This could rock my world

Do-able, right? Here

I couldn't agree more...

stationery by cartoules letterpress

Love Tokens

During my first pregnancy, our nickname for our as-yet-unnamed baby was "Bean." That February, Ben gave me this necklace for Valentine's Day - Elsa Peretti's Bean necklace from Tiffany & Co. I love the precious connotation it has for us, and still wear it all the time.

It was a gift that signified a very particular moment in our lives, so I was surprised awhile back when the hubster suggested I pick something out from "T-Fanny's" to commemorate this baby.

I'm not one of those women who expects a so-called "Push Present" (PP). I mean, isn't the baby gift enough? No judgments, just sayin'... So, when a general "commemorative" gift was offered, I didn't really jump on it - it seemed too much like an early PP.

HowEVAH, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I've considered that maybe a sort of Love Token might suffice....Hmmm??? It's OK, if I'm being hypocritical, and it's merely a matter of semantics, you can let me know, but in the meantime...

Since I can't have what I'd really want from Tiffany, I'm skipping it altogether. You pay a premium for anything that comes in that little blue box, anyway!

Sundance always has a great selection of organic (albeit higher-end) offerings - I could succumb...

diamond briolette earrings

waterway ring

But, I also have a soft spot for unique, handmade pieces...

Impossibly in love bracelet by artisanfield

Geodes: A nod to Brazil?

Neptune's Gift charm necklace by seafairiesjewelbox

Geode earrings by irisjewelrydesign

Thing is...as lovely as all these pieces are, this exercise seems a bit phony. I don't even wear the decent jewelry I already own when we're here in Brazil - Federal Agent husband says it's a "security thing."
So, I think in light of my desire to have a "moment-appropriate" gift that I might actually have the chance to enjoy, I'll suggest a trip back to the Hippie Fair in Ipanema where we can pick out a fabulous piece of original, Brazilian art.Mmmm....yes, indeed!

...All tied up with string

Do you plan your gift wrap? I'm a bit of a packaging snob, myself. I certainly feel that the effort to put together an interesting wrap ensemble constitutes part of the gift. I tend to go with gift "themes," but the last few years have stuck with a classic, solid glossy red paper with white, wide, double-faced satin ribbon that is easily reusable. Until today, I really hadn't thought about what sort of gift packaging "look" I'd go for, but since I forgot my stash of ribbon in Brazil, I'll be changing things up a bit. I must be in a no-fuss kind of mood this year, because this brown parcel paper/red baker's string combo is striking a chord...

However, going simple doesn't necessarily mean going lame. There's always gift tags to help dress up a package. I could spend hours perusing paper goods... Found every look you can imagine on Etsy - some faves I'm considering (and, clearly, need to get a move on ordering!) Simple, elegant from paperandinkling

Charming, from lynchgirl
... and js design
and whimsical. From PrettySmitten
PSPapergoods
...and HenriHopper (my frenchie-owning sister needs these!)
But I really don't know if I can turn down one of these clever creations from EveryJotandTittle


























Eeenie, Meenie Miney MO!!

Bear with me...

I have to share of couple of my favorite pics from last week's Trick or Treating fest. Mainly, I want to give sweet props to my costume designer, Shea at Stinkin' Cute Designs. I "met" Shea via a comment she left here, and ended up at her Etsy store where I discovered THE most stinkin' cute designs for children! Her custom creations include precious onesies/T's, burpies, and my absolute favorite: bloomer panties with adorable sayings!
When I saw the red tutu/M&M costume, I knew I'd found Avery's Halloween outfit! She rushed the order for me, and I couldn't have been more pleased!

If you need holiday gift ideas, might I suggest any of these darlings?

Project Woe-way

I had high hopes that I'd be able to bring you some great project updates today... Instead, I'll tell you the story of Project Woe-way.

I was excited to receive the much-anticipated Preval Spray Gun on Friday, so I thought a painting session might be in order.

I promised an objective review once I had tested the sprayer, so here goes...

I wasn't too impressed with The Sprayer. We tested it on (the backside) of Avery's headboard. We thinned the paint as recommended, but the effect was still very stippled (i.e. "orange peel")

Perhaps, it would be better for a smaller project, or maybe even with a water-based paint, but in summary, I'm gonna have to give it a thumbs down if you're looking for an even somewhat professional finish. I'm still not pleased with the shade of blue, either...but that's not the sprayer's fault!

Moving on... Did I ever tell you I ordered a cute, vinyl wall decal from an Etsy seller? It too arrived, Friday, so we tried to put it up. The directions weren't too clear, but Ben is patient and perfectionist - still, this had him frustrated.

First, the decal didn't want to part from the backing paper, and it stretched and pulled in the areas around her name. We finally succeeded in removing the backing, carefully placing the decal on the wall while using a ruler to "iron" it out as we went. It was to no avail - it turned into a bubbled and wrinkled mess.

Too bad, too, because it would've been so cute! I've emailed the seller about the predicament - she's offered another decal for a discounted price, but I don't know....Your thoughts?

I feel like Spaulding in Caddyshack: "Double Turds!!!"

...And, last but not least, I'm still trying to find coordinating fabrics to use in Avery's room. I was happy to find a hot pink ikat pillow on Fabricadabra. My thought was to replace the (yes, hideous) pillow on the rocker. It would've been a vast improvement for the chair, but the color of the ikat doesn't work with her bedding - it's hard to tell in this pic, but the ikat has a hint more purple. And, anyway - silk in a toddler's room isn't very practical.

I'd love to use one of these Quadrille choices, but think they are cost-prohibitive...

So....I'm back at Square One on several projects, but I'm certain these twists in the design road will lead to ultimate décor bliss!!

Little Happies: Personalized Pillows

Found THE CUTEST personalized pillowcases on Etsy, that I just had to order for Avery. You can customize the colors, so I asked the designer to use the hot pink/navy combo I'm working for Avery's Big Girl room...

Couldn't resist one in the travel size - perfect for the long haul we'll be undertaking in a couple of weeks (pillow insert included for this size)

Top recommendations to this Etsy seller - her work and service were perfect!

Little Happies: Felt Food

I'm still waiting for the email containing the PDF's of felt food patterns I ordered from Etsy, but in the meantime, my Crafty Maven friend got me started with some entry-level bacon and eggs. (Yes, had to put them in a skillet for "effect!")

Thanks again, Cara!

Etsy Interruption

You all know I've been surfing Etsy a lot lately. I'm supposed to be looking for cool fabric-y stuff for Avery's room, but I'm easily sidetracked by all the cute, C-Ute stuff. This, however, fits into another category entirely... Apparently, my life is not complete, because I don't have my own Giant Uterus Pillow! Seriously? Who buys this stuff (and I won't even TELL you all the other anatomical softies they make - ha!) want one? Go here.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Still searching for lower-price, but still fab fabrics for Avery's room...Really want more of a hand-blocked, ethnic look - something like this...Too bad it's only a runner - guess I could get SEVERAL of them! (found here)

These caught my eye, too.

It's a start! (Both found here)