Friday's Child

cross my heart

2011-11-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

it seems i broke my promise to be keeping this blog alive...boxwood clippings has won me over, and i've loved blogging with em daily. however, there's still room for friday's child if only for my photography.

but for now... meet edward, my newest nephew and the best thing 2011 brought.

i'll be back soon, cross my heart!

chair love

2011-03-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

oh dear, i've found something else:

isn't she gorgeous? she's at urban outfitters, who i've been way board with the past little while, but they've got some really lovely things in right now, go see.

on another note, i've been craving a grey piece of furniture, i can feel a project coming on now that the weather is getting better. i'm thinking something like this:

i know i'm not alone when i say grey brightens my day, what can i say...i'm from rainy england!

the adjustment bureau

2011-03-05T13:13:00.002-07:00

last night me and the faubs went to go see the adjustment bureau. it's not often that we go to see a movie on opening night since we like to hear reviews of both friends and critics, but we figured you can't go wrong where matt damon is concerned! we were right, i loved it. it was a great blend of a good old sappy love story, and captivating thriller, with a dash of man men style. all in all, a perfect date night flick.

ah man, i just fell in love

2011-02-24T09:41:00.002-07:00

why is it that on the thriftiest of days you fall in love with something so beautiful your life can no longer be complete without it?

this baby by kelly moore has all i've ever longed for, style + function. with this bag i'd never question if i'd bring my camera on an outing or trip, i'd be free to snap away with ease + cuteness!

new favorite tv show: an idiot abroad

2011-02-04T11:57:00.001-07:00

yesterday i was feeling a bit under the weather, so i sat myself down for an afternoon infront of the telly. while browsing through on-demand, i came across the funniest travel show i'd ever seen, an idiot abroad. ricky gervais is one of the executive producers, who basically sends his pessimistic english buddy to see all the 7 wonders of the world, and he's less than impressed. in my hour of sickness, i was still giggling like crazy at his dry humor and sinister look on life. you have to check it out.

belated christmas cards

2011-01-10T14:22:00.001-07:00

i can't believe it's already january 10th. i'm still desperately trying to hang on to christmas, but now brock's long break is over, i can't think of a good excuses to keep my decorations up. here are a couple of shoots for my siblings christmas cards i forgot to share...

happy new year + NEW BLOG

2011-01-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

hi everyone, i hope you all had a wonderful holiday season...i've been loving life with lots of family and relaxation. since it's now the new year i have some exciting news to announce, i have a new blog! this is something that me and my sista emily have been talking about doing for sometime, please update your readers and follow us here at BOXWOOD CLIPPINGS.

ps. i will still be doing this blog also.

a little festive

2010-12-22T00:41:00.001-07:00

i've had my decorations up for more than a month, i love them way too much to just have them up a couple of weeks. unfortunately, i've been way too busy to shoot them...these are just a couple of our hanging baubles on our bed, we went a lot simpler than last year.

i hope you're all feeling christmasy by now... i feel more hot chocolate and christmas movies are in order!

chic travel companion...

2010-12-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

while in the process of tiding up some photos on my desktop, i couldn't help but notice how chic emily was on our trip to ireland. i looked like i was dragged through a hedge backwards, and she's all calm and collected dressed in cream, biotch!

morsels from heaven...

2010-12-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

damn it, i'm suppose to be using these for seasonal yummies; but instead they're my internet browsing, tv watching, present wrapping companions...that have a very short life! guittard chocolate chips, you really are the very best!

movie night

2010-12-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

last night we needed a chill night...Faubus has been so occupied with finals as of late, that he took a night off to re-group and relax. we watched 500 days of summer, a favorite from 2009, that i snagged for cheaps on black friday. i forgot how much i enjoyed it's sweet quirky style, and the unusual perspective of a love sick man. love it!

little rocker...

2010-12-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

just looking through some of my random photos, and found this video, and laughed quite a bit.

these guitars are so freaking fun...not only for the kids!

sooo cute...

2010-12-07T19:40:00.003-07:00

sometimes i come across things and think to myself "damn, i should have come up with that"! here is a great example. these gifts are a real treat for the eyes, too nice to open.

(found here: stylemepretty.com)

hallway molding

2010-11-18T13:22:00.001-07:00

just browsing through my archives, and came across this hallway that i simply love. the silhouette created with molding makes this hallway really pop.

i'm inspired to go add a little boost in my house, feeling a bit blah.

olivia + alexia

2010-11-16T08:33:00.003-07:00

i'm adamant that i have the cutest nieces in the world, ok...make that nephews too. if you don't believe me see some earlier blog posts on the matter: here, here and here. do you agree now?...good, we're all on the same page!

liv + lex are especially adorable to me, because they are best friends, and are always together. they are full of giggles, lots of fun, and i love them.

sisters truly are the best, so i was thinking there should be a national sister day. after googling, i'm happy to report the universe agrees with me and there is a national sister day, the next one is august 5th 2011. if you don't have a sister, you need one...go find one!

a foggy day....

2010-11-15T15:03:00.010-07:00

in london town...
i fell in love with london when i was 10, with visits to liberty's and west end shows. when i was 19, it was the place i found my independence, the energy and excitement of a modern city. now i visit as a tourist, absorbing the history of my native land, and feeling every bit at home. the chill of autumn weather, offers another crisp outlet to all the excitement i feel when i'm there. to me, no other city is yet to top it!

i've never been a huge fan of poetry, but i do love this one:

earth has not to show more fair:

dull would be the soul who could pass by

a sight so touching in it's majesty:

this city now doth, like a garment, wear

the beauty of the morning; silent, bar

ships, towers, domes, theathers and temples lie

open unto the fields, and to the sky:

all bright and glittering in the smokeless air.

-william wordsworth

megan

2010-11-12T14:51:00.005-07:00

i've been shooting megs since she was 2 days old...that was more than 11 years ago. everyone says she's the apple of my eye, and i love it! she's one hilarious tween!

i'm back in hubby-land...

2010-11-08T13:05:00.007-07:00

my visit to the uk was a whirlwind of a trip; filled with too much chocolate, plenty of fish and chips, and lots of family. it was great to be at home, to revisit my past, and make wonderful memories...i'm a lucky girl!

while i was gone, i had a couple of requests for this fall garland. i'm excited to fulfill any requests for this item, please email me at sarahfaubus[at]gmail[dot]com for details!

ps. quiz question: at which station was this picture taken?

england here i come...

2010-10-18T21:49:00.003-06:00

i'm off home in the morning, to celebrate this witchy woman turning 90!

see you in two weeks, don't have too much fun with out me!

a fall baby shower

2010-10-18T09:33:00.005-06:00

bri's shower turned out lovely. an autumn afternoon filled with treats and good company, doesn't get much better than that!

i'm kinda loving with the fally garland i made, i'm thinking i'll keep it up until the christmas decorations come out of hibernation.

baby invitations

2010-10-06T13:29:00.007-06:00

remember bri + sam? they'll soon be expecting their own little peanut - so naturally, me and my sista will be throwing a shower. i kinda love the invites we came up with.

hello october

2010-10-02T19:08:00.009-06:00

i'm quite disappointed at all the lovely weather we've been having lately, where are rainy days that call my autumn jackets out of hibernation? although it may still be summer outside, i thought i'd bring a bit of fall festivities to my downstairs bathroom; a weird place i know...but it transformed one of my more boring rooms into a novelty...and i get excited for scary movies + longer nights every-time i go in there!

new tunes...

2010-09-30T12:38:00.005-06:00

last week while attending the awesome 'start up princess' convention i was introduced to mindy gledhill and her music. there's not many artists or songs that i can say i love instantly, but her whole performance had me captivated, and i've been humming her tunes all week.

check out her site here for a FREE download...she's one amazing local lass!

swiss days: twine and twigs debut

2010-09-20T17:33:00.008-06:00

a couple of weeks ago em + annette + myself had a booth at swiss days, debuting our new home decor line 'twine and twig'. it was so much fun playing shop (love retail) and getting amazing feed back from our customers. a big thank you to all of you who came, we feel loved! our products will soon be available at our on-line store...stay tuned.

(just a couple of snapshots of our booth...annette, do you have any of the three of us?... and yes i realize i look like a complete dork in this photo, i've apparently forgotten how to stand normally!)

lego

2010-09-16T10:51:00.006-06:00

i'm such a huge fan of lego. as a child i remember having boxes and boxes passed down from older brothers. me and my siblings would spend weeks building quaint towns or space cities, fully emerged in our imaginations and conversations. i'm thinking that me + the mr should start our own collection, coz let's face it...there's nothing better on a rainy day!

harry potter + lego = really cute, you have to check out the collection here

mr. nate

2010-09-13T10:33:00.007-06:00

today is finally here, the premiere of the nate berkus show. i love him! do you?

(images via nateberkusdesign.com)

bff's

2010-09-09T12:05:00.006-06:00

today i have been thinking of my siblings, my best friends. this october, we're hopefully going to all be together for the first time in about 16 years...i'm sooo excited. what are you looking forward to this fall?

this is the one and only portrait with all 8 clayton kids, taken 21 years ago. i'm prepping for a much needed update, we're all much taller now!

packing light

2010-09-08T20:45:00.005-06:00

i'm such a over-packer. i just hate running out of clothes on a trip, so i pack for 3 of me just in case. however, this october i will be luggage challenged as i attempt to pack for a week (in england's rainy fall) in just one carry-on bag.

i saw these little lovely's in gap today, and it gave me a burst of inspiration. perhaps i can feel stylish and compact at the same time?...i'll let you know how it goes.

sneek peek: twine + twig

2010-08-31T12:53:00.008-06:00

you may have noticed i've been a major slacker on the blogger front these past months. the summer seems to have come and gone, without any hint of a tan. we've been busy with: trips, birthdays, anniversary's, preparation for student life (brock's going to law school), and lots of projects that i'm looking forward to sharing with you.

first of which, is a small craft business i've started with my sister emily, and our friend annette. this weekend (friday + saturday) will be our first opportunity to sell our products at our booth up in midway. come visit us at season's of home, but until then, here's a preview of some of our products!

setting up shop...

2010-06-16T14:39:00.005-06:00

recently i've been starting a few little business endeavors, one is a product studio in my basement. it's been fun setting up my own little studio, i kind of feel like a kid playing house, and feel right at home behind the camera.

(some shots for rain nutrition)

postcard tradition

2010-06-16T14:00:00.007-06:00

i love traditions; whether their my families, brock's or the next door neighbors! traditions can bring generations together, make strangers into friends, and ordinary days special. one of the exciting aspects of marriage is learning the traditions of another's family, and starting your own as a new unit. here's one of my favorites that i've started in the past couple of years...postcards.

in my living room i have two frames dedicated to postcards from our most recent trip. before i place the postcards in the frames i write on the back a brief description of our trip and what's going on in our life's. when i pull the old ones out to replace, i put them in a scrapbook. in years time i can image a huge book full of postcards, each with a couple of lines reminding me of all the good times and great places we've been. here are some of my favorites, since these are our original homes:

a couple from england:

some from our most recent trip:

highlight of the game...

2010-06-13T14:09:00.004-06:00

the england vs. usa game was less than impressive. however, beckham looked great!

memorial day in LA

2010-06-10T20:54:00.003-06:00

we had a fun-filled trip to sunny LA over memorial day. we drove down with shaun + annette, and caught up with em + brad, it was a great opportunity to visit brock's parents and chillax! among the festivities were: the getty, hollywood, horseridding, newport beach, balboa island, and medieval times...(coz everyone needs a good excuses to shout "huzzah"). here's to long days, yummy food, and lots of giggles.

bring on the men...

2010-06-09T22:31:00.010-06:00

when it comes to sports, i can't be called a fan. however, get a world-wide competition that only comes once every four years and i'm there, all eyes on the telly. the world cup starts friday, and i'm extremely excited; there's nothing like football to get my patriotic blood running fast through my veins...come on men, show us what you've got!

(england's 2010 team looking top-knotch, image via timothy everest)

i want to go to there...

2010-06-09T12:01:00.012-06:00

perhaps i'll convince mr faubus to take one more trip this summer...how mature would this be! who's in?

ruby

2010-05-20T15:27:00.004-06:00

just a little shoot, with this little princess:

an education

2010-04-26T14:55:00.006-06:00

i saw this movie a while back and never gave a report, and it was most defiantly report worthy! there's something so enchanting about england in the 60's; perhaps, because it was the era that my parents fell in love that always added romance to my imagery of that time. an education, lived up to all my expectations of that period: the music, fashion, make-up, and ultimately a new era of young women finding their path in a more modern world.

(photos via an education)

holler boston!

2010-04-22T22:07:00.004-06:00

there's something about the east coast that i just love; perhaps it's because i feel closer to home (literally) or maybe it's the feeling of history in the air. it's boggling to learn what events took place at the very place you're standing, so much to learn, too much to absorb. historically speaking we got to: walk the freedom trail, eat at the oldest restaurant + and visit the oldest hotel in america, visit graves of samuel adams + paul revere + john hancock, explore the constitution (oldest sailing naval ship), walk around harvard, and got a glimpse of the plymouth rock area.

cape cod was the highlight of the trip, so quaint and very pretty.

boston

2010-04-10T11:19:00.004-06:00

hey peeps, me + brock are off again, on a last minute trip to boston. your advice of places to visit in seattle + nyc were really helpful, got any for boston area?

wimpy kid

2010-04-06T16:10:00.004-06:00

last week i took my nephews to see this movie. it was a blast, one of those where you laugh the whole way through, luckily we were in a matinee...coz i think i snored a couple of times!

i'm starting the books tonight, i'm so impressed with success stories like this.

baby love

2010-04-04T12:30:00.006-06:00

although i love restoration hardware, i admit their baby & child line has been a bit hit and miss lately. however, i was pleasantly surprised when their spring collection catalogue arrive at my door last week. these two nurseries are dreamy, with whimsical cribs and milky whites, good enough to spoil any little princess.

Oh what a night...

2010-04-02T10:17:00.010-06:00

filled with traffic, snow, mud puddles, and bitchiness! we barely made it in time, but got to our seats just as he was entering the stage, and from then on it was all singing, dancing, screaming and lots of laughs.

kimberly, me + mum

hel+ em

the buble, right before he ran past me and i happened to hold on to him a little too long, the bodyguard was not impressed. i seriously shouldn't be around famous people, it's embarrassing for all involed!

buble, dedicating a song to his fan...so cute!

what else can i say, if you're a fan you have to go...he puts on one hell of a show!

lucky me

2010-03-31T14:15:00.004-06:00

i get to see this guy tonight, with my favorite ladies...SO FUN!

seattle with brock

2010-03-03T13:14:00.010-07:00

there's nothing like a long weekend away, in a place you love, with the person you love.

we spent 2 days in the city: exploring, shopping and eating. then we headed to snoqualmie to spend a night at the salish lodge where we stayed on our honeymoon. in the words of ferris "if you have the means, i highly recommend it"!

sun prints

2010-02-25T13:33:00.007-07:00

my '30 days before i'm 30 list' is going pretty well, but i won't have everything completed before sunday, although i am happy to say all goals have been started. here are some sun prints i made for my bathroom, dollies + q tips. i'm quite pleased with the results, but excited to do this process again with more natural things, such as spring blossoms.

tomatoes

2010-02-25T09:57:00.001-07:00

here's a little painting, i did while having paint time with my nephews.

more on the egg...

2010-02-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

these made me giggle, how bout you?

liberty of london

2010-02-18T11:45:00.012-07:00

a girl never forgets her first visit to liberty's. i was about 10 when my parents treated me and my two sisters to a surprise day- trip down to london. the smell of mahogany, and visions of colourful patterns has been cataloged in my mind forever. each of us girls picked out our patterns (mine is below), and shopped in the stationary section. we left with matching pencils, pencil cases, and other little accessories.

i wouldn't mind owning this little beauty

the other night we were relaxing by the telly, and low and behold an advert came on, that made my two worlds of past and present collide. liberty has created a line for target, and it may lack the mahogany scent, but that can be sacrificed where low prices are concerned.

i can't wait to see the whole line, until march look HERE.

pancake day

2010-02-16T10:31:00.013-07:00

today is pancake day, a national celebration in england; and as a child one of my favorite days of the year. traditionally it marks the night before the beginning of lent, but to me it simply meant we'd be eating pancakes for dinner.

the memories of this day are filled with the smell of frying oil, and a vision of my mother stood for hours at the stove, juggling two frying pans at once. the result: mountains of beautifully stacked, golden, steaming hot pancakes; for me and my seven siblings to devour. in our family it was required to have at least one 'savory' pancake first, which was usually filled with some sort of cream of chicken sauce, then we were free to go to town on the 'sweet' options: lemon + sugar, jam + butter, and golden syrup.

every time i say "it's pancake day" i'm reminded of this song from a popular show of my childhood:

wow, i remember that being a lot better back in the day!

felt

2010-02-15T10:08:00.005-07:00

hello felt, we should do more together...coz i like you a lot.

all projects found HERE

paper heart

2010-02-13T00:30:00.008-07:00

we hadn't heard much about this movie, but rented it from the good ol' redbox tonight, and let me tell you it's really adorable. a perfect film for valentines weekend; it brought back memories of falling in love, and the journey + discovery along the way.

happy valentines everyone!

charlie + lola

2010-02-12T09:58:00.006-07:00

i first stubbled upon charlie and lola a couple of years ago, (channel surfing while eating my cereal), and i've loved them ever since. lauren child created this famous duo which started out as a book series, evolved into tv episodes, and now is a whole enterprise of products. this adorable brother and sister pair find adventure in everyday living, as they overcome obstacles we've all encountered. the artistic style is refreshing and child-like, and the vocabulary realist and charming. what else can i say, my little niece isobel loves them just as much as me. good job lauren!

pop quiz

2010-02-10T09:26:00.021-07:00

i love taking quizzes, anything that can tell me more about myself is highly entertaining...is that vain? here are the ones i've taken recently:

NO.1 what type are you? seen HERE

results: emotional, assertive, traditional, disciplined = pistilli roman

NO.2 colour aptitude test seen HERE

results: Best Occupational Category, You're an ORGANIZER: Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate. 2nd Best Occupational Category, You're a PERSUADER: Witty, Competitive, Sociable, Talkative, Ambitious, Argumentative, and Aggressive.

NO.3 doppelganger, which celebrity do you look like?: seen HERE

results: cate blanchett...i wish!

NO.4 which jersey shore character are you? (classy...i know!) found HERE

results: snookie...boo!

seattle

2010-02-08T12:55:00.007-07:00

here we come!

if there's anything to make me look forward to turning the big 30, it's taking me on a trip. brock told me a couple of days ago that's the plan...and we're off to seattle at the end of the month. we were in the area for our honeymoon, but only spent an afternoon in the city, now we have a couple of days to explore. anyone got any recommendations? i'd love to hear from you.

white house

2010-02-05T10:28:00.007-07:00

you all know that i adore my house, but if i could change just one thing, i'd make it white.

images via: life's a design + my home ideas + martha stewart + country living

cupcake liner wreath tutorial

2010-02-04T13:48:00.008-07:00

a couple of you have asked for instructions for the cupcake wreath, so i thought i'd give recording myself a whizz. it was a little tricky, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

don't ask me what's up with my accent, i obviously don't know if i'm coming or going. i defiantly won't be auditioning for blue peter anytime soon!

how good does your buck look?

2010-02-03T00:55:00.009-07:00

sometimes we all need a treat, here are my favorite little luxuries for around a $1

no.1: diet pepsi
no.2: NYC nailpolish
no.3: lindor truffles
no.4: up & up (target) baby bath
no.5: orbit gum

what are your little treats?

oh nooooo...

2010-02-02T21:12:00.009-07:00

not you again!

"i hate you, i hate you, i hate you...i hate how i love you so much!"

-em (me widdle sista)

wreath

2010-02-01T10:02:00.004-07:00

i absolutely love how this wreath turned out, who knew cupcake cups and coffee filters could be so pretty. it looks rather like carnations don't you think?

(click on image to enlarge)

30 days + 30 things

2010-01-30T12:59:00.018-07:00

birthdays can be funny. to me it's sort of a second new year's, a review on the past, and a time to visualize the future. in desperation to finish my 29th year with a few more goals achieved; a little more fun to be had, and more creativity explored, i've complied this list:

1. make a wreath from cupcake cups. x
2. wear false eyelashes.
3. document my house, and inspiration for it.
4. go on a snow date. x
5. plant seeds for garden. x
6. read a book. x
7. make homemade ice cream. x
8. write in my journal. x
9. take 6 portfolio worthy photographs.
10. lunch with friend i haven't seen in a while. x
11. make a new pen pal. x
12. go to dermatologist.
13. make sun prints. x
14. make + send valentines. x
15. paint a picture. x
16. organize all my photos.
17. bake a cake. x
18. start learning calligraphy.
19. play risk with brock. x
20. kill a spider. x
21. put up white photo frame collage. x
22. bear my testimony in church. x
23. write a list of "top 30 things i'm grateful for". x
24. pull out my sewing machine, and make something/anything!
25. day of service. x
26. bake bread. x
27. make 6 months worth of birthday cards. x
28. buy something i'll keep for life.
29. organize my desk.
30. tell 30 people i love them. x

I'm going to be busy, stay tuned!

rockin'

2010-01-21T12:25:00.008-07:00

i pretty much think these products are the coolest thing ever. move over love sac, you are sooo done.

trust the french to be so totally awesome...i hate you!

dear white

2010-01-14T10:45:00.010-07:00

you are so bright, so airy, so clean. i can't get enough of you.

via vintage modern haven

via spark

country living

cole

2010-01-12T20:54:00.005-07:00

another little shoot; harrison's new brother cole.

we three kings

2010-01-11T16:37:00.007-07:00

here's the latest shoot of henry, arthur + george.

i can't believe how time flies... it seems babies grow into little boys over night.

it's complicated

2010-01-07T16:18:00.007-07:00

i was unproductive today, and went to the movies at noon. i saw it's compicated and had to blog about the house. it's delightful, santa barbara style at it's best. i wonder if sometimes i really am an old woman, because a life of gardening, and having a bakery (that i don't bake in) sounds just right!

eyelashes + headbands

2010-01-06T09:49:00.005-07:00

sometimes i see pretty things that make me want to have my wedding all over again. these headbands from ban.do are defiantly one of them.

i have a list of 30 things to do before i turn 30 next month; one is to wear false eyelashes. these pictures confirm the fact that i want to try this, if only for private make up session in my bathroom! these photos are gorgeous.

more little cuties

2010-01-02T12:21:00.008-07:00

remember rosie? here are the rest of my sista's brood.

game time

2009-12-30T12:52:00.012-07:00

there's nothing like a good game night. a snowed in evening is perfect; just gather a few loved ones, add hot chocolate and a high calorie treat, and let the games begin.

new faves: the great dalmuti + carcassonne

always a hit: compatibility + catchphrase

back from the dead: enchanted forest

these have been some our favorites this season. what have you been playing?

winter dreamland

2009-12-23T08:56:00.006-07:00

i'm just finishing up a bit of packing, we're about to leave. brock's family will all be in town by the afternoon, and we're headed to sundance for a week in the mountains. i've been looking forward to this winter escape since march! just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas (cards were bought, but regrettably never sent). i hope you have a great time filled with: family, friends, and the remembrance of the first christmas, the whole purpose for this glorious time of year.

with love, sarah x

all wrapped up

2009-12-21T15:38:00.005-07:00

this is how i wrapped most of my gifts, i am quite pleased.

tis the season

2009-12-21T14:49:00.008-07:00

I went a little crazy this year with the decorating, but i figured i had the decorations i might as well use them. so i chose a different colour scheme for every room. here are some of my favorites:

joy

2009-12-16T11:16:00.005-07:00

i'm dressed in an oversized sweater and thick socks, no makeup is needed. i have a house-bound day of wrapping ahead, and i'm taking this opportunity to catch up on some of my favorite movies, (that brock hates). first on the list: little women, the simple joy of sisters and christmas are a perfect match for this snowy day.

brown paper packages, tied up with string...

2009-12-11T16:10:00.007-07:00

i can't seem to decide on my wrapping this year; but something about the simplicity of these two gifts (his + her), made me think "hum, that's pretty!" so i thought i'd take a picture!

2009-12-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

back in the day...

2009-12-01T22:04:00.008-07:00

i love looking through old diaries and sketchbooks. to me, it's entertaining to see past thoughts and ideas. back in the day (when i was 15) i used to want to be a disney animator. in 2002 i was nannying a family who all loved to draw, and one afternoon we all drew cartoon's of eachother, here are mine:

this one is me, can you tell?

fairy lights

2009-11-24T09:32:00.004-07:00

I'm almost finished decorating for the season, a bit early I know, but as soon as the nights get longer I feel there's a need for the fairy lights to make an appearance. I'll post my decorations soon, but for now here's some refreshing ways to use fairy lights.

rose bud

2009-11-17T21:52:00.007-07:00

this is rosie. she melts my heart.

in october i got to spend the week with her and her siblings, i got some adorable shots. too bad i can't share them yet as they're going to be a Christmas present, but I couldn't resist just one!

cozy

2009-11-09T10:28:00.007-07:00

long winter nights have arrived, and i have a recipe to make the most of it: burn candles (the more the merrier), add a tall cup of hot chocolate, stir in a a good show on the telly, and frost with a lush throw (and a man) to snuggle. you're on your own to find the guy, but here are some very adorable, and oh-so-cozy throws from west elm, just looking at them makes me melt.

cereal = free night at the movies

2009-10-23T20:43:00.008-06:00

In general, I'm not a fan of cereal. But I do LOVE Reese's Puffs, and today I found them even sweeter, they're SO sweet I have to share.

You see, General Mills has a promotion on at the moment, buy 2 boxes of specially marked cereal and receive a FREE movie ticket...and to make this even more dreamy, there are two coupons to make it an even better deal.
Here's how it works: Buy two boxes (specially marked) of General Mills cereal at around $2.50 a box. Use the target coupon from here (or in the store) for a $1 off, then use a couple of Manufacture coupons from here, to make the final price around $3 for 2 boxes of cereal and a FREE movie ticket.

Even if you cann't be bothered with coupons, it's still a sweet deal.

I'm off to enjoy Where the Wild Things Are...Nighti Night!

good things come to those who wait...

2009-10-03T16:01:00.006-06:00

it's been more than 4 years since me and brock were wed, but due to uncontrollable circumstances, and a crazy story, i didn't get my official wedding ring till yesterday.

i'm in love!

dido day

2009-09-30T14:47:00.008-06:00

today i woke up to gloom. i love gloom. me and my sister em named these days 'dido days', when all the world moves slow, and you can't speed it up. all you can do is put on some music, enjoy a bit of chocolate, and watch it pass.
thanks brit, you always brighten my day with my favorite treat.

memory lane

2009-09-09T22:19:00.017-06:00

Lately I have been thinking about the house I grew up in. It was built at the turn of the century, a tall brick semi, with black and white accents and a red door. We refer to it in my family as 'Sandy Lane'. This house was special for so many reasons, the most being that it was the only house that all 7 of my siblings and I lived in together, before the oldest ones fled the nest. It was my first home, and the only one I knew until I was 14.
When searching for inspiration for my home, I always recall that beloved house; although I know it wasn't the tall windows and doors, or the antique fireplaces that made this house special, I still am attracted to the Edwardian style.

My mum is a big believer in classics, the couch of my childhood was the Chesterfield. The first one I recall was a dark velvet green, later replaced with a more traditional brown leather. It's quite funny to think of how many memories one couch can hold: me and my sisters used to pretend the arms were horses, we'd be off riding in the country, or in an intense race; it was the haven for a sick child, and Christmas morning it held mountains of presents.
When we finish our basement, I plan on moving our lovely brown leather sectional down there, and replacing it with one of these.

There are just some things about my childhood I want to keep forever.

freebie

2009-08-27T10:24:00.006-06:00

The past couple of days I've been addicted to looking for good deals online. Yesterday I found this great new product, the eso sphere. It's not only 95% organic, but also very cute, and here's the best part...they're giving them away for free! Click here for link.

harrison

2009-08-25T15:08:00.005-06:00

Today I shot this little man, isn't he adorable?

bearing gifts

2009-08-24T11:31:00.007-06:00

Mother-in-laws can be beastly, but I love mine! It's not hard when she brings me gifts like this from The Pampered Chef. It has me looking forward to cooler weather, and warmer food.

i hate to love her....

2009-08-13T21:47:00.007-06:00

or do i love to hate her? i'm not sure how i feel about martha; she's sure is one boring tv host, not to mention a criminal, but i do love her magazines, and envy pretty much all her homes. just look at her new craft room, i wantie!

christmas wish

2009-08-12T19:18:00.003-06:00

Letterpress at home....wahooooo!

I saw this little baby here, and think it's a perfect gift for me! Hope that was a big enough hint Faubus!

white is my favorite colour

2009-08-10T21:41:00.012-06:00

To celebrate this, I shot these:

back to school

2009-08-10T16:43:00.004-06:00

I always go back to school shopping, even though I'm not in school, nor do I have kids, but I can't resist brand spanking new Crayola crayons for only 25 cents! Another highlight is buying new notebooks, this year's pick is especially adorable and green, these little babies are from greenroom, and are made with 70% recyled paper.

sale time

2009-07-28T12:30:00.009-06:00

One of my favorite stores to visit is Restoration Hardware. The prices can be a bit outrageous, but you get all the inspiration you want for free!
Once in a while, I find something lovely and in my price range. Right now they are having a fantastic sale, meaning 50% or more on many items.

ITALIAN 600 SATEEN BEDDING: originally $59 - $389

now $19.99 - $184.99

BRITISH CANE HUTCH orginally $1495 now $599

See aren't these great deals? Plus you can save an additional 10% on previously marked down items good through August 3, 2009 by using the code RHCTD79.

Writing this post has felt a bit like a commercial, but anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE a good bargain. Recently, (from the suggestion of Jess) I have been thinking about posting more about money saving tips, and great bargains around town and nationally, or perhaps even doing a separate blog about it all. Please leave a comment if you would be interested in reading such things. Thanks!

home sweet home

2009-07-23T15:30:00.007-06:00

Jessica sometimes comes over to keep me company. We chat, eat and blog. Today she took these photos of my house. I love my house.

4th and final trip review: ireland

2009-07-22T16:04:00.012-06:00

The four days in Ireland were the icing on the cake for a perfect trip. My grandparents on my mum's side are Irish, so this was a perfect destination for our very first family reunion. We had such a fantastic time with family we hadn't seen in years and ones we'd never met. One of my favorite parts about visiting my mothers motherland, was I "tink" I picked up some of the accent!

me at trinity college, dublin

us at newgrange, old tombs dating back to 3200bc

family shots, dad with large stone

oldest artwork I've ever seen

the tomb

the view

more family

trip update no.3: the north

2009-07-15T21:32:00.009-06:00

I grew up in the little village of Romiley, in Cheshire. Every time I go back to visit I can't get over how beautiful the green countryside is, and I can't help but think of the contrast between mine and Brock's childhoods. My Saturdays included long wet walks in the country, while his were spent in the sizzling LA sun by a pool! I love returning home and showing him my roots, and spending time with some of the people I love most.

pretty gals lexi + liv

adam

brother phils family

brock + lex: picnicking at chatsworth

phil, me + dan

gran + paula

the boys ready to go-kart

lake district

trip update no.2: bedford, stratford-upon-avon + warwick castle

2009-07-13T10:27:00.008-06:00

More days in the south of england; enjoying precious time with adorable nieces, and exploring historical sites.

a sunday walk to this little windmill

brother rob and family including drama queen meg

beautiful bea, afternoon in the park

us outside shakespeare's birthplace

warwick castle

favorite part of the day, the birds of prey show + brock testing his strength

brock at castle door + me with creepy wax figure

view of local church from top of castle

trip update no.1: london town

2009-07-11T12:04:00.014-06:00

We had such a fantastic trip over to the Motherland, it's going to take a while to blog about it all. Here are a few pictures of our days in London:

tower bridge

me at st.pauls cathedral + british museum

southbank area

cousins + brock at trafalgar square

pall mall leading to buckingham palace

big ben + westminster bridge

Becky, Rache and Adam thanks so much for the great night, lets not wait 9 years to do it again!

london's calling

2009-06-17T23:06:00.004-06:00

It's time, and I'm super excited. Don't miss me too much!

books

2009-06-16T16:33:00.010-06:00

Sometimes I do projects, actually I do quite a few projects. This year one of my new year's goals is do document some of my creative outlets, in order to preserve and remember the things I do. Here are some notebooks I made a little while back. The pages are a made from a combination of collective papers: some textbook and basic, some textured and rare; but my favorite pages are the magazine tears...placed for beauty, style and inspiration.

outside:

inside:

presentation:

orders available upon request!

laura ashley

2009-06-12T14:15:00.010-06:00

Growing up my Mother was obsessed with this store. Our home looked like a Laura Ashley catalog, and me and my 2 sisters wardrobes were no exception.
The highlight of the shopping year was their big preview night; where we 3 little girls were allowed to stay up late on a school night, to try on countless outfits in a posh dressing room.
Needless to say this store was part of my 1980's childhood, but while browsing their website today, I see they are defiantly keeping up with the times. I just love these lampshades, so chic, clean and white.

face lift

2009-06-10T23:00:00.001-06:00

every gal needs a pick-me-up now and then. 'Friday's Child' had a 2 hour spa session last night, how'd you like the results?

best of britain

2009-06-10T14:48:00.038-06:00

Brock and I are planning an adventure. We leave for a long trip home to England + Ireland in 1 week, 1 day and a couple of hours. The trip can't come fast enough (I find myself looking at my clock every 15 minutes). When I close my eyes I can already see the vibrant greens of the countryside, taste buttery toffee, and see giggling faces of little nieces.

Today while daydreaming of home, I was thinking about all the great things this little country has to offer, and what delightful shopping trips I have in store.

Here are just a few:

Hunter Boots: good enough for queen Lizzy = good enough for me.

Burberry Bibs: snobbishness at it's best...love it!

Wedgewood: Style meets Function.

Thornton's Special Toffee: heals any shoppers sugar low.

Walkers Shortbread: a buttery nostalgic dream.

Penguin Classics: an instant transformation into a more civilized world.

Bentley: I can't type (I'm drooling too much).

Peak District: the most beautiful place on earth...home.