Michelle Williams Pixie

Although I have some favorites, I'll spare you from having to read yet another review of the red carpet. This is mostly because I didn't actually watch it (boo). But I have looked at pictures and, though I wish Michelle Williams' dress had been slightly more fitted at the waist, her hair was looking fabulous, similar to Audrey's pixie. And so, in honor Michelle's fab hair last night:

Michelle Williams Pixie by mstrecker on Polyvore.com

Livia Firth's Dress & The King's Speech

I simply love the concept behind Livia's dress. If you haven't heard, it was made out of 11 thrifted, vintage dresses from the time period of The King's Speech. The dress was designed by Gary Harvey, and is simple, but has exquisite detail. The one thing I don't like about it, is that it really looks like a wedding dress. But it is the Oscars, so I guess that fact is not so shocking. Her hair is so perfect for her face, and the dress, too. Exquisite.

Last night, Cody and I went on a double date with the cutest couple in the world to actually see The King's Speech. I am in love with that movie. It was so inspiring, marvelously acted and filmed, and completely witty and hilarious. For these reasons I am so excited that it brought home 4 Oscars last night for Best Director, Actor, Picture, and Original Screenplay. Of course, you probably already knew that...

Oh, and the wallpaper in Lionel Logue's house was amazing. I've wanted to wallpaper in my house for the longest time, and those rooms in the movie only cemented my determination to have at least one papered room some day.

[photos via & via]

Audrey at the 1953 Oscars

Audrey Receives the Award, Oscars ceremony 1953

When I saw these photos, I couldn't resist sharing them with you all on the day of the 2011 Oscars. She was up for Best Actress for her role in Roman Holiday. And this video! It's so neat to see these people as themselves. Isn't Audrey's reaction incredibly sweet? What is your favorite Hepburn movie? I like Funny Face when I'm working on an art project, and Sabrina when I want something beautiful and mellow.

[via]

I love Saturdays

Watching Roman Holiday [via]

Missing doing homework [via]

Laughing at the pictures I took of Seb during his first trip to the pool today.

Drooling over this cake [via] 

Concocting a surprise movie outing for husband [via]

Summer Pink

[via]

Warm weather isn't that far away, right? I'm going to do my best to start embracing pink. Especially pink makeup. I've been reading that people with my skin tone (blue undertones/winter) look good with mauve lipstick. It's all about the grayish blue undertones if you have "cool" skin. I'm excited to get some new eyeshadow, blush and lipstick. My current ones are way too warm for my complexion.

Happy Saturday!

Friday Fashion

The Mom Look by mstrecker on Polyvore.com

So, as you can tell, I've decided to split my Friday Food and Fashion posts. I think food needs to have a spotlight of it's own. Speaking of food, I am sitting next to a loaf of partially baked chocolate biscotti right now, and boy am I excited about enjoying it with a cup of coffee this afternoon.

And now, Friday's Fashion. Inspiration for this post came from the overwhelming number of blogs and sites that I run across that are solely dedicated to fashion for the "working woman", you know, the kind with an office job, and the heels, ruffled silk blouses and pencil skirts that come along with it. This is fantastic, because it fits the needs of so many women, but I would love to find a blog about fashion as a stay-at-home mom (or nanny, daycare worker, or babysitter). I guess one could argue that no one needs a blog like that because it's pretty simple (tee, jeans, etc.), but I think it's just as important for many moms to feel like they look put together and are ready to tackle the day, as it is for professional women to "dress to impress" in the workplace.

I hope you enjoy!

P.S. That O.P.I. drip dry stuff is magic.

Perfect sweater

Is this not the most adorable baby sweater of your life? Mamaw and Paw Paw are visiting this weekend and brought this hand-knitted-by-mamaw goodie along with them. We're in love.

Friday Food

 

This week I made a pound cake. Yea yea yea, I know. It's another Smitten Kitchen recipe. Well, she hasn't failed me yet! Although I shouldn't speak too soon... that pita bread dough that I have in the refrigerator might be the death of me. Regardless, I will continue to try her recipes. I love SK because a) She is thorough. By the time I get to the actual recipe, I feel like I know exactly what to expect. b) The pictures are awesome. Not only are they beautiful, but they really help show you what to do and what the finished product should look like. And c) Everything I've made has been unforgettable.

This pound cake did not disappoint. The texture was marvelous, somewhat crumbly, yet moist and light, and the flavor was phenomenal. If you decide to try it out, don't leave out the lemon zest or rum because you think they are superfluous. They give it such a kick and richness of flavor. 

Enjoy!

How can you deny something that has batter that looks like this?

A boy and his book

A current favorite is From Head to Toe, by Eric Carle. Every time I do the deep voice for the more ferocious animals, he looks up at me, wondering if he is actually sitting in a giant buffalo's lap, instead of mommy's, and then chuckles every time I read the line, "I can do it!"

It is impossibly cute.

Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers

photo credit

If I weren't already convinced that I should be using cloth diapers, these posts would change my mind in a jiffy. I'm so thankful for all of the research so many moms do, and the resources they provide to help new moms and dads cloth diaper with ease.

Are Disposable Diapers Really That Bad?
Why Choose Cloth Diapers: Health Reasons

I hope you take the time to read these, and that you find them to be helpful and inspiring, as I did! If you are curious about cloth diapering, I'd love to help answer any questions you may have. I'm new to it, but have really enjoyed it, and love talking with other moms/moms-to-be about this alternative to disposables.

P.S. Watch for a post coming soon about wool diaper covers/soakers. I'm so excited to share this alternative to plastic covers with you!

Emma Watson Pixie

Emma Watson Pixie by mstrecker on Polyvore.com

Our Ice-land

Cozy quilts

[via]

Counting sheep

[via]

Friday Fashion & Food (On Saturday)

Spring by mstrecker on Polyvore.com

So... oops! Didn't meet my goal of posting an insightful and tantalizing (wishful thinking?) fashion and food post on Friday. Oh well. My mom and my brother's girlfriend came into town, giving me the opportunity to take an extended nap/enjoy the pure bliss of my down comforter. We also had about 10 college guys come over for dinner, went to a faculty trumpet recital/jazz performance, and then capped off the night with some bowling alley drinks and fun times. Did you know that an Amaretto Sour tastes like a liquid sweet tart? Cody finished it for me so that I wouldn't go into sugar shock and I finished his beer. It was a great trade-off.

And now that I've made my excuses, onto the real purpose of this post. The fashion part is clearly displayed above. Can you tell that I'm really into rouge colors? Naturally, it's a hue that doesn't look great on me, but I can't help but appreciate it nonetheless. I'm also really enjoying the look of skinny jeans with wedges, flat boots, and wedge boots. I can't get enough! I'm excited to make a wedge purchase to go with this dress for the summer weddings that we're attending. One last thing: make a basket your purse.

And the food. I love this part. I made these German pancakes (can you tell I'm obsessed with SK?) on Friday night and they were absolutely delightful, and a cinch to make. A couple warnings if you decide to make these—a baking endeavor, which I highly recommend.

1. Don't over-bake. This is easily done because, at least for me, they didn't get as brown as I thought they would on top. I think it's probably best to watch for when they start to peel away from the side of the pan. Or, don't be afraid to use a toothpick.
 
2. Don't use fresh lemon unless you like lemon bars, or other lemony desserts. I generally don't, so thankfully I just tried a little piece with lemon. The rest I ate with butter and powdered sugar only.

3. Make sure you butter the pans well. I thought I used enough, but they pancakes didn't slide out like they should.

I hope you enjoy both this tasty treat/dessert/breakfast and the fashion inspiration above. Have a delightful weekend!

India

[via] Buy a print here.

[via] Buy a print here.

My desire to go to India just grew to epic proportions.

Mia Farrow Pixie

Mia Farrow Pixie by mstrecker on Polyvore.com

Dachshund love

Really smitten with this rug and dachshund painting. Speaking of dachshunds... I know a little boy that loves them, too.

Christmas 2010

I wanted this little puppy so so badly!