Don't Forget...

...to spring forward tonight! Click on the images to view the source.

Ten on 10...er...11

Yeah, I haven't been looking at the calendar lately...so here we are a day late.

Ten on 10 Etsy edition
Click each picture to view the shop where the item is from

It's ridiculous, I know...

...but I'm already brainstorming for Charlie's first birthday party. I have so many ideas floating around my head.

Rainbow Bright

I've liked this idea for awhile. I love "retro" toys that I played with growing up, so the idea of decorating with Rainbow Bright, her Unicorn and Sprites tugs at my heart strings. Add some rainbow streamers, bunting from Tim's birthday and these rainbow cupcakes and, zippety-pow*, you've got yourself a party. And for the favors? A Sprite for everyone (the critter, not the drink)!

Madeline

When we were first married we went through a Paris phase. As our style changed, most of our beautiful Parisian art didn't fit in anymore, so it's been banished to our mostly unused formal living room. But, what better way to put it to use again but to have a Madeline in Paris party? Besides the artwork, we could decorate with the books, croissants and baguettes (what's more French that that? Besides cigarettes.), streamers in Madeline's school uniform colors, and maybe some French street decor like this:

Teach the kids to say "Oui, oui" and you've got yourself a smash! Berets for everyone!

Circus

Just picture it: elephants, lions, tigers, bears, striped tents and mustaches for all! How can you go wrong? Dr. Seuss

Cupcakes topped with green "eggs", big striped felt hats, books everywhere, a game of pin the heart on the Grinch...Dr. Seuss opens itself up to all sorts of fun.

Alice and Wonderland

A mad tea party, eat me and drink me signs everywhere, awesome artwork, and adorable clothes? Yes please. Everyone can go home with a little toadstool, or rabbit, or caterpillar toy.

What do you like best? Other ideas?

*A spattering of zippety-pow - a Gilmore Girls reference, naturally.

What's Charlie Wearing Wednesday

Today Charlie is supporting the non profit organization, Zimbags. Zimbags is a local organization that is effecting global change, employing Zimbabwean women and paying them fair wages in an effort to extend their shockingly low life expectancy. Read more about their mission for change here.

Charlie is wearing one of her three Zimonsies, a Gerber onesie featuring a design made by a woman in Zimbabwe.

Her skirt and leg warmers (as well as two of the Zimonsies), were a gift from Meghan, one of the happy bag elves behind Zimbags.
The skirt is Circo brand, and the leg warmers are Babylegs...which are awesome.

One last thing, since Charlie has been wearing these every day for the last week:

Since Charlie's feet are her new favorite toy, I can keep her occupied for endless periods of time by using these Lamaze feet rattles that my little brother got her for Christmas. I highly recommend these to and new moms.

Animal Parade

I just discovered the website I Heart Faces

They do weekly photography challenges, and I thought it would be fun to join in. Here is my submission for this weeks challenge...faces. I love this funny squinty little face. Charlie is working on some teeth, so that tongue is always sticking out lately. Adorable.

Made By Me Monday

Occasionally the things I make don't turn out quite like I envision...here's an example of a dud.

This "baby hat" was supposed to be a sweet tiny hobo hat to see baby peepers peering out under. I chose red because it really makes Charlie's eyes pop (and because I only had red, pink and black to choose from at the time). But, seeing as how this was my third knitting project and I wasn't fluent in the terminology, it didn't go as planned.

What it was supposed to look like:

Here's what I got:

A giant, Alice in Wonderland type hat, with a backward pocket.

Doesn't Charlie look thrilled with her present? Yeesh.

Now that I'm more competent about thing such as gauge and bulky vs. baby yarn, I may reattempt...we'll see.

Does this make me a terrible mother?

I think it might.

Anthropologie Wishlist

I received my Anthropologie catalog in the mail yesterday, and entertained myself for awhile redecorating my home in my head. Here's some of the things I would love to have if money were no object:

In the kitchen:

Owl cookie jars:

This little bird and grapefruit sugar bowl:

This awesome milk jug/measuring cup combo:

All the while, wearing this pretty dress...I mean apron:

In Charlie's Room:

I'm in love with this mushroom pouf:

Which we would sit on while reading these beautiful children's classics:

On me:

A pretty one piece to cover up excess belly and C-section scars? Yes please!:

A sweet dress just in time for Easter:

Around the house in places yet to be determined:
These adorable poppy hooks...maybe in the kitchen to hold aprons, maybe in the doorway for coats or keys:

This beautiful pendant light. Probably in our living room to replace our current "boob" light that came with the house.

What are your favorite Anthropological finds?

What's Charlie Wearing Wednesday

Those of you who've known me awhile know my affinity for Barbie. I bought two Barbie tees at Old Navy soon after finding out Charlie was a girl. I waited impatiently for her to be big enough to rock them, and I'm happy to tell you, the day is here!

The breakdown:

BudsButtonsandBows headband - won through Etsy contest

Old Navy Graphic tee - $5

Carters longsleeved white onesie - gift

H&M jeans - gift

TJ Maxx Pink ballet slipper socks - set of 6 for $5.99

She's so excited about her shirt - obviously she'll be a Barbie fan too.

Five Months Old!

I can't believe my little lady is 5 months old already! This time last year, I was only getting used to the idea of being pregnant, and now I have this big girl!

Currently Charlie is:

• An observer of all around her. She gets so distracted in social settings, she forgets being hungry or tired and just watches quietly.
• Enjoying exploring all the decibels of her voice. Screaming in such a high pitched tone only dogs can hear is a favorite.
• Rolling over, but only for me. No one else has been given the privilege of seeing this trick.
• Making it clear that her favorite place to sleep is on, or next to, me.
• Wearing pants that are either too short, but fitting at the waist, or to big at the waist, but long enough.
• Chewing on her fingers and pacifier at the same time, all the while talking.
• Mastering the art of pulling a wad of spit up out of her mouth and draping it on me.
• So happy and smiley.
• My favorite.