happy birthday josh!

happy birthday to the love of my life! i am so blessed to have you as a husband and a father to our baby girls. you make me so happy and i love the way their faces light up when you walk into the room and talk to them. your creativity, thoughtfulness, and humor is running through their blood. if they are even 1% like you we will be so lucky.

hand over fist

how clever are these hand over fist bandanas. they are hand-screen printed with a lion on one side and a tiger on the other. helps to bring out the inner beast in your kiddo. via inhabitots.

two bottle bag

cute reusable bag found here. fill it with wine bottles or perrier. there is a divider so they won't clink or break.

cottage in a day

i am really drawn to the modern architecture of these cottages nestled in the woods in northern michigan (one of my favorite places). cottage in a day is a company that makes these prefabricated, energy efficient beauties. check out their website here. michael fitzhugh is the architect. via materialicious.

valentines

via black eiffel. beautiful letterpressed valentine's day cards for your sweeties. find them at bread + butter.

tricycle

how cool is this 1970's industrial ricksaw tricycle? you can get it at factory 20. they carry some really unique items. i can just picture one of my girls cruising around our place with the other one in the back seat. perfect for twins!

susyjack*

i know i'm a little late in ordering my 2009 wall calendar, but i saw this one from susyjack* contemporary paper and had to have it. this is the first time i have ordered anything from susyjack* so i am so excited to receive this in the mail. and while i was at it, i ordered the heart and arrow valentines card hanging kit for my sweetie and a desk notebook in the wheelie pattern to record the eating times for my girls. her things are so fresh and modern.

home

took some pictures of objects around our home. the sunlight inspired me!

inauguration day

what a day! blue sky. electricity and spirit in the air in washington d.c. and all around the country. people coming together. history made. tears of joy. and prayers for a more peaceful world tomorrow. countries around the world seeing the u.s. as a different entity. hope. peaceful transition of power. clean slate. inclusiveness. the new president's smile. michelle's graciousness. that beautiful yellow outfit. sasha and malia's cuteness. freshness. the feeling of being on the cusp, the corner of something special. urge for public service. what a beautiful family. it's reality now.

stamp for change

via a cup of jo. so looking forward to obama's inauguration next tuesday and can't wait to see what michelle will be wearing. am digging this stamp. get it here.

zoe pawlak

via katy elliott. happy friday! even though the temperature outside is frightful, these paintings by zoe pawlak are delightful.

tiny warbler designs

while i'm on the topic of stuffed animals, i thought i would highlight tiny warbler designs. kate keeler of vancouver, bc hand stitches the whale and owl above. how lovely. after looking at tons of baby websites, i have decided that life is too short to buy all the cheap plastic toys for the girls. i would much rather have less toys for them, but choose ones that are handmade with meaning and a bit of design. forget the barbies, and hello wooden blocks, cardboard, and felt.

kit + lili

how cool are these handmade stuffed animals from kit + lili. designed by sopa de principe. josh's coworker gave the zebra and horse to karoline and rory. i love them and have them on top of their bookcase. they are so soft and stylish.

sunrise ruffalo

got the february 2009 issue of domino magazine last week and the house tour of sunrise ruffalo's house caught my eye. how chic and down to earth! amy kehoe is the interior designer. i like the mix of wood furniture with the modern art. and the leather bean bag from lost & found (no website, but phone # is 323-856-5872) in the family room caught my eye.

new years eat

so josh and i started a new tradition to eat just about every hour during new years eve and new years day. new years eve was sushi (tuna, salmon, and shrimp tempura), goat cheese with honey and almonds on sesame flatbread, clam chowder, and cannolis. lots of tapas. and new years day was bloody mary's with loads of tabasco and horseradish. smoked salmon on bagels with cream cheese and capers. french toast with syrup and bacon for brunch. homemade guacamole and chips during the football games. shrimp cocktail. black eyed peas, thanks to my grandmother who made them for our family growing up. she is from the south and they are supposed to bring you good luck during the new year. i made them in honor of her passing last year. so cheers to 2009 and cheers to good food!

rules to live by

via materialicious. maybe this recession is telling us something. maybe we have to take a look at the important things in life-family, friends, laughing, helping other people, creating, and eating. i guess eating should go a little higher on that list, since it's one of my favorite things to do. things that don't cost much money. consume less and create our own happiness.