Platte River

Ben Blair is off work today and we're headed on a family bike ride. From here to the Platte River. My kids have bikes, but Ben Blair and I don't. So we're borrowing from our lovely friends, Becky and Rob. Sunscreen: check. Water: check. We'll come back here for fresh-squeezed lemonade when the bike ride is finished.

Hooray for a day off!

Hair Relief

I got my hair done last night. It was in sad, sad shape — I hadn't made time to get it done since I moved. But now I've discovered Natalie. She's a hair genius. And I feel totally hot. If you want Natalie to cut your hair, you can find her here.

Also. One of the funnest parts of getting my hair done was talking blogging and social media. Natalie and her friend Ashley just launched a cute new site called Sensibly Styled. The tag line: Sensibly Styled finds all the modest clothing, from all the brands you love, and puts it all in one place.

It was fun to talk strategy and share advice on growing a site. Man. I can pretty much talk social media all. day. long.

Outfit pictured put together by Sensibly Styled.

Mayflower Giveaway

Doesn't it feel like a good day for a Giveaway? I think so too. So how does this sound: win a $150 Gift Card to Home Depot by leaving a comment below. I'm not even kidding. $150 to spend as you please. On new paint. Or a new drill. Or maybe the materials to build a giant table.



Remember how awesome Mayflower was during the big move from New York to Colorado? Well. To thank them, I offered up a Giveaway spot. And they said: Sure thing! How about a gift card to Home Depot because we know how often home improvement projects are part of a move — both before and after. And I said: Right on.

I can hardly believe it, but our move was a full 2 months ago. Amazing. I loved looking through our photos of the big day and remembering the awesome crew.





So thanks to Mayflower for giving us this fab prize. I hope it inspires you to do/make/build something fun. And for those of you who are planning to move, or mid-move, or just moved, maybe a prize like this will help relieve some of the stress.

Speaking of which. So many of you gave me such great advice on how to make the move as stress-free as possible. I'd love to hear more. What are your best moving tips? Your best moving advice?

Leave a comment to enter. I'll announce a winner on Monday.

Stephanie Levy

Loving the sunny collage work of Stephanie Levy. See her portfolio here. And her etsy shop here.

I want this one. It's little (about 6" x 6") and the price is a bargain ($35) for original artwork. It would be lovely in a square, white frame.

8 to 5 Sandwich

You ask. I answer. Here are directions to the famous 8 to 5 Sandwich. And a little background.

Ben Blair and I moved to Greece just weeks after I discovered I was pregnant with my oldest child. I was working as an art director at Ogilvy & Mather and everyday we'd order out for lunch. One of the nearby restaurants was called 8 to 5 — because they were only open during business hours and catered to the working peeps in the area.

I ordered their signature sandwich, also called the 8 to 5, on my first day of work. It was delicious. Maybe even heavenly. And it was one of the first meals that seemed to settle my morning sick digestive system. I ordered this same sandwich every day I worked at Ogilvy & Mather. Literally every day. It got me through that first pregnancy and has been a favorite sandwich ever since.

8 to 5 Sandwich

Ingredients:
French Baguette
Avocado
Cream Cheese
Lettuce
Bacon

Directions:
-Take a section of baguette (about 6-8 inches long) and slice it length wise.
-Mash the avocado and spread one piece of the sliced baguette with it.
-Spread the other slice of baguette with cream cheese.
-Add bacon and lettuce between the slices of bread.
-Enjoy a little bit of heaven.

One note. In Greece, they would mix the mashed avocado with some mayonnaise. It was yummy and salty and creamy. But for whatever reason, I've skipped this step for years.

Welcome July!

July is looking hot. Also hawt. Here's a peek at my calendar.

4th
Independence Day.
This weekend, we'll celebrate our independence with our cousins at a lake in Fort Collins, Colorado. Sailing. Fireworks. Hotdog roast. Perfect.

7th & 8th
Home Design Summit in Chicago.
Anytime I see a good ol' American company focusing more on design, I want to give high-fives all around. I'm really looking forward to this. Hosted by the Sears Corporation.

9th & 10th
Revenue Bootcamp in Silicon Valley.
Kirtsy is sending me straight from Chicago to San Francisco for this one-day conference. I know a decent amount about revenue and social media, but I'm super hyped to learn more. As always, it will be delightful to hear from the famed Guy Kawasaki. Hosted by Garage Technology Ventures and Microsoft BizSpark. Want to come too? Use the code KIRT09 for a $50 discount on registration.

Jordan and Paul will still be in Brazil while I'm visiting their beloved San Francisco. But luckily, Jared and Liz just moved to the City by the Bay as well — so I'll still get to hang with family.

12th - 16th
Cousins Week.
On the 12th, we'll load up our family of 7 and head to St. George, Utah. What is cousins week? I'm not exactly sure. But my sister Sara invited all Stanley cousins 8 years old or older to come hang out at her house and do awesome stuff for a week. My kids can't wait. Can't. Wait.

22nd - 25th
BlogHer 09!
I'll be flying into Chicago on Wednesday, the 22nd. I've got a jam-packed schedule planned. Parties. Demonstrations. More parties. I'll share all the deets in another post because there's just so much info.

Biggest challenge of the month (in addition to missing Ben Blair and the kids while I'm traveling): packing for BlogHer. Seriously peeps. How about you? What are your July plans? Will I see you at any of these events?

The fab sailing photo (that happens to look so patriotic!) is from TrekEarth.

30 Stangers Exhibit

This is what I wish I could attend tomorrow (Thursday) night:

The 30 Strangers Exhibit by Justin Hackworth
Thursday, July 2nd from 6-9pm
1 East Center Street - Suite 215, Provo, UT

This is why I wish I could attend:

1) The event is going to be lovely.
2) I know several of the Mother and Daughter pairs in the photos (like Liz & Betsy and Courtney & Cindy) and would enjoy seeing them celebrated.
3) Anyone attending the event who makes a $25 donation to the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, can schedule a free mother/daughter session of their own with Mr. Hackworth. Which is a screaming deal.



You can find more info here.

TapeSwell

Here's a cool find. Decorative packing tape from TapeSwell. Dozens of patterns. Available in single rolls or combo packs. My favorites are the faux bois, the purple lace and the tulips.

Do You See What I See?

The cherries are starting to ripen.

Both Ben Blair and I grew up with cherry trees in our yard. And we both have parallel memories of cherry pit spitting contests. Cherries feel like summer. What are your summer foods?

A New Trowel

Last night's main course was a vast salad which included greens and sugar snap pees from our own backyard. It reminded me that I never regret time and effort spent attempting to grow food. So after dinner, we gathered the kids and used the rest of the evening to weed the garden spot. Then we ate Grandma Jenny's famous slush for a treat (which tastes a lot like someone froze a carton of pine-orange-banana juice).

Thing I learned: my trowel is a piece of junk and must be replaced. Possibly with the beauties pictured above from Labour & Wait.

The End

My kids have been watching Michael Jackson music videos all weekend while we've tried to explain the (pop) cultural significance of Thriller. Anyone else? It feels like the end of an era.

Speaking of "the end," Laurie just sent me the link to a fantastic flickr set put together by Dill Pixel.




The typography on this one is so delicious.

Clever Birthdays

I loved getting emails about both of these darling parties. A Yoga Party featured at Honeyflake, with adorable invitations rolled up like yoga mats and cheerful mandala tees.



And a Mr. Man Party for a set of triplets featured at Full House, with mustache lollies and a banner of neckties.

For moms who need a creative outlet, sometimes hosting clever birthday parties is just the thing.

Cookie Posts

A couple of my recent posts you won't want to miss at Cookie's Nesting blog.

1) A roundup of ginormous summer totes.
2) And these really beautiful fire extinguishers you won't mind having on the kitchen counter.

S. Stein Workbags

I'm coveting an S. Stein Workbag. The line of bags and accessories is gorgeous. And the product photos make me happy. Also. This is fun: Sherry Stein, the designer behind the line, is a Colorado girl. Nice.

Tip Junkie

I was so delighted with Laurie at Tip Junkie's request to interview me for her Talk To Me Tuesday series. You can see my answers here. Thanks, Laurie! I had a great time.

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String — by Guest Mom Stacy

My heart is both heavy & racing. Heavy because it is Friday, my last day as guest mom. I was soooo scared (read: intimidated) to do this, feeling in the presence of greatness each time I read Design Mom. But once I started, it felt like a window was opened, with the best cool wind breezing through. My mind flooded with all sorts of things I wanted to share. But would anyone care to read them? Can’t stop — it felt so great to write, and post, and rush home from “regular” work to see my post on a real live blog. With real live comments. From real live wonderful people. I might just have to keep writing. Funny how you can fit things in when they truly feed your soul.

So for my last post, I’ve collected a sort of “favorite things” list (I love reading lists!) Things that are essential in my world. Things that in common, share a sort of beauty, comfort, & simplicity.

1. Gap boyfriend jeans. Please believe, after 17 years, I have amassed quite a collection of jeans. And I have donated many of those. My definition of a great pair of jeans are any pair I can wear on my day off — because I WANT to. And these are the best pair Gap has ever ever made. I actually have 2 pairs, as does my friend Jen. We nearly sold out of them before they hit the sales floor because so many associates bought them. They are that good!



2. Waldorf mobiles. My best friend from college first discovered these at a Waldorf school in new york. She hung one in her daughter’s room, and I have been smitten ever since. Wool roving is such an amazing material. Paired with stars — unmatched in its beauty.



3. Ruth Krauss & Maurice Sendak. I first discovered the book A Hole Is to Dig at an Anthropologie store a few years ago. I was captivated by the tiny drawings & brilliant definitions of everyday things. A couple years later, I happened upon Charlotte and The White Horse and I'll Be You and You Be Me. Again, the sweet line drawings coupled with moving words written by an adult yet echoing the true sentiment of childhood proved that the collaboration of these two was nothing short of magical. Whether you have children or not, little or grown, I promise you will love these books. They’ll make you smile, they’ll bring a tear to your eye, because that special optimism & innocence of childhood never ever leaves you. Thank goodness.




4. Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips. When I was little, I thought it was so special to have chocolate chips in the house (my mom did not care to bake, so when chips were around, it was something!) I vowed that “when I grow up…” I will always have chocolate chips on hand. And I do. And these are the best. I truly eat them every day. We (I) go through a bag a week. At least. They are good mixed with cereal (no milk). They are good on ice cream. And they are good alone. Go buy some now. You won’t be sorry. (Oh—they are good for baking, too. But I don’t very often because as a grown-up I am responsible enough to know that I will eat the lion’s share of the cookies. And my kids will get mad.)



5. Robert Ryan. In a way, Rob Ryan is not about simplicity. Or comfort. But beauty — for days! I recently discovered his work and cannot stop looking at it. Rob is an artist in London who creates exquisite works with scissors & paper — which I guess at its heart is simple, but oh, the detail! I gave his book This Is for You to my husband for father’s day, and pray that someday we can own one of Rob’s breathtaking works of art.

I know I could go on, but I will stop here. 5 is a tidy list.

Thank you Gabrielle. For blindly believing that I could be a guest mom in the footsteps of so many other great ones before me. For your kind readers and their kind comments. For the joy I have felt writing and sharing this week I wish I could wrap it all up in a bow and send it to you. You’re the best!

Watch

Did I tell you what Ben Blair gave me for my birthday? This rad watch.

When the hip girls from Brooklyn would move to my neighborhood in New York, I would study them for the latest in cool. Amy Palmer, who is effortlessly stylish, would wear a Casio. Or sometimes a calculator watch (remember those?).

Once Upon A Time — by Guest Mom Stacy

Magazines became a part of my being at age 11 when I decided I wanted a haircut, a short one. My mom is a beautician, but trained in the 60’s, she was more comfortable with beehives & back-combs. So she bought me my first fashion magazine ever. Seventeen magazine. I was hooked. At eleven. So many things to see, to learn, to want to be. And I found a haircut.

I craved every new issue—I think I still have the one with Whitney Houston (as a model) on the cover, eating a giant ice cream cone & wearing a sweater dress whose pattern was in the magazine (did I mention this was like 1982? And no, even though I begged, my grandma would not knit me the dress, as I was only 12, not 17).

By high school, it was Seventeen, Teen, YM (sometimes, not a huge fan), & the queen of teen mags, Sassy. How unbelievably crushed was I when it disappeared. How could I go on without Sassy’s witty commentary & solid advice? But go on I did.



To college, where I had now enlisted the likes of Details, Elle, Vogue, Bazaar, Interview, & Mirabella. The occasional splurge of British or Italian Vogue might cause me to skip a meal or two, but it was so worth it. I lived through those pages, shaping my world, what I would someday surround myself with, after this collegiate journey. Then, no Mirabella. Gone. The way of Sassy. It’s existence as ethereal as the images by Paolo Roversi. I was sad.

Then came Martha. Martha Kids. Martha Baby. And Real Simple. And Country Living. And Domino. Blueprint. Cookie. Wondertime. I had a lot of reading to do! But each one brought something different, something essential. There were piles in the car, while I waited at preschool. The reason my purse is as big as I am—to carry mags, of course. Oh, I must mention here that I also keep many of these. Forever. Not in a weird, stepping over piles in my house way, but in a necessary, these magazines contain a world of important images, articles, and inspiration that I might well need someday way.

And thank goodness I did. Because so many of them are now gone. And I can honestly say that for a time, like after I realized there would be no more Blueprint, no more Domino — ever — I wondered how I would ever find that collection of visual inspiration in my life. It felt like something was dying.

Enter blogs. Without realizing it, they had slowly begun to take magazines’ place in my world. First, Design Mom. Then Oh Happy Day. Then A Cup of Jo. Black Eiffel. Bloesem. Inchmark. Katie did. Simple Lovely. Twig & thistle. Heather Ross. Simply Photo. The list grows every day. All of these amazing visionary women. To you I must say: thank you. You have given back a part of me.

T-shirt Dresses

Stephanie is such a smartie. While purging her wardrobe, she found herself feeling sentimental about a handful of old t-shirts. So she sent them to Prairie Mama and had them remade into sweet dresses for Ivy, her 9-month-old baby girl. Such a great idea. You can see the before t-shirts here.