Hey Little Birdie!

I love a good homemade gift. There is just nothing like giving or receiving something that requires time, thought, and heart behind it. Some of the most treasured possessions I have are homemade- a painted rock from my grandma, a baby bracelet made out of silver spoons from a great uncle, and a blanket my mom stitched while pregnant with me. For the last few years, my family has even brought this concept into our holiday gift giving. We draw names and stick to a $20 budget, which creates a great opportunity to make things by hand. I even taught my hubby how to DIY a pretty patterned tray for my mom one year! Since the season of gifts is fast approaching and I have quite a few upcoming birthdays and events, I thought I’d share a few ideas that were catching my eye lately.

Fort Kit- Customize a cotton pouch and include a sheet, flashlight, rope, clamps and glow sticks! So cute and clever. I just may do this for my nephew.

Salted Caramel Sauce and Cookie Dough- Edible items always make lovely housewarming gifts. The first is a simple but delicious caramel and the second idea is to pre-make your favorite cookie dough and wrap it up in paper printed with the recipe. Fun!

Cork Letters- these would be a easy and beautiful gift for a friend, mom, or teacher! Just buy a cardboard or thin wood letter from the craft store, arrange and cut wine corks to fit (I have a ton of these saved for a rainy day), and hot glue. You can attach a bracket to the back for display, tie a ribbon to hang, etc. A ton of ways to customize this one!

Readers- do you have any favorite homemade gift ideas?

A couple of weeks ago, Lyla and I went to the big downtown library that is massively impressive and less than a mile from our house.

I love libraries. I think I could have been a librarian. The quiet. The books. The organizational structure of all of it. Swoon. Too much? Well, suck it. See, I’m still the same immature me.

Anyway, I want to support the library. I want to save money by borrowing versus buying every book I read. I want to appreciate this service our city provides. Oh, and did I mention my serious affinity for books? Ok. Moving on…

Before I headed out to the library that day, I had seen a post on Babble about 10 Favorite Books for Toddlers. Score. Armed with that list, we ventured out. At the library, Lyla was mesmerized first by the elevator. We rode it maybe more than twice; don’t tell the librarian. And then by the ample supply of puzzles scattered throughout the large kids’ section. So while she parked herself at a table with a puzzle, I meandered through aisles in search of any and all these books.

We came away with three, and can I tell you Lyla has been toting them around for days. So far from this first outing, her favorite is Little Pea by Amy Rosenthal, but Chicken Big by Keith Graves is a close second.

The Babble author mentioned that she uses this to know which books her son likes enough for her to then actually buy. And I think that is genius. We are already planning our first purchases.

Enlighten me more… which other books do your kids like that I should add to my library look-up list? I know there are moms out there with experience and suggestions, so clue in us novices. Lyla and I thank you.

When I was little, I was enamored with… the Muppets.

I loved the Muppet Show – it was the 80s version of Yo Gabba Gabba with rock stars mingling alongside puppets. My favorite cartoon character was Kermit – he was green and it was a struggle for him. I was slightly annoyed with Miss Piggy, but honestly, I think that was expected.

Anyway jump to present day (let’s not count the years; it’s unnecessary… really), and it’s safe to say I was almost giddy on Sunday when I saw that the “Muppets: The Green Album” was coming out later this month (August 23rd to be exact for you hardcore Muppet fans like me).

But before you tune me out, listen – this album comes with a modern day twist. It consists of all the old favorite Muppet songs covered by an amazing list of current indie artists like OK Go, Matt Nathanson, Rachel Yamagata, My Morning Jacket and The Fray. What the what!?! I know.

So, listen to the whole thing over on NPR.org, and then thank me for this unique and unexpected trip down memory lane. My wish of the day: Seeing Lyla jamming out to my old favorite Muppets songs.

Fozzie Bear, I’ve missed you.

Last weekend at the Queen Bee Market, there were so many great vendors. I mean, really so many. But for some reason, there was one that brought out in me an unabashedly stalkerish attitude. Seriously, I think I lurked or “wandered over” there to “look around” like 20 times. Granted I am a slow, methodical shopper, always trying to get the most I can for the amount of cash burning a hole in my pocket. But last Saturday, I took this deliberate shopping approach to a new level.

The booth was Misfit Menagerie, and it hosted a wall of plush deer heads, otherwise known as faux taxidermy. Now, I realize this isn’t for everyone. In fact, as I was oogling, I heard two women declare how odd it all was. They professed that they just didn’t get it. Yet in contrast, I did – hook, line and sinker! I was dreaming up ways to get a large ram head in perfect colors and fabrics for Lyla’s room. Instead I walked away with a small mounted fish that is adorable (see it in Lyla’s room below). But maybe someday soon, I will add to that collection. Just as long as that doesn’t make me “the lady with a faux taxidermy” obsession.

Whatever the case, go check out some of their stuff. Trust me, the pictures don’t even do it justice.

Oh and if you are wondering, Lyla’s infatuation knows no bounds for the fishy we’ve named Pinky. Apples don’t fall far from the tree, I guess.

For some reason, my brain is mush today. Actually, I think it’s been mush all week. So consequently prepare yourself for a stellar post. Seriously, hunker down because instead of opting for something logical and coherent, I am going with several random thoughts that have been swarming around in my little noggin for days… all in the attempt to clear some space out of the vast chasm of craziness in order to make room for only thoughtful and intriguing ponderings going forward. I know, that’s a lot to expect, but I am nothing if not overzealous. So, here we go…

Last week Design Mom posted these Knitted Bean Bags from Zilalila, and ever since, I can’t stop thinking about them… even though they are only found in Amsterdam and cost more than my couch.

Have you seen this Milk Art that you can do with your kids with ingredients even I have in my kitchen? Which honestly is saying more than it should. Regardless, Lyla and I are doing this for sure. Thanks Evie S.

Do you like documentaries? I do. So, I want to watch the show 50 Documentaries to See Before You Die by Morgan Spurlock, the guy from Super Size Me and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. It airs on Current TV (channel 358 on Directv) on August 2nd.

Another crafty thing (found on Momtastic) that I really want to try with Lyla is spin art using that salad spinner that you never use. Come on, you don’t use it, do you? Next you’re going to tell me that you actually eat salad!

I’m also pretty much enamored with these sweet dolls from Goodbye Blue Monday on Etsy. Lyla’s favorite is Coco. And yes, that means I’ve taught her how to do some online shopping. And yes, I am a role model of a mom. My workshop registration will open next week.

As I type all of this up, I realize that there are many, many more things still rattling around up in the soft corners of my brain, so clarity and introspective decision making might still be slightly out of grasp for me. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow. One thing that might help is if you tell me some of the randomness brewing in your head. You’d do that for me, wouldn’t you? Prove it.

I can’t believe it is already that time of year. I am in full swing party planning mode for Claire’s third birthday. And now I’ll just try to hold back the tears that well up in my eyes when I have to admit that she is getting that old. Just this morning, I told her I couldn’t remember the last time she snuggled into me and fell asleep like she used to as a baby. And there came those blasted tears again. She may have special needs and be different from most kids in many ways but in some ways she is just like every other almost three year old that doesn’t want to hold still to snuggle with their mommy anymore.

The celebration this year is inspired by a song, “Lovely Love My Family” from The Roots. You know, Jimmy Fallon’s late night band? I love them. They happen to be cool enough to appear on Claire’s beloved show, Yo Gabba Gabba, and performed this little number. She adores it. I thought it was immensely fitting because of all the love that surrounds Claire and the love she gives back so freely. So her theme is the song, love, and hearts. But not in a Valentine-y way, it’s summer after all! Here is a peek at my inspiration board:

1. Nostaglia Papers from Jen Allyson- these serve as my color inspiration. Lots of teal and coral with some gold and green mixed in. I’m also using these papers for a few decor projects. Like making interlocking hearts garlands out of them and decoupaging a large number 3 with them.

2. Lovely Love My Family print by Tuesday Mourning- this print represents Claire’s theme to a T! Coral pink, hearts and her favorite song. I plan on displaying it in the table centerpiece.

3. Teal and coral supplies from Etsy (images from here and here)- why go to the hum drum party store when Etsy has the most adorable things in exactly the colors you need? Thank goodness for Etsy!

4. Food ideas (image from here)- you can bet there will be a bunch of heart styled food at the brunch buffet. I have two heart cookie cutters and I’m not afraid to use them! So far my food plans are not totally set, but I am thinking breakfast pizza, mini doughnut muffins, fruit and some kind of dessert. I’ll be sure to give you all the details when I finally decide.

A few other projects I plan on undertaking are making a table runner out of burlap and attaching ribbons in the party colors in a vertical stripe pattern, creating a photobooth space and using some of these printables as cute props, and making these sweet little heart crayons as party favors.

Well, that’s all I have for now. Let me know if you have any additional ideas to share with me, you know how I love party planning!

Can you believe it will be Independence Day in a week? Where is our summer going?! We usually have a BBQ with friends and family. I love watching firework displays but it’s unfortunately not as fun here in Phoenix since it is still over 100 degrees outside even when the sun goes down! And now that we have a toddler, fireworks start way past bedtime. We’ll just have to catch them on TV instead and have our own little show with some sparklers!

Here are a few patriotic ideas I’ve found to get you started on the celebration.

Make this festive wreath for your front door:

Bring this easy red, white, and blue dessert to a potluck:

Buy these cute wedges for a dose of Americana on your feet:

Get these star spangled bows for your little one:

and get inspired by this Fourth of July celebration from A Field Journal:

What are your plans for the holiday?

You know when you find a product that is just genius. And you’re wondering… first, how is it that you never thought of it yourself, and secondly, how quickly can you get your hands on some of this greatness. That was me recently at my friend Sara’s house. First you should know that Sara is one of those people who finds those things. She’s amazing like that. Secondly, Sara is a no-nonsense kind of mom, so the things she finds are practical. Thirdly, she’s wonderful. It’s true.

But back to the product-thingie I’m talking about… They are labels for your kids’ stuff. And they’re found on Etsy, so of course they are unique, custom, and unbelievably cute. But they are also vinyl, so they’re washable, and unlike other stickers you might find, they are easy to remove, when and if the time comes. They’re perfect for the sippy cups at day care or the church nursery… or a million of other things and times and places.

So, check out Cherry Hill Designs on Etsy to see all the labels Angie has. She’s not just an one trick pony. And don’t forget to send a little love to Sara in the comments for clueing me in to another great necessity in life.

This is Baby Kayleigh. She is my niece.

This past Sunday we were in Memphis to witness her infant baptism. And it was special. My Dad performed part of the ceremony, as well as my sister and brother-in-law’s pastor, but Kayleigh in all her glory completely stole the show.

This post is a bit gratuitous; I’ll admit it. I’ve legitimatized everything by writing about her headband, which was flawless and purchased on Etsy at the cute-as-can-be shop, Paislee Lane. But really… if I’m honest… this is about the sweetness and beauty that is my amazing little niece.

Feel free to ooh and aah in the comments.

Have you seen this? Way back when Design Mom (an incredible blogger) was moving her sweet family to France, she featured a totally do-able craft from Destri Bufmack of The Mother Huddle. And by totally do-able, I’m talking “Jina could craft this”, and so I did.

Last Friday night, we HLBers decided to get together for a craft night. Normally, such an idea would frighten an inexperienced and very uncrafty girl like myself, but I’ve learned to go with it. Yep, that’s my big mid-30′s life lesson. If you missed it, stop now, go get your notepad so you can keep this one for posterity… “Go with it”. Not to be mistaken for “Go with God”.

And I did go with it.

Here’s my final product. It’s perfect for my little Lyla, because she is obsessed with the Alphabet song. So, two birds, one stone… craft night success for Jina, learning tool for Lyla. I think that more than doubles my good mom points for the week.

Oh, I almost forgot, details. Well, I pretty much followed Destri’s step-by-step tutorial on Design Mom. My only changes were scrapbook paper rather than fabric, and mine wasn’t so neat on the backside. But neither am I. Yep, I went there.