Westerly Commons is live!

At long last the Westerly Commons shop is live! What began as a fun idea for kids is now a full on reality. My heart if so full from all of the great response and support. Check it out and let me know what you think! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for updates, product releases, and special offers. And be sure to follow us over on Instagram–we have a fun giveaway this coming Monday that you won't want to miss. 

While gratifying, this week has been busy/productive getting the shop open so I am most definitely looking forward to this weekend. Plus, it's starting to feel like fall which means the cozy blankets are coming out you guys! Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Group hug:)

Special Announcement ...

Hi there! I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but I assure you it's been for good reason. You see, I've created something that's finally coming to fruition ... a brand for kids called Westerly Commons! Come check out the Westerly Commons site and learn more about the brand on the blog.

While I don't plan on stopping Happenstance, I will be spending more time over at the Westerly Commons blog, so I hope you'll join me over there and follow along on my new adventure!

Thanks everyone, hope you're all well! Group hug:)

Wall Art ...

These textures, colors, and layered weavings from BrookandLyn are stunning. What an incredible, fun way to bring interest to any wall. I'm thinking these would be so great in a kids room. How much fun would kids have running their hands over these beauties? This one's really pretty too.

Neighborhood Watch: Sweet Threads ...

I was so excited to stumble upon the cutest little shop around town recently called Sweet Threads. Sweet Threads is a mix of new and vintage clothing and accessories for kids. Seriously, how cute are these outfits for the littles? See more fun stuff like these cute suspenders online here. 

Audrey ...

P just received Just Being Audrey for her birthday last week (she's six now and can't wait to lose teeth!) and it couldn't have come at a better time. This year, in her 1st grade class, 50% of the required reading must be non-fiction. So of course I thought what could be better than starting out with some Audrey? It was a great little story for P to understand and the discussion we had about Audrey's style was priceless.

Thanks Auntie Annette!

I'm Co-hosting Today! ...

Today I'm co-hosting the "rhythm" chapter from the book Simplicity Parenting with Alexis over at Fern & Feather. Come join us! We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the powerful effects of having a rhythm with children. Even if you don't have kids, there were some interesting parallels that I noticed from being a kid myself. Definitely connected some dots for me.

And yes, these are my kiddos! This was them being bored and playing in our garden this past weekend. Being "bored," I learned from this chapter, is actually quite the blessing for kids. Come hang out!

Weekend Score ...

So over the weekend I stopped by a few estate/yard/garage sales. Usually I go out with the idea that I'll score a vintage Birkin that's been hiding away in someone's garage for fifty years, or an excellent mid-century piece that the owner has no interest in whatsoever. However, sometimes the treasures we find are the least we expect. Enter Ed Emberley's Little Drawing Book of the Farm. I was drawn (no pun intended) to this little gem by its vintage looking cover and graphics. Sure enough, this little book was printed in 1973 and was in excellent condition!

I love the clear and concise intructions. The woman I purchased this book from was a former kids art teacher and she said she used this method of teaching all the time. Even for adults. My 5 y/0 took to it right away and sat drawing from it for a good hour. She loves it.

How wonderfully, bright and happy are these colors together? After some research it turns out this little book is now out of print, but you can still purchase used copies here. The prices start at $11, which makes it even crazier that I purchased it for .25 cents. Yes, .25 cents! Best .25 cents I ever spent.

Stylish Kids Space ...

Right now we're in the process of moving our 3 y/o into his own room. Even though we have enough bedrooms for everyone, we just never wanted to separate them until now. It has become a challenge to discipline and send someone to their room when the other is already in there napping. So it's high time they have their own space. And high time we utilize the room that has turned into an in-home storage unit into something livable;)

So when I ran into this super fun and stylish kids space by interior designer Megan Tagliaferri (whom I happen to know and love) of FLO Design Studio, I got totally inspired. I love how a kids playroom can be fully functional but still have enough style to flow with the rest of the house. Really loving those floors and that storage area. And of course the great lighting. I believe even kids need good lighting in their space especially when creating their daily masterpieces.

Gift Guide No. 2 ...

Hand-Knit Bowling Set/Baby Blanket/Bib/Reversible Mittens/T-Shirt/Hooded Sweater Dress/Adidas/Swim Trunks/Book/Wooden Blocks/Jacket

Apologize for no post yesterday–catching up from a very busy, but fun, weekend. I am however, excited to bring you the 2nd installment of my holiday gift guides. This time for the kiddos. Enjoy!

Playful Plastic ...

How cute and fun are these blow up toys? I wish I knew if this exhibit was coming to a town near us because I know the kids would have so much fun walking into a room full of these like the little girl above. Can you imagine the excitement?

Source: T Magazine

Sponsored Post | Tea Collection ...

I remember when I started shopping for kids clothes during my first pregnancy Tea Collection was one of my favorite discoveries. Everything is so cute and such great quality that it easily ended up in the kids closets. I love how each season is inspired by travels around the globe bringing an authenticity to kids fashion–no loud, flashing shoes or talking t-shirts here people!;)

Being in Southern California we can wear shorts practically all year around. But when those chilly days hit it's fun to add layers to these pieces. Tea offers some fun layering suggestions on their site for both boys and girls.

I also love how they bring it full circle on the Tea website with great shoes and rainboots, to cozy socks and fun lunch boxes. I know you're making that back-to-school list right about now so follow me and let's check off some things over at Tea Collection!

Kid Pics ...

Been thinking lately about getting the kids photos taken in a fun, unconventional way. These images by Thayer Gowdy really capture the essence of what I was thinking.
This one reminded me that it's a good time to start planning our holiday photo. I always want to do a fun one but tend to remember too late. Not this year! (Not to make you panic, but the holidays are only 5 months away).
Really, is there anything cuter than michelin man arm creases? Oh my goodness.

Boho Babes ...

As if the brown one's weren't cute enough, along came the blue one's and blew everything off the cute charts. Catch your breathe. There are red one's too. Cuteness by Manimal.

(Via All The Rage)

Kid Mags ...

Was rummaging through the latest issue of Babiekins magazine and thought this little sailboat poncho from Bobo Choses was the cutest. I love how it falls and it looks so cozy.
Then I wandered over to Papier Mache, the kids magazine out of Sydney, Australia, and saw this great little dress from Max & Lola. I love the little collar and the scenic print on the fabric.

Going through these magazines made me realize how much I miss Cookie magazine! I loved Cookie so much that I was subscribing to it even before I had any kids. But I'm hoping that will be remedied soon with the release of Lucky Magazine Kids next month. I have a good feeling about this one. Cannot wait!

Happy Valentine's Day ...

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope you had a good weekend. Went to the cutest baby shower on Saturday in Venice. It was the first co-ed/family baby shower I'd attended and it was the first baby shower for twins I'd been to. It was so great! Kids were running around everywhere including two sets of twins. The house where the shower was was so cool and had just undergone an addition that I wish I had taken photos of but I was too busy keeping an eye on my own two kids and nursing my sangria;) Yay for me!

Photo: Stephanie Rausser

Graphic: Happenstance

Off The Cute Charts ...

I first saw this cute family over on Lillian's blog and had to share them further 'cause they're just too cute. I'm always thinking of cool family pics to take with our kids and I think this top one has definitely inspired me. Especially since Eric has an extensive vinyl collection. Plus, these little guys just look like they know how to have plain old fun. So cute, aren't they?

Top photo: Hare Tokidoki Haru

Second photo: Hamada Hideaki

Third photo: Hamada Hideaki

Brainfreeze Day! ...

Aka 7-Eleven Day! Which means you can pretend you're 12 again and go get your free Slurpee today! I would rush down there if I didn't feel like I might need mittens to hold my Slurpee–yes, it's still cool 'round these parts. But Slurpee's with mittens is better than no Slurpee at all, right?! Hope you're having a good weekend, see you tomorrow!

Photo: Flickr

Sunshine & Mini Drum Kits ...

You know how sometimes you have to use your imagination and just create your own fun? Well, I'm thinking about making large prints of these photos and sticking them up on all of our windows if the sun doesn't decide to come out soon. I hate to sound ungrateful, but honestly I get serious energy from the sun. Is there a sun dance I should know about?

Can't believe it's Friday. We are finally going to have a mellow weekend which will be nice. Although our three year old did just get a mini drum kit (not kidding, it's serious looking) that she's been endlessly practicing on. It's altogether the loudest and cutest thing you've ever seen (Thanks M. family!). Hope everyone has a great weekend! Group hug:)

Photos: Flickr (via)

Scribble Kits ...

Can I tell you how paper, crayons and stickers have become a standard part of our dining out experience? It keeps my three year old very well occupied. So when I stumbled upon these Scribble Kits (love the name) by Dwell Studio I was elated! They're so cute and stylish but more importantly tidy.

Sounds Of Summer ...

Have I told you about the little community pool at the end of our street? I'm gonna guess it was built in the 50's since that's when most of the little cottage houses in our neighborhood were built. This pool is so great because it still maintains the charm of a simpler life. It has a couple of lifeguard perches and the distinct smell of chlorine, which I know is not great, but is so synonymous with summer to me.

But what I love best are the sounds the pool brings. Kids ride their bikes there with towels draped over their shoulders, screaming back and forth to each other. Tweens walk past our house in their "cool" groups chatting about who's gonna be at the pool (I hear everything–it's the cutest). And even the teeny kids pitter-patter by with their bare feet, a swimsuit and goggles excited for their swim lessons. And of course the squeals from the pool, reckless splashing and whistle blowing by the lifeguards brings it all home. It's summertime!

Hope everyone has a great first weekend of summer! Here are a few links I wanted to share ...

So excited for this! ...

You really don't know who just might be reading your blog. Heather didn't ...

Better than reality TV. Follow Kendall as she shares the launch of her line ...

As a mom, I totally related to this:) Don't hold back ...

Photo: Here