[currently craving]

I can't get enough of vintage charm chain necklaces and would love to create my own sometime, perhaps throw a necklace making party. You can find these lovely ones here and here.

[my kind of...]

thanks Design Shimmer for the inspiration.

[need to, want to, got to have...]

one of these works by Liz Tran. Love. Find an interview with Liz on All Things Bright and Beautiful.

[It's all in the name]

what a lovely clothing line...with such a great name, don't you think?

[more photo love]

love these.would love to get his book. find more of his work here.

[smitten with the art of...]

I'm head over heels for the photography of Julie Blackmon. I love her vintage/modern take on domesticity and I so want a family portrait like the one above.

[i never tire of...]

sources: children's photophrah by Julie Blackmon; cloth birds by hazenart.

[adorable posters and cards]

Loving these prints and cards by blogger and shop girl Jennifer Ramos. Find her goods here.

[currently craving: bright decor]

While browsing the lovely blog Collette Rose I began craving bright decor ideas and wanted to share a few of her fabulous finds with you. Now don't you just have the urge to redecorate?

[darling maternity clothing]

From France...of course. Find it online at 1et1font3.com.

[inspiring iron]

currently inspired by garden iron works.sources: Simone Lagies garden pic from bhg mag; chandelier found on style court; greeting card from Artwise.

[color cue's]

taking color cue's from this beautiful vintage painting from Paris Hotel Boutique.

I love the yellow and coral color combination that can be pulled out of this painting. You can find these fun items here: wallpaper; stationary; ceramic bowl; elliptical lounge chair.

[adorable looks]

I'm loving the looks from the adorable UK line Plumo. All of their fashion and living accessories are scrumptious.

[style icon]

A while back a good friend asked me who my style icon was. I told her I wasn't sure. So she went through various fashionable ladies in Hollywood such as Knightly, Miller, Williams, etc. to see if any of their looks spoke to me. Many of them appealed to me but no one stood out as someone I could call an "icon". Now, however, I think I've finally found my style icon in famed interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Not only does she have impeccable taste when it comes to interiors, she's a fashion aficionado whose personal style really speaks to me. She always look fabulous with a hint of edge, glamorous and modern, just like her designs. I love her. Gorgeous, truly gorgeous.

[feeling patriotic]

A happy fourth to all!

[Loving the work of...]

see more of her work here.

[gearing up for on-the-go]

It's summer and time for so many of us to take a break and take a trip (or at least dream of one!). Here are a few of my favorite finds that will for sure get you in the mood for travel.patterned luggage by PUMA
tote and pass/ID case
large gray carry on bag
Amy Ruppel passport case
route 66 necklace
travel artwork by Artificial Vacations
wallpaper luggage tag

[parting is such sweet sorrow]

We are packing up and shipping out...and we aren't entirely emotionally ready for the move. When I started to take down all of the artwork and trinkets throughout the house I got really melancholy and nostalgic so I had to take a camera around for a few last moment snapshots. We have had such a great time here in Knoxville and I've had a blast decorating the first home of our own. I've been especially emotional about AJ's room. Knoxville is where he was born and this is his first home, his first room, etc. (you get the picture). We were lucky with a quick sale, a true blessing in today's market, and things are moving ahead at a quick pace. Our goal is to ship out on Monday...

So...where are we going next? The end in sight is Valencia, California. It is close enough to L.A. for Jon but far enough away to be somewhat affordable...and we hear it's a great place to settle. Before we make it all the way to Cali, we are planning to stop by Colorado and Utah to visit family and friends. If anyone is in the area, we'd love to see you.

To all our Knoxville friends, I can't really think about saying goodbye...my throat gets all dry and I immediately swing into denial mode. We love you all so much and are thankful for your kindness and friendship. You have been here for us in some of the most important moments of our lives and you will never be forgotten. Come on over this weekend for food and fun and if you want to exert a bit of muscle, we'll let you help us load the truck :) but mostly we want to see you all before we leave...so don't be a stranger.

[more puppy dog tails]

Rats, now I'll just have to get more cute little boy gear...what a drag ;).

We are actually really excited to have two little boys running around the house. I have visions of pirates, knights, dragon slayers, robots and more...It will be a blast.

As some of you know, for the longest time I felt like I was having a girl. Well this continued up until I stepped foot into the Dr.'s office yesterday. Immediately I knew what I would be seeing up on the ultrasound machine...another little boy. And we couldn't be happier.

Oh and the baby is due on October 31st! A Halloween baby...can you get anymore perfect? (Halloween is Jon and I's favorite holiday).

[Happy Father's Day!]

I have to give a shout out to my father today. When I think of my dad I think of board games, chapter books being read to me as a young girl at bedtime, daddy-daughter dates, Hewlett Packard/Agilent hot chocolate and dry erase markers, Star Trek, gardening, Visiting Scientist, homework help, corny jokes and bad puns (who doesn't right?), the paper route, occasional but meaningful chats about life and the future, and much more. Thanks Dad for being the best! (and who can deny your geek chic fashion sense with those chops, cons and rockin' retro glasses...so many young boys today would kill to look this cool :)). Happy Father's Day dad!
And of course I can't forget my husband, Jon. This is his second official Father's Day and I hope we treated him appropriately (apple pancakes, a homemade card from AJ, a memory book...and an iPhone...you know small things like that). I'm so thankful for Jon and what a great dad he is. I'm lucky to have him and am excited for all the memories he'll be making with our kids for years to come. Happy Fathers Day Jon!