enjoying the simplicity ...

Ah. The power of a good photographer. Showing you the beauty that lies in the ordinary. The strength of the mundane. Have you ever heard of Jennifer Causey? If not, visit her etsy store called photobird. She creates cards and prints from her Brooklyn abode that free the soul, stimulate the senses, stir the heart. And I bet for her, it comes so easy. I'm sure she's a natural, you can just tell. Jennifer comments, "These works represent my continuous journey to live simply." She adds, "To slow down and discover and celebrate the beauty in everyday life. I am inspired by nature, design, form and color." Jennifer stays true to her mantra, clearly evident in her photography. I can totally see her shooting for Real Simple or Martha Stewart Living. Maybe she does, who knows. I'm smitten by her style. Positively smitten.

It's a journey, but I am trying to learn that Less truly IS more :)

mmmmm ... cupcakes!

mmmmmm ... cupcakes! Perhaps even more yummy (and arguably the best of both worlds) cupcakes that look like ice cream cones! One of my all time favorite stores, Williams-Sonoma , has created a cupcake pan to make these sweet treats ---- no more paper cups. And take this a step further, they also offer a snazzy way to transport an individual cupcake, say .... in a lunchbox?!!! Oh how I love you Williams-Sonoma.

art supplies everywhere ...

We are getting over run with art supplies! I recently found these darling little buckets at Bread and Budder Buckets. These one's tend to be crazy-expensive, I'm guessing I can glue some funky fabric to a metal bucket m'self! I'll bet 90% of moms have had to deal with art supply organization in one way or another. Currently, it's our dining area that houses all little one's art supplies — Mom's art supplies are in a completely separate space however! I don't want to use those catch-all plastic bin/drawer things, but we need to come up with something to (A) tame the clutter of reams of paper, notebooks, crayons, markers, stickers, paints, googley eyes, et al, and (B) keep it where she can get into it without our help (in other words, store in such a way that it doesn't stifle her creativity). Not a huge priority, but we hope to address it soon. Wish us luck!

for those facing infertility...

On a serious note. For the second time, my husband and I are beginning the long process of adopting a child through foster care. (All prayers welcome!!!) It's an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but such a beautiful ending --- which then sparks such a beautiful beginning. I am caught off guard by the old emotions that come flooding back. A while ago, I came across this song "I would die for that". Unfortunately, this will hit home to many of you (like my husband and I) who faced infertility. It is a positively heart-wrenching experience. This song is all that (yet beautiful) at the same time. We are proof there are many paths through this pain. We chose adoption and by the time we traveled through our adoption journey (and met our darling daughter just a few days old), honestly, the sorrow we felt for years was just ... gone. Truly. Miracles happen daily. I believe there is a plan and purpose for each and every one of us. Please have faith and trust God keeps his promises. We know He was, and is, with us every step of the way and I cannot wait to see how He unfolds in the lives of our children. There is no doubt that our Gabrielle was conceived especially for us, we love her completely and she is our child through and through ... being a mom is the best, most rewarding thing I have ever done. I know my husband feels the same way about being a father, and he is such a great father. All children are blessings and we cannot wait to have another child to help grow and love unconditionally.

creat online baby albums ...

A fast and simple way to complete your baby book online at Big Day Books. Sure, baby books can look great - but not if you don't take the time to complete them! (as I stare at a closet full of blank books and a shoebox full of special mementos!) I love these books because they have beautiful covers to choose from and they REMIND you to stay up-to-date. With easy-to-use online templates for dozens of milestones. Log On, Fill in, Print out! Over 30 archival-quality printer-ready pages. Great for creative, tech savvy dads & moms. A monthly email reminder helps keep your book up to date. I especially love that it also has templates entirely focused on the adoption experience. :)

Wonderfully made ...

My little girl is getting to the stage where she loves sleeping on pillows "like a big girl". She is using a toddler pillow I recently found in my grandmother's old linens. Although simply adorable with a beautiful embroidered linen pillowcase... I would sure love this scripture pillow I recently found on Etsy for a backup. I wonder if you can get it without the pom-poms? I also think it would make a darling shower gift idea!

OH bebe ...

Do you love vintage inspired trinkets as much as I do? Do you know someone who is expecting? Well, a mommy-friend just emailed me the sweetest link to this beauty from The Present Past Collection. This exquisite collection originates in old Parisian workshops established over two hundred years ago. The elegant designs are rendered from the original molds that were created from 1900-1930. Pieces are made of "Old Silver" (a unique French process of laying sterling silver over 14k gold plate over a copper base.) All crystals are hand set and each piece exhibits a uniqueness that reflects the art and culture of the past and while holding a valuable place in the present. All for an affordable $45.

meaningful, colorful, beautiful and fun ...

One of my passions is photography. Make no mistake, I'm most assuredly a hobby photographer! I'm a life-loving person and hope my photos represent this. As an Art Director I've had the privilege of working alongside amazing photographers & stylists in my past. I'm drawn to the close-in-cropped-tight editorial style of photography -- pictures that make a statement & tell a story. Perhaps it's years creating print ads, (that and having an unhealthy obsession with my stacks of shiny, glossy home decorating magazines?!!) I don't know ... I just know what I like. These days, as a mommy of a 2-year old, I can relate to the artist who's images I am highlighting today. Her name is Rachel McGinn. I'm finding I love photographing children and everything associated with children. Whether it be an infant just waking from a nap, a jar of gumballs, a collection of muddy rain boots or a pair of sticky hands. To me it's all meaningful, colorful, beautiful and fun.