round up: Mother's Day gift ideas.

although I was told "Happy Mother's Day" a few times last year when I was pregnant with Ronin, I'm pretty excited to really celebrate this year. being the awesome husband that he is, Sean already bought me a gift (something from Etsy, apparently, so it should be good!) this year.  

I was inspired by Jessica at Little Baby Garvin to put together some gift ideas for those still looking for the perfect gift. unlike her themed gift guide, I went the route I normally travel - the practical gift. I'll be honest - I don't want flowers for Mother's Day. I want something that I can wear, drink, or use to relax. I'd be ecstatic to receive any of the items on this list for Mother's Day. oh, and as a bonus, they're all under $40!

1. for the technology lover: cell phone case ($39.00).

2. for the sentimental: unique greeting card ($4.25).

3. for everyone: NAKED basics palette ($27.00).

4. for the wine lover: wine of the month membership ($34.00/month for classic series).

5. for the beauty product fanatic: birchbox subscription ($10/month).

6. for the jewelry lover: personalized initial necklace ($36.00).

7. for the busy mom who needs a break (aka everyone): LUSH bath bomb ($6.35).

8. for the fashionable: mint hobo bag ($32.99).

round up: Easter basket goodies!

we're not big on celebrating Easter in our house. at least... we weren't... until we had a baby. but now I'm all about the Easter bunny, dying Easter eggs (next year), and celebrating the holiday with gifts for Ronin. 

1. My First Easter bunny bib. 

2. The Runaway Bunny. 

3. B. One Two Squeeze Blocks. 

4. Peter Rabbit Plush. 

5. Baby Touch & Feel book. 

6. The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

7. Bunny costume. 

8. Laugh & Learn Remote. 

as far as the actual basket goes, I wanted to stray from the typical wicker basket simply because they just take up too much room. I know that I would get sick of looking at it and would end up throwing it out after each season... especially if I didn't splurge for one from PB or something. I decided to buy a fabric bin on Etsy that can grow with Ronin; one that we can use year after year. 

are you getting excited for the Easter Bunny? I'll be taking Ronin to sit on his lap at the mall next week, and I may or may not be hoping for a meltdown. I feel like every kid needs a crying Easter Bunny photo, am I right?

Ronin's First Christmas

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday! Ronin had a great first Christmas and, as predicted, was spoiled rotten. It's been such a blast watching him discover different sounds, textures, and colors through his new toys. I'll have a four month update either tomorrow or Thursday, but in the meantime, here are a few snapshots of our boy's first Christmas.

life lately (according to Instagram & other cell phone pics)

a handmade beanie from my talented Aunt, for Ronin... it has a matching blanket too. 

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we make Bear act out keyboard cat.

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watermelon & sweet corn = summer love.

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organizing baby shower goodies. talk about spoiled!

also? nesting FTW.

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she thinks those gifts are for her.

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I finally hung the map art that I talked about doing way back when (originally inspired from here).
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post-physical therapy bump.
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this was my baby doll for breastfeeding class.
I did not want that thing anywhere near my boobs.
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so, there's a little sneak peak into what's been going on lately.
you can follow me on Instagram by clicking that little icon to the right!
have a great weekend, readers! 

Friday loves

these curtains from Urban Outfitters. 

why am I just now realizing how affordable their window treatments are? 

I'm thinking these may be residing in our living room soon. 

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a thorough spring cleaning checklist. 

also known as: I'm nesting and I need help. 

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I'm usually not a fan of wall decals at all. 

however, I am really digging these circle name designs. 

I think they'd look great on a nursery wall above a crib or changing table!

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fo free: 830 printables - from lined paper, to budget sheets, to music paper. 

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I want to print this and frame it. 

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DIY: chalkboard paint + basic wooden blocks = creativity & fun for hours.

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how to: introduce pets to a new baby. 

I will definitely need these tips in a few weeks.

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this site is chock full of creative and unique gifts for all occasions.
like this modern personalized drink tub:

how awesome would this be as a housewarming gift?

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Mrs. Stroller's thoughts on breastfeeding.
I love this, as breastfeeding is one of the things I'm most worried about when it comes to having a baby. 
I really want it to work for us, but I am aware of all the issues that could arise.
fingers crossed that Ronin & I have a successful BF relationship.
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these baby shoes. 

anchors and sail boats?
SQUEEEEEEE.
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Happy Friday, lovahs!

Friday loves

this story. 

a man saves a kitten from the engine of a Mercedes vehicle.

so heartwarming! the world needs more people like him.
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how to: remove permanent marker from wood floors.
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this dress from Motherhood. 
I might have to stop in and try it on. 
it would be perfect to wear to my shower!

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green cleaning alternatives.
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a picnic party. 
it would be fun to throw one of these just to have an excuse to see good friends!

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the nitty gritty on cloth diapering.
loads of CD info in that post!
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free download: a book for dad!

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how to: clean makeup brushes properly.
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Bradley & Morgan's sweet adoption tale.
bonus: more cute kitties!

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HAPPY FRIDAY! 

Friday loves

John & Sherry's (and Clara's) DIY sand rock box. 

definitely something I'd like to try to conquer once the peanut is old enough to enjoy it!

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this gift idea for brides. 

you give them 6 bottles of wine in a basket to share with their husband during their big "firsts" of marriage - first fight, first baby, etc. 

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these utensils. 

not only are the bright colors outstanding, but the handles are weighted, which means the "head" of the tool is always in the air and won't rest on a dirty counter.

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Lauren's DIY party favors. 

bonus: they also double as decor! these would be awesome to use for just about any occasion.

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birth photography makes me weak in the knees.

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these two cute fellas. 

it's kitten season and I'm so sad that I won't be able to foster any this year.

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I know I'm late on this, but textfromdog is fucking hysterical. 

seriously. read it. it'll make your day. 

I can't stop laughing.

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HAPPY FRIDAY! 

:D

Friday loves!

Sherry's DIY Christmas ornaments that she revealed through their Fall Pinterest Challenge. 

I'm definitely going to make my own ornaments this year, along with holiday cards. 

I also love the idea of using bright colors... weeeeeee! 

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this little kitten that I added to my 2011 wishlist has found a forever home. 

cheers to that! 

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discovering illustrator Sujean Rim. 

I love watercolor more than any other form of art, and it's probably because I wish I could be successful at it. this lady is seriously talented. 

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this roundup of paint chip related projects. 

that green calendar at the end? yes please! 

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my tattooer and his shop were featured in this article on BuzzFeed. 

they are great artists and deserve the recognition and exposure. Mike has tattooed all but one of my pieces, and I can easily say that I would never have a reason to go to anyone else for tattoo work. he's one of best guys I know! 

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Martha Stewart tutorials for homemade holiday cards. 

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how to make the perfect snowflake. 

can you tell I'm on a holiday decor kick lately? 

I love Christmas. 

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Jimmy Kimmel & moms who tell their kids they ate all their Halloween candy. 

specifically, this one. 

"YOU SNEAKY MOM!"

hysterical. I can't wait to do this to my kids one day.

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we're going to see Louis CK for the billionth 4th time this evening. 

we're dragging Kaycie & Adam to Baltimore with us tonight and I am SO EXCITED!

I'll be spending the ENTIRE day tomorrow prepping and cleaning house because I'm hosting a Scentsy party with Kathy on Sunday. I've never really had a big group of people at my house before, so I'm a little nervous, haha. lots to do and as usual, not enough time! ;)

Happy Friday ya'll! 

Friday loves!

it is my best friend's birthday today! 

go give her some love! :)

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the story of this married couple in Iowa who died only an hour apart while holding hands. I can only hope Sean & I will be as in love as these folks were after 72 years of marriage. 

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this tutorial for a hand painted mug. 

guess what everyone is getting for Christmas? hot chocolate (or maybe coffee. or vodka.) and one of these babies!

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this woman completed 38 random acts of kindness to celebrate her 38th birthday. 

she fed quarters to parking meters, paid for strangers' tolls, delivered balloons to hospital patients, and a lot of other sweet things for other people. her selflessness is SO inspiring to me. I think I may save this link for my birthday next year.

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2012 mini cat calendar. 

it's going on my wish list. 

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these Seychelles pumps. 

I am in dire need of a pair of plain black heels. I hardly ever wear them, but the only pairs of heels I own are open toe, and I feel like it would be a good idea to have some closed toe shoes as well. EITHER WAY, I want these. right now. except Sean will never approve of spending $90 on a pair of shoes. 

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this feather printable. 

I love this blog and I get almost all of my printed art from there for the gallery wall in the entryway. I love the colors in this print... it will be up on the wall this weekend! 

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that's all I got for today, folks. I've got a busy weekend (what else is new?) full of birthday celebrations, errands, and drawing homework. 

 

Happy Friday! 

the OFFICIAL 2011 wish list

no lie, I just sent all of this crap in an email to Sean. I'm guessing he'll pass it on to his mom, dad, and probably Kaley too so that he doesn't have to buy everything.

I was having a shitty day until I started compiling a list of things that I will most likely have in my life in two months. and then I felt better. materialistic? possibly.

how many fucks do I give about that? not a single one.

contrast trim hangbag - Tilly's - $19.99

nixon player watch - Buckle - $170.00

urban decay naked palette - sephora - $48.00

washington redskins vintage raglan sweatshirt - nfl shop - $49.99

this kitten.
YES I'M SERIOUS.

washington capitals sweatshirt - nhl shop - $69.99

toms - ash canvas classics - $44

"meow: I love cats" - crate & barrel - $14.95

3 piece elio vase set -  crate & barrel - $49.95

custom book stamp - etsy - $27.95

that's it so far. SO FAR being the key words there.


do you have your gift wish list put together yet? do you even do wish lists? 

we find it makes it so much easier to buy gifts for each other when we have some ideas on hand. we still get surprise gifts too, but this way we know we can get what we REALLY want in the end. easy peasy lemon squeezy.


HAPPY THURSDAY!