Found on the Web

1) I like this POV about giving generously without expectation.

2) Some darn good apps for taking photos on your phone...

3) I love to ponder who has time to create things like this. Keep up the good work. Very funny.

4) I'm not a cat person but this blog literally had me howling with laughter. Meow!

5) My family may balk - but I am doing it. Vegan pumpkin pie here I come!

6) Are you ethnic? 

7) Love these clever little works by Javier Perez.

8) How distracted are you? This mother's story about how being distracted almost killed her daughter is eye-opening. 

9) Admit it. You've done the Irish Goodbye...

10) Interesting theory on why it is to your advantage to pitch bad ideas first. Not so sure McDonald's would appreciate this one.

* Click on the bold words to read the links.

Mind the Gap!

In a world where Lululemon has ruled supreme for far too long it feels very refreshing to find a new line of workout clothes that are cute, well-made, and budget friendly to boot. Enter in GapFit. I am loving Gap's sleek lines and thick supportive materials. The gFast Capris are my favorite - they come in a ton of great colors. Make sure Santa knows they are on your list! Perfect timing as we all head to the gym to burn some calories before we gorge ourselves on turkey, stuffing, and pie.

Favorite Fall Coats

{Saint Laurent Wool Duffle Coat $2720 vs J.Crew Colorblock Duffle Coat $350}

Nothing says fall like a brand new coat. Since I spend most of my days kicking around town with kids in tow I need something warm and comfortable. Pockets are always preferred since I seem to be the receptacle of choice for candy wrappers, acorn collections, and discarded hair ties. It also must be chic enough to make my usual attire of sweaters and jeans look pulled together. I love the idea of a duffle coat this year. Perfect with skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors and equally as good with wide leg pants and platform boots in the evening. The Saint Laurent featured above is stunning - but the J.Crew is super-wearable and more budget friendly. The Duffle is nautical. It's slightly preppy. And it's so very current. It's now been moved to the top of my list. Santa, are you paying attention???

And the inspiration...

Alexa Chung

Olivia Palermo

Taylor Swift

J.Crew (same as above)

Vogue Spain

Burberry

Amy Merrick

Taylor Tomasi Hill

Amanda Peet

The Sartorialist

Face Time

With a new school year upon us Mama has to make sure she gets her face on in time for carpool. I keep it very simple during the day. Elixir, BB Cream, under-eye concealer, chubby stick, and blush. For nighttime I like to jazz it up a little bit more while still sticking to a program that is natural looking and consistent. Here are my go to products for fall. 

DAY:
1) Clinique Chubby Stick in Ample Amber

• Swipes on in 2.2 seconds. No brush required. Perfect in the crease and smudged down to the lashes.

2) Stila BB Cream 

• A hint of color. Broad Spectrum spf. Not too heavy. Not too light. Just right. 

3) Maybelline Highlighting Concealer

• I never ever ever leave the house without this on. Guilty as charged. No baggage for this girl! 

4) Nuance Hydrating Balm

• Kissable lips - great price. I also dab it around my eyes at night for extra moisture. 

5) Nars Blush in Orgasm

• Don't we all want a little orgasm in our lives? This blush is a mainstay of all make-up gurus.

6) Maybelline SuperStay 10 in Berry Heavenly

• For those days when simple gloss isn't enough. This is for when you want people to think you don't take yourself too seriously. 

7) Caudalie Beauty Elixir

• Every, and I mean every, beauty blogger out there swears by this product. It lives up to the hype. Spritz before putting on your face cream.

NIGHT:

8) Benefit Speed Brow

• Gets those creepers in line. No messy brows on this girl any more.

9) Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Buff

• Stole it from my best friend late one night at a keg party. Have been buying it ever since.

10) Mac Shadow in Vanilla and Saddle

• Saddle goes in the crease and Vanilla is for just under the brow. They're a great combo.

11) Shiseido Eyelash Curler

• It's all the professional make-up artists use. Enough said. 

12) Laura Mercier Shadow in Gold Dust

• Gives eyes that va-va-voom! I use it just above the lash line all the way from the inner to outer corner. 

13) Laura Mercier Cake Liner in Mahogany Brown

• I've never been able to master eye pencils. One too many "Agh! I stabbed myself in the eye and now I will be a drippy teary mess all night long!" moments. For years I have used cake liner and a brush. Easier and safer. 

14) CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

• There are cooler mascaras out there. There are more expensive mascaras out there. I'm loyal to this one because it's been loyal to me. It refuses to run. I like that.

15) DiorShow Brow Styler

• Perfect for almost any color brow. It's an easy fix for brows that are between maintenance.

Favorite Fall Bootie

The wedge's moment seems to have passed. Stilettos are wholly inappropriate for kicking around town. This small chunky heel on the other hand is ideal. Brownish-grey is showing up all over the editorial world - and on the feet is no exception. I adore everything Isabel Marant does but $650 for a boot that will likely spend the winter months sloshing through the sleet and snow seems impractical. The Madewell boot has that same cowgirl meets hipster appeal for 1/3 of the price. She'll be perfect with skinny jeans and a fisherman's sweater as soon as the temperature start to drop. 

{Madewell Boot here, and Isabel Marant Boot here}

Bonfire and Vanity

By the Bonfire by lindleypless featuring birkenstock sandals

{Birkenstock Sandal $89.95, H&M Top $17.95, Rag & Bone Jeans $306, LL Bean Hunter Tote $25, Vineyard Vines Belt $37.99, Rick Owens Scarf $410, Sweet Romance Charm Bracelet $98} 

It's BONFIRE season people. A time to drag your beach chair down to the shore and light up a big flame. While roasting marshmallows have you ever seen one of those people in a wholly inappropriate beach outfit? For me, closed-toe shoes and wedges scream "I am SO not used to having sand between my toes." To look the part you've got to become one with your environment. I'm talking about going outdoorsy people. Way outdoorsy. Crunchy outdoorsy. Birkenstock outdoorsy. Yup, we're doing this thing. My Birkenstock Gizehs have been in hiding up at our house in VT for the last year. In June I busted them back out and they've been in rotation ever since. The best part? They are COM-FOR-TABLE!! John didn't like them when I bought them 8 years ago and he doesn't like them now. Meh, who says we have to dress for men anyway? The distressed jeans and slouchy gray t-shirt (H&M is now online!) ain't too shabby either. And that L.L. Bean Tote? It's pretty rad too - especially in camo.   

And the inspiration...

via Le Catch

Selma Blair

Heidi Klum

Ashley Olsen

Harper's Bazaar

Julianne Moore

Kate Moss

Miranda Kerr for Harper's Bazaar UK

Arty Filles

** Rumor has it that Birkenstocks and socks are big this fall in the world of editorial fashion. I can't say I'll be taking it that far but I have learned to never say never...

Weekend Reading

1. This is one heck of an essay written by a stay-at-home mom who clearly looks back and wonders what might have been? (huffingtonpost.com)

2. And then this letter and the response that was written 52 years later presents quite a different argument. (exp.lore.com & washingtonpost.com)

3. And then there was this... Who could ever call ambition a bad thing? (elle.com)

4. With all this humidity - what's a curly haired girl to do? I'll tell you what. Try this Fishtail Braid. (intothegloss.com)

5. Are you a domestic diva? Don't fear the dreaded fitted sheet. You too can master this task. (designmom.com)

6. Perhaps you have a little time on your hands for a DIY project? This one is too darn cute not to try soon. (songofstyle.com)

7. This Mama knows about drama. I just love the way she writes with humor and bold honesty. This post speaks my truth. (putdowntheurinalcake.com)

8. Fancy a picnic? Never seen a more useful sack than this one... (shop.yielddesign.com)

9. Summer ain't over yet so get hiking! This list of "Best US Coastal Hikes" leaves me breathless. I've been hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine and it is magical.

Happy weekend. Take some time to read, rest, relax, and enjoy!

FIREWORKS

Nothing says summer like fireworks, burgers on the grill, and ice cold beer. Whether you are headed to the beach, a backyard BBQ, or a picnic in a field - show your patriotism by dressing the part. I always opt for RED, WHITE, and BLUE. Let freedom ring!

{Miss Selfridge Dress/Rachel Zoe Wedges/Clare Vivier Clutch/BaubleBar Earrings}

*This dress is a keeper. Fancy with wedges but also super cute with flats during the day. 

{Zara Top/AG Jeans/Superga Sneakers/Social Anarchy Earrings/Canon Powershot/Maybellline Lipstick}

*I never go anywhere without my camera. Night photos are some  of my favorites - especially with sparklers!

{Diesel Jeans/Johnnie-O Shirt/Smathers and Branson Belt/Sperry Topsiders}

*The beer belt says, "I may be preppy but I can still drink you under the table." Don't underestimate my man.

{Gap Jumper/Salt Water Sandals/Bella Bliss Cardigan/Wee Ones Bow}

*Don't forget a sweater in case things get chilly after dark.

Dear Old Dad

So here I am blogging about just how crafty and organized I am trying to become and what do I do? I leave shopping for Father's Day gifts to the very last minute. Not crafty. Not organized. Sorry Dad. Sorry Husband. I may not have ordered personalized golf balls months ago but I do fancy myself to be a very good last minute shopper. SPOILER ALERT - If you are related to me stop reading now!!! Here's what I came up with yesterday...

FOR JOHN

I've been on a major basket of goodies kick since writing about my friend's cool company here. 

Feelin' hot hot hot!

We live for corn in the summer. I like boiled. John likes grilled.

Pit Mit? Yup. This means you can touch stuff on the grill and not get burned. Very badass.

A Dark and Stormy is one of our favorite summer drinks. Ginger Beer, rum, ice, lime, perfection.

** The "Gift Basket" was created solely from items I bought at HomeGoods. HomeGoods is the shiz-it! No really they are. Their stuff is quirky, interesting, useful, and affordable. I like them. 

FOR MY DAD

Here's the thing about my dad. He's a very smart man. And he's a crafty man. That means that over the years he has gotten just about every tool one could want or need. We've done power washers, electric drills, GPS navigators... And the books! I would be shocked if my dad hasn't read every single book ever written about wars of any kind. He's old school and carries hardcover books in his briefcase on the train and subway as he commutes to work. I kind of dig it. I like things that don't change over time. Thanks for staying predictable Dad. So because the well has finally run dry - I will be giving my dad new "mommy made portraits" of his adorable granddaughters this year. I know he'll love it. Oh, and we'll be barbecuing together too. Time together is really the most important part.

FOR THE REST OF YOU

It might have to be all about the I.O.U. this year. These gifts are great but alas they must be ordered. So unless you get on the horn today and have them overnighted they might be a little late. But I've always said "better late than never". It's the thought that counts right?

1) USB Utility Charge Tool $24.00

How many times has dad's phone battery run out at the least opportune time? Problem solved. This one is also good for the guy who has an iPhone and a Blackberry. It works for both.

2) Powder Pouch $8.99

Sandy feet after hanging ten with the kids at the beach? This will help to get feet clean before they get in the car. Is this really a gift for dad? Maybe... I think great gifts really do please the whole family. Right sweetie? Moms can thank me later for this one. 

3) Bonobos Oxford Pants $98.00

This brand was created by a hockey player. I met him once and he said they were really made for men with "muscular" backsides and thighs. They work for my baseball boy. It's a good thing John stopped reading after the spoiler alert or else he would be very embarrassed that I'm telling you all his ass looks great in these pants. Fun bonus - Pockets are lined with great fabrics which adds a nice little pop of color to these basic chinos!

4) TPC Sawgrass Cuff Links $149.95

We are big golfers in our house. We (READ: Lindley, NOT John) are also big on finding lost balls in the rough. It's that whole "free" thing that always gets me. The more balls I find - the less I buy. So these cufflinks are actually made from balls that others have shanked and lost at TPC Sawgrass, headquarters of The Players Championships, on the very challenging 17th hole. RAD!  

5) Schmidt Brothers Knife Board $199.95

And really what man doesn't like knives? MEAT. KNIVES. CUTTING MEAT. All very manly... This knife holder is super chic and unique. I just need a new kitchen and then we'll have the perfect place to put it. 

Be Prepared!

Splinters from a wood deck? We've got you covered. A mild case of eczema? Not a problem. Diarrhea? You are no match for us. We are parents. We are prepared. Usually...

I know I have run to the medicine cabinet one too many times to find that we just don't have the gear we need to fix what ails our children. You aren't a pediatrician, but wouldn't you like to know what a pediatrician keeps on-hand in his or her home to solve small medical dilemmas? First off, even a doctor knows that if it is a full blown emergency you call 911. Barring that - these little tricks might make a big difference next time a small calamity takes place at home...

 .

1. Children's Ibuprofen (for babies 6 months and older) - is good for pain control (hello teething!) and reducing inflammation
2. Children's Benadryl - a quick fix for mild allergic reactions
3. Boo Boo Buddy Cold Pack - ideal for small bumps and bruises (find their favorite character and you win parent of the year)
4. 1% Hydrocortisone - a great topical option for small outbreaks of eczema and other rashes as well
5. Band-aids - we always choose the fun ones (and yes, I long ago advised John to invest in the company because we use A LOT of these for imaginary wounds)
6. Bacitracin - it doesn't sting, prevents infections, and speeds up the healing process
7. Q-tips - the gentle way to clean wounds and administer ointment
8. Tweezerman - best little gripper in town and is ideal for removing splinters (or princess slippers that are mistakenly stuck up ones nose)
9. Thermometer - this thermoscan ear thermometer is painless and reads temperatures in seconds (at a very young age our kids master the art of refusing a rectal thermometer - don't ask...)
10. Children's Acetaminophen - is a great fever reducer
11. Pedialyte - when vomiting and diarrhea enter the home you need to be extra prepared

** Always keep the number for poison control 1-800-222-1222 in your contacts in case children accidentally ingest things they shouldn't. 

** Play-doh doesn't count.