Back on Track

pancakes and strawberries | simple pretty

I am feeling much better on many levels this morning thanks to an ultra-productive weekend. For starters, my new laptop is now fully functional. (Only took seven days!) Getting that accomplished was a huge relief.

On Friday night, we went to a frame shop in Libertyville to see local artist Lev Kublanov‘s “Scenes of Libertyville” art reception. I really like his watercolors – I admire them every time I’m at the shop – and it was even nicer to meet the artist.

We went into the city on Saturday (soccer was at 8:45, and so the day beckoned). I’ve heard so much, and yet had never been to Fox & Obel, so that was stop #1. Wow. I was like a tourist in the big city as regular shoppers buzzed around me picking up this and that as I slowly walked the aisles to take it all in. We easily met the $20 shopping requirement for free parking. (A bottle of wine makes it a snap.) Mission accomplished, next it was off to Barney’s (needed more shampoo), and while there, I ran into my favorite makeup artist/consultant (she works for Nars). Hadn’t seen her in eons, so it was wonderful to catch up. I also made it upstairs to the fashion floor, and if I should ever win the lottery, I think I’ll be buying lots and lots of Lanvin. There was a gorgeous black skirt with grosgrain ribbon decoration, and I’m still thinking about it ….. wish I could find a photo of it to share, and then cut and paste and add to my 2008 “clip book”.

Our final shopping stop was Greer. Checked out the holiday card selection (can’t commit just yet, but lots of good choices!) and picked up an “i will” card from Dsix Design. The 11-year-old found a notebook he really likes, and I think it may reappear in his stocking. We closed out the evening with dinner at my sister’s.

Sunday was windy (which I hate), but it was fine as I dedicated myself to a day clearing out the house. I’m happy to say that the guest room is no longer buried under a pile of Martha Stewart Living and Charleston back issues. It looks much less cluttered, almost hospitable. We delivered a bag of clothes to Goodwill (that was also taking up guest room space). And as it was Sunday, we started the day with breakfast from Green Prairie -my plate pictured above. Tasty as ever.

More later. Happy Monday!

Kate Spade Jewelry

kate spade cluster necklace | simple pretty

photo from katespade.com

Kate Spade’s jewelry collection is now online. I really like the hollywood boulevard pearl cluster necklace (pictured above), but want to see it instore. From the photo, it looks really pretty.

Simple Song holiday goodies

simple song 'love' and 'joy' tags | simple pretty

photo from simplesong @ etsy

And speaking of cute letterpress, have you checked out Suann’s holiday items? Simple + Elegant. I’m definitely incorporating her stuff into my holiday wrapping plans.

Since I’m talking about holiday wrapping: I am on the hunt for charcoal grey (or any grey, really) ribbon. About 1/2″ wide. Any suggestions? I love this ribbon, but of course it doesn’t come in grey! And now, since I can’t have grey, I want it more than ever.

When Pigs Fly

seraph stationery pigs fly card | simple pretty

photo from seraphstationery.com

I love these flying pig notecards from Seraph Stationery. (Set of six flat cards for $16)

Friday Flickr Five and a Question

fresh sugar candle | simple pretty

One week to go until Halloween. We have one pumpkin. No costume plan. Hmmmm, has apathy set in at age 11? Or has my Halloween apathy rubbed off on him?

On with the Five:

  1. Evening Tea
  2. tall redhead
  3. The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit
  4. Mackinac Island, Michigan – Round Island Lighthouse; Round Island Passage Lighthouse; ‘Pintail’
  5. film ver.

And now for my question: I’ve been conflicted with posts this week. With the economy as it is (can we say awful?) I’ve struggled with posting “stuff”. How do you feel about it? Do you still like seeing pretty things? I know I do (I find just looking at them makes me feel better.) Leave a comment if you feel strongly one way or the other. See you Monday :)

Update: I really like how Marie at Ici put it: “I like to collect inspiration sometimes instead of things.” Exactly.

Happy Anniversary today to my parents and best wishes to R + A on their wedding day – tomorrow!