Mother's Day gift guide

Gorgeous goods. Spoils of them. I've indulged in some already, but I'm coveting much, much more. Feeling quite greedy these days, it seems. And if you can't tell, I'm quite taken with all the coral. So bright and fresh and fun. And for those of you without bébés, perhaps you will make Sunday all about you anyway? Because, why not, right?

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Books to read for new moms and moms to be

A new baby is obviously very exciting, but the preparing bit can be a tad confusing. If you have never had a baby, it is hard to know what you don't know, if you don't know what you need to know. Know what I mean? While I was pregnant, people were either all about giving me advice or telling me that there wasn't really anything to know, that things would just come, and I would learn along the way. So true, but also so not true. I have obviously learned a lot about my own baby that a book would never be able to tell me. But, I'm also a stubborn lady and have to learn most things for myself.

First, what to read when you are pregnant and have a new baby.

Once I started thinking about how I wanted my baby to be born, deciding to have a natural birth was an easy one. But, deciding what kind of birth you want to have is a very personal thing. I recommend reading Your Best Birth and watching The Business of Being Born. I will warn you, they definitely have an agenda. Try to look past that. But pay attention to the facts. Like what it really means for you and your baby to have Pitocin. I also read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. The encyclopedia on natural birth and midwifery. In the end, both were most helpful in my planning of a natural hospital birth.

Once you have your beautiful little baby in your arms, you will want to know a couple of things right away. Like a few tips on nursing and how to calm your crying baby. At first I didn't think breastfeeding was something I needed to learn more about and I might have been a total brat the night Tim made us sit through a 3 hour class on breastfeeding at The Pump Station. In the end, it was valuable to learn that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt at all (except through that first period when your boobs are engorged), and that it is normal for breastfed babies to lose more weight in the initial days after birth than formula fed babies, and you do not need to panic. After that, it was helpful to have The Nursing Mother's Companion when reflux issues and diet questions came up. You also want The Happiest Baby on the Block. Or you can watch the DVD. Either way, you want to know what the Five S's are. Trust. Most new babies are super fussy in the evening. The Five S's will save you. We followed them (minus the bit about pacifiers and motorized swings) and I estimate that it saved us approx. 1 million hours of crying.

Finally, learn about baby sleep. So different from grownup sleep. I didn't read a book about this because baby sleep methods, like crying it out, scare me and I want nothing to do with them. But, it's helpful to know that once your newborn isn't sleeping for a majority of the day, you need to watch for signs, like tugging on their ear, to know that baby is ready for a nap. This way you can put them to sleep before they become overly tired and turn into a beast. Approx. 90 minutes of awake time seems to be key. We aren't sleep training and I am plenty happy having Dash snuggle next to us in bed. If you must get a sleep book, I've heard good things about The No Cry Sleep Solution. And remember that 3 month old babies are not meant to sleep through the night, it's okay if yours is not, and you aren't doing anything wrong.

Finally, welcome to mommyhood!  It can be frightening on this side, but mostly it is wonderful, and these books make it easier.

P.S. Maternity must haves and newborn must haves.

Currently craving french bread + olive oil...

cloud cutting board // tea towels // olive oil decanter

Gifts to give your husband on Valentine's Day

For your husband, who makes you breakfast on the weekends and makes up silly songs to sing to your new baby.

1. Rockabye Baby Lullabies. Lullaby renditions of his favorite bands to put baby to sleep.

2. Soup and sandwich tray. For his favorite childhood food.

3. Petunia Pickle Bottom Scout diaper bag. For toting around baby's things in a completely stylish way.

4. Scout Soap Dish. For morning reminders.

5. Heart pancake and egg rings. For romantic breakfasts in bed.

6. Pythagorean theorem swaddling blanket. To keep baby Einstein snug and smart.

7. Pendleton travel mug. For coffee, because he needs it.

8. Jack Purcell leather sneakers. To keep him on his toes so he can keep up with baby.

Gifts to give your best friend on Valentine's Day

For your best friend, who always says yes to a second scoop of ice cream and is always willing to go on spontaneous adventures with you.

1. The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 weekends in the USA & Canada. For impromptu girls only escapes.

2. Chocolate dipped ice cream bars. To make and eat while watching her favorite movies.

3. Kate Spade clutch. For stashing keys and credit cards when she takes you out for lunch when she's supposed to be working.

4. Instax Mini. To snap fun photos.

5. Guest toothbrushes. For minty fresh breath after all-night slumber parties.

6. Catbird memory ring. To wear on her first knuckle, just because.

7. Bensimon tennis shoes. THE sneaker for prancing around town, or pretending you're in Paris.

8. Linus bike. For bike rides to the farmer's market and the beach.

Venn diagram

Let's get technical with love. These venn diagrams are a uniquely personal way to display your best relationships. Use them for you and your beau or for your littlest ones.

Designer, Molly Meg.

P.S.: These baby announcements are a perfect match!

Newborn must haves

My baby boy is officially out of the newborn stage. I don't think I like it, but I suppose it's a good time to reflect on the handful of things that got us through the first couple months. Mama recommended, Dashiell approved!

1. The world can be a big and scary place for a tiny little baby after living in mama's womb for nine months. A swaddle can help baby feel safe and cozy so that he can sleep soundly without being startled awake. These aden + anais swaddle blankets are a cult favorite and I can see why. They're the perfect weight and size and come in the most darling prints. They also make a handy nursing cover. We also use these Kiddopotamus swaddles overnight since they make diaper changes super easy. Dashiell is almost always instantly calmed when we wrap him up. It's like a baby burrito!

2. Dashiell and I love taking walks on the beach. We especially loved them during those first few weeks for a dose of fresh air. Dashiell usually cuddled up to me in the sling, but every part of my body ached the first couple weeks after labor. So, he cozied up in his stroller with a Dwell bundle bag to keep him warm.

3. This puj tub is perfect for baby baths. It's super soft, fits nicely in the sink, and drains on its own. It also stores flat if you're short on space. We give Dashiell his baths in our bathroom since his can get pretty chilly. We dim the lights, run the warm water, and turn the fire on. Instant baby spa! We use Earth Mama Angel Baby organic products. The shampoo and lotion make him smell kind of like an orange creamsicle, and the oil is perfect for baby massages. I love their postpartum and breastfeeding mama products too!

4. Cloth diapers. I can't talk highly enough of them. Did you know that most disposable diapers take approximately 500 years to decompose in the landfill? 500 years, you guys. Per diaper. When you're going through about 10-12 a day for 2-3 years, it creates a very substantial carbon footprint. So, for about $500 upfront (v. the $2500-3000 lifetime cost of disposables), we have our diapering needs covered until Dashiell is potty trained. And we can use them again for any future babies. I researched our options extensively and decided that bumGenius diapers were the best fit for our family. We also use cloth wipes and wash them on our own using Charlie's Soap. We use Kissa's pail liners that we throw into the wash right along with the diapers and wipes. And Baggu zippered bags make for the best wet bags when we're on the go. (P.S.: Exclusively breastfed babies don't have stinky poops! Score!)

5. I love wearing Dashiell. It allows me to be hands free and keep him close at the same time. We've tried the Baby K'tan, the BabyHawk mei tai, and the Ergo. Though my absolute favorite is the Sakura Bloom sling. It's a pricey investment, but you can't deny its versatility and beauty. Tim prefers the Ergo because it's super supportive and easy to wear. The Ergo is just a touch overwhelming for my petite frame. If you're nervous you can get hands-on babywearing advice. There are a few safety tips to keep in mind and the more confidant you are, the more comfortable baby will be. For LA mamas, The Pump Station offers free sling clinics weekly.

6. The Organic Quilt Company makes the softest baby textiles. We wrap Dashiell up in the hooded towels after his baths. We also have a stripey blanket and a couple burp cloths.

7. catbird makes the sweetest alphabet rings. They are teeny tiny and serve as the perfect reminder of my own little one. Stack 'em up to make the perfect set.

8. Once we're all bundled up and ready for bed, we read The Quiet Book. It tells a gentle story of the many kinds of quiet. First one awake quiet...making a wish quiet...top of the roller coaster quiet...bedtime kiss quiet.

9. The beloved iPhone. How did mamas ever nurse without one? I spend plenty of time gazing into Dashiell's eyes while he nurses in my arms, but at 2am, I need something a bit more stimulating to keep me entertained and awake. Not to mention the countless apps you can download to help you maintain order in your new life as a mama. (Tim used this one to keep track of my contractions when I went into labor.)

10. The rumors are true. Trumpette socks are the only ones that will actually stay on those tiny baby feet. I don't know how or why, but they do. I totally dig the fun patterns and prints. A bit spendy for socks, but if you look, you can find them on sale at Gilt or Zulily.

P.S.: Maternity Must Haves and Treats, here.

Colorblocked boards

Do you have any belated holiday entertaining planned? Wouldn't you love to have a wine and cheese party with these boards? The colorblocking and the unique shapes are a winning combination.

  

Baguette, Balloon/blue, Balloon/green, Bread

Edna

She might sound dowdy, but she certainly doesn't look it! Check out her color! Her curves! Edna is among the sexiest of drawers.

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Designer, Anthony Hartley.

Pouf

Dying over these poufs I found on Etsy, from Little Miss Loolies. They're made from upcycled sweaters. Brilliant! The colors, the texture. I need these in my home to cozy up with. Maybe for Dashiell's room? Maybe if the shipping costs weren't equivalent to the actual cost of said pouf? Sigh. Once again, the best things come from across the pond. 

Maternity Must Haves & Treats

I have just about 4 weeks to go with my little guy in my belly and the past 36 weeks have gone pretty smoothly. I think I might be one of those lucky ladies other pregnant ladies love to hate. Aside from a wee bit of queasiness in the beginning weeks, my babe has let me get away without the actual icky part of morning sickness, stretch marks, or totally strange food cravings. I attribute about 99.7% of this to pure luck. Physically, my body's done good. *fingers crossed*

Mentally, I've had (and am still having) my rough patches. It's really a whole new world, this pregnancy thing. An unfamiliar body and a new range of emotions are a lot to deal with. I'm learning that it's all about making yourself feel healthy and happy. So mamas, here are some of my favorite pregnancy treats... 

1. I can't tell you how long I held out on buying any sort of maternity wear. Some of it was stubbornness. A lot of it was that most maternity wear is, well, ugly. Still, I can count the number of actual maternity pieces in my wardrobe on my fingers. And a majority of them come from Isabella Oliver. The basic tops fit me like a glove, the dresses are the perfect solution for a night out, and they show off the bump beautifully. Wear them before, during, and after baby. So worth the price tag.

2. Remember the countless flights I took my belly on in the first and second trimesters? I also took along a jar of Skin Savior from One Love Organics. An all natural multi-balm that I use for cleansing, moisturizing, conditioning, smoothing, and massaging. 

3. Slather your body and belly with Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Balm. I'm in the camp that believes you can't really prevent stretch marks (except maybe by keeping weight gain steady). Which means, I did not invest in a super pricey, fancy schmancy moisturizer. I just continued to use my regular body lotion and slathered on some belly balm once in a while. No stretch marks so far, skin as smooth as a baby's bottom, and the pampering feels gooood.

4. Sometimes you just need a good cookie. For that, I turn to Kim Boyce, author of Good to the Grain. I have perfected her heavenly recipe for Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies with a few tweaks of my own. Chocolatey treat without all the guilt.

5. Klean Kanteen for all the water mamas need to be chugging to stay hydrated.

6. My husband bought this maternity pillow for me despite all the arguing I initially put up. It looks like a doggy bed and it's huge. But dear lord, it is comfortable. Srsly. Get one with support on both sides. It will let you flip around in bed as you feel like it. This pillow might be the reason I've yet to have a sleepless night.

7. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream for when those hippie dippie choc chip cookies aren't going to cut it. Order directly from their website or stop by Surfas if you're in West LA.

8. Prenatal yoga. It stretches all the right muscles, helps me relax, and makes me feel healthy. Whatever your favorite workout routine is, don't give it up. Just tone it down. Even on my most tired days, I feel rejuvenated after a bit of exercise.

9. When No. 8 doesn't exactly pan out for the day, I throw on my Ray Bans for a bit of glam. A pair of oversized sunglasses can save even the most tired of pregnant ladies.

Valentine's Day Fort

Build me a fort and I will be your Valentine. I'll even send you the step-by-step. You know, to make it easier on you.

  {photo credit: Carla Richmond via Design*Sponge}

Embroidery, Neat & Tidy

It must be a natural progression. Learn to sew, learn to embroider. But first, I need to find precious ways of storing my thread. For this, I turn to my favorite parts of the interwebs.

In order from the most resourceful to the most spendy.

Clothespins. I have an entire lot of clothespins stored away from the wedding, ready for use at my disposal. In which case, I wouldn't be limited to how many colors of thread I acquire and I could easily build a dangerously colorful collection.

Found on Naturally Dyeing, a blog dedicated to silk yarns dyed using locally grown vegetal species. A topic entirely cool in its own right. But there isn't a single mention of the ingenious nature of the use of clothespins. I might need to clue her in on how awesomely brilliant this idea is. Is it new, only to me?

And the author of that blog (and this one)? She lives in France. All good ideas seem to come from France. 

{photo credit: Sonia via Naturally Dyeing}

This pdf from Mollie Johnson at Wild Olive has been saved in my docs for some time. Turns out I'm fairly good at predicting what my next obsessions might be. Download your own set of free bobbins, here. 

  {photo credit: Mollie Johanson via Wild Olive}

Although, I do love my critters and I wouldn't mind the help of Henry the Hedgehog. Made by the Giggle Snort Society shop on etsy. Come on, I'd order these just for those names. 

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Or Flossy the Pony. 

 {via}

Need to cure my itch to stitch.

A Teepee

I am in need of one more than ever. It's been many, many months since I've clamored for one and I think it's about time I clamor some more. Perhaps if I make my clamoring public, I won't have to wait another year. 

A teepee undoubtedly makes for a quaint hideaway at home. And to think that I could have one for but a few wooden rods and canvas cloth- and some embellishments to make it pretty, of course, makes me wonder why I don't have one already.

It's a bit Virginia Woolf like. Except I seem to be seeking a teepee of one's own, instead.

 {photo credit: Tonya Williams Ruanto {Life a Mundo}, Rachel Denbow {Smile and Wave}, 
via sfgirlbay}

 Full tutorial, here. 

I have the perfect corner saved for my little hideout. And I am quite prepared to use it.

Mr. and Mrs. Bust

The days had been getting cooler, yes? Which means, apart from this sudden burst of sunshine and 80 degree weather, I must leave behind that loosey goosey summer schedule of mine and get back into it. Being back in the grind leaves me little time to search for pretty things. So during a brief break from reality today, I trolled the interwebs looking to be inspired.

And look what I found! How easily I forget that awesome things lurk around every click. Thank you, Oh Joy!

Meet the Mr. and Mrs. Some greenery to remind you of summer. In a bust. They look like such the lovely couple. I wouldn't mind having them to dinner sometime soon. Perhaps an impulse purchase would speed their arrival.

From FloralArt LA.

Bottle Stoppers

Okay kids, listen up. This is a bit of an emergency post. The cutest freakin' Jonathan Adler bottle stoppers are being sold at Urbanic as of now!

I am in the midst of a war between my paint roller and a millionbajillion sq ft of wall space, but I feel I must run out to get one of each. Afterall, I am now the owner of a private reserve wine cellar that is housing the 39 bottles of wine I brought back with me from my Argentine getaway.

See? I need them. Very different from want. 

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Sexy Interiors

It's been two years and in two years, amazing things can happen. Today is Sex and the City 2 premiere day. Carrie has been cheating on fashion with furniture. And what an affair it was. Carrie and Big's apartment is a perfect mix of eclectic, modern, and classy. 

Carrie and Big’s living room includes a sofa by Montauk Sofa upholstered in blue wool-mohair from Donghia and a pair of beige midcentury side chairs. The bright floral Birdie Blossom Cushion by Paul Smith for The Rug Company adds a classic “Carrie” touch.

The sofa reminds me of a deep blue velvet sofa I spotted and subsequently drooled over at a little shop on Abbot Kinney months and months ago. No doubt a statement piece. It could have been mine had I just put down the $6000 for it. Same story for the designer rugs at The Rug Company.

In the dining room, an oxidized-metal chandelier by Property hangs above a French 1940s mahogany table from Alan Moss. The custom-made chairs were upholstered in a Lee Jofa print fabric.

A blown-glass chandelier by Lindsey Adelman Studio is a showstopper in Carrie and Big’s hallway.  Similar to the bubble chandelier I wished and wished for and finally got, now hanging over our dining table. Which, incidentally, will be moved into our hallway once I find a chandelier more fitting for the dining space.

Carrie and Big’s bedroom is a striking blend of pattern and texture. Not too girly, not too masculine. A perfect balance for a bedroom all grown up. The custom-headboard is covered in fabric by Kravet and pops against the neutral Rococo Stripe wallpaper by by Cole & Son from Lee Jofa.

{photo credit: Craig Blankenhorn via Elle Decor}

Swoon. I could live in this closet. See the chaise in the middle? That will be my bed. I love the his and hers sides. Surprisingly, the mismatched woodwork and hardware creates an interestingly sophisticated pairing.

To see flashbacks of Carrie's old digs and the new spaces of your other favorite SATC girls, go to the huge spread at ELLE Decor.

D.Y.I.N.G. to see the movie but I don't have 2 1/2 hours to spare. Le sigh. 

Owl Umbrella Stand

The sun is finally shining outside again and the air is crisp and clean. It's a good thing because all that rain had me longing for this owl umbrella stand that has been on my wishlist since pre-move-in to the new place. Please buy him. He will stand tall and look quite distinguished in your entryway. Then send me pictures so I can live vicariously through you. Or invite me to your home. I'll bring my umbrella.

Burke Decor

500 Pencils

The perfect present. 500 colored pencils in every color possible. It would be quite fun to find these in my mailbox. Subscribe and every month, for 20 months, you get 25 pencils. In the end, you'll have collected the entire spectrum.

What a fun 2 years it would be...

500 pencils

Bubble Chandelier

In the past few weeks, I have come to equate house buying with more than a few un-pleasantries. I've cursed the paperwork, the papercuts, the persistent noise of the fax machine.

So, to keep me in my happy place, I dream of this handblown glass bubble chandelier by Jean Pelle hanging in my new dining room. I can see the light reflecting through our windows and off the cluster of bubbles already. And it looks good.