Hey Little Birdie | Shopping Blog

So… maybe I am on a typography kick lately. I hope you all are not sick of it. Although because I have just self-diagnosed myself, I might now be able to move on. Isn’t that what they say… acceptance is the first step to recovery? By the way, who are they? And how did they get so profound? Maybe I will balk at their revelation and stick with my typography obsession. You know, just for spite. Growing up, I was the baby in my family and have a tendency towards bratty behavior. Just ask my sister; she can expound numerous stories of support for this statement.

Where was I? Oh yes, typography. Well, looking at this, can you blame me? They are amazing. Apartment Therapy clued me in on Jessica Hische of Daily Drop Cap, who designs a beautiful letter each day available for use on your blog for free. Which… now that I know about that… maybe I will be decorating my blog posts more frequently. But if you are looking for a unique letter to don your walls, consider these letterpress print versions. The “L” for my Lyla is perfect, but then contrast the feel of it with the “O” for our surname and you can see the variety. Awe-some. Just take a look…

I would change all the decor in my house to accommodate the color grellow. (If money were no object of course.) New designs at CB2 featuring this yellow meets green shade are speaking to my love for retro, mid century pieces. Take this rocker for instance:

or this pedestal table:

or even this crane task lamp:

Wouldn’t its glossy bright hue just make your day a tiny bit happier? I sure think so. And who doesn’t love a word like grellow? I must have said it to myself like a hundred times while writing this post because I love it so much! Check out even more grellow goodness at CB2 online. (ugh, another store I am wishing with all my might would open an outpost here!)

I have a new favorite flower and thy name is Ranunculus.  Captured beautifully here by Madeline Bea Photography.

Visit her thoughts here and her shop here for more soft, floral magic. I love finding people who inspire!

This is one for me.

Iconic, retro Scandinavian tea towels from Almedahls,  They make me want to make meatballs and lingonberry preserves and pretend I’m in Stockholm. Or maybe I should just go to IKEA. Either way, I love them. Cheerful, vintage, whimsical, Scandinavian. All things that scream, “Nicky! Buy me!”

So I think I’ve fallen in love with the store Paper Source, and since they aren’t in Arizona (fingers crossed that maybe someday they will be), I have to explore their options strictly online. But don’t worry, I have already started shopping. Some of my favs are…

…These 2 calendars…

The first one can be re-used as a file folder or pillow box. Thanks to the templates printed on the back. The second has quotes, which I am always a sucker for.

Sticker Frames

Floral Garland Kit

…And some of the best wrapping paper I’ve ever seen… which could totally be used in traditional or non-traditional ways, including lining simple white frames or a tray you picked up at your last thrift store excursion.

Happy Shopping!

In the midst of the hell known as summer here in Phoenix, visions of picnics, lush greenery and comfy casual Midwest style are dancing in my head. It may be an uncommon choice but I am determined to spruce up my backyard with an old school picnic table.

I also love the look of retro cafe string lights.

And lounging under the misters (because otherwise I would not be outside) on a classic wooden chaise. Survival tip: only purchase wood or padded patio furniture, and just say no to scorching metal.

Love party planning and DIY? Then why aren’t we best friends? Those rank extremely high on my Nicky’s favorites list (slightly behind espresso and cupcakes but you know how it is with priorities!) Anyway, now that we have that established, get ready to jump up and shout for a new website, Hip Hip Hooray!

I got the scoop from a blogger I admire, Jordan Ferney (she is a contributor to the new site) and I have already bookmarked it as a must read. I like that they are focusing on creativity and style when it comes to childrens’ parties because lets be honest… there is a lot of cheeseballness (new word) out there. Plus, they keep affordability in mind which is always welcome! There are only a few posts since they are just starting out, but trust me- you will already like what you see. I cannot wait for more party planning inspiration to drop in the coming months!

I love baking more than many things on this earth. It is my ultimate stress reliever, my favorite creative outlet and my most treasured way to show others that I care. I’m also a sucker for cute displays. And in my book, nothing is sweeter than a cake stand.

I am drooling over the gorgeous cake stands from Fishs Eddy. After spotting them in a recent issue of Martha Stewart Living, I am fixated on their vintage, classic quality. I especially adore this jadeite version, it’s not a material you see commonly any longer. They also carry milk glass stands, another timeless material from days gone by. Fishs Eddy is overflowing with must have housewares that are unique, nostalgic and totally current all at the same time. It’s my new go-to shop!

So, you probably don’t know this, but out of nowhere I’ve found myself on an embroidery kick.  I’ve been looking for non-cheesy modern designs.  I thought for sure there would be hundreds of sellers out there who would be stitching to their heart’s content, creating vintage-inspired, modern pieces.  Not so much.  Surprisingly, I found them a little hard to find!

Thank goodness for a.e. wilder’s little shop of embroidery goodness. (I added that last part to the name. )

I was about to lose all hope!

Absolutely love the breath of fresh air she brings that I was hoping to find!  Check out her shop for more sweet designs.

I may have an almost two year old, but I’ve never had to think much about baby proofing or toy storage. Until now. My little Claire Bear has learned to do multiple rolls across the floor (yippee!) and is amassing quite a collection of therapy toys. It makes me smile. And feel somewhat like a normal mom.

These welcome changes are creating a need for kid friendly, easily accessible bins that I can hide crap in (to be blunt). I hate clutter and I hate ugly plastic kid stuff almost as much. When it’s not in use, I want it out of sight and there is no way in h. e. double hockey sticks that I am storing it all in those primary color, plastic monstrosities you find in most stores. I know that Pottery Barn Kids has a few canvas options but they are all mostly in pastel shades and a little more than I would like to spend. My favorite solution so far is these stylish fabric bins from SewingMomma on etsy. With 58 fabric choices, I am bound to find a perfect fit for my living room. I think I just may have to get one for Lily’s dog toys too. And if you really think about it, you could use them everywhere around the house- to store TP, magazines, craft supplies, closet organization, you name it!