{reminder!}

Countdown begins now. The fabulous Wall Candy Arts giveaway for 6 Chalkboard Animals {plus chalk!} ends tonight at midnight. Make sure you leave a comment on the original post {click here}.

Winner will be drawn first thing tomorrow morning. Don't forget to check in!

Happy Monday!

reusable bags, again.

Last post on reusable grocery bags {for a while}, I promise. It's just that when I found the Sally Walton website, I couldn't help but throw a shout out to anyone listening {or reading}. My top choices are below. Ooh, I want one. Ok, maybe I want all of them.

Aren't you glad I told you about them?

bamboo shelving.

Shelving has been a key element to my dream nursery {in the works} ever since the idea of redecorating started brewing. I wanted something very simple and clean to display nursery art, his ceramic piggy bank and a special Cole keepsake, for example. West Elm's bamboo wall shelves are the perfect solution. {On sale from $24.99-$34.99 each.}

[via coochicoos]

"rock on... baby."

I'm sure you're aware of Childish Clothing... "all things hip, cool, flirty, and fun." It's the online resource for the hottest children's and maternity wear, adding a bit of rock to your {or your kid's} walk. Take a minute to browse the {virtual} shelves. My favorite find?

a beautiful Tisha Franz diaper bag, available in
lime green/sky blue or pink/tangerine/yellow.

With the mod pattern, ultra-durable stain repellent exterior fabric with spill-proof, wipeable lining and 3 large, open interior pockets, it is perfect! And perfectly on sale for $112.00 {from $140.00}.

gifts {for you or them}

I'm always on the search for a quality baby shower gift for when the occasion arises and I can't get to the mall.

I think these penguin/polar bear towels are the golden ticket. On sale for $10 {marked down from $29}. Pair it with your favorite baby shower gel, shampoo and lotion and you have a super useful and truly unique gift. Or maybe you're like me and just purchase them for your own child.

{image from Red Envelope}

Memorabilia Tins.

Martha Stewart's good things really are pretty good occasionally. I really like the idea of memorabilia tins:


Keep your favorite vacation ephemera, such as maps, menus, and fliers, on display by using them to decorate tins. Begin with a tin, such as a soup can or spice box. Remove any paper labels. Measure the height of the container, and cut a long strip of your paper keepsake to the same height. Wrap the paper around the tin and mark it with about 1/2 inch of overlap. Cut away excess. Attach one end of the paper to the other, using a glue stick.

For a bit of childish variation, think coloring pages, cross words or comics.

sugar. cookies.

There's a reason the name of the cookie is sugar cookie. But, given the right kind of sugar cookie and I'm in a sugary heaven. I like them soft. I like them chewy. And I like homemade frosting.

They're the perfect dessert to take along to your 4th of July get together. Prepare the cookie and top with white frosting. Add some red + blue "bling" with sprinkles and you're a guaranteed invite for the next holiday party.

Sugar Cookies
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c. sour cream {key ingredient to soft sugar cookies}
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
5 c. flour

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add sour cream, then the dry ingredients. Roll out, cut, bake, and eat! Bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes.

Let cookies cool before frosting...