Blogger's Favorites -- Mary Swenson of Pretty Good and T. Ruffles

image via mary's incredibly lovely blog pretty good

As promised, this week's list belongs to the other half of the genius team behind T. Ruffles, Ms. Mary Swenson (or as she's affectionately called in some circles, Mary Ruffle)... Like Karey, Mary and I met through Kirtsy, and I can safely say she is one of the kindest, loveliest and most talented (seriously her photography is beyond stunning) ladies in blog land.

So without further ado, Mary's list. Enjoy all the perfection that are her favorites and have a splendid weekend!


I first spotted the Harper’s Bazaar Russia editor on The Sartorialist, and thus began my frenzied search to find as many pictures of this little fashionista as possible on the internet so that I could study her look. I covet her hair, her extensive collection of tights, and her cool confidence spiked with just the right dash of adorableness.

Shoes make me extremely happy. And my friends will confirm that my inventory consists of only two types: the highest, most impractical heels possible, and flip flops. Lately, though, a third type has elbowed its way into my closet: the wedge. They look great with jeans and cute with casual skirts (the suede pair, above, from Anthropologie makes me drool), and even mid-heeled styles (like the adorable red pair by Report) are the perfect way for me to get my heel fix even when I’m running to the grocery store. And though I’m an expert in teetering around atop four inches, doing so in a pair of wedges is far more comfortable.

Forget what I just told you about shoes. My real weakness is ceramics. I love bowls, platters, cups, and pitchers and have the over-crowded cabinets to prove it. My current wishlist includes these handle-less pitchers and single-stem vase from Ceramicpix, and a pair of perfect spouted bowls from gleena{shop}.

I could take or leave chocolate. And, as a general rule, I leave it (I’m a salt-lovin’ girl, you see…) But sometimes, even a dessert-averse person like myself can be swayed by sugar and vanilla and raspberries. And when I saw this yogurt cake with raspberry currant sauce in the August 2009 issue of the late, great Gourmet, I was swayed. I’m waiting for just the right opportunity to indulge.

I’m an avid fan of do-it-yourself, even though I’m often just cheering from the sidelines. But ever since I saw the amazing sign Amanda Johnson made and read how easy it was to make on her blog, I’ve resolved to make one of my own, and I’m currently obsessed with figuring out exactly what it’ll say.

Here’s what I do as often as possible: I buy a bouquet of fresh flowers, take it home, split it up between random little bottles, cups, vases, jars (whatever I’ve got handy), and scatter them around the house. (And then I take pictures of them. Because photographing flowers is my all-time favorite thing to do.) This little ritual is not only relaxing and fun for me, but it’s hands-down my favorite way to display flowers -- see how casually pretty they look in this photo by Steven Myers Photography (via Once Wed)?

Emilie79*’s photographs are, like, whoa. They’re moody, pretty, and often layered with scraps of other photos and simple words to create amazing little pieces of art. This girl’s a genius, in my book.

Speaking of genius. And words. And photos. Last-but-never-least on my current list of favoriti is collaborating with one of the most unique voices in blogging – my partner-in-crime, Karey Mackin. We’ve started here. But it’s only the beginning. And that, my friends, makes me downright giddy.

Just A Few Random Bits...

I'm realizing I still owed you a photo of the necklace...


This made me feel better about the boots…

images via the LA Times

I've read this article three times... I'm endlessly intrigued by anyone who is living "smaller" voluntarily. This line from the piece is my fave:

"When you have this small space, every decision is critical," Conder says. "You can only have things that fit within the scale of this space. And these are all things I have wanted for a long time. Everyone needs to question the idea of what we really need."

I can't get this space out of my mind (via desire to inspire)

I'm dying to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox with Audrey...

It's Calendar Time...

When it comes to holiday gift giving, I’m a major planner (oh who am I kidding, when it comes to pretty much everything, I’m a major planner… Let’s just say I’m not so much a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl, but I digress…)

I start mapping out my holiday gift strategy each year pretty early in November. I sleuth around for things I love and make a big list to keep me on track. I don't necessarily finish all my shopping early (call me crazy, but there’s something festive about making a mad dash on the 23rd for that one last gift), but if I have my game plan set and at least know what I want to get for everyone on my list, I won't end up desperately buying something I don't really love at the last minute.

Groovy, artful calendars are one of my very favorite gifts to give (and get ;-) so I start poking around for favorites early (the best ones always sell out fast.)

Here's what I've got bookmarked. Of course the hard part is trying to resist buying one of each for myself too...

I'm a huge fan of Flora's work, so a calendar filled with it is pretty much perfection...

Incredibly cool "Friends of Book Arts" calendar from Genesee Center for the Arts...

Always love Suann's simple, elegant, incredibly lovely work... and her calendar is no exception.

Tiny calendar by the paper thieves. It's on a shipping tag... so clever!

I'd hang this one from Oddball Press in my kitchen...(in case you're wondering.)

Satsuma Press' lovely, organic calendar (think feathers and botanicals) + the packaging is *almost* as pretty...

I've already expressed my love for this one from SeeSaw Designs, but it's so good I had to include it again...

Completely digging the concept (Odd Birds of LA) and the Hugo Guinness-esque drawings on this one from Krank Press.

Totally gorgeous accordion style calendar from Brooklyn Bookbinder. The covers are all so amazing, I'm not sure I could pick...

Loving... + The Laughing Tree Lullabies Winners

This Anthro necklace -- I have a major necklace issue friends...they're my jewelry drug of choice of late.

UO's cozy grey sweater (The short sleeves work for Texas.)

Mav's gorgeous installation at Chellis Wilson. You must peek at it all...it's seriously stunning.

Gabriele Wilson's book covers (via parcel post)

Joanna's Paris posts...

Lovely Akio Nukaga pieces at Heath ceramics (via Remodelista)


And speaking of Heath...look at all this goodness. Seriously.

Now for the winners of the Laughing Tree Lullabies giveaway.

Congrats Nicole and Alexis!

Drop me a line with your addresses and I'll pop the CDs in the mail...

Scenes from The (Possibly Overscheduled) Week-End

We kicked off the week-end with the (v. fun) party at Little Bean on Friday. Audrey and I went together, and she managed to consume what might possibly be an illegeal quantity of mini cupcakes... I'm just sayin.

(Amy, I snapped this one for you. Look at your lovely goods front and center!)

After the party we had dinner with our friends Julie and Tim, which would have been perfect if Audrey hadn't been going out of her mind a bit due to the aforementioned cupcake consumption.

Then Saturday afternoon we made our way out of town a bit for an annual party at one of Audrey's former classmates' house in the "woods"... It was the perfect setting for this time of year -- the kids ran around, roasted s'mores and just generally had a blast with their buddies.

We finished up the weekend with a little neighborhood get together and a lovely Sunday dinner + I managed to make a couple of apple, cranberry pies.

So all-in-all a fantastic weekend, if not a little full. I find myself lately cramming so much (maybe too much) into our weekends (my hubby will be so proud of me for actually admitting this, as it's not something I'm wont to do) that Monday morning we all wake up feeling a bit, well... spent.

It's hard for me to say "no." I love having lots of fun things lined up. I'm not so good at the "relaxing."

I need to work on this a bit I think...

Blogger's Favorites -- Karey M. of Mackin Ink *and* T. Ruffles

image via Mackin Ink

I've attempted to write the intro to this week's blogger's favorites no less than five times.

You see it's hard to find words to describe just how fond I am of Karey... She was one of my very first Internet friends and (as Audrey would say) is one of my besty, best, bests.

She's funny, she's wicked smart, she's a fantastically inspiring mother to her girlies three, she's urbane and interesting and her words, well...her words are like magic. Truly. Not only can you see evidence of her creative prowess on her equally amazing blog, but she and the lovely Mary Swenson, (you'll get a peek into her faves next week) have started a rather genius new venture that marries Karey's words with Mary's photos.

Yep, it's pretty much perfection...

So without further ado, herewith Karey's favorites. Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!

*****

i fall in love a few or fifty times daily, it seems. which is a particularly serendipitous quality these days. my family just moved back to the states after about six years overseas, and my minute-to-minute swooning sessions have really saved me over the past three months.

i am that woman in the grocery. who’s the genius who invented golden oreos? seriously. no. evidence. and don’t even get me started on all the brill cleaning supplies. soft scrub is my new fracas.

but those don’t count as my favorites. these, however, definitely do…

seasonal uniform. in black. always.

you may never see me in a color other than black or one of his close relatives. and, man, jersey is my thing. i’ve three formal dresses and countless tops made of the stuff. i love the way it falls from a shoulder, lazes on a collarbone, and drapes over the most subtle curve. making it anything but…

and while i desperately crave haute hippie and elizabeth and james, i am just fine with clean lines over lineage. i used to frequent zara in jordan a few times weekly. patterson j. kincaid, a happenstance get on sale at shopbop, is currently courting me. {oh, who am i kidding? i’ve said yes to patterson jersey at least three times. i’m easy like that.}

lately, i’m digging short black jersey dresses that hug like a high school memory. with just two accessories: legs and these boots…

{sigh.} did i mention how i miss jordan? that country was for sure one of my faves. i think it’s good form to get to know another or two other countries. in both grand and small ways. it makes you love your own more. and often makes you love the world more. both excellent results, yes?

the unexpected.

i’m not a flighty girl. but i find - especially as i gain years and confidence - that i’ll battle the expected to its death.

the unexpected details thrill me. if an outfit unequivocally demands black heels, i tend to nod my head in seeming agreement. you’re right, outfit. i should wear black heels. which is exactly why i’m choosing caramel over-the-knee boots.

mismatched earrings are my latest delight. like these. except not gold. a truer turquoise. and maybe not 4,500 usd. because i seem to be 4,500 of anything short of that number. i’m trying to convince an etsy crush to design a few for us all.


while we’re on the subject of baubles, i am a sucker for turquoise. hidden messages. and jewelry you would try to eat at some point. i just tripped over mctega yesterday via a treasure trove of a sight called pour porter. {warning: do not visit her unless you want to stay awake all night. plus look like a stalker on her site meter.} i would giddily wear this necklace. as a bracelet. and it’s not 4,500 anything.

oh. and washington dc is cold. especially for someone who’s been living in a giant sand castle for years. i think these mittens are charming. i will wait for them to go on sale. however, if they do not go on sale within the next three days, i will order them anyway. because i am sure they’ll be worth it. plus my fingers are numb.



women.

i’ve always written how i want my girlies three to grow up to be women who love themselves so much that they want the best for the world. i hope they’re listening to me. for once.

i am in love with women. strong and stylish and smart and daring and kind women are my favorites. women who believe that if i succeed, she succeeds. and then? well then, we all succeed.
i don’t think i could describe joslyn any better than that.

in other news, i want to age as enthusiastically as polly mellen.

until then, i will enthusiastically covet style from the likes of daphne guinness and kate lanphear.

who gives good hair and wrist. very good wrist.

words.

i have a weakness for words. but to see words in a writer’s own hand? ugh. makes my heart beat so triathlon fast. i eat maira kalman and keri smith like candy. i must’ve read this one fifty times. at least. guts me every time.

it’s true. on any given day, my heart shatters and then magically pieces itself back together. but somehow? i’m left stronger. more inspired. and that’s the great thing about falling in love, isn’t it? love inspires you to take chances. say yes. find the unexpected. be daring.

some or all or even smidges here and there of my list of faves moved me to start something new.

it’s called t.ruffles, a creative confectionery by me and mary swenson. who i’ve never called mary swenson. to me, she’s mary ruffle. we met on kirtsy {see women section above. especially the part about women who love themselves so much they want the best for the whole world.} and never looked back.

Because What's More Fun Than a Little Party?

Christine is throwing a party at Little Bean tomorrow from 5-7 to show off her lovely new fall windows! If you're in Dallas definitely stop by for some bubbly and a cupcake + the kiddos can get their faces painted.

Hope to see you there!

p.s -- She's also participating in Partner's Card...

“Kid” Music + A Giveaway!

When Audrey was born, I vowed that I wouldn’t succumb to the idea that you had to have a slew special “kid stuff"… Truth be told, I think most kid necessities are just ploys to get people to buy more things they don’t really need. But that's just me.

Don’t get me wrong, we bought baby things -- a crib, a nice rocking chair, a lovely high chair. I buy toys and clothes for the girlies + loads of kid's books, trying to be mindful of quality and giving anything handmade bonus points... But there are entire categories of things that really don’t need “kid” versions in my opinion. Specifically I get irked about “kid food” -- Once the girlies started eating solids, they ate mostly (I do have some picky girlies) what we ate, just simplified and mashed up (but I have an whole entire other blog about this topic, so I won’t bore you with that here) and “kid décor” – I'm a big believer that you can decorate an entire nursery from Urban Outfitters to great effect and still have a useful room when your kiddo is five…

But perhaps my greatest peeve is “kid music.” In fact I once wrote an entire post about this topic on Design Mom, and I stand by my original statement that music was an ever-present aspect of my own childhood and “kid music” was never part of my parent’s MO. To them, all music was kid music. We listened to what they listened to and loved every minute of it.

There are a few exceptions -- the great Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell are examples of the kid music genre that manage to break through our otherwise air tight fortress of The Beatles, Vampire Weekend, Sondre Lerche and The Ting Tings (our girlies current faves.) And we’ve recently found another anomaly in Laughing Tree’s new collection of lullabies, which is totally mellow and lovely -- perfect for when we're gearing things down for bedtime.

Now for the giveaway...(were you wondering when that would come ;-)

Laughing Tree has kindly given me two CDs to give away to my readers. Just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, November 8th at 6pm CT and I’ll announce the winners on Monday!

p.s. -- Laughing Tree also donates 10% of the profits of the CD sales to the work of Sweet Sleep, an organization that build beds for some of the world's poorest children in places like Moldova, Uganda and Haiti. ) V. cool, no?

Loving...

Roxy Marj -- so talented, so cool, so cute...you must take a peek! (via black*eiffel)

Polarn O. Pyret's striped goodies... I'm seriously digging their stuff for the girlies (more on that later...)

This interview with Lynne and Melissa of Sugar City Journal (two of my favorite ladies in all of blogland) over on Progressive Pioneer...

Dolci Odille's fabric flower garland. I'm scheming ways to work this into Millie's room redo.

The interior of Bar Jules in SF (via alice q foodie)


Stewart Brown's jacket dress from Beklina...love Beklina.

Scenes from The Week-End -- *Lots* of Photos Edition

We've had loads of rain of late -- lots of dreary grey days, so the minute the sun came out (and it was out in full force this weekend, I got a little snap happy...)

Sunny spots around the house...

Cupcakes + Halloween costumes in action...

Chalk art...

It was a good weekend, puncuated with a lovely Sunday dinner. Hope yours was great!

Blogger's Favorites -- SeeSaw Designs

It’s pretty safe to say that the three ladies (Angela, Lindsay and Raquel) behind graphic design & letterpress studio, Seesaw Designs are brimming with creative prowess. Their creations are perfection (their 2010 calendar is at the tippy top of my list) and the Seesaw blog is one of my daily stops (+ Angela’s personal blog is pretty awesome too…)

So of course their collaborative list is just as fantastic. That embroidered necklace is calling my name big time.

So without further ado, herewith Seesaw Design’s favorites. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

We enjoy juxtaposition in all forms. Particularly loving this balance of natural and industrial at the Kivik Art Center in Sweden.

There’s something so subtly appealing about the depth and movement in bathymetric lines. (Nature is amazing.)

Great photography and styling, like this image by photographer Sam Robinson, pretty much always brings a smile to our faces.

The three of us have varying tastes in music, but we’re always spinning something in the office, whether it be old favorites or new sounds. A few picks from this week: Andrew Bird, Laroux, The Dodos, Kid Sister.

Ampersands - they’re functional and beautiful. What’s not to love?

Can’t get enough of the current geometry trend. This embroidered necklace from Etsy seller spinthread is especially rad (yes, I bought it).

There’s a lot of mid-century architecture gems hidden around our valley. We love hometown MCM hero Al Beadle.

Of course we love letterpress (that’s why we do it!) but seriously... the paper, ink, and tactile quality... paper goods don’t get any better. Here's a close-up of our new Frank Lloyd Wright letterpress print.

We’re convinced Arizona has some of the best thrift stores, antique shops, and estate sales ever. Our mid-century and vintage collections just keep growing. This is a dress Angela just refashioned into a skirt.

We might be in the desert, but we love water. This is the most insanely amazing and perfect pool ever, Les Bains des Docks, by French architect Jean Nouvel.

Cookie...

I was seriously swooning over that opening photo in the Rachel Griffiths spread -- love her Dries top, the mural, the bench, the throw pillows...(those pillows oh my.) Love it all.

Yes, count me among the throngs who are seriously bummed (and dismayed) over the closing of Gourmet. It's perplexing and discouraging and frustrating. But I'm almost equally saddened over the Cookie closing (Gourmet is an institution, so it felt far more significant.)

There literally isn't another parenting magazine that seems to "get it" the way Cookie did. Granted they started out a bit overly aspirational (i.e. crazy ridiculous expensive clothes and vacations) but lately they seemed to have found their stride -- honest and sane articles, good recipes, excellent house spreads, great art direction... Inevitably my entire magazine would be dog-eared with things I wanted to save or go back and look at later.

Just as I was thinking about what all these magazine closings (House and Garden, Blueprint, Domino, Gourmet, Cookie...) meant for our demographic, I spotted this on Abbey's blog. She pretty much sums up my thoughts exactly (and so much more eloquently than I could have said it...)

Sigh.

Prettier Shoes...

To balance out those boots.

Mom Shoes...

These boots are not fierce, or killer or insanely cool…

If I saw someone on the street wearing them, I would not ogle or stop them to gush (I do this a lot) and then proceed to covet them the rest of the day. They are not those kind of boots.

But I bought them.

As someone who doesn’t even own a pair of tennis shoes (much to my hubby’s dismay) comfortable shoes are never at the top of my priority list. I like heels, wedges…things that make me feel tall and kinda glam. But my reality and my shoes are not matching up lately. I walk or ride my bike to pick up Audrey from school; we go to fall carnivals and birthday parties and pumpkin festivals.

I need comfortable shoes friends.

And I have to say what the boots lack in “cool” they make up for in being amazingly, ridiculously comfortable and cozy and seemingly indestructible (suede on top with some sort of crazy durable heel and a little tread on the bottom.) I tuck my jeans into them, throw on a t-shirt or a dress (over my jeans of course) and go.

My hubby is proud.

Loving...

This bright, white home spotted via Fine Little Day...

This print -- so spot-on, so true...pretty much my mantra (via Suann)

Betsy and Shanna's new pieces... I just ordered the Tannenbaum Specimen Chart. Perfection.

Mav's inspiration board...I am now officially inspired (i know, i know...) to redo mine. It's long overdue.


Sara Norris' dreamy, lovely photos...

Two Talk -- A very cool photographic record of two women's international charity work. You'll get lost in their images. Stunning + poignant.

Sophia Brueckner's gorgeous work (+ her blog is excellent too...)

Scenes from The Week-End

The weekend was a perfect mix of lazing about (the better part of Saturday afternoon was spent lying in the backyard with the girlies counting the leaves that had turned yellow in the big trees framing our house) a little cooking (lovely cousin Erin whipped up an asparagus, ham and goat cheese quiche for Sunday brunch…scared from my last quiche experience, I played it safe and whipped up the bloody marys.)

Then late Sunday afternoon we went to an incredibly fun princess and superheros party then out to a yummy dinner afterward at Park with our buddies Steve and Christine and their sweet girlies (who my girlies conveniently adore) Miette and Amelie.

All in all, a completely excellent weekend… and now we're at home on a dreary, rainy Monday with a fever ridden Millie. I suppose it’s the days like this one that make me fully appreciate this weekend's sunshine and merriment... Right?

Happy Monday.

The Shop + Happy Weekend!

I've put a few fun new things in the shop + there are lot of goodies on sale to make room for the necklaces we're planning to add in November (Audrey and I are hard at work...) Take a peek and see if there's anything you can't live without!

Have a splendid weekend -- we have gorgeous weather, our Fall school carnival and two costume parties on the agenda, so it should be a good one here... I'll report back on Monday!

Blogger's Favorites -- Laura of Ascot Friday

I first stumbled upon Laura’s most excellent blog after being blown away by the photos of her son Hudson’s genius Where the Wild Things Are first birthday party (above) over at Party Perfect.

The lady is seriously creative and stylish (which is really no surprise, as she’s also a visual manager for Anthropologie.) I especially love her cool, laid back Southern California aesthetic…

So without further ado, Herewith Laura’s favorites. Enjoy!

Succulents -- A pot full of mixed succulents makes me happy. I especially enjoy the easy maintenance, and they make great gifts.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich -- I eat this for lunch almost everyday. I guess I am a creature of habit, but they just taste so darn good!

Palm Springs -- Someday I will retire here, in an amazing mid-century modern home. Until then I try to visit as much as possible. I am partial to the Parker Palm Springs. (here's a tip: sign up for their mailing list, they offer some amazing deals during the off season)

Sue London Ballet Flats -- I live in these. They are so comfortable and add a bit of class to every outfit. I am on my second black pair, (the first lasted me 3 years). Plus they fold up into a small little pouch that makes them perfect for travel.

Pandora -- Every time I am listening to Pandora Internet radio I am in awe that it is FREE! Where else can you have a personal DJ at your beckon call? It is also a great way to discover new music. (Plus you can impress your friends with your extensive play list).

Kate Moss -- My longtime fashion muse. Every time I see a picture of her I am inspired. If you don't have a muse, get one. I highly recommend it.

Target -- Pathetic enough as it sounds, I make an appearance here at least once a week. Where else can you get shampoo, milk, a prescription, a crock pot and a Anna Sui dress all in one location? Target is one of the smartest companies around, and they have me pegged.

Forever 21 accessories -- Seriously. Have you seen the jewelry here as of late? I can't get enough. I get so many compliments on all the pieces I have bought from here. Tip: go often, (or check on line frequently) the good stuff goes quick.

JBrand Black Skinnies -- Every girl needs a pair of black skinnies in their closet. They are the perfect compliment to any top. Plus they are so easy to dress up and down. (they look amazing with ballet flats). I recommend Jbrand, they have a ton of stretch, but don't do that annoying stretching out that other brands do.

Estate Sales -- The thrill I get searching through others peoples stuff is unexplainable. It is also pretty interesting to see how people live. I have found some of my greatest treasures at estate sales. Check out pennysaverUSA to find one near you.

Good Mail

Some of the lovely mail I've received of late -- Holiday lookbooks from UO

When Bryan and I first started dating, we were long distance for several months (him in Austin, me in Boulder), regularly sending each other epic, fat love letters. Mail was a huge deal then, as I didn't have a computer so we couldn't send e-mail and we couldn't afford daily long distance phone calls. I literally waited for (stalked) the mail lady every day to see what would arrive from my love.

A few years later we're e-mailing and texting like mad... and all of the sudden mail is a total drag -- all bills and junky catalogs. Don't get me wrong, I like technology (it's how I make my living in fact, so I like it a lot), but deep down I'm a closet Luddite -- we have an ancient TV, regularly use a record player and no, I don't have an iPhone (yikes!) + I like paper... a lot.

But ironically, one of the interesting and happy side effects of having a blog (which is essentially all about using technology to share ideas, inspiration, etc...) is my snail mail has gotten infinitely more exciting. I occasionally get sweet notes and fun treats from blogging friends, nice books and really cool, creative PR materials... I have to say I'm kinda stalking the mailman again.

I'm also constantly inspired by all the gorgeous paper products out there...they just make you want to send mail, no??

Yet more recent mail loveliness... Frankie's Photo Book and Afternoon Tea cookbook, which are both incredibly, incredibly cool.

Scenes from The Sartorialst Signing

So, so many cute, well-dressed peeps turned out for The Sartorialist signing last night. (Sorry for the blurry pics -- I was trying to be a bit stealth and didn't bring the good camera.) I was especially digging the tights with platform sandals and Mike Thompson’s fab lavender suit…

All in all it was a fun night hanging out with buddies and meeting some incredibly nice new girls + Scott Schuman is so nice and personable, which makes looking at his photos even more fun.