{ wednesday wish list }

Just a  few swell things I'm eyeing right now....

I am pretty psyched to have scored these Anthropologie
twisted-neckline tees for $9.95 each!
I couldn't decide which colorway I preferred, so I bought both.
$9.95, people! ;)



*anthropologie a-bit-unruly top

 I spied this sewing chair at Joann fabrics yesterday.  It's so funky and fun.   

*joann fabrics

These lovely, linen ruffley necklaces from etsy artist, pretty things by Meg, are so sweet and delicate.
I'll take one in every color please!

*pretty things by Meg

 What pretty things are on your wish list this week?

{ real recipe - beef & veggie stir fry }

We do love us some asian-inspired dishes around here ;)
This one was a real winner at our house over the weekend.

*recipe adapted from this one

{ remembering }

Like so many others, I am spending today remembering and reflecting on the terrible events that happened ten years ago today.  My heart is with those who experienced unspeakable loss and suffering on that day, and on so many days after.  I am ever grateful to the 3000 plus heroic men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live on.  Let's try to make the future better than the past,

and let's do it for them. 

A few beautiful quotes that are inspiring me today:

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows."

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall - think of it, always."

 -Mahatma Ghandi

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

 Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

 Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

 Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

 Give your best anyway.

In the end, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway."

-Mother Teresa

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

-Mahatma Ghandi

{ first day! }

I can't believe this day is actually here.
 My Happy Jack's first day of preschool has arrived! 
This boy was over-the-moon with excitement this morning.
 He could barely sit still to eat his oatmeal and banana at breakfast.

Happy first day of preschool, little guy! I feel honored and humbled to be here to witness as you grow in knowledge and faith in the coming year. I'm one proud mama here. And just a little bit teary. *sniff, sniff*

Somebody thought it would be hilarious to close his eyes in every photo taken at school.  Can you say class clown....already? ;)

{ school days! }

Did you like school as a kid?  I sure did.  In fact, I absolutely LOVED it.  I was one of those annoying kids that was always sad to see the school year come to an end, and I always felt positively giddy when it was time for a new school year to begin. 

Can you imagine how fun it would be be to kick off September with a fantastic back-to-school shindig like one of these? I ran out of time this year, but maybe next year. ;)

just call me martha

This faux dessert table is made up entirely of actual school supplies.

 So very clever!

one charming party

This vintage-inspired school party is my favorite.
  All those pastel details are positively delicious!

Here's a bunch more school-themed

cleverness that has me psyched for this time of year!

all via pinterest

Are you thrilled about back to school time too?

{ story & snack sundays - winnie sammies }

My boys are on a real Winnie-the-Pooh kick.  We went to see the Pooh movie recently, and since then we've been gobbling up Pooh books by the dozen.  Our library card is getting a real workout thanks to this silly, old bear ;)

This past weekend, for our story and snack Sunday, we made some fun, little Pooh Bear peanut butter sandwiches to go along with our latest reading obsessions.  I told Jack that I was pretty sure that Pooh wore a red t-shirt, but he insisted that he wear a red bowtie instead on our "special sandwich", as he called it. Okey, dokey, kid.

I simply cut my bread into a Pooh Bear-shaped head with a knife.  Then I made the bowtie with some sliced apple and strawberry, and I piped on the sweet face with good ol' Nutella in a plastic bag.  And finally, I popped on a chocolate chip for a nose. These were easy peasy to make, and the boys absolutely LOVED them!