February's things - day 28

Springtime at the beach

It's not exactly "Paris" but...I love that with the end of February also comes the warm days of spring. Time to load up the car and head to the beach...where the days are warm and the nights still cool enough to not aggravate the inaugural sun-kissed shoulders of the season. There's just something wonderful about getting a little sand in your shoes, sun on your face, and salt air in your lungs. And so, goodbye February...hello Spring!

image credit: Seaside Beach

February's things - day 27

String Lights

I love the glow of a vintage-esque string light. The husband and I put them on our screened porch a few years ago and I have to say that I turn them on nearly every single evening. They add warmth and a degree of fun to everything. And so, just like the hotel chain...if our friends happen by...

we'll leave a light on for them!

image credit: homedesigndecorates.com

February's things - day 26

Robin Eggs

As in...the candy...as in...malted milk. I love their little shells so delicate and pastel...so beautiful in a bowl

or in your...er, belly!

image credit: gabensysmom via flickr

February's things - day 25

Sweet Graffiti

For a while now, all around my town, this sweet message has been appearing and...I love it. No one knows who is responsible and while, yes, it's illegal and all...it's nice. It makes me smile every time I pass under it or see it inscribed on a downtown building. There have been attempts to cover the "art" by city and transportation officials but I think it speaks volumes. Thousands of people see it and read it everyday and that message means a thousand different things to each person. Maybe it changes their outlook, changes their mood, changes their life. The message itself is simple but my question is this..."who" is beautiful? Who is the "You"? Is it the city? the person reading it? the artist's girlfriend or boyfriend? What I've realized is whoever or whatever "You" is doesn't matter...fact is, it's nice to have someone care enough to make a statement and...well, doesn't everyone love to hear that they are beautiful? I do!

image credit: mark olive

February's things - day 24

Magazines

From gloss to gossip and everything in between...I love magazines. The husband can attest to this love both from his accounting prowess standpoint to the cluttered...legs aching...antique french coffee table in our living room. Every month I have to purge and it's so hard...like saying goodbye to little pieces of art. You see, I like to horde magazines. I suppose I get this...er, tick from my Mother who saved every single issue of Southern Living from the 80's until...possibly now. And, come to think of it my Dad had every National Geographic issue from the 70's until sometime in the 90's. The storage area under the wet bar at my childhood home was stacked full. Want a drink? Well, you're outta luck...but, want to know how to make a persimmon pie with buttermilk crust or want to take a visual tour through the wetlands of New Zealand? Jackpot!

I, on the other hand, prefer to pick up magazines at the grocery, news stand, etc. I just can't wait for a subscription in the mail. I like to finger through them and admire every cover as if I am picking a lover! Magazines make me happy, inspire me, loosely educate me, and well...if you're gonna horde, at least it's something pretty and somewhat useful! Right?

image credit: suzelovespink via flickr

February's things - day 23

Weekend Drives

I have loved getting into the car on the weekend with no where in particular to go since I was a child. My Mother and I used to do this every Sunday afternoon much to my Dad's chagrin. We would drive aimlessly...discovering new things and new places. We would tour open houses, go see the river out of it's banks during a terrible flood and scope out where our friends lived.

Point is...I've loved these adventures since I was a kid and now I share that love with the husband and toddler. We have so much fun venturing out of the city...down country roads...singing along with songs on the radio...enjoying life...and forgetting about the pressures of the city and our responsibilities here. And so, as I stare out the window into an open field...I often think to myself, if I could just hide away here for a while...trade places...how nice and serene it would be. But then...where would I go for my weekend drives?

image credit: corbis images

February's things - day 22

Bean

As in L.L. - I love everything about them and have for a very long time. Since the backpack days of my youth with those colorful little stitched mountains to their new Signature line that has me marking every catalog page...I've had a long and wonderful relationship with the Bean. Their style embodies a look that stands the test of time. From their boots to totes and plaid camp dresses their consistency in design is what will forever make them a classic and a love of mine!

image credit: L.L. Bean

February's things - day 21

Trouser Jeans

I'm in love with my new trouser jeans with their 70's-esque appeal and elongating length. Paired with a striped shirt and I'm thinking...summer wardrobe! In my glamorous days of chasing the toddler I'm prone to wearing flats out of both habit and necessity but these trouser jeans force me to wear a shoe with a bit of a heel...instantly updating the "tired Mom" look! And, well...the toddler likes that I'm a little slower on my well heeled feet!

image credit: Gap

February's things - day 20

Rotary Phones

I can almost hear it now...if I close my eyes and think real hard...that sound of the dial winding...up and down. I miss that deliberateness of calling someone from a rotary phone...when you picked up the receiver...had set enough time aside in your busy day to sit down and talk to someone...finger or pencil or pen placed in the dial and pulled to perfection. Most of my memories...even though I grew up with a rotary phone for a while...are from my grandmother's house. I can remember sitting at her kitchen table...wedged in the seat...hanging on every number...hanging and twirling the cord as I talked about the day...the weather...plans for the summer and seeing just how far I could get across the kitchen with phone in hand and cord unfurled...nearly flat. I guess I miss that time as much as I miss the actual phone. I would love to get my hands on a true rotary phone to use in my own house. I love the cord, the dial, it's shiny regal appearance, it's hearty ring...it's permanence. Now...I wonder if Tiffany's still sells the sterling rotary phone dialer?

image credit: mainstreet.com

February's things - Day 19

Parties with Friends

I love a good party...whether it be a big group or an intimate dinner it's great to be surrounded by good friends...good food...and endless fun! The husband, toddler, and I are looking forward to doing just that tonight and couldn't be more excited to share a laugh...some oysters and a cold one with friends so close they've become family!

image credit: Esquire

February's things - day 18

Ukulele

I've longed for one of these for a while now. The sweet twangy little notes make any song a hit in my book! I love the simplicity of it's sound and the size is perfect! Despite the fact that I have no idea how to play one...or any musical instrument other than a...recorder (yes, I'm really good on a recorder!) I would still like one as it would look cute cradled in my arms or resting on a shelf as decor. Besides...it only has 4 strings...how hard can it be?

image credit: calyx design

February's things - day 17

Glasses

I wear glasses and I love wearing them. So many friends have asked why I don't just get the super popular surgery to correct my vision or wear contacts, but...I just really love wearing glasses. I think they are a great extension of personality and an accessory that can add a little spunk to your look...and, in turn, help you see...a two for one kind of accessory is definitely something to love!

image credit: eye glasses warehouse

February's things - day 16

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2011

I love this pink and green dress from the LV cruise collection. It's so preppy and chic...combines my love of stripes and 80's pink and green. My head is spinning with all the ways it could be worn...with a cardigan...with a crew neck sweater showing the peter pan collar...or just as above. Oh, please, please, please...and can you (the husband) get it here by Easter??

image credit: Louis Vuitton

February's things - day 15

I Like You

I gave this book to the husband last night for Valentine's day. It's such a sweet book and describes so perfectly the reasons I like him...

"if you go away then I go away too

Or if I stay home

You send me a postcard

You don't just say

Well see you around

Some time

Bye"

............

"And I like you because

When I am feeling sad

You don't always cheer me up right away

Sometimes it is better to be sad

You can't stand the others being so googly and gaggly

every single minute

You want to think about things

It takes time..."

............

And so, I've come to realize after 11 years of marriage that "liking" the other person is what remains constant more than anything else. That "like" is what brought us together in the first place. First we were friends and well, if you don't have that then you can't have more.

So, on this Valentine's day we celebrated the friendship and love that sustains us no matter what. I got the sweet book at Anthropologie...get one for your "friend" too!

image credit: alibris

February's things - day 14

My Valentine's

My heart overflows for these two...the husband and toddler. Without them I would be incomplete. I love them more than anything and am over the moon that they love me just as much...Happy Valentine's day!

image credit: top: Kim Box Photography - bottom: romanticmelbourne

February's things - Day 13

Waffle House

No matter what time of day...morning, noon, night...middle of the night...there's nothing like a hot meal from WH. The Husband and I had it for breakfast this morning...cheese omelet, hash browns, coffee, and orange juice...a great way to start the day...or evening or whenever!

image credit: sportscasualties.com

February's things - day 12

Coldplay

There are not enough words to express my love for these guys! Their music is like little love letters to my soul. They are handsome, smart, stylish, and honest...qualities anyone would look for in a...er, band...mate.

image credit: awmusic.ca

February's things - day 11

Stripes

Well, my love for this classic is no secret. It is a staple in my wardrobe...can pull together any look...can be worn with any color combination...adds a soft simplicity to any outfit...always reliable, trustworthy, and comfortable. It's history as rich as the cotton from which it's made.

Truly a love for all seasons.

image credit: styleforum - St. James for J.Crew

February's things - day 10

Polaroid

I love the rawness of a Polaroid picture...the spontaneity of that little square framed in white. I have a Polaroid 600 camera and though the love runs deep...so does the sadness that something so full of nostalgia is quickly becoming something truly of the past. The 600 film is no longer in production...though you can still purchase it online from various vendors the prices are astronomical. In an "instant" the spark of spontaneity that made the Polaroid 600 what it is...is forever gone. You snap far less frequently...but I suppose in a way more thoughtfully...the Husband always saying "don't waste it". And so, I ordered a pack of black and white film for mine just last week...eight photos for $32...

now that's what I call true love!

p.s. you can still purchase a Polaroid instant camera...just not the old ones. I'm sure the new ones are super cool but well, as a Southerner...change is hard.

image credit: top: apartment therapy. bottom: coolcarreview.tk

February's things - day 9

The Gambino I love this sandwich of salami cotto, sopressata coppa and fresh herb vinaigrette possibly more than any sandwich ever! I also love the charcuterie...er, sandwich shop that makes it...Butcher. Located in the Warehouse District in New Orleans with it's sister restaurant next door (Cochon). Think...Barqs root beer from the bottle...with real sugar...local beer, fine wine, house cured meats...pickles...spicy green beans...satsuma marmalade...the list goes on and on and...I could go on and on. The last time the Husband and I were in town we ate there twice...and we were just there for a quick weekend getaway! Please, please, please go have the gambino...and send one to me!

http://www.cochonbutcher.com/

930 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans LA 70130 504-588-PORK, mon-thu 10–10, fr+sat 10-11, sun 10-4

image credit: top - Bouillie. bottom: gourmet.com

February's things - day 8

Olde Cape Cod Oyster Crackers My very favorite cracker for snacking! Unfortunately they're not the easiest to find as apparently Nabisco has the market cornered...but search these out...they're worth it. You won't be disappointed...I eat them straight from the box...ironically never in soup. You can find them at specialty groceries. Seriously...so good!

image credit: mriggen

February's things - day 7

Girl's weekends at the lake

I am so lucky to be a part of a group of about 10 friends from college that still talk nearly every day...sharing our troubles...our excitement...life in general...and weekends at the lake. Those weekends...no one cares about how we look...whether we're tan...whether we've had too much to drink...no one cares about anything but hanging out...catching up...and possibly a little Mexican food...a lot of margaritas...and a lot of laughing! Lucky for us...one of us lives at the lake...so my question...when's the next trip?

image: actual view from my friend's dock where it all goes down!

February's things - day 6

My dogs

Amos and Otis...they never question me...unless I'm vacuuming. They love me no matter what time I come home...what time I have dinner ready for them...what time I wake up...what time I go to bed. They are always excited to see me...always like the way I smell...always my best friend.

I love them both dearly!

Images: top: Amos (bluetick beagle) - bottom: Otis (redbone coonhound)

February's things - day 5

Walnut Gourmandise

Quite possibly the best cheese I have ever tasted...and I've tasted a lot! Made in France with the texture of a spreadable cream-like cheese...laced with the most incredible walnut mixture...layered throughout. I could seriously eat this just as it's been sliced in the photos ...with a fork as if it were cake! You can find it at most any gourmet grocery with a fine cheese department. Think I'll get some today.

p.s. though the first photo shows a cherry variety...I have never had the cherry and can only speak for the walnut.

February's things - day 4

Gas Lamps I love seeing the flicker and glow of a gas lamp...not sure what it is about them...maybe just my love for a particular city that boasts one on nearly every corner, entryway, and stoop. Whatever the reason...I love the look and...the warm welcome...especially on this chilly day!

image credit: Bevolo New Orleans

February's things - day 3

Red Lipstick

I greatly admire red lipstick...though it's tricky to wear.

Whenever I venture out of my neutral lip comfort zone

and into the "hey look at me red lipstick" zone I'm always a

little more fidgety and nervous...as if on a first date of sorts with my new lip color!

But I love the way it makes a statement...and the way it makes me feel!

image credit: more intelligent life

February's things - day 2

Men with style

I love men who put as much thought into their outfit as women do!

p.s. I love everything about this look but especially...the bandana.

image credit: The Satorialist

February's things...day 1

Weather Balloons

For years I've wondered where people got those awesome giant balloons.

Who knew they were weather balloons filled with helium!

Makes any gloomy day instantly happy!

Can't wait to get some for future family photos or for a fun prop, decoration...the possibilities are endless!

image credit: top - darpa weather balloons. bottom: jordan ferney - Oh Happy Day

February's things

In honor of the month of love...(think...valentine's day) I've decided to post a single thing each day during the month of February that I LOVE! And...going forward I've decided to continue the things I love post on a weekly basis...it will be featured on Thursdays and simply entitled..."thursday's things". Maybe something I love is also something you love or something that sparks an interest or a memory or a decision to do something...call someone...believe in something...or maybe just eat something yummy. I hope "thursday's thing's" will be little get-aways...little gifts of thought that, well...make you AND me pause for a moment. I think it's easy to be overwhelmed in all the complexity of life and so I thought "thursday's things" could kind of be a respite of simplicity. But for now...enjoy the month of love...February...valentine's...conversation hearts...candlelit dinners...champagne...and holding hands! The month was made for it! image credit: ban.do - http://www.shopbando.com/