Jane's Walk Phoenix

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Jane's Walk Phoenix is this Saturday, May 1st from 9am-11am. Those of you in the Phoenix area must check it out. This will be my first Jane's Walk and I'm really looking forward to it.

"All Jane’s Walk tours are given and taken for free. They are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighborhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents. Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighborhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them. Jane’s Walks are fun, engaging and participatory – everyone’s got a story and they’re usually keen to share it."janeswalkphx.com, Jane's Walk Phoenix, Apr 2010
Photo from Downtown Phoenix Journal

To learn more about Jane's Walk Phoenix, click here.

National Park Week

Monday, April 19, 2010
This week (April 17th-25th) is National Park Week. The cool thing about National Park Week is that entrance to all 392 national parks in the United States is FREE! So now is a great time to take that day trip or weekend trip that you've been putting off.
 

If you are lucky enough to live near the Grand Canyon like me, it's the perfect time to visit. The weather is gorgeous, the Canyon is breathtaking, and it's free!

This stunning photo of the Grand Canyon is by LD Photography. To see more fine art photographs by LD Photography, click here.

My little obsession

Thursday, April 15, 2010
It's no secret that my family and I are super casual and my boys live in t-shirts. I don't iron so you'll rarely find a button up shirt on my boys. And since I am obsessed with shopping on Etsy to find them the coolest little tees, I thought I'd save you all the time and trouble of finding them yourselves and post my favorites here.

I have to start with the "mini" tee by Charlie and Sarah. I picked up a short sleeved version of this tee at Renegade LA last summer and it was instantly Finley's favorite shirt ever. Those of you who know me in real life, have probably seen this tee on Finley no less that 278 times.


Another one of my absolute favorite places to shop for tees is Monster in the Closet. Sarah, the artist behind the monster, makes the cutest little tees. My little guys have a couple of Sarah's monsters and we love them!



One of the very first Etsy shops that ever won my "heart," is Tiny Modernist. I absolutely adore their mid century modern chair appliques. Seriously cool.


And since we're talking about cool tees, I must tell you about b. children's wear. Not only does b. make some of the most whimsical and clever appliqued tees (like the one below that I'm dying to buy) I've found, but she also makes beautiful ruffled tees and hoodies for little girls. 


And last but not least, you must check out Happy Family. I love Happy Family! I have bought several tees for gifts as well as for my boys and they are always an instant hit. The family behind the Happy are super cool - great customer service, quick shipping, great prices, and a free tote with the purchase of 2 tees!


So there you have it. Some of the coolest kid's tees that you'll find on Etsy. Be sure to check out the rest of these seller's fun little clothes.

A few more...

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I got the pictures from the shoot today and I am in love. I promise this will be my last post about them but I had to share some of my favorites. Laura Winslow did the best job!

Meet Jose...before he leaves

Sunday, April 11, 2010
We had an unexpected guest during the Finley and Oliver photo shoot this past weekend. As we were all standing around the grapefruit tree chatting about the shoot, Jose (a Costa's hummingbird) flew right in the center of us and just hovered there as if he wanted to join in on the conversation. Laura was able to capture this incredible photo with Jose perched on the top of the tree.


Jose is a very friendly and loyal resident of our backyard. He has been there since the day we moved in. Although Costa's hummingbirds are generally tolerant of our summer heat, Jose leaves during the summer months and faithfully returns when the weather cools in the fall. He is the coolest little guy and has absolutely no fear of humans - he'll fly right up to us and loves to watch the boys play. You can read more about him and see more photos of him on the AZ Plant Lady blog.

And be sure to check back soon for pictures from the shoot. They are going to be awesome!

Prepping for the Photo Shoot

Friday, April 9, 2010
My much anticipated Finley and Oliver photo shoot with the fabulous Laura Winslow is tomorrow! So excited! I have the spent the week stitching my fingers off and working on the styling for my cutie little models. 


These are just a few of the fun things we've picked out to accessorize their outfits. Hat by H&M, black hydrangea headband by Hair Blooms, and hot pink felt headband by Adorn at Handmade Parade


 We are shooting five little kiddos - three sweet toddlers and two adorable babies (both of whom won the Mod Babe Casting Call). It's going to be a little hectic I'm sure but an absolute blast. Fortunately for me, I'm working with an awesome photographer who is not only extremely professional, but crazy good at engaging children and bringing out their personalities.

Be sure to stay tuned to the blog for some behind the scenes action and sneak peeks of the pics!

Never say never

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
I spent the first 30 of my 30-something years growing up in Southern California - just north of L.A. I loved growing up in California, especially so close to such a fabulous, diverse city. In fact, just a few short years ago, my husband and I were scouring downtown L.A. looking for the perfect loft to buy. If you had told me at that time that I would soon be living in Arizona, raising chickens, growing veggies, etc., I'd have laughed you right out of town.

My how things have changed!

Somewhere along the line (about the time we decided to start a family), my husband and I had a major and sudden shift in priorities. We packed up and headed east to Arizona to live closer to family, increase our quality of life, and just slow down the pace of our hectic lives.

We purchased some horse property with my mom and it has been a blast! In just the past year, we've managed to start a killer vegetable garden:




Build our own gardening shed - or "fort" as the boys like to think of it:


And most exciting of all, we have chickens! (I told you I like to talk about them a lot.)

Here is the lovely Flo:



We also keep busy with the numerous trees on our little "farm." We have apples, orange, kumquat, lemon, lime, grapefruit, almond, plum, and peach trees. Hoping to plant some pecan trees in the future.

Our next project will be a pair of goats. We're taking our time prepping and researching so we don't expect to have them for several months. And be forewarned, if you think I talk about my chickens a lot, I will likely talk about the goats a whole lot more. Seriously, how could you not want to show off goats as cute as these (image from theage.com.au):


We are loving this new chapter in our lives and have named our little hobby farm "Double S Farms." This past year has seriously taught me a lot - most importantly to "never say never."





Shop Local

Friday, April 2, 2010
One of my most favorite things about Etsy is the Shop Local feature. I have had the great pleasure of meeting some of the coolest people ever through Shop Local and wanted to share them with you. All of these sellers are just as amazing as the products they make.


Soap by Rose and Root


Journal by Parkside Harmony


Headband by Dolce Vita Mia