Pleasant Surprises...

J. and I braved JC Penney today to look at the new American Living line I wrote about last week. I found this black and white dress I was loving online and bought it. It is so comfortable and the quality is exceptional {completely sturdy and thick}. If you see me this Spring/Summer, I'll probably be wearing it...I love it!

Plus, much to my surprise, there is now a small Sephora inside JC Penney {at least at the Tempe Marketplace location}. I couldn't believe that I actually heard J. say, "this place is incredible"...his standard for product and service is extremely high.

Sunday Car.

I saw a cream vintage Mercedes like this one parked in our neighborhood yesterday. Since it's my dream Sunday car, I wanted to hide in the back and go home with it. I really hope one day we can get a car for driving around on sunny days with perfect music playing and Brooks in my lap.

Happy Weekend.

While Roaming The Aisles At CVS...

I discovered that they now carry bumble and bumble hair products! I was so happy since usually you can only find these products at very specific salons. I love their smell and how they make my hair feel.

It was such a lovely surprise for a Thursday afternoon...

These Are A Few Of My Favorites Things....

• Taking a bath and putting my feet under the hot running water.




• Fresh lemonade.




• The smell of rose {real or artificial...I hope I'm a little old lady that smells like rose someday}.




• Chips and salsa.




• Watching Friends re-runs...I still want to live in their building and just hang out all the time.




• The smell of coffee brewing.




• Picnics.




• Candles burning at night.




• Sitting in the sun with a cool breeze.




• Petite fours and cupcakes.

• Getting new magazines in the mail.

• Cropped pants and flip flops.




• Thursdays.

Kaylie.

Today is my wonderful goddaughter Kaylie's birthday. She is 15 years old today and it seems like just yesterday she was born. Her mom Keri is one of my best friends and she had Kaylie when we were in high school. It was one of the most defining experiences in my life, and I wouldn't be who I am today without it. She is so special to me and here are some reasons why...

• I was in the room when Kaylie was born and watched her enter this world.


• She has always been a sentimental, sweet soul.


• She is wise way beyond her years.


• When she was little I would spend the night at Keri's house, after my latest break-up, and sleep with Kaylie for comfort.


• She cares about other people and this world more than most.


• She is the smartest 15 year old I've ever known.


• She resembles a younger version of myself {stylish, deep soul, creative, doesn't like ironing, bedroom with stuff everywhere...}


• She appreciates the small things in life and always expresses it.


• She is an amazing writer.


• She is one of my kindred spirits in this world.

I know that Kaylie is going to contribute amazing things to this world, and her purpose has always seemed so obvious to me. She is truly a gift from God and I feel so lucky to be in her world.

Happy Birthday, Kaylie.

My Dream Cottage.

This adorable cottage was featured in the current Cottage Living magazine. I love the white roses and overgrown vines in front and above garage. If I could design exactly how our house looked, this would be my dream. See the article here.

Recipe For A Perfect Tea Party.

Today my amazing goddaughter, Kaylie, celebrated her 15th birthday with a tea party for she and her friends. The recipe that helped make it special included, flowers, vintage china, finger sandwiches, good friends, bubbles & cupcakes.

The day concluded with the birthday girl flying a brand new red kite....