#ivysgemjam

My daughter turned one this past week and here are some pictures from her gem party! 

 Let me know in the comments if you would like the sources of any of the items or DIYs!

(forever)

I have never had the urge to stock up on something like stamps before, until now. These forever stamps in the style of vintage seed packets are it. Love. Too bad I'm not planning a bridal shower or anything super worthy of these beauties! Get yours here.

13 days until Spring!

While I am known to not let others jump the gun on fall, I kind of want to jump the gun on spring. Are we ready? I sure am! This mama wants nice warm weather so Jonas and I can get outside much more than we have. I always know spring is on the horizon when bright colors start creeping their way into my life again.

Anemones from the Farmer's Market// Tons of flowers from the Farmer's Market// DIY marbling some tags with nail polish// Jonas hanging out in his new Polarn O. Pyret onesie, just like Grandpa's Model A!

Come and knock on my door

Literally, we have no doorbell.

After four years of living in our house, we finally ditched the 1960's door for a new one. Let's take a look at the evolution of our front door.

 When we moved in there was actually a storm door covering this white one, 

complete with mismatched hardware. We quickly ditched the storm door. 

We painted the door red and got some matching hardware. The red goes well with the cream color our house is painted. This door was cute, charming and original to the house. But, it wasn't very secure-hello half windows. And it didn't get us much privacy-you can see all the way down the hallway, not to mention if I was sitting on the couch breastfeeding anybody could walk right up and see. Also, on the horizon we will be painting the house a more modern gray and knew the door would have to go.

Shazam! A bright-as-can-be yellow will go great with the dark gray later to be painted on the house. And, sexy new hardware. Now I need a nice new mailbox to go with it and we are set.

Jonas' Nursery

Here it is, the big reveal of our little man's room. It was so fun to gather things for his small space and also a bit of a challenge since the room is so darn teeny. As you can see there isn't a theme but just an overall cheery feeling and lots of animal friends.

I hope he loves his room!

Any questions about sources, ask me and I will answer in the comments.

(But the big rug is from Urban Outfitters :) )

garlands galore!

I have been scouring Etsy for a cute garland to hang above the crib for some visual interest for Jonas and to fill up some bare wall. I know buntings and what not have been overdone but here are some that still feel fun and fresh to me. I have been entertaining the idea of making something myself out of paper pinwheels from the wedding, stay tuned!

Chinese Lanterns, Blue Ombre, Stars and Moons, Honeycomb, Neon and Neutral, Stars.

sheswai.

 
Have you heard of sheswai nail polish? I had seen it around the blogworld and twitter and was so happy when my bestie gifted me so pretty and honeyfox for my birthday. I love that it is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dbp’s, which is super important for this mama to be. I don't want to be breathing in those fumes! Often when products aren't the tried and true (and chemical laden) sometimes they don't work as well, like acetone free nail polish remover. But this is not the case with this polish! It goes on so well and dries so, so nicely. Plus, I love holding the cute little wooden handle while I paint my nails. Highly recommend!

Jon's 30th Birthday party

I think I stayed pretty true to my inspiration board for Jon's party this weekend. Some things I didn't have a chance to take pictures of, was too busy having fun. And Jon had a blast too, which is all that matters. Another one for the books.

Setting the stage on the patio...

 Papel picado lining the house.

Jarritos on ice. 

Fresh flowers on the table. Trader Joe's always has the best variety. 

 Loving my new pink sandals! Picture does not do the neon justice.

And back inside...

Colorful paper flowers lined the table.

The fake Chiclets were a huge hit with the kids.

Strawberry and key lime cupcakes made by Jon's mom. Not pictured: the chocolate ones!

And to top it all off, the Giants won! After the final score, the birthday boy poured up shots of Don Julio. Success!

Recent purchases

These Rebecca Minkoff sandals in pink. So soft! So neon! So perfect for spring and summer!

Goodies from Sabon! I love me any kind of exfoliant and excuse to stay in the shower longer. The scrub has been great getting rid of tough winter skin on arms and legs and the gel polisher is gentle enough to rub on my belly. I first wandered into a Sabon on my Chicago trip and fell in love. We need one in California!

I was a big fan of the Say Yes to Cucumber towelettes but the Burt's Bees ones were a little less expensive and the ingredient list seemed the same, so I am giving these a try. So far, they smell fresh and clean! 

This book. I have read a bunch about this nation's food system, how farms run, how animals are treated, how this country is fat, you name it. But this book focuses more on how hidden toxins go into our food and can be blamed for many common allergies and diseases. Robyn's journey began feeding her family McDonalds and flavored milk and now they are on the path of healthy eating.

Easter Scenes

Today marked another fun Easter with my family. This is one of those holidays that is a ton more fun with little ones running around. (Now, if only the Giants had won...) Also, I baked my first carrot cake! I used Kristina's recipe and it was as easy as she said it was. Take a look.

 Did you know pineapple and raisins also go inside a carrot cake? This is one of those cakes I was not a fan of as a kid but I love it now. Complex flavors and that cream cheese frosting can't go wrong.

{All frosted up in afternoon light}

{Deviled eggs}

{A with her babies Ariel and Rapunzel}

{Not the kid's Easter basket ;) }