Father's Day Gift Ideas

What do you get for the guy who not only has everything, but means everything to you???  I know I'm a bit late on getting this out, but you still have a couple shopping days (or internet browsing days) before Father's Day is upon us.  I hope these gift ideas inspire you to find something special to help celebrate your Dad, Grandfathers, Husbands, Brothers, Sons, Friends, etc. on the day that's all about how wonderful they are at being Fathers.  After all, there isn't a more treasured-valued-appreciated role in a man's life, than the position of being a Dad.

1. For the Dad who is still a child at heart - Combat RC Copter ($70) from Brookstone // 2. For the Dad who likes timeless (or timely) classics - Weekender Strap Watch ($49) from Timex // 3. For the Dad who knows a good brew or two - Beer Tasting Glass Set ($50) from Red Envelope // 4. For the Dad who always made the best breakfasts - Eat Like a Man Cookbook ($17) from Amazon.com // 5. For the Dad with an adventurous spirit - Where I've Been Map Scratch Mat ($22) from Fred Flare // 6. For the Dad who dresses with style and panache - Daddy Dictionary Sterling Silver Cuff-Links ($50) from Etsy // 7. For the Dad who loves a good joke or magic trick - Ridley's Magic 5 Tricks Set ($13) from Amazon.com // 8. For the Dad on the go with gadgets galore - Gadget Charger for the Car ($40) from Red Envelope // 9. For the Dad who is handy in the garage and on the grill - Craftsman 4 pc. BBQ Gift Set ($15) from Sears // 10. For the Dad who is laid back and crazy cool - Men's Vagabond Sidewalk Surfer ($60) from Sanuk

While I know I have the best Dad in the world - I'm sure several of you would fight me to defend your dad's position at #1 as well.  Thanks Dads for all you do and all you are to us!

Anyone have any fun plans for their Dad this weekend?  Unfortunately, I'll be celebrating my Dad from afar...but loving him all the more.

Ramen Noodle Salad

Super delish!  That's all I've got to say about this easy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.  It was a big hit with kids too.  Who would think you could get kids to eat cabbage so easily?

Ingredients:
1 bag Coleslaw Salad Mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup almond slices, toasted on stove-top or in oven
1 package Ramen Noodles, "Chicken" flavor - you'll use the noodles and the seasoning packet
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt + Pepper to taste

Directions:
Prepare ahead of time...

1. In large bowl, combine coleslaw salad mix and chopped green onions.

2. Crush Ramen Noodles before you open the package, so they're crumbled up and easy to dump into the salad.  Place to the side.

3. In small container with a lid (or salad dressing shaker, if you have one) combine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, Ramen Noodle seasoning packet, salt, and pepper.  Seal the container and shake it up well.

4. Place salad mix and dressing mix in refrigerator, until ready to serve.

Before serving...

Shake up dressing and pour over salad.  Add toasted almond slices and crushed Ramen Noodles.  Then simply toss and serve!

We served our Ramen Noodle salad with sweet potato fries and pulled-pork sandwiches...Yum!

(The salad is best if prepared right before serving so the noodles are crunchy, but I ate the left-overs the next day and enjoyed the softer noodles just as much!)

Now that it's BBQ season, do you have any great backyard grilling recipes or salads that are good for sharing?  I'd love to hear them!

An Inspired Event - Portland Blogger Summer Social

A few night ago I had the best time attending a summer social for local home and design bloggers here in Portland.  It was the perfect girly gathering graciously put together by Kirsten of Restored Style and Jenn of A Home in the Making - amazing food, a multitude of wine offerings, gorgeous linens, a long vintage farmhouse table, candle-light, great gals, and inspired conversation about our common passions - family, friends, design, and blogging (of course).  Does it get any better than that?!?

The amazing menu was created and executed by Jamie Snell of The Lamb's Table.  I wish I had taken more pics of the food - but it got inhaled the second it hit the table.  We even got little menu cards displaying the phenomenal fare:

Let me just say...dessert was divine.  So good, I didn't take a picture until I took a bite (then tried to cover up the bite with the strawberry on the right...)

The delightful evening soiree took place in SE Portland at the coolest store/studio called Seek the Unique - a fabulous vintage-antique-salvage shop headed by the ultra-talented Andrea Jones.  This place is a dream for anyone who appreciates a creative vignette, beautiful re-purposed furniture, or unique home goods.

Check out these amazing creations - many of them refinished or repurposed on-site in the workshop...

 (I'm in love with this hand-tufted wall - a DIY project by Andrea and Co.)

 (Yep, these walls were another custom creation by Andrea and her family)

 (Bad iPhone pic, but I love the colors and fixtures)

 (I want one of these old cabinets to help sort my mail and keep my organized)

(Pendant made of twigs and hung from a twine-wrapped cord...so lovely)

A few other vintage finds that totally caught my eye - old, rustic, natural, patina-ed yet refined treasures:

 (frame, rug, sofa, chairs...I wanted everything in this picture)

 (vintage typewriters...oh how I'd love to score one of these)

 (my take-home souvenir...the coolest and most regal little crest)

(antlers, rackets, and wicker...the makings for a dream porch-scape)

(some hip dog art by a local artist)

As you can see, it was pure eye-candy of the most elegant sort.  If you're ever in Portland, you'll have to pay Andrea a visit.

Last but not least, here is a list of the other delightful home/design blogs that were represented at the social:

Storypiece

Restored Style

A Home in the Making

RE:DO

Tate Creates

Ellinee

Ciao Darling

Distinctly M

Newcomb Home

Rose City Bungalow 1913

Rindy Mae

Mysterious Object
La Vida Lauer
Lyn's Wedding Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

I had a wonderful time meeting such a great group of ladies and only wish I had events like this to attend more often. Kirsten and Jenn, thank you so much for all your efforts in putting together such a lovely evening for all of us!

A Room I Love...Mid-Century Cowboy Chic

pic from D Home

I know, I totally had you at "cowboy", right?  Never would I think that I'd say "I love this room" about a space with a cowhide rug and a brown/orange color scheme, but this room pushed me over the edge.  Here's what I adore about the space:

1. Bright White Walls - A blank canvas allows the accents to really pop.  The white walls and moldings ground the space and provide a clean starting point for all the fun furniture shapes and bold orange.  White walls are "in" these days, which is a great thing for renters (holla to the fellow transients!).

2. Mid-Century Mod Furniture - Not certain if it's the clean lines, long legs, or simplicity that does it for me...but it does it for me!  Mid-century modern furniture meshes so well with furniture from other eras and can really modernize a space regardless of your overall design aesthetic.  The key is to not over-do it.

3. Orange Bookshelf - Orange can be a tough color to work with, but when you find the right shade it can be a showstopper.  In this room the orange really complements the brown tones used throughout the space and keeps it interesting.  It also serves as the perfect backdrop to some gorgeous white pottery that would be completely lost without it.  Any bold color with a brown undertone would look equally as cool in the bookcase - a fab idea when you only want to paint a small portion of the room (Another renter shout out - It's even better when you do it in a stand-alone bookcase that can move with you!).

4. Fresh Flowers - In this room poppies are the perfect flower pick - they really play up the orange bookshelf and provide a subtle nod to the hippie-chic 60s.  Always try to select flowers that complement your favorite accent colors in a room.  It makes your decorating efforts really come alive!

5. Cowhide Rug - I'm a Texas girl at heart (born and bread) and there is something so naturally beautiful about a cowhide being well-executed in decor.  It works great when you layer it with another larger floor-covering, like the woven wall-to-wall rug shown in the photo.  The smaller cowhide rug defines the seating area and welcomes you to sit down, kick of your shoes (or boots), and stay a while.  Not to mention, the detail in the hide is like a one-of-a-kind work of art - no two are the same!

6. Mantel Scape - It's simple, it's understated, it's perfect for this space.  An abstract black and white piece of art in a bold black frame draws your eye in, then a few ultra-cool clear candlesticks concentrated on one side throws of the symmetry in a beautiful understated way.

(We can't see the couch on the right-hand side of the photo, but I'm hoping there are some kick-butt accent pillows on it...)

So, what's your favorite part of the space?  And what would you call that color of orange?  I'm thinking "Popsicle Orange" or "Sunset on Fire".  Crayola, you better take some notes...

Miss USA 2012 Gowns

Friends, it's been a long while since I've done a "Fashion" post - likely because my daily uniform consists of gym clothes then jeans, a t-shirt, and flats (or flop-flops when I'm feeling crazy).  Today, however, is a special day for a fashion post because last night I watched Miss USA and saw several gorgeous evening gowns I had to share with you!  Here are my four faves:

Miss Ohio - Audrey Bolte - in dashing canary yellow!

 via

Miss Oklahoma - Lauren Taylor - in lots of glam gems!

 via

Miss Rhode Island - Olivia Culpo - in gorgeous grape!

 via

Miss Tennessee - Jessica Hibler - in fiery red! 

via

You can view all the pretty frocks {here} if you'd like to see the rest!  The evening gown portion of the show is my very favorite part, and has been since I was a little girl.  Even though I roll my eyes at portions of the competition now, I have to admit that there is still a special place in my heart for beauty pageants.

Did any of you get to watch Miss USA?  What was your favorite dress (or girl, because it's not all about the dresses...)?  I was rooting for Miss Ohio because I loved her dress - my yellow bias strikes again - you're shocked, I know.  Miss Rhode Island was my runner up though, so I'm glad she took the title.  Have a beautiful day!

Ooo La La - Pestana Palace Hotel

My handsome hubby and I have been brainstorming and dreaming as to where we'd like to travel next.  Pre-kiddo we would try to do one global travel trip once a year - which consisted of some international vacation.  We'd save and save and save (because with dual incomes you are more apt to do that)...then we'd plan a trip, really look forward to it, then go and have the time of our lives.  We do that A LOT LESS often now, but we still value travel and try to go as much as finances and babysitters (thanks mom and dad!) will allow.

For our next trip we're thinking either Rio de Janeiro, Brazil or Lisbon, Portugal, but we're just in the introductory "research" stage right now.  While searching for hotels the other night I came across this gem of a hotel called Pestana Palace in Lisbon, Portugal and knew I'd have to share it with you all because it's some amazingly gorgeous eye-candy...oh, and it's actually somewhat affordable at $300/night for 2 people with breakfast included.  Hmmmm, may have to get my daily value of calories at breakfast...  What do you think???  I'm feeling fairy-tale-princessy myself.

The grand (holy-smokes) entrance:

via Pestana Palace

Intimate (casual?) dining space:

via Pestana Palace 

Where did they find those amazing yellow velvet chairs????

The dining space for when your fancy pants are on:

 via Pestana Palace

I'll take a margarita on the rocks - shaken, not stirred - good Sir!  Hello, light-up yellow bar:

 via Pestana Palace

If Cinderella (post encounter with Prince Charming) had a living room, this is what it would look like:

 via Pestana Palace

A view like this would make me break out in song, I think:

via Pestana Palace

For those with deep pocket books and/or an immense love for inlaid wood:

 via Pestana Palace

And, those who are a bit more thrifty and on a budget (like us!).  Can you believe this is actually affordable?

via Pestana Palace

That carpet is AMAZINGLY SPECTACULAR, and the print combo going on is simply divine!

I think I could design an entire house around this bathtub...I would if it were mine:

via Pestana Palace

That bath even makes red and peach look good together!

Shall we take a dip, dear?  I think Heaven has a pool like this one:

via Pestana Palace

While I doubt they keep this couch out by the pool, my what a pretty thing!

via Pestana Palace

And, just in case you weren't feeling like a Princess or Prince, yet - this will pretty much do you in:

via Pestana Palace

Ok, get the smelling salts and return to reality...it was worth a dream though, right?  Has anyone been to Lisbon?  I'd love to hear what you think of it or if you have any recommendations.  Have a fabulous weekend!

Garage Sale Tips & Tricks

It's garage sale season y'all!  I see signs everywhere I look and hear the buzz walking through the gym and grocery store.  Garage sales are a great way to 1) get rid of things you don't need, 2) recycle items that are in good shape but aren't useful to you anymore, 3) motivate you to tidy up your house/garage by removing clutter, and 4) make a little money while doing 1, 2, and 3.

My moms group did a garage sale as a fundraiser a few weekends ago and I thought I'd pass on a few tips and lessons learned so you can better host or help out with a successful garage sale.  I'll start by saying that we made an amazing $500 in two days with mostly housewares, books, clothing, and kid toys/gear.  That's right, you don't have to have fabulous furniture on the docket in order to have a fruitful garage sale.  Here are a few tricks we used that really helped out:

1) Post your Garage Sale online at Craig's List.  It's FREE advertising and a lot of people plan out their garage sale itinerary based on what is posted on Craig's List.  For the title of the post make sure to include the days the sale is going on (i.e. Garage Sale This Fri/Sat!)  Post the ad several days in advance, then re-post it the night before the big sale.  In the body of the ad, keep it simple by placing the address, dates and hours, and list out a few of your hot items.  Add pictures of items to the ad if you have them!

2) Signs, Signs, Signs...and Balloons.  Ok, this one is a given - if you have a garage sale, you put signs up.  However, there is a right and wrong way to go about it.  Make sure your signs are large enough and simple enough to read while someone is driving by.  Make them bright so they stand out from the other white cardboard signs and don't forget arrows directing people in the right direction.  Put signs out on the closest busy road, then continue placing signs at each turn so people won't get lost on their way to the sale.  Put signs out at least 2 days before your sale starts, so you catch weekday work traffic and place them where traffic going both directions can see.  Oh, and splurge on a few balloons the day/s of the sale - tie them to your signs as an extra stand-out, eye-catcher for all your potential clients.

"Main Road" info sign

"Driveway" directional sign

3) Have change ready and available before your Garage Sale begins.  Go to the bank the night before and make sure to get lots of $1 bills and coins.  It's not good for your first customer to arrive and then remember you need change when they hand you a $20...yep, it happened to us because one of the girls ran to the bank right before the sale started.

via

4) Make pricing easy.  The easiest way to price items you have bulk is by category (all clothing $1 each, books 50 cents each, etc.)  For items that are unique, use colored dot stickers from an office supply store or the local Dollar Store.  Each color represents a price, like the color blue represents $10 in the photo below.  Tape a dot "key" to each table so people understand your color-coding and don't forget to have one near the cash box so the person collecting money knows the prices too.

These pricing dots just get things started...  Allow people to barter, that's part of the fun of garage sales!  And, remember, ultimately you're trying to get rid of stuff so don't be too stuffy about letting things go at small prices.

5) "Free" brings 'em in.  Have a "free" box for items with missing pieces or minor damage and clothing with stains or minor flaws.  You can advertise your "free" box on your Craig's List post as well and people will flock.  As the sale goes on, add more and more things to the box if you're really wanting to get rid of them.

6) Cookies are King.  This is prime time for a bake sale or the kids' lemonade stand on the side.  We baked some cookies, bagged them up, and then sold each bag for a $1.  We made at least $20 on cookies and used them as fodder for bargaining as well - i.e. "We'll thrown in a couple bags of cookies if you take the stroller for $10".  Few people in a captive garage sale audience can turn down cute kids trying to sell lemonade - and they'll pay more for it if a lot of other adults are around...strange but true.

7) When trying to get rid of stuff at the end, sell items by the bag full.  Gather lots of grocery bags before the sale, and as the sale starts to wind down (and you realize how much you still need to get rid of) let people stuff a bag full for $1 or $2.  Stand back and watch the tables clear out!   Those small bills really do add up and it means fewer Goodwill trips for you.

8) Finally, donate the leftovers.  This is one of the most important steps of the garage sale process. Once the sale is over, take whatever is left to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other used-item donation site.  This allows everything to go to good use and prevents you from re-cluttering your garage with unsold items.  Everyone wins!

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Does anyone else have any good garage sale tips to share?  We'd love to hear what you garage sale gurus have to say!