The Birds & the Bees

Retractable Baby Gate

2011-12-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, where has this gate been all my life?? (seriously though I wish I would have found this gate 4 months ago at least) We just installed a swinging gate at the top of our steps to curtail our little one (now 14 months) from hurtling herself down the steps - but would have much rather installed this!

So many more options for length etc! A little pricey but not too bad!

Check it out at http://www.retract-a-gate.com/retractable-child-baby-gate.html

Delaney's First Birthday Party! Butterflies and cupcakes!

2011-10-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Had such a blast celebrating our little one's first big birthday with everyone! (caution photo heavy post)


Edible rice paper butterflies on cream cheese frosted strawberry cupcakes! Icing recipe from Glorious Treats

Enjoying her smash cake!

Funfetti cupcakes with pink tinted american butter cream frosting - Glorious Treats recipe I used here

Cupcakes decorated with gumballs and edible butterflies

My little cinderella girl :) love!

Lady in waiting before her party guest arrive!

Raspberry pink sherbet punch and lemonade in mason jars with striped straws!

Is it present time yet?

First time using mason jars for cups - loved it!

Baby Shower Flashback

2011-09-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Planning my baby's first birthday got me all reminisce about planning her baby shower! Let's go back in time a little! Goes by so fast!

The Invite & Inspiration - cotton candy pink and blue and Heather Bailey fabric bunting!

Baby Belly Game!
I really enjoyed this part of the shower - was a great way to connect with every person as they came up to and tested to see if their "guess" was right or not. So fun!


Baby Book Cards Encouraging the guest to bring a baby book instead of a card using a cute poem.

Baby shower Invitation with pink envelope

Diaper Raffle Cards
Each guest was encouraged to bring a pack of diapers and be entered to a raffle for prize!
These diapers lasted us a good 4 months at least!

Baby Shower Name Tags for Mom and Dad
And other honored guests - made these little pins to where on our shirts!

Party Planning: My Baby's First Birthday!

2011-09-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my little one's big first birthday is just DAYS away. How did this happen?! The party planning is well underway. Cupcakes going in the oven soon and more pretty party pictures coming soon! But here's a little sneak peek of the theme - yellow and pink and butterflies!

Gift Ideas for Proud Dads

2011-06-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Click link for oh so many ideas!

(from gifts.com)

Awesome Father's Day Idea = Customized Tie

2011-06-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Customized Tie - very cool!

Cool Craft: Hula Hoop Rug

2011-05-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

Found here...

Sip And See

2011-05-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

Loving this Sip and See Party idea from Tiny Prints!

Mother's Day Idea - Tea at the Children's Museum

2011-05-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Tea: The Joy of Etiquette at the Indianapolis Children's Museum

May 7, 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m.

$10 members, $12.50 nonmembers
Make this Mother's day memorable with a special tea. Practice proper table manners with etiquette experts, and then participate in fun Mother's day activities! Ages 5 and up with a registered adult.

Indianapolis Children's Museum

Loving Baby Gap

2011-05-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

Lace trimmed body suit from Baby Gap

Oh my do I love Baby Gap! Granted we only own one official item from there for our a little one - a pair of reverseable pint/pink and white stripped pants that I snagged on sale for $6. But they are one of my favorites! They are made so well, thick and soft fabric - compared to some of the things you can find out there in the $6 range. Granted these pants were originally $14 or so...

And the styles! So cute!!

Bib with Sleeves = Awesome Idea

2011-05-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

Why aren't there more of these awesome bibs with sleeves in the mainstream market? I am always fretting over food that winds up on my little ones clothes - we wear a bib but some always winds up on her sleeve. And with my sensitive sniffer I always end up finding the spot and then changing her outfit! But these are nifty and would definitely solve the problem!

Though summer is on the way and sleeves will soon be a mute point as the weather warms up enough to go sans shirt.

Found at A Better Bib

Mother's Day Gift Idea - Customized Stepping Stones

2011-05-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Too Cute! Customized Stepping Stones for Mother's Day!

Travel Toy - Just Add Water

2011-04-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

tAgain, where were these cool things when I was younger??

Found here...

Turning Baby Clothing Castoffs Into Art

2011-04-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am already getting teary eyed at the all the newborn, 0-3 and 3-6 clothes we have been folding up and storing away. Sniff! Baby is already 6 months old! Growing up so fast!

Love this idea found on Cool Mom Picks - very cool indeed!

Hurry Up Summer!

2011-04-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Aqua Leisure Floating Pool Seat - $7ish

Bath Toy Wish List

2011-04-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Adorable bath toy found on the family blog - Babble...love it!

Found here...

Cute but...Sewing Inspiration

2011-02-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

These stroller blankets are a cute idea but definitely something I could do to modify blankets I already have at home. Good for a sewing idea though! Thanks for the inspiration!

Valentine Gumball Necklace

2011-02-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to make these when my little one gets older! So cute!

Found on At Home w/ Kim Valee

Fab Find: Cover Me

2011-02-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the fuzzy pic - but this is a great little multi-functional piece of equipment for new moms! Wish I had one or three! :)

$12 from Milk Smart Mama

Mother Daughter Matching Done Right

2011-02-10T07:43:00.001-08:00

Found on Babble

Where Were These When I Was a Kid??

2011-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

The insoles drain water! Amphibious Kids Beach Shoes

Beachy Baby

2011-02-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

Swim socks - protect those tiny tootsies from hot sand and broken glass!

Sun Smarties Beach Play Pen

Learning Tower

2011-01-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

Love this! Saving it here so I remember to get one when our little one is a little older! :) There are so many cool things for kids these days!

Found on Little Partners

Info from website:

Features and Benefits

Provides safety and versatility not found with traditional step stools.
Only step stool on the market carefully designed to meet the specific needs of young toddlers 18 mos. +.
Constructed from highest-quality layered birch.
Platform height adjusts quickly and easily to grow with your child from 18 months up to 6 years.
Four-sided railings provide support while your child climbs in and prevents falling when inside the Tower.
Wide 15" X 18" platform lets your child move about without slipping off a step.
Fits flush against counters for safe access.
Carefully finished with durable, non-toxic, lead-free finish.
Meets safety standards for ASTM (F96-30) and Home Playground Equipment (F11-48-98C).
Has been tested to hold up to 500 lb.
Cleans easily with a damp cloth.

The Learning Tower

For children, the world is a magical and curious place. They learn by mirroring Mommy and Daddy with the ultimate goal of being able "to do it myself" and feel like an active member of the family. That's why Little Partners has created the Learning Tower.
The Learning Tower has been carefully designed to provide a secure environment for a child's imagination to be stimulated and blossom. Its design nurtures a child's innate desire to be independent, and to participate alongside his or her parents and siblings.

Wooden Cupcake Stand

2011-01-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Adorable Kidkraft wooden cupcake stand from Kitson! Definitely a must-have down the road when my little one gets a little older! :)

$38 from

Super Slouchy Baby Boots Sewing Pattern!

2010-12-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

I desperately need to get back into the sewing routine! Just check out these adorable Super Slouchy Baby boots!! Adorable!

The sewing pattern is available sweetpeaspatterns shop on Etsy!

Etsy Find: Grandkids Mug

2010-12-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas shopping on Etsy!

Here's a great idea for grandma or grandpa! $12 from zoeysattic

Princess Poem

2010-12-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Adorable! Found on Lily & Thistle

Cheerful Cherry Party Idea

2010-09-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

I love collecting party ideas! This is definitely one to keep on hand! I saw these little cherry suckers at TJ Maxx the other day too!

Found on Little Miss Heirlooms

Ice Cream Party Inspiration

2010-09-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

Lovely, lovely, lovely - plus it's ice cream! Yum!

See more at Little Miss Heirlooms

Marshmallow Cakes

2010-09-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Definitely adding this idea to my arsonal of cute thing to make for parties! The lovely ladies over at Icing Design posted a great tutorial on how to make these little mini birthday cakes out of marshmallows!

See their post here!

First Birthday Party Inspiration

2010-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes in cones - love it!! Is it too early to plan my little one's first birthday? She isn't due until October... :)

Check out more from this lovely first birthday party over at Drywall and Diapers

Nursery Idea: Storybook Land

2010-08-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

Loving this story book inspired nursery! Found on OhDeeDoh

Not to mention that the Barbar poster is just a little familar! :)

We traded a large bag of garden goodies with a blogger pal last year for this lovely Barbar poster! Thank you, Ann! Definitely adds a little touch of whimsy and a pop of color to our little nursery in progress!

My Party Secret: Tablevogue

2010-08-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

One fabulous party secret I have up my sleeve was photographed in almost every picture taken at my baby shower while my husband and I opened our shower presents! Gah, I don't even want to imagine my parties without this staple party supply now!

Can you see it??

It's my Tablevogue! Taking my ordinary, slightly beat up card table to new party-worthy heights! You can't even see the hideous blue table legs poking out from underneath like you could with normal table clothes. Nope, the fabulous tablevogue is custom fitted for card tables (comes in other sizes too)! I use mine everyday! When it isn't debuting as my gift table at my baby shower it is prettying up my craft area making me feel just a tad more like Martha Stewart everytime I sit down to sew or craft away.

Takes A Card Table From this:

To This:

Ah, much better!

Go get your own - they are very modestly priced at $39.99 for the card table version and $49.99 for the 6' version! http://www.tablevogue.com/

Dollhouse Bookcase Love

2010-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

Future woodworking project for my hubby?? I think so!

See more dollhouse bookcase inspiration at Oh Dee Doh

To-Sew List: Strawberry Patch Pillows

2010-08-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Oh! I must make these for our little girl! Add it to the ever-growing to-sew list! Gorgeous, cuddly, cute and oh so dreamy. Perfect for a wee-tot to hug, tote about and nap upon!

See full tutorial at The Purl Bee

Modern Vintage Nursery: Globe Stand Love

2010-08-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

It is so fun finding another fanatastic nursery that uses a element you already have. My husband and I picked up the exact same vintage globe stand at a garage sale last year - it also resides in our wee-one-to-be's nursery! :)

The vintage dresser is gorgeous as well and the hanging homemade quilt - oy! Loving the vintage modern vibe!

Here's a pic of our nursery with the same globe stand tucked in the corner! Can't you just imagine our little tot spinning that globe?? Sigh...

Book Set Wish List

2010-08-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

As if our unborn child doesn't have enough books already! :) Here's a few more to add to my shopping/wish list.

Nutshell Library: $11.53 from Amazon

Heather Bailey Inspired Bunting Baby Shower

2010-08-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, here's my big shower reveal! We celebrated our coed baby shower last weekend (boys were welcome to escape to the backyard where we grilled hotdogs and hamburgers out on the deck) and it all went so smoothly thanks to wonderful family and friends! The theme was inspired by Heather Bailey fabric and bunting! We're having a little girl and so I wanted everything pink, but not too pink. Cotton candy pink and cotton candy blue became my two favorite color inspirations for the party. My hostesses and I took the colors, the fabric inspiration and the bunting clear throughout the party decor from the food to the gift bags, etc. Here's how it all turned out!

To see the full album click here!

Lovely homemade vanilla cupcakes with strawberry frosting and red velvet cupcakes with blue cream cheese frosting - made by my lovely hostess, Krista!

The entire food layout!

Candy buffet compliments of my other hostess - Laura! Complete with blue cotton candy flavored salt water taffy, pink strawberry salt water taffy and pink and blue rock candy sticks!

In the two large jars we have flavored drinks to match the theme - pink lemonade and blue koolaid (Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade Flavor).

Everything matches - even the banner and quilt I made for the nursery!

Homemade pink and blue meringue cookies in waffle cones for guest favors!

Fun and frilly guest of honor name tags - handmade from crepe paper, pin backs and hot glue!

Our invitation.

Crafty Idea Collection

2010-07-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, people, I am waking up at 4am now. Wide awake and thinking crafty thoughts for decorations for my upcoming (eek!) baby shower.

Here's a list...I gotta write it down lest I forget!

- hostess and family rosette ribbons (Great Grandma So-In-So, etc)
- sticker name tags for everyone else
- paper bunting to match fabric bunting I made for over crib in nursery
- tissue paper flowers
- plastic blue table cloth back drop for candy buffet table

Nursery In Progress

2010-07-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Our nursery is still in progress, but it's coming along quite nicely. :) Here's a few sneak peeks! We now have a lovely new dresser we found for a steal on Craigslist, a lovely acrylic stacked lamp from Goodwill of all places, half of the artwork is framed and I finished the quilt and bunting I was sewing! Lovely!

Etsy Finds Friday: Nursery Edition

2010-07-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

I have a lovely trio of prints headed my direction that I just purchased off Etsy for our little's one nursery! And I love the story behind this husband and wife and their Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/trafalgarssquare - so sweet!

Pretty Party Inspiration: A Day In Paris

2010-07-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Found on Little Miss Heirlooms

Check out more about this party on Vintage Paper Parade

Web Finds Wednesday: Baby Edition

2010-07-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Raising Confident Kids

DIY Pottery Barn Butterfly Mobile

Pretty Pendant Baby Quilt

2010-07-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! This is the prefect idea for a quilt to make for my nursery! I am doing a pretty pendant theme for our baby shower complete with fabric pendants made from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane line - this would a perfect way to add to the nursery and use up more of the pretty fabric I have.

Find full tutorial at A Pretty Cool Life

Knitting Ideas: Softies

2010-07-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Love finding new ideas of things to knit!

Found on Whipup.net

Diaper Bag Dreaming Part 2

2010-07-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

So, I found another diaper blog I love! The Get Carried Away Tote from Vera Bradley in their Sittin' in a tree line - swoon!

Get Carried Away Tote in Sittin' in a Tree

SKU #11024047

18¼" x 15½" x 7½" with 12½" strap drop

The ultimate in travel, our Get Carried Away Tote is designed to function as a travel companion. Unique, breakaway zipper gives the option of securely closing the bag (like a duffel or luggage item) or leaving it wide open! Tons of pockets (some plastic-lined!) and positionable shoulder pads make traveling comfortable and easy. Go ahead, Get Carried Away!

Web Finds Wednesday: Baby Edition

2010-07-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sewing Pants 101

Bias Baby Blanket

Whale Basket - $119 from Pottery Barn Kids

Fabulous Find: Candy Buffet Resource - M.W. Wadsworth's & Co. Fine Chocolates

2010-07-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Planning a candy buffet for your baby shower, wedding or party? Forget ordering from Oh Nuts! - you're likely to get on back order - believe me - this great shop is all about customer service and has so much hard-to-find vintage candy! It's fabulous!

M.W. Wadsworth's & Co. Fine Chocolates

Location: 154 E. Jefferson St. Franklin, IN, 46131
Phone: (317)-560-5624
Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cardboard Astro Rocket from Perpetual Kid

2010-06-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

Cute! Would make the perfect addition to a little boys room or nursery! :)

Starting at $14.99 from Perpetual Kid

Owl Obsession

2010-06-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I like owls? You may notice they are a recurring (though subtle) theme. I would love adding one of these little guys to our nursery decor!

$25 from Matt Pugh Design

Cottage Chic Baby Bedding

2010-06-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Of course I would find the baby bedding set I love, only to find out it is out-of-stock / unavailable. :( Sad day...

Tiddliwinks Cottage Chic Collection

Birds & Bunting: Baby Shower Invites for a Girl!

2010-06-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a cottan candy pink and blue themed baby shower invitation I saw *here* on etsy but wanting to make it my own (being the designer I am) by incorporating my love for Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane line of fabrics onto the bunting instead of the patterns on there - I redesigned and customized this series of baby shower invitations and other printables for my own baby girl's baby shower coming up here in August!

Also, found matching envelopes in cotton candy pink and pastel blue from Less Ordinary Designs on etsy.

I will be printing (custom designed by me) matching baby book cards, diaper raffles cards, thank you notes, game cards, cupcake toppers, food and drink labels, 24x36 yard two-sided yard sign as well! Must have everything coordinate! :)

Father's Day Gift Guide: For the Bookworm

2010-06-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Becoming a Dad: A Spiritual, Emotional and Guide

There's a bun in the oven!
Preparing to be a dad has more to do with bravely facing the deep questions of your soul than mastering the mechanics of baby care (although, thats really important too). Fatherhood is a journey of transformation and is without a doubt a life-changing experience. If a man is courageous enough to enter into this mysterious season, he will lay the groundwork for becoming an exceptional father, a passionate husband and a wiser man.

Becoming a Dad is for a new father who desires to become more invested with his child, his marriage, his life and his life story. This book helps men get ready for this disruptive, redemptive and transforming experience called fatherhood by inviting them to engage in the process.

God's Wisdom for Fathers

The Little Big Book for Dads
Nursery Rhymes, Activities, Songs, Fairy Tales, Poetry, Essays, Recipes, Tongue Twisters, Jokes

Father's Day Etsy Guide

2010-06-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48747090/get-fathers-day-ready-adorable-34-length

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49480722/daddys-little-squirrel

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32028108/lap-shoulder-creeper-i-love-my-daddy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49377991/unique-grandpa-gift-idea-plain-gray-t

Web Finds: Baby Edition

2010-06-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

93+ Nursing, Maternity, Baby & Toddler Sewing Tutorials!

43+ Maternity, Nursing, & Expecting/New Mom Tutorials!

77+ Infant & Toddler Tutorials including lots of softies!

Felt Food

Etsy Finds: Baby, I Need Your Lovin'

2010-06-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Find all things baby on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-baby-i-need-your-lovin-8756/

Diaper Bag Dreaming

2010-05-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well, this WAS going to be a post about all the great diaper bags I couldn't choose from on Etsy - sigh. But then I found this one today...and it's the one. Yup THE ONE. It matches the theme I want to do for the baby shower - love the blues and pinks for are little girl. It's roomy with lots of compartments, pockets and even a snazzy little strap with a clasp.

Handmade Deluxe Diaper Bag from WatermelonWishes $82.00

Artwork For the Nursery

2010-05-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

We're wanting to make a fun collage of artwork in the nursery - here's some of the things we're thinking about buying and framing from Etsy. Let me know of any fun ideas you have that we could add to our collection!

Purple Owl Alphabet Poster 13x19 $29.99 from Etsy seller gingiber

12 x 18 Keep Calm Carry On Print - $14.98 from Etsy Seller byorderofthecrown

Stork in Pink 8.5 x 11 $15.00 from Etsy seller eighthourday

Darkness - Print 5x7 $18.00 from Etsy seller amberalexander

La Vie est Bella Set of 4 5x7 Prints $45 from Etsy seller evajuliet

Baby Shower Tree 11x14 (in pink) $16.00 from Etsy seller lovliday

Reading is Cool Print 8x10 $20 from Etsy seller dazeychic

Break the Routine 8x10 Print $18.00 from Etsy seller dazeychic either pink or green

Bed Time Bus Roll 11 1/2 x 15 1/4 Print $20.00 from Etsy seller mysweetprints

Keep Quiet the Baby's Sleeping 8x10 Print $18.00 from Etsy seller mysweetprints

A World to Discover - Custom Map 11.7 x16.5 Print $29.00 from Etsy seller MySweetPrints

Printable Baby Shower Tree

2010-05-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

This Printable Baby Shower Tree from lovliday's Etsy shop is the perfect idea to get family member involved in a fun activity at your baby shower! Print off the blank tree, buy an archival ink pad in a matching color and a pen for people to sign their name! Each family member makes a fingerprint on the tree and writes their name along-side it. Adorable!

$16 for the printable PDF file from lovliday on Etsy

Pink Elephant Baby Shower!

2010-04-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

What can I say? Pink & brown = squee! :)

Found on Hostess with the Mostess

IKEA Shopping List

2010-04-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Oh, IKEA - how I love you! We need to meet up again soon!

Baby Girl Shower Guest Favor Idea!

2010-04-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the shabby chic look of these oh-so adorable and homemade guest favors! Definitely worth saving in my idea bank!

Found on Icing Designs

Originally from Posh Paperie

Pillowcase Dress Tutorial

2010-04-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm obviously still banking on this baby being a girl! :)

This project just has me itching to wipe the dust off my sewing machine!!

Found on V & Co.

Nursery Eye Candy

2010-04-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Loving the poms, the quilt, the monogram above the crib, the eiffel tower lamp and the happy baby! :)

From the How-To Gal

Pastel Princess

2010-04-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous nursery that has caught my eye!

Found on the Happy Home Blog

Lamp Love

2010-04-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

I think I've found the perfect lamp for the nursery!

$19.99 from IKEA - Jonsbo Egby

Mommy Blogs to Read

2010-04-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

I Am Momma Hear Me Roar!

Changing Table Dilemma

2010-04-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, our nursery so far is equipped with a crib and the large IKEA Expedit bookshelf. And after putting everything together and getting it all into the room - I know realize that there isn't that much space for another piece of furniture and we already have a comfy, cozy chair on it's way!

The plan was to use a dresser from our guest bedroom set for the changing table - but after putting the dresser in at least 5 different spots throughout the room - nothing works. So, now plan B and C or D.

Plan B
Find a great priced changing table or dresser on craigslist or at a garage sale that is either perfect or will get painted (envision a light lavender dresser if its a girl and a light green/sage one if its a boy).

Plan C
Switch out the changing table that I bought at a garage sale a few years ago that I am currently using in my laundry room as a shelf.

Plan D
(My favorite plan so far) Head back to IKEA and purchase either the Hemnes 3-drawer dresser for $179.00 - which I am afraid will have the same issues as the guest bedroom dresser with being too tall for the space we have available in front of the window, or the Malm 6-drawer dresser for $149.00 - which is what I am leaning towards the most at the moment because of it's width and height I think it would work perfect in front of the window without looking awkward or the IKEA Expedit shelf for $69.00 in a size smaller than the one we have now and laying it horizontally in front of the window.

We need to go back to IKEA anyways to pick up our LACK shelves and the banana leave ottoman for the room and possibly a rug.

Here's the Hemnes 3-drawer dresser.
Width: 43 1/4 "
Depth: 20 1/8 "
Height: 38 1/4 "

And the Malm dresser.
Width: 63 1/8 "
Depth: 19 "
Height: 30 3/4 "

See it in use - looks like a good height for under the window:

And the Expedit shelf (but it would be horizontal)
Width: 31 1/8 "
Depth: 15 3/8 "
Height: 58 5/8 "

Picking Paint Colors: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe!

2010-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Soothing colors are the best choices for a nursery. If you're drawn to a bright color such as red, try a lighter, less active shade such as deep pink, or use it as an accent by adding red toys, pillows, blankets or artwork. If you still aren't particularly drawn to any one color, use this guide to achieve the emotional effects you're after.

Personally, I am drawn to the lavenders and light yellow colors and the green a little as well. :)

• Blue encourages relaxation. It’s often linked with peace, healing and meditation. A light blue bedroom is particularly good for inducing sleep.

• Red is very active and is often associated with passion, power and, in some cultures, good luck. Although it’s too active and overpowering for nursery walls, red can combat lethargy. Red is appropriate in small doses and will boost energy.

• Pink is the color of love—both love of self and love for others.

• Green is most associated with nature and represents serenity and growth. It has the potential to calm and revitalize. If you live in an urban environment, adding green to your nursery can be an excellent way to connect with nature.

• Yellow is associated with the sun. Yellow sheds light on our lives and helps us see things clearly. Bright yellow is energizing, but a pale shade won’t interfere with sleep.

• Purple may be a reassuring color, but it’s also stimulating. Purple is associated with spirituality and royalty. If you’re drawn to purple you might want to use lavender in your nursery. Lavender, like blue, may soothe babies.

• Orange is happy and expansive. Although perhaps too active in a room used for sleep, it makes an excellent accent color.

• White, associated with purity, is clean and works in all rooms. Because it can look sterile, you might want to accent it with warmer colors. Or try off-white, which has some yellow in it to bring in the sunshine energy, or beige, which is still neutral but much warmer.

Information from Natural Home Magazine.com

Color Swatches from The Land of Nod

Fabric Hanging Bookshelves

2010-04-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Being a bit of the fabric geek that I am - the idea of making DIY hanging fabric bookshelves in the nursery is fabulous! Can you just see some of my favorite Heather Bailey swatches up there?? Adds a little pop of color and design to the room as well as being functional.

From Oh Dee Doh Nursery Tour

Hanging Book Display Tutorial from Penny Carnival

On another note: How am I ever going to pick a color scheme?!

My faves so far:

yellow and lavender
yellow and grey
pink and grey
pink and brown
blue and brown

Weak in the Knees

2010-04-19T13:40:00.001-07:00

Something about pink and grey just makes me go weak in the knees! I have this teeny tiny feeling it's going to be a girl! :)

Fabric Height Wall Chart from the Happy Home Blog

Once Upon A Time...

2010-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Cute boy's nursery idea (but could easily replace blue highlights with pink and have a girl's room or green and go neutral! We'll find out either way May 10th!!) from kidspot.social

My husband and I are really into books - meaning our child-to-be already has a bookshelf full - we started buying books long before we were expecting - so a book/story themed nursery is a perfect idea!

I also love the idea of the photo collage as a focal point above the crib too!

Vinyl Wall Art for the Nursery

2010-04-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how our walls would do with vinyl wall art like this since it textured - but I love these Queen Anne's Lace looking graphics! Also comes in lavender and grey

$65 from blik

Undersea graphics - $38

Insomnia Sheep - $35

Birdie Banner - $38

Our Nursery - the blank slate stage

2010-04-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I have already started on our nursery! It's a little early yet - I'm hardly even showing here at 15 weeks! But we've been putting a lot of thought into what we want and it makes sense to do a little a time over the course of the next 8 months.

So here's our blank slate! We found the perfect crib already and have some cute neutral curtains and with all the old guest bedroom furniture moved out - it is really starting to look like a nursery!

This was our first real nursery purchase - a lovely IKEA bookshelf I got around the time of my birthday in February (coincidence? of course not!).

Ok, wait...maybe THIS was on of our first nursery purchases - a vintage Curious George alphabet poster we found at a local antique shop. :) It is crooked I see now - gotta go upstairs and fix that for the next photo shoot!

We are kinda to the point now, where we need to know the gender of our wee one so we know where to head in the direction of blues or pinks. The room needs a rug, that is for certain with the large space in the middle of the room, we'll need some wall art - maybe the baby's name in wooden letters over the crib, our nursery chair is on it's way already as well - more pics when that comes in and we get things rearranged to fit it in and I'm still on the fence about a changer/dresser. We had dresser in the room but it didn't look right anywhere - and now we found a good spot for it in the office/guestbedroom so we'll either look at finding and refinishing another dresser or going without since we do have a closet to put clothes, etc. Can't decide on that one.

Here's a few things that are still on our list of things to add to the space:

Cute IKEA stool for $29.99- perfect to use up a little of that floor space and ties in that wicker look I love!

Large banana leave baskets for toy storage on the floor.

A toy/dress-up clothes chest - either white or antique looking trunk.

Large rug for the middle of the room.

Another lamp for dimmer lighting.

Changer or dresser?

Heather Bailey fabric for our crib sheets and skirt.

Old Navy Maternity

2010-04-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't even realize that Old Navy carried a maternity line! Too cute and it's really reasonably priced!

DIY Crib Skirt & Crib Sheet

2010-04-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am all about custom and DIY projects - especially for the nursery. And now that we are finally planning our own nursery (squee!) - I know just the fabric I would use - Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane. Of course I have a more blue version if it's a boy (above) and a more pink version (below) if it's a girl! We won't know which one for a few more weeks yet, but once we do I'm heading to my favorite local fabric shop - Clementine's Dry Goods and picking me up a few yards to get started!

I'm wanting to make our own crib sheet and skirt and maybe even a little quilt for our little one!

I've got these great tutorials to get me started:

DIY Crib Skirt from Young House Love

DIY Crib Sheet from Prudent Baby

Modern Baby Shower Invites from Minted

2010-03-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

I've recently stumbled upon Minted's website and have fallen in love with the fabulously fresh baby shower invitation designs. Adorable!

Here are a few of my favorites!

Mom to Bee

Onesie Shower Invite

Shower Probability Invite

Whooo's Expecting Invite

Web Finds Wednesday!

2010-03-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Things You Don't Need for a New Baby

Ruffle Bib Tutorial

Just Like Dad Bib - Bibs made from men's shirts

DIY Pocket Bib

Child's Soft Chair Pattern

Nursey Inspiration: Lovely Yellows

2010-03-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

So much inspiration out there in blogland! I am loving the soft yellows and browns in this nursery - so cheerful! And the shelves above the chair - perfect! Also love the artwork display over the changing table/dresser! So much to love about this adorable nursery!

From http://ramblingrenovators.blogspot.com/

And another lemonade yellow nursery to gush over!
Love the IKEA chair and bookshelf. Gorgeous!
Found on OhDeeDoh

Nursery Inspiration: Boyish Blues

2010-02-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

Found this image via google image search - not sure where it came from originally but the colors are beautiful. Plus you know me and globes! :)

Nursery Inspiration: Birds

2010-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

Loving the sweetly subdued tones in this whimsical nursery.

Found on Oh Dee Doh

Web Finds Wednesday! Baby Version!

2010-02-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

I do a Web Finds Wednesday every week for my other blog with recipes and things that I find interesting on the web - but this is a baby version so I thought I'd post it on here! :)

How to Make a Baby Sling

Soft Baby Blocks Tutorial

DIY Crib Sheet

DIY Changing Pad Cover

Valentine's Lullabies

Crocheted Diaper Covers

The Eco-Nomical Baby Guide

Pretty Playroom

2010-02-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love bright colors against stark white walls. Just so refreshing and eye catching! And I have a thing for globes lately! :)

Image from Oh Happy Day!

Nursey Inspiration

2010-01-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

(Image from Oh Dee Doh)

This gorgeous nursery is comprised of second hand furniture all painted or re-stained - so lovely! I love how it looks so charming all together! Go take the full tour at Oh Dee Doh!

French Swim Suits for Kids = Too Cute!

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

These adorable French Swim Suits from Oh Happy Day just make me smile! Too cute!

There's a Give Away Going On!!

2009-12-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

Make sure you swing over to my other blog - Confession of a Design Junkie sometime this week and enter to win one of these cute hedgehog shaped Alessi Dozi Paperclip Holders!!

Click here to visit the post!

Fab Find: Belly Bandit

2009-11-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

Somehow found this interesting new product during my interwebs surfing! Check it out!

Color, Color Everywhere!

2009-11-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

Shield your eyes! This child's room is a saturated sanctuary of color! Love it!

Found on Oh Dee Doh

Colorful Cute Kids' Room

2009-11-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

Becoming obsessed with color!! And white shelves/furniture!!

Found at Oh Dee Doh

Fab Find: Phil & Ted's Wriggle Wrapper

2009-11-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

I've seen this fancy contraption in a variety of forms on the interwebs lately- one with just fabric ties and this one, Phil & Ted's Wriggle Wrapper, comes with easy to snap buckles. The idea in general seems like a good one (don't have the mom-a-thority to say so for sure) - but if you ever find yourself sans high chair and need a way to keep your tot in his spot - this looks like it will do the trick! :)

Cozy Corner

2009-11-04T06:20:00.000-08:00

Really loving this oh-so cozy corner from Emmett's Organic Nursery - that cozy chair and ottoman complete with extra pillows looks like the perfect spot to snooze with baby! Kinda curious as to whether the chair is a rocker or not. Is a rocker a must or will a regular cushy chair work? Moms, let me know!

Found on Oh Dee Doh

Small Kids Big Color = Lovely Inspirations

2009-11-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

I think this picture speaks for itself - no words necessary for the beautiful colors, and the contrasting white furniture or the mix of vintage with modern. Love it!

From Oh Dee Doh's Small Kids Big Color Contest

Fab Find : The Pajama Squid

2009-11-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

I have this thing for wooden toys, felt food and anything not-plastic. Just found a new website and store called The Pajama Squid full of gorgeous and reasonably priced high quality children's goods including great wooden toys like this Balancing Cactus pictured above for an easy $25.

Colorful Cute Child's Room

2009-10-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Really loving the pops of color in this fabulous little girl's room featured on Oh Dee Doh. I love how Jo, Ava's mother and blogger from Little Button Tales, has created a colorful child's room without loads of paint. Instead she uses a white background to feature lots and lots of colorful toys, decor, etc to highlight to room. Love it!

Keeping it Simple

2009-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

I am loving the simplicity of this nursery. Not overly done - tasteful, colorful and splendid!

Found on Oh Dee Doh

Lambs & Ivy Little One Invitation Design

2009-10-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

View this invite and more on my etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/squasebarth

Pops of Color

2009-10-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Yet another visual proof of why a floor pouf is essential to any nursery decor! Swoon! Love the multi-functional bookself, the fabric garland, the pops of color in contrast with the white and the pom trimmed curtains!!

Found at Made By Girl

Carter Elephant Invite

2009-09-29T18:10:00.001-07:00

What I love about the Carter Elephant Green nursery bedding is how the palette is a little outside the box for a baby boy's room - green and brown instead of the traditional shades of blue. And the elephants are too cute to boot!

Here's an idea for a matching invitation - love it!

Cool, Calm Nursery Idea

2009-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Image from Apartment Therapy

There might be a few too many chairs in this nursery, but I am lovely the color palette and calming decor. And the boat mobile was home-made! Check out how to make one yourself over at Oh-Dee-Doh!

Customized Ahoy Mate Image for Baby Shower Cake

2009-09-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can take your favorite photo to your local Marsh (or any bakery with the same technology) and have it printed onto edible paper and placed on top of a sheet cake of your choice for decoration?

Well, why not make your cake match your baby bedding and invites?! A fabulous idea!!

For the shower I am helping with I reworked the artwork I used for the invites into an image that would be able to transfer on a cake!

Like the idea? Email me for pricing and more info about how to get customized artwork for your baby shower cake! squasebarth at gmail dot com or visit my etsy shop at