Homemade soda

It has been unseasonably warm around here lately, not that I am complaining or anything. This recipe from My darling lemon thyme sure would wet my whistle in the bestest of ways...if only I could find mulberries around here. I'm not even sure I have ever tasted one but they sure to look scrumptious. Made with very little effort and interchangeable berry options, this fizzy drink would be perfect for these last few days of warm don't you think? I think. What are your favorite recipes to stay cool on warm days?

image by my darling lemon thyme 

Modern babies

Its been all things baby around here these last few weeks, between planning out what we are actually doing for her space and getting kicked practically every time I move there is no getting around it...this gal is coming! But not too soon, she still has a bit more growing to do first. I've jumped head first into all things kid related and boy are there an endless amount of products, gadgets, toys and oh so cute clothes out there these days. Not to mention some super creative and well designed blogs. One of my go to reads for all things kiddy is Design for mini kind, a space full of modern touches for the wee ones. And when I came across this crib turned toddler bed from Jall & Tofta my draw dropped. So modern yet so classic. If only I had tons of money to drop on my little bundle of joy. Made from coated plywood this modern crib is perfect for those with a more modern flair not to mention the transitional aspect of it is pure genius.

found via design for mini kind, images by jall & tofta

Vegan MOFO day 13: DONUTS!!!

image and recipe via leaves & flours

I seriously have an issue with sweets lately. The issue being I simply cannot get enough of the sugary goodness into my growing belly. And when I came across these apple cider donuts from the tasty looking Leaves & Flours you better believe I bookmarked these babies right away. I cannot wait to give them a try and judging from the recipe it doesn't look like its too difficult to pull together. The few times I've tried to make donuts it was a big fat fail taste wise...perhaps it was because I baked them instead of fried. If you are interesting in giving these delectable bits a go, head on over to Leaves & Flours for the recipe, I'm sure your taste buds will thank you! Plus creative baker and recipe maker Shannon has also been participating in VeganMOFO so there are many many great bites to give a try too.

Just hanging out

I think the second I get walls that belong just to me I am going to follow along Ruby Ellen's idea and hang an indoor hammock. If you haven't stopped by Cakies before then you simply must- its one of my daily reads. Ruby's darling girls take center stage and really could not be any cuter, always dressed in their best and doing what kids do, have fun. I am always inspired by her crafts, meals and now indoor hammocks. Such a fun idea, I would have never thought to hang one inside but now that I see it I want one now. Just even more inspiration to finally getting out of the rental game and finally take the plunge into home ownership...hopefully someday soon, this SF rent is a killer! Be sure to stop by and say hi to Ruby, you wont be sorry, she's one fun momma I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet in person while in L.A.

images via cakies

Blog love, Skunkboy.

Goodness me life has been hectic lately, between everyday shenanigans, visiting with friends and spending time with the husband I feel like I've barely been around. But now that things are starting to fall back into a normal routine and blog reading is back to an everyday occurrence I'm finally feeling inspired and even a bit excited to share my findings. Which leads me to ask, where have all the bloggers gone? After a few weeks of not checking in with my favorites I'm finding more and more blogs left abandoned with their writers going on to new projects....so needless to say I need a few new recommendations! What are you guys reading?

I was however able to stumble across the fun blog of Skunkboy, aka mid-western momma Katie who has a closet I would die for! I simply fell in love with her outfit posts, so much color, texture and pure braveness for baring her arms in the cold winter months. I would highly recommend checking out her little part of the interwebs, after almost an hour of browsing previous posts she's been bookmarked for sure. Below are just a few of my favorite clothing choices, that last pink dress was a total DIY so be sure to stop by and share the blog love, you wont be disappointed.

images via skunkboy 

Blog love: Sweetopia

I have a major cookie crush on the amazingly talented and extremely patient Marian of Sweetopia. I've always dreamed of making cookies so beautiful and not only has Marian given us oodles of inspiration, she gives us step by step instructions on how to make them! Cookies have always been foreign to me when it comes to decorating {I can make a mean cake and cupcake though!}, the detail that goes into them is astonishing. And if you  are having a little get together over the weekend for the luck of the Irish, check out these draw dropping morsels! My baking and spice pantry is getting full, but I'm pretty sure I need to start adding fun cookie cutters to my collection of must have goodies.

photos via sweetopia

Blog Love: The Glamourai

I totally have a fashion blog crush on Kelly Framel of The Glamourai and every time I stop by her site for inspiration I am never disappointed. Kelly studied apparel design in college and is currently running around the streets of NY all dolled up while making a splash in the style consulting world. Aside from gorgeous shoots that she herself styles for major brands, Kelly also has a line of unique jewelry that she just so happens to showcase fantastically on her blog. I really just can't get enough of her style, so sophisticated and well thought out, every 'costume' as she calls it has its own unique look. Oh how I wish I could pull these looks off, but with SF weather being so cold, bare legs are a distant memory.

photos via jeremy james for the glamourai 

At West End and a little blog love

Its not often that I get a chance to spend hours reading up on all of my favorite blogs, seriously, I've got at least 100 bookmarked, but one that I try to always take a peek at is ABCD Design, written by the lovely (and possibly nicest twitter user ever) Amy Beth.  And yes, her initials are actually abcd, how fun is that!  Anyway, over the weekend I got a chance to catch up with her inspirational 'sketch book' and as always, was not disappointed.  Last week she celebrated her 3rd blog-a-versary and not only are there links to great sites, there is still time to enter a few of her giveaways, like this adorable jack o lantern from At West End.  I did a quick browse at this new to me site, and lets just say I bookmarked it right away!  I am always on the hunt for new online shops with fab home decor, and At West End is definitely a go to for all things rustic, with a little recycled thrown in for good measure.  Just a few things that caught my eye, what are your favs?

Recycled 'hello' pop art

Ceramic birds

Tilted pitchers

Folding fish table

Hear no, see no, speak no owls

photos via at west end

Fun food

We have all been told not to play with our food, but this doting dad wins first prize for playing creativity.  With a goal to have his 3 year old daughter enjoy her Saturday breakfast, Jim creates amazing pancakes.  Let me rephrase that, seriously amazing pancakes.  What kid wouldn't want to run up to the breakfast table and see a plane staring back at them!  And you should see the inspiration others are getting from Jim's Pancakes.  Just check out his Facebook page.

Its easy to see why Jim spends hours on his culinary craft.  Just look at that darling face.

photos via jim's pancakes jimspancakes

Blog love: PS I made this

I love blogs.  Not only is it a way to get into other people's heads and get inspired by people from across the world, most blogs are darn good looking.  I stumbled upon PS I made this this morning, and whoa, get ready to fill your DIY cravings.  Writer Erica Domesek has put together tons of fun and simple DIY projects and inspiration boards that will surly make you want to pull out some scissors and make something.  People are liking her work so much, she even has a book!  And I simply love her motto, "I see it, I like it, I make it".

photos via ps i made this 

Planning a party?

Don't you love when you come across a blog or site that is just filled to the brim with fun ideas and wonderful inspiration?  Me too.  I stumbled upon The city cradle, a blog written by one fabulous mom and party designer and just had to bookmark it at once.  How fun is this sweet ice cream inspired party?  I just love how celebrations are getting more customized and are truly unique.  This was a circle inspired birthday for a lovely 4 year old, although its nice enough for any age!  If you are at all the crafty type I highly recommend stopping by the city cradle, there are so many DIY projects, printables and just all around amazing inspiration to get any party going.

photos via the city cradle

Have tons of fabric?

If you do anything crafty, then you have most likely have a growing pile of fabric or paper scraps, right?  I know I do.  I stumbled upon this little DIY project over at Annakata and just had to pass it on.  I just discovered this blog, and am bookmarking it for sure!  Although, I so don't need another project, this one is just too easy, and it will get rid of some clutter.

Inspired by the colorful and slightly pricey Japanese tapes, this project will take you a few minutes but will finally put that strange sized fabric to good use.

photos via annakata 

Design challenge

Need a few home decor ideas?  Alycia from Casa Moxie had a wonderful idea of bringing a few designers together for some home ideas, and today she has included my little ideas.  You can check out my design and information over at Casa Moxie today along with Alycia's design.  Its always fun to see what different people come up with for the same space! And a thank you to Tammy for letting us pick apart her master bedroom!

Friday findings

Oh happy day, its Friday.  I thought I was going to have a nice and relaxing week alone with the dog (the husband is working in NY for the week) but instead it has been one client phone call after the other!  Not that I'm complaining.  I had a goal this week, to paint my apartment.  So far, one wall is done.  Oh well. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.

This eco friendly, handmade storage box over at A lovely evening.

A great intro to Brook farm general store thanks to Creature Comforts.

This fun photo idea from Martha Stewart.  I received her new Encyclopedia of sewing and fabric crafts, and wow, if you are at all the crafty person, you have got to pick it up!

This fun little food to clothing idea over at Coco + Kelley.  Just goes to show, you can get inspiration from anything!

Loving this fun and vibrant space over at Oh Joy.  Its from the new book, David Stark Design, making yet another item to add to my wishlist.

And finally, the meatless in May campaign over at Your Daily Thread.  For all you meat eaters out there, why not give it a try and join in.  You will feel better, promise! Can't go a whole month (I know its a scary idea), why not try out a few days a week??  

A little blog crush

Do you have blogs that you visit that just make you smile, no matter what?  Well I do.  And not just a smile, a sort of refreshed feeling that there is someone out in the world that exudes happiness with everything she does.  Every single time I stop by Color me Katie, I am bombarded with bright colors and smiles.  Katie, a freelance photographer and street artist brings the streets of New York come alive with her work.

Just look at her human Pac Man game:

Isn't it just fun!  Katie, being a bit on the shy side, has made it her mission to create scenes and waits for just the right moment.  None of her street shots are staged, making for genuine smiles when people start to figure out what's going on.  Another reason I have a total blog crush on Katie?  Color color color.  She has a fond love of brightly colored paper, covering her walls of her apartment with fun ideas which she changes constantly. Before (hello bright and already cheery kitchen!):

 And after.  Just a little pop of color with a touch of silliness thrown in makes for a fun focal point!

Another fun project, the Kiss book.

To see more of her work, check out her blog, website flickr or this mini documentary to get a sneak peak on how she makes her ideas come alive.  It made me love her even more, she just seems like someone who would be fantastic to hang out with!  Katie and her BF Matt also participate in Improv Everywhere, a group that "causes scenes of chaos and joy".  Just check out their Grocery Store Musical.

Thank you Katie for being such great color inspiration and bringing a smile to everyones faces.

all photos via color me katie

Friday findings

All I can say is thank goodness for the weekend.  I have been going nonstop all week long!  Anyone have fun plans for the next two days?  The husband and I are going to jump on the newly fixed scooter and head over to Unique LA for some super cool local finds.  If you haven't been and are in L.A this weekend, you have got to check it out! 

I'll admit, I have a huge sweet tooth and these Rosemary shortbread cookies might just be calling to me. It indeed is a cookie kind of day.  Plus, this recipe looks super easy!

Ah, outdoor living spaces.  Check out this stunning collection over at Obsessilicious. Don't get me wrong, I love my little patio in Venice Beach, but living on one of the busiest streets with a bus stop 20' from my front door, its loud.  For now I will just have to dream of lounging poolside.

Loving this bathroom transformation over at Desire to inspire.  The black is a great touch, giving it a modern and bold look.  

Summer from Design is mine created a wonderful collection of children's items that are all eco friendly.  I don't have a little one (yet) it seems every other person I know is pregnant or just had a baby.  And besides, who said kids toys have to all be plastic and neon green?

I just discovered The City Sage, and love love love all the style.  The outfit to room posts are a great way to get some inspiration for the home and deck yourself out in some wonderfully beautiful fabrics.

For some great laundry room inspiration, stop by Little bits of lovely's Laundry love.  The laundry room is a usual area that falls short on the design, so lets change that! Turn that chore into something pleasant just by adding color, patterns and if you can florals.  Oh how I dream of having my own washer and drier, I currently get to share with 8 other people in a dark closet.