Happy Friday

We made it through the week, everyone. It was a good one, but who isn’t always ready for Friday? Do you have many plans? B’s brother from California is flying in tonight and his parents are driving up tomorrow. We’ll all be attending the Bash4Guild event to support a great nonprofit committed to those struggling with mental illness. Those of you in the Twin Cities area, do come! It’s co-hosted by a friend of ours and is sure to be lots of fun.

Other than that, I’m starting to plan my sister’s bachelorette party! She’s been so stressed with planning her August wedding and I want to make sure she has one weekend where she can simply kick-back.

I hope you all have a great one and here’s some clever links from across the web…
Cute, easy and attractive kitchen art.

70 (!) cheap or free date ideas.

Yes, please!

You’re going to love this home tour (just wait for the shoe closest!)

The story behind this intriguing new movie.

A thoughtful essay on deep, consuming love.

I wish I could get to this exhibit at the V&A.

Until Monday!

xo, Em

Picture courtesy of bien.tumblr

Have a Lovely Easter Weekend

I honestly can’t stop looking at the clock. Although it’s only been a four day week (office is closed tomorrow!), it’s honestly felt like six and I’m so eager to head home tonight. Snow, long drive et all!

Easter egg hunt with Gigi and Nanie, circa 2010.

What are your plans for Easter? B and I are going out with my sis and bro-in-law on Good Friday and celebrating Easter Sunday over at my parents. I can’t remember the last three day weekend I spent at home, so it will be so nice.

I’ve stocked up on Cadbury’s and candies in honor of the big egg hunt on Sunday (I still can’t believe the girls are 6!), but have otherwise kept things really simple. However, it’s not too late to dye and decorate Easter eggs or prepare a special dessert.

Here are some Easter-related links for crafts + activities + desserts…

Darling Peeps cupcakes

The sweetest little Easter bunny cookies

A tasty idea for someone with a bit more time on their hands

The slighter healthier, but still delicious version of Paula Dean’s Gooey Butter Cake

How to dye Easter eggs without the mess

Easy sugar cookie fruit cups

How pretty are these glitterey Easter eggs?

Easter games from Martha Stewart

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!

 ^“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” -1 Peter 1:3

Happy Friday

Happy Friday, everyone! I can hardly believe how quickly this week went, but I’m excited to catch up on sleep and put our apartment back together this weekend.;) What are your plans? Tomorrow I’ll be going antiquing in search of wedding decor for my sister’s wedding (!!), but otherwise, I don’t have much planned.

Whatever you do, I hope you can relax! As usual, here’s some links you might enjoy…

These ten tips are changing my life right now.

For the engaged ladies out there.

Strange secrets about websites you use everyday.

These aerial photographs of Africa are amazing.

100 of the Most Beautiful Words in English (they really are fun to say)

The best DIY nail art.

The photos that have defined American Cool.

Ten Organic Foods Worth the Money.

See you Monday!

Em

Image courtesy of Mary Geary

 

Hunter’s Alley Happiness

Have you heard about Hunter’s Alley? Since stumbling upon it the other day, I’ve become obsessed with their unique treasure trove of vintage finds and gently-loved pieces.  In our materialistic world, it’s so important to reuse and Hunter’s Alley provides an easy means to do just that. Although these finds have already been snatched up, how fun are they?

A mid-century cocktail set perfect for girls’ night

 

A vintage tiled white and cream mini-purse great for your phone and lipstick on a nightout

A brass unicorn perfect for holding rings

In the meantime, you’ll know where I’ll be! X

Happy Friday

Good morning, lovelies! As you can see, it’s been a quiet week on Off the Shelf and I’ve come to the realization that the less I have going on, the less I seem to write. I’m in the midst of job-hunting and this sudden lack of structure in my schedule has been relaxing and even dreamy, but also causes me to lose track of time. So! I’m trying to make the most of today and, so far, so good. Audrey and I played in the snow-covered dog park this morning and I made this easy pumpkin oatmeal for breakfast. Tomorrow is Brady’s birthday (!!) and as we’re going out with friends tomorrow, I’m cooking him dinner tonight.

What are you up to this weekend? Maybe it’s just me, but I think it takes awhile to recover from the rush of the holidays. Whatever your plans, I hope you may relax and unwind!

If you’re in the mood to browse, here are some fun links from around the web…

Chilly? Try one of these healthy hot cocoa recipes.

I’m finally reading this book after a friend’s recommendation and I can’t put it down! (Maybe that’s why I’ve been a bad blogger this week…)

The search for the perfect one piece might end here.

This talk seems so relevant and helpful to me right now and for any freelancer out there.

Tips for travel saving in 2014.

This looks delicious and so fresh.

I need to make this stat!

Have a great one everybody! xo, Em

P.S. Ashleigh is in ITALY!! She will be posting about her adventures soon! Because I’ll make her.;)