This time last year (part 1),

...I was getting ready for a home show at my cousins Barrett and Erica Carlson's home. They have a lovely modern space with vintage, eclectic, and mid-century touches. We had collaborated on a show there once before and it was a hit--their space is gorgeous and seems perfect for showcasing art and helps a person understand the art in the context of a home.  This time was no different--lots of interesting people and dear friends came through, I used every piece I had on hand and sold nine of them! It was a big push but so very rewarding.

Thank you Carlson's for hosting and thank you to everyone who came out!

Loc-Alert / Mid-Century Modern

The Vintage Loft.

This little gem is tucked away in Wheaton and I am not sure how anyone would find it on their own! And, to make things trickier, it is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 6. Somehow my sister stumbled upon it and am so I glad she did. Now, it's not for everyone--but if you love vintage home goods, or the mid-century aesthetic, you must go. I wanted to buy half of the store! The prices are what you would expect, with some highs and lows mixed in. You really could make any space special with a few one-of-a-kind pieces from this shop. Go! 

Maybe I will see you there.

Remember when...

I told you I was looking for a pair of every day studs? I found them:

Aren't they great? I feel like they will go with everything. I found them at DearGolden (one of my very favorite etsy shops. You need to check it out if you're not familiar with it / like vintage wear). 

(I also snuck these into my cart.)

And,

Remember when I told you I was thinking about trying bangs or ombre hair color? Well:

Not the best lighting but you get the idea.  The ombre is pretty subtle--but I like that it looks natural.  And the bangs...well, they will take some getting used to but are fun! The last time I had bangs I was a major tomboy.

I am glad for a change.

Family Fun and Fall Festivities

This weekend we drove to Bengtson's Farm. It felt very midwestern of us and was very fun:

 There was a pig race.

 And we cheered from the bleachers.

We took a ride in a train and talked about Thomas the whole way.

I was glad Daniel was there to do the "spinny rides." Looks like he was glad too.

 Levi rode his first pony (if you don't count Luther).

We fed lots of cute animals a healthy snack of carrots.

 Levi made friends with a goat and they stared off in the distance together.

I saw my favorite animal. This camel was particularly cute...

...with his extra long neck.

 Levi tried riding pumpkins, which wasn't as fun as riding ponies...

 ...until Daddy joined in.

With two adorable boys its hard to remember to take pictures of the two of us. 

We remembered this time.

Silas really was a part of the fun...he just slept through most of it. And when he finally was awake I captured some amazing pictures with out adjusting the camera. Whoopsies. Biggest let down of the day. 

This would have been a great shot.

We all had so much fun!

Slice of Advice: Cleaning

A good vacuum goes a long way. Meet the SHARK.

Vacuuming has always scratched a cleaning itch for me--an instant face lift on a room that takes 2 minutes and leaves you feeling accomplished and on top of things (this illusion usually lasts about as long as the carpet stays clean and between two baby boys and a VERY hairy dog is also about two minutes. :)) 

The SHARK multiplies those good feelings and will change your understanding of  a clean rug/carpet. I seriously could not believe my eyes the first time we used it on our shag rug--the rug looked new and the amount of nastiness that came out of the rug was disgusting in the best way. We have had it now for 8 months and it has been worth every penny.

Pro's of this vacuum include:

Guaranteed No Loss of Suction Technology, so you never lose cleaning power.

Swivel Steering means it is easy to maneuver

Anti-Allergen Complete Seal® technology traps 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum

Unique Detachable Canister for Portable Cleaning Convenience

So if you have one of these:

 Or one of these:

Or are just looking for a good vacuum, the shark comes highly recommended.

In reverse

Have you ever watched a movie or read a book in anticipation for a play that you are going to see? Just to be in tune with the story and to contain some of your excitement?

Reverse that...Have you every bought tickets to a play in anticipation of a movie that is coming out? Never, right? I mean who does that?

Well, I just bought tickets Les Miserables the play in anticipation for Les Miserables the movie (coming this Christmas). That is how good the movie looks!

Take a peek.

Dan and I will be going to the play for his birthday in November and I am so excited about that as well!

Cute studs...

coming out my ears. And I am on the market for an everyday pair....

      

    

  

        

       

I will take one of each. 

Okay, maybe just one pair (there is quite a range in prices and that always helps make my decision :))

If price weren't a factor, which would you choose? 

the taste of fall...

This recipe is a must try: fun to make and delicious. There is something precisely fall about the amber, gooey, sweet and salty goodness of this homemade caramel. Perfect on its own, drizzled over 

icecream or apples...or anything, really.

Dan and I have been enjoying it drizzled over kettle cooked popcorn.  

And as he would say, "It's too good."

I think it has made the roster for our home date tonight too. I am thinking fire in the back, boggle (yes boggle...trust me, it is more fun then you remember) and salted caramel popcorn.

ESSENCIA

Recently my sister-in-law asked me to design a logo for her yoga school.  Here is what we came up with:

She is a phenomenal yoga instructor! Check her out: essenciayoga.com

 Go Jeannine! Love you!

What is a good way to get rid of roots?

Grow them out!

I am loving all of these "ombre" colors for fall. Roots have never looked so good.

Something tells me growing mine out might not look as graceful as those pictures.  

Maybe I'll have to cut bangs to distract.  

I know, I know--curly hair and bangs don't always mix well. Wiser and more normal ideas have entered my mind but I am not looking for wiser and normal right now.  I need a change!

Should I go ombre....or bangs...or both? :)