down for the count

I fell over and sprained my ankle after work today while running errands. This sucks.

Now I am laid up on the sofa at home icing my ankle instead of eating sushi with my hot date. Oh well, I do have my hot date taking care of me.

about to sprout

I was so excited when we came accross the new Varen collection at Ikea. These six plant pots, and tray will be perfect for growing herbs.

We will be growing mint, flat leaf parsley, basil, dill, chives and cilantro, yum!

doggone spoiled

If Henri ever makes the 'big time', these are some of the products he is interested in endorsing.



1. beer for dogs 2. bacon 3. fancy feeder by holden
4. fleece blanket from ikea 5. 'hound in the round' crypton dog bed 6. 'good cuz, bad cuz' toys
7. einstein brothers doggie bagels 8. american apparel organic cotton t-shirt 9. pigeons (long time dream to catch one)

the bag tag

I saw this tag from my pal Kami at The Biggie Blog and thought it was so clever, that I kinda tagged myself...hee hee.

This exercise forced me to tidy up my purse, something I've been meaning to do for a while.


{the sidekick}

So, this has been my handy little helper for the last few months. It is much smaller than I usually prefer, but I have enjoyed our time together. The two colors of leather make it a little more flexible than some other black bags I've had.



{the contents}

1. girly item 2. kleenex 3. business cards and holder 4. phone 5. wallet
6. lip glosses 7. bandages 8. purse mirror 9. sewing kit 10. led flashlight 11. red pen 12. notebook
13. burts bees heal-all 14. tide pen
15. chap stick 16. hankie 17. pill case 18. i-pod and case
19. cosmetic bag (merci, melissa)

If you feel like joining in the fun:
Take a picture of your bag, and a picture of everything inside, and display them for the world to see. I can't wait to see what you've got in there!

egg creatures

The countdown is on! Easter is only 3 weeks from this Sunday. I plan to get started on these little guys asap. This is going to be so much fun!

That Martha has done it again.

show me the money

How good does it feel to have your taxes done, and know someone will be sending you money soon? Pretty darn good!

Maybe I'll get it all in pennies so I feel really, really rich!

p.s. Thanks for helping me sweetie.

spec-tacular

{Josh modeling his new glasses}

Josh picked up his new specs this week.

They are stylish, intelligent and very good looking, just like the guy wearing them.

t-rex

{wooden baby t-rex from funky moose}

Baby T-Rex, we love you.

Bree and Josh
XO

what happened to the stork?

Yes, this is actually how I found out.

When I saw this book recently, I had to order myself a copy. Now that's a trip down memory lane.

living like a bird

{ceramic orb birdhouse}

If I was feathered and looking to buy a place, I think I'd make an offer on one of these.

This whole being a bird thing, just keeps looking better!

eating like a bird

{perch! birdfeeder handmade in brooklyn, ny}

If I were feathered, I would make this my swanky neighborhood hangout.

Henri bought this birdfeeder last year from Perch! for Josh's birthday. It looks really cute in the yard.

in stitches

The li'l buckaroo needed some western wear waiting for his arrival, so I stitched up some duds.

These cute patterns are from Sublime Stitching, and inspired my new found embroidery hobby.

just say UNKL!

{a few of my vinyl goodies}

So Bree has been after me to post for some time... and I have finally given in.

I've become a bit of a sucker for collecting vinyl toys over the last few years, a strange endeavor to say the least. It all started with OX the vinyl uglydoll (much cooler than the plush version) and soon grew to include a hefty chunk of things from of Portland's UNKL.

Maybe it's the juxtaposition of apocolyptic garb and soft vinyl shapes that draws me to them. Maybe it's that they're both weird and cute at the same time, or maybe it's just that I'm a big kid trapped in a thirty-something year old body... The fine folks in Oregon have plenty of other cool stuff if playing with dolls isn't your thing.

a humble thank you

Thank you to everyone who has linked our blog to theirs. It is so thrilling for us to see.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

absolutely, for sure

Absolutely, for sure, see Definitely, Maybe.

This is a great movie. You will enjoy watching the story unfold before your eyes, much like your own life.

bowl me over

The game was on when we bowled at Fat Cats on Saturday night with our friends. I had completely forgotten how much fun bowling is.

The high-tech bowling shoes, hip hop music and light show made us feel like the rockstars we always knew we were.

office space

{a combination of existing and new pieces}

Here is a collage of plans I have for my office at 123 house. Josh is working on his as well. We will post actual photos when they are complete.

Shouldn't it be a space as comfortable and inspiring as the rest of your home?

1. paint 2. wall decals 3. wall cabinet
4. sofa 5. floor lamp 6. tackable fabric
7. clock 8. desk 8. chair

where the sidewalk ends

Today I saw an illustration that reminded me of the work of Shel Silverstein. I love his work, it is ageless, and timless, it will make you laugh and cry. His writing is as wonderful as his illustrations.

Did you know his book A Light in the Attic was the first childrens book to ever break onto the New York Times Bestseller List?

I need to start collecting his books again.



Image from Shel Silverstein.com

a wookie among us?

{henri (left) and chewbacca (right)}

There are some definite similarities here.

Image from StarWars.com

oops, i did it again

I went on another imaginary shopping spree today, here's the loot...


{today's make-believe purchases}

1. belted blouse 2. polo 3. bib front blouse
4. pants 5. coat 6. watch 7. bag
8. shorts 9. shoes 10. shirt

owls from down under

{dancing owls by yellow monday}

We ordered this limited edition print today from Yellow Monday through Etsy. These little guys should be leaving Sydney sometime soon to join us here, can't wait!

don't leave home without them

If you haven't heard of them already, you will. Lug has some of the coolest travel accessories out there. You'll love them!


{camper messenger bag}



{ticket tango travel wallet}




{freight box storage containers}

american dream

{mount rushmore}

Another great thing about the USA is Presidents Day!

We'll be taking full advantage of the day off...see you on Tuesday.

Image from South Dakota Tourism.

huh?

These little notebooks by Kamio Japan are the best...they make no sense at all.

365 down

Yesterday afternoon we had the pleasure of attending our little friend Liam's first birthday celebration. He sure knows how to throw a party!

fun with photoshop

{bree & josh. may 2007. poughkeepsie, ny}

crafty knife

{martha stewart craft knife}

Why does Martha think of everything before I do?

Meet my new favourite craft knife...I think it's beautiful.

space saver

{kamui magazine holder }

I really like this magazine holder.

Maybe if I had limited space to store my magazines, I'd be forced to go through them regularly. That would make Josh happy.

happy valentines day

Celebrate your love for someone or something today.

Maybe your dog, your best friend, your partner, your child, your barista, your favorite sweater, your hair, your car...anything.

Who or what do you love today?

Illustration by Jobin (Naoyuki Taniguchi).

my 'vel'entine

I really am the luckiest girl in the whole wide world.

xo

sweet sweetness

Last night we made Valentines Day sugar cookies...yum!



Sugar Cookies:
2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt
1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder

In large bowl sift flour, salt, and baking powder.

In another large bowl cream sugar, and butter until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Wrap dough in plastic, chill for 1 hour.

Heat oven to 325. On floured surface, roll dough out to 3/16" thick. Use cutter to cut shapes. Transfer to ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes.

Icing:
2c. confectioners sugar
2 tbsp. milk (add additional as necessary)
4 tsp. corn starch
1/2 tsp. flavoring (almond, clear vanilla, etc.)
food coloring

Sift confectioners sugar. Add other ingredients to bowl, stir until smooth. Apply to cookies.

Decorate to your heart's content.

a little birdie

Josh and I both had budgies when we were young, I think if we got a bird today, this one would be perfect.

dear e'ST'er

{ducati st4}

Dear E'ST'er, (Josh's Ducati ST4)

I don't think I've ever told you how much I like you. You're beautiful, adventurous and fun to hang out with.

Today when I was following you and Josh down to the shop for your check-up, I realized how much I miss you. You've sat patiently in the garage for months now waiting for the warm weather, I hardly even come out to say hi. I'll try to do better.

I hope we can spend some time together soon, maybe we could go for a ride and grab some wings?

Bree

p.s. I think we should keep this between us.

gunn it

{tim gunn: a guide to quality, taste & style}

No man ever succeeded in having me purge my closet...until Tim Gunn.

This is a must read, and I dare say one of my favorite books ever.

birthday girl

{vic and me}

stylish. adventurous. funny.
smart. determined. compassionate.
warm. optimistic. best friend.

I wish that everyone had a friend as special as you, it could change the world.

Happy Birthday.
XO

you're making me blush

Tarte cheek stain is one of my favorite make up products.

For those of you who are afraid of cheek color, it is impossible to apply racing stripes on your face with this. This is good news for you and those looking at you.

delighted

We are so pleased that our blog was chosen to be displayed in the delightful blogs directory! Please click here to rate or leave comments about the life at 123 house blog.

love peck

I left these paper cranes on Josh's pillow for him to find when he went to bed.

I love you sweetie.

xo

l'il buckaroo's party

Yesterday afternoon we held Catsy's shower for her new buckaroo here at 123 house. We had a lovely brunch of petite almond bundt cakes, mini coffe cakes muffins, jicama citrus salad and canadian bacon strata. It was so nice to see friends and make new ones too!

Now we wait for the little man to get here.

Congratulations, Catsy!



1. mini almond bundt cakes 2. refreshments
3. new mom opening gifts 4. jicama citrus salad 5. diaper pin game
6. baby food surprise game

valentines please...

{my valentines day mailbox}

No more paper plates and doillies here, I am getting serious about Valentines Day!

My co-workers and I invested in these mailboxes for our desks so that those around would be aware of our expectations over the next week or so.

I hope I get a Valentine.

happy chinese new year

So, if your New Years resolutions didn't quite go the way you had planned, here's your second chance!

Pearl River, the Chinese-American department store in New York is one of my favorite places to visit for stylish Chinese goods. Luckily for all of us, they also have many of their products available online. Here are a few of my favorites.



1. cosmetic bag 2. rice bowls
3. tea for one 4. i heart NY onesie 5. paper lantern
6. colored pencil chopsticks 7. childrens shoes 8. dolls

chop chop

These are the best paring knives I've ever used, and they're nice to look at. The bright colors make me happy while I'm cooking.

mama's got a brand new bag

{grainy leather handbag from boden}

Welcome to my closet, lovely!

string things

{skull boy currently uses his super powers in my car}

I received super powers this year in the form of SkullBoy. My little hero is made from one piece of string and lives in my car.

Every member of the String Doll Gang has a special power...now you have someone else to do all the dirty work.

egg-cellent

{nestt car seat by think/thing}

I know it's supposed to be the other way around, but I might have to get a baby to put in this car seat.

Image from think/thing.

the myth of penelope and odysseus

Homer's account of the adventures of Odysseus has stood at the center of classical literature for centuries. The Odyssey tells the adventures of a warrior wandering the world, but also a tale of domesticity as a husband struggles to protect an enduring union with his faithful wife, Penelope.

The Penelopiad, by Margret Atwood tells this story again from Penelope's point of view. She is no longer a peripheral character in this epic tale, and the true story unfolds.

My knowledge of Greek Mythology is limited, however I really enjoyed this book.

If you feel like trying something new, I would highly recommend it.

inspired

{an illustrated life, written by charley harper and todd oldham}

Every Sunday morning Josh wakes up, makes coffee and watches CBS Sunday Morning. This past Sunday he woke me up so that I could enjoy a piece they were showing about Charley Harper, one of our favorite artists.

I adore his work, and now I adore him as a person, there is something so inspiring to me about a successful person who is unimpressed by their own achievements, rather they are grateful for how they have been blessed in life.

See more of his work here.