because spring is in the air

These are my absolute favorite sandals for spring and summer!!  I bought mine the first year Jcrew sold them {in 2005}.  They must be a popular item because they have sold them every year since and they are part of their current spring line.


My first pair were a metallic grey, just slightly darker than the silver ones featured above.  I wear these sandals with literally everything.  I especially like them with jeans, skirts, and dresses.


I liked my grey ones so much I ended up getting a black pair as well a few years later.  And you know what I have barely ever worn them.  I feel like the grey/silver goes with so much more.  My original pair are starting to look a little worn so I am thinking about getting this silver pair as a replacement.

When I need a casual flip flop, for trips to the park and pool, I grab my Teva's.  I have been a Teva fan for years.  Their flip flops are hands down the most comfortable I have ever worn!  My favorite style is the Toolani, which is pictured above.  I have a pair that is very similar to these only the pattern on the straps is black and white.  I could seriously live in these shoes, I love them that much!!

Last summer I needed a brown pair of sandals and found this cute pair of Reef's at my local outfitters store downtown.  I was a little hesitant at first about getting them due to my love affair with Teva's but I went ahead and got them anyways.  And I'll tell you what, they are almost as comfortable as my Teva's.  I really like them and wear them all the time.

Are you noticing a trend with my favorite shoes?  They all have skinny straps!!  I love this style and feel like it looks the best on my feet.  

What are you favorite sandals?  Please do share!!

{images via jcrew, teva, and reef.}

Felt Catch-All

Every day when Hubby dear gets home from work he empties out his pockets.  Unfortunately, he usually puts his keys on the kitchen counter, his phone on the dining room table, and his wallet on the dresser, etc.  Do you see where this is going?  And then about an hour later he'll say, "Have you seen my phone?"  Of course I always know where his stuff is but I would prefer that he keep track of his own pocket contents!!


Enter the Catch-All.  

Last week at MOPS we each made a Felt Catch-All.  Finally Hubs has a place to put all of his "stuff" when he walks in the door!!  

Apparently I choose animal print for all of my MOPS crafts.  Remember the new sew bandana apron I made last month?  I think I like to let my wild side show through in my crafts!! 

I am linking this project to DIY day and Get your craft on.

a giveaway: Marta Writes

Today's giveaway comes from Marta of the oh so lovely blog Marta Writes.  Marta Writes is one of the first blogs I ever read and it is still one of my favorites today!!  Marta is a wonderful writer and definitely has a way with words.  Her talents don't stop there though, she's also an amazingly talented graphic designer.  Oh and did I mention she's also a mom to one cute little toddler?

Marta's design portfolio features announcements, invitations, note cards, identity and business, and book layouts.  Check out her official site, MartaCards , to see more of her custom designs.

Marta also has lot's of lovely things in her shop, including her famous

mini diaries.

Today Marta is offering one lucky reader a set of her RETRO ZIGZAG NOTECARDS!!   

  We all know I have a small obsession with stationary so you know I am over the moon about this giveaway!

Here is how to enter for a chance to win:

1. Simple leave me a comment on this post telling me who you love to write hand written notes to.

For additional entries:

• Blog and/or tweet about this giveaway.  
• Follow Tales and Trials.
• Follow MartaWrites.

 Please leave a comment for each entry!!

 ::The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, March 12th::

Good luck!!