The Mouse & Monkey

We received the most lovely package in the mail a few weeks ago from one of my favorite people in the world, no… the universe.  My college roommate is one of the most talented and creative people I know, except she’s all type-a and into science and details too.  Science and details make me want to cry.

Fun fact:  we were matched up to be roommates our freshman year and met the night before college orientation in Florida.  The next day everyone thought we had known each other for years.  We were roommates the next year and (not the next), but then our last year too.  We were in each other’s weddings.  And, I get to see her along with six of my other dearest friends this weekend. Glory!

Anyways, Erica sent us the most gorgeous quilt for our sweet little lady, I just adore it.  Isn’t it lovely?  Of course, she insisted that it actually be used instead of framed or something.  As you can see in my last post, we use it.  She said, '”Do you like it?  It seemed a little crazy to me, but then I realized it would be perfect for you, thus perfect for your daughter.”  She knows me like that.

I’m such a fan of everything that E makes that it delights me to tell you that she has officially opened her own etsy shop.  FINALLY. 

The Mouse and Monkey is a children’s boutique that you won’t want to miss.  Be sure to check it out soon and often as she plans to fill the shop with so many wonderful goods for all the little boys and girls in your life.  In fact, stop reading my blog and go over there right now… and then tell everyone you know about it too.  Thanks. 

a little gift

Earlier this week, we had a wonderful, little visit from the lovely Jessica of Living the Swell Life.   She came bearing gifts of all sorts, something tasty for dinner, some fantastic granola that I have fallen in love with, and thoughtful gifts for my babies.   

I just had to share a few pictures of the dress she made for our little lady, isn’t it the cutest, summery dress?

Today happens to be Jessica’s birthday, so don’t hesitate to stop by her blog and send her a little birthday greeting!   Happy Birthday Jessica!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

weekend shower

{Sister-in-laws, me, baby sister, mom, Hudson}

This past weekend, my sister-in-laws planned a little baby shower for me and  baby.  I love how simple and relaxed it was. Every detail was perfect from having the event at a closed-to-the-public coffee shop to the delicious drinks and treats.  So cozy and fun.  It ended up just being family, being the weekend before Christmas people are busy busy, but it was actually perfect.  I loved sitting on the oversized brown couches and  just talking about all things baby with my sisters, mom, and aunt.  My son spent the afternoon mooching sweet snacks from all of his aunties and his Gigi, consuming the most sugar he’s ever had in his lifetime.

My mom brought a box of old baby clothes from when we were all  young and as we went through each piece there were tons of stories and laughs.  Naturally, I informed her that vintage baby clothes are in and ended up bringing the box home.

I loved all the gifts, the cute outfits and the much needed practical items, they were all perfect, but I think we were all blown away by my mom’s gift.  Growing up, I remember my mom used to sew all sorts of things from patches on our jeans to costumes, but it’s been years since her last project. For the past few months, she kept telling me she was making a blanket for her first Granddaughter, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the final results.

This wasn’t just another blanket to throw in the pile along with the others, it is one that we will keep and cherish forever.

One side is knit in the softest cream colored yarn.

The other side is done in this lovely grey fabric with cute little pink birds,   She said it reminded her of one of my paintings, which made me love it even more.

She had an “H” embroidered in the corner there is a sweet little tag that reads, handmade with love by G, for Gigi. I love the pink satin binding and ruffles around the edge too.

Isn’t is so special?  I just can’t get over the amount of time and thought that was put into making this beautiful blanket.  I’m sure she will love it just as much as we do.  Thanks Mom.

And thanks to my sisters for a wonderful afternoon!

{Liv

something old

While in Kansas, my mother in law decided to bless me with a gift, something that has been in her family for a very long time.

It also happens to be something that I love. love. love.

inside this very old tin are hundreds…

of buttons, fantastic buttons, lovely buttons.

Her mother collected these buttons for most of her life and passed them on to her and she wanted me to have them.  So they are old, which makes them authentically antique and incredibly beautiful.

She told me that many of them were collected during Great Depression.   People never threw away anything and if a garment of clothing was too worn to wear, they would remove and save the buttons for future use.

Just think, out of necessity these buttons were collected and saved for the sake of practicality and even pleasure…

and now they will be used for design,  inspiration, and creativity.

Oh, what fun this will be.

What are some of your favorite treasures that have been passed down to you?

blessings

Note: I have been looking for curtains or fabric to make curtains for the Hudson baby's room for well, since he was born. As a perk of renting, our marvelously "good priced," apartment, there are a few aspects that we just accept, like two rooms of ceiling to floor hideous wood paneling. Ugg.

Today, a friend brought me some fabric that she found because it reminded her of me. That's fun right? It looked really cute and I thought, hmm, I can make something out of it, I just know there's something. I brought it home and walked around the house with it, trying to imagine what I could do. When I got to the baby's room, I instantly thought, hey, this might look good in here. The more I looked, the more I realized it was almost a perfect match. Not even kidding. Can you imagine how excited I was? Very.

I am not a person who can just envision a project and wait a few days to complete it. I almost have to do it instantly and I usually must finish it, promptly. Sometimes, this exhausts my poor husband, when I need his help and he's exhausted. Good thing, he loves me.

So, tonight, we watched You've Got Mail, which delights my very being and I made curtains.

See how brilliantly the colors match?

In case, you're wondering, I gave a little squeal when I saw them finished and hanging on the wall. I love them. Thanks Julia.

Oh, and did I mention, how much I love You've Got Mail.

Note: His bedding is from Pottery Barn.