Yes Please.

This morning I am wanting all things Madewell.  But I really want these overalls and this wrap skirt...my love affair with denim will never die.  I feel like I would wear both of these pieces all summer long. Hmmm...how can I make this happen?

Inspired by...

The Cloud Collectors Handbook.  I saw this book today at Ink & Peat and the colors made me swoon.  I wasn't even thinking about it when I bought some fabric this afternoon for making baby blankets ( I am so excited to get started on them! Cotton with an applique on one side, soft creamy flannel on the other...yum) but it must have made an impression! Pretty right?

Summer Walk

Iris has some epic pigtails...

ADX posters

I love a great looking dumpster.

Angelina is getting so big...

My favorite thing about summer is taking long walks in the evening.  Last night we went down to check out the new artist studio space ADX, and had a great family walk.  I have been taking my camera almost everywhere with me these days, so here are some photos of our evening.  You will all have to bare with me as I discover my inner photographer and learn to use my camera!

Etsy Finds: Sass and Peril

Um, I need a lion pillow for our new bedroom...I am in love with the Etsy shop Sass and Peril. Very cute.

New in the shop!

Zipper pouches! I used my little zipper bags for everything on my trip to Chicago and have not stopped since I got home. They are great as a light wallet, iPod case, make-up bag and even to tuck gifts into. I have some that are lined with fun vintage prints and some made from the fabric that I designed and hand printed. You can get them right here.

Before and After: Bunk Bed Edition

Last weekend we made the girls bunk beds for their room (A dream that Angelina has been looking forward to since her sister was 3 months old) ...and oh Ikea. My poor husband put the whole bed together himself while I was working on making our bedroom livable and someplace where we can relax at the end of the day. Since Iris was born she has been in our bed so this move out of our room was more than just a change of atmosphere.

 

At this point in the project I would have been content to burn down the house...

When the girls came home they were SO excited and they love the beds! It also opened up the room for a fun play area, drawing table and reading spot.

Angelina made these drawings of her and her sister and taped them to the beds about five minutes after walking in the door...

  Victor and I are also so happy with the "After" in our bedroom too...it feels adult, calm and peaceful. And I can READ IN BED for the first time in three years! So dreamy.

Weekend Swagger.

Wonderful day with the family at Jamison Square here in Portland.  I am so utterly tired that I cannot write anymore. These pictures say it all.

Bunk bed before and after pictures tomorrow!

Genius.

I think that these camera bags from Epiphanie are some genius. I loved having my camera with me in Chicago but was worried about it most of the time and the flimsy zip bag that I made to keep it safe was too thin to do much good but keep everything in one place. I am loving the idea of being out on the town with your camera, lenses and not looking A. like a total nerd, B. Putting your camera in danger and C. having a huge sign around your neck that says "steal me".

I think the Lola in red is my favorite. Consider it officially added to my "Want List".

The Girl's Room

The girls and I went out to Ikea today and picked out bunk beds and some new bedding for them...they are so excited. Victor and I are going to have a "date" ( I love what passes for a date when you have two year old and kindergartener in the house. Maybe if we add wine it will really feel like a date) to put everything together and rearrange the room tomorrow. It got me in the mood to be inspired by some fabulous kids rooms. If it turns out well I will post some pictures when the project is done!

Pictures 1, 3 & 4 from Cookie Magazine( RIP) via Ohdeedoh
Picture 2 Dane Tashima

Yes Please.

Mmmm... these black and white checks are just what I want to be wearing this summer.

1. Bridget Bardot    2.  Mocium    3. Madewell

Chicago, Chicago!

Wow- my trip to Chicago way exceeded my expectations for what fun vacation could be, and I had forgotten how much a great weekend away can make you feel brand new (especially for us moms- it is so needed.)

Seeing Oprah and Steadman while having dinner on Michigan Avenue? Check.
Midnight dancing in front of the fountains in Millennium Park? Check.
Shopping all day in Wicker Park and Bucktown? Check.
Crashing a party, staying out until 3 am and laughing so hard that you cry? Check, check and check.
And that was only the tip of the iceberg.
Here are a few photos from my trip- Dane was the BEST host ever...and how cute and stylish is his pad? Ugh...I would like to go back right now please.

On a jet plane...

I am heading to Chicago for a long weekend to visit Dane tomorrow morning.  This trip is the first time I have ever left my children for more than an evening out... I am beyond nervous and excited. I think the thing I am looking forward to the most is spending the day in my old neighbourhood of Wicker Park and not being on a schedule.  Going where ever the day takes you and spending as long as you like doing what ever you like is something the childless take for granted. That being said my stomach is already in knots at the thought of not seeing my babies for four days.  A few deep breaths and a some cocktails should fix that
See you Monday, hopefully with reports of cute boutiques that are loving Anna Joyce Design and ready to place orders!