career, kids and coffee: April 2010

4.29.2010

favorite cleaning products

if i'm going to spend time cleaning i want to have supplies that are either fun to look at it or smell really good and my latest favorite is the mrs meyers line in baby blossom. almost makes me want to clean (but not really). amazon carries almost the whole line ... check it out!

4.28.2010

perfect vase

i'm always looking for great gifts! i stumbled upon this great piece in a magazine several months ago and when I was surfing etsy tonight i found it again. it's just such a great vase ... i really want to get one! i think it would make the best housewarming gift too. it's $48 and you can check them out in the MaidOfClay store on etsy ...

custom monogram vase

4.27.2010

fun coffee cup

i'm always on the look for a new fun coffee cup. it's just something that makes me smile when i use it. i ran across this one today and it made me smile. ha ... happy tuesday!

image courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com $16

4.26.2010

get well gifts for kids

i'm happy to report my kiddo's came through their recent surgeries with flying colors ... maybe even a little too well - if that's possible. anyhoo ... through the process we got gifts and we gave gifts to the kids to mark the memorable occasion. here are some ideas if your little ones are going through anything hospital related ...

books & games ... going to the hospital sticker book $7 - amazon.com

nice, new stuffed animal to cuddle with ... cordy roy elephant - jellycat.com

cozy new pajamas ... burberry plaid pjs $90 - nordstroms.com

movies, movies, movies ... top 10 family movies

something special or fun for them to lift his/her spirits ...

dress up clothes $49; remote control car $34 - chasing-fireflies.com

sweet treats & fun cups/plates/bowls to put them in ...

ice cream ball $30; letter & number molds $28 - chasing-fireflies.com

4.22.2010

tough day for mom & loves!

my little ones are in for a rough day tomorrow {sad}. emma is having her tonsils removed and owen's getting tubes in his ears. i know they generally say it's far worse on the parents (at least that day) and i really think that may be true. this post is dedicated to them ... my loves! please feel free to send any & all well wishes and prayers our way.

p.s yes owen is going to kill me someday for the bandanas!!

house for sale

there are few things that i really hate in this world ... but selling a house is one of them! but we've decided that it's the best thing for our family right now. so i've been spending all of my spare time touching up paint and decluttering closets and cabinets so that we can hit our goal of april 30th. ugh.

image courtesy of webblogs.cltv.com

4.19.2010

dreaming of the new hgtv green home

i'm in love with the new hgtv dream home. i just can't think of anything better than a house that's 15 minutes away from a beach and {arguably} the best seafood in the country. also so close to the great shopping & city life in boston, and all of the great historicaly sites ... a photo girl's dream!! i will be entering to win every day, memory willing. Click here to sign up too or see more great pictures.

hgtv green home 2010

p.s. if you win can I pretty, pretty please come stay for just a long weekend!!

4.15.2010

happy tax day

in the spirit of our beloved tax day thought i'd pass along my favorite relaxing treat ... aveda tea! whenever I'm wanting to wind down it's the perfect remedy.

4.14.2010

multitasking fashion ... teething necklace

just ran across this company ... Sonny & Reed (www.sonnyandreed.com). they make fashionable necklaces that your little one can use to chew on for teething as well. genius! i'm ordering mine as I type.

4.12.2010

spring at the arboretum

this sunday we took the kids to the arboretum {in dallas} for a morning of flowers and a family picnic. it was such a lovely day. every time we go there we wonder why we don't attend more often! it was just a great way to spend a day and oh so family friendly. check out your local garden/park!

4.11.2010

texas stadium

good bye & thanks for all of the great memories!

image courtesy of los angeles times

4.09.2010

ideas to help manage people

we all want to be better managers but are challenged with the time to squeeze it in, right? here's a great article from the Harvard Business Review to give you some ideas ... and they really take 15 min/day.

How to Manage People in 15 min/day

image courtesy of effective leadership styles

4.08.2010

what I'm watching ...

one of the ways that i unwind is to watch tv. it's like a bit of an escape and definitely a luxury ... but i do have a few favorites that tivo must get every week. this season the must see's in the edwards' home is parenthood ... if you haven't tuned in ... it may be worth a looksee! think about it ... if a show can make dax a serious actor it's got to be worth a watch.

image courtesy of nbc.com

4.07.2010

quote of the day

Motherhood has a very humanizing effect.

Everything gets reduced to essentials.

~Meryl Streep

4.06.2010

the gift card

the gift card has to be one of the single greatest inventions for the working mother! they are so easy to pick up, will fit in your wallet, and people love to get them. I always keep a few (with small amounts on them) in my wallet because you just never know when you're going to need one. I've given them to employees, co-workers, and clients. why just this morning I brought in some for the kid's teachers at daycare. for random acts of kindness I generally go with something basic like starbucks, target, cold stone, or itunes. just such a simple way to show your appreciation & thanks!

4.05.2010

the best lip gloss

i'm very particular about my makeup ... and I just can't get enough of this stuff! chanel's lip gloss!! it's great ... not too heavy but adds color & looks very natural. my color of choice - waterlily.