Brown Sugar Cake

I am only just now realizing that I have back-to-back posts about cake, but I'm almost 7 months pregnant, so can you really blame me?
This cake might be my go-to cake for summer, with some fresh berries and whipped cream or some vanilla ice cream on top...I am making this cake asap. It seems like a great dessert to bring to a summer get-together or dinner, too.

Rainbow Cake

I remember hearing about Kaitlin Flannery's Rainbow Cake a long time ago, and was reminded of it again recently by Ms. Martha herself, and I can't help but think it's the coolest cake I've ever seen! It's even something you could do at home, albeit a bit time consuming...but wouldn't it be a great little surprise to bring to a Memorial Day BBQ?
Here's the recipe if you feel like giving it a go this weekend.

All About Vanity

I spotted this vanity on last night's "9 By Design" and I absolutely love it! And guess what else? It's on sale! I have been on the hunt for a vanity for a long time now, and this one is perfection!

Vacation Prep

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I am so exhausted after today, as we are preparing for a big family vacation- our longest together with Baby J. Sometime it's as if all the packing, cleaning, stress is just to remind us how much we need a vacation, don't you think?

Fashionably Late

I should wear this every day of my life.

St. Kilda

I can't get enough of the snakes, especially this one!

I just discovered this gorgeous locally handmade jewelry shop via Greedy Girl- isn't it amazing? Their pieces have such a vintage feel, which in my opinion is the coolest part (plus they do sell some actual vintage pieces as well.

Jane Birkin

If only I could look like this, pregnant!

I was so inspired by Jora's post the other day that I needed a few days to decide which photos I wanted to use. Jane Birkin, inspiration for the oh-so-famous Birkin bag, is the ultimate style icon for a gal like me. She has such a stylish, yet chic, tomboy look, which is perfect for a casual stay-at-home mom like me. Look how amazing she looks just hanging out with her kids! I especially love her bangs. Someday maybe I'll have the guts to try them out myself.
Here are some ideas for trying out Jane's style for yourself!

Urban Vases

I just spotted these sweet, simple vases over on Oh Happy Day- aren't they perfect? Are they're from Urban Outfitters! Since my daughter has taken to picking single blooms for me from the yard (she's the best!), these vases would be the perfect display for them!

I Don't Think You're Ready For This Jelly

Aren't these the coolest, updated jellies?! They are super fun, and they actually let your foot breathe, which is great for those super hot days in the summer- plus that should mean less chance for blisters, right? I NEED these!

Sideways Cross

I've had my eye on a necklace like this ever since I saw it on Taylor on "The Rachel Zoe Project" (hers is from Roseark). And Kelly Ripa has been wearing one a lot, too, and I'm starting to feel like it's time to take the plunge. This one is from etsy shop, Classic Designs- great as an everyday piece, and for a great price!

Romancing The Scone

I baked these little beauties this weekend...


...and they were a hit! It was my first time making scones, and it was actually pretty easy, albeit quite messy! I no longer feel intimidated by making scones or the use of vanilla beans. The Pioneer Woman's recipes have all been reliable easy to make, and ridiculously good- I highly recommend any of them.

Magenta, Inc.

After swooning over a beautiful tray from Magenta, Inc. featured in this month's In Style magazine, I visited their online shop- and I love everything! They have the most unique and beautiful housewares- perfect for spring and summer entertaining! And seriously, how cute is the poppy tray?

Sundays Are For Lovers

sundays are for lovers is an exploration in four parts: eat, rest, laugh, love. there is a particular tenor to a sunday... there's laziness, cooking breakfast, comfy-clothes, time spent in bed, wandering the neighborhood, sitting in a café, house-work, yard-work, making out, art projects, meeting friends at the pub, a last chance to get shit done before the work-week begins and then of course the end of something ... the beginning of something.

This book looks amazing. It seems to capture everything that Sundays are about- cooking breakfast, lounging around, and attempting to be productive, among other things.

Twinkle Toes

I want, need, LOVE these shoes.
Also seen on the lovely, Ms. Joy.

Aubin & Wills

What's not to love about casual, chic designer Aubin & Wills? I first spotted them while flipping through this month's Lucky Mag, and I can't get enough! Totally digging the horizontal stripes and lightweight jackets and cardigans.
And P.S.- I'm pretty sure Tori Spelling was wearing this shirt (or something very similar) on "Tori and Dean, Home Sweet Hollywood" a couple weeks ago. Yes, I watch it, please don't judge me. You know her style is super cute...

Alaia

Does anyone else always think of Clueless when you hear, "Alaia?"
Cher: "This is an Alaia!"
Robber: "An A-What-A?"
Okay, okay, nevermind...anyway, loving the open, perforated look of this Alaia tote- wouldn't it be perfect for summer?

Map It Out

This is such a cool idea, and would make a great gift! It's a print of a hand painted map that comes with pushpins for places you've been, as well as pins to mark your home town and place of origin.

Hats Off

I am really digging these hats over at Anthro right now. They are super cute, but also perfect for keeping out those harmful, cancer-causing, wrinkle-creating UV rays, right? I think I need to invest in one of these, stat.

Bensimon

I have since come to realize that TOMS do no fit my feet in the cozy way that I'd hoped they would, and have now found a new love- these Bensimon shoes. They look both super cute and super comfortable, and I can't wait to get my hands on a pair!

Happy Mother's Day

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Motherhood, I have learned, is the most challenging, yet most rewarding job I have ever had. My little J has brought me more joy than I could have ever even dreamed of, and it makes me that much more excited for our next little bundle on the way in a few months.
To all of the incredible, patient, hard-working, loving mothers out there, I wish you a wonderful and relaxing Mother's Day- especially my own mama. For all the sacrifices you've made, the sleepless nights you've had, and the endless supply of love you have to give- here's to you!

Inspiration- Coco Chanel

"Luxury is the opposite of vulgarity. Luxury is the opposite of status. It is the ability to make a living by being oneself. It is the freedom to refuse to live by habit. Luxury is liberty. Luxury is elegance. True elegance is refusal."
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"Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door."

" Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress."

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."

Toast

I am smitten with all of the beautiful things from UK-based shop, Toast. They are both stylish, yet everyday-wear friendly. Such lovely clothing and home pieces...let's not forget Mother's Day is right around the corner!