I need a uniform.

The big purge of oh ten completely decimated my closet. But that's ok, because honestly, I didn't really like any of my clothes.

Mike and I decided that we need to start dressing like adults, anyway. This means no more grungy loungewear. No more flip flops. No more boring tee shirts. It is time to create my uniform.

From now on, I am only buying clothes that I love, that fit and flatter my figure, and that fit into the parameters of my uniform: blouses, dark straight legged jeans, casual flats. I want quality, not quantity. Quality fabrics. Good fit. Classic style. That's my goal.

I don't know why it took me so long to figure it out, but I feel really good about it.

What is your uniform?



p.s. I made my collage in polyvore. Have you been there? It's a fun place.

I turned 31 last week.

It just felt weird to type 31. I am totally an adult.


This blouse was my present to myself. Is it too frumpy? I can't decide. I am kind of a little bit in love with the blue linen. For my birthday, Mike took care of the kids and let me sew. And he made me a yummy frozen yogurt pie. And took me out to Japanese for lunch. And watched me try on jeans at the Gap that I didn't buy because Picky is my middle name. He built me a bench, too.

The kids cleaned the basement, almost without complaining.

It was a good birthday.

oh heavens!

I don't think I've ever seen a kitchen that is more my style than this. That's it. I can't take it any more. I am painting my kitchen. . . as soon as it cools off outside. Like in November.

Have you ever painted kitchen cabinets? Do you have any tips?


Image via it's mary ruffle, who consistently has the prettiest images I've ever seen.

a summer storm

Oh, I love a good monsoon! Yesterday evening, one came in a flash. It was here and gone before we knew it, staying just long enough to break the heat for a minute and launch a few little boats.

I love doughnuts.

This weekend I made my first batch of doughnuts. I had never made them before because the idea of having really hot oil on my stove makes me really nervous. It was fun, but guess what I decided. Doughnuts are better left to the professionals.

I used this recipe, and I think I over cooked them. Darn it.

He is our happiness.

He's really smiley these days. And soft. And squishy. And just plain adorable. Sigh. We love him.

Happy weekend!

I love oliver + s.

Could you just die? Isn't this the most darling dress?

The new oliver + s patterns come out next month. I want them all. If you've never sewn with one of their patterns, now is the time. You will learn new things and end up with a beautifully finished garment, even if you are a beginner. I promise.

All of a sudden, I think my girls need new dresses.

The Big Purge of Oh Ten

The other afternoon, Mike and I were lying on our bed discussing our life. We have a really great life, but we have too much stuff, and it is weighing us down. So right then and there we filled four trash bags with things we don't need/like/want from our little closet. That felt so good that we went through the rest of the house. We were ruthless.

What doesn't sell on craigslist or ebay will be put in a garage sale. What doesn't sell there will be sent to Goodwill. Good riddance. I'm so ready to let it all go.

Oh, it feels so good! We are lighter. And less stressed. And determined to just keep the things we love.

Who wants to have a garage sale with us?

It's just the three of us.

We sent the big kids off to school for the day. Next on the agenda: a morning nap, some housework, and maybe a show. My goal is to not get in the car.

What are your plans today?

school

We had a really great summer, but I sure am glad that school has started. My kids are ready. I am ready. Yay.

Utah: Miscellany

There is a big root beer mug in the Provo Canyon that sells rootbeer floats. I think it's kind of silly. Delicious, but silly. We swarmed it one evening before my brother Matthew went home to California.

I thought Mabel looked pretty while concentrating on the song she composed (and later performed) with Annie and Audrey; Oliver and Jack wish they were brothers; and take a look at all those shoes! They lined the entire front hallway.


Phew. This concludes our summer vacation recap of 2010. Thanks for sticking with me.

Next up: first day of school photos. School starts tomorrow! Can you believe it? If you ask me, it's way too hot still to be starting school.

Utah: Yodipity

Did you know that there is a mini Yodipity in Park City? It's just as yummy as the one here in Mesa. Oliver is a such a pro at topping selection.

It's inside the Market, if you want to give it a try.

Utah: Fun with Cousins

Ok, I think I stole all of these photos from Leslie, but I couldn't help myself! My kids had so much fun with their cousins. When we visit my parents, I only see Mabel and Oliver when they are hungry. The rest of the time they are busy playing in the triangle room, walking to the stream, building things out of legos, or (in the case of Oliver and the boys) fighting with sticks.

Of course everyone loved baby Elliot. He had an almost constant fan club surrounding him. It was so sweet.

p.s.  Indiana P*'s, we missed you!

Utah: Shakes from the Deli and Jooj

Leslie, my sis-in-law Katie, and I were all husbandless last week, as our husbands had to stay at home to work. Boo. I don't think we could have done it without Jooj. She stopped by on her way to India and Brazil to drive to Utah with me, hold babies, corral kids, and perform countless other kid-related tasks. She is seen here holding Elliot outside the Sundance Deli.

Good luck in Brazil, Jooj! We love you!

Utah: Prettiness

Oh, it's pretty there in Sundance, Utah. We just got home and miss it terribly already.


*I'll be posting plenty more pictures, some of which I stole from my sister. Like the one of my mom and Stella, and the one of us in the craziest sunset I've ever seen.