Coloring is Green!

Posted by Mark and Kat in Activities, Creative Projects, Go Green, Shopping

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For your little artist, it's all about the process ... and when it comes to kids, that means getting messy creating their fridge-worthy masterpieces. Luckily there are art products that are safe, natural and eco-friendly. Clementine Art™ provides a host of art supplies with wholesome ingredients for your little ones to let their creativity run wild.  So when your tot gets more paint in her hair than on the paper, you can rest assured knowing that her colorful appearance isn't harmful to her health. 

Wonderful things can happen in a kitchen by a teacher who wants to solve a problem. Clementine Art™, was created by a teacher who wanted to promote creativity, with safe art supplies for your child and the planet. Clementine Art™ is available at a number of retailers across the USA, including select Starbucks, Whole Foods, and babyGap retailers.

Sweet Finds for Little Girls

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects, Girl, Home Design, Nursery Decor

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Baby girl is due to be here in 4 weeks, but we're still frantically preparing for her arrival. Thank goodness she really just needs milk, a warm place to sleep and a dry diaper. Of course, I have it in my mind that she needs much, much more, which means I have sewing projects coming out my ears, and a cabinet maker will be invading our home on Saturday. But in the meantime, I wanted to share some finds I've discovered as we prepare for her.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

I may have blogged about this before, but I'm making her a bird mobile using this free pattern from Spool Sewing. All you seamstresses, check it out.

Image

CUSTOM THANK YOUS

These are custom Thank You cards I designed to send out following my recent shower. I designed these sweet cards via DownloadandPrint and printed them on cream card stock. DownloadandPrint has a host of free template designs that can used for a variety of events. Hop over there and get inspired.

RUG QUANDRY

I'm currently trying to decide on a rug for her room. The first one makes my heart go pitter patter, but I'm worried I'm bringing too much neutral khaki into her room. Rug 2 is the second runner up. The fabric for her bedding is this paired with pale pink. What do YOU think? Any preferences?

Rug 1, via Calypso.

Rug 2, via Layla Grace.

Sip & See

I don't know yet if I'll have a Sip & See, but if I do, I'd love to serve lemonade or some bubbling refreshment using these pretty labels.

Or perhaps these.

POSY PARASOL

I'm loving these sweet parasols, which would make a darling photo shoot prop for toddler girls. Parasol pattern and image via Martha Stewart.

PERFECTION

And speaking of photo shoots, I am head over heels with this simple image. So sweet!

Image by Jose Villa via Shelter.

SCHOOLED

Bloom has a great post detailing what your child(ren) should know before they get to kindergarten. It has me thinking about the best ways to educate little girl and her brother.

INSPIRED DESIGN

And in my never-ending search for nursery inspiration, I came across these two sweet rooms and wanted to share. If you're looking for more inspiring nurseries, check out Nursery Notations or the featured nurseries at KenziePoo.

Nursery by Theophile & Patachou, via Nest Egg.

Nursery via Shelter.

For Your Friday

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects, Friday Finds, Home Design, Homemaking, Recipes, Shopping

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Some fun finds for your Friday. Happy almost weekend!

Mother's Day is coming up. If your hubbie needs a hint, direct him to this lovely necklace from Tiny Belles Boutique.

Image: Tiny Belles Boutique.

I can't take credit for discovering this little gem of a gift shop (I found it while browsing over at DesignMom), but I'm sure glad I've found it! This lovely shop has delightful wares and some fabulous gift ideas for yourself or your moms for Mothers Day!

This recipe by Nourished Kitchen has me dreaming of a lazy Saturday morning! Now if only we didn't have to get up early to host a garage sale this Saturday ... alas it will have to wait till next week!

Image: Nourished Kitchen

Love this genuine leather snakeskin cuff! Head over to Grosgrain and enter a comment on thispost for your chance to win the cuff designed by Slightly Askew.

Image: Grosgrain

Dana over at MADE is making me crazy! She has so many adorable projects and tutorials, my sewing list is getting out of control! (Really, how does she find the time?) This scarf is on the list now too!

Image: MADE

Classic wooden blocks are nearly impossible to come by. These charming alphabet blocks byBrook Farm General Store will be an enduring toy for your little one or a treasured shower gift for a friend's tiny tot.

Image: Brook Farm General Store

I recently discovered A Country Farmhouse. This blog is like a breath of fresh air. I love perusing her beautiful images, her delightful home and her simple lifestyle.

All images: The Country Farmhouse

Enjoy your Friday!!

Inspiring Finds

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects

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I think I'm on a crafting high ... I love all the incredibly talented treasure troves I've been discovering lately. Now if only I could find the time to actually make some of these. Since I've spent the past couple days blogging about specific boy and girl clothing, I wanted to spend a little time devoted to a variety of super-cute kiddo/mommy items that I'm putting on my to-do list. Maybe some of you will have a completed project in hand before yours truly!

Love these scavenger hunt cards from Saltwater Kids. Make your own by following the tutorial here. These would be fabulous for a playdate or a Saturday out with the family. Photo credit: Saltwater Kids.

These adorable frogs from The Purl Bee are irresistible! They may be finding their way into a shower gift soon. Photo credit: The Purl Bee.

These chocolate chip cookies from Intimate Weddings look almost too delightful to eat. Whip up a batch and then slide them into this custom wrapper to give to teachers, party favors or shower guests. Snag the recipe and wrapper tutorial here. Photo credit: Intimate Weddings.

This glass bubble chandelier by Small Notebook would be quite the arresting addition to a nursery. Click here to do it yourself. Photo credit: Small Notebook.

Serve these cupcakes up at a play date, then give the sweet recipe cards to moms as favor. Or make a batch for your kiddo's soccer team, teacher or church nursery worker; package with cellophane and a ribbon and affix the recipe card to the top. Photo and recipe/recipe card by Perfectbound. Head over to Creature Comforts for the info and printable template.

For an extra-special touch in your little one's room, fashion a personalized bunting and hang it over their bed. Adorn it with their name, initials, the alphabet or anything else that might strike their fancy. For instructions, click here. Photo and tutorial by Little Paper Dog.

And have you discovered NonPareil Magazine? Yes, it's a wedding magazine ... but this e-zine is so chock-full of beautiful imagery and inspiring design ideas, that it can't help but lure you in. Plus, they have loads of free, printable DIY projects and tutorials, many of which can be used for a bevy of events/applications outside of weddings. Check this out and prepare to get those creative juices flowing! Photo credits: NonPareil.

These free, printable apple card templates by Creature Comforts are perfect for jotting a message of appreciation to your kids' teacher or writing a note to your tot and slipping it into their lunchbox. Get the tutorial here. Photo credit: Creature Comforts.

And Now for the Girls!

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects, Kiddos' Threads

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Because I blogged about the little boys yesterday, I figured I'd give the fairer sex some mention today. Though I don't have a little lady just yet (we have one on the way, so who knows ... ), I do love the darling options in little girls' threads. So for all you Moms to the sugar-and-spice-and-everything-nice sex, here are some recent finds that I'm adoring!

Transform an old skirt into a darling little girls dress with this tutorial at V and Co. By the way, this woman is exceptionally talented! You'll want to spend a little time browsing her site! Photo credit: V and Co.

Love this charming little dress over at Spool. And while you're there, check out their free bird mobile tutorial. This whimsical mobile would delight any kiddo, and would even fit throughout your home with spring decor. One of our contributors made the mobile for her daughter, and it turned out to be adorable! You can see a pic of her daughter's nursery here. Photo credit: Spool Sewing.

And another one from Made. Who could resist this demure shirt dress for a little lady? Find the tutorial here. Photo credit: Made.

And check out these bloomers from Rikshaw Design. They are simply delightful! Photo credit: Rikshaw Design.

Celebrating Boys!

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects, Kiddos' Threads

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I honestly don't think it's possible for me to love my role as Mom to a sweet, melt-my-heart rambunctious little boy any more than I already do. Little boys are rough and tumble, but they adore their moms! And my energetic, all-boy little guy is no exception! He's recently started picking dandelions, which he then tenderly gives to me. It's the sweetest gift!

But one thing we moms to little boys miss out on are the adorable duds. Don't get me wrong, there are some cute ones, but little girls have so many more darling options! And when it comes to handmade items, the boys really lose out. So I recently began searching the internet for some charming clothing inspirations for my little man, and thankfully, Disney at Ruffles and Stuff directed me to Made's Celebrate the Boy month. The super-popular blog has a bevy of boy-inspired crafts and sewing tutorials that will get your creative juices flowing! So check out their Celebrate the Boy entries, and your little man may soon be one of the best dressed tots on the block.

Photo credits: MADE.

Lovely Lists

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects, Freebies

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Are you a mom who keeps lists? If you said no, we'd love to know your secret for getting everything done and staying organized! But if you said yes, check out A Print A Day. This site offers a host of free, downloadable, printable lists and calendars with whimsical designs that will have you actually enjoying your glances at your To-Do List.

To see all the free downloads, just click on downloads on the left-hand side, then print and enjoy!

We especially love theCarnivorous Plants calendar (top image). And though we don't promise these beauties will make you more productive, but you'll sure look chic as you go about crossing items off and planning your monthly calendar!