Hiving Out

snoods are cool

2012-02-02T11:24:00.005-05:00

Apparently snoods are very 2009, or really very 1949- if you want to be historically accurate. They were originally like a hairnet to keep a long mane in check- now they have morphed into a luxurious knit tube, a lazy man's scarf/hood hybrid. Whatever they are- I like them.
Even if I am 3 years, or 63 years, behind the times.....I would not mind a beautiful, soft snood for these winter months.

Images: designhousestockholmusa, google, lifestylenewmodel, RoyalWindsorKnits, aseasonofharvest, AtelierTPK

crayons, two ways

2012-02-01T07:51:00.000-05:00

A couple of Valentine projects that I would like to try happen to involve crayons. They also happen to involve a heat source, so I am still debating giving it a go with my kids. I think for school age kids, they are fantastic activities.
The first is Martha Stewart's Crayon Hearts. It just takes some waxed paper, kraft paper, crayon shavings and an iron....the tutorial walks you through the few steps it takes to get those beautiful, glassine-looking hanging hearts for your windows. I really like the look of them hanging in a layered bunch.

The second is a DIY heart-shaped swirl crayon....
The Elizabeth Hall Photoblog has great pictures and instructions on how to create unique heart shaped crayons for valentines. It would be the perfect way to make use of the tiny crayon nubs in the bottom of your art bin! This just may be something I have to try this year after all.....

Images: marthastewart.com, elizabethhallphotoblog , heather sitarzewski

World Atlas by Barefoot Books

2012-01-31T12:11:00.004-05:00

An atlas is probably one of those books that is quickly, and sadly, becoming a relic from a time before the Internet. That is a shame because I feel as though a well done children's atlas can appeal to the reluctant reader and the bookworm. It is the ultimate "fact book", as my 5-year-old would say, and can provide the answers to so many questions about the globe.

The Barefoot Book World Atlas is not only beautifully illustrated, it is developed with the modern world in mind.

"Divided by geographical region, the Barefoot Books World Atlas looks at the way in which communities and cultures across the world have been shaped by their natural environment, and at the ideas and initiatives which are shaping the future. An atlas for the twenty-first century, it shows how all parts of the planet are interconnected and looks at the challenges which face us all in creating a sustainable future."
- Barefoot Books

If you need a gift for the 5 to 10-year-old in your life- this book would be perfect. Let's do our part to save the atlas! :)

Images courtesy of Barefoot Books

parade of printables

2012-01-30T13:00:00.011-05:00

There are so many cool (and free!) printable valentines out there- from simple and sweet to silly and fancy- I rounded up some of the links to make the choosing a little easier.

Cards courtesy of A Fanciful Twist

Card courtesy of Lula Louise

Cards courtesy of Hello!Lucky

Cards courtesy of PinkPeppermintBlogger

Card courtesy of paperandthepea

Cards courtesy of thefrugalgirls

Cards courtesy of June Craft. the blog

Card courtesy of betweentheendpages

a laugh

2012-01-27T13:14:00.002-05:00

I am a giant Parks and Recreation fan. I definitely prefer it to 30 Rock, which I know has a crazy dedicated fan base, but has more of a mean-spirited (though often riotous) humor. The first season of Parks and Recreation was not the best, but since then it has been tweaked and characters have been added and now every week I find myself laughing out loud and that is always welcome.
The video above was definitely one of those times- although physical humor is not usually my favorite....I love this scene.

video courtesy of nbc.com

something old, something new

2012-01-26T16:00:00.009-05:00

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston has opened the new 180 million dollar wing designed by famous architect Renzo Piano. Since 1903, the museum has impressed visitors with not only the beauty of the art and music it contained- the exquisite warmth and grace of the space fascinated them as well. Piano had the daunting task of expanding on the incredible building folks affectionately call "the Palace".

Piano connected the original, historic space by way of a glass passage to the modern glass structure that is now part of the grand Gardner Museum. The marriage of old and new appears to be a happy one. I can't wait to see it in person......

Images courtesy of visitusa and wallpaper

Kindergarten Valentine

2012-01-24T14:54:00.003-05:00

This year my son is in an allergy class, meaning his kindergarten is a candy/baked-good free zone. Since many of his classmates have allergies, we need a Valentine party idea that does not involve things like lollipops or sprinkled cupcakes.
I found this bubble valentine on Armelle} the blog and it is perfect. There are free printables for the card and the stickers, plus she walks you through supplies needed (and even where to find them!).
Your little guy or gal just signs the back and there you have it!

Images courtesy of armelleblog

52 Weeks To An Organized Home

2012-01-23T08:12:00.004-05:00

The site Home Storage Solutions 101 is posting a series of 52 home organization challenges to lead you to a completely organized home over the course of a year. Certainly even the most clutter-prone person could tackle this plan since it is mapped out so clearly and methodically each week.
Although they offer you the opportunity to sign up and "join" the free program, I think I will just stick to checking the site for each week's task. Who knows- 52 weeks from now I could be living among rooms like the snapshot I posted above....fingers crossed!

Image courtesy of moss moments

winter wedding wonder

2012-01-20T12:48:00.006-05:00

Images courtesy of flyawaybride, elizabethannedesigns, pinterest, elegala, atouchoflovely, and brilliantbridalaz

Inconceivable!

2012-01-19T08:21:00.000-05:00

I don't ever wonder what it would be like to live on the West Coast, or more specifically, in Hollywood. I have some friends who would move there in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose. If the chance ever came around for me, I would most likely pass. However, things like the star-filled Live Read of The Princess Bride that Jason Reitman directed at LACMA this past December 15th would definitely make the move a consideration.

Can you imagine? Cary Elwes, the original Westley, read the role of Humperdink and Fred Savage reprised his role as the grandson. Add to that the presence of Paul Rudd, Mindy Kaling, Patton Oswalt and Rob Reiner and all for a ticket price of ten dollars- now that is why people live in L.A..

The next installment of the Live Read Series is tomorrow night- the film Shampoo.

Image courtesy of FilmIndependent

"When at a Certain Party..."

2012-01-17T18:04:00.003-05:00

One of my New Year's resolutions was to read more poetry, but with starting a new job, squeezing a new fat body into old skinny clothes, and having meltdowns over Sweet Pea falling in love with the babysister he has for 8 hours a week and completely forgetting about me - who has time to read? I do, however, have time to watch poetry when it is as awesome as this animated version of Eric Belieu's all too true poem titled "When at a Certain Party in NYC."

When at a Certain Party in NYC from Amy Schmitt on Vimeo.

And here is the poem in print because it's that good that you've got to experience it twice:

When At a Certain Party In NYC
Wherever you’re from sucks,
and wherever you grew up sucks,
and everyone here lives in a converted
chocolate factory or deconsecrated church
without an ugly lamp or souvenir coffee cup
in sight, but only carefully edited objets like
the Lacanian soap dispenser in the kitchen
that looks like an industrial age dildo, and
when you rifle through the bathroom
cabinet looking for a spare tampon, you discover
that even their toothpaste is somehow more
desirable than yours. And later you go
with a world famous critic to eat a plate
of sushi prepared by a world famous chef from
Sweden and the roll is conceived to look like
“a strand of pearls around a white throat,” and is
so confusingly beautiful that it makes itself
impossible to eat. And your friend back home—-
who says the pioneers who first settled
the great asphalt parking lot of our
middle, were not in fact heroic, but really
the chubby ones who lacked the imagination
to go all the way to California—it could be that
she’s on to something. Because, admit it,
when you look at the people on these streets,
the razor-blade women with their strategic bones
and the men wearing Amish pants with
interesting zippers, it’s pretty clear that you
will never cut it anywhere that constitutes
a where, that even ordering a pint of tuna salad in
a deli is an illustrative exercise in self-doubt.
So when you see the dogs on the high-rise elevators
practically tweaking, panting all the way down
from the 19th floor to the 1st, dying to get on
with their long planned business of snuffling
garbage or peeing on something to which all day
they’ve been looking forward, what you want is
to be on the fastest Conestoga home, where the other
losers live and where the tasteless azaleas are,
as we speak, half-heartedly exploding.

Erin Belieu
from 32 Poems, Fall/Winter 2009 via Little Epic Against Oblivion

37 is :|

2012-01-16T13:19:00.006-05:00

The colon and a line make an expressionless face or "stoneface". It is a little fellow my friends and I use, often in emoticon form, to illustrate just being over something.....filled to the brim with annoyance. I love stoneface, he says so much with so very little.
Vivi is 37 today. So far, 37 is stoneface. To make it better I added Bill Murray to her day, because he always makes her :).
Happy Birthday!

Image courtesy of Lunch With Bill Murray.tumblr

Project 365

2012-01-12T14:01:00.004-05:00

I'm sure you have heard of Project 365 before. I have seen things about it, but just recently read the "A Beginner's Guide to Project 365" article on thenextweb.com. It starts off by stating:

Simply put, Project 365 is committing to taking one photo a day for a year. Whether you’re using a fancy DSLR, or simply using your phone, there is no wrong or right way to put together your own Project 365. There are a variety of great sites you can use to share your photos, to find inspiration and keep up with other photographers’ efforts.

It seems like such a no-brainer after that introduction. While I doubt I would do much sharing of my own 365 project, what an easy, accessible way to capture a year. The article goes on to supply tips and helpful websites and to essentially convince you that you have to give it a try. I might start on my birthday next month and see how it goes- having a visual diary of the year is a major motivation....

Pancake Night

2012-01-11T15:31:00.004-05:00

This time of year I tend to run out of steam on dinner ideas, but one thing that saves me when I am completely uninspired is pancake night- It is always a huge hit and there are so many varieties to try out. I think tomorrow night will be a pancake night and this is the recipe I am using (very, very promising!).
Barefoot Contessa Banana Sour Cream Pancakes
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Unsalted butter
2 ripe bananas, diced, plus extra for serving
Pure maple syrup

Directions
Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mixing only until combined.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it bubbles. Ladle the pancake batter into the pan to make 3 or 4 pancakes. Distribute a rounded tablespoon of bananas on each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles appear on top and the underside is nicely browned. Flip the pancakes and then cook for another minute until browned. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, add more butter to the pan, and continue cooking pancakes until all the batter is used. Serve with sliced bananas, butter and maple syrup.

Image courtesy of aliceandthemockturtle

bookshelfporn.com

2012-01-09T12:47:00.003-05:00

A post on Facebook this weekend reminded me of the photo blog collection bookshelfporn. It is a site filled with pictures of bookshelves and bookcases, from the over-designed to the haphazardly stacked.... If you are a lover of books and organization (a thrilling combination :) ) like me, it is worth a gander.

Images courtesy of bookshelfporn.com

Thursday, Richard Scarry, and Etsy

2012-01-05T11:33:00.016-05:00

One of these things doesn't belong Richard Scarry game blocks via LiliaRose

When I first saw these Richard Scarry block sets from LiliaRose on Etsy, I wanted one desperately (of course), but it also got me thinking about what other Busytown treasures could be out there.
I am a giant Richard Scarry fan and my children are too, so a search for him on Etsy was very exciting in these parts. These are some of the items now on our wishlist....

For crafting- some sweet circle punches, stacks of envelopes, and pushpins:

Vintage Storybook Circles 72 count via DMKsupply

Handmade envelopes via rockmelon

Vintage Richard Scarry illustrations 1" pinback set via squidflex

For your home- Fun fabric from Busytown, an Initial Frame and a pretty punched paper collage:

Busytown Fabric- On the move- 1 yard via spiceberrycottage

Vintage Richard Scarry frame- letter F via littleblueprints

3D Baby elephant whimsy collage-custom Richard Scarry recycled 8x8- via aboundingtreasures

Especially for kids- some stuffed Lowly Worms and a vintage Puzzletown playset!

5 Lowly Worm Forms from Richard Scarry's Busytown via YourMemory

After Christmas Sale- 20% off Richard Scarry's Puzzletown Dr. Lion's Medical Office, Playskool via ItsStillLife

Finally, for a party- a custom invitation, some thank you notes and the perfect favor bag...

Custom Busytown invitation, Richard Scarry Thank You cards and Busytown Birthday favor bags via Wasilly

Now I just need to decide what to order first :)

8 Great 2012 Calendars on Sale!

2012-01-04T15:11:00.009-05:00

Mini Desk Calendar- Vintage Dreams by alicebgardens

Desk Calendar by AlexWijnen

Martha Stewart Crafts Calendar

2012 Wall Calendar by OliveandRuby

Paris Photography Calendar

2012 Wall Calendar by sarahjanestudios

2012 Charley Harper Calendar

2012 Antique Books Magneto Diary Calendar

a different gift

2012-01-03T16:30:00.005-05:00

As my kids unwrapped numerous toys from well-meaning family and friends this past holiday and as I found myself purchasing toys for our large extended family, I got to thinking about different sorts of gifts. I always love giving and getting picture books and art supplies for kids -that will always be true, but I need something for the coming year's birthdays and far off holiday season that is different.
I think I found it.
I am going to go with the World Wildlife Fund's species adoption options. There are many choices and price ranges. My nieces and nephews vary in age, but I think all of them would appreciate this gift. There are over a hundred symbolic adoption choices, so there is sure to be an animal for every personality!
And really, how cool is it to say you adopted a Koala?

All images courtesy of worldwildlife.org

First Project of 2012

2012-01-02T08:57:00.009-05:00

The New Year brings a shuffling of the bedrooms in our house. The girls are eventually going to share the bigger bedroom and we are in the long, slow process of setting/filling it up for them. One of the things my three-year-old really wants is a dollhouse bookcase. I have to admit, I think they are pretty cute (yet functional) also.
Whether it is used to store toys, supplies, books or a combination of all three, it is an interesting twist on the classic bookcase. Unfortunately, the models shown in Pottery Barn Kids and Land of Nod are a little expensive for what is essentially a sloped roof set of storage shelves......but this is where Ana White comes in to play. Well, Ana White and a Pop with a barn full of tools!
Blogger Ana White has a site full of building DIY projects and one of them happens to be the Dollhouse Bookcase.
The site has the full tutorial- from materials list to step-by-step diagrams. Pop should have no trouble following this plan once we get the supplies to him!
So this is the first thing on our list for 2012....and the first piece of furniture we will get especially for the "big girl" bedroom.

Images: babble, ana-white.com, sheknows.com, nurserynotations.com

Happy New Year! (and make it so!)

2011-12-31T16:11:00.000-05:00

via lollaloves

champagne wishes

2011-12-29T15:06:00.010-05:00

New Year's Eve is upon us and for many, that night means champagne. If I headed out to celebrate this year, I would definitely partake, so I was thinking maybe I should prepare some fancy, fizzy drinks here at the homestead.
Whether you decorate the flute or add a little something to your bubbly, nothing says "Happy New Year!" like some champagne wishes.....

Images courtesy of sheknows, divinepartyconcepts, babble, pinterest, favim, cupcakesandcashmere

holiday cards- take two

2011-12-27T12:21:00.009-05:00

At week's end , I will have to decide what to do with my holiday cards. The cards of the non-photo variety can be used for decorations if I am particularly fond of the design or colors.
With just a circle punch or two, they could be turned into a wreath.....
but, with the same punch, patience, and the ability to follow directions- you could wind up with some intricate ornaments for next year's tree.

Images courtesy of scoutiegirl (1,3), bhg.com, marthastewart

Merry and Bright

2011-12-24T09:42:00.003-05:00

Image courtesy of batonrougegreen

Santa Hat Brownies

2011-12-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

These holiday treats are new to me, so I am a little enchanted with them this year. They are easy to whip up and cute, therefore, seem to be the perfect thing to bring to the Christmas gatherings coming up this weekend.
There are many ways to make these Santa Hat desserts- I have seen a recipe with butter cream frosting and piped white chocolate. I am opting for the butter cream for my sugar chapeaus!

Image courtesy of daisy's world

"White Wine in the Sun"

2011-12-20T15:40:00.000-05:00

I love cheesy, sentimental, and overplayed Christmas carols. I'm not going to deny it - I'm that square (see further evidence here). But as resistant as I am to changing my musical repertoire - I just discovered Tim Minchin's "White Wine in the Sun" and I'm adding it to my holiday mix immediately. It's not only a really lovely and clever song, but it can also appear to the agnostics/atheists out there during this time of the year. Who could ask for more?

homemade holiday cards

2011-12-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

My mother wanted me to illustrate her holiday card this year (her not-so-subtle way of making sure I continue to draw or paint and not get lazy about art), so I did just that (not only because I am still a little scared of my mum and always do what she asks, but because it is so rare for her to ask a favor and I'm thrilled to be able to do something for her for once! ).

I decided to make two designs- a pine cone with greenery and berries hanging from a ribbon and the side door of my parents' house, complete with the holiday wreath.
The images were scanned in and reproduced on stationery. After I had the cards back home, I added just a little color- green in the wreath on the door and red for the berries with the pine cone.
Now I'm especially glad I took on the project. It felt good to draw again- why are moms always right?

A Post for Russell

2011-12-15T19:40:00.001-05:00

Russell Hoban, author of 60 books for children, passed away yesterday at the age of 86. Although known most famously for those beloved badger books about Frances, my favorite of his has always been "A Mouse and His Child" (1967). An incredibly profound and moving story, I think it deserves to take up room on anyone's bookshelf.

"The mouse and his child, unwound, came to a stop, while their captor sat down on the edge of the hole where the television screen had been and ate his salami. As he looked up into the night, the massed clouds lifted to reveal the sky. The moon had set; the stars were sharp and clear. Low above the horizon wheeled Orion the Hunter, and near the luminous scattering of the Milky Way, in the Great Dog constellation, blazed Sirius, the brightest star of all. Manny Rat liked dark nights best; he grimaced at the stars and turned away.
Standing as he was on uneven ground, the child was tilted at such an angle that he too saw the Dog Star, beyond his father’s shoulder. He had never looked up at the sky before; indeed, he had as yet seen little of the earth, and even that little was more frightening than he had imagined. At first the icy glitter of the far-off star was terrifying to him; he sensed a distance so vast as to reduce him to nothing. But as he looked and looked upon that steady burning he was comforted a little ; if he was nothing, he thought, so also was this rat and all the dump. His father’s hands were firm upon his, and he resolved to see what next the great world offered."

{from the David Small illustrated edition, page 27}

gingerbread fanciness

2011-12-14T11:42:00.006-05:00

So, I have already eaten a small army of gingerbread men thanks to my kids having a special morning of baking with Nana. They were delicious gents, yes, but I love these sparkling gingerbread snowflakes from Cupcakes and Cashmere, complete with recipe! They would be perfect for gifting or making a splash at the holiday party.
I also found a recipe for Gingerbread Lattes from thekitchn.com that I am anxious to try. Sounds like the tastiest holiday beverage....

Images from cupcakesandcashmere and healthy-delicious.com

the perils of wanting to be a crafty mom

2011-12-13T15:10:00.001-05:00

When I was pregnant with Sweet Pea, I spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of mother I wanted to be. Of course I knew I wanted to be a loving and kind mother who taught him to love animals and camping and all that jazz, but I also knew that - despite my lack of natural abilities - I wanted to be a crafty mother.

With this desire in mind I undertook my first crafty project - Christmas stockings for my family unit of three. And, as you see in the image above, I did indeed finish one stocking. But the process of making it was BRUTAL. After getting advice from sewing master Mae, I still completely forgot how to use my very basic sewing machine and so had way too many moments of frustration. For example, I yelled at my husband for trying to help me thread the bobbin, I burst into tears when I ran out of thread, and really, really wanted to throw the whole damn machine across the room for getting jammed with knots. I also thought I could wing the pattern and so first made a majorly jacked up club foot stocking before I used this Martha pattern. I am not kidding when I say that I seriously wasted hours of time - and ignored my son - in order to make this one stocking for him.

In the end, you may ask, what lesson did I learn? Well, I know now that I don't have the patience or the skills to be a sewing mom. But I also learned that I don't have to be good at it to actually do it - as long as I enjoy it (which I actually did - a tiny little bit) and no one gets hurt (my husband's feelings not included).

Hand Print Santa

2011-12-12T07:04:00.000-05:00

As a parent of young kids, I am always looking for some holiday projects we can try that are preschool-age friendly. I thought I had seen most of them, from the felt mouse candy cane holder to the Popsicle stick reindeer, but at parent-teacher conferences in kindergarten last week, I spied a new one!
Sunday afternoon we gave these hand print Santas a whirl. It was a simple craft that was a smashing success. All it required was some washable tempura paints, a few brushes and construction paper. We decided to use the dozens of palm-y St. Nicks as holiday cards and gift tags. I will tuck a couple of them away for future Christmas decorations as well.
I would definitely recommend this craft as a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit with little guys and gals.

Vintage Christmas

2011-12-08T10:34:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite Etsy shops is efinegifts where everything is on the verge of being ephemeral - so worn, so delicate, or so breakable. I'd love to live in a world of these vintage decorations, but with Sweet Pea's newly grasping and grabbing hands - I might have to wait a little bit longer.

{all images via efinegifts}

Beeswax Tapers

2011-12-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

When is Vivi going to move nearby so that we can roll beeswax taper candles for Christmas gifts? When?!
I am anxious to try this out, but it seems a better project for two ambitious gals given the bulk ordering of the wax sheets.
What a cool holiday project though- rolling some honeycomb tapers, pairing them with a beautifully designed matchbox and packaging them oh so perfectly for those little presents you always need.
Maybe next year.....
I did find a site, Toadily Handmade, that sells sheets of beeswax in many colors specifically for rolling or actual entire kits for family projects (or blogger buddy Christmas crafts) . If you decide to put this on your to-do list for the holiday season, or anytime, it makes it pretty easy!

Images: yourbeeswax at etsy (1,2) and toadilyhandmade (3)

Festive Clothespins

2011-12-05T13:55:00.001-05:00

A package of clothespins is so reasonable and available at most any craft store- really, it is like a bag of potential for a dollar. These examples don't even touch upon all the kids' crafts that start with a clothespin....these are some grown-up ideas for the holidays :).

Clothespin Card Garland, Clothespin Advent Calendar, Christmas Wreath, Clothespin Christmas Card

Through the View Master

2011-12-01T18:53:00.001-05:00

For my one year anniversary I got my husband a View Master with a customized reel of us from courtship to baby from the Etsy shop Image3D. I love how it sits all shiny and red on the book shelf. It's awesome. You should get one. Or give one. That is all.

P.S.
I know I totally sound like a paid shill for this shop, but I'm not at all. I'm just bragging about my occasional gift-giving abilities.

image by Karen Kurycki

Grinch Cookies!

2011-11-30T14:23:00.003-05:00

This holiday treat is just easy enough to be kid-friendly and just tasty enough to be adult-friendly.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.

2. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Image courtesy of Betty Crocker Recipes on flickr

thanks for nothing

2011-11-29T10:35:00.001-05:00

by Plexual

I absolutely hate writing thank you cards.

I came to terms with this fact after spending a restless night NOT sleeping and instead stressing about the thank cards I had still not sent for the lovely gifts Sweet Pea got right after he was born (he is now 3 months old). So with husband and child sound asleep, I got up out of bed at 4 this morning to finish up writing my notes and it all took my less than a half hour. Seriously. It is ridiculous as to how I can (and do) procrastinate over certain things. I am always on top of the laundry and dishes, but writing a friend back? Impossible for me to do in a reasonable amount of time. Maybe it's the perfectionist tendency I have when it comes to writing. It's something I'm supposed to be good at and so I obsess over it to the point of not doing it at all. So for those out there who are due a thank you note - it's in the mail, it I owe you an email - I'm working on it, and if you are waiting for any thing else from me - write me a note and maybe I'll get back to you this summer.

I heart Baby Jives

2011-11-28T17:03:00.005-05:00

Best. mobiles. ever.

All images courtesy of BabyJivesCo

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:16:00.001-05:00

We'll see you guys on Monday. Have a great Thanksgiving!

{Thankful Forest Card by Rifle}

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

2011-11-22T09:18:00.011-05:00

Image courtesy of paisleypetalevents.com

A beautiful centerpiece and great company can make a dinner truly memorable even if the cuisine is not Iron Chef-worthy. I say this because it is more likely I can put together something special for the table than develop my mum's cooking skills before Thusday!
Here are a few pretty options...from simple floating cranberries to autumn roses, there are numerous options, but generally I think less is more.

Images courtesy of pinterest, bhg.com, pinterest, bhg.com

the first year

2011-11-17T10:36:00.001-05:00

It what has become a spontaneously themed week on anniversaries, I just want to throw my own modest celebration into the mix - my one year wedding anniversary. Just over a year ago I married the sweetest man I've ever met in a ceremony surrounded by those we love most. It was the start to what has been one heck of year that has included major home construction, the completion of a dissertation, and the birth of one smiley and squeaky little boy. We are tired, but also very happy. And even though we really, really hope our next year is just a teensy bit less crazed than this past year, we look forward to collecting up our own autumns in the years to come.

image via the State Library of New South Wales Collection

Five Autumns

2011-11-15T13:46:00.004-05:00

This fall marks five autumns since we moved from the city to, well, the country really.
Five autumns away from our lives of late night dinners with friends, last minute road trips, and those weekend mornings involving multiple, uninterrupted cups of coffee.
Having a baby really does change your world.....having three babies in five years, flips it all upside down.
Five autumns of first steps, runny nose maintenance, constructing perfectly jumpable leaf piles, and picking pumpkins. Five autumns of waking due to scary Halloween dreams, writing names for the first time, and learning to wave bye-bye.

I was thinking, when I watched my youngest blow her sweet and sloppy 8-month-old's kisses.....five autumns of babies or toddlers and every little incredible thing they do and are- that is something that won't come around again.
So, I should pause and celebrate a little....to five autumns of wonder and more happiness with the changing of every leaf.

Image courtesy of Live, Captured

Happy 50, too!

2011-11-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

Image courtesy of pinterest

This fall marks the 50th anniversary of the film version of West Side Story, starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer. There has been much written and done in celebration of this anniversary, including this feature in Life magazine, and a whole series of numbers on the show Glee.
My favorite song from the film and musical is the swoon-y "Somewhere", but I am posting the jazzy dance/song number "America" because it showcases the incredible talent that appeared in that production 50 years ago.....

Video courtesy of youtube

Happy 50

2011-11-10T10:15:00.005-05:00

Fifty years ago, an architect, Norton Juster, and an illustrator neighbor, Jules Feiffer, created The Phantom Tollbooth. It has since become a touchstone of Children's Literature and my ten-year-old nephew's Christmas gift.
I could go on about the wildly imaginative world these men concocted half a century ago and extol the many ways in which this is a tremendous example of the Fantasy genre, but really when the book gets a shout out from The New Yorker, that says it all.

Image courtesy of Book Lion

"the world offers itself to your imagination"

2011-11-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

Just some poetry on this chilly fall day...

"Wild Geese"

by Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting—
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

{image via wehearit}

Fall Baby Shower

2011-11-04T11:26:00.008-04:00

Last weekend I threw a baby shower for my sister. I knew from the beginning that since the shower was happening at the end of October I wanted a "little pumpkin" theme, but after looking all over, I was disappointed with the cartoon-y options.
I wound up using some scrapbooking accents, real mini pumpkins, fresh fall flowers and some DIY cupcake toppers to make it come together.
She was very happy with it.....so I was very happy with it :).

fall strolling

2011-11-03T08:39:00.000-04:00

Sweet Pea and I are presently in love with weather that is finally and consistently brisk. It makes our daily walks both more energizing (for me and my homesickness for Northern falls) and lulling (for him and his coziness under a woolen blanket and hat). I really wish it was like this all year round...

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

- George Eliot

{"traversing leaves" by leslie*thomson}

autumn arrangements

2011-11-02T14:16:00.005-04:00

Image courtesy of elementsofstyleblog

Wouldn't it be lovely to have floral arrangements in your home at all times?

When I worked as a librarian at an Interior Design firm, they had arrangements brought in nearly weekly to scatter around the office.....nothing like a fresh orchid on your desk to get you through the day!

I love these autumn floral designs- it is not just time for gourds and corn husks folks....

Images courtesy of studiochoo

Paris vs New York

2011-11-01T19:08:00.004-04:00

I might be late to the game, but I LOVE these prints by French graphic designer Vahram Muratyan in which he cleverly compares Paris with New York. So vibrant. So cool.

(I do, however, have to admit that I would love to see someone do something like this with a non-glamorous town and make the locals proud. Fuquay-Varina, NC anyone? Can I hear it for Hoboken, NJ? Even with other - less popular - world capitals would be awesome).

Images via Paris vs New York blog and shop.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:56:00.004-04:00

Halloween dinner party courtesy of countryliving.com

plastic animals, two ways

2011-10-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks I came across two projects involving plastic animal figures. In this house these toy animals are loved for what they are right now, but someday down the road, I will have older children and flocks, prides, and packs of miniature toy animals collecting dust.
When that day comes (or perhaps if I purchase my own tiny farmyard family beforehand), I am going to try both of these ideas.
The first is so simple and a really sweet and colorful way to organize a playroom. The site housetohome.co.uk featured this concept- animal figures glued to the lids of glass jars and then painted in various vibrant shades. Voila! A tidy and cool way to store beads, crayons, and all sorts of supplies.
The second project I saw, was a bit more complicated, but definitely worth the extra steps. The site thesweetestoccasion explains how to create your own party animal candleholders. I just loved the golden result.....plus she noted that using even the little figurines from the dollar store still resulted in a delightful, shimmering cake topper. What a truly clever idea.

Images courtesy of inmagine, housetohome,
thesweetestoccasion (3)

Halloween and "E.T." (but not really)

2011-10-26T19:54:00.001-04:00

{Warning: This whole post was supposed to be about how "E.T." is such a great fall/Halloween movie and that I'd love it if it became a tradition for my little family to watch every year like "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," but that goal quickly got away from me as this post became a childhood confession instead.}

When I was seven I was obsessed with the movie version of the musical "Annie." I could not get enough of it: the music, the dance numbers, the hard-knock life. I swore up and down that movies did not get better than "Annie." It was not possible. It could not be. One of my brothers, however, told me that "E.T." (which I had not seen) beat the pants off "Annie" and I swore to him that he could not be more wrong.

You can guess where the story goes from here.

Wanting to prove myself to be a pint-sized cinephile (and my brother to be an idiot), I went to see "E.T." with a serious agenda. Watching the movie with the rest of my family and with the unique type of stubbornness that belongs to very cranky old men (or hardheaded devotees of movie musicals) - I refused to show that the story got to me on any level: I did not laugh at E.T.'s drunken behavior, I did not express fear about the mysterious "keys" man, and I did not cry at the end when, you know... everyone cries. I sat there in my theater seat and revealed nothing. But, of course, I loved the movie. How could I not? It took everything in me to not lose it at the end of the film. While the world was falling down around me and it seemed as if everyone in the audience, including my siblings, were utterly lost in their sobs - I chocked mine down because, goddamn it, "Annie" was better. I was locked into a rightous claim and I could not get out.

Anyway, it's been 30 years and so I'll say it here. Oh my god - how beautifully done and heartbreaking is "E.T."? I'm not necessarily saying it's better than "Annie" (hello? there is not a single dance number in that Spielberg flick), but it is a really, really good movie that breaks my heart in half every time I see it.

"E.T." screenshots via Halloween Addict

a snicker

2011-10-25T12:21:00.006-04:00

Image courtesy of tikihumor

"anything can happen on halloween"

2011-10-24T08:38:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine did the most amazing round-up of classic Halloween commercials and television episodes including the likes of "Roseanne," "Valerie's Family," and "The Facts of Life." The playlist, titled "anything can happen on halloween," is over 7 hours of pure spooky Halloween awesomeness and it's here for you to revel in too.

black cat via ffffound!

Paper Halloween

2011-10-21T07:24:00.000-04:00

We always seem to have a surplus of paper in the house and I'm constantly looking for ways to use and re-use it. There are so many DIY paper-based Halloween decorations out there and the internet gives you access to quite a few tutorials, making it a one stop spot for creativity.
I found the perfect set of directions for paper pumpkins at craftaholicsanonymous.net.
Vivi forwarded me a link to the blog How About Orange where these intricate origami bats are featured (for those with lofty paper craft aspirations).
At the blog yourhomebasedmom.com, simple, but perfect brown paper bag invitations and treat holders were posted.
If you have a pile of paper looking for a purpose, it is really Halloween decorations waiting to happen...

Image credits: craftaholicsanonoymous (2), howaboutorange, yourhomebasedmom

Stanisław Wyspiański and children

2011-10-19T15:45:00.001-04:00

via wikipedia

Stanisław Wyspiański (1869-1907) was a Polish renaissance man. Poet, artist, playwright, designer of stained glass - Wyspiański did it all and did it all beautifully. I have a great appreciation for his talents, but I love his paintings of children. I'm drawn to the color, patterns, roughness, and folk-like quality of the pieces, but also how he is able to capture children in vulnerable moments of play, sleep, or reflection. His paintings feel both intimate and sweet to me. They make me happy too.

via art mundus

via galeria

via seeking beauty

via wikipedia

via seeking beauty

Pez

2011-10-19T13:19:00.013-04:00

Pez is so weird.

It is also a super popular gift from Nana in this house....a dispenser in the Easter basket, in the Christmas stocking or even just because it is a Tuesday. As a result of this prolific gifting of Pez, we (rather unfortunately) have many dispensers in one of our kitchen cabinets and it got me thinking about how long the company has been around and the sheer volume and variety of Pez heads.
Just because I actually spent the time looking at some of these things- a few links....
-The history of Pez.
-A tour of the Pez factory
-These Pez dispensers of the Prince William and Kate Middleton made me laugh aloud. They would be a perfect, silly gift for those crazed Royal Wedding enthusiasts!
-The new 2011 Halloween design

Images courtesy of espn.com and womansday.com

lovely laundry rooms

2011-10-18T07:05:00.000-04:00

via Design Sponge

Not too long ago I posted about my love of pretty entryways. Well, here's that companion post that features the other space I'd love to organize in my own home - the laundry room. I'm lucky enough to have a laundry area/hallway, but it looks nothing like these spaces. While mine feels like a dumping ground for dirty clothes, I love how organized, well-stocked, and crisp and clean these laundry rooms are with their white or minty-colored walls. So much promise in these spaces!

via Design Inspiration

via ...love Maegan

via House & Home

via The Nocturnal Nest

Owl Pumpkin

2011-10-17T09:07:00.004-04:00

Image courtesy of Parent s.com

The plan for an afternoon creating an owl pumpkin for our porch is coming together. I have narrowed it down to three possibilities, but I can't stop smiling about those sunflower seed eyes- so I am betting he is the one for us!
I am including links to all three choices in case a pumpkin owl is in your future. The first is from Parents.com and the latter two come from marthastewart.com- a beautiful carved version (with template) and some sweet owls of all sizes for your fence or rail.

Before we jump into our afternoon of pumpkin carving, I figure a few owl books would be inspiring. My choices are Good-Night, Owl! by Pat Hutchins, Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson.

I will wrap it all up with these owl cookies!

Image courtesy of fabulousfoods

Now you know what my Saturday afternoon will look like.....

"Never Let Me Go"

2011-10-14T07:14:00.002-04:00

via we heart it

When I read Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Never Let Me Go" I remember I liked it, but not enough to add it to my library or even recommend it to someone else that passionately. Once I got the twist - I was over it.

On the other hand, the movie version of the book is so captivating. Knowing the plot I figured I wouldn't enjoy the film as much, but I found it so much more moving and lyrical in its melancholy and brokenhearted-ness than the actual text that I actually want to watch it again. That fact surprised me since I tend to fall into the literature purist category where the original literary story HAS to be better than the film adaptation. This movie turned that theory on its head - it's lovely to look at and the story is beautifully told - whether you've read the book or not. (Oh, and here are some film stills to entice you to rent it.)

via my new plaid pants

via Pride & Prejudice Blog

via Marry Me Young

via Pride & Prejudice Blog

via isn't that special?

via my new plaid pants

via Martini Vainilla

Bittersweet Wreath

2011-10-13T13:35:00.004-04:00

Bittersweet grows in abundance around here and I love the look of it. A ring of bittersweet berries or a full wreath of them on the front door is the ultimate welcome to autumn in these parts.
If bittersweet does not grow where you live, it is readily available at florists this time of year. Of course, the queen of all things crafty has a comprehensive tutorial on how to put together the perfect wreath for your entry. It is like a breath of crisp fall air every time you look at it!

Images courtesy of vmolloy/flickr and marthastewart.com

color block boxes

2011-10-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

One of the consequences of forcing my poor sweet husband to paint virtually every wall (and ceiling!) in my house is that we have accumulated a tidy little stack of those paper cards of paint samples. Not wanting to throw them away (they are just so pretty and I hate to be wasteful!) I was happy to stumble upon an easy tutorial by "What About Orange" on how to turn those paper cards into cute little gift boxes. It looks like everyone wins because of my hoarding tendencies!

{Images, instructions, and inspiration courtesy of "What About Orange"}

Missing Mousekin

2011-10-11T11:34:00.003-04:00

I heard Mousekin's Golden House by Edna Miller for the first time at my neighborhood library's story hour when I was in kindergarten. After that, my mum bought the book for us and we read it surely hundreds of times.
It is the story of a mouse who makes a home in a discarded jack-o-lantern. It is a simple and wonderful tale and looking back now, as one review I read noted, it is a fantastic example of how nature recycles and of the life cycle of a pumpkin.
While looking for Halloween/ Autumn tales for my own kids, I was disappointed in much of the selection and my mum reminded me of Mousekin. We were both excited to share it with the kids, but, like so many great picture books from my childhood, it is out of print.
If you come across Mousekin's Golden House at your library, I strongly encourage you to check it out. The text and illustrations that Miller created are a perfect celebration of the season. It is definitely an autumn classic.

**It is a little ironic that I was/am so crazy about this book, because if a mouse moved into our jack-o-lantern, you would hear my screams from wherever you are!**

Image courtesy of LoganberryBooks

"On Discovering a Butterfly"

2011-10-10T04:52:00.006-04:00

"On Discovering a Butterfly"
by Vladimir Nabokov

I found it and I named it, being versed
in taxonomic Latin; thus became
godfather to an insect and its first
describer – and I want no other fame.

Wide open on its pin (though fast asleep),
and safe from creeping relatives and rust,
in the secluded stronghold where we keep
type specimens it will transcend its dust.

Dark pictures, thrones, the stones that pilgrims kiss,
poems that take a thousand years to die
but ape the immortality of this
red label on a little butterfly.

poem:

“A Discovery” (December 1941);

published as “On Discovering a Butterfly” in The New Yorker (15 May 1943)

via Kathryn Ciano

butterflies:

"Hand Crochet Alpaca Butterflies" by Oeuf

fit for even the littlest queen

2011-10-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Felt Crowns courtesy of Stell and Livi on Etsy

The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats

2011-10-06T07:58:00.000-04:00

from "Whistle for Willie" (1964)

Good news for lovers of Ezra Jack Keats! From September 9th to January 29th, the Jewish Museum in New York is holding the first major US exhibition of the children's book writer's gorgeous illustrations. I won't be going north for a bit so I'll miss this, but here's hoping this becomes a travel exhibition....

from "The Snowy Day" (1962)

from "Jennie Hat" (1966)

from "A Letter to Amy" (1968)

from "Hi, Cat!" (1970)

from "Over in the Meadow" (1971)

from "The Trip" (1978)

{For more beautiful images, see"The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation" and"The Jewish Museum"}

Seafoam

2011-10-05T07:03:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of Kathryn Grady via pinterest

The color family/range recognized as seafoam is one of my favorites. It feels odd posting about it in October because I definitely have that strong summertime or beach association with this hue.

Regardless of the season it conjures up for me, I love a seafoam interior year round- whether it is entire walls or a peek of the color, it always looks cool, crisp, and lovely.

Image courtesy of Kalee Haney Webb via pinterest

Image courtesy of Rachel Jane Llloyd via pinterest

Image courtesy of Betty Pauly via pinterest

Image courtesy of Meg Conroy via pinterest

Image courtesy of Gizem Yucelen via pinterest

post-baby diet

2011-10-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

This is heaven on a plate (also known as pastrami on rye)

by disneymike

If you are reading this post then there are two things you can be sure of...

1) Sweet Pea is in the world.

2) I am pigging out on deli sandwiches.

While pregnant, I was very good at avoiding all the foods that are on the "might not be a great idea to indulge in" list. Yet, at the same time, I could not help but fantasize about the the delicacies I was going to stuff my face with once the baby was welcomed into the world and I got the okay from the doctor. Mostly I wanted loads of deli, soft cheese, and just one perfectly cold can of Coca-Cola. Is that too much to ask for? To see these things come together in a single meal would be, for me, the ultimate "push present."

Olivia Scribbles

2011-10-03T08:36:00.000-04:00

We are back! After a little recharging, we are resuming regular posting.

I saw Olivia Scribbles while on break and have been anxious to share it. Katie Leporte has this site where you can submit photographs of your wee ones and she does the scribbling that makes those shots such silly fun.

I love these examples of her daughter Olivia's many adventures.....

All images courtesy of oliviascribbles.com

welcome

2011-09-13T08:57:00.002-04:00

I am interrupting our hiatus to welcome Vivi's little fellow. He is all blond, adorable and in the business of making everyone who meets him just swoon.

Congratulations on the arrival of your sweetpea! xo

Image courtesy of sarahjanestudios via etsy

September hiatus

2011-08-27T09:58:00.003-04:00

via These are a few of my favourite things...

With a baby due any moment (seriously. My due date is today though the only excitement around here is that pesky hurricane) and Lorelei juggling the start of school - we've decided to give ourselves a little break from Hiving Out for the month of September (though we might not be able to help ourselves and still post occasionally). However, we'll be back with blogging guns blazing on October 1st so we hope you visit us again then. Have a lovely September!

That Rainbow Cake

2011-08-24T08:10:00.004-04:00

Surely you have seen it. I had come across images all over bloghood and I was wondering if someone with my feeble culinary skills and general lack of patience could attempt to make the rainbow cake.
Thanks to this tutorial on Angry Julie Monday, I was actually able to pull it off! I would definitely recommend giving it a try for your next party- the oohs and aahs will brighten the guest of honor's day as much as this colorful dessert does....well, almost :).

Bootsie's pictures

2011-08-22T23:56:00.001-04:00

My friend Bootsie is an AMAZING photographer. She took up the art form just a couple of years ago, but she's already got such a great eye for composition, color, and mood that I just have to share her work with our little readership. Aren't her photographs lovely? Such diverse styles, but there seems to be a thread of melancholy that runs through most of them that really strikes me...

{For more of Bootsie's photography, see her flickr page: *Bootsie.
She also has great taste which can be admired on her tumblr page.}

{all images courtesy of Bootsie's flickr}

a wooden spool

2011-08-22T07:59:00.005-04:00

Pink and white Baker's Twine x 20 yards on vintage wooden spool via papermoonbyKAT

Packages just look that much better when the wrapping is finished off with a twine bow or tie. One of the best little gifts I ever got was a bag full of various colored baker's twine on wooden spools. I have used that twine on nearly everything I have gifted in the past year and now I have some great spools left behind.

I decided to look around and see what sorts of repurposing ideas people had for these spools. One of the first things that caught my eye was using the surface of the spool as a canvas of sorts...

Hand painted cotton spool-7 via blackoutwell

For those a little less artistically inclined- the spool as a simple photo holder or a vase.

Spool photo holder via pinterest

Spool vases via Pinterest

What a cool "thank you" for a teacher- talk about a guaranteed smile!Teacher apple card via pininterest

Some decorative garland- seemingly perfect for parties or a kid's room.Spool Garland via Pinterest

It appears those spools have great potential.

How to dress like a 1970s gamine

2011-08-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

1. Start with Lauren Moffatt's 2011 fall collection.
2. Stop there.

(I especially love the stripey dresses and the use and color of that buttery leather.)

{all images via Lauren Moffatt}

Jointed Paper Dolls

2011-08-18T08:40:00.009-04:00

Little Eliza Jointed Movable Paper Doll via inkingcap

I recently heard a suggestion for decoration in a little girl's room - framing some jointed paper dolls in various poses. The idea was interesting to me , though I would be sad to see these movable pieces frozen forever.....maybe finding a way to display them tucked into a ribbon board would be the best of both worlds.

Mermaid Art Paper Doll via thefiligree

Mr.Rabbit courtesy of minifanfan

A is for Acorn jointed paper doll via ribonita

miniature moveable paper dolls via hollandsworth

Little Red Riding Hood Articulated Paper Doll signed by artist, Jo James via 44thStreetFabricI love the entire "Peter and the Wolf" puppet theatre on paper available on PDF from sarahjanestudios- some jointed paperdolls performance art!

PDF- Peter and the Wolf Puppet Theater via sarahjanestudios

Shall I shave my head or...

2011-08-17T08:10:00.002-04:00

...learn to tie my hair up in pretty knots?

I'm so done with my hair growing like crazy and having to pull it back in a sloppy ponytail. Something has to change before I just cut it all off. Thankfully, the lovely hair illustrations by Maria Gil Ulldemolins (aka MGU) has me leaning toward knots rather than baldness.

MGU's Etsy shop, blog, and website (discovered via lenorenevermore)

World's Most Romantic Hotels

2011-08-16T13:42:00.009-04:00

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Back in February, the folks at Travel & Leisure put together a round-up of what they deemed the world's most romantic hotels. It is definitely serious travel eye candy clicking through the list.

I appreciate that they expanded their definition of romantic beyond sandy beaches or Paris (although they are present, of course) and sometimes thought a little outside the box (hello awesome igloos!). Here are a few of the spots included....

Anantara Kihavah villas, Baah Atoll, Maldeves InterContinental, Hong Kong
Hotel Kakslauttanen & Igloo Village, Finland
Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana
Palais Amani, Fez, Morocco
Aldeia da Cuada, Azores, Portugal
Biras Creek Resort, British Virgin Islands

All photographs courtesy of Travel&Leisure

All the World

2011-08-15T07:08:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite picture books right now is All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee. It has no shortage of fans, being a Caldecott Honor Book and a New York Times Best Illustrated choice of 2009.

I could tell you all about the extensive praise that the lyrical text and captivating drawings have received, but instead I am posting a video of Ms. Frazee talking about the joys of illustrating for the child audience.

Any time I have an opportunity to hear an illustrator speak about their artistic inspiration and craftsmanship, I am in awe. These are the people who can bring stories to life.

All the World achieves that perfect union of word and picture, but I would say it takes it one step beyond and Frazee's illustrations tell many tales within the text. It is a beautiful, grand achievement.

Video courtesy of youtube

How to raise a useful baby...

2011-08-10T10:48:00.001-04:00

via McSweeney's

For all the love, affection, joy, blah, blah, blah that Sweet Pea is supposed to provide me - he's not actually going to be of any practical use to me for a while. Or is he? Maybe I'll get him a few of these "Baby, Be of Use" books by Lisa Brown so he can start earning his keep from the get-go (and I think I'll start with this one...).

National S'mores Day

2011-08-09T14:25:00.005-04:00

Wednesday, August 10th is National S'mores Day, so grab your supplies and celebrate this traditional summer dessert.
Even if you aren't at sleep-away camp, you can still indulge in this treat with these recipes for s'mores....outside or indoors. It is all gooey deliciousness.

Image courtesy of ggnpc.convio.net

Move, Eat, Learn

2011-08-08T09:20:00.002-04:00

Way better than that terrible "Eat Pray Love" is this trio of short films by Rick Mereki, Andrew Lees, and Tim White (commissioned by STA Travel Australia) called "Move," "Eat," and Learn." Three one minute travel montages that will make you want to get off your couch and go somewhere amazing...

"Move"

"Eat"

"Learn"

{discovered via lovely little things}

treats from across the pond

2011-08-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the most intricate and delicious looking confections I have ever seen! Cotton & Crumbs of Coventry is responsible for these sweet and girlie creations - flour, butter and sugar never looked so good.

All images courtesy of cottonandcrumbs

10 things...

2011-08-04T10:49:00.001-04:00

via Acidstorm

Bear with me. I've been one big cranky lady lately. And in the spirit of my crankiness I thought I'd share 10 things that are driving me to the brink these days (this photograph is, of course, not one of them - his cranky face is divine!).

1. Baby boy clothes with lame writing on them like: "Mommy's New Man" or "Say Hello to Mr. Wonderful" or "Chicks Dig Me." Why are we now dressing our baby boys like ugly American tourists in brash slogan t-shirts?

2. Blog posts that are overtly paid for product placements and the bloggers of such posts who don't fess up to that fact outright.

3. The amount of talent/dance/performance shows on TV right now.

4. People who make that heart shape with their hands in pictures - especially when those people are full grown adults.

5. Cicadas (hearing them at night makes me think that this summer will never end).

6. The catchiness of Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night."

7. Strangers who tell me whether they think I'm carrying a boy or a girl based on how I look, stand, or what I eat (without being asked, of course).

8. People who are so tactless as to blow other people's news on facebook by declaring "congrats on the baby!," "sorry you guys are separating," or "my condolences to your family" on the walls of their supposed "friends" thus outing the friends who had yet to decide whether they even wanted to share that news with the world of facebook.

9. The fact that I can't reach my toes.

10. August.

August

2011-08-03T07:59:00.003-04:00

"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot."

- Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting

Image courtesy of TheShutterbugEye

7 Deadly Sins

2011-08-02T06:53:00.005-04:00

"Envy"

I think the collage art of Jordan Clarke makes the 7 Deadly Sins not only seem really cool, but it also elicits more than one of them from the viewer (envy, greed, lust). The finished pieces of her series are pretty great, but I'm actually a big fan of the snippets she posted as "sneak peeks" which highlighted the small choices she made in color, composition, and telling images.

"Wrath"

"Pride"

"Sloth"

"Greed"

"Gluttony"

"Lust"

{Jordan Clarke's blog, shop, flickr, and gallery.}

a favorite illustration

2011-08-01T14:18:00.007-04:00

Peace in watercolor /photoshop courtesy of Simona Cordero via flickr

Summer, I am so over you...

2011-07-29T11:08:00.004-04:00

via Let Us Read and Let Us Dance

There is not a single part of me that wants to be outside anymore. Pull the curtains, crank up the air conditioning, bring me a hot tea - I want to stay indoors and pretend it's October. I've never been a summer person, but this year I'm really over it. You could blame the multiple days of over 100 degree temperature or the fact that I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy, but whatever it is I am seriously hating summer right now. And knowing I'm not the only one makes me feel so much better....

from EW's "Why We Hate Summer":

''I enjoy being indoors. I enjoy laying on couches, snacking, and reading (watching TV). Summer sucks because it is the only season when, if I want to do this in the middle of a gorgeous day, people (my children) look at me like I'm a disgusting person. Well, guess what? It's 90 degrees out there, it's 68 degrees in here, and this episode of The Bachelorette isn't going to watch itself.''
Adam Scott
Parks and Recreation

''The heat makes me lethargic, so goodbye gym, goodbye waking up before noon, goodbye enthusiasm for anything. But I'd have to say the worst part of summer is swampy Spanx.''
Whitney Cummings
Comedian

''The reason I think summer is terrible: I'm British. As a people, we cannot handle even the most moderate heat, either physically or emotionally. We were brought up believing that summer is for French people, with their outdoor lunches, sunglasses, and crunchy vegetables.'' John Oliver
The Daily Show

Playrooms

2011-07-28T08:16:00.004-04:00

Are there really homes with playrooms like these? If so, when can I move in?
All images courtesy of potterybarnkids

Lorenzo Duran

2011-07-27T13:24:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the intricately craved artworks by the Spanish artist Lorenzo Duran? Under the name Naturayarte, he and his family not only create these lovely little pieces, but use leaves as their medium. Yep, real leaves. I think these pieces are just divine and their frailty and smallness just makes that much more beautiful.

{all images via the artist's website: Naturayarte}

Keepsake Name Prints

2011-07-26T08:06:00.005-04:00

These keepsake name prints by InkTreePress are perfect. Perfect for any nursery or children's room, the perfect welcome baby gift, a perfect way to preserve the moment.

InkTreePress allows you to select custom colors and descriptive details of the birth day or night- it takes this print a step beyond simple personalization. The result is a beautiful instant captured on paper!

All images courtesy of InkTreePress

Reason to love rain (#7)

2011-07-25T09:57:00.001-04:00

via Random tea house

North Carolina needs a serious downpour right now - it is so darn hot. We get the occasional and brief rainstorm, but it only contributes to the humidity. At least for that second it rains - it looks pretty from the inside of my window (though I really need it to start feeling cool on the outside of the window too...)

via These are a few of my favourite things...

"Attempt at Flight" by 'Lilyas

via vi.sualize.us

via i am bittersweet

"Raindrops on the window" by Shooz

Summer Peach

2011-07-22T09:04:00.004-04:00

Some summertime Peach Cobbler courtesy of Country Living....
Ingredients

1 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon(s) light brown sugar
1 cup(s) granulated sugar
2 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
1 3/4 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/3 teaspoon(s) salt
6 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
3/4 cup(s) (plus 1 tablespoon per recipe) heavy cream
2 1/4 pound(s) peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 tablespoon(s) vanilla extract
1 tablespoon(s) cornstarch

Directions
1.Combine the flour, brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ginger, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender, 2 knives, or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in 3/4 cup cream to form a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour, up to overnight.
2.Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and the vanilla in a large bowl. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain half of the liquid; toss in the cornstarch. Transfer to a 10-inch round cast-iron skillet.
3.Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 1 1/2-inch rounds. Top the fruit mixture with the rounds without overlapping. Brush the top of the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon cream and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Bake until golden brown and the fruit is bubbling in the center -- about 25 minutes. Serve warm. Make 8 servings.

Sarah's Summer House

2011-07-20T08:45:00.004-04:00

I have posted about designer Sarah Richardson before. I love the HGTV show Sarah's House, so it logically follows that I would be a big fan of Sarah's Summer House as well.

In this program, Richardson walks us through the renovation/redesign of her own cottage on a Canadian lake. I could imagine this premise could be completely annoying if her design ideas were not so inspiring and the creative process of both Richardson and her team were less entertaining. However, I found myself really interested in how she was going to tackle what was once her husband's all pine-planked bachelor vacation haven into a getaway for her family and guests.....I was definitely not disappointed.

All images courtesy of HGTV

Neat Pins

2011-07-19T15:28:00.004-04:00

The etsy shop PinksandNeedles specializes in these handcrafted pins and pincushions. They are art in miniature.

I like the idea of a personalized set for your favorite quilter/crafter. What an incredibly lovely gift made just for them.

Images courtesy of pinksandneedles

Atsuyo et Akiko + Winnie the Pooh

2011-07-18T09:19:00.004-04:00

I know that Lorelei just posted about her love of the classic Winnie the Pooh and the new movie, but I could not resist sharing my own Pooh find. Over on the blog Dilly Dallas I discovered the adorable shop Atsuyo et Akiko and I love what they are doing with the classic honey-loving bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Seriously, aren't those pillows just the cutest?

Sum-sum-summertime!

2011-07-15T09:20:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of Babble

This "Kid's Car Wash" at Child's Garden preschool in Covedale, Ohio makes me smile.

illustrated nursery

2011-07-14T10:52:00.001-04:00

from "The Laidlaw Reader Primer, First year--First Half"

by Herman Dressel, M. Madilene Veverka, and May Robbins.

Illustrated by Mabel B. Hill and Hazel Fraze

via katinthecupboard

I still have a lot to do in terms of putting together an actual nursery nook, but that is not stopping me from finding ideas everywhere.

For example, I can not get enough of illustrated nurseries and picture book bedrooms. There are so many sweet touches to found (like the fabric chair in the image above or the striped curtains in "Goodnight Moon") that I find inspiring (though I have to be careful not to incorporate all of them and make the baby dizzy with color and pattern!) Here are some of my favorites:

In the bedroom below, I obviously love the view of sail boats outside the window (though I can't make that happen in my house...), but I also love the star ceiling, the little vases of flowers, and the animal shaped chair:

from "Wonderful Story Book" by Margaret Wise Brown

illustrated by J. P. Miller via try-whistling-this

"Yes" and "please" to a patterned wallpaper, touches of the lightest, whitest blue, and a beautifully stenciled dresser:

via miriana (via This are a few of my favourite things...)

I think the following picture confirms that I'm a sucker for sailboats and rocking horses and toy drums:

"The Indoor Noisy Book" by Margaret Wise Brown

illustrated by Leonard Weisgard via krakencrafts

Aside from the presence of the toys mentioned above, I love this image for the huge open window (and view!), the packed mini-bookcase, the kid-size table, and the yellow. I do have a soft spot for some well-used yellow:

"Words" by Selma Lola Chambers

illustrated by Gertrude Elliott via try-whistling-this

Pooh

2011-07-13T10:58:00.012-04:00

Image courtesy logoi.com

This Friday, "Winnie the Pooh" is back on the big screen. There is something sweet and lovely always about that 'silly old bear'. I do appreciate Disney's adaptation of the Milne stories (especially the fact they are respectful of the pacing and tender whimsy of the literary version), but I am a fanatic admirer of the E.H. Shepard illustrations.

The Shepard line drawings capture childhood imaginings and all of their gentle silliness, kindness and wonder. They are truly classic and, in my opinion, among the very best in children's book art.

Image courtesy of fortunecity

Image courtesy of BibliOdyssey

Image courtesy of childillustration.blogspot.com

The following illustration is my favorite:

" He nodded and went out ...and in a moment I heard Winnie-the-Pooh
– bump, bump, bump – going up the stairs behind him."

"This original illustration is reproduced on page 159 of Winnie-the-Pooh and comprises a full-page illustration in the published volume. It represents one of the iconic images of Winnie-the-Pooh and comes from the final chapter in which Christopher Robin gives a Pooh party, and we say good-bye. "

Image courtesy of BibliOdyssey

Chappaquiddick Sunset

2011-07-12T07:37:00.000-04:00

a cool palette

2011-07-11T07:43:00.000-04:00

It's going to be in the triple digits this week here in NC and I am not looking forward to it. All I want to do is crawl into the briskness and coolness of these pieces by Luci Everett. Aren't they the loveliest reminder of a refreshing spring day?

Luci Everett's flickr, blog, and website.

(discovered via {frolic!})