dear santa - love laura

Just doing a little indulging on my wishlist this year...

Images via Beso

wanelo

 Ready for a new obsession?  Wanelo is my new favorite addiction.  It's a site/app that you can sort through unique products into personal collections or "wishlists".  You find a product that you like and when you click on the picture it gives you two options, "Buy It" or "Save It".  Save it to a collection to purchase later or click "Buy It" and be directed to the shop or store and you can purchase it right then.  I am currently building my collections and after the holidays when I no longer feel guilty if I buy stuff for myself I am going to get down on my collections.  First on the list is going to be a new iPhone case because I have "saved" about a zillion.

Join and come follow me! @laurabloom

Also yesterday Hank turned two months old.  TWO MONTHS?! How did that happen?  Where is the time going?  That stud is killing me slowly with his cuteness. 

reduce reuse recycle

My test is complete and since I didn't receive a call saying otherwise, I passed the glucose test!  Yay!  Baby Bloom and I chugged our orange sugar drink and bounced off the walls.  Baby Bloom took to the uterine walls literally and as the doctor attempted to listen to the heart beat he would kick the fetal dopplar away after a few seconds.  He was less than cooperative during his sugar rush.  Overall everything is still perfect though.  It's such a relief to hear that every month.

excuse DJ's horrible camera phone

After that we went to one of my favorite places to go for inspiration around our house, the recycle center in Ann Arbor.  I already have an affinity for shopping at thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales but the recycle center is different.  There are specific areas focused on books, wood, tiles, windows, doors, etc.  It's awesome.

A vintage treasure can absolutely make my day.  That saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure is extra true in our house.  We just take the time to restore or renew them to our style.  Yesterday I was hunting for empty picture frames for the nursery, but we spent quite a while looking through records, wood for a headboard and table project and stones to go around our pond.  Time flys when you're having fun I suppose.  Before I knew it we had been there a very long time and the heat was getting to me.  I almost agreed to a 30ft long church pew! 

school projection screen

we bought this and listen to it today...it's almost the whole movie...I'm in love

 We finished our treasure hunt with tacos at Moe's and spent the rest of the day watching old movies.  Heartburn and Parenthood if you were curious.

white girl problems

I've taken a break from all of the mommy-to-be books and picked up a really good summer read on the recomendation of my bff.  In the summer I can't be bogged down with heavy or sad novels, I can only read short, easy and funny novels that are not meant to be taken too seriously.  Yesterday I started "White Girl Problems" and I'm already halfway through. 

Babe Walker is a trip and if you want to get a sample of what you're in for you can read her tweets or her blog.  She is hilarious and will keep you seriously laughing.  Although, Babe Walker is unfortunatly a fictional character, the author behind "White Girl Problems",  Lara Schoenhals is a very funny chick that created Babe Walker, a wealthy, diet obsessed, California girl that has many unconventional ways of dealing with her "problems". 

I literally die laughing everytime I read the following paragraph:

"Everyone Mabinty invited to the Cartervention agreed to attend.  You'd have to be a real dick to blow off an invite to an intervention, but I won't say I've never done it.  I mean my cousin was addicted to gum.  Not my problem."

This is the kind of book I hope they make into a movie.  If you have any good summer reads send them my way please.  I'm flying through this and will need a replacement by Monday.  Tonight is the calm before the storm.  Tomorrow we are registering finally for Baby Bloom and starting to paint the nursery.  The plan is to get breakfast and then really get down to business at Buy Buy Baby followed by Hobby Lobby, Target, Ikea and Home Depot.  Whew!  I'm over-the-moon excited for this weekend!  We also have plans to meet with friends in downtown Detroit for River Days on Saturday night and then fireworks on Sunday night!  I love summer weekends!  Happy weekending to you summer lovers!

ladies, all the ladies

I swear if you are not watching Girls and The Conversation you are seriously missing out. 

I saw a preview for Girls back in March and I put it on my calendar to make sure to DVR this show.  It was compared to Sex and the City.  I can see where they were going with that in three ways.  One, it's on HBO.  Two, it's about four women.  Three, it's a realistic view into how women really talk and real women issues.  On the other hand though if you're looking for the fashion, that's not the kind of show it is.  I love love love this show though.  It's so funny and I adore the real life views.  You need to watch it! Lena Dunham is so smart and funny.

I also watched last weeks premier of The Conversation.  A number of enviable celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jane Fonda, share their views about issues women face at all ages.  Amanda de Cadenet sits around her house with each celebrity in a very relaxed way, just as girl friends do and it gives you a fly-on-the-wall view of conversations about problems that all women face, even celebrities.

I can't even find words to explain how good both of these shows are.  WATCH THEM!  And happy weekending to you.  My awesome mama is graduating this weekend! Yay!  Sunday we will be sunning ourselves in downtown Plymouth for the Green Street Fair with all of the rest of Plymouth.

Favorite Friday - Frappe

I can seriously get down with a caramel frappe in the summer.  Actually I can get down with a frozen drink in the summer or the winter, but the same is not true for hot beverages in the summer.  My favorite summertime frappe is not from good ole' Starbucks (Although, I do really enjoy a venti unsweetened black iced tea with two splendas) but rather McDonalds ! Something about those McCafe beverages just lights my fire.

 Small caramel frappe with extra caramel sauce.  Yum!

"She eats takeout on china, and serves champagne with pizza."

So as I said, I do not enjoy a hot coffee in the summer, but what about you?

Gratitude

They say it's the little things in life that matter the most.  This week I have a bushel of little things that are a direct result of my mojo.  The holiday weekend and a short work week are a perfect combination.

1.  My Saturday night was spent at a comedy show in town where a friend of ours was the headliner.  His name is Mike Stanley and he is hilarious.

2.  Sunday was spent at a friends families house on the lake and is was absolutely gorgeous out.  This is a picture that my friends dad took of his tattoo that day.  It's amazing.

3.  I got my Style Mint shirt yesterday and I love it!  Can't wait til next month.

4.  I found a new blog online that I officially adore.  The Daily Julie is witty, stylish and adorable.

5.  I stumbled on The Daily Julie when I googled The Tracy Anderson Method.  I just got my Metamorphosis DVD's in the mail and I am ready to get my dance on with the hawt Tracy Anderson.

6.  Plymouth's Art in The Park starts tomorrow! I love living 3 blocks from downtown Plymouth and being able to walk to these great events through out the year.

7.  On the 4th of July, DJ and I went to go see Lynard Skynard at Pine Knob.  It was the perfect end to the weekend.



8.  Yesterday I came home and DJ surprised me with the best dinner!  It's the best to come home to a homemade dinner prepared by my man.

9.  Saturday started off with bloody marys at Vivio's in downtown Detroit followed by an afternoon of shopping at Eastern Market with my best friend.  Once I got to unload my goodies, DJ and I soaked up some sun at my mother-in-laws.  She made us the most delicious daiquiris.  I have the best family.



10.  Today I got to spend a quite day off sitting on my couch with my two fur babies by my side, reading Room by Emma Donoghue.  My friend Nikki recommended it to me and it's one of those books that's incredibly hard to put down. 

Like I said, nothing big happened, but a lot of little, awesome things make me so grateful. Enjoy your weekend!

"Home is where your husband is."

Pinterest-ed

If you haven't joined Pinterest you're not having any fun.  I'm in love with pinning and seeing what other pin on their inspiration boards.  Not to mention if you're looking for decorating, DIY, recipe or fashion ideas, or even if you're just in the mood to sift through some awesome photos you can look no further than Pinterest. Enjoy!

"When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water."

Friday Favorites - Movie Nights

There is nothing like a much needed movie night.  A night to relax and cozy up with my husband and fur babies.  It's exactly what I need after the past two weeks.  I have been a crabasaurus rex and I'm already feeling better after a movie and early dinner date with one of my favorite girls, followed by a stack of new releases in my jams on the couch.  A movie night is good for the soul. 

"Little things console us, because little things afflict us."

Favorite Friday - Big Brother Vintage

If I wasn't married I would be moving to LA to hunt down the owner of Big Brother Vintage to get down on one knee and propose.  Not only do I love his shop, but I also have an huge crush on his looks.  His style is sick.

Aside from having the hots for him, I also think Big Brother Vintage has an talented eye for relevant and standout men's vintage pieces.  He titles his pieces with lyrics and quotes from novelists such as Edward Abbey and french poetry written by Robert Desnos instead of the usual description of the featured piece.  It's refreshing and uncommon.  I recommend that when you are looking for a rare gift for the man in your life to look no further than Big Brother Vintage.

This is my favorite piece in his shop right now...

"I talk to the wind, my words are all carried away, I talk to the wind, the wind doesn't answer you...." King Crimson 

Favorite Friday - Laundry Day

Like most, when I go to Target I promise myself I will only get what I absolutely need! Well, after I send my husband back to the front of the store so that I can transfer what I filled the red hand basket up with over to a full sized red cart and an hour and a half later, I have over a hundred plus dollars in things I simply need.  One of these fateful trips about two months ago led me to the end of the laundry detergent aisle where I found the Bounce Dryer Bar and let me tell you I LOVE IT!  It's both a time saver and money saver.  I bought the double pack and spent only $7.99.  Each bar lasts for around two months so for the next four months I won't have to even think about buying dryer sheets.  You simply stick the dryer bar on the inside of your dryer and that's it, one less step each time you do laundry!  It comes in two scents and two sizes and single or double packs.  I even have decided that it freshens my clothes better than regular dryer sheets.  Try it and you'll love it too!

You can also find a link for coupons on the Procter and Gamble website and save $2 to try it.

“We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.” E. B. White

Favorite Friday - Face Mask

While preparing for my wedding I was desperatly seeking a skincare regime to prevent blemishes and clear up any existing problems.  I ended up asking a friend of mine for some advice, but before I spoke to her I had gone onto the Sephora website and read a million reviews on many different face masks, before I came across the Peter Thomas Roth - Sulfer Cooling Mask.  The reviews are nearly all positive about this product.  It's a medicated mask that is geared towards oily skin.  I used it the first day I bought it and I saw nearly instant results.  My skin felt smoother and refreshed and the eucalpytis scent reminds me of a spa.

About a month or so before my wedding, I finally asked my friend for advice on a new skin care regimine designed for my type of skin.  She gave me a great morning and evening routine and actually suggested a similar sulfer face mask to use weekly.  Once I saw that she also recommended something similar I knew I had hit the jack pot with this mask.

Combined with everyday cleansers and moisturizers for my type of skin, the Peter Thomas Roth - Sulfer Cooling Mask has proven to give me the clearest and smoothest skin I have ever had.  If you like face masks, I highly recommend giving it a try.



Favorite Friday

I want to use Fridays to give the low down on  my favorite products, websites, stores, etc.  I'm a creature of habit so when I find something I love I quickly become a slave to it.  I used the same liquid eye liner for many many years and recently it was discontinued by the company.  It was a traumatic event and I have yet to find another that has met my standards, but I digress.  The bottom line is I am an extremely loyal consumer and I enjoy the idea of passing along my enthusiasm for my favorite things.

It's very hard to decide which one of my cherished items I'd like to encourage you to try first, but the winner is TIGI Rockaholic Dry Shampoo !

Recently dry shampoo has been getting a lot of attention.  Long gone are the days of using straight baby powder to soak up excess oil when you try to get an extra day out of your perfect hair-do.  Dry shampoo sprays on at your roots and not only does it eliminate oily strands it also restores volume and does away with odor.  There are many brands that have a version of dry shampoo,  but I have found TIGI to be the most effective without leaving my hair look grey or dull.  It's incredibly versatile which isn't something I can say about the variety of brands I have sampled.  I have thick, curly, red hair & a friend of mine has straight, blonde hair and we can both rave about this product. 

The bottom line is that scorching your tresses everyday is damaging and can lead to split ends and frizz, shampooing everyday strips your strands of natural healthy oils that encourage a shampoo commercial worthy shine.

Where can you find TIGI Rockaholic Dry Shampoo, you ask?  The first time I purchased the dry shampoo I bought it from Ulta, when I searched their website for it now there was no sign of it, but they may still carry it in stores.  However, a large number of salons carry the TIGI brand as well as stores such as Target and CVS.

Enjoy your weekend and let your hair down!!