Curly

Jordan's hair has me considering retiring my flat iron and digging out my old curling iron. So cute, right? 

Summer Favorites

I'm loving summer this year. My boys are all having fun. We've got just enough of our day scheduled to avoid going stir crazy. We're headed up to camp next week and I'm looking forward to being together as a family for the month. I've been picking up some treats to take with me. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Hair | Feathers! Love them. Pick some up here. 

Nails | OPI's Big Hair, Big Nails for toes & Suzi Sells Sushi by the Seashore 

Feet | Chacco's new Eco Flips in Zebra Aqua & Blossom


Lips | Boots Botanics Lipgloss in Star Anise


Face | Boots Mineral Foundation in Ivory 

Glee

Did you watch Glee's season premier last night? I've decided to whole heartedly commit to watching it this year. I'm trying to find a Lost replacement to look forward to. Verdict's still out. Anything you've seen this season I should try? 


I loved Glee's version of Empire State of Mind. I even got up and broke out in some of my 90's hip hop dance moves. Still got it. 

Headbands

Do you wear headbands? I'm trying to be a headband person.


I decided to poll the boys. Big mistake I think. We voted on the headband and I was the only one in the room with a raised hand. (Caveat...Ben wasn't in the room and I'm sure he would have been in my corner) Harrison pointed to it and said, "Bun?" 


Lincoln said it looks like a mini-sombrero on my head. John almost fell out of his chair laughing. Then Lincoln said "Mom, you could totally make that in your craft room. Just get a zipper and some felt and there you go." So proud of you Son. 


Any takers on me keeping the headband? Be honest. We'll still be friends. 

Gaby Besora for Target

I know I've been giving Target tons of love lately, but they just keep taking the bar up a notch. The Designer Series is so fun for people who like to look like they care about style, for very little money. (me) 

The Tucker for Target line by Gaby Besora is out until Oct. 17th. I'm excited about the Orange Heeringbone Skirt to wear with my knee high grey suede boots. Date night, baby. Love the Lawn Bird Print Dress and Green Trench too. 

Have you tried this line on yet? Opinions? 

Date to Shop

One of my favorite annual dates with Lincoln is school shopping. There are lots of things that dad is better at, but shopping is all Mom. We make a list of what we need, set our budget, pick out the stores and map out our plan of attack. Of course, we're heading into the stage where I can make suggestions but don't have the final say anymore. Lincoln's already requested skinny jeans and an over-the-shoulder messenger backpack instead of traditional. I'm already thinking of my strategy to steer clear of the logo shirt table at Old Navy. Lincoln's favorite part of the date is getting to pick the restaurant and any dessert on the menu. 


I'm loving this new collection at Gap for kids. Great name and I love the mix of mostly casual with a few pieces that could dress it up for an event. Love the military hat and jacket. Do you have any favorite back to school finds this year?

Captured

sliver of moon

cooperation

balero boy

(new weekly post of the week's best moments. sweet and simple)

Back in the Day

So, I'm about to speak to a select audience. Specifically, my fellow high schoolers from the late 80's, early 90's. 


I picked up this Back in the Day hip hop CD today at Starbucks. Will Smith, Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Coolio, and many more. Even...wait for it....J.J.Fad. (shout out to Chrissy, the Pepa to my Salt) 


Summer in San Diego reminds me of high school summers. Cruising in my Toyota B210, bumping my mix tapes. Destination...downtown Olympia for frozen yogurt (yeah, this yogurt craze is not so original) or Rhythm City (most awesome high school dance club ever). 


Cruising these days is much the same. Ok, maybe a few small differences. I have three little people in the backseat bobbing their heads to "summertime" and "supersonic". My shorts are about 6 inches longer. The sun through the sun-roof shines on my blond (well, maybe a few grays) hair. And our destination is usually the zoo or playground. Starbucks, on a good day. Ok, I admit it, every day. 


At least the yogurt runs are still the same. Long live the 80's. 

Cat?

Since our awesome cat Zoe passed away a few weeks ago, we've been thinking about a new cat. I was cruising Craigslist today and ran across this gem. 


"i'm selling my girlfriend's cat for 25 dollars. it's a white cat but usually red with other animal's blood. this one year old kitten would be great to throw into your bosses car or maybe on an enemy's couch. use it to entertain or maybe introduce into a cock fight to stir it up a little. this cat would not be good around small children unless you hate your kids. if you're into Satan worship, maybe it could be used to somehow raise the dead. NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. call ryan."


Sorry Ryan, we're laughing over here, but we definitely don't want your devil cat. 

Cleaning + Organization = Happy

I know I've previously professed my love for the Crate & Barrel Outlet, but did I tell you they have fabulous cleaning supplies? 

I'm in LOVE with my velcro squeeze mop and duster from Way Clean. The mop heads pull off and get thrown in the wash, and Lincoln even likes to dust now. The grocery bag holder from SimpleHuman makes the poopy diaper removal much easier, and my utility gripper will save my back from reaching behind the fridge every time for the broom. At outlet prices. Plus, they look cute in my house which is top priority for cleaning supplies. 

Even though I wish the outlet shop wasn't 30 minutes away, it has probably saved me lots of moola. I have to really ponder my purchases from there and decide if they are really needed. (John and my definitions of "need" are different, but I'm sure you agree with me) 


My "almost 40" hands are needing these adorable green gloves to stave off the wrinkles. I'm going to be picking up a few of these orange tubs to corral the boys' legos and blocks. I love the idea of these dryer balls to make my laundry fluffy, and give me more reason to avoid my iron. Last but not least, this ironing blanket is an essential for the future of  My Three Sons Designs. I'd really like to sit and iron in front of the Kardashians instead of standing at my ironing board. Priorities people. 

Frances Vintage

I was years overdue in visiting Frances Vintage. Have you been? I'm sure you have. But if by some chance I'm not the very last person to visit this great shop, get yourself over there ASAP. 


What a great selection of gorgeous things. Some of my favorite lines of clothes and home decor, with a ton of one-of-a-kind items to choose from too. Owner Georganne is very sweet, and has a fun blog to peek at. 


I'll be back to shop again when the weather is a bit more agreeable. Let's meet there and then go over to Smeeks for treats. 

My Big Win

I won! This incredible prize from Kirtsy.com.

"One lucky winner will receive an Evening with Elizabeth Irvine, author and educational partner for Andrew Weil’s Weil Baby. Elizabeth will come to you…wherever you are… and help you create a relaxing space in your home. Then! She and Kirtsy will help you host an incredible Relaxing Evening for friends! Fun!Want Beth and the Kirtsy gang to create a relaxing space for you? Let’s do it! (Value, priceless)" 

And the best part is that my favorite blogger, Gabby of Design Mom, is on the Kirtsy team. Keeping my fingers crossed that she's the one who comes along. 

Wow, it feels good to win a prize, but especially this one! 

New Camera

Wow. I got the best retirement gift ever today. This Panasonic Lumix Camera. The closest thing to a DSLR in a compact package. I'd tell you what it does, but the manual still looks like French to me. But it can probably make pancakes. And it did take these awesome pictures. 

Thank you Young Life friends. I appreciate it very, very much. 

CB Perfume Shop

I'm almost perfume-less, so I've been looking around for something unique to wear. Found these CB Perfumes today at Perch. Trying to decide between these two fragrances, but there's some really interesting combinations to chose from. Could you wear a perfume that smells like mittens, snow and frozen forest? Hmm.

{Lavender Tea} 

"This is one of the scents I originally designed for my Wardrobe collection. I made the swift discovery that it is wonderful to wear. So I've redone it in a richer concentration especially for you to wear yourself. Lavender Tea is a rich blend of French Lavender, Black Indian Tea, a few warm woods and a subtle touch of Indonesian Patchouli (just a hint)"

{M#4 A Room With A View} 

"This perfume captures the scent of the hills above Florence - the vineyards, the wild grass, the finocchio, the hot dusty Florentine earth.  And of course a torrent of Violets..."

Cool Camping

We've been avoiding camping with three small children. But I think this is the summer we're jumping back in. Beach camping (to get our feet wet).

I have to admit, the new camping gear that's out there has me excited about packing up the truck. Some of these gadgets would make our first camping trip a bit easier. I found these and lots more cool things at Campist.com. 

Bodum charcoal picnic grill - $50

Brunton Flip-n-Drip Percolator - $45

Freeplay LED Lantern - $57

Capacious Portable Hammock - $149

Green Clutch

I love my new clutch style wallet from Target. It has just enough space inside for my essentials, but not enough space to carry my receipts from 1995.  Couldn't find it in their online store, probably because the best part about this wallet was that it was on clearance. (don't you love that you only have to wait 5 minutes for the item of your desire to go on sale at Target?)  


Check out your local Target. I bet you could find one even cuter than mine. 

Protecting the Mac

There are very few items in my home that I would be heart broken over losing. My MacBook is one of those few. It's not that's it's special. Or has even performed that well. (three burned-out hard drives and one electrical system. Why didn't anyone tell me you aren't supposed to put your laptop on your LAP?)

But it's the piece of equipment that truly launched me into the 21st century. 

It's seen better days. Now that it will only be making trips to Starbucks and back, I feel the need to pamper it a bit. "Pretty up" it's scratched white case with something a little more honoring. So, here are a few choices. 

Leather MacBook Case | the most expensive option, but for good reason. I think this is the kind of bag people stop to ask you about. 

 Black Brochade MacBook Case | definitely more reasonably priced...looks like something I'd carry, but is it too generic? 

Retro MacBook Sleeve | skip the "bag" altogether, and just go with the under the arm sleeve. I love this retro silver leather style. 


What do you do to protect your laptop? 

Trader Flowers

As I've been thinking through our new "one-income" budget, there are some things I need to keep around.

Flowers from Trader Joe's are my new favorite treat. They're long-lasting, are well priced and always have lots of pretty options.

This week, these sunflowers were 4. and the pretty potted roses were 6. They've made me happy since I got them.

Here's to flowers on a budget. Thanks Trader Joe's.

Best Dress

I'm a bit like the people who watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. Award shows are for the dresses and the last hour of awards.

I snuck in the last 1 1/2 hours of the academy awards last night after the kids were in bed, and Kate Winslet's dress was my top pick. I love that she isn't super skinny, she always acts classy, and has the best taste in clothes. This was probably my favorite Academy Awards dress of all time.

Sandra Bullock had one of my favorite acceptance speeches ever. She and her husband are adorable. John said he thinks it's funny when you see really good looking actresses with average Joe guys.

Um, Jesse James is anything but average. Way to go Sandra.