I leave this morning for a weekend away. So weird to be traveling without a troop of kids clipping my heals as we walk. Hopping on a plane to Hope Spoken gives me butterflies, I'm so excited.

If you want to read about my time last year, click here!

Let's talk about Target's dollar section for a minute.

How fun are these little tags?! Ombre may not be everywhere like it was a few summers ago, but I still haven't gotten enough. And the other two-toned ones are actually wood!

Target, you've done it again. I can think of about 100 projects for these little guys.

I am so obsessed with this gown. I mean, ok...technically it's a prom dress. But I'm not above pretending I'm still young enough for prom.

I think it'd be perfect for one of my girlie parties. I am, after all, planning a spring soiree. I guess it's not overly garden-partish...but I'm sure I could come up with SOME sort of party around it. Would that be weird? Planning a party around a crazy-cute dress??

It had me at pockets.

Ok, all you Downton Abbey fans, I've got a new show for you!

The Paradise.

Fair warning, sadly it only lasted two seasons (wish I'd known that when obsessively getting into it) but nonetheless, it's so worth tuning in.

(source)

Denise Lovett may look the part of a country bumpkin when she arrives penniless and in search of work at the doors of The Paradise, Britain's glamorous first department store. But before long, intoxicated by the potential of the modern world, she will turn her ambitious and inspired eye to the store's ladieswear department, meanwhile catching the eye of the shop's dashing and reckless owner, John Moray, a grieving widower with a secret.

(source)

 Enigmatic and shrewd, Moray embodies the modern era that he is ushering into the bustling Northern town in the form of petticoats and perfume. But what remains to be seen is whether those around him – the pampered heiress who mistakes hooks for heart, the sinister store detective whose loyalty knows no bounds, or the demure Denise herself, fighting to keep her ideas and her love from brimming over – will help or hinder the fulfillment of his grand ambition.

 The story is fun and intriguing and the ambiance of the show, WOW. I mean, look at that set!! It's so beautiful. The cast is captivating and fascinating, each character so well-played. And best of all? My husband even got into it.

I just finished Orphan Train for my neighborhood book club.

I didn't think I'd like it since it was about kids without parents loaded onto a train and basically given out to whomever decided they wanted them, as they stopped from train station to train station. That sounded horrible and I didn't think my heart could handle the story.

But I was wrong. The story was SO much more than that and I highly recommend adding it to your list!

(click here for more info on the book + to order)

Another book I'm really excited about is Savor, my Shauna Niequist.

Shauna is my favorite author, her writings are so full of imagery and texture.

This book is different than her others though, being a 365 day devotional.

This book is likely the most beautiful (non vintage) book I've ever held in my hands. The linen-bound hardback, Lindsey Letters lettering on the cover and throughout, the navy lined pages, and most certainly the message.

I loved this review:

To say that Shauna is a gifted writer is an understatement. From her first words she makes you feel as though you two are friends, sitting down over tea and coffee, as she gently and colorfully coaxes you in to living a life filled with Jesus and inspired by the everyday. I am busy busy busy - like most of us. I don't have a ton of time for intense devotionals and homework. BUT I do have time for friendly, life-giving words, starting my day with acknowledging that I am here because of a big and beautiful God, and yummy recipes. That, I have time for. And shouldn't we all make time for that? Life can be tough and beautiful. Shauna has first-hand experienced both parallels, and speaks with authority, humanness, and love. I dare you not to be blessed by this devotional. 

I will say however, that the book is full of similar things we read about in Bread and Wine, etc. but I'm definitely a fan, nevertheless.

And shameless plug for my precious friend Meredith (my editor!), who was one of the editors on this project. Way to go, girl. Major love.

What about you? Any randomness or obsessions you'd like to share??