PS I shared my list of five over at Melisa’s blog last week.

Each season the Project Runway finale is bittersweet for me. Sweet because I love seeing the final collections. Bitter because then I have to wait like six months before I see Tim Gunn on a weekly basis again. I am looking forward to what Irina has up her sleeve next week and kind of hoping she gets beat just to humble her up a bit. Here’s some ideas of how to celebrate.

For invites you could write info on a slip of paper then wrap it around a spool like these ones Cathe made for an advent calendar.

For food I’m thinking some traditional German fare in honor of Heidi’s heritage. You know, sausage, soft pretzels and strudel.

For decor you could do a simple scatter of sewing goods. You could also try recreating your own Macy’s accessories wall by blowing up a photo of the Macy’s logo and hanging necklaces, purses and photos of shoes underneath it.

During commercial breaks, you could make guests design clothing for paper dolls and then have judges decide the official winner. I would make an excellent Nina Garcia. I just need some stilettos and a look of disgust. (thanks to Katie for the idea)

photo from Lifetime

The other day I was teaching a kindergarten class and one girl was waving her hand frantically. When I called on her she simply said, “You look really pretty today.” And then another little girl chimed in, “You’re smile is really beautiful.” They were so excited to offer a compliment, they could hardly sit still. When I told Ryan this story he said, “At what age do we just stop giving compliments so freely and enthusiastically?” I hope never. My new goal is to give sincere compliments whenever I think something good about another person. Because you really do look pretty today.

Question: I’m looking for some help to pretty this site up. Know anyone with skills?

Now, time for some spotting and a little hearting!

A book hideaway spotted on Rose Red

Our Labor of Love creates some pretty impressive photo booth backdrops but I’m especially fond of the fabric streamers. Question is, where do you get loads of fabric on the cheap? Maybe I could get a job at Joanns for the discount. I would be the worst fabric cutter ever but I’ve heard quilters make good friends. Actually I totally made that up. I think I was thinking of Virginia is for lovers and that still makes no sense. One too many mini candy bars for me today.

Alyson just introduced me (and anybody else who reads Unruly Things, it wasn’t exclusive) to the blog Habit and it’s become my absolute fave. Molly and Emily provide beautiful photos and sweet sentiments that celebrate daily happenings. You’ll find yourself sighing a little after every post. If I were to write one for today I would say, “Two pieces of fresh bread and Simple Orange Juice makes for a great beginning of the day.” I’m not quite as eloquent.

Good idea alert: grab a slab of slate and some chalk to label your food dishes at your next little get together. Saves you from having to answer, “What is this?” a bajillion times. Because sometimes the mushroom caps turn out a little weird.

from Sunset Magazine

I have almost given up on this week when our microwave decided that it no longer wanted the stop/reset button to work but then along came ‘Roid Week and it was a little pat on the back to help me through the ordeal. I just sit back, enjoy polaroids and avoid the fact there’s a flashing :54 happening in our kitchen.

Love you polaroids. Love you Friday.

When I looked up the definition of pretty in the dictionary, a photo of this dress was next to it.

And remember how I was like, “I want this JCrew cardigan but it’s sold out so you should make one and then send me the tutorial.” Ummm, guess what? Anjelica really did. And it might be even cuter than the original.

You guys really are my fave. And not just the ones who send me presents. Your comments are always a bright spot in my day.