some July favorites

1. my new hat. I love the idea of something being even easier than pulling my hair into a bun; in the summer I can go days without using a hairbrush. At first, I was afraid this would be a little too "Duran Duran looking

(although I totally rocked that look circa 1986-ish), but I think it works, in cool-mom kind of way. Um, if I do say so myself.

2. Ollie's new Cabbage Patch Doll.

He was a gift from Auntie Miss, because cousin Trevor loves his, and she thought that Blair Lyle looks like Oliver Thomas. So far, I love him more than Ollie, but I'm working on it. Can you believe this is the 25th anniversary of the Cabbage Patch Doll?


3. How did no one think of this sooner? GENIUS! Slow-melt Popsicles are an everyday treat at our house.

4. My Dyson

If I could take another husband, it would be my beautiful new Dyson vacuum. I never thought I'd be the kind of woman to adore and appliance, but here it is. Not only is it sleek and amazing to look at, it's light, the ball-thingy lets me reach everywhere, and, on my honor, my house is cleaner than it's been since I moved in. I could go on and on. It's making my life immensely easier.

5. this website:

I find a great solace and inspiration in reading other mommies' blogs- especially those who have gone through life changing events. This website has a collection of blogs like that. Amazing, joyous and heart-breaking at once.

6. superhero capes. Or, rather, my ongoing quest to MAKE superhero capes. Oliver asked me for one last week- I think Buzz Lightyear has one?

This is my goal! SO cute! I know Ollie will love it, and Violet will want one when she sees Oliver's.......Super O! Super V! My sewing skills leave much to be desired, so I'm hoping I can do most of it with a glue gun.