Have a lovely weekend!

Our world lost a great leader yesterday and I want to make sure that we remember him even with all the holiday buzz swarming around us. May he rest in peace and know that he made our world a better place and taught us all the power of one.

Such a sweet photo of Nelson Mandela and Oprah together. 

Interview of Nelson Mandela's jailer and their unlikely friendship. 

Why Nelson Mandela has six names.

Letters to loved ones from prison. 

Be inspired on Pinterest. 

More of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela.

Kinfolk came out with the Aged Issue. I'm looking forward to reading this because I bet it has the secret to aging with grace. Too many people focus on what's wrong with growing older instead of what's better.

These guys sure now how play Christmas songs. 

Sweet DIY Christmas Garland. 

Brown Butter Soft Batch Style Gingersnaps sound nice right about now. 

Cup of Jo Gift Guide 2013 is happening now. 

This sleeper would be perfect for my little man. 

Happy weekend loves! We're heading to the Union Square Holiday Market, even if it's supposed to be raining in NYC all day. I'm looking forward to handmade heaven and cups of hot chocolate to stay warm. Hope you have a lovely December weekend! 

What are some of your favorite handmade items this Christmas? I'd love to know!  

xoxo

P.S. Top quote designed and photograph by me. The photo of First Lady Michelle Obama, her daughters and Nelson Mandela is from The Times. Last photos are pictures I took last year.

Weekend Links

Not enough words can explain how happy I am that it's the weekend! Today, I'm looking forward to seeing if I can find some good garage sale items. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Ever since we went to Central Park last weekend, I've been dying to get ready to have lots of picnics this summer. Here's what to wear from Joanna.

I love the idea of a basket for two filled with yummy cheeses and crackers on a warm day. While Kevin and I don't drink wine, we do love our Izzies!

I saw this book at Anthro and almost bought it because it made me think of my mom.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! A beautiful ode to ice cream.

Always add a touch of glitter!

Dream camera. On my someday list.

No rich child left behind. What are we doing for children who may not be rich?

Pocket is my new favorite app. I bet I'm the last person to know about this app, but it saves all my articles in one place so I can read it later whether I'm connected to the internet or not. It makes it handy to read saved articles on my phone while waiting in line.

Mint is my second favorite app. It's keeping me from over spending and honest by telling me where my money actually goes (I had a few wake up moments). Mint keeps track of all your money for you and will even remind you when your credit card payment is due. Genius. Here's to a better financial planning!

I want to start writing posts about gratitude. You should join me!

Happy weekend lovelies! I hope it's a good one!

xoxo


P.S. Sweet dressed up dog photos from Smitten Studio. Too cute! I've always wanted a dog but would never dare have one while living in the middle of Philadelphia.

Weekend Links

"a little love in an unexpected place"

Since yesterday I finally had a chance to catch up on some of my favorite blogs, magazines, pinterest. . . (insert smiling face) I'm happy to share what's amazing around the web, just in time for the weekend.

-I need to do this at the office. I have a few ugly web design and social media how-to books with lots of helpful information that I want to bring in. Maybe in Girl Scout green? Can you even find paper in that color? I'll have to look for that.

-Skirt to wear to work. Top to match. Flow-y dress for the weekend. I'd probably pick misty rose or morning sky.

-A touching parenting post. How do you raise good, behavioral children? I honestly think my parents lucked out. While I don't have kids yet, I'm afraid of having the child that screams at the worst moment or the teenager that bullies other kids.

-I'm determined to interview my parents. Sure, we talk on the phone a lot about every day things, but what was their favorite date before kids? Did they get any sleep the first night they brought my older brother home from the hospital? How did they get through the hard times? Yep, I'm taking the challenge seriously and asking the nitty gritty so get ready mom and dad.

-Mindy Gledhill is recording a new album! I can't wait. Here's a post about how her heart has been converted.

-I'm totally making this type of cake for Kevin's birthday (it's not till September, but it's never too early to plan). Lately, he can't stop talking about doughnuts. So perfect.

-Is it dorky to send out graduation announcements if you've earned your grad degree? I saw these from Minted and am itching to design an announcement for myself.

-Girls today need to learn how to lead. On my list to read this weekend.

sweet message tape from Oh, Hello Friend

Have a lovely weekend! Remember, you are loved. I plan on heading out to dinner and a movie with friends tonight. Tomorrow, I will be as lazy as possible. Nothing but relaxing and hopefully healing this silly ear ache.

xoxo

Weekend Links

Hello Loves!

It has been quite the crazy week so I'm happy that it's finally the weekend! We're headed out in a little bit to try out Parc, it was rated as Philly's best brunch place. I'm hoping so!

Here's what's been going on around the web!

I gave threats that I would personally drive down and murder Punxsutawney Phil if he saw his shadow. Luckily, that little groundhog knew what was best for him and he didn't see his shadow on groundhog's day. Now he is being indicted for false predictions. He tricked all of us.

Thank goodness it is spring somewhere.

Amazing beach essentials and I'm dying to head to Sephora to try this sunscreen.

Sweetest masking tape.

Painted egg cartons for a wonderful Easter surprise!

18 elegant fonts to use on your last-minute Easter invitation.

I want to go here on my next vacation, the photos are oh, so cute.

This fashion idea sounds great, I want to participate in the next one!

Happy weekend to you! I hope it is lovely and warm where you are. Spring, hurry up!

xoxo

Illustration from Ecojot

Links on Monday

Hello lovelies!

With the weekend escaping me, I can't believe that it is Monday! So today, I still wanted to share amazing links around the web . . . it's never too late!

Today I am down with a major ear ache and hoping to go see the doctor. I've had it for awhile now and have kept putting it off because of one thing or another. That and I wanted to try every over the counter remedy possible before paying high prices. Sigh.

Do you wait till you can't stand it anymore before heading into the doctor? I've always done that.

Here's is what is happening around the web:

Did you read last week's goop? I really want to make this chicken and rice soup.

Volume Seven of Kinfolk is an Ode to Ice Cream. Enough said, I'm getting it.

Do you love Income Property as much as I do? Here's a great interview with Scott McGillvray.

Gangnam Style gone jazzy, slow and pretty.

Girls spreading kindness around the country. What a confidence booster!

A bachelor's degree is now equal to a high school diploma? No wonder I found that I needed my master's.

Still wondering why Matthew had to die in Downton Abbey? Writer Julian Fellowes tells all.

Living in Philly means St. Patrick's Day is actually a holiday. Here's several ideas to be green!

Who else is ready for spring? Martha posted some pretty photos of what will hopefully be the last winter storm this year.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday! I'll have the weekend recap later today so be sure to check back!

xoxo


Above graphic is from Flow Magazine.

Weekend Links

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I've been watching it snow and am glad that I don't have anything planned except staying warm inside. Hope you're snuggling up and drinking hot chocolate. That's what I plan on doing and dreaming of warm sunny days which will be here soon enough.

Here's what I found interesting around the web this week:

With yesterday being National Girl Scout Cookie Day, here's a wonderful story about how it's not about the cookies. Plus, a fun recipe to make Tagalong cake bars. :) 

How to splurge wisely. 

With Valentine's Day ahead, the world needs more love letters. Hey Valentine, I've had my eye on you!

Perfect 9-5 and then out to dinner dress.  

According to LinkedIn, most of us don't want a new job, we want new skills. I agree, I only want to learn more to be better which is why I hope to attend Alt NYC!  

I love what Alt Summer taught Megan. 

Speaking of LinkedIn, they just reached 200 million members. Kudos!

Six ethics of life. 

My favorite commercial from the Super Bowl. Oh so powerful. 

Have a lovely weekend! If at all possible, stay inside and safe! 

xoxo

Weekend Links

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I realize I've been a little MIA this week and for good reason!

I have a new job! My story will now continue on the East Coast for several years. I took a small blogging break to live life and feel renewed. It's good to have a schedule again. I am setting a goal to blog every day for the rest of February.

Now to start since it's Saturday, hopefully you have stayed in your pjs to relax and can take some time to see what's awesome around the web.

It's going to be National Girl Scout Cookie Day this Friday February 8.

If you feel like you're in a blogging rut, it may best to slow down and take a breather.

Five simple ways to freshen up your home without killing the bank.

For some of us working girls, here's five easy ways LinkedIn can boost your credibility.

Do you feel that the office is an extension of yourself? I can't wait to dress up my office space! I'm pretty sure that I need this and this. Here's my inspiration on dream office spaces.

I absolutely love Kim and this is a must read heartfelt story.

This dress in hearts would be perfect for Valentine's day.

I seriously cannot wait for spring and this skort would be lovely for long walks.

Happy Saturday to you! Hope you're doing something fun this weekend.

xoxo

Weekend Links

At the Free Library in Philadelphia

Here's a little something for you to read this weekend while staying in your pajamas because it's simply too cold to go outside (unless you're in Tucson).

Here's my final touch to Lauren's blog redesign. It was a lot of fun being able to design for a friend.

A guide for better blogging. This has helped me feel inspired again and to not do too much all at once.

I'm not very good with money, but here's a blog to help you capture tips and tricks to being completely debt free.

I simply love the name of this blog and because of that, I'm now a frequent reader.

Saturday morning breakfast that I would love to eat.

Have you taken this awesome personality test? It's literally as if someone read your diary and knew all your secrets.

Seeing this post and this post wants to make me count my blessings.

I am in love with this dress. I think I'll have to buy it once my next paycheck comes!

This is a great idea. I want to send Kevin a finished book for Valentines!

Cutest cutting board.

A beautiful word for 2013.

What I'm reading this weekend.

Now, I think I need to get out and get stuff done before I let the day go by!

Have a lovely weekend.

xoxo