My friends, I've been busy

Remember how I said I've been so busy, that I've been uninspired to blog? Well, when I look back on the photos I've taken in the last month, I have to say, that instead of uninspired, I have just been too busy. Here's a "snapshot" of our month, and what we've been up to...

Renovating our sunroom/playroom. These photos were when it was still in progress. I'm happy to say, the room is almost "done" (as "done" as any room ever is!). I'll post some more final photos when I get the room on a clean day (and when I catch up):

And, then in the middle of it all, it snowed 2 ft., ripped our power lines down, and we were without power for 4 days:

The basement: I've been making sure the basement WILL NEVER LEAK/FLOOD/COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY MOISTURE AGAIN...(truthfully, I couldn't have done this without our wonderful handyman!) It's been an on-going process, but we've almost got it! Then, we'll be on to the fun part of finishing it up!

And, we've had Jake's great birthday party with fun music teacher...

And, made Elmo pops inspired by Bakerella...

And re-decorating our dining room to accomodate 2-year-olds (and no, I didn't care that it was a lot of work, or if they made a mess, we loved it!)

Organizing and re-decorating my office (perhaps I should just take on one project at a time?). My husband had an AMAZING burst of organizational energy one night and initiated organizing all the papers that have piled up since the basement flood. I then was able to organize all our file cabinets and label everything (bliss!)...

The shelves were painted w/ blue backs (Benjamin Moore Harbor Haze...center color):

And, I've been looking for the perfect rug for my office. I love this one that I ordered, but finally had to admit defeat, and it's going back. As much as I love it, it's the wrong size. The larger one might work, but I just don't have the energy to send another rug back if it doesn't. For now. We'll see. (It IS really nice, isn't it?)

AND, I've been pushing this little guy SUPER HIGH whenever I get the chance...

And making sure he doesn't land on his head (well, most of the time!)

What have you been up to friends?

Easter Duds

I took a quick shopping trip today to see if I could find a cute outfit for Jake for two Easter festivities that we're looking forward to. As I've mentioned, it's tough to find cute boys clothes (especially when I didn't plan too far ahead!). I bought a cute (but perhaps too preppy) tie and button down shirt from The Children's Place (unfortunately, no photos on-line). If I'd had more time, I would have ordered one of these cute ties from The Belle and The Beau.

I dressed Jake up in his new outfit tonight when I got home (because how could I resist?), and he looked like he was going off to boarding school! I got a little choked up at how big he's getting!

Personally, I much prefer him in this get-up (of his choosing!):

Perhaps if it rains on Easter, we'll just wear the "Duggah" (digger) raincoat, and Curious George boots!

Hi Friends

I've been busy! Lots of projects, and not much extra blogging time. I find when I'm in the middle of several projects I'm less inspired to blog, which should really be just the opposite!

This rug is on my mind. I ordered it for my office, and I LOVE it...BUT...I think it's the wrong size for my office. It's just a little too small, and the larger size will probably be just a little TOO big. I haven't decided yet whether I should just live with it, or if it will bug me. It just looks a little off. It's really tough to find rugs you love, so I was so excited to find this one. The colors are bright, but not too bright, and altogether very cheery.

I had a more muted oriental type rug down before that was from my former apartment, but it just lacks the pop of color that this rug adds. What to do???

People think I'm nuts...

(Images © Bakerella)

I have a tendency to be a bit over ambitious in some of my projects. There are just so many things I WANT to do, and of course, not enough time to do them all. I've been preparing for Jake's birthday party tomorrow, and when I saw these cute "cake pops" at Bakerella (this woman is a baking genius!), I knew I had to make them. Jake is my one and only child, and I want to enjoy every part of it. So, if it means making Elmo cake balls because I know he'll be thrilled, that's fine with me!

Jake's party has turned into an all day extravaganza. We're having a "music" party for 8 of his little buddies tomorrow morning, followed by a family party in the afternoon. He's going to be so excited when the music teacher from his daycare shows up at our house! I decided not to force a "theme" on this party, and just to include everything I know he likes...monkeys, Elmo, music, and Maisy. I fell short on making him a t-shirt with a big 2 on it (my husband said it was dorky anyway), and I also fell short on making a Maisy the Mouse cake for the family party.

Despite not completing these things, I did make drapes for the living room, and I do have an organzied office (Cristin, I know you'll be proud!), with organized, labelled files, and my desktop will be clear by tomorrow morning.

Let the games begin!
Have a great weekend everyone, this party animal is going to bed!

Party coming up!

Jake is turning two this week, and we're having a "music" party for some of his little friends next weekend (which I couldn't be more excited about)! I'm torn between using the music "theme" on the decorations and cupcakes, or just going for Elmo/Maisy the Mouse as an idea. I used a monkey holding maracas on the invite which could be cute, but afterall...it IS his party, so I think Elmo or Maisy will win! These balloons would look adorable as monkeys though...

Glowing Gummi Bears

I really think that candy is one of the coolest things about being an adult (I still can't quite believe I can now have candy whenever I want). So, of course, when I noticed a link on Daily Candy featuring this cool Gummi Bear Chandelier by Jellio, I had to take a closer look. Isn't it amazing? It's made of approximately 5,500 hand-strung acrylic gummi bears. Only 10 will ever be made.

Jellio creates, "A world of fun childhood memories brought back as unique home furnishings". I'm not sure they'd fit in my home, but I do love the playfulness of these designs...and they do bring back many fond memories!

Take a look at some of their custom projects here!

What's up with Curious?

I know I've been mentioning a lot about Jake lately, but I'm just crazy in love with this little guy, and we've been spending a lot of time together...especially since (due to a huge snowstorm), we were without power for FOUR DAYS!!! (So much for organizing my office!)

Jake loves to read, and I'm a big fan of starting off loving books early. After reading a few favorites about 500 times, I thought it was time to kick it up a notch and bought him a few new books, including Curious George Rides a Bike. He amazed me by pointing out that "EE-EE (that would be Curious George) no have tail!"

Did you ever notice Curious George was missing a tail? Could this be the hugest illustration oversight of all times??? Thoughts anyone?

Images from PBS Kids, and B&N.

Time flies

Now that Jake is talking exponentially more and more each day, I've learned the three little (cute) words that are sure to add at least 10 minutes to getting where we need to go...

"NO! Me do"

1. Modern Wall Clock by Pilot Design, 2. Locket by Angela's Studio 1; 3. Watching Time print by Tracey Capone Photo, 4. Children's Wall Clock by Kona Interiors, 5. Print by Lake Illustration

I got a note!

Jake's little buddy Sofia had a party at an arts and crafts place last weekend. She's the type of girl I want him to fall in love with (someday). She's nice to his mom and always gives me hugs. And, she shares with him and gives him happy greetings when he walks into daycare.

At the party, Jake started working on a note. I've waited my whole life for a note from my child, so even though I don't think the note was intended for me, I kept it anyway.

Disorganization!

Sorry friends, I seem to have fallen into a state of bloggers block. Partly due to coming down w/ strep throat and falling behind w/ things, AND partly due to the state of chaos that our house seems to be in due to our basement reconstruction. It's hard for me to think and be creative in the middle of a mess sometimes!

However, times like this can force you into getting motivated, and as I look around my messy office (that has junk from the basement in it!) I'm thinking it's TIME to get this sorted out. I've found some great fabric from Maine Cottage that I'm going to make some window treatments with, and have found some cute coordinating magazine holders and boxes that I think will tie everything together.

I love these boxes for storing Jake's art and special papers that he comes home from daycare with. Even if I can't keep up w/ a scrapbook for him at the moment, I figure if I can jut get it into a cute box, that's half the battle!

I know once our basement is finished that it will make a big difference, and I just need to be patient, but it's been a frustrating, dusty procedure!

Boxes and magazine holders from See Jane Work

Mousepad from Galison

Fabric from Maine Cottage

Treats for my sweet boys

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Here are the two perfect Valentine's Day treats for my son and husband...the donuts seem obtainable, but Jake might have to wait for a burst of energy from me to make these choo choo cupcakes!

Cupcakes from Disney Family Fun.

Donuts from Zimbio.

A Dangerous Thing

Let me must say, that sitting next to a bag of Hershy's Kisses as you're trying to work is a very dangerous thing. My apologies go out to my husband, because they are (were) his.

Remember our basement flood? Well, more water got in, and we now have a team of men jack hammering the floor of the basement to put "French drains" in. I'm sitting in a clouded, dusty house while designing two gift books. This is going to be one crazy clean up job. I'm stressed, because I need it all to be done, clean, and debris filled by 6:00 when Jake gets home with his grandmother. No wonder I've had about 20 kisses. I think I need more!

Warm weather please!

Around this time of year, I start getting antsy w/ the cold weather keeping me (us) indoors and my thoughts keep straying south. If you google "perfect beach house" (because sometimes you just have to google things like that), you might just stumble across some of these lovely homes I found on this neat blog: Trendir Modern House Designs. What a find! This will keep me busy for awhile!

(Above house in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Here we are in Mexico:

Encinal Bluff, Pacific Coast, Malibu:

Coromandel, New Zealand:

Tatapouri Point, New Zealand.

I'm sorry I forgot your birthday

I'm guilty. I have a tough time remembering birthdays and I really WANT to be one of those people (like my aunt) who remembers everyone's birthday, anniversary, special occasion and has the card in the mail 4 days ahead of time. I've tried buying those birthday books (I've even designed a few in my career), but then I never remember to look at them. AND, I've even bought the perfect card for the perfect person, and then not mailed it. (Sorry Liz).

So, I've discovered this cool card company called Jack Cards. You sign up and enter all the dates you'd like to remember (ok, initial time to set up... it might take the back burner for the moment), but then, the fun part...you select your cards (they have a ton), and then they'll send you a pre-addressed, stamped card to send so you can sign your name and write a note or two, and then YOU just pop it in the mail! And, did I mention? Membership is free (cards are not).

So, Happy Belated Birthday Melinda!

End Table Challenge

I've been on a search for some airy end tables that would work in our den/playroom. I love the Durham end tables from Ballard Designs, but they're fairly huge at 28" square. I'll give a free box of thank you notes to anyone who can help me find similar ones for a similar price!