for bibliophiles

so graphic t-shirts aren't exactly my favorite wardrobe item, but I think the tees from this shop are kinda cool, especially for those who want to express their bibliophilia on their chest. Many of them reference novels I don't care for, but these two, of course, caught my eye:

a nod to my childhood devotion to Nancy Drew books. 

an homage to beloved Miss Bennett and Mr. Darcy. 

If I were in london

any time in the near future (sigh) I'd definitely make a stop at the Victoria and Albert Museum to enjoy the Grace Kelly exhibit. She's one of my favorites, and an inspiration.

I like hats

and right now, I'm wishing for this one, and I don't even care which color!

saltwater

I wore saltwater sandals every summer when I was a little girl. my nieces wear them now, and I'm sort of wanting a pair for my grown-up self. proximity of actual saltwater irrelevant.

girly

maybe it's the hint of Spring in the air that is drawing me to feminine details, but I rather like this rosy headband.

wouldn't it be loverly

...to own, even to gaze upon, one of Audrey Hepburn's iconic frocks? They are up for auction.
 Details here.

cozy pajamas

I've got a thing for pajamas. good pajamas, cute pajamas, and especially in these arctic winters, cozy pajamas. My pajama love runs deep. And lately for me, it's all about the flannel menswear pajamas; there's something Doris Day-ish about them, I think.  Like these:

lots of cute patterns and colors. I'm partial to the blue stars on white.

these I find utterly adorable

and these are pretty cute, too

size 6 and a half, please

would like a pair of these darlings

Southern Living Idea House

There are so many wonderful things about the South: the drawl, the Kentucky Derby, the hospitality, the magnolia trees. I really enjoyed Southern Living Magazine's 2009 Idea House tour. So happy I stumbled upon it somewhere in blog land. Go here to view all the photos. The color schemes are soothing and inviting, but with personality, too.

I think this coat, in this color would make even a blustery, frigid idaho day seem cheery

Making a comeback

first New Kids on the Block, now these. Are the 80s the new retro? In case you missed out on the trend the first time around, Gap has added ankle-zip jeans to their fall line. At least they sport a lower rise and straighter leg than those tapered gems of my junior high school days. Ugh. What I really want to know is: where can I get a pair of those boots the model is wearing?

I covet

I hope my Fairy Godmother is paying attention: the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us.

I covet the following:

Notes to fairy godmother: dress size S, sweater size S, shoes size 6.5. Got that?

It's late, I have bathrooms to clean and laundry to fold. Links forthcoming.

birthday love

Mr. J had this pretty bauble custom done for my birthday and it just arrived. I adore it. 3 little tags, one each for the names of my 3 guys. It's perfect. I just might wear it every day.

Custom done by Lisa Leonard. Shop here. Blog here. Inspiring and lovely.

thanks, babe. it topped off my day.

and what a happy day it was: pedis with Katie, courtesy of Grandma Krissy. Mr. J did housework (honest!) and watched the babies so I could enjoy the afternoon. And we made baked beans and brownies (complete with spoon-licking) for tomorrow's festivities.

I have a new crush

...named sephora.com. I've had brief flings with sephora stores before, but have never lived near one and assumed a romance was never meant to be. Then I received a gift card at Christmas (way to go hubby) and I was smitten: packaged all slick inside a hip little compact mirror. Love at first sight. Sure, it's a long distance relationship but who can resist so many options to keep me interested, free returns if I'm disappointed, plus all the perks like frequent bargains, and those lovely complimentary samples with every purchase. Like bringing me flowers on every date. Sephora even remembers my birthday with free lip glosses. What more could a girl ask for?

blue jeans for my boy

these are the best ever

risky business

Let's just say that my current swim-wear just isn't gonna cut it this summer. I mean, I had a baby 8 weeks ago and, well, some things just may never be the same again. I've shed many tears. But a mommy's gotta do what a mommy's gotta do: [deep breath] buyanewbathingsuit.  Whew. I said it out loud.  Some options:

I've never tried a shade or modbe or down east suit before. Kinda need something that will keep everything in place while enjoying the sunshine with a toddler and a baby. Very risky business. Have I reached a point in my life where I actually  need to consider l.l. bean?

What to wear

I'm a little envious of the trips I see fellow bloggers enjoying or planning or remembering. Steph went to Paris, Design Mom is going to Mexico. Both offering fabulous tips on what-to-pack for such lovely and exotic vacations. But, if your travel plans include a thrilling visit to Idaho between now and June, here is what you'll need:

Big, warm, not-necessarily-cute boots.  Traction, warmth, and water-proofing really say "style" in this locale.  Stilettos this time of year will only invite mockery. And likely injury. 

Thermal underwear.  Which can double as pajamas, because if you have to pack those boots, there won't be room for much else.

Vaseline.  Your average body lotion is useless; you'll need industrial strength moisturizing against the refreshing arctic breezes. 

Cozy hat. Really cozy. Fashion statement optional. 

ATV or Snowmobile. Everybody has one, or both. Everybody. For getting from point A to point B, snow removal, or for pulling sleds full of children through the neighborhood.  So, you might as well arrive in style. 

Friendliness. 

When in Rome? If you want to blend in with the locals, be nice. And carry a tool of some kind. Folks around here are friendly, and they all know how to build stuff and fix stuff and live off the land and stuff like that. 

Ruby slippers

If I had occasion to get even a little gussied up this holiday season (which I don't) I just might start with these shoes and then decide on an outfit...

pretty room

I spotted this room on Apartment Therapy and loved it. I might make it a little more personal, a little more KJ by adding a few splashes of color, probably in blues, here and there. It just looks inviting, calm and fresh to me. From an 18th century Spanish farmhouse-turned-hotel.

Woe the sensible winter shoe

Despite my protests, I know that Mother Nature will be sending Old Man Winter my direction sooner than I'd like to admit. Last winter found me ruefully unprepared wardrobe-wise for the harsh reality of the season. So, I'm shopping for winter gear, as I foresee that M will insist on playtime in the snow. Tricky, considering I'll need to find maternity styles. To make it easier, I'm starting with shoes. They need to be warm, waterproof, and budget-friendly; I never considered shoe shopping a chore til now. Seems those that keep feet toasty and dry are not exactly attractive. Maybe a splashy color will soften the blow? For reluctant consideration:

1. Timberland Fauna

2. Tretorn Skerry Vinter

3. Sorel Caribou Snow Boot

4. Sorel 1964 Pac Snow Boot

5. Trotters Blast Too

seen anything better?