Happy Independence Day!

May your day be filled with happiness, love and laughter...

And perhaps even a scrumptious dessert or two...

image via Martha Stewart

Warm Fuzzy Feelings

I just wanted to pop in and thank all of you who wandered over from Jen's site, Conversion Diary, for your kind words! (For those of you who are visiting from other places and are a bit baffled by the many "poop" comments you can read Jen's hysterical post here -- she's far too sweet and what she failed to mention is that she would have done the same thing had our roles been reversed.) I don't think I've ever felt so loved! It's so nice to meet all of you! I can't wait to visit your blogs and get to know you all better.

Have a wonderful Independence Day weekend, girls! I thought I'd leave you with my favorite new song from Regina Spektor...

HT: Josh Harris

The Puppini Sisters

Have you heard of the Puppini Sisters yet? These girls are making my life right now. The music! The clothes! It's all too much. There's just nothing like a 1940's-style girl group to get you through the long, hot summer days. Currently I only own Betcha Bottom Dollar (must make a note to remedy that) but I have it on good authority that their newest album The Rise & Fall of Ruby Woo is every bit as enjoyable as their first.

Take a listen and let me know what you think! What music gets you through the scorching summer months?

A Must Read

"Dressing without concern for modern style or beauty greatly diminishes our ability to impact the world for Christ. Unlike a nun, who wears a habit to separate herself from the world, we are called to live in the world. We are called to be an example of holy, Christian living and our family is called to be an example of a holy, Christian family. Our bodies speak a language to others, and the way we dress ourselves and our children is our first statement to the world. In many instances, it may be the only statement we can make...In addition to our duty to present Christ to the world, we have an additional duty to take care of our appearance for our husband...I can think of countless women, myself included, who neglect their appearance and think little of how this affects their husbands."

~ Right Said Red @ Building Cathedrals


Go read the rest here. This was just the reminder this sweatpant-clad, greasy-haired mother and wife needed this morning.

*7 Quick Takes*

1) For those of you who follow my blog in a reader, I recently linked to an article in my Shared Items (on my sidebar) that I wanted to share with you. It was written by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Foss, and is called Hope for a Gentle Summer:

"Children can teach us gentleness, if only we have teachable spirits. Gentle mothers make an effort to speak softly and less often, to listen carefully and more often. Mothers who are able to permeate the atmosphere of their homes with gentleness can see God’s hand when a child interrupts her work. Like the monastery bell calls a monk, the child calls Mother to service and her work with the child becomes a prayer. If she is wise, she will see opportunity to grow in holiness in every interruption. She will count every call to gentleness over exasperation a blessing. "

You can read this wise and thought-provoking article here. I highly recommend it. It's been on my mind all week.

2) Is anyone else as obsessed as I am with So You Think You Can Dance? I know, I know. Mary Murphy's screaming is pretty near intolerable but the dancing. Oh, girls, the dancing. I don't have a favorite yet (or rather I have about five)--they are all so good this season!

3) It's no secret that I am a Shappy Apple fan. Well, I'm now a member of their Affiliate Program sooooo if you happen to ever be dress shopping over there would you do me a big favor and click through from my site? Thank you!

4) For all you Catholic gals out there, have you checked out Faith and Family's new site yet? It is wonderful! I am especially excited about Faith and Family Connect which is (in the words of the their web editor and all around awesome chick Danielle Bean)...

"...our own interactive community and an online social network just for moms. It’s free and it’s a great way to interact with other moms on the site. It’s like Facebook on a smaller, more intimate scale—just for Catholic moms."

Check it out. I've been having a ball over there.

5) My sweet husband is still on the hunt for a job. He has a couple of exciting, solid leads. Please continue to keep us in your prayers! Thank you!

6) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Societyis one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It is touching, charming, and uplifting. You know you've stumbled upon a literary treasure when you miss the characters after the story has ended.

7) I am also reading The Mitford Years (a series written by Jan Karon) for the second time. These books give me the warm fuzzies. Unfortunately, I've almost finished reading them so I need your recommendations. What are some of your favorite feel-good novels?

Stroll on over to Conversion Diary to check out more of these fun Quick Takes entries. Thank you, Jen! You’re the hostess with the mostest!

Swoon-Worthy Sale Items

The sun is shining, the flowers are a bloomin', the kids are napping and some of my favorite vintage-inspired boutiques are having sales! Does it get any better than that? I think not.

Of all my swoon-worthy, on-sale, fashion finds I am especially smitten with "Mystery" from Betty Page Clothing...

this Shift Dress from Shade...

and "Peggy" from Betty Page Clothing...

Now I just need an excuse to buy a new dress. Must go find one of those...

The J. Peterman Company

Did someone say something about a recession?

La la la la la...I can't hear you!
J. Peterman and I are having a private conversation and I do believe he deserves my undivided attention.
Be on your way, you killjoy economists. There's nothing to see here.