Pinky Swear Designs

We've Moved!!

2011-09-22T13:02:00.001-07:00

We've been busy busy little bees and we've updated our website. As part of the update, we now have our blog directly on our own site. Come by and check it out at: www.pinkysweardesigns.com

We'll be doing all our blogging straight on our own site now. Hope to see you there! :)

Nelliefay

2011-08-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

*Boy Wonder #1 has the monkey, Boy Wonder #2 has the giraffe-both looking really "loved" now*

I know...we have been M.I.A. for a while. Let's just say...the fun filled summer days of play-dates, fam time, biz running, laziness (well, as lazy as two moms with two kiddos each and pets (Lo, not me) and many other obligations/responsibilities are getting the better of us. Every day seems to fly by and I think...where has it gone? Summers go by way too fast...and before we know it...fall is on the way and we are getting ready for...here it comes gulp...the holidays. I know...I said it here first;)

Anyway...I am here for a reason. One of my fav sites Nelliefay is having a super fun summer deal. They are giving shout outs on their Facebook page for their own inventory of must have's and throwing in extra deals along with their already discounted goods. All organic...every time...and soooo cute!

Great for stocking up on products for you, baby showers, birthdays, or double gulp...holiday. Bath products, toys, even organic toys for pets...its all here...and green...love that!

Unique LA Roundup

2011-08-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

*This is Wilbur and I'm pretty sure Santa will be bringing him home this Christmas*

So...Lo and I are still coming down off our inspirational crafty cloud that is Unique LA (saw Sandra Oh-yay!...missed Ricky Gervais-boo. I'm kind of glad...I know I would have made a shear fool o' myself. I love the funny witty Brits waaaay too much). One of the things we love the most (aside from taking some orders;) is all the of creative fantastic people we get to meet.

This time around we were outside and surrounded by some very talented, fun, funny, neighbors. Even if we didn't get a chance to meet these peeps, we would still blog about their stuff...sooooo amazing...and hard not to take their stuff home...just ask Lo's M.I. L.;)

Here's one of my favs...Janie XY. Super cute gal and her side kick not only make show winning displays (they really are fantastic every show), but she hand makes the cutest plush toys you've evah seen! From gray whales to barbells...not to mention a big chicken leg (so funny). Washable, cuddle-able, and whimsy. The icing on the cake is...she and he are the sweetest-we lurve that:)

Unique LA

2011-07-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post before we head out to LA tomorrow! Remember, you can buy your tickets to the show online till Friday night for $8 (its $10 at the door)! Your ticket buys you access to the show both days, and access to all the free workshops, free drinks (beer, wine, juice and perrier!) and other awesome activities at Unique LA. AND as a super extra fun bonus, presale tickets also get you a free pass to the OC Fair!

Check out all the awesome vendors here and you can see all the extra activities and amentities here! Hope to see you this weekend! :)

Happy Friday!

2011-07-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ms. A.J. and I both have July babies who are celebrating their bdays this weekend! First up is her little dude's totally tubular train party, then my daughter's rainbow unicorn pegasus party. I'm up to my neck in rainbows, glitter and magic crystals and starting to feel the pressure so I'm going to mellow out a bit with some rainbow connection...

Have a magical, glittery, dancey, choo-choo-riffic weekend yourself! :)

Unique LA Shout Out - Glass Cathedrals

2011-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to check out Glass Cathedrals at Unique LA next weekend. Lisa Swerling creates tiny worlds inside shadow boxes to hang on your wall. I have an affinity for tiny things to begin with (who doesn't? everything is cuter tiny size!) and I love the juxtaposition of the tiny figures in their "big" worlds. And it looks like she does custom pieces, thinking one would be an awesome anniversary present for The Husband...(shhhh..)

Unique LA shout out-Pookaqueen

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm headed to the Del Mar opening day of the races...the nags, as my fam called it growing up.

I've got my train ticket, my hat, and by the time you read this,hopefully, mint julep in hand;)

As I was looking through our Unique LA talent...I came across this Pookaqueen philly (sorry...had to), and I kicked myself for not finding her sooner...'cause I would have sported one of these beauties to the races today fo sho.

Happy Friday!!!

2011-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know about your house...but ours is anxiously awaiting a Saturday afternoon with some old friends of mine and some new ones for Boy Wonder #1. I have to say...the original Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was his first movie he would actually sit through and is still his fav. When he started to see the trailers on TV...he knew something big was coming.

This weekend the Hubs and I are taking our boy to his first ever movie...in a movie theater. I am so happy its Pooh...I think we're more excited than he is...especially when I get to hear one of my fav duets sing a few of the songs.

Happy Friday!

Unique LA Shout Out-Kira

2011-07-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I always laugh when I hear moms of girls tell me how easy it must be for me to get Boy Wonder dressed in the morning...because I can pick out what I want and he'll wear it. HA! He's turning 3 next week (gulp...did I just say next week?), and he's been telling me what he wants to wear this whole last year. I have to say, I am happy that he knows what he does and doesn't like in the style department. What I like even better right now...he is just picking from his closet that I have stocked. What I really like is being able to stock it full of cute clothes that don't entirely consist of sport propaganda &/or TV/movie characters (he does have a few...I'm not that righteous;).

Over the last few years I have found a lot of my fab finds for duders at Unique LA (come one, you knew it was coming). I stock up and buy big so they'll last...'cause I know I'll kick myself when I'm shopping at my local mall & think why didn't I get that cute T?;)

Kira-Super cute unique (not punny) kiddo line with simple fun graphics. Cute...but not cutesy...as in a 3 year old with a sense of style will love & wear, and wear, and wear...'cause all the cool kids are;)

Order of the Week - Heart Tattoo

2011-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our Medium Heart Tattoo - Get your own here!

Unique LA-on sale NOW!

2011-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

The amazing and ridiculously super fun Unique LA show is just about 2 ½ weeks away…so our plugs will be stacking up high and deep for ya over the next few weeks;)

Pre-sale tiks are on sale now! Not only do you get a price break when you purchase pre-sale tiks…uh…you also get a ticket to the OC fair. Yep…that’s $21 bucks of fun wrapped up in $8…it’s a summer win win.

Come say hi, we'll be grooving to some great jams (alwasy the best music at these shows) and pimpin' our fab jewelry;)

Happy Friday-Have a pop!

2011-07-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

*these remind of of taffy...but they're not...they're popsicles*

Looking for yum fun healthy treats to make my family I stumbled upon these beauts above

And these below...

*seriously, just about the prettiest pop i've seen-love the labels on the stick-cute for bdays*

I combined some ideas of theirs and mine and came up with this recipe:

2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen fruit-chopped
1 1/2 cup low fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1-2 tbls honey

blend all together until happy...you can even go paleta style and leave some fruit chunks.

To get the multi layer-choose different fruits and freeze each layer about 1/2 hour.
For middle yogurt layer-just add honey to plain yogurt...to make it even easier...just use the yogurt you already have in your fridge (our fav is the Yo toddler or Yo kids).

Oh yeah...and these amazing molds...good ol dixie cups...perf size and easy peasy clean up;)-place plastic wrap on top of cup...insert stick...freeze.

Easy, yummy, kiddo friendly project and pretty (as my dad always use to say, actually still does, even when making a sandwich...it needs to be pleasing to the eye as well as the palate-thanks pops!;)

freezing some more up this weekend...I'll try and take pics before they disappear this time:)

Happy weekend!

Art of the Chain Letter

2011-07-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

*As in the real kind-made with paper and ink & stuff*

I'll have you know I've always been one to break the chain when it comes to a chain letter. That is until Boy Wonder got one from one of his besties (her mom and I are hoping to bring back arrange marriages;) that did not include good luck for the year, or granted wishes, etc...but stickers! Now we're talkin'.

I thought I'd post this because it was such a cute idea...and an "oh duh" moment for me. I often have "oh duh" moments when I come across something super cute and kick myself for not thinking of it;) Anyway....the concept is the same, just for the kiddos so the outcome is A. getting to put stamps on the mail! B. decorating the letter with stickers! (if they wish) C. mailing it! (little man was aaaall over this-we walked to a real mail box down the street...the kind you have to open the flippy thingie and place 1 letter at a time all while checking to see if it actually drops in;) D. awaiting the arrival! (which hasn't started yet...but he'll be beyond thrilled to receive not only mail...but stickers in his mail).

I began thinking of different fun chains they can do...maybe ideas for fun crafts in each letter for moms to do with kiddos, recipes, jokes, a squiggle that they then have to make into a picture (a la Tom Hatten...if any of you remember that on the Popeye show). How about a wine chain...cost you one bottle of wine you love and the time & cost to ship...but you get 36 bottles of wine in return...and you don't know where they're coming from or what you'll get! Wait...is this illegal? My mind is running...we'll def. return to this idea in the future. I guess you can go on and on.

So, I'm back on the chain gang. This time...happy to send out 6 letters and 1 envelope full of stickers to the name on that #1 spot...cant wait for those letters to start pouring in...pretty sure we'll be outside waiting for the mailman once duders catches on;)

Dear ________________,

Welcome to the “Sticker Club”!

Please send 1 pack of stickers to the person listed in the #1 spot below. Next move my name to the #1 spot and put your name in the #2 spot and send it to 6 friends.

If you can’t do this within 6 days, please let my mom know. Otherwise, it’s not fair to all the others who are participating. Within 2 weeks you should receive 36 packs of stickers! It’s a load of fun and exciting to see where all your stickers come from! On top of that…it’s always nice to get mail!

Good luck and thanks for participating in the “Sticker Club”!

Your Friend,

#1 #2

To the parent: If you can, please take time out of your busy schedule for this cute project with your kids. It’s worth it to see their smiles when they open their mail. We have included a blank letter for you to copy (before you write on it). Make 12 copies, 1 for 6 children you are sending it to, and 6 more so you can include a blank copy for each of them. You only need to buy 1 pack of stickers to mail to child #1 below and 7 stamps total, in other words, the project is cheap and easy…have fun!!!!

Unique LA shout out #2-H for Hannah

2011-07-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

*LA medium plate-sweet huh?*

I'm still getting through the humongous list of participants that will be joining us at the Unique LA summer show. The list is long and fabulous...take a look for yourself here.

H for Hannah is another vendor we're really excited to meet. Cute London gal turned west coaster byway of NY designing beautiful china plates, cups, vases, meal sets like none you've seen.

I love how she's made fine bone china not stuffy and cheesy...even though it has a little souvenir flavor...beautiful and genius!

I know I should buy the LA one...but I'm thinking of getting a mix match set...how cute and very citizen of the world would my kiddos be;)

Happy Friday!

2011-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here's four of my favorite friends in one of my favorite movies (I saw this one in the movie theater when it originally came out -yep...I'm that old;) singing one of the best covers-evah!

Happy 4th to you all-enjoy your weekend!!

What's on the Menu?

2011-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how much you forget in 2 years. Add regular forgetfulness to baby brain mush and its amazing you can get out the door with keys, bag, & oh yeah…kiddos.

Boy Wonder numero 2, at times, makes me feel like a rookie mom. Not only is every baby different (soooo different!) but trying to remember what comes next in sleeping patterns, floor exercises, toys, teething, & eating…well…its like you’re the newbie mom again. Yes…it makes it exciting and new-but frustrating and challenging to be perfectly honest (I know ya feel me mamas!).

The point I’m getting to. Its intro to new solids in our house right now. Top that with my lil man has super sensitive skin and is allergic to a few things already…I’m extra careful of what I’m giving him. I love that you can get organic baby food just about everywhere…but nothing compares to the feeling I get when I can make it from scratch in my favorite appliance right now. I love to cook…and cooking for lil man is the best. What I forget is what to cook.

Here we go. Simply Baby Food Recipes. Fantastic blog with not only instructions, but for me…it triggers inspirations for new foods and food pairings. Love that she breaks down her recipes into categories like picky eaters and popsicle recipes (boy wonder numero 1 and I have already tried the yogurt & cantaloupe one. YUM!), just to name a few.

A lot of the recipes and tips are pretty basic…but when you are coming to the table with a baby brain…basic is just what you need:)

Unique LA Shout Out #1-Hello Hanna

2011-06-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

So we’ve found out a few of our neighbors that will join us at the Unique LA summer show. Hello Hanna is the first one I’m excited to see.

Super cute paper company (if I haven’t said this before…I love paper-stationary, real books, etc.) that makes everything from place mats to cupcake stands (check out their wishing tree…such a great idea for birthdays, showers, anniversary parties). I love how simple their designs are…but as they say…simple so you can add your own creativity to them if you want. They’ll give you a few ideas with your purchase…or you can use just on their own.

Loving these place mats above that include stickers so your kiddos can customize. Actually I can see the Hubs customizing his own to be honest;) Boy Wonder #1 loves helping me prep & set the table…he’ll be all over these place mats!

First shout out of the summer show…Hello Hanna!!

Summer Movie Express

2011-06-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

I am a self claimed movie junkie. I love all movies good and bad (I think I've said this before). Bottom line, my boy wonders...will probably end up being junkies too:)

Looking for summer fun deals to do with my nieces and the boys (well, BW2 will not benefit from this deal) I saw that Regal Cinemas are doing their kid summer movie express again. I remember taking my niece a few years back & I'm so happy they are still offering it! Local Regal theaters will offer $1 movies (and of course all of the goodies your wallet can splurge on at the concession stand;) for the summer.

Just type in your zip and a list will pop up with times, dates and titles (Uh...I think we're in for Charlotte's Web fo sho!).

Love it...and with Boy Wonder who has yet to sit through a movie...for a buck...its a no brainer;)

Happy Friday!

2011-06-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'd serve your Sangria in this pitcher if I were you-gorg!

It’s Friday and the first weekend of summer so to me that means partake in a summery beverage of your choice. On the menu this weekend…Sangria.

I’ve tried many different recipes (yes, I’m a 39 year old wino-and proud-don’t judge;). The one that I prefer is the one without the added alcohol, so you can actually taste the wine. I love this one below, simple, refreshing and you can still cook (or tend to children) if you have a glass. I was in line at the market a few years ago and a cute little old lady a la Mrs. Roper was behind me. She simply stated “Oh honey-are you making Sangria with all that fruit and wine?” I said yes and she gave me the absolute best tip ever. Instead of adding any club soda or sparkling water and ice cubes…make your ice cubes out of sparkling grape juice and add those to your pitcher. Not only does your Sangria not water down…you don’t need too much sugar...love it.

4 Tbls. Sugar (to your liking)

1 cup water

1 bottle red wine (since we’re not adding all the hard stuff to it…make it a decent bottle…nothing too fancy-just something that is tasty to begin with) I love this one

1 orange thinly sliced

1 lime thinly sliced

Any other fruit you wish & however much you want-strawberries, pears, pineapple, etc…

Dissolve sugar in water in large pitcher. Add wine, fruit, & grape juice cubes. Stir until cold. Pour into glasses making sure everyone gets their fruit serving for the day;)

Happy Summer!

Salud!

1st UNIQUE LA-Summer show!!

2011-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

We're in again!!

We're so excited that Pinky Swear Designs was chosen to attend the first Unique LA summer show! This will be the first Unique LA on the west side and its sure to be a super fun weekend.

Saturday & Sunday July 30th & 31st at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica (I know...what a fantastic location!) over 250 artisans and their goods will be there offering you the best of the best in apparel, art, home decor, stationary, food, wine, spirits, jewelry (uh-that's us) and a lot more of course.

We'll highlight some of our new neighbors in the weeks to come...in the meantime...mark your calendars!!

Summertime

2011-06-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Its the first day of summer and I love it. Even though we have to get through this June gloom over here, I know that the sunshine, beach days, pool fun, and numerous BBQ's are on the way.

I love Sam Cooke's version of one of my all time favorite songs. It makes me daydream about swinging on a porch (or sometimes its a tire swing hanging from a weeping willow;), barefoot in a sundress, drinking some lemonade all while watching my boys play in the sprinklers. The only sound is their laughter & the bugs.

Until the Hubs whisks us away to this place in my head (he's originally from a little boonie town in the south...so he dreams these little dreams too), I'll play this while making some jewelry-and really fantastic play dough sculptures;)

Happy Friday -Happy Father's Day!!

2011-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

The stars lined up for Lo and I when it comes to a lot of things...most importantly...our hubs:)

When looking for a song today for all those papas, daddy's, dads, pops, & dadas out there, it was hard to find one that wasn't about daddy leaving, dying, or preaching. I am fortunate enough to know a lot of fantastic dads. Papas that genuinely love being papas and do diapers, tub time, playtime, time outs, etc...not because they have to or should, but because they want to.

Here's to all of you great fathers-single or part of a team- Happy Father's Day...Let's Mambo!!!

All Aboard!!!

2011-06-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

The boy wonder is turning 3 next month (it’s flying by waaay too fast!). I think I’m pretty lucky so far…he hasn’t become completely obsessed with anything yet. He loooves everything. He loves garbage trucks, constructions trucks, airplanes, cars (both fast and slow…really doesn’t matter), pink & purple sparkly things (he's secure with his feminine side, as are we:), dinos and trains-just to name a few.

One of his favorite things to do is take a train ride…just like every other kiddo. So when thinking about his 3^rd birthday theme…trains were it. Believe me…I know the day is coming when I wont have a say in picking the theme to his party (or anything else right?) so I cherish these days-big time.

So…here I go again. I began looking for non Thomas the Train party décor. He likes Thomas…but doesn’t love Thomas, so to me that meant “look for something different and impossible!”

Hello trainparty.com!! I fell in love with this sight. Everything you can think of for a train party…all under one cyber roof. Best of all…they had Thomas but not only Thomas…actually, a lot of non Thomas. Our theme is old west vintage trains…and yep, everything from vintage train toys & whistles to train cookies, lollipops, costumes and décor. This site mixed with my party throwing obsession ideas…boy wonder & friends are sure to have the best time this side of the tracks.

Happy Friday!

2011-06-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the start of a crazy busy weekend for me and the family. My youngest, my baby, will be graduating from preschool today. I can't believe my wild and crazy girl is going to be in kindergarten! Then we have birthday parties, ice skating and her first dance recital. The end of the school year madness begins! Thought I'd share a few things I've done this week.

Since my daughter's birthday is in the end of July, she celebrated her birthday in class this week. We saw these Despicable Me cupcakes on Pinterest. The originals were the twinkies on top of cupcakes, but I thought a cupcake plus a twinkie might be a bit much for a classroom full of preschoolers, so we just put them on top of some 'nilla wafers. The kids loved them and thought they were hilarious.

And the flowers are for my daughter's teachers. I found the tumbler glasses at Target (so loving the Calypso line! the clothes, the home stuff, its all sooo cute!) Then it was over to Trader Joe's for some flowers and voila, a pretty, summery bouquet. Wish I could have taken a picture of these in natural light, because the colors are gorgeous!

Hope you have a great weekend and we'll see ya next week!

Kids Bowl Free!

2011-06-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Summer is fast approaching, as is the repressive heat. Escape it this year at the bowling alley! Apparently summer is the slow season for bowling alleys, so in a huge nation wide promo tons of alleys are taking part in the Kids Bowl Free program. Kids bowl free, up to two games a day all summer long. And there's an option to buy a family pass for $24.95 for up to four adults to bowl all summer as well. Such an awesome deal! Find a participating bowling alley and more information here.

BowlARama print by Allee Creative Works, find it here.

Happy Friday!

2011-06-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am back from the abyss that is a 24 hour tummy bug. So this week's video is for The Husband for taking care of me and our babies till I got better. Thanks babe!

Hope you all have a happy and *healthy* weekend!!

Teacher Appreciation

2011-06-01T11:35:00.001-07:00

My son's class already gave his teacher a big teacher appreciation gift and have collected money for an end of the year gift as well, but I like to write his teacher's a heartfelt note and add a little something to it. She's taken care of my son all year long, I feel like just a little something to express my gratitude is the least we can do. Here's a few DIY ideas and some small tokens to buy:

Childhood 101

2011-05-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

*an awesome DIY treehouse made from branches and wood scraps

With summer getting closer and closer, I've been rounding up some good activities and ideas to keep my littles busy and happy. I stumbled upon the Childhood 101 blog and have loved everything about it. Great ideas for activites, awesome art projects (with an emphasis on making art, versus crafts). I can't wait for summer to try out all their great ideas! Check it out for yourself here.

Its Pool Time!

2011-05-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Its finally starting to warm up around us (we've had a few false starts) and for us that means its the beginning of pool season! I'm surrounded by a ton of great pools and all summer long me and the kids make the rounds. I hit up the lagoon last week and my friend admired my trusty summer wristlet. I love that thing. I can slip my pool key/pass, phone, and a few bucks for the snack bar in there and throw the whole thing in my bigger beach bag and not have to worry that my stuff will get wet, sandy, or lost. Its also really nice to be able to grab just that small bag when we have to run to the restroom or anywhere else and not have to pack the four hundred pool toys we had to bring with us. There's a TON of cute options on Etsy, here's a few I found:

The Errand Runner by Kerri Ann Handmade, $32 - This one is a small and super efficient way to carry just the essentials.
Cell Phone Wallet by Cucio, $19.95 - Another small and efficient one, I like the snap on this one and the leatherette handle.
Pleated Wristlet by LiReca, $20 - This is closer to what I usually carry. A little bigger, so there's room for chapstick or other small items you might need (and love this print! so cute!)
Wristlet by Noonew, $9 - Super super cute and you can't beat that price! And right now they are running a promo of buy three get one free! Wristlets for all!

Happy Friday!

2011-05-20T15:09:00.001-07:00

*Find this print here

Happy Friday! After spending the morning helping out in my son's class all I have the energy for is to giggle at this print. Check out his other prints, they are all hilarious.

Hope you have a great weekend, we'll see ya next week (barring the rapture or zombie apocolypse, etc.)

DIY Jewelry Organizer

2011-05-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

*Sorry these pics aren't the best, its a gloomy day here so not a lot of natural light to be had!

I've always struggled to find a cute, practical way to store my necklaces. I had a cute big hook for the wall, but my necklace's always got tangled (and I always seemed to want the one in the very back). Jewelry boxes were never big enough for my bigger necklaces, and the jewelry rarely actually made it back into the box. More often then not my necklaces ended up spread out on my dresser or bathroom counter. Not exactly ideal. Then I went to my parent's house and found that my dad (Mr. Martha Stewart himself, seriously, I should just start a post of the week of various projects he does) had made my mom a jewelry organizer with an old frame, some sheet metal for screens and 's' hooks. Simple, easy, cute. I immediately demanded one of my own and asked nicely that it be an oval shape if possible. As usual, good old dad came through. Now all my necklaces have homes, and it looks adorable on my bathroom wall (the rest of my bedroom/bathroom is fairly gender neutral, leaning towards masculine, so I love how this ornate frame juxtaposes that). I can move the hooks around to accommodate longer necklaces, and my earrings can hang on it too. Perfect! :)

Order of the Week - Family Tree

2011-05-18T10:03:00.001-07:00

Order your own here or here!

Happy Friday!

2011-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Heard these guys on KCRW this morning and liked the heavy eighties feel of it. Deep down inside A.J. and I are just eighties goth girls so this band is right up our alley. Grab your eyeliner and rock out.

Have a great weekend!!

Order of the Week - Family Tree

2011-05-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

I finally got my act together and pulled together some pictures of our recent orders! Here's a sweet Family Tree with birthstones and initials. I'm so envious when familys have awesome birthstones! I love this combo.

You can find the Large Heart Family Tree here and more options here.

Gingermelon Patterns

2011-05-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

I was totally going to post about something different this morning, but then my sister sent me an email with a link to this shop and its all I can think about. I'm dying to get my hands on these patterns! So. Freaking. Cute. One of these guys would be the cutest little gift for a shower. Or heck, for life in general. I just want one to sit on my dresser and I'm a grown woman.

Find these and more adorable patterns here.

2011-05-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

*she's soooo happy she's free & can have a margarita*

Since I am the and I quote”token Mexican” half of Pinky Swear Designs, we feel it’s my duty to do today’s post about Cinco de Mayo.

First…I’d like to preface this post that I am the and I quote again “the whitest Mexican ever” and the “worst Mexican ever”. I’ve been told on occasion that I need to learn to speak Spanish (I know the bad words, slang words, and bad slang words). It’s not my fault. I blame my parents;) It’s something I’d looove to accomplish one day (after going to culinary school, owning a restaurant, an event party planning biz, and owning a little vineyard in France). Bottom line…I am one of the new generation of Mexicans and damn proud of it. I am proud of where my roots sprouted from 3 generations ago and how they made their way all the way up the coast and landed in Surf City USA;)

So…today in honor of The Mexicans tossing those French out ( I do so love the French!) of their tierra (that’s land to all of you non-Spanish speaking;) I’d like to share what we’re all really on the quest for today. Yep…the best margarita evah (can I get an Ai yai yai!!)!The El Paso Chili Company Key Lime Margarita Mix

I used to pick up this mix at William Sonoma way back in the day…but Wills and Son started making their own mix (which is good…but not fantastico) and now…we have to order it online. Its sooo worth it…add a little Hornitos Tequila (the smoothest and tastiest), fresh lime with salt and you are on your way to a muy bueno time. We’re having ours with my quick guacamole (avo’s, garlic, lime, salt& a little Cholula hot sauce) & chips.

Happy Cinco de Drinko peeps…may you toast the latino culture today (who am I kidding...toast them whenever and where ever you can)!!

Salud!

New York City Map

2011-05-03T10:12:00.001-07:00

Short and sweet 'cause I'm a busy girl today (only five days to Mother's Day people!!). I'm totally obsessed with basically every print L'affiche Moderne ever puts out, but this new one of NYC is the one I'm currently smitten with. I have good friends and family who live in NYC and for some reason my son has always wanted to go there (at the ripe old age of 3 he declared that when he grew up he'd move to NYC and make signs). Love the colors, love the little details.

Find it here.

Happy Friday!

2011-04-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and congrats Will and Kate (how gorgeous did she look??)!

Royal Bachelorette Party

2011-04-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

While we may be two mama's in the suburbs and Kate a soon to be a princess we know deep down in every girl is a party girl just waiting to happen. If we were BFF's with Kate (which we know we would be if only we'd met!) we'd thrown down an epic bachelorette party for her, full of Kir Royal Martinis and general naughtiness because if anyone needs a night of pure craziness and getting wild it'd be a future princess (we hope she's able to get some fun in with all this scrutiny!) From top left:

Bridal Nightwear by Agent Provocateur, $650
Silver Easy Spin Pasties, $22.50 (had to include these for the marketing as "easy-spin" alone)
Adorna Paddle Agent Provocateur, $170
Love Baby Grand Sleep Mask

From the Desk of A.J. - Top Five Princesses OF ALL TIME

2011-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Prin.cess-noun
*archaic : a woman having sovereign power
*a female member of a royal family; especially : a daughter or granddaughter of a sovereign
*the consort of a prince
*one likened to a princess; especially : a woman of high rank or of high standing in her class or profession

We think there are many more sides to a princess (we hope!) than the ones listed above…but in all fun here are the top 5 Princesses according to Pinky Swear Designs:

5. Sarah Ferguson, aka the first Fergie. I always (and still do) feel for the fiery red head. The weight battles, the scandals (past =toe sucking, present= bribery), the royal snubs…it really was as if Sarah down the block married a Prince.

4. Princess Leia- I grew up wanting to be Princess Leia. She not only was a princess, she got to hang out with Luke and Hans and fight evil with a light saber…and she was the only chick in an all boys movie.

3. Princess Buttercup…just because anytime I can reference The Princess Bride, I do;) Bow to her! Bow!

2. Princess Grace- Uh, because she was absolutely beautiful and lived up to her name.

1. Princess Diana-of course she’s numero uno. Kate has some big shoes to fill, but according to everybody, she’s got a great head on her shoulders, knows who she is and has a supportive family…let’s hope for her sake its enough. The thing I most admired about Diana is when she spoke of her boys. She seemed to become stronger overnight when she had them. Flinging her arms open to welcome them…what better way to “shock” the family;) Lets hope Kate brings some life back into that/those castles as her mum in-law did.

Here’s to you Kate. May you be stronger than the family, politics, and media…and when all else fails, don’t forget your light saber.

Teapots & Teacups

2011-04-26T12:05:00.001-07:00

What's a week devoted to English royals with out some awesome tea accessories? Searching for teapots and teacups I learned that there is a teapot for everyone out there. I saw vintage teapots, formal teapots, utilitarian teapots, shabby chic teapots, steam-punk teapots, teapots shaped like airstream trailers, you name it, someone makes it. I tried to think of a way to categorize the teapots I found, or make a cohesive collection before I threw up my hands and just went with ones I thought were cute. So the following teapots and cups passed my very scientific "cute" criteria (I follow a complex algorithm that measures the amount of time it takes me to squeal or think CUTE! and divide that by something or other):

From the Desk of A.J. - Let the Festivities Begin!

2011-04-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

I distinctly remember watching Diana and Charles getting married. I woke up and walked into the living room and there was my mama watching it on TV. I sat down and she said “look meja, now she’s a princess”. I remember oohing and awing at her dress and thinking wow…there really are princesses.

OK…I was all of nine when they got hitched, so that fairytale wedding was right up my alley. Flash forward to now…and the nine year old gal in me is right there again soaking in all that glorious royal wedding hoopla and luuuurving it!

Friday I will be glued to the tube (with my mama at my side & grandpa lending a hand with the boy wonders;) ooohing and awing (in our hats!) as yet, another, princess is born. We’ll be noshing on some scones, sandwiches and having a spot of tea from the Art of Tea. Yep…this site is amazing and has every kind of tea for every kind of quench under the sun. I’m laying down humungous hints for their tea of the month club for mama’s day to the Hubs. Friday I will sipping on cinnamon fig, coconut pineapple, and their classic organic black tea…just so I don’t have to hear any backlash from the Queen Mum;)

This week, we’re dedicating our blogs to everything royal and delicious in honor of Kate and Wills (which we hear after Friday…we can’t call her Kate anymore but I’m pretty sure we can still call him Wills;) Pinky style of course;)

Cheers!

Happy Friday and Easter!

2011-04-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a great Easter weekend, full of jelly beans, Peeps!, and one of my favorite movies ever, Easter Parade. I dare you not to love this movie. SO many great scenes/songs/ and the DANCING, oh the dancing! (and all those awesome costumes aint bad either)

Happy Easter!!

Wee Gardens

2011-04-20T10:50:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to think of thing to put in the kid's Easter baskets that aren't necessarily "toys." We have enough toys, and to be honest my kids get at least three Easter baskets a year (thanks Gammie and Nanny!) and all that little stuff adds up quick. When I was little we often got swim suits and summer gear in our baskets and I think I'll continue that tradition, but still want to include something just for fun. I started thinking maybe the Easter bunny would bring the kids gardening stuff for our house and came across these. So cute and fun! I think JoAnns carries this line, so I may swing by and see if they have it. I think though, this could be an easy and fast DIY too with all the little doo-dads you may already have around the house. I may just buy each kid a pot, a house (those tiny blank birdhouses they sell at craft stores would be perfect), some seeds and dirt and call it a day! Find these online here. And for more tiny garden inspiration, google "fairy gardens" and be ready to be awed by the cuteness! :)

Spread a Little Love

2011-04-19T09:34:00.001-07:00

Ginger Blue

I've been incredibly blessed to have extremely healthy kids. Beyond a few colds, the "worst" medical thing that I've ever had to go through with my littles was a broken arm and subsequent surgery. When my son came out of surgery, groggy and hysterical from the sedatives I sat there watching a mom trying to comfort her crying baby in an incubator next to us. And it hit me like a ton of bricks of how lucky we really were. Thinking back on that moment makes me that much more amazed when I think about my friend Sarah, and her beautiful daughter, Ginger. Ginger has cystic fibrosis, an incurable diseases that wreaks havoc on her tiny lungs and has the potential to make even the tiniest of colds fatal. Sarah approaches each day with her daughter with grace, humor, gratefulness and laughter. And she has been tireless in her goal to raise money and awareness for research into a cure for CF.

In May, Sarah and her family and friends are walking in the Great Strides walk in Redlands, CA to raise money for research into cystic fibrosis. She is half way to her goal and I'd love to see her make it all the way. Check out her fund raising page here to donate (every little bit helps!) and to read more of their amazing story go to Sarah's blog here.

Happy Friday!

2011-04-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday! I've been itching to get some Easter decorations up, but really wanted to try to use stuff I already had. And of course Her Most High Priestess Martha Stewart was a great inspiration. I saw this egg garland and decided to try my own. I quickly decided that I didn't want to use as many eggs as she did. Instead I staggered the eggs and used some left over crepe paper to make pompoms. Strung them all up on some twine, and voila. Easter garland. The hardest part was getting the eggs out of the eggshells, but I only broke one (and I used a good old fashioned sharp stick and my mouth, not a fancy "egg blower" like Martha says, I'm scandalous like that). After that I walked around my house and pulled things that seemed spring-ey to me and re-merched the mantle. I think it turned out cute, my husband thinks its weird (something about it being weird to decorate with real eggs). What do you think?

Beth's Bags

2011-04-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Spring Easter Wreath, $26

I'm so in love with these cheerful, retro wreaths and pin cushions from Beth's Bags. They make me happy just looking at them! See more in her shop here.

Vintage Sweet Vintage Deer Pincushion, $26

Vintage Majorette Pincushion, $28

New Design!!! The Banner Necklace

2011-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

My little sister had the sweetest roly-poly cute-as-pie baby you've ever seen on 1-11-11 (cool birthday, right?). She's been major support for us here at Pinky Swear Designs, both emotionally and physically, helping us out at our shows, rocking out in our booth with us. So as soon as she named her bundle of joy we wanted to make her something. She's a simple jewelry kind of gal, she rocks a vintage wedding ring, a tiny x-small charm from us and not much else most days (jewelry wise! she wears clothes! :P) I gave this to her for her birthday yesterday and she loved it! We love it too. So simple and sweet.

In fact we loved it so much, we thought we'd add it to our shop! Get your own (just in time for Mother's Day!!) here. ;)

Happy Friday!

2011-04-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Woke up with this song in my head. Its one of my all time favorite songs, I can't play it just once, I have to listen to it at least seven times in a row. And its perfect for this sunny, bright morning.

Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend, I'll be celebrating my sister's birthday with some epic Just Dance 2 tournaments. Oh! And mine! ;) (I got a little sister for my third birthday) So Happy Birthday to me and Happy Birthday to Jessie!!! Love you much!

Order of the Week - ID Bracelet

2011-04-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Our ID Bracelet, simple, sweet, and personal. Order your own here.

ReadyMade Magazine

2011-04-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a firm believer in DIY when it comes to most projects, so one of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was a subscription to ReadyMade. Its always full of amazing DIY projects, yummy recipes and fun articles with some great designers. I'm loving the projects in this month's edition, submitted by readers for the ReadyMade 100 contest. I'm itching to make these bell jars (so perfect for Easter decorations!!) and I love the look of the paper lamps! Check out all the winners here.

Happy Friday!

2011-04-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Look Up! The Billion-Bug Highway You Can't See from NPR on Vimeo.

Thought I'd share this short video to start off your weekend. My kids and I love listening to Radiolab in the car. It never ceases to amaze me that even when the topic seems really abstract they still listen and retain so much more than I thought they would. If you want a place to start, I recommend the Parasite episode, its gross and cool and amazing.

Download Radiolab podcasts here or use the NPR News app and find Radiolab on WNYC. Have a great weekend!!

April Fool's Day Roundup

2011-03-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

*Image from Martha Stewart Living

April Fool's Day is tomorrow! I come from a loooong line of pranksters. My family has perfected the art of a good natured prank (my uncle once filled every cupboard, every sink and every shower in my dad's house with newspaper, my dad once gave my grandpa an exploding present, these are time consuming, engineering marvels of pranks, not just glueing a quarter down). I figured I have to keep the tradition up and start apprenticing my kids in the fine art of pranks sooner rather than later. To spread the fun around I thought I'd share a round-up of some easy, family friendly pranks I found 'round the internets:

Martha Stewart Living - I especially like the colored water from the tap and the "solid" milk...
Family Fun - The balloon surprise seems awesome and they have lots of great food tricks
Parenting - Some cute, classic "mix-ups"

Happy Pranking!

A Beautiful Day Is A Terrible Thing to Waste

2011-03-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

I had all sorts of plans for my "day off" (the one day a week where both my kids are in school, I get a whole glorious two hours to myself). I was going to update the website, work on a new and exciting design, check my emails, write some posts... But then my son's eye turned suspiciously red and it was a beautiful day, so Duder and I dropped off sister at preschool and headed to the duck pond instead. I'd say I feel bad about it, but man, it is a beautiful day. Maybe I'll get to that stuff tonight...

Fact: Making Things Tiny Makes Them Better

2011-03-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Though I don't think I could ever justify the prices, there's always been a special place in my heart for Restoration Hardware (and please don't even get me started on how much I love this couch, I lust after that couch). I love the rustic, industrial aesthetic they embody. And just when I thought it couldn't get any more depressing looking and lusting after beautiful industrial furniture they went and made it tiny. TINY! Yes, that's right, the chair and desk above are child's size. Kill me now. Now its about as likely that I'd spend over a thousand dollars on a chair for my kids as it is that I'd buy my dream couch...but *sigh* that's a damn cute chair. Luckily not everything at RH is crazy expensive so I can happily put these accessories on my wish list without guilt. ;)

So cute! Find Restoration Hardware Baby & Kid here.

Happy Friday!

2011-03-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little under the weather today so I think I'm going to take the afternoon to get cracking on some new library books, maybe listen to some Radiolab, or watch a really bad romantic comedy...

Hope you all stay healthy and have a great weekend!!

Happy Birthday A.J.!!!!

2011-03-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

Today is A.J.'s birthday!!! Join me in wishing her a sparkly, roller skating, xanadu birthday!!!!

HAPPY BIRF-DAY AJ!

Pinky Swear Pets

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Design*Sponge (check out her pet post here) I'd thought I'd introduce you to the furry department of Pinky Swear Designs. A.J. and I are both big animal lovers and even though A.J. doesn't currently have pets (allergies & babies) she loves up on my babies whenever we're in our "workshop" together.

Meet Tammie, head of Afternoon Naps and Evening Strolls. This furry little thing bolted into our house a few years back and promptly made herself at home. Her former owners, who had neglected her terribly, called us and told us to keep her, they were moving anyways :( . I've come to embrace her for the little old lady lap dog that she is and have proudly become a buyer of dog barrettes and sweaters (she needs them!). But I still giggle a little watching my heavily tattoed husband walk a ten pound fluffy dog in an argyle sweater.

And this is Carrots, Packing and Shipping Assistant (he's great with shredded paper) and Director of Keyboard Sitting. When Carrots became a part of the family he was fresh off of "death row" in a South Central shelter and was a scrawny little thing. He's since packed on the pounds and towers over Tammie. He looks like a big tough guy but deep down he's just a big papa bear who insists on giving everyone who visits kisses and grooming sessions (especially the babies).

How about you? Do you have fuzzy officemates? We'd love to meet them! Share a link in the comments.

Also, because I feel very passionate about this and feel the need to share, if you or someone you know in the Orange County area is thinking about getting a pet, please share these links with them! These are some great rescues doing amazing work and finding forever homes for some sweet animals that really deserve it:

MeoowzResQ - (who rescued and fostered our Carrots before we adopted him) rescues cats and kittens and fosters them in loving homes.

I.C.A.R.E Dog Rescue - Rescues and fosters puppies and dogs

Barks of Love - also rescues puppies and dogs.

From the Desk of A.J. - Glamping

2011-03-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

*The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

The boy wonder brought a humungous pill bug into the house the other day. I shrieked with fear and he laughed. I proceeded to roll that thing onto a paper towel and we walked it back outside and set it free. Yes, I am a self proclaimed wuss when it comes to any creepy crawlies, flying buzzing things, and/or anything with a slimy skin body.

That’s when my life with 2 boys (uhm, 3 including The Hubs) flashed in front of me. I thought “they are going to bring me all sorts of 'fun' things aren’t they?” They are going to make me go to things I really may not enjoy…they are not going to want to go where I want to go…and they are going to make me go CAMPING.

I do like camping, sort of. I grew up camping…so it’s not like I don’t know what it entails, and it’s not like I don’t know what one gets out of it. I know, you smell fresh air…gaze at stars; take in Mother Nature and all. I get it. I just know, sometimes, it’s a little too much. I miss my bed, my own shower, my bed, my sandals (because if you don’t wear sneakers, something will attack your toes), did I mention my bed?

OK…the point is I loooove being outdoors, and I loooove taking in what Mother Nature has to offer. I just want to do it with a little more comfort.

*Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa Cruz Island

Glamping. Glamorous camping. I know there are a few campsites here in SoCal that have been around for years…but glamping is getting huge…and its sooooo AWESOME!

Found Goglamping and Glampgirl . Both have destination links that circumference the world…yep you heard me the world. Europe (France, Belgium, Italy, the list is long), South America, Islands, Canada you name it…lots to choose from (with prices to fit small and big wallets). All with pictures of these beautiful little (or huge) accommodations (canvas, tents, yurts, tipis) that have big fluffy pillows, hand spun rugs, bubbly at your bedside-yep, that’s my kind of camping!

Looked into a few for me and the Hubs’ anniversary coming up…but of course, they are pretty much all booked. I’ll think about it early next year. I just know, one of these days, I’ll be joining the millions of moms out there packing up bug spray, creepy crawly catchers, fishing poles, Bactine and mallows and heading out into the woods. I’m excited to do it, but would be ecstatic if the woods involve a nice down comforter and a Jacuzzi tub;)

For more information find Go Glamping here and Glamping Girl here!

Happy Friday!

2011-03-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

I had girl's night last weekend and it was fabulous. We drank margaritas, gossiped a bit, and then played Just Dance 2 (which is ridiculously fun to play). It was then that I was introduced to this brilliant little piece of disco history. Best song about a crazy russian ever. We've been listening to it non-stop at my house since then (always fun to hear your six year old sing "ra-ra-rasputin!") So this one is for my girls! Love you guys!

Have a great weekend!!

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T11:26:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you but we have a little leprechaun problem round these parts. Last year they turned our whole living room upside down and sprinkled clovers all over. This year we decided we should try to trap them. Though we thought we had a foolproof trap (fake gold coins to lure them in, double sided sticky tap to trap them) those little guys are tricky and yet again turned our house upside down. They even dyed our milk and toilet water green this year. We'll get them sometime!!

Whether you're celebrating with some mischief or a Guiness and corned beef and hash have a wonderful St.Patrick's Day!!

Never heard of Leprechaun traps? I hadn't either. But if you do a quick google search you'll see hundreds of kid-made leprechaun traps. My kid's had a blast coming up with a plan. :)

Fool's Gold

2011-03-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Somebody's birthday is coming up fairly soon *coughMEcough* and I've become obsessed with the idea of having some jewlery made out of pyrite (or fool's gold). I love it in its "natural" state, all sharp edges and big shine. It reminds me of a meteorite, but sparklier. My search led me to all kinds of fool's gold goodies and I thought I'd share some of my favs today. This Comet Necklace (above) by Big Tinsel is at the top of my wishlist. So in love with it.

Pyrite earrings by Jet Flair are subtle and sweet. I love the warm, slightly fuzzy, murky color on these.

And though this is technically not made out of pyrite (its brass) it came up in my search and I love it to death too. Shield Ring by Hannah Naomi.

Happy Friday!

2011-03-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

In the car with my four year old:

P: "What's this song from Mama?"

Me: "I don't know babe, its just on the radio."

P: "I know what its from. Its from that book where the school bus goes into space."

Have a great weekend!!

Order of the Week - Heart Tattoo

2011-03-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

A little bit rock and roll rolled into a whole lot of sweetness. One of our first designs, and still one of our favs (I wear one exactly like this most days).

Order your own here or here.

Sparkle & Spin

2011-03-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

It feels a little odd to claim that my four year old has her own style, but the truth is she does. And anyone who knows her will immediately recognize that this store is exactly her style. Its kind of like they followed her around for a few days and then threw a shop up just for her. She rocks the crazy pattern leggings or occasional skirt/tutu with the graphic tee almost everyday, along with either a mask, cat tail, or tiger ears. And she would just about die for that owl tunic (she was a snow owl for Halloween). We both did a lot of squealing over this shop. :)

Find Sparkle & Spin here.

Happy Friday!

2011-03-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have a bad habit of not eating breakfast. Then I hit ten o'clock and I'm starving, and all I want is something fast and filling. Something like a giant muffin. I know I'm not doing myself any favors by skipping breakfast, so I've been trying to think of something I will eat. Since I crave muffins anyways, I thought I'd start with a healthier version of the muffin. That along with the fact that I've been trying to work quinoa into my kiddo's diet (I'm always trying to get my picky son to eat more protein and quinoa is a great protein) led me to quinoa muffins. So I had my son help me make these yesterday and we loved them! Its a great basic recipe, I can see making these with all kinds of "fillings". We used wheat flour and added cinnamon and chocolate chips (I also "cheated" a little and used pre-cooked quinoa from Fresh & Easy). Quick and easy and filling. Find the recipe here and have a great weekend!!

Bit of Whimsy - Koala's For a Good Cause

2011-03-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

I've written about Bit of Whimsy's dolls and patterns a couple of times now. Her monsters and dolls are still my favorite thing to sew. I am by no means a great seamstress, but her patterns are simple and straightforward. I also love that I get to use up all my little scraps of fabric (it takes less than a half a yard to make most of these). She adds new patterns and dolls all the time and I want pretty much all of them. Today I think I'm finally going to break down and buy a new pattern, the Koby Koala. Not just because its sooooo frickin' cute but also because Bit of Whimsy is donating HALF of all proceeds from the sale of this pattern to the Australian Red Cross to aid in the flood and fire relief efforts.

Find Bit of Whimsy Dolls here.

Order of the Week - Up In Charms

2011-03-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

How do you fit four kids and three grandkids on one necklace? Layers! Contact us here for your own.

2011-03-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

I'm constantly trying to figure out better ways to keep all my bookmarks organized. But the internets are just too vast sometimes. I've got over a hundred bookmarks in one folder alone. So when I go back through looking for that one thing with the cute idea...nine times out of ten I can't find it and give up. I heard about Pinterest just a few weeks ago and I'm totally hooked. Its an online "bulletin board" of sorts, you set up your account and create your own bulletin boards to "pin" things to. So, for example, the screen shot above is a bulletin board I created for my daughter. So now when I see things I think she'd like, or remind me of her I just click my litte "Pin It" button (you put it on your bookmark bar, so you're not having to go to a new site everytime) and it creates a picture and link of that item on her board. I have a board for each of the kids, one for me, one for the house, one just for DIY, etc. So fun! Its also a community. So you can check out other people's boards, comment on items and re-pin to your boards. I've seen some amazing things other people have pinned I might not have otherwise. I love having everything layed out in a simple, visual way, and this is by far the easiest way to create bookmarks or lists that I've come across. I'm a total convert.

To become a part of the Pinterest community you have to be invited or accepted! If you're interested I have three more invites I can give out. Comment below or email me your info at lauren@pinkysweardesigns.com (I'll need your email) :) First come, first served ;)

Happy Friday!

2011-02-25T08:49:00.001-08:00

Blastoff!!

2011-02-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

What I'll be wearing in my mind while watching the space launch today...(in real life it'll probably be my jeans and an Old Navy striped tee)

Khara LeDonne's Fly Me To The Moon Handpainted Locket, $35
3.1 Philip Lim, on sale! for a mere $325
Julie Nolan Constellation Bracelet, $50
Giuseppe Zanotti heels, also on sale! $416.50

Enjoy the launch today!

Order of the Week

2011-02-23T10:14:00.001-08:00

Small, sweet, simple. Just as cute on littles as it is on adults!

Contact us here to order your own! (or here)

Kitt-In Box

2011-02-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

While searching around the internets for a nice, modern house for my kitteh I came across this genius thing (via Modern Cat). If you have a kitty I don't think I even need to explain how genius this is. In my opinion more offices need kitties as desk accessories. Now whether or not you could actually cajole your kitty off your keyboard and into his inbox is another question...

Find the Kitt-In Box here.

*This picture alone made my day. I love the informercial-ness of it. "Oh, that darn cat!" And no way that cat didn't immediately try to eat those tulips, and spill water all over her keyboard after they snapped this pic. Just sayin'

Happy Friday!

2011-02-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

I've had a hankering to hear this song ever since the Grammy's (how awesome was Norah Jones??) Enjoy and have a great three day weekend, if you get it!! ;)

Zara Kids

2011-02-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

When I found out that the Zara that opened near me carried kid's stuff I promptly fell over and died. Then a nice saleslady helped me up and I took a look around. Seriously. If you haven't been/seen this stuff, take a deep breath and go here. I mean, just look at these shoes!!!

Order of the Week - Name Brand

2011-02-16T11:20:00.001-08:00

We were asked to add this stone to our Name Brand pendant and we think it came out gorgeous!! The names are the three generations of gals in this family (grandma, mom and baby) and was a sweet Valentine's Day present for a dear friend. :)

From the Desk of A.J. - BHLDN

2011-02-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

When I got married, scratch that, when I got engaged, one of the very first things I started dreaming about was the “theme” I wanted to take down the aisle.

Yes…I admit, I got little nuts (no not Bridezilla at all…just detail oriented-honest) when it came down to my “dream” wedding.

My first thought was…I wanted to get married in the middle of an Anthropologie. Seriously, it’s what I thought. I lurve that store like a big bowl of ice cream and the thought of a sort of bohemian, romantic vintag-ie, wedding was all I could dream about when I started to plan that year long plan of one day nuptials.

I wanted the perfect terra cotta pots to be distressed and cracked just enough. I wanted my seating chart to look like a family tree (yep…the first of many family trees I have weaved into my life), my guest book to look like an old photo album that had been found in an attic somewhere…or in AnthropologieJ

Behold. Anthro has launched BHLDN (uhm…that’s beholden, I felt like I was trying to read the back of a license plate), their venture into the wedding biz. Dresses (amazing dresses!), bridesmaids (soooo sweet!), and little odds and ends. Launched on Valentine’s day…awwww

This screams Pinky Swear…we loves us a good wedding online catalog to drool and plan our renewal vows…if we can’t get the Hubsters on board, we may have to vow to each other to just throw a big celebration…in a bohemian, romantic, vintage-ie sort of way;)

Find BHLDN here.

Hippo! No, Rhino!

2011-02-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Few things get me riled up as much as someone who reviews a book and complains that there were "no words." Some of our family's favorite books are ones that use very few or no words to convey the story. (Goodnight Gorilla, The Red Book, Suzy Lee's books are some of our favs) I've tried to include these types of books in my kid's library throughout the years. Reading a book with little or no words does take more "work." You have to be very tuned into the illustrations, the little details, but that is what is so great about them! You can involve everyone in reading the story, or your little ones can "read" to you. Its also a great facilitator for conversations with your little ones ("What do you think he's feeling? Where do you think he's going?") And I've found that even though my little ones can follow much more complex storylines and can read on their own, they still appreciate a good book. Words or not. (Here's a great little article on how to read a wordless book outloud if you're feeling a little intimadated).

Hippo! No Rhino! does have words. They are just very carefully chosen, and most rhyme with Rhino. Poor Rhino's sign mistakenly says "Hippo." As visitors to the zoo approach Rhino and proclaim him to be Hippo, Rhino grows increasingly agitated and attempts to fix the sign himself. Finally a boy notices the mistake and fixes Rhino's sign. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous, full of color and vaguely retro looking (reminds me of older Golden Books). We actually bought this book as a gift for my niece, but my kids almost didn't let it go. Highly recommend this little book!!

Check it out at your local library or find it here.

Order of the Week - Cherry Blossom

2011-02-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

This week's highlighted order is for a very special grandma to four. The stones inside each blossom are each birthstones of her grandchildren. So sweet and sooo purty. I don't want to give this one away!!

Order your own here or here! Mother's Day is just around the corner!!

Gnome Sweet Gnome's Tissue Holder

2011-02-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Just about every single kid I come across these days has a runny nose (mine included). There's nothing fun about it, but maybe if I had this adorable tissue holder it wouldn't be so bad. I dare you not to smile when you look at this.

Find it here.

Happy Friday!

2011-02-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

Enjoy some funny kittehs. I love that Big Cat is so obviously trying to get away from Kitten, who is saying "CAT! CAT! YOU'RE STUCK IN THE BOX CAT! I'LL GET YOU OUT CAT! CAT CAT! CAT!"

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Chinese New Year!!

From the Desk of A.J. - Wubbanub

2011-02-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

The Boy Wonder #2

I’m trying really hard not to compare my 2 boys…but how do you do that? They are very similar in many ways (they look exactly the same…we pretty much made a clone), but different as far as temperament, eating habits, and everything else.

One of the best gifts I received was a little pacifier called the Wubbanub. It came in a little box, with a little card that said “hope you get some sleep…and know it will get easier. BTW, don’t send me a thank you”. Given to me by one of the “mommy friends” from Boy Wonder #1’s mommy and me class.

So…this pacifier…a regular hospital pacifier but it had this little small perfectly sized plush toy sewn to the handle part of the paci. I thought, “how cute”. Little did I know…what I meant to say was “HOW GENIUS!!!!”.

The Boy Wonder numero uno never wanted a paci…and I was sooooo happy with that. I didn’t want him to get the bucked teeth people are always talking about and I didn’t want him to be the four year old in line still sucking on his binkie (I know…I’m judging…I’m strictly talking about me:). He was mellow and just feel asleep…never fussy…nada.

Boy Wonder #2? Not so much. Immediately, as in the hospital, we knew this one was going to be a bit more sensitive aka fussy. I tried soothing him…rocking him, the Hubs did his Barry White humming Boy Wonder #1 loved so much. Nothing worked. He was a bit gassy…but over the weeks the doc just said “he’s a bit on the sensitive side…he just needs a little extra tlc”. No problem. Then I remembered…my gift!!!

Tore that puppy (literally) open, washed it and let the babe at it. He LOOOOVED IT!!! And while all the other pacifiers fall to the side…this one can be propped up by its bean bag body, and its soft & squishy, and you don’t lose it in your bag. GENIUS! (of course, invented by a mom;)

At 3 months, we’re just getting out of the fussy stage. He’s already over the pacifier (he has found this amazing thing called a thumb), but I’m telling you…I don’t care how many hours we used it…every time sweet boy calmed down and got that peaceful look on his face I thought of and thanked the mama who threw it together in her hotel room on vacation and the mama who was so sweet and thoughtful enough to give it to me as a gift. Mamas helping mamas…one thoughtful gesture at a time:)

Find Wubbanubs here!

Order of the Week - Packaged With Care

2011-02-02T10:49:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd highlight something a little different this week: our packaging! Both Ms.A.J. and I come from design backgrounds and we're suckers for a beautiful presentation, so we put a lot of thought and care into ours. From the moss inside the box, to the sparkly babies breath outside, we think it all adds a little extra something special to what is already a special and meaningful gift. :)

Valentine's Day - Print Your Own!

2011-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Worried if you order Valentine's Day cards off Etsy they won't get to you in time? Of course, you can always check with the individual shop (they are always more than happy to let you know if it'll get to you in time) Or you can choose from one of the many PDF files offered. They simply email you the file and you've got adorable, sometimes personalized valentines ready for you to print to your heart's content.

Bubbledog, $2.50
Vicinity Studio, $4.00
The Paper Nut, $5.95 (this one comes with the cards and the gift tags! I want this one to send to my loved ones)

I also really love these from Happy Thought. A little more prep work, but so cute!! My son's school does not allow food items so I'm thinking this is a cute alternative.

Find the house here, $6

And this cute hanging decoration here, $7

Another tip? Through out the years of making our own invitations I've learned that Kinko's online printing services are really awesome (and cost efficient). You simply upload your file to their site, choose your options and pay online. They are usually done within the hour and you go pick them up at your nearest Kinkos. I don't own a paper cutter, so I also love that they let you use theirs for free. :)

Spread the Love

2011-01-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

More often than not I find an Etsy shop where I want to buy not just one thing, but quite a few. And then there's those rare shops where I just want all of it. Spread the Love is one of those. I love just about every single print in this shop. I love her cards, I love her calendars, I love it all. I tried to narrow down just a few for this blog post and I quite nearly went crazy. So I picked a few I thought would be especially cute for Valentines Day. But dude. You MUST visit this shop and look at it all!! I really love this print and this print for a new baby. These naughty cards made me giggle. This one is just pretty. These alphabet prints are adorbs. And this is the calendar I want, because its just so darn optimistic. :)

Find all of it here.

Order of the Week - Family Tree

2011-01-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

Still one of our most popular designs! And why not? Its perfect for moms and grandmas, lets you brag about all of them without having to wear seven different charms AND its gorgeous. ;) Get your own here, or here!

Feeling Knotty

2011-01-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

My hair is currently in that weird grow out phase between having bangs and not having bangs and I can't make up my mind which way I'm going to go. I love having bangs, but my hair grows so dang fast that they look great for a week and then I'm right back to where I am now, boring old bobby pin land (and don't even suggest I cut my own, that's just a skill I do not possess). I'm tired of plain bobby pins and elastic headbands. I thought maybe I'd try to mix it up a bit. But every time I try on a headband or pretty clip I end feeling like I look like my four year old. Maybe that's just the nature of wearing a headband or clip, but I'd be totally willing to try these pretty little things for a change. ;) Cute, simple, but still grown-up. These are so perfect for my daily jeans, tee, cardigan, flats uniform.

And I love these rings!!!

This whole shop is going on my hint hint nudge nudge Valentine's Day is coming up list...

Find Sun Studio here.

Happy Friday!

2011-01-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!! What are your plans for the weekend? I have some grandiose plans including, but not limited to: do some laundry, take the dog for a walk, hunt down some painted pianos*, have a dance party with my kiddos, love up on my new nephew and share a bottle of wine with The Husband. You?

Oh, and here's my current obsession, Ten Cent Pistol by The Black Keys. For reals, if you don't already, you need this album in your life.

*If you live in Orange County, check this out! There are twenty pianos, all painted by different artists, placed throughout OC just waiting for you to show up and play. I can plunk out a total of three songs (all with about six notes total), but I'm all about a piano hunt! Thanks to my Nana for the tip!

Valentines Day! - Etsy Style

2011-01-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a fan of homemade valentines, but I get that hand drawing/crafting thirty valentines for your kid's class is a bit overwhelming for you and your little one (and I've got two in school, so make that sixty!). But that doesn't mean you can't have special valentines, hand made by someone else! Browsing around Etsy I found some really adorable, surprisingly really affordable options for the big day.

I love these from WestMama Designs! My kiddos are obsessed with anything to do with animals, and my four year old squealed when she spotted the cuttlefish. These are so great looking, I'd send them to my friends too!

If you were to tell me you know a kid under seven who doesn't love dinosaurs, I'd say you were lying. I just haven't met any kid who doesn't at one point obsess about dinos. I love these illustrations and that they come with stickers! Use them on the envelope, or cut them out and put them in with the card in lieu of candy. By Letter C Designs. Find them here.

I just love these illustrations! So cute. Be forewarned, there's a LOT of cuteness happening in Stephanie Fizer's shop! Find these and more here.

Order of the Week - Making it Your Own

2011-01-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

This customer was from Unique LA. She had already purchased the beautiful blue stone as a "congrats on your new baby" gift when she stumbled upon our table. We told her we could simply add the stone to one of our pieces and it turned out stunning! The mix of the gold and silver with that gorgeous blue is just right. We've added customer's own vintage pieces to our necklaces before and we always love the result. Yet another reason we love making each individual piece from the ground up. :)

If you're interested in your own piece, or have an idea for one you haven't seen here, contact us here! You can also check out our etsy shop here.

Happy Friday!

2011-01-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Hope you've had a great week and are starting to ease into your weekend! I thought I'd end the week by sharing a fun and easy project I did not too long ago for one of my favorite little people, for his first birthday. I tried to remember what toys my kid's loved at that age and kept coming back to those picture word books. I wanted to do something a little more personal (and making my own board book just wasn't in the cards). I also liked the idea of something smaller that he could manipulate on his own. So flash cards it was! I grabbed some images of his family and friends, along with some other random images (animals, transportation, etc.) and even added in some Star Wars characters, since little dude's dad is a mega Star Wars fan. I had my graphic designer husband resize the images and add text (which is really simple, he's just way faster than I am!) And I bought the card protectors at a local comic book shop. Print, cut, slide them in and your done! I've been told they are a big hit with little dude. And I'm already claiming that if he reads early, its because of me. ;)

Happy Friday!

From the Desk of A.J. - Found Vintage Rentals

2011-01-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

Da, da, da ,daaaaa,

That’s the wedding march, in case you didn’t recognize the tune.

Yep…hosting, yet another, shower…this time for 2 brides.

A double wedding you ask? Nope. Two lovely ladies, who happen to be getting hitched to each other a la Portia and Ellen. One of them happens to be my beautiful cousin and the other her beautiful bride. Our families are beyond excited, ‘cause these two have known each other forev-ah and are a perfect match. Love is love in all shapes and sizes and this is a beautiful thing

So, on to the shower! Stumbled upon an amazing website looking for old vintage glass jars (I know…too many out there…and I just had to torture myself in having to find the perfect ones for the centerpieces). My heart went pitter pat when I found, well, found-vintage rentals.

Immediately, I had a flashback to my engagement pics, wedding, baby showers, past parties, past showers I’ve hosted, past weddings I gave any of my 2, 3, 4 cents worth to and I stopped and awwwwwwed for, like, an hour, over this site.

The founder (ha…pun intended) Jeni, is a super styling, cool gal who wanted to find a way to use her vintage, flea market hungry, styling obsession in a way to A. preserve all vintage time pieces and B. help those who loooove all the things she does incorporate them into their weddings, pictures, parties, etc… You can rent couches, old luggage pieces, doors, chairs, tables, uhm CHURCH PEWS! The list goes on.

The website is gorgeous, so is the blog ( great decorating ideas for seasonal, year round, & parties!), also her Hubs is an amazing photographer that uses her styling for his clients…check out the couple on the rail road tracks…I just want to go and have a absinthe cocktail with them.

Yet another blog/site I will be frequenting often…love that someone else out there wants to save the “old” and make it new again…So glad we found you found (and again insert pun)

*All images from Found Vintage Rentals inventory

Find Found Vintage Rentals here.

Jonathan Adler - Entomologist Pillows

2011-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here I was all gung-ho and ready to start posting regularly and then...well life happened I guess! :) I spent all Monday night and Tuesday at the hospital welcoming my first nephew into the world and couldn't be happier! Mom and baby are doing great and I can't wait to introduce my kids to our newest family member tonight.

In the meantime I thought I'd do a short and sweet post about these loverlies. I've loved Jonathan Adler for a loooooong time. For years I had an Adler animal figurine on my Christmas list (The Husband got me this bull, I adore him. Husband and bull.) I just love Adler's aesthetic and his happy colorful take on home decor. I loved him on Top Design, I want to live at his hotel, I even adore his husband. I love him. These popped up in my email this week, so I thought I'd share. I neeeeeed that ladybug in my life! Check out these and more here.

Order of the Week - New Design!

2011-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

We've been doing the gold inlay on our medium and large size charms since the beginning, and when a customer and friend of ours asked if we could do it on our small charms we had an "oh, duh!" moment amongst ourselves. Sometime the simplest ideas just pass you by till someone asks. Which is why we *love* working with our clients, its so satisfying all the way around. So thanks, Katie! ;) We made one for ourselves and featured them at Unique LA, where they were a hit. They always turn out sooooo sweet. The small circle charm is slightly smaller than a dime, so you can imagine how adorable it is! It looks as amazing on my four year old as it does on Ms. A.J. We've done the butterfly and the cherry blossom, but can't wait to try our some of our other designs (we've got tons!)

Interested in your own? You can always contact us through our website, here or check out our Etsy listing for a butterfly one like this, here.

*Back of the butterfly charm pictured above

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-01-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited to be starting up the old blog again! Feels nice to be getting back into the swing of things. Just wanted to say a quick thank you to all you guys for supporting us in all that we've done and for an awesome holiday season. You kept us busy! :) Look for more posts this week, can't wait to start sharing all the stuff we're in love with right now!

-Lo

Aaaaaaand Scene

2010-12-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Fa La La La La!!!

I am back for our final blog of the year, I know…its like coming back from vacay and clocking in for a day before you go on maternity leave, but it’s just how it worked out:)

So here I am, ending 2010 as a madre of two boys. I can’t believe I’m the mama pushing a tandem (I really should have been asked to take a test to drive this thing…one too many diet cokes and I can take someone out easy)

The holidays are “the holidays” to me. As in I’m thankful for a merry treat trickin’, happy new year. Yep…they blend together and I'm giddy as a little girl from when they start to once they end.

At the end of each year, I tend to look back and thank my lucky stars I am still here, reflect on what I have accomplished, learned, and of course, what I want to improve on /change for the better in the year to come.

Here are our top ten reasons for loving 2010 and saying hello to 2011 according to Pinky Swear Designs:

10. The “other” Pinky Swear company who threatened us with “court documents” way back in the beginning of the year has finally realized we’re not giving up our name. You heeeeard me:)

9. CHANEL.com…it allows us to oooh and awww over every collection as if we were in the Grand Palais in Paris sitting next to Karl himself (avec big black sunglasses of course, oh and a hat!)

8. Chocolate…I really think it played a major part in me kicking the baby blues so quickly. It helps release endorphins I’ll have you know;)

7. Unique LA…this “little” show has brought us to a whole new level and has been such an incredible fun outlet for us mama design obsessed fools. Not to mention…it’s keeping this little engine running:)

6. FaceBook-seriously…what an amazing forum for Pinky & personal use to spread the love…and its free…and we get to connect with people even if we’re stuck at home ‘cause someone has pink eye (it’s a glamorous life sometimes)-‘nough said.

5. Friends and fam…as in the ones we talk to off of the FaceBook walls…you know who you are.

4. Coffee…I think it speaks for itself.

3. Nap time…this really deserves to be, like, numbers 5-1, but for now…its 3. Nap time =lunch break/re-grouping (peacefully)…in both of our houses.

2. The Hubsters/loves of our lives, aka graphics department and tech support/CFO. Honestly…we married the same man…just 15 years apart…scary.

1. Our kiddos, aka, the beans, aka, boy wonders, aka, duders # 1 & 2. We’re doing this venture for them. We started Pinky, not only to get rid of some nervous design/artistic energy…but because one day, we’re hoping this will all pan (2 years and still going!) out and we’ll be able to stay home with these babes foreva and continue to raise the true works of art that they are.

Just a quick shout out to these things that we love…and that includes all of you too:)

Talk to you next year!!!

Peace, love, and wine
Love Aj & Lo

p.s. we’re just (b)logging out for the year…you can still and always order a necklace;)

Unique LA - Post Game Roundup

2010-12-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

*Ms. A.J. made tiny mossy wreaths for our holiday table! So cute!

We had an awesome time this weekend! We always love doing these shows. We love having a display to plan, we love meeting new people (consumer and artisans alike) and we love any place with a good DJ. And of course its always great to hear feedback about our line and those new orders aren't too shabby either ;)

Thanks again to everyone who came by and hello and welcome to anyone new to us here!

Unique LA Roundup - Everything Else!

2010-12-10T14:54:00.001-08:00

So there's no way I could post about everyone that is going to be at Unique LA, so here's my final plug!

There's something for everyone! Seriously! Your music fan can shop at the Amoeba pop-up shop, hang out with the DJs or snag a band poster straight from the source. Your foodie can visit one of the many gourmet food trucks, not to mention the stand alone vendors selling pie, organic ice cream, to die for chocolate and more. Your crafty friends can visit the workshops and make something (for free!) Your kids can go to the photo booth or the creativity zone set up just for them. Your friends with fur-babies can buy some unique pet toys and accessories. And you can maybe cross a few more people off your Christmas list while supporting local artisans and business. Its a blast and everyone that has ever gone always tells me that is was so fun, and so different from any other "craft shows" they've been to. The free booze helps too. ;)

Looking forward to seeing some of you this weekend, if we don't, have a great weekend anyways!

Unique LA Roundup - Kids

2010-12-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

Is your baby all grown up? Never fear, there's a ton of stuff for "big" kids too! Check out a few of my favs:

Homespun Vintage - To die for kid's vintage! Kid's vintage can be kind of hit and miss for me, but I love every single piece they have on their site. This jacket alone should be enough to get you to LA this weekend. So rad.
Jupey Krusho - JK were our neighbors at the Spring Unique LA, and all his characters are adorable. My kids got a couple posters from him and they love 'em. I think this comic book would be a great stocking stuffer for my littles.
Allen Ave. - Yes again. I love this stuff! But, hello? Its a pirate. In a plane. My son is already begging me for it.
Scrappynaps - All in one fabric placemats that have pockets for a napkin and utencils! Such a great idea. We picnic a lot and these would be awesome to take to parks
Stella Industries - There's a ton of great children's clothes makers at Unique, but I do love this line. Everything is fairly simple, but modern with out being too "grown-up" Can't wait to browse through their booth.

Unique LA Roundup - Babeez!!

2010-12-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

There's nobody more fun to shop for then babes. Its just a fact. And Unique LA is dangerous on that front. With Ms. A.J.'s bean and my sis about to have her first, we're in big time trouble. Here's a few:

Green Thread - Organic blankets and clothing, I fell in love with these guys at the spring show. Everything was sooo soft and sweet and just yummy. Alas in springtime the babies in my life were just twinkles in their mother's eyes. But this year? Its ON.
Whimzee Baby Boutique - Really nice burp clothes seem silly at first (why pay more for something the baby is just going to throw up on?) but then you get a few as gifts, and you find your self reaching for the nice ones every time. Cute patterns, and some cute totes as well.
Moncalin - Simple, sweet and machine washable. Destined to become your babes lovey.
Allen Ave. - I love this diaper bag. Its rad. I'd carry and I don't have kids in diapers.
Allen Ave. - Double feature for Allen Ave, but I couldn't just let this giraffe go unnoticed! How cute is he??