us to buy mugs. But I always turn him down because we live in Hawaii and it is never cold enough for us to have an unlimited supply of mugs. But I do love some cute mugs. 

{image via} 

{image via} 

"Reasons I love You"- Homemade. A while ago, I made my mom a jar full of reasons why I love her. And before my Abuela started chemo I made the same type of jar. I wish I had pictures to show you. But basically I got a jar, got cute papers, wrote the message on them, and then decorated the jar with pictures of the family. Anyway, this could be a great idea. And you don't have to have a jar- it could be anything. 

{image via}

{image via}

I hope your Valentine's Day plans go great. Please share any gift ideas you have! 

As an end note, please enjoy these cute cards! 

The Baby Boom

Right now it seems like everyone is getting pregnant, or delivering their first baby. 

With a lot of my friends/ family having babies in the last few months, I have had to buy a lot of gifts for the new little families.

While I love going to Target and picking out whatever cute baby clothes they have at the time (which they always do), I also love looking for more precious gifts that others might not give as a gift. 

I am sure most of you are in the same boat I am with shopping for baby gifts, so I thought I would share some gifts I am loving. And just to be nice I will include a pay scale and a link to the original page! 

*Pay Scale out of $$$$$ (5) 

*Highest gift is $100 

{1. Luxury Plush Stroller Blankets by baby & child Restoration Hardware. 

Love them! They are so soft and you can personalize it with the baby's monogram

Pay Scale: $$} 

{2. Pottery Barn's Silver Leaf First Year Frame- I am all about documenting the baby's first year and this is a great way to do so. Plus, you can PERSONALIZE it! (You will see this is a theme.) 

Pay Scale: $$$} 

{3. Chinese Birth Year Shadowbox- by Uncommon Goods. This is a keepsake box for baby's first year, and it is personalized by Chinese Zodiac (i.e Dragon, Rabbit, Monkey). 

Pay Scale: $$$$}

{4. Handcrafted Language Blocks- by redEnvelope. These are a spin on the traditional letter blocks. They come in Chinese, Japanese, French, Hebrew, or Spanish! Can you saw awesome!  The new baby can play and learn! 

Pay Scale: $$} 

{5. Baby Monthly Onesie Stickers- by the Etsy shop MaddiesMomE . 

Document the baby through these personalized onesie stickers. Cute Cute Cute! 

Pay Scale: $} 

{6. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe- one of the best teethers out there. You can pick one up on Amazon.

Pay Scale: $} 

{7. Land of Nod's Ticking Nod Chair- This, of course, can be personalized and is perfect for babies starting to crawl and walk. 

Pay Scale: $$$$$} 

{8. Honey Bear Lane's Puff Quilt- Perfect for tummy time! I found these through a blog I read called Little Miss Momma (if you haven't heard of her check her out), and I am in love with these puff quilts. Honey Bear Lane has her own blog and Etsy shop where you can buy either a pre made puff quilt or the PDF of the pattern, so you can make your own if you are crafty like that. Or if you have a mother-in-law that is crafty like that! 

Pay Scale: $- $$$$$ (just depends if you are getting the PDF or the quilt.} 

{9. Diaper Clutch- these are all over Etsy shops right now. They are perfect for a quick diaper change. Most clutches fit 2-3 diapers and travel size wipes. This one from the Etsy shop Penelope Pie Boutique 

also can hold some baby powder and includes a changing pad. 

Pay Scale: $$} 

{10. Baby Bliss in a Box- by Chasing Fireflies. This is a perfect gift for getting the family involved in the new baby. The family makes wishes for the baby and they are nicely stored in the box. Love it!

Pay Scale: $} 

What baby gifts do you love? 

I would love to hear your ideas. 

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Here are a few things that I am loving right now: 

{Music} 

The Civil Wars 

Delta Rae 

{Books} 

If you remember from my summer post about, I have started reading autobiographies. And I love them, especially if they are written by a comedian. Here are my two most recent reads:  

"Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir)" by Jenny Lawson

"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns" by Mindy Kaling 

{Blogs} 

My Owl Barn (For all owlovers) 

{Movies} 

Silver Linings Playbook 

{Journaling}

Q&A 5 year Journal 

Gadanke's Love Fills a Lifetime wedding journal 

What are you loving right now? 

Favorite Things: Keep Calm and Carry On

I thought I would do a new blog series on my FAVORITE THINGS. A lot of bloggers do it and I thought it would be fun. So here is my first Favorite Thing and it is really a mixed favorite thing.

This phrase Keep Calm and Carry On is everywhere right now! And I love it and I hate it at the same time.

Let me explain. I have known and understood this phrase since middle school. I have always loved history and in the 8th grade I went to London with my parents. This trip started my love of all things British- including history.

One of the greatest things about the city of London is that it is very obvious that a war was fought in this country. England does not hide that fact that they were severely attacked during WWII- they keep buildings with bomb damage so they can remember the war and al those that fought for the cause.

But I digress... during that trip I heard this phrase for the first time and I learned the history behind it.

For the past year or so this phrase has been everywhere! I love that I can find posters.. pillows... cell phone covers... whatever with this phrase, but it annoys me that no one seems to know the background behind this! I think the blogging world is to thank for this!

So while I love it- I hate it! And I will admit being a little snobbish about it- I get really frustrated when people buy something with this and have no idea what it is! So my end thoughts are I love it for me and my decorating needs!

For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about here is a history lesson: (Just skip the red writing if you don't want to know!)

Keep Calm and Carry On is a catchphrase that originally appeared on a World War II-era British public safety poster. After one of the original posters was recovered and placed in a British bookshop in 2000, the inspirational message was shared online, sparking a series of image macros centered around the phrasal template “Keep Calm and X.

The Keep Calm and Carry On poster was commissioned in 1939 by the temporary Ministry of Information in England, following the printing of two other inspirational posters stating “Freedom Is In Peril. Defend It With All Your Might” and “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory.” It was intended to be used to strengthen morale in the event of a large-scale attack or occupation, which many considered inevitable at the time. Though more than million of these posters were originally commissioned, after the war ended they were kept in storage where most were destroyed.

In 2000, Stuart Manley and his wife Mary found the poster folded at the bottom of a box of old books they purchased at an auction for their Alnwick, England bookshop, Barter Books. Not knowing its origins, the couple had it framed and hung it in the shop, where they began selling prints of it the following year. According to Mary, they had sold over 40,000 copies by March 2009. As of 2012, Barter is not the only place that houses original copies of the poster. The Imperial War Museum in England has approximately six and fifteen additional copies were found in February 2012, where they were appraised on the television show Antiques Roadshow.

Source: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/keep-calm-and-carry-on

Another thing that is happening is turning this phrase into different sayings like:

Keep Calm and Play Tennis

Keep Calm and Eat Cupcakes.

Keep Calm and Teach On

ECT, ECT, ECT! They are everywhere!

And to be honest with you I actually like these- I find them very funny! So I guess I am not too snobbish!

So here it goes:

Thoughts anyone?????