kidco.

We spent a couple days this week vacationing with puj owners and designers Ben and Katie and their three adorable boys. When we arrived Katie whipped out one of these KidCo tents and I instantly knew I was in serious need of one. They fold up into a tiny circle that you can take almost anywhere, and they unfold into the perfect kid-size tent in a snap. They are perfect for the beach, camping, traveling, naps, forts.. the possibilities are endless and really every mother needs one.

a good cause {check it!}

There seems to be so many unpleasant things going on in the world today, that nothing makes me happier (on a Monday morning) then telling you about a whole lot of good! And all because of one man. Justin Hackworth. Have you heard of him? If not, allow me to introduce you. You might just fall in love. Not that kind of love, the kind your husband will allow (at least mine does anyway). Justin and I spend time together, though I'm not sure he's aware of it. I browse his photography blog almost daily. The images are SO REAL. He captures life and happiness, personalities and emotion. The photos are simple and timeless. The ones you want plastered all over every wall of your home.

He recently took on a huge project. 30 strangers II: Mothers and Daughters. I tried with all my powers that be (which must not be very strong since it didn't work out) to make it to Utah to be a part of his project. He photographed 30 different sets of mothers/daughters that he had never met before in 30 days. During those 30 days he wasn't paid his normal portrait fee, instead those who participated made a $25 donation to the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, which is the women's shelter in Provo, Utah.

On July 2nd (get out your calendars ladies) Justin is holding an exhibit to showcase the images from this project. And in doing so he is extending the fund raising efforts. On the night of the exhibit anyone (that means YOU) that would like to make a $25 donation to the center can for free, schedule their own mother/daughter portrait session for anytime between July - September. This is an amazing deal AND you are contributing to a wonderful cause, double bonus!

You don't want to miss this! Read more information here.

And just for fun.. can you spot (in the photos from the project)?

cjane (nienie's sister and incredible blog writer)

sarah wright (of sarahjane illustrations)

liz stanley (of say yes to hoboken)

Now Go! and be a part of something big.. and good.. you'll be glad you did.

print, pattern, paper.

I'm a big fan of children's art. Print, pattern, paper always has vibrant art that appeals to kids and adults.

They've recently introduced 18x24 sizes in their alphabet, number and world  map designs. As always they are made from 100% recycled fibers and soy ink. 

all modern baby.

I was recently introduced to All Modern Baby. This children's furniture store offers products that range from maclaren baby carriers to these stokke tripp trapp high chairs that I have completely fallen in love with. It comes in multiple colors and grows with your child all the way to their teenage years if you desire.

While browsing the All Modern Baby site I ran across this genius animal toy bag. I have been a longtime fan of boon products. Their Frog Pod is one of my all-time favorite things. Their stuffed animal toy bag has become a quick addition to my favorites. We have SO many stuffed animals and they are rarely played with BUT the girls can't bare to part with any of them.

Enter my new best friend. The boon animal toy bag. There has never been a better compromise. We threw all the stuffed animals in through the clear mesh windows and zipped them up. It opened a good amount of space in our toy closet and made the perfect soft beanbag-esque chair for reading books and watching movies. I'm happy, they're happy and once again life is in perfect harmony.

thank you.

I think these are genius! and not bad at $13.95 for a pack of 10.

reading.

This book was recommended to me by many people, so I read it last summer. I loved it!



I instantly bought the next book and had that read within a week. I loved it just as much, so I bought book number three.



Then life happened and my reading time went to the wayside. Since we moved, I've never found the original copy I purchased. Then at the beach this weekend I found a copy in the bookstore for $3.99. I scooped it up and have made time for reading once again.. and of course, I'm loving it!



I would recommend this series to anyone. Adults and teenagers, they are clean, exciting, and they move quickly pulling you along. Have you read them? What did you think?

northwest slug - lovey.

klt works etsy shop, is full of fun finds, like this adorable slug. Can slugs be adorable?

wanting to try.

Recipes I've seen around the web and am really wanting to try.


Crispy Tacos Picadillo


Black Bean Burritos


Spinach Artichoke Lasagna



Chicken Gyros


Spicy Black Bean Burger

If you've tried them.. I'd love your reviews.

persimmon & pink.

a good question... I want one or three.

celebration of life.

If you take time to read this... you'll be glad you did. What an incredible celebration of a mother, sister and friend.

*photo credit erin-beth.com

graduation.

The last of my siblings graduated from high school this weekend. I made these adorable graduation hats in honor of his big day. They were the perfect centerpiece to his graduation bbq and fool proof to make. Bakerella has done it again!

cupcakes.

It is no secret that cupcakes will be the death of me. I love these lawnmower ones for Father's Day and they don't look too hard to make. double bonus. Instructions here.

diaper bags.

I'm on the lookout for a great diaper bag. I've gone through quite a few that were cute and somewhat functional, but with baby #3 I need highly functional. Here's what I'm looking for..

*something on the smaller side
*stylish non-feminine look
*usable compartments
*easily accessible
*functional

Recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Pictured bag available here.

highchair.

Saw this highchair today. Modeled after one of my favorite flowers, the Calla highchair. I love it!

suits.

Trying to decide for the girls. Which would you choose?

obviously I'm loving the ruffles. All available here.

worth noting.

The Silly Wagon is celebrating their 2 year anniversary by offering 40% off nearly the entire shop. There are some great deals to be had (and their advertising surprises in many of the orders that ship out to celebrate as well). As if that weren't enough.. they are also offering a giveaway of one of their Kapow birthday tees (my girls have the three and five and LOVE them).

View details of the giveaway here or shop here.

cake mold.

Saw this amazing cake mold here and here and have added it to my ever growing wish list!