well, it’s not my idea, but i sure wish i could claim it.  check out this so clever fabric envelope that emily over at jones design company whipped up.  are you giving cash or a gift card to a recent grad, bride and groom, or maybe dad this weekend?  this would be a way-cute way to zhush it up – talk about great presentation.  if you’re doing one for a dude, maybe use a metal button or little piece of wood instead.  here are a few fabric ideas for your envelope.  i found all of these at joann’s – in case you need to do this in a hurry.  this is a great little starter sewing project, which is right up my alley.

{dwell studio’s square lattice}

{plaid suiting}

{prairie floral}

{pkaufman cross}

we spent this past weekend at the cabin, and it was great.  granny was on a roll with her stories of growing up in windyville and provided a lot of laughter.  miller was spoiled with walks and playing in the creek, and beckett was spoiled with attention.  he was fascinated with the knots in the pine floor and kept us all entertained with his many sounds.  my parents got b his very own carhartt shirt, of which i failed to get a picture, but it was pretty darn cute.  we enjoyed meals al fresco and we may have put a little bailey’s in our coffee each morning…hey, we were on vacation!  i love living in kansas city, but i also love getting out in the country, breathing that air, and not seeing a highway or a target for just a few days.  it’s like a deep breath for my soul.

my parents got a new toy, so we took it for a spin both days.  

we met this fella on our way.

beckett is going to get such a kick out of the animals down there when he gets a little older.  this guy was crossing the road.

these butterflies were everywhere this weekend.  also everywhere were the cicadas!  they were so loud at some times that it was a relief to go inside and get a break from their ‘singing’.  apparently, it’s a big year for these guys.  yay.

{our storyteller and the short guy}

{our always fabulous hosts.  i adore them.}

if only i could get myself to do this every day….

{via}

it actually sounds pretty darn manageable.  maybe i’ll try…tomorrow.  happy weekend!

better weather brings on my urge to clean, purge, and pare down to the essentials.  i mean, who wants to dust extra stuff…or dust at all?  (seriously, where does all that dust come from!?!)  whether or not that urge actually translates into action is another story.  anyway, when i got the latest issue of house beautiful, i was instantly drawn to this home for its clean lines with just enough organic touches and surprising pops of color.  i’m usually drawn to more color, but something about this house is really inviting.  it’s a beautiful home that looks airy and comfortable.  think they’ll let me move in?

{i want to live in this room.  i think it’s the fig tree that seals the deal.}

{YES PLEASE!!!}

{who doesn’t love a red door!?!}

{love the juxtaposition of the ornate headboard against the pinstriped wallpaper}

{don’t miss the chandelier!}

feeling a little uninspired lately, and i’m blaming it on the weather.  it’s nearly june, and it feels like the the sun has been in hiding for weeks!  i’m so ready to be out walking in our hood, planting flowers, and getting a little sun on my skin.  instead, i’m still wearing jeans, hanging out inside (in the basement today, with tornado warnings!), and watching buckets of water falling from the sky.  so today, i’m looking at a few pictures from my inspiration file – the things i’m dreaming about for someday – in hopes to get my brain moving again…

k

thinking of the thousands of people in joplin, devastated by a tornado, who are dealing with lost loved ones, homes, and possessions this morning.  in addition to the terrible destruction from last night, they are now dealing with more significant weather this morning.  we are very thankful that our family there is safe, but so many have lost everything.  if you are looking for ways to help, they are looking for healthcare professionals through show-me response and the red cross will providing aid as well.  send joplin a prayer today.