Four ideas for fun summer totes:

1. Anthropologie Protozoa Paint Tote ($39.95)
2. Old Navy Convertible Linen Blend Tote ($19.50)
3. Anchor Tote ($105)
4. Michael Stars Nautical Ticking ($88)

Just thinking about mother's day and what I would want (Chris, ahem..).

On Paper Source you can get custom return address stamps 25% off now through April 24. Maybe not so smart since we move every 2 years, but they are cute. I like these:








On the Bliss website you can find lots of gift sets for mom. I desperately need to try these after this dry dry winter, bliss softening socks & glamour gloves set $85:






And I love these craft ideas on Martha Stewart for decorating for mother's day. I love the idea of using stamps on a paper tablecloth to decorate and mark place settings:





I LOVE fresh scents, I go by the fig apricot eau de parfum myself, and I love their sugar kisses for mom section. Who doesn't like the smell of sugar? Love this sugar lip polish $22.50:





And finally, a ziptop shopping tote from LeSportsac, with 14 different patterns to choose from ($48):

Looking at the LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's line, there isn't much to report, in my opinion. Seems a bit floral in a grandmotherly way rather than a fresh 2011 way. There are, however, a couple of pieces of interest I liked:

this beachy striped tiered tank (sale $23.80):


and these embellished skinny twill ankle pants (sale $30.80):

Since I am not a tween you will not find me roaming the streets in this Printed Deep-V Romper $49 (in fact, pretty sure tweens shouldn't be strolling about in this either). However, in the privacy of my own home where only my dog is my judge..

In case you missed the Glee rendition of All By Myself, watch it below. You will be interested to know that the song actually borrows from Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor (movement 2). Why do I know this? I was playing Baby Max some classical music from an old album of my parents, and I recognized the tune. After some difficult Wikipedia searching (it came up immediately) I found the facts.

I'm falling for this dusty rose, pale pink trend of spring. Here are a few of my favorites:


1.  BR Monogram silk cascade back tank $79.50
2.  Coco Mademoiselle sold on Sephora

3.  Tinley Road Petal Tear Drop Earring $20
4.  Banana Republic slubby striped roll-up tee $39.50
5.  Kate Spade Brittany Sunglasses $128
6. Corner Ruffle Duvet Cover in Dusty Rose, sold on Urban Outfitters $169-$199

7. Ann Taylor Loft Handkerchief Hem Ruffle Shell $49.50
8. Pink Glitter Toms $54
9. J. Crew pencil skirt $98

Love these silk-screened pillows, especially the pod of whales designed by Lourdes Sanchez for West Elm:

Got to get the steal of the day from The Today Show, Eco sunglasses 77% off! Click here and enter code TODAYGLASSES. Retailing for $128 you'll get them for only $30. Eco glasses are made with recycled metal and plastic, plus they plant a tree for each frame sold.

I will be posting a lot about rugs since I am in the market for a new (first) bedroom rug. Love the pattern and price of this Dwell Studio rug, but upon further investigation it seems too thin.

DwellStudio Home Gate Rug:

From the DwellStudio site, you can get a better idea of the woven material, love the patterns but unfortunately need a thick plushy comfy rug.

Just found this site 20x200 where you can buy great art for only $20 from emerging artists. Check out the gift guide here.

If my credit card bill was under control this month, I would totally purchase one of these Jack Larsen & David Hicks rugs on sale on One Kings Lane today. We desperately need a rug for our bedroom. This David Hicks Hexagon House II Rug 4x6 is going for $279:

Loving this Mara Hoffman bikini on Madewell (top $59.99, bottom $54.99). Time to wax and get ready for summer!

I love this BCBGeneration Sleeveless Printed Ruffle Dress ($98). With highs in the 60s today I'm dreaming about summer.

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa we recently acquired hand-me-down silver baby items that were my husband's. I love all the nicks and dents from being tossed and bitten. Here are similar versions I was able to find online:

Personalized Sterling Silver Chime Rattle on BabyBox.com
Sterling Silver Baby Porringer on BabyBox.com
Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cup on Silver and Pewter Gifts
Classic Baby Cup on Tiffany&Co

Take and extra 30% off final sale items, plus get free shipping on orders of $150 or more, use code MUSTHAVE at checkout. Valid through Sunday, April 17.

Get 40% off all full-priced sweaters at Ann Taylor Loft, in stores and online. Also get free shipping on orders of $125 or more. I love this Wide Stripe Boat Neck Sweater:

Wish I could pull off this J. Crew Pointelle short ($128). The brownies my mom brought up last weekend are not helping the baby tummy disappear, however.

Ok time to freshen up this blog folks. What do you think? Moving on to the header (provided Max takes naps longer than 20 minute today!).

Loving the big long sleeves of this Blu Moon Free Love Maxi Dress in Nautical Aztec ($187).

I found this article on simple ways to detox your home from whattoexpect.com very useful so I thought I'd share. These tips are good for everyone to know. Gotta love the frenchie rather than the baby used in one of the slides!

I love this Calypso ikat dress, perfect for spring:

Maxi dress season is back. Here are a few of my favorites for this season:


1. My favorite, the Nicole Miller Metallic Silk Strapless Maxi Dress ($650)
2. The slightly more affordable but not really Laundry by Shelli Segal Strapless Silk Maxi Dress ($385)
3. Love the bright bold colors of the ASOS Multi Smudge Print Maxi Dress ($116.55)
4. For a better budget this Apple Bottoms Dress, Printed Ruched Halter Maxi ($74)
5. Gotta love tie dye and this MICHAEL Michael Kors Tie Dye Cowl Neck Dress ($120)

Decided to do a deck makeover for the summer (seeing as there is nothing out there now, anything will be an improvement!). Researched and found these affordable small-space patio sets, love them!

Palm Beach bistro set ($129):


Paxton Place bistro set ($225):



Coveside bistro set on L.L. Bean ($399):



Martha Stewart 3-piece bar set (on sale for $209):








Vifah 3 piece outdoor dining set ($218.47):








White wood finish outdoor picnic table (on sale for $169.99):



Jack-Post 4-sided picnic table ($250.07):



Lightweight Concrete table set ($999):




Wicker park table and chairs on chiasso ($266)

As I prepare to head back to work and the rainy April season is upon us, I love these coastal rain skimmers that provide a slightly more stylish option to the rainy day work commute. I would even wear these all day in the office, in a dress, yes I would!

Obsessed with this red ikat Terai Folding Chair at Anthropologie ($198).