Merry & Mod at home

model railroaders & the spin pin

This weekend was the annual open house for the local model railroaders association.  Attendance is positively mandatory (in my opinion) for boys under 7 and their parents.  I love watching the members in their element - some of the trains are owned by the association and some are individually owned.  (I also love admiring the array of perfectly manicured moustaches!)  Train operators can truck their engines to tracks all over and participate in similar events.  Of course, the boys loved it.  

But the actual point of this post is to discuss my hair.  Do you notice that loose chignon pinned just behind my ear?  It's the simplest thing, really.  These nifty spin pins by Goody are an inspiration for girls like me.  Girls who have long hair that tumbles half way down their back, only to be pulled back into a ruthlessly boring ponytail six days a week.  I'm sure many of my friends wouldn't hesitate to tell me it's a shame.  Enter the spin pin - they twist into your chosen hair style and create a loose bun that looks more effortless as the day continues.  Love it.  

Friends and regular readers will know:  it's the simple things that make me happy.

The Magic Bag

 

We spent Mother's Day at Lake Creek Lodge with my parents.  It was a wonderfully relaxing day, which started with mimosas and continued with brunch at Black Butte Ranch.  I forgot my favorite black boots at home, so my outfit was nothing to crow about, but the occasion did provide an opportunity to carry my favorite (new) Hobo clutch. 

Now, this chic double frame bag is deceptively spacious.  Knowing that I wouldn't need phone, keys or snacks was a liberating thought.  Instead I stashed finger monsters, a slim little book, lollipops, an Altoids tin of crayons, race cars, and two lengths of bakers twine and a tiny pair of scissors (stowed in a Hardanger embroidered pouch made for me by a distant cousin when I was married nearly ten years ago).  Add in a small tin of lip balm, a diaper, and a few wipes and I felt very well prepared.  

 

As clever as I found myself (it's the little things, people!) most of it was unnecessary.  My boys are not into languorous brunches and lingering over champagne.  Fortunately, my husband did double duty and spent most of the lunch outside with them while I sipped and supped. 

Thanks, baby!
 
 
 

Liberty Booty

 

My Sunday shopping expedition was not exactly the display of unbridled consumerism I intended.  Oh, I tried.  Truly, I did.  Dresses, tops, intimates - I caught a glimpse of myself in the security camera when I was waiting for a changing room and thought I looked as though I'd robbed the wardrobe room from an Austen Powers movie.  In the end nothing worked.  You see, what I love about the Liberty of London fabrics that I've admired in so many sewing blogs is the beauty of the cotton fabric.  These patterns just aren't as subtle in a shiny synthetic material. 

In the end, I came home with this gigantic bag.  It makes me feel a little like Mary Poppins; I stashed crayons, automoblox, birthday candles and a ten inch chef's knife in it's depths at a Jackson's Corner birthday party.  For traveling it should work like a dream and it's pleasant to carry something cheery for Spring.  (Meanwhile, I'm continuing to save for a statement bag from Valhalla Brooklyn.) 

 

The throw pillows were finally deemed a little too...too.  I returned them today and will continue to search for something to brighten up our sorry old sofa.  As I begin to organize my studio space these file folders will hopefully help me remember to avoid the pile and return papers to their proper places.  There are more items online than our small town Target carries - these storage solutions are definitely under consideration.

 

Liberty of London for Target

 
Coming March 14 to a Target near you:  the Liberty of London collection.  If these patterns alone don't convince you to be there when the doors open, watch the short video.  Do you see that girl walking with the bike?  She's wearing a peacock print one piece swim suit, people.  And if any of those pretty dresses have pockets, they are bound to come home with me.   

Will you laugh with me when my summer dresses match my new couch pillows and my teapot? 

get away

Our first night away from the children in who-knows-how-long is upon us this weekend.  As I mentally begin to pack, I fantasize about new outfits.  Something comfy and soft, but alluring as well, for relaxing in our cottage after a long soak in the fancy tup. 

Perhaps this nightie, from Nordstrom, with my favorite cashmere hoodie.

   

In my fantasy, I also knit prodigiously, and so would be wearing these in front of the fire (pattern, from Coco Knits, found here).

One detail that does exist in my reality is jewelry.  I'll cobble a few outfits together from my closet, and will accessorize accordingly. 

 

  

Wardrobe maintenance.

Leaving town naturally involves a small amount of planning and strategy.  Tonight I feel decidely behind-the-game for my Thursday morning departure.  I did manage a few small preparations; various clothing pieces are laid atop the bedroom chair, though few outfits are likely to emerge from the cotton and cashmere pile.  I also did a bit of pre-vaca hand washing and there occured what I humbly consider a moment of sheer brilliance.  To wring out my undergarments while maintaining their helpful shape:  the salad spinner. 

Worked like a dream. 

And so convenient.