The Help

Have you read The Help? My Mom raved about it and ended up buying it for me last month. I was waiting to finish up another book before starting this one and after discussing it with some friends yesterday I got so excited to finally break into reading it. I finished a few chapters last night and have to say - I'm hooked! I get most of my book recommendations from friends, so I thought I'd ask, what are you reading these days??

P.S. I'm usually way behind the trend when it comes to books. I think it's because my 'must read' list keeps growing and my free time keeps shrinking! The only book I purchased on it's release date was 'The Time of My Life' and that was more about my Patrick Swayze obsession than reading :)

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

Ashlee's looking gorge on the November cover of Michigan Avenue magazine. I'm in love with her dip-dyed hair and haphazard layers. (I would love "bangs" like that but I fear without a professional daily blowout they would drive me bonkers, you?)

Hello world!

Photo via We Heart It

I'm back from a lovely vacation and wanted to thank you for popping in on the guest posters while I was away. Thanks again to the fabulous ladies who shared their little stories with us, they did a fabulous job don't you think?? (If you missed it be sure to check out the full "It's The Little Things Series".) I enjoyed it so much I'm planning to continue! Of course, I'll post the usual items but expect to see these pop up from time to time. And if you have any you'd like to contribute please let me know, I'm happy to feature your 'Little Things' as well!

That's enough from me, now to catch up on your blogs I've missed so much!!

Guest Post: It's the Little Things #8

Stunning, romantic, enchanting...those are just a few words I would use to describe Lena's blog, la petite coquin. When I tell you that she's able to discover the most beautiful images of magical weddings, shoes worthy of encased displays, and cocktails for lovely occasions you've ever laid eyes on you might question my opinion. But if you peek  for yourself I know you'll agree. A visit will leave you feeling like a blushing bride, brand new bloom and romantic crusader!

Photo via Tumblr

My sweetheart and I have been dating for more than four years, and as anyone knows, it can be easy to take the people you love most for granted sometimes. John and I had been together for about a year when I came up with a perfect way to let him know just how much I adored him; I would tuck tiny handwritten notes into the pockets of his coat, the notebook he'd be using in class that day or into his handsome man-bag (that originally belonged to me!). These days, John is always on the lookout for tiny red envelopes I bought especially for the purpose of these sweet notes, and I'm delighted when I find the small cards John has left on my pillow when he has a evening class or just wants to say, "I love you." It's the little things, and tiny notes, that make our love grow each and every day.


These little treasures sure do make life sweet. Thank you Lena, for sharing your story of little letters, wouldn't we all love to receive one expectedly? As a child, my parents used to pack them with my lunch - I must remember to do the same for our future children! How do you show an unexpected endearment to your loved ones?

Guest Post: It's the Little Things #7

Many little girls dream of growing up and becoming a ballerina. For most of us, those dreams gave way to new ones but luckily we can live vicariously through Tiffany of Dancing Branflake.  On her blog, she is kind enough to share life as a professional dancer as well enlighten us with her inspirations and uplifting posts. One of the things I love most of her blog is the honesty she offers - like in this recent post, and trust me, you'll want to be invited to all of her dinner parties!

Photo via The Heat

Sometimes, maybe a few times a year, Mr. Branflake and I will randomly wake up in the middle of the night.  It's as if our subconscious selves are connected and our eyes flip open and we immediately know the other is awake.  This is hours before the dreaded alarm clock starts buzzing and way before daily responsibilities and the real world harshly greets us.  We have opposite schedules and rarely see each other but for those few minutes we are husband and wife secluded from the world.  It is like an unexpected mini date that happens in the most special way. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
What a wonderful little moment that allows a brief reconnection. Thank you Tiffany for 'opening our eyes' to stolen glances that mean so much!  What little moments to share with your sweetie?

Guest Post: It's the Little Things #6

I haven't been able to put my finger on it but for some reason Vanessa's blog, Hey, Lady Grey, has a calming influence on me (for which I'm very grateful.) Likely due to her beautiful photography (including the one below), she has a way of capturing the everyday moments that we sometimes miss. Reading her weekend recaps always makes me want to spend one in her shoes just enjoying the surroundings. A visit to her blog is the perfect treat when you need a little breather or as she says a bit of 'nurturing for the many sides of our eclectic souls.' 

Photo by Vanessa of Hey, Lady Grey

Hi there, this is Vanessa from Hey, Lady Grey. It's an honor to fill in for the lovely Ashleigh while she takes a well-earned vacation at the beach. It certainly is the little things in life, like a day at the beach, that feed our souls and keep us happy in the end. For me, it's my morning coffee. I love the feeling of a hot mug in my palms, the awakening aromas, the rich taste. But it's not just the coffee, it's the ritual. It's the 10 minutes I allow myself each morning to just be. Sometimes I read a few blogs or a magazine, and sometimes I just sit there and take in the day. I know what Carly Simon meant when she said "I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee"... or when T.S.Eliot said that he measured out his life with coffee spoons. I totally get that.


Thanks so much to Vanessa, for allowing us to 'get that' too! Sometimes, taking a few minutes at the beginning of the day may be the only chance you'll have. Do you have a daily ritual to refresh and reflect? What are the clouds in your coffee??

Guest Post: It's the Little Things #5

It's no accident that Em's blog, Hip Hip Gin Gin, is one of a very few for which I have the web address memorized. It comes in super handy when I need a fix of beautiful inspiration from gorgeous fashion and home to her delicious weekly cocktail posts for starting the weekend off right. Just telling you how much I enjoy pursuing this blog doesn't do it justice. I insist you head over and explore for yourself!

Photo via We Heart It

One of the little (quite literally) things that bring me joy on a daily basis are my little dog's paws. She is so funny about them, always hanging one back paw off the sofa, sticking her two front paws out of her dog bed, and sometimes even popping all four up in the air as she sleeps as though she's pushing someone unseen away. She even uses them to pull my husband's hand on weekend mornings when we've slept in past the point of her patience. They perpetually smell like Fritos corn chips, which is equal parts endearing and hilarious. Even on the worst days, we can always count on her paw antics for a giggle, and for that we love her and her tiny feet to pieces!

Thank you so much Em for reminding us that sometime the little things are truly the little things right in front of us! Aren't animals just the best? Beyond the endless love and cuddles, their cute little quirks are what makes them so much fun!  I know many of have adorable four legged family members, so share...what little habits and mannerism make you just squeal??