Stephanie Howell

Weekend Links // June 3

June 3, 2017

Capturing Love the Brooklyn Way – in love with these black and white images by Andre Wagner.

WaPo’s 10 Best Books of 2017: Hmmm. I’ve read approximately ZERO of these, although Commonwealth, Swing Time, and Evicted are in my TBR pile.

WaPo 10 Best Books of 2016

Rifle Paper Co. for Keds is coming back on June 12. I didn’t order anything last time and I’m regretting it a tiny bit. I just wish they had more non-platform options.

Rifle Paper Co for Keds // via Stephanie Howell

Norwegian Air is going to start offering nonstop flights to Rome (from NY and CA) starting at $189 . YES PLEASE. Already plotting my escape.
See Amy Tangerine’s favorite creative books HERE. Side note: my favorite creative book is hers!

Craft a Life You Love // via Stephanie Howell

Be Nice, You Won’t Finish Last. I KNEW IT! Dr. Prinstein has also found that the qualities that made the neighbors want you on a play date — sharing, kindness, openness — carry over to later years and make you better able to relate and connect with others. Can I get an AMEN?

Mom’s Post Reveals the Reality of Instagram Perfection. I’d like to think this is something I’d do. I love that she was brave enough to do this.

I’m loving my devotionals from Illustrated Faith. I’m working my way through Craving Connection right now and it’s a great way to wake up, get my head and heart in the right place, and be creative all at once.

Illustrated Faith // via Stephanie Howell

Okay, that’s it for this week! I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend.

xoxo

Reading Recap // May 2017

June 1, 2017

*This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thank you so much for helping to support my little family!

First of all. Can I please get a FIST BUMP for getting my darn post up on time this month? I mean…I just got my April recap up two weeks ago, so I’m pretty proud of myself.

May was a reading month with lots of ups and downs. I read two books I loved, one book I hated a little bit, and several books I was mehhh about. I also started and abandoned three books. Oh well, you win some you lose some! The wins were well worth the losses this month.

Here’s what I read:

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins- 1.5 stars. This one just fell flat for me. It was kind of all over the place and I never connected with any of the characters at all. NOTE. If you do read it, pay close attention at the beginning and maybe even take notes. There are a ZILLION narrators to keep straight.

Marlena by Julie Buntin- 1.5 stars. I didn’t love this one. It was so anti-climactic. And good gosh… All of the characters were just horrible people for the most part. I just feel so…ugh after reading it.

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel- 5 stars. Oh did I love this gem of a book. On the surface it’s about Rosie and Penn’s son announcing he thinks he’s a girl. But it’s about so much more than that. The overall theme is LOVE. Real, true, abiding, unshakeable love. Parental love that simply cannot be put into words…although Laurie Frankel still managed to do so somehow.

I especially loved the SPOT ON descriptions of a family with five children…I have five too and oh boy did Frankel nail it.

My favorite passage from the book- one that brings tears to my eyes just typing it- is this:

These kids, her multitudes, they could grow up. They could move away. They could- they would- become new, become changed,become actual adult people in progress,people she wouldn’t recognize,people she could not imagine. People remade. They would undergo miracles. They would transform. They would make magic. But they were her story, hers and Penn’s, so however wide they wandered, they would always be right here.

MAGIC.

Closer Home by Kerry Anne King- 2.5 stars. This one was just a sort of vanilla read. I listened to it on Audible. I have to say that I get really irritated when characters in books a. don’t figure out the truth until the end even though EVERYONE READING HAS KNOWN FROM THE FIRST PAGE and b. characters in books are in love but not together even though there’s really no good reason to be apart.
That said, I felt that Lis and Dale had good chemistry and I did enjoy the story overall.

The One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood- 5 stars. Oh, my heart did I love this one. I loved every single thing about it. It was absolutely heartwarming. I love it like I loved Ove, Arthur Pepper, and Lillian Boxfish. It was just magical and charming.

Little Deaths by Emma Flint- 2 stars. I found this one to be a quick rather engrossing read (at the beginning, at least) with a somewhat satisfying surprise ending. I found parts of it really odd though. I mean- the reporter is a CREEPER. And I thought I might scream if the author described Ruth’s smell one more time. I mean…I get it. It was an exploration of shame?? But ew.

Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington- 2 stars. I just never really connected with this one. I don’t know if it was the time period (I honestly don’t ever like books set in the 70s) or the personalities of the characters or what. First of all, the big incident at the beginning really isn’t a big incident at all. The book barely covers what happens… Just a few sentences. I thought that was weird. Second of all, I just found the entire plot really odd. I did find the last few paragraphs to be quite beautiful though.

I have some really exciting news, y’all. Well at least it’s exciting to a massive bookworm like me. I’m joining BOTM as an ambassador! Every month I will have a chance to read three of the selections early. This is good because I can give y’all guidance as to what you should order. It’s also good because I LOVE BOOKS!

Here are the three books I chose this month:

White Fur

The Sisters Chase

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – I am halfway through this one and LOVING it, y’all!! I mean it. I stayed up until 1am reading it last night. I love love love Taylor Jenkins Reid.

I also had a book credit so I ordered David Sedaris’ new book. I adore David and have read everything he’s ever written multiple times. I’ve been known to read his stories out loud to Jimmy while we both laugh our butts off . He’s amazing.

Here’s a great infographic to help you choose what to order:

Right now y’all can sign up for a one, two, or three month membership for $10 a month.

I’ve never been disappointed. And I’ve been saying that since I joined BOTM, waaaay before this ambassador opportunity came along. It has changed the game for me, reading wise.

And last but not least, here’s what I’m working on now (in addition to my three BOTM choices above).

ScreamFree Parenting // Hal Runkel

Siblings Without Rivalry // Adele Faber

NOTICE A THEME HERE? Sigh.

The Paying Guests // Sarah Waters

Just Mercy // Bryan Stevenson

The Fall of Lisa Bellow // Susan Perabo

Bad Feminist // Roxane Gay

As always, TALK TO ME! What are you reading? Listening to? Loving? Hating? Feeling meh about?

Big love, sweet friends!

xoxo

My Favorite Things // Paperless Post

May 31, 2017

So now and then I want to share with you my favorites. Whether paper, digital, home, fashion, books, gadgets, baby or kid gear or whatever crosses my mind and floats my boat. Today I wanted to talk about the way I send all of my online invitations… Paperless Post.

Disclosure time– Paperless Post reached out to me and asked me to do this feature. I’m not being compensated monetarily in any way, but they did give me some credits to create invitations with. I would not have agreed if this wasn’t a company I’ve been using for 5 plus years and truly love! I just looked back at my account, the very first invitation I sent with PP was in 2012. I’m a major fan so this was a no-brainer partnership for me.

Here’s how Paperless Post works. You create digital invitations and cards and send them using coins that you have purchased. Most need coins, but some actually are completely free. So no, this is not a truly totally free service. BUT there is a major difference in the elegance and chic-factor. In other words, I love throwing parties. I love designing invitations to match the theme, but let’s be honest. Mostly everything is digital these days. And the good news is…that’s much more affordable than printing high-end paper invitations. I have found that I can easily design cute invitations matching my theme and they look SO nice even though they are digital. Oh, and PP also offers paper cards, invitations (including wedding!) too! So basically, if you want fancy (and who doesn’t?) this is an awesome fit.

The reason I first discovered this website was that they collaborate with my favorite designers including Kate Spade, Rifle Paper Co. and Emily McDowell. I own so many paper/letterpress products by these women, I KNEW I’d love the digital versions, too. And my instinct was right.

I’ve used this company for cocktail parties, birthday parties (adult and child), thank you cards, and military spouse events. I had fun creating some mock invitations for this post. And I fully plan to REALLY use these for the true events, I just put fake info on them because you know…internet safety and creepers.

Rifle Paper Company Cards – these are basically my go-to cards. You can find me in Paper Source weekly looking at the real deal Rifle Paper Co. so of course I love the online version, too.

I’m definitely TRULY going to have this party. Y’all wanna come? Prosecco is on me!!

Planning ahead:

August y’all. I’ll be 40 in August. Can I get a simultaneous WOOHOO and HOLY CRAP? Please read the last line on the invite below. You know it!!

And another version:

HOW CUTE IS THIS CARD? GAH!

Kate Spade Cards: Those of y’all who know me know that I LOVE the Kate Spade aesthetic. Here are some of my favorite PP + KS cards.

How cute for a housewarming party?

Love this simple and elegant floral border:

I send out a ton of digital thank you cards so I’m digging this template:

Emily McDowell Cards- Emily McDowell is the perfect marriage of snark and style. I’ve loved her for so long and collect her cards religiously. These online versions are just as awesome

I’ve thought this exact thing so many times:

SO TRUE. And so hard to remember:

HAHAHAHA!!

Misc Faves: And here are just a couple of other random cards that I had fun playing with:

Obsessed with this theme. Adult beverages and Thirty One bags. Hallelujah.

I have so many women I want to send this to:

That was FUN, for real. Now I’m off to plan some REAL parties. I’ve got my 40th and Jimmy’s promotion coming up. OMG!

Out of all of these imaginary parties I planned, which one would YOU most like to come to? And let me know if you use online invites. I’m curious!

Happy Wednesday, y’all!!!

xoxo

Weekend Links // May 27

May 27, 2017

Hey, since I’m on a blogging kick might as well keep up with it and get myself in a routine!
Here are the things I’m loving right now!

Our very favorite family read-aloud has been made into a movie. And by the looks of it, it will be excellent. If you have not read this book, if your kids have not read this book. Buy it. Now. Don’t borrow it or check it out from the library. You will want your own copy. I promise.

The fabulous Tina Azmus of Life Love Paper has released her Summer Zine for presale. I snagged one of the Spring Zines and I LOVE it. I wish I would have ordered more than one.

The Happy Planner ™️ has released some awesome new planners and accessories. As y’all know, I’m a huge fan.
Loved this post on PPD. It is most definitely time to get rid of the stigma and for women to feel safe telling the truth and speaking up.
Modern Mrs. Darcy released her Summer Reading Guide. HOORAY
For the past 6 years or so we’ve done a Summer Bucket List. It saves us money, gives the girls something to look forward to, and keeps us engaged and creative. Love this post from The Mom Creative about her thoughts on the Summer Bucket List.
YUM to this Grapefruit Sangria from Wear+Where+Well
If you are looking for socially conscious/realistic PL cards, check out Nitt+Gritt.
My friend Tammy just started selling the CUTEST planner charms and bows, they are freaking adorable and right up my alley!

Not Naughty : 10 Ways Kids Appear to be Acting Bad But Aren’t– so good and so insightful. I needed to read this.

Okay, that’s it for this week! Pop in and say hi if you are reading. Have a beautiful day!

xoxo

Subscription Box Review // Mac + Mia

May 26, 2017

I found Mac & Mia a few months ago in the way that I find almost everything. The rabbit hole we all know and love as Instagram. I think their feed showed up under my suggested images tab? Anyway, I was sucked in right away.

Because we all know Miss Cora Jane is SPOILED ROTTEN.

Truth time. Would I have used this service for Harper? Probably. She was the first and everything she owned was from Nordstrom and monogrammed. It was ridiculous.

For Sadie? Maaaaybe. I still had time to think about such things. But probably not. She was only 21 months younger than H which means she wore lots of hand-me-downs. And most people probably thought her name was Harper. Shrug.

For Cate and Lucy? FUHGEDDABOUTIT. They wore hand me downs and whatever was cheapest. And lots of times they wore nothing. Like for real. Sometimes I forgot to dress them.

Now let’s discuss our sweet prosecco baby, Cora Jane. She is ridiculous. I basically buy her whatever my little heart pleases. Tiny sunglasses? SURE!! WHY NOT? Grossly overpriced rose gold moccasins? YOU BET! She’s fancy. So fancy.

So that’s my disclaimer. I know this is a little ridiculous. And I don’t care. If you have a late in life Italian surprise baby, SHE IS SPOILED ROTTEN AND FANCY.

Whew. Now that that’s out of the way…let’s talk about Mac & Mia. No, they aren’t paying me to do this review. No, this post isn’t sponsored. It’s just a company I found and love and want to share. Although…I DO get a credit if you use my referral link and so do you!

This is basically like Stitch Fix for little ones ages newborn to six.

From the Mac & Mia website:

Mac & Mia is a curated children’s clothing service on a mission to find high quality unique items for your little one. Our stylists create personalized looks for kids ages newborn to six years old and deliver them right to your door. Shipping is free! No time wasted searching or shopping for those everyday special pieces every parent craves.

How does it work?

1. Fill out a style profile for your little one.

2. Get connected with stylist

3. Communicate with stylist.

4. Stylist sends out box with 6-8 items and accessories inside.

5. Wrangle child to try on said items, all the while praying they don’t wipe boogers or something worse on the clothing. You have five days to do this.

6. Send back the pieces you don’t want in the supplied and pre-paid envelope.

There is a styling fee of $20 per box, which will be waived if you purchase at least 2 items. You are charged this fee when you order your box and it is reimbursed if you buy two items.
Save 15% if you buy everything in the entire box.

So here are my thoughts on the two boxes I’ve received so far. They have both been SO CUTE. The pricing has varied. Honestly, I don’t order enough to worry about pricing. BUT if that is super important to you, just communicate with your stylist to work out a budget!

I was assigned Jessica and I love her and made sure to ask for her for the second box too.

If you’d like to request Jessica use the stylist code JESSJ.

The packaging is ADORABLE and the items are curated perfectly. I made sure to tell Jessica all about Cora. Her personality, my taste (Mini Boden and Hanna Andersson if only money were no object!) and I also shared my IG with her. Since the last box, I’ve also created a Pinterest board. This ALWAYS helps with any styling service!

Here’s an overall shot of the first box. I din’t photograph everything from this box, but spoiler alert- I bought everything. I did. I couldn’t help it.

Here’s my second box:

I mean, can you STAND IT? So cute.

The box came with these cute paper dolls as an added treat.

Here are the individual items. The color is off, but I didn’t want to re-photograph them. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Meh.

Shorts and sunnies– Kept both. Totally impractical but tooooo cute.

Ice Cream Dress– Returned. It fit her weird.

Peplum Top– Returned. Too heavy of a material for VA summers.

Denim Dress– Returned. This dress was so stinking cute out of the box but it didn’t button over her belly. I feel her pain.

Watermelon Dress and Bloomers– Kept. Because ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The cutest. And light and gauzy. Summer perfection.

And here is the cutest model ever.

Disclaimer- Getting these photos was like wrangling cats. Or wrestling with a pig covered in Vaseline. But like I tell the girls, you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. So here you are.

Se that bottom button? Couldn’t close it. Bahaha!

These sunnies will be broken the first time I let her wear them. Or eaten.

DROOL!

Why did I even attempt to take these photos?

So there you have it! My new favorite indulgence.

PROS

It’s easy.
It’s cute.
It’s fun.
Why the hell not?
I’m supporting a small business.

CONS

They don’t have the best checkout process. I don’t like not seeing what I’m buying and I don’t like not being to play around with adding and subtracting things from my box. HOWEVER. I contacted the company about this and they are changing the interface. YAY!

And here’s the fun part! If you order a box using my code you get a $20 merchandise credit. WOOHOO! Let me know if you try it!

Happy Friday, loves.

xoxo

< Newer
1
…
25
26
27
28
29
…
222
Older >