What I’m Wearing {navy, red & aqua)

May 16th | what I'm wearing

Hey friends, it’s Wednesday and I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration. You’ve seen all the pieces of this outfit before–except for maybe the belt {which I found on sale at J Crew}. The aqua belt keeps the outfit from being too ‘americana’.  I’m not going to a 4th of July picnic–just to the workshop.

Striped tee, Banana Republic. Red skinny jeans, Target. Aqua belt, J Crew. Wedges, Dana Buchman for Kohls. Denim Jacket, Gap. Sneak peek of a necklace soon to be in our shop–more on that soon!

Wanna know a secret? I get dressed in the morning, think, “This a fun outfit, I’ll take a few pics.” Then I edit the photos, upload them to my blog and that’s when the waves of insecurity start to wash over me. “This is the lamest outfit” I think. Or “my hips looks huge.” Or “my hair is ridiculous.”  And then I get a grip, remind myself not to take it too seriously and I share it anyway.  Fashion is fun, but it’s certainly not the most important thing, is it?

Here’s to finding a little bit of inspiration in the small things.

the perfect teacher gift {wise owl necklace}

May 15th | inspiration, jewelry


I am thrilled to introduce our brand new ‘wise owl’ necklace. We think it’s a perfect teacher gift for the end of the school year. Customize the round tag with the teacher’s name, the year 2012 or a special word, like, ‘inspire’.
My boys have had two of the best teachers EVER this year. And we are so grateful! Teachers give our kids so much, don’t you think?

Find the new ‘wise owl’ necklace here!

what i’m wearing {coral and yellow}

May 14th | what I'm wearing

It has been really warm lately–and it’s wonderful! The mornings start out cool and then the sun warms everything up by noon. And at 7:30pm there is still a lovely glow to the evening. Don’t you love longer days? This is an easy outfit for the workshop and the wedges are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Mixing coral and yellow is a new combo for me–but nothing too crazy, right?

 

 Boyfriend jeans, Gap. Yellow tee and coral cardi, both Target. Embroidered belt, Lucky Jeans. Wedges, Dana Buchman for Kohls. Connected Necklace, my shop.

This outfit is super casual but dressed up just a bit with wedges, a belt and lipstick. Once I get home I switch out my wedges for flip flops and start dinner. Then after dinner I put on my jammies and get the boys bathed. What’s your now-I’m-home-and-it’s-time-to-get-comfy routine?

hello monday {and handstands}

May 14th | an everyday moment, hello monday

Hello friends! Matthias has been working every day on perfecting his handstand. Personally, I’ve never been able to do a handstand–but at the rate he’s going he’ll have it down in another week. Let’s share some hellos for this week–and link up your own ‘hello monday’ post too!


Hello feeling loved after a very special mother’s day {church, a delicious lunch, a nap and a trip to Anthropologie!}

Hello sniffly David. We are going on two weeks now. Grrr.

Hello summer sun–it’s still spring but this warm weather is making me very happy!

Hello long skirts and dresses with sandals. Perfect.

Hello new stuff. We are working on some fun things to share with you this week!

Hello superheros–we are still all about the Avengers over here.

Hello movie renting. We watched The Vow this weekend–so fun.

Hello yum. This recipe from Rubyellen of Cakies is easy and delicious!

Hello happy. It’s the start of a brand new week!

Share with us! Leave a comment with some hellos or link up your individual hello monday related post. Please link here from your blog so your readers can share in the fun!


Mother’s Day Winner!

May 13th | events, jewelry

Oh my goodness–what a huge success our Mother’s day giveaway was. Thank you to all who entered!

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S   T O. . .

our big winner, Beckey Wolf!
Becky, we’ve emailed you so we can send you your Mother’s Day gift package!

To the rest of you–enjoy your day. I’ll be celebrating with my sweet boys and my mother in law. Hugs to all of you!

friday love {instagram}

May 11th | an everyday moment, instagram

Hi friends! I’m linking up cell phone pics from the last couple weeks with

Jeanett over at Life Rearranged! You can follow me on instagram @lisaleonard. 
I have found a few vintage ’4′ signs at antique and thrift stores. They are just right for our sweet family of four!

I spruced up this wall display. It feels happy and ready for summer.

Busy, busy David. I pulled this guitar out of the closet and he loved it for a couple days. But now he’s bored with it again. I need to rotate his toys to keep things new and fresh.

Seriously gorgeous tulips at the grocery store.

Chocolate chip pancakes are a Saturday tradition around here.

David made this chick at school. The wings are traced from his hands–so that’s why one wing is smaller. I love it!

Matthias drew this picture for me. When I saw how busty I look in the drawing, I cracked up. He is so funny!

Pinwheel flower=pretty


Loving these wedges. So comfy {They’re from Dana Buchman for Kohls}

Yum, fresh blueberries.

David had a nasty cold, but on Saturday he started feeling better. So glad to see him smiling!

On Saturday we also went to see the Avengers. Matthias had been counting down for the last couple months. It was a big deal!!

I am a blessed mama!

Matthias gave me a wish. So sweet.

We went swimming with friends on Sunday. Matthias didn’t want to try to slide, but once we convinced him, he was hooked!

I have a knack for getting the wonky cart at the grocery store. Seriously–every time!

I was getting my toes painted and saw a review of Kelle’s book in People Magazine. Go Kelle!

Matthias drew this picture for me–a real departure from his super heros with bulging muscles and massive weapons.

A sandy, happy, messy David. Love.

“Hang on mom, I just need to send one more quick email before bed.”

Front tucked shirts–it’s the latest thing apparently. And super comfy.

We registered for fiestaware when we were engaged and 13 years later, I still love it!

Skittles, yikes, I have no control.

And that’s what’s going on around here. This weekend we are heading to Fresno to spend some time with Nana. What are your mother’s day plans?

baked sweet potatoes loaded with toppings

May 10th | food & goodies

This is my very favorite meal to make right now. I adore sweet potatoes. Next week, I’ll probably have a new favorite, but for now, this is it!

Ingredients:

4 sweet potatoes

1/4 C. buttermilk

salt and pepper to taste

bacon

grated cheese

chives

Whatever else sounds yummy–black beans, sour cream, etc!

Bake sweet potatoes at 400* for 45 minutes {or more depending on size of sweet potato}. Remove sweet potato skins and mash insides with buttermilk and salt and pepper to taste. Top with all kinds of yummy things and enjoy! Serves 4-5. And makes great leftovers!

Okay, will someone please explain the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?! We were trying to figure it out in the workshop the other day, and no one knew the answer!

david and the sandbox

May 9th | an everyday moment


David loves playing the sandbox–LOVES it!  I love it too, because he’s not destroying the house or Matthias’ newest lego creation. And apparently, he’s building up his immunities with a little sandbox snack time. Can you see that little smile on his face? He was so proud of himself! Guess what he wanted to do when I found him all sandy like this? Give me great big kisses! And of course I let him–right after I dunked him in the bathtub.

What I’m Wearing {red skinny jeans}

May 9th | what i wore wednesday, what I'm wearing

I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration!

I’m starting to think bright denim might be my go to look for this summer. That and maxi skirts. So easy and so fun! Target is carrying some colorful skinny jeans for only $25. Love that. I couldn’t find the jeans online, but I found them at my local Target.

Red skinny jeans, Target. Striped tee, H&M. Denim jacket, Old Navy. Black wedges, Dana Buchman from Kohls. Leopard print belt, Target. Connected necklace, my shop.

Click here to more of what I’m wearing.

what i’m wearing {re-fashioned sleeves}

May 8th | what I'm wearing

I got this dress on sale at Anthropologie a few months ago and it had big puffy sleeves that weren’t very flattering. So after a few tries of putting it on and trying to make it work, I took a pair of scissors and cut the sleeves off. I washed it and the raw edge came out fine. Now I love the dress!

Dress and boots, both Anthropologie. Leopard print belt, TJ Maxx. Vintage bangles, thrifted. Sun droplets necklace, my shop.

For this dress, it was either give it away or do something drastic with the sleeves. Have you altered a piece of clothing lately?