“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”
— L.M. Montgomery

Life is sometimes not the easiest-breeziest and we are highly prone to get caught up in all the things that are wrong or could be wrong… all that’s lacking and all that we want but don’t have.  It’s a dangerous road leading to all sorts of trouble, and so- like many others have advised–I find it helpful to stop as frequently as possible to remember (and actually list) what is “right” and good and what I’m thankful for.  And how ’bout it! – we always find there is so much, we don’t have enough time or patience to even list it all.

I find that I am thankful for hundreds of small things a day, yet I lose them so carelessly and easily, like a penny in the couch.  So today I will tell you, friends, a (very) few of the small and simple things that I am thankful for this evening.  If any of you would like to include your 7 things in the Comments section, I think reading them would be at the top of my next list.

Things that are sweet to my soul include….

1. Living in beautiful Kentucky and on the humble, story-rich Ohio River.  Early in the morning, I drive to work and see slightly below my windshield, shades and textures and tones of grey…in shiny steel industry and it’s light and slowly ascending cotton-smoke; the rusted ancient bridges; the sky still stretching and finding its feet for the day.

photo cred

2. Croissant stuffed with ham & cheese for breakfast. ’nuff said

3. Getting my desk (therefore my mind) at work cleaned up and organized and ready for productive, creative contributions to our world, our economy, and the people it is graciously given to.  Freedom in Creativity and mood-changing, striking colors and patterns for file folders and other organizational accessories

4. (Soft, feminine) Heirlooms.  My late great-grandmothers cameo brooch that I use to pin a cardigan together

5. The symbol is far far from original in these parts, but this unique and aged-looking fleur-de-lis necklace is just perfect in every way and was purchased for me by my dear friend Christina who I am constantly missing very bittersweetly.  It is a true tale of two cities in which she lived in Louisville for a time and moved to Chicago.  Years later I joined her there as if hardly any time had passed at all and now – back in our respective cities – we fondly remember the other and still call it home.

6. Celebrating the arrival of Spring. It’s in the details.  O.P.I. “Magnifico Mexico”.  On my toes this very moment.

7. Quotes by L.M. Montgomery (and Anne of Green Gables, Avonlea, and everywhere else)

“’Oh, no. I wouldn’t want to marry anybody who was wicked, but I think I’d like it if he could be wicked and wouldn’t.”

“I’d like to add some beauty to life,” said Anne dreamily. “I don’t exactly want to make people KNOW more. . .though I know that IS the noblest ambition. . .but I’d love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me. . .to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn’t been born.”

“Look at that sea, girls–all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.”

“It will come sometime. Some beautiful morning she will just wake up and find it is Tomorrow. Not Today but Tomorrow. And then things will happen … wonderful things.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, MSB readers! Are you wearing your green today? If not, then I virtually pinch you! Here are a few selections from our favorite shops that can keep you from getting pinched next year (and might make a few people “green” with envy).

Scarf from Old Navy

Bag from Fossil

This is our new little friend Jack Henry. We like him very much.

Whispering in my ears this morning: M. Ward Sad, Sad Song. Transfiguration of Vincent

(Before I say anything else, can I just tell you how desperately I heart Jose Gonzalez – yes, i know i am missing the very important accents over his name but i don’t know how to do it)

I am taking my own little real voyage this Friday… to Florida!  It’s an annual “Family Reunion” trip on my mothers side and the beach karaoke bars will be packed full of cousins, aunts, uncles, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, friends of the family that pretty much are family now.   I’m sure I won’t even know half of them.  And hopefully none of my unfamiliar cousins try to hit on me.  Even more so – I hope they don’t continue to hit on me after I inform them I’m their cousin (Yikes!).

Regardless of your spring vacation plans, the warmth comes upon us quickly, and with that – swimsuit season.  Oh Yay, right? But don’t despair!  There are some lovely fabrics and styles out there to hide behind**.  And so this post is all about…  The Cover-up.

**I do tend to play it quite safe in my selections as the words I live by in anything swim-related are “classy.modest.slimming”.  But I do admire some fun prints and bright colors so please share your favorite things to wear to the pool or beach. Truly- I’d like to be challenged in my solids and simplicities (but not in my modesty thank you).

We are apparently all about the romper these days, and I find this light linen-dressed-in-denim piece a natural fit for the beach un-bum (important note: do make sure that your rompers are quite loose-fitting as anything snug will give your lumps – however few and small- a big bear hug and you’ll be throwing half your vacation pictures in the fire after it’s all done.  Remember those over-alls you wore in your awkward-body stage? uh-huh… same idea) . $49.50

Anthropologie throws their infamous hand-crafted girlyness into the mix.  This is the one you wear for romantic evening walks on the beach, or for a visit to the beach-front shops. $58

Kenneth Cole never fails to make me swoon.  This classy and breezy piece works for lounging in the sand and strolling along the boardwalk (and flirting with the lifeguards)….  Just make sure to complement your colors  carefully and flatteringly.  See-through white over certain bold colors and embellishments does not a slimming effect make. $54

You can’t keep me away from the black.  But a little subtle pattern pleases me quite well.  Find this one at Kohls $19.20

As you can probably tell, I’m (overly) careful about busier prints on any lady – like myself-  who is not widely and obviously classified as “skinny”** as the beach is usually the spot us gals are both most eager and most challenged to be-or at least appear to be- slender.  But it can be done and this Liberty of London jumper (found at Target) does it suberbly. $24.99

** to beat the point to death -  i don’t mean your mamas or best friend’s “but you’re so skinny”… i mean skinny skinny… by all worldly objective -if unfair- standards.

Another good Target option (that would sadly look horrible on me)...The Maxi dress cover-up -  for those tall ladies with the coveted legs! $19.99

OR you can be like me and kill them two birds good by purchasing a sleepshirt (or a mens shirt even).  Save precious vaca time by walking right out of bed and straight to the beach.  Just don’t forget to put your bathing suit on underneath! $14.99 although i got mine on a clearance rack at Target for $3.49

And last note…rather COMMAND-  MAKE SURE TO WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN, HATS etc.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ’cause leathery skin and melanoma can’t be completely covered up by anything.  And they’re gross.

Bea’s Pick – Prague, Czech Republic

If I ever go to Czech Republic, I am definitely going to stay at the Golden Well. This hotel sounds amazing! Also, all the Prague pics are from National Geographic’s website which has an amazing travel section worth checking out.

Wren’s Pick: As my eyelids creak and groan, I’m tempted to pull one of Bea’s old tricks where she simply posts a bed.  But i’ll go a little further and post beds in ideal locations.  I’ll go wherever these are.     *yawning*

Lost Coast of California

print by solus photograph on veer.com. location unknown

And these succulent slumberous  settings come with a bit more of an introduction and an encouragement to visit their web-home rather than their real home (’cause they might be really freaked out by that).  Grab some fresh, cozy ideas for your own sweet-sleep-spot, and the rest of your house for that matter.   Then again- the admiration and jealousy produced might be far too tiring.

abeachcottage.com documents the fixing up of an Australian sea-side cottage in a coastal vintage theme that feels just right at home.  I think I might die for that hammock setting.

This couple recently bought a summer house on the Norwegian coast.  Follow along as they transform it into a modern ScandinavianRetreat

My mother and I went window shopping this past weekend, “Ooooohing” and “Awwwwing” over baby things. I found this diaper bag at Pottery Barn Kids, and now I have eyes for no other.

I also made sure to inform my mother of my “No tank tops on boys” rule while we were looking at clothing.

At the beginning of each season, I make a to do list of things I’d like to make.  Here is what is currently at the top of my list:

Martha Stewart shows you how to make your own cement pots. Like in the picture below, these pots make the perfect tiny pot for planting your succulents.

I want to use this method to make a cement candle holder that looks like this.  Now, I fully recognize that this project will most likely turn into cement-all-over-my-faceandhair mess, but I’m determined to try!

For those chilly Spring evenings, I’m loving this argyle throw, and it actually looks pretty easy to make.  I think this would be a super cute baby shower gift.

This picture is majorly inspiring me to embroider something.  The use of negative space is so modern and super cool looking.

And if you want an amazing song to listen to while you are crafting, I can’t get enough of Radical Face’s Welcome Home (which came out 3 years ago…why am I just now hearing it?!).

And what would crafting be without the perfect snack (hint: it would be lame).  So for the perfect snack make these candied pecans. They are delcious and really easy. A few notes: I subbed vanilla extract for the water and when you whisk the egg whites make sure to turn on your go-go-gadget-super-fast-whisking-arm to make sure to incorporate lots of air into those egg whites.

I’m helping a dear friend get some ideas and inspiration for her wedding and came across some cute cake-toppers.  Of course there were about 80,000 (love)birds so out of rebellion, I ignored them.

All of the below are handmade by Etsy sellers.  What did you use on your wedding cake?  Or if you’re not married, do you have an idea of what you’d like?  Something traditional or something unique to you and the bride/groom?  Or forget wedding cakes…  what about a simple birthday cupcake?…  Any ideas crafty, creative friends??

by  dandelionland

by passionarte

by  heatherboyd

by Weddings and Wire

by SavageArtworks

by MilanCreations

Nobig  news for you readers  i’m certain, but Tim Burton’s latest is out today.  Are you going to see it?

Most who know me are aware I’m just a little bit in love with Tom Petty**.

And this Alice-y video is only another page in the book proving it.

** I mean c’mon – the dude sings your (best version possible of) typical rootsy, American, Blue-Collar, women-loving, rock anthems - the perfect accompaniment for a drive through Kentucky and Tennessee I might add.  Yet he’s atypically eccentrically and morbidly imaginitive.

(could someone please go ahead and give me the blog award for dumbest subject lines ever?  i just get hasty and then my mind goes blank)

So……

Have you been to the magnificent magicalness of Tulle4us.com sale-land-land?

Oh unfortunate lamb, if you have not, please be quick.  Unless you are my size, and then you will dodge curses if I find you snooping around those items i might at some point desire after I check my bank account again and think of some meal I can give up or appendage I can sell so that i can purchase the whole lot of it.

But it wouldn’t take a leg at these magical sale-land-land prices.  So put your snazzy shoes on and follow (or click on) the multi-colored jpg road…..

Chunky Cable Knit Cap $10

Gingham Blouse $16

Belted Sweater Skirt $16

Voile Neck Tie Dress $23.20

Wool Double-Breasted Jacket $24