tuesday 10: what I love about...

A second post today! Seriously? Seriously.

Read on. Prepare for having your mind blown.Just kidding, probably. But you've been warned.
Linking up with one of my favorites, Lena @ Mom2MemphisAndRubyfor her final 10 for 4 whole weeks!*gasp!*
This weeks theme is
What I love about _____.Fill in the blanks! I was always so good at those.
So, I read through everyone's lists that have posted so far, and I'm so torn about what to share! Everyone is sharing why they love their family, boyfriend/husband, etc. Julie at The Funny Thing of it is... made my day with her love note for her cell phone. I actually lol'd. No joke. I almost didn't write a 10, because hers trumped my unwritten 10 in every possible way. 
It's with much consideration that I present you with...
The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love...My Bed.
1. It generally provides me at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
2. It is not too hard and not too soft - it really feels like a firm snuggle.
3. It is my very first big girl bed. I mean, not like I've been sleeping in a crib for 29 years. I haven't. But, I haven't had a proper bed before this one. Just a mattress and boxspring on a metal frame. Mine is a real, honest to God, beautiful black wooden sleigh bed. I've been begging B for one since we moved in together, and finally got one when we bought the nest.
4. I can do work while laying in it and my back never hurts.
5. It's accessories are the best. I have a gorgeous light blue and green paisley quilt that I LOVE, and throw blankets coming out of my eyeballs, and two throw pillows (one with roses and one made of burlap with birds on a wire in vintage-y material) that I also love.
6. Memory foam pillow. That's it.
7. It's big enough for my entire family to fit into. That's right. B and I co-sleep with our kids dogs and cats. Conrad always sleeps in my armpit or in the basket of my arm if I sleep on my side. Or with B in his basket. Or under B's butt. Actually Conrad isn't really picky about where he sleeps, as long as it's warm. Lexi generally sleeps along the bottom of the bed, or when she's feeling sassy, on my side of the bed and I have to move her to actually get in my spot. The cats come and go throughout the night. Cessie's favorite spot is somewhere that cuts off my breathing (chest/face/pinching my nostrils shut). Sookie generally stays near my feet... the better for biting them while I sleep. I know this sounds unpleasant, but for me, it's my favorite.
8. I write best in my bed. I swear, the darkness combined with the sheer comfort of the bed itself, is the very best muse I've got.
9. I can look out of my bay window and see the morning sun and super blue sky first thing in the morning. And when I'm not being a total mushroom, that makes me happy.

10. Because I get to wake up and see this...

yup, that's Conrad's foot in a sleeping B's nose. It's the cutest thing that I've ever seen.

B, don't be mad. You look adorable with min pin toes in your nose.

That's it, babes.... Have a great rest of your Tuesday!!!

father's day weekend/tuesday reviewsday

 You guys. This weekend was so jam packed. I literally didn't take a single picture.

That's a lie. I took one. This is it:

Some pretty dismissive graffiti as seen in Park Slope 

oh! And this one:

There is a coffee called Jet Fuel.
I don't think anyone should drink this.

They really have nothing to do with anything that I did this weekend at all.

My mom and dad got into town late on Friday night. We spent most of the weekend eating - which is a favorite thing in this family. Honestly, we just leave food out on the counters at all times and graze like cattle. It's totally different from what I'm used to, because I never really get to eat during the days normally - except for regular meals - because I'm all runrunrungogogo all the time. But it was nice to have the weekend to be a little lazy and spend time with my people.

My dad was definitely in "fix up the nest" mode. He installed some lights over my sink (which I had no idea that I needed until they were there), rigged up a towel bar in the guest bathroom, and hung my new jewelry case (this fancy, wall mounted, mirrored, vintage looking thing that my mom got for me. Totally amazing from Kirklands - where she works! Check it out here.) up with B. I should've taken pictures of these processes, but I was too busy eating Eat N Park Smiley cookies and laying on the couch with my mom and the cats.

Saturday, we went to Lowe's and did laps of the inside of the building until I thought I would drop of starvation (note: eating your weight in Smiley cookies and iced tea doesn't store up calories for a long trip to the hardware store. I know, I was shocked too.) Then we went home, dropped my dad off, and my mom and I went on a little excursion to Manhattan for errands like Target and Marshals. You know, really important stuff.

We were all so done when we got home that we ate chinese take out together at the kitchen table instead of going out to eat for dinner. I then proceeded to pass out on the couch, sleeping on my moms shoulder, while we watched Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes for the second time. I could not be woken up. Eventually I zombie walked back to my bed and passed out on top of the covers. I do not remember any of this. Ben also tells me that I said sleepily, "I need a cookie." before falling face first onto my pillow. Clearly Saturday wasn't my most attractive day, but luckily I was surrounded by people that would like me anyway.

Sunday, we hung around for most of the day. We went to Coney Island (I am SUCH an idiot for not taking pictures), specifically to Nathan's, and ate (some more!). My dad was happy with his hot dog and soft shell crab sandwich. Ben and I ate cheese fries and ice cream.We couldn't find a parking spot, so we ended up just hanging out in an illegal parking spot with the windows down, watching cops not ticket anyone and eating our amazing beach food.

For the finale of our weekend, we went to father's day dinner (I know, you're fully shocked that we still had room to eat more food. I am too. It's a miracle.) at a VERY sweet little Park Slope find called Scalino. It was SO GOOD. SO GOOD. I actually said, "This sauce is made from the tears of angels, it's so good." My mom proceeded to tell the owner what I said, and I couldn't tell if he was rolling his eyes or genuinely tickled by my fancy metaphor. The meal was ridiculous. I would tell you about everything I ate, but I think we tried one of everything on the menu. And, for four of us, the bill was only $150. Seriously. In New York, this is practically a miracle. If you're local, go to Scalino. And take me with you.

A brief word about my dad...
My dad is great. He's smart, fun, and affectionate. He knows SO MUCH stuff about so many things. He's warm, and funny. I've just spent an entire weekend with him, so I'm a little spoiled. Thank you for putting things up for me, showing me how to do things that I never would've thought to do. Thanks for teaching me about baseball stadiums, Sherlock Holmes stories, and how to be real person. I appreciate it more than I ever say. I love you a whole bunch. <3

A brief word about my husband...
You're a great dad. I love you. Thank you for sacrificing your time and working so hard to provide for us. We all love you. Even Sookie. No one emailed me and told me that you were the worst today. ;)

Happy Father's Day guys.

This sort of became an epic post.

The short story is, I wish they could've stayed longer.

...

Also today...

I hit 50 GFC followers. I cannot believe that 50 people care to read what I write. Thank you friends. It means a lot.

I'm participating in this little GFC bloghop sponsored by The life of a not so ordinary wife and a bunch of other fab gals.

I'm also fully planning to do a Tuesday 10 today... just dragging a bit from the wicked weekend.

friday letters

Dear woman on the B train wearing teva sandals with socks, I don't forgive you for elbowing me in the face yesterday in your need to get off the train FIRST. I was sitting there, minding my own business, putting my book in my bag, and half starting to stand, when you stand up from the seat next to me and all of a sudden I'm shocked back into my seat by your bony, wrinkly skinned elbow into my cheekbone and the audible knock of my teeth against one another. G'damn. You didn't apologize. In fact, you looked at me like I inconvenienced you by slowing you down. The very sweet young gay beside me asked if I was okay. I just rolled my (tearing) eyes, and he said that you must've been super mad that you had on sandals with socks while I looked so fabulous. He said it loud enough for you to hear. I hope you did.

Dear Sweet Young Gay, Thank you.

Dear Mom and Dad, Absolutely CANNOT wait to see you this weekend!!! Looong overdue.

Dear Nest, I'm gonna clean you. I'm gonna clean you so hard.

Dear Cessie, What's this new thing with you sleeping on the kitchen table? You leave your hair all over it! This is frustrating. I understand that we're roommates and I have no control over you whatsoever, but can we please discuss the common courtesy that you don't nap where I eat? No? Well, at least we talked about it.

Dear Time, Where do you go? I feel like I never have enough of you.

Dear Weekend, I hope you kick ass. No doubt you will.

My parents are on their way right now, so I'm hoping the weekend will be full of adventuring!
I hope you have some adventures too.

if your closet looks anything like mine...

you need this.

I'm pretty stoked to share a guest post with you today! My very sweet and very supportive friend Lena from Mom2MemphisAndRuby is here to share a little Type A action with us. I so desperately need some help in this department.

I wonder if I can get her to come to Brooklyn...

~*~

Hey lovelies!
Lena here from Mom2MemphisAndRuby!

Jackie and I have become good bloggy buddies over the past few weeks and I ADORE her! I'm extremely tickled to be visiting Perched today!

So, for those that don't know me... I'm a mom of 2 blogging from a small farming community in Quebec, Canada.  The hubs and I are tattooed (he's more heavily tattooed that me), and even though we don't necessarily ''blend'' in around here, we certainly feel like this is where we belong.  I work a pretty boring day job at an insurance company, and he is a chef.  Our son Memphis was recently diagnosed as autistic (very high functioning, I must say, but a new journey we're embarking on as a family)... and our 4 year old daughter Ruby is very much a diva! They keep us on our toes and pretty much rock our world!

Another thing you should know about me is how much I love fashion. I believe a girl can NEVER have enough clothes or shoes... I know, I know. I sound terribly materialistic, but bear with me... I'm cheap!  I LOVE thrifting and NEVER, ever pay full price for ANYTHING!  See, not so bad, right?  But all these clothes need to be put away somewhere... Luckily, I aboslutely LOVE reorganizing my closet, and it just so happens I'm about to pull out my summer clothes (it's finally warm here! yay!).  I thought I could do a simple tutorial on closet organization.  I have LOTS of stuff... very little space!

Ugh. What a mess, right? 

First things first: Always go through and, if you can, put away clothes that are no longer appropriate for the season. 

You don't need 12 sweaters at hand in the summer. Get those out of there.

While you're in there, if you can't remember wearing something for the past 6-12 months... get rid of that too.  Unless it holds some sort of sentimental value, you probably don't need it anymore.  If it's still in good shape {and depending what it is}, why not donate it or sell it on Ebay!?

Now, comes the actually sorting and organization. 

There are a ton of ways you can do this:
Style, Color, Brand, etc.

I've decided to do style & color. 

 Similar tops together, slips, skirts, dresses, pants...

I have a lot of pattern in my closet... so I use the "main" color as my starting point...

It's not going to be perfect!

{dang it!}

This is was the "top" section looks like now...

Next, I made sure to hang all my slips together, and my denim skirts as well. 

 As for dresses, I debated about going simply by style & length... but then decided to to it color too.  As best I could... again, I have a lot of pattern so my closet will never look as color-blocked as I would like 

{yes, I'm sorta geeky that way... BUT I love a good pattern too, so what's a girl to do!?}

I keep my jeans on the top shelf, so I just tidied those up a bit...

If you have a ton of denim, I would suggest going by fit & color too... 

That's it.

Much better than when I started, and ready for me to fill it up even more with my summer stuff!!

~*~

That was pretty impressive. I feel that I must learn from you, wise one.
Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Lena, and teaching us your ways. I'm sure we'll all learn from this. Now there's the issue of my closet, which looks like a bomb went off in there. Lena... how's a free trip to Brooklyn sound??

you *do* look fabulous

you're welcome.

The last couple of days have been an absolute whirlwind! I literally don't know which way is up. BUT, I wanted to welcome any new readers from From the Guestroom! I'm giving away $20 in Scentsy Credit to my shop, so all should enter the giveaway! Kay? Kay.

Also, we're going to have a super special guest poster tomorrow. I'm REALLY excited about sharing this with you!!!

Oh, and I met this guy today. He was extremely interesting and the way he spoke just bowled me over. But I think the thing that caught me off guard the most was his warmth and real kindness. I have to say, I was super impressed.

Also, I'm super bummed that I missed my buddy, Michelle from You're my favorite today. She's in NYC with her family on vacation, and she stopped by the Life Suck while I was busy meeting Colin Powell. Life is not fair. I only wanted to meet my bloggy buddy! There's always next trip, I suppose.

Guys, I'm way tired. I hope that I'll be a little more lively next week to share more interesting and fun stuff with you. Or at least amuse you with my wit. But my wit has been passed out in bed for days. 

Maybe she's got the right idea. 

Until tomorrow...

*kisses*

charm(ing) sunday

Happy Monday, dear ones.

 What's happy about Monday? Absolutely nothing, really. Worst day of the week. BUT, I have an adventure to share. Let's let that try to brighten up our return to corporate America, shall we?

 Remember when I raved about my new favorite etsy shop, Brooklyn Charm Shop? Well, I finally went!!!! It was last Sunday, but it took me a week to find the cable to hook my phone up to my laptop. As usual, I'm a disaster, but I'm so in love with the jewelry that came out of the trip. I guess it all balances out eventually.

The shop is tucked off of busy Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was easy to spot though, because the front is so bright!! The shop is small and quaint from the outside, but just you wait until you get inside.

It's so beautiful. The minute you step in, you're totally surrounded by metals, stones, and beautiful things. Walls of chains, tray after tray after tray of charms. I was so overwhelmed and in awe of the sheer numbers that I had to do two full laps before I could commit to any single item.

There was a center table full of charms, rings, necklaces, bracelets... anything and everything your heart could desire!

It was crowded when I was in there, at least 20 other women (B was the only male in sight!) picking through trays and creating treasures. Most of the price tags and signs were handwritten, and while I usually don't like that in a retail setting, I loved it here. Reason: It didn't feel like a retail shop at all. It felt like your grandmothers attic - a safe, warm cocoon full of treasures that it would take an entire afternoon to sort through, and you will enjoy every single minute.

The decor was perfect. When isn't a unicorn appropriate? Never. Unicorns are always appropriate.

And they artfully paired bunnies and skulls. This is my favorite place on earth.

Getting ready to check out... my tray with treasures!

They will put your creations together for you, which is an excellent perk. I chose a large floral pendant to start, and quickly added a pearl drop right on top! It took me awhile to finish it out. I first thought that  a small turquoise rose charm would be perfect, but then I found this tiny brass White Rabbit, and I was in love. He's just the touch it needed! Put everything on a 24" chain and voila!

I am obsessed. This perfect little charm necklace matches (practically) everything I own and I've worn it almost every day since I bought it.

My other amazing find was this cameo ring. It's my new signature. An olive green background highlights the cream grecian cameo that I can't get enough of. And it was only $12. Seriously. Ah-Mazing.

(Additonally, please excuse my hilarious and juvenile manicure. I was feeling whimsical last week.)

Also, big props to B for being my photographer, and taking me out to lunch after shopping.

Overall, I absolutely LOVE this shop, and I fully intend to take advantage of the classes that they offer. For $40, you get a 90 minute class, all of your materials, loaner tools, and a skill to take with you. That's an absolute great deal. If you're local, you should check out the class schedule here, and let me know if you want to go to a Sunday class with me sometime. 

Oh, and I took this picture that will be the header for ANY Brooklyn post I ever write. So typical, Williamsburg. So typical. And so damn hipster. 

I love you, Brooklyn.

sassy chicago shenanigans

I have such a special treat for you guys today.

Taylor, the sassy brain behind The Daily Tay, is here to visit with us today and share some of her incomparable insights.

I think this girl is adorable and hilarious. A lethal combination. I also charmed her by using the word "lady balls" in our very first conversation. Clearly, we are a match made in heaven.

Without further ado...

~*~
Happy Thursday Perched Readers!

My name is Taylor

and I blog over at The Daily Tay

My blog usually revolves around the random

shenanigans I often find myself getting into here in Chicago.

I also like to talk about my lovely pup, Harlow,

and my lovely boyfriend, Chris.

I tend to be a little bit sarcastic, 

and sometimes a little too cynical-

just depends on if I found a close parking spot for the day or not.

I also like to ramble about the hardships of life after college.

I've been out of school almost three years now and still can't shake the fact

I have to "grow up"and be a part of the "real world."

It doesn't help that the eleven year old version of myself

was extremely driven and competitive

and seemed to have very high (yet unrealistic goals I think)

for twenty five year old me.

Here's a little something I found in the archives I wrote

from 1998 entitled 

"What I Will Do When I Grow Up"

I for one, can’t think of a better time in life to make a goal list than in middle school. The year in life when we are probably the most arrogant, naive, self absorbed forms of ourselves we will ever be.  Let’s see what my overly optimistic eleven year old-self had envisioned…

1. Compete in marathons. – I ran a 5K a couple of years ago, does that count? And marathons are overrated, I heard they make people who aren’t even pregnant go into labor.

2. Have a really cool job that I love where I get to travel and be my own boss. –A little more direction would be nice, dip shit. What will I be doing at this “really cool job?” Let me guess, writing notes all day that are covered in Lisa Frank stickers and then folding them up into really tight little triangle shapes.

3. Live in California or New York. – Ridiculous. Folding notes would never pay enough to live in either of these citites.

4. Live in a cool house that I own. – Makes statement 3 even more ridiculous. Or are you trying to tell me you predicted the low rate homes would be selling at in 2012? You have no concept for money, none. I can barely pay my rent every month, ease off.

5. Go on vacations to Africa and London. – This is a little broad. So you want to go to a city in England, and then visit the entire continent of Africa?

6. Play basketball every day. – Yes well, this one will go out the window right after high school when your heart was broken because your team never made it to state.

7. Be married and maybe have one kid. – Let’s work on getting a boyfriend first, little one. You’re going to go through a pretty intense ugly stage in about six months. And the fact you play basketball everyday doesn’t help any.

8. Do a triathlon- What’s with all the not-so subtle workout hints?

9. Have one dog and one cat.- Starting to get a little more realistic, I like this. I must be getting tired from all of my traveling and exercising.

10. Have a lot money so I can buy whatever I want. –I’m sure what I had in mind was being able to buy unlimited packs of gum because in middle school gum was currency.

I’m glad the list stopped at ten. 

I’d hate to see what other demands that little dictator had in store for me…Maybe I do need to get my life in check. Especially if I plan to get to Africa in the next six months.

Now come on over and say hello!

The Daily Tay

Tweet Tweet
~*~

Amazeballs, Taylor. If I had written myself a "get it done by 21" list when I was 11, it probably would've included become a professional ballet dancer and/or a doctor, and have a rad life of celebrity.

You can't win em all, I guess.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Taylor! It was a blast!!!! Everyone go and give her some love!

monday surprise!

Today is a pretty dreary day in the city. It's raining and gross, but on Saturday, I got a slip in the mailbox that I had a package waiting for me! So what did I do? I trudged a million miles (okay, 5 blocks) through the rain to retrieve it! And I was so stoked to see that it was from Krista at Saturated Canary!  I won her giveaway at The Wonder Forest, and look and see what she sent me!

In the mailer! With my keys and adorable elephant keychain

from when my pal KS was in Thailand, covering my address. 

Sorry stalkers.

Everything was packaged so beautifully!

I love the little details.

A handmade card Smashed by Krista! 

CUTEST!

There was a little pocket inside of the card, 

with this sweet little tag inside!

I love that she included, not just the smash books, 

but supplies to get me started.

So generous!

Polka dots, pockets, and a list pad.

Okay, the most on point part of the entire thing is the kitty hole punch.

I mean, there is no one else in the world that would love a 

kitty hole punch more than I do.

And adorable paper, obviously.

Pockets!

Two gorgeous books, two closures

the kitty punch!

What an amazing and totally generous gift.

Thank you Krista!!!!!

I cannot wait to be 'smash'ing like you!

go fly a kite

My father in law came to visit, briefly, Sunday and Monday. It was great to have him - he's such a strange (in a good way!) and eclectic guy that you inevitably learn something from him, even when you don't think you are.

He's been making and flying kites since forever. I know that that probably sounds very Charlie Brown to you, but the truth is, it takes understanding of tons of math and physics to be able to make and fly kites well. He can coax a kite into the air in any wind conditions... it's kind of amazing. He's had pictures in the newspapers in our hometown too - maybe that was a slow news day. But still, really cool stuff.

A little backstory is that my FIL grew up in Brooklyn, close by where we now live. He spent a lot of his childhood bounced around to foster homes (yet, his parents were still alive), and then went to boarding school. He was drafted by the army in 1963, served in California, and ultimately ended up coming back to New York. He never finished college, though he's one of the smartest people I've ever met. I think that, somehow, academic achievement meant very little to him because it wasn't a challenge. That's just my guess though.

The idea of flying kites off of our roof had been B's. He knew his dad wouldn't be able to resist. I personally hate going up on the roof. Serious and major fear of heights for this girl. I snapped this photo, and a few others before I had to hand the camera to B and go back inside.

Just looking at it makes my knees feel like liquid.

When presented with the flying kites from the roof notion, my FIL said thoughtfully, "It'll be the first Brooklyn flight since 1976..."(his sentences always sort of drift off, like he has another thought to back up the one before, but he's keeping the rest of it to himself.) So, without further ado... a flight 36 years in the making.

All kites are handmade with weird plastic things - like paper towel packaging and chinese take-out bags.

It took no time to get this baby in the air.

Thank you and have a nice day.

tuesday10 linkup... sountrack to your life

I love music. Like really... probably more than most other [normal] people. Music has always been with me, singing to me through, literally everything that I've ever been through. So, a soundtrack to my life you ask for? A soundtrack to my life you shall have.

1. Here she comes... watch out boys, she'll chew you up.

Maneater (Hall and Oates) was the number one song the week I was born in 1982. Clearly foreshadowing into the dame I would later become.

2. Right from the start I gave you my heart.



Don't go breaking my Heart (Elton John and Kiki Dee) I was a weird kid. This little duet gem was one of my absolute favorite. I danced around and sang it all the time.

3. She's getting tired of her high class toys.



Uptown Girl (Billy Joel) So, Billy was a HUGE influence in how I feel about music today. Seriously. I listened to this stuff since I was tiny - my parents clearly have excellent taste in tunes - and I still adore him today. In fact, I think you'll be seeing more of Billy a little later in this ode to my musical life. Aside, this video is so hilarious. I can't stop laughing. And, having lived in New York, I finally understand what "uptown girls" and "downtown boys" are... The Upper East Side socialites dating boys from Brooklyn. Ha!

4. Every time she sneezes, I believe it's love.



Anna Begins (Counting Crows) Counting Crows' August and Everything After album was the first CD that I bought thoughtfully - meaning, I listened to tracks and made a decision that this was my music. Adam Duritz is the first songwriter that made me feel something new and different inside of myself. Something woke up inside me. I still listen to this album at least once a week.

5. Just hit me with the truth.



Bye Bye Bye (NSync) Okay, I know what you're all thinking, "Jackie, really? Really?" Well, there's a reason, friends. There's a very good reason.
In the year 2000, my girlfriends and I were obsessed in a major way. EE, LB, E(S)A, and KG were my partners in crime. We slaved over a hot VCR for countless hours to perfect these moves, and boy did we ever. We were AWESOME. We performed at our prom. Yes, seriously. PROM. In our gowns. And girls screamed like we were hot boys. Look, it's too good, you can't make this stuff up.

6. Just remember the telephones are working in both ways.



You and I Both (Jason Mraz) My favorite Mraz song by far. There's something in the chords and the lyrics (around 3:20 in this video) that turns a switch in my brain and sets me on fire. He's a magician. I just love him. And 2002, when this album came out, is the year I met my husband. It would only take us 7 years to get married.

7. And I get to kiss you baby, just because I can.



Everything (Michael Buble) This adorable little tune is the song that B and I first danced to at our wedding, which may or may not have been choreographed. There also may or may not be a video of this event posted on B's facebook. Maybe, if I'm feeling generous, I'll try to figure out how to post it here. Anyway, I have a wonderful guy, and this song is a celebration of someone you love. It's kinda perfect. And Michael B's voice... holy cow... So talented. Insanity.

8. Compare where you are to where you wanna be and you'll get no where.



Uncharted (Sara Bareilles) I would be remiss if I didn't include Sara B. I just love her. I was at this concert in Central Park with my sweet friend KS, we had a blast. I'd also seen Sara in concert a few years prior when she was opening for Counting Crows and Maroon 5 (Excellent show). She was amazing then. She's utterly inspiring now. Her joy is infectious. I just love her music - she often takes me to work in the mornings.

9. Slow down, you crazy child.



Vienna (Billy Joel) Here's the second installment of Billy that I promised. This song serves as a reminder for me. Slow down. Don't work so hard. Don't worry so much. Just living is okay. Just slow down and enjoy your life, you whackadoodle... some things can't be powered through, some things you just have to feel.

10. I'm letting go of the thoughts that do not make me strong.



I have to close with Jason Mraz. He's my current personal jesus and life coach. I've so recently posted my favorite song from his new album - 93 Million Miles - that I didn't want to repeat. So, Living in the Moment it is... "So I just let go of what I know I don't know." Amazing. Just live your life folks, easy and breezy. Peace in my heart, peace in my soul. All good things.

Best linkup ever. Thank you to Lena @Mom2MemphisAndRuby for always hosting, and or her cohost this week Ricki @ Rogue Baby





And that, my beauties, is that.

let the rain.

This thunderstorm is a wild one. I woke up to a clap of thunder so loud, it sounded like it was in my bed with me. And while you're reading this, I'm likely drying my shoes on the heater at work.

So, in the spirit of the rain, let's start this Monday with my favorite song from one of my favorite singers, at the BEST concert I've ever been to in the best park in New York.

Let the rain come down indeed, Sara.

Happy Monday, everyone.

brooklyn charm(ing)

So, you know my Tuesday night gig? Well, I got called in to fill in for another sitter last night, and one of the little bits (the girl, K) asked me to help her find a french fry charm that she can buy for one of her friends birthdays. (Leads on french fry charms anyone? I have until Friday.) So, of course, I took to etsy to try to find her a local NYC shop to buy her charm!

I haven't had any luck finding the french fry charm yet, but I did make a great find that I can't let just stroll on by without saying anything. Run, don't walk, to Brooklyn Charm Shop.

Holy cow, you guys.  

Best. Shop. Ever.

I immediately went through their entire shop on etsy and fell in love. I then mapped out how I'm going to get to their physical location (on Bedford Ave at 9th Street in Williamsburg) from my apartment and when I'm actually going to have time to get there.

I was totally sad to see on their facebook page that I missed a FREE charm necklace event on Sunday. I was doing nothing on Sunday. I could've been in Williamsburg making a killer charm necklace. Bummer.

Anyway, here are a few things from their shop that I'm totally in love with...

I would totally get this with Pennsylvania [heart] New York

Custom Swarovski crystal rings
that you design yourself!
They give you guidelines, but the color at the number of stones
is totally up to you!

DINOSAW!!!

Dinosaw is apparently a HUGE piece of theirs, and I must admit that I'm totally obsessed. Here's what they say about Dinosaw on their shop: 

"This amazing, rambunctious little monster of a DINOSAW will saw your leg off, bite your head to bits, and scratch your eyes out. No, just kidding, he will just look really cute on you, and make for a great conversation piece at any party!"

Dinosaw even has his own facebook page. No joke. I effing LOVE that.

Here are a few more of my faves:

kitty cat charms! LOVE.

this gold gun bracelet reminds me of KS.
she'd LOVE this.

I used the censored pic, because this is a family show.
who am I kidding? So not a family show.

This is the perfect jewelry shop for me - coupling totally bizarre charms with beautiful crystals, and throwing in a well placed swear engraved on a locket. Seriously folks. Amazing.

Brooklyn Charm Shop's official website is here, but the etsy shop is where you'll fall in love. Take the plunge!

*I was not paid or given free jewels for writing this little love song. All my own opinions. Can't freaking wait to buy things and wear them everyday*