A Baby Shower for Kara’s Little Pumpkin

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Baby Girl Shower, Baby Shower, Celebration, Decor, Etsy, Fall, Family, Home, Inspiration, Kara, Life, Lifestyle, Photos, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Baby Shower

My cousin Kara, who is also one of my life-long friends (and former co-worker, can you believe my parents hired us to work at the shop at the same time? They must’ve been crazy) is due to have a Christmas-time baby, and Mom & I were very excited to throw a shower for Baby Girl Hoffman. Since the shower was in October, and Kara isn’t a frilly-pink kind of girl, we decided to fixate on pumpkins for a not-officially-themed-but-really-pumpkin-themed shower.

The invite was from Etsy, more on that later, but guys, you should really consider Etsy when you’re buying invites for something. This one was a hit, almost everyone invited mentioned it at one point or another, and my mom (who is Kara’s aunt and should really have SOME emotional distance from this situation) actually cried when she first saw it. Softy.

The shower was at my house, my small house. Large family, small house. There was just enough room for 20 chairs if we scooched the dining room table against the wall and didn’t use the front door. But like I said, we’re a big family. This is far from the first, and nowhere near the last time we’ll be crammed into a space that can barely fit us. We’ve kinda got it down by now.

We served homemade pumpkin spice latte’s (which is bold, considering Kara is a former Starbuck’s barista) and cider.. And any other edible item that we could work “pumpkin” into. And cheese & fruit, because, so much pumpkin.

Kara’s littlest nephew Eliyah was the only boy there, and he got through it by charming the socks off of each one of us. Cutie!

The lady of the hour! Kara is on the left, with our cousin Aimee whose little one is due soon after Kara’s. How cute are they!?

So there you have it – a little (lot of) pumpkin to welcome baby Lemon (not her Real Name, just her current name, sorry!) into the world.. We are so excited to meet this precious babe!

Scenes from the Weekend

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Callum, Decor, Family, Flowers, Home, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, Peonies, Photos, Tissue Paper Fringe

Ice Cream at RuthAnn’s in Muskegon on Memorial Day  <>  Callum’s smile just slays me  <>  Why haven’t I been posting three times a week about peonies?  <>  Balloon fringe again  <>  Sunglasses in weird lighting, while I was playing with my camera and actually taking way too many pictures of the cat.

Bringing back the circles this week! I have a backlog of photos that I’m weeding through so this “weekend” goes back to Memorial Day. It’s been that kind of spring, really.

*Yup, meant to post this on Tuesday. I’m all sorts of mixed up!

Balloons! Big Ones!

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Bachelorette Party, Balloon Fringe, Balloons, Celebration, Decor, Fringe, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, Molly, Party

Molly is getting married next week. And while she & Brian are getting ready for their “I Do’s”, we’ve been getting ready to celebrate. Last night was the bachelorette party, which necessitated giant balloons with fringe (obvs).

Next week I’ll be spray tanned to high heaven & bridesmaid-ing it up. This is such an exciting time!

In Which I Actually Bought a Book. And Then Another!

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Books, Decor, Flowers, Garden, Gardening, Gem and Stone, Gemstones, Home, Houseplant, Inspiration, Library, Life, Lifestyle, Pinterest, Primrose, Reading, The Unexpected Houseplant

I am a lifelong library-er. I’ve owned a “book bag” for as long as I can remember, and I am one of those who is still mourning the passing of the “date due” stamp. I’ve never really been one for buying lots of books because although I do read a lot of them, I don’t end up loving most of them. And I just don’t really see the point of owning books that I don’t love. It turns into a waste of money and a waste of space. For the most part anyway.

But. Every now and then something sneaks past my “do not buy’ wall of resistance and leaves me helpless against the need to “add to cart”. I recently fell for the charms (and by that I mean the cover – yes I do judge) of The Unexpected Houseplant by Tovah Martin. It’s the perfect mid-winter read, and it has already inspired one drive to a local greenhouse.. And a few little purchases. And some re-potting.

The houseplants in the book are split into seasonal groupings, which I love. Glad to have this little resource around!

A few months ago I heard of Gem and Stone by Jen Altman and wanted to but didn’t buy it. It disappeared from my memory until somehow, somewhere it popped back up last week. I blame Pinterest.

It’s full of pretty photos of lots of different gemstones, and is now headed for the showroom at the jewelry shop. Considering that some of our gem guides hanging around the shop are probably from the 80′s I think it’ll be nice to have around.

I know you guys might not have a special love for houseplants or gemstones, but maybe this will encourage you to do a little reading up on a subject you are interested in.. The perfect thing for these cold winter days!

Mini Frames & Fist Pumps

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Anniversary, Cat, Celebration, Decor, Family, Grapefruit, Home, Inspiration, Josh, Life, Lifestyle, Mosaic, Photos, Vintage, Vintage Colander, Vintage Photo Frame

This is one of the tiniest frames I’ve ever seen – lockets excluded, because I see a lot of lockets. One time we had one in the shop with a literal lock of hair in it. *gag* Who knows how old that hair was. Working in a jewelry store is super glamorous. But I’m sure you know that already.

Josh & I celebrated our 7th anniversary this week. Seven years of bliss – nary an argument, nary a bad day, nary a burned (or under-cooked) dinner.. It’s just been one constant stream of hearts, rainbows, and sunbeams. (Heh heh)

I may be exaggerating with the nary’s, but the sunbeams, hearts, & rainbows do abound. I sure did find the right guy to do this marriage thing with. Like, big time. I love you, Schnookims!

I’m super excited today because Mark & Jess are closing on their house & getting ready to move it move it. So if you need me, you can find me fist pumping at home, at work, in the car, you name it. Fist pumping. Right now. Congrats, guys! This day is a total answer to prayer.

AND happy birthday Mark! (Also this week.) It’s been a big week, guys.

Winter Whites

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Animal Planter, Banana Republic, Coffee, Container Garden, Decor, Dots, Espresso, Garland, Home, Horse, House Plant, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, Marshmallows, Photos, Polka Dot, Snow, Snowy, String of Pearls, Style, Vintage, White, Winter

It hasn’t snowed much around here (yet) (???) .. But the winter whites are in full swing. Sometimes it feels downright snowy. And by “snowy” I guess I mean “polka-dotty”. Potato, potahto.

It is winter, right? Right??

Eye Love It!

Tags

Decor, Etsy, Eye Love It!, Gardening, Home, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, Links

So I downloaded a few viruses onto my computer this weekend. Dumb. And (since you’re right in assuming I wouldn’t do this on purpose) when I realized what was happening, I got a very, very sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Watching these weird things flash across the screen, not knowing how to stop it, the works. It was a mess.

Once again, Josh found a way to pick up the pieces & clean off my computer, so all is right with the world. The list of reasons why I love him just keeps getting longer.

While I whisper sweet nothings at my laptop & gaze adoringly at its sparkly clean hard drive (and the rest of you sit there rolling your eyes), let’s check out some Link Love!

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A rainbow igloo!

I’ve got to remember this as a good gift idea for next year.. Especially good to go along with undies for our Annual Undie Exchange!

“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.”

The Josh’s of 1967 – hee hee

A tropical houseplant with bifurcated leaves. If you use the words “bifurcated leaves” together in one description, I’m all ears.

All Things Wise and Wonderful.

The best temporary tattoos I’ve seen. Which implies that I’ve seen lots of them, and I really haven’t. But I like these.

Woop! We just listed our most expensive item ever in our etsy shop.

A fascinating article about the world’s tallest trees.. And their itty bitty clones.

10 ideas for adding green plants to your home.

If you buy those temporary tattoos, I am offering to be your friend .. You know, the one who wears a matching tattoo? That’ll be us! Me & you!

Anyway, it’s gonna be a busy one around here today.. What about you? Also, what would you buy your 33-year-old brother for his birthday? If you let me know by 3:30 this afternoon it could end up making a difference. Let the ideas flow, people!

And.. Happy Weekend!
♥

Instagram Catch-Up

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Christmas, Decor, Etsy, Herman Miller, Home, Inspiration, Instagram, Josh, Life, Lifestyle, Photos, Vintage, Vintage Furniture, Vintage Jewelry, Vintage Wrapping Paper

I’ve had this post sitting in the drafts for a while now – just some Instagrams from November/December. If I can remember that far back, I’ll add captions. Ha.
1970′s Herman Miller red sectional sofa, currently for sale in our shop.  <>  Leftovers from my birthday dinner, anyone local will know how good this stuff is even on Day 2.  <>  My 1st eye exam in SIX years. And guess what? My vision actually improved over that time! Is that even possible?  <>  Vintage wrapping paper. I hoard this stuff big time.

Still dilated. The eye exam.

Formal gardens from an estate sale I went to. Really wish I could’ve toured the grounds!  <>  A customer bought a bunch of our vintage costume jewelry at the (jewelry) shop and she’s decorating picture frames with it.  <>  That estate sale again – at the top of the stairs on the left, a warthog skin is hanging over the balcony.  The zebra skin was just out of the frame on the right. Shoulda bought that one I think. heh.  <>  We’ve done lots of shuffling stuff around the living room the past few months – painting ceilings, etc.. This was in the middle of it.

A beautiful December sunset.

I wore a circle scarf as a shrug thing to work one day.. And had an awkward time getting my coat on.  <>  Did I mention we brought both of our cars in for repair in early December? Not the best planning we’ve done. So this was me, waiting for my daily ride to work.  <> Undie Exchange Night!  <>  Christmas lights went up in the showroom at work. A little late, but they went up. Actually, they’re still up.

December 14 – the morning I saw a raging house fire downtown. Also the day of the Sandy Hook shootings. It was a heavy, heavy day.

Pocono Love Potion glasses – not sure where to get my hands on the Love Potion, so wine it is.  <>  Somebody was headed for a very pink Christmas at the jewelry shop!  <>  Packaging is the best Christmas present, if you’re a cat or a toddler.. Right?  <>  My husband, dressing for the occasion – his family’s Christmas party. Be thankful you can’t see the accompanying green shirt. Nope, not kidding.

First fire in the fireplace for the season!

That’s all for now! For more instagrammin’, you can find me there @suzannebrandsen.

Eye Love It!

Tags

Decor, Eye Love It!, Flowers, Gardening, Home, Inspiration, Life, Lifestyle, Love, Vintage

At first glance, I thought that these garden rose blooms were somehow growing out of the begonia (below). I had a mini heart attack & resolved to instantly order one of these magical begonias from anywhere on the planet if I managed to track one down. 

Then I looked closer.. And.. It’s a vase of garden roses. Next to a begonia. Two separate (non-magical) things, just happening to sit next to each other in a photo. And now I think I have an idea of how kids feel when they find out Santa isn’t real.

Time for some Link Love!

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Bulldog on a trampoline.

An attic find worth almost a million dollars!

I never knew about yew. But now I dew. Do.

A great round-up of pretty 2013 calendars. I bought this - I liked how absolutely plain it is, and that it’s refillable every year.. But then I saw this & sorta feel like it’s perfect. Conflicted.

Vintage wrapping paper with kitchen tips.

Seed money – that’s a fun idea!

Pink flamingo’s.

Did you know that mistletoe is actually parasitic.. And that it germinates from bird dung? Bird dung??

Ooh! I really want this book. In fact I’m buying it. Right now. Eep!

The guy that wore 70 items of clothing to avoid paying a luggage fee at the airport.. I guess somebody somewhere someday was bound to do it.

Okay! I’m off to sit back, sip my coffee, & enjoy this little Saturday morning while Josh plays racquetball. Sitting & drinking coffee sounds way better to this girl.

Happy January Weekend! Today Doug comes down. And the mantle lights. And maybe even the wreathe on the front door. I am ready.
♥

The Holly Jolly Days

Tags

2013, Cam, Christmas, Coffee, Decor, Family, Fireplace, Holiday, Home, Inspiration, Jane, Latte, Life, Lifestyle, New Year, Photos, Thomas

Coming out of the holidays, I’m starting to realize that they were a little much for me this year. Holidays can overwhelm, people! This year Josh & I were super busy, and at work (jewelry store!) we were short-staffed with Mom being sick for weeks on end. (Poor Mom!) It was kind of a lot.

What that led to was me “checking out” around this blog & my computer in general (which is probably a good thing).. It also turned into a gift-card giving year to avoid the shopping, and a lack of motivation on a lot of fronts. And too much coffee, if I’m being honest.

But! The last few days have been so refreshing, and I’m feeling much more like myself. I’ve been picking up the camera, editing photos, doing little projects around the house (and by that I mean laundry), and finding some balance again.

So there’s my little progress report.. Now can I show you a little peek of our holiday season?

On Christmas Day we had the first fire of the season in our fireplace. Hoping for lots more just like that one!

Cam – the cutest little cow ever. He was giggling and coo-ing and melting our hearts.

So. Josh bought me a new coffee maker/espresso machine recently. Life will never be the same. Everrrrrr.

Oh Jane.

Not all the Christmas decorations made it out this year, but the Merry’s sure did.

This may be my favorite photo of Thomas EVER. I can’t get enough of that little face! Who cares if it’s blurry?

What were your holidays like? Pretty sure the whole “busy” thing is universal.. So I hope that you handled it better than I did!

Happy 2013, guys. Beginnings are so fun – so much to look forward to!