[how do you do it?]

needed.

a full time laundry maid!
laundry: it's a never ending feat that must be done...
let's face it, it's what makes the world go round!
at least if feels that way.

help! okay, so i am asking you, how do you wash your whites?
i feel like however i clean them, they end up looking dingy too quickly! currently i use tide with bleach and cold water. i've tried hot before, warm, clorox bleach, everything, even following the labels exactly (which is a big pain and pretty much refuse to do these days) what do you do? everyone has their own favorite formula. whats yours? i'd love to know!

thank you!

[trying]

this morning as i pleaded with my oldest to get going and get ready for school,
i found myself getting so worked up!
she didn't want to get moving and neither did i, but we had to.
finally after coaxing and prodding, she began her morning routine.
as soon as it was time to pick out her outfit, more meltdowns followed.
once she made her way to school, i had to sit, decompress and figure out how i can help her
as well as myself.
i came across this guide and found it worthwhile to share:

[charmed]

i could not stop thinking about it!



my dream home that is.
last weekend sam & i were able to sneak away with friends for a great little weekend trip
and tour the st. george parade of homes.

sigh, i am SO glad i took my camera!
this was the first home we went to, #11 the bedford

it pretty much spoiled all the rest.
this show stopper was by far the winner in my book!
it was so amazing! nothing too over the top or extravagant, just charming and livable!

check out this big sliding wood door! so cool!

and this tub? gorgeous!

these built in cabinets were in the master bathroom... love 'em!

i fell fast and hard for this little girl's room!
as we headed down south, i hoped to find the perfect picture to make my new blog banner with. this picture (below) screamed bright, cheery, warm and inviting! all my favorite elements balled into one!

(picture above courtesy of chad sollis)

this beautiful petal pillow (below) was found in one of the other cute homes.

a big thanks to mr. & mrs. sol for an extra fun
"big league blowin' time"
and for chad's much appreciated photoshop tips! we love you guys!

[ruched]

bright, light, clean, crisp and comfortable



it even looks cozy!
only in dream land...

i'm really loving this look right now!
if only i could convince sam...
he thinks this bedding is too ruffly.
i disagree.

[love is in the air]

i don't know what you gave your valentine this year, but i gave mine red plum jam & white bread.

i made sam the most amazing toast (he remembers) on our honeymoon.
we went to the grocery store one romantic autumn night somewhere in boston when i first introduced him to this delicious fruit topping.
ever since, he's been smitten (everything's better in love, right?)

i haven't bought a jar for quite a while, so i decided to make him his favorite toast sunday morning! that loaf of white was devoured before the day's end. it's quite a novelty at our house. dang healthy wheat!

my surprise was a flower delivery!
one by one, many slowly disappeared...
my girls thought they were theirs too! i found little prepared vases placed carefully in their rooms. they're too cute!
my favorite part of this delivery was the small note attached- i just eat up his words!

i told him he was a the ultimate poster husband & father; he laughed and told me he wished that were true. i assured him it was. he's the best!



we started making valentine sugar cookies...



a valentine tradition around here...

but once our dough was tucked away in the refrigerator to chill, it never came back out.
we got busy and never finished them :(
i just threw away all of the dough last night.
way to go awesome mom!



this little valentine is celebrating her big day today!