busy busy life

The little one is keeping me so busy! He's getting more independent (now I truly understand the meaning of bittersweet) but I hate to just plop him down so I can spend more time than I need to on the computer. Besides, I enjoy spending all the time I can trying to figure out sillier and sillier ways to make him laugh.

I am helping a friend plan her daughter's first birthday party. Since I have another 6 months to go with the little man until that milestone - and I am super girly - this is a blast for me.

1. Etsy answin23 2. Bakerella 3. Etsy TuChae
4. Bakerella 5. Real Simple 6. No Fuss Fabulous
7. Etsy Whimzy Creations 8. Martha Stewart 9. La Fuji Mama

Isn't the idea of a high chair sign saying "I am 1" so cute? And I love the mini-sandwich in a cupcake wrapper. We'll just have to make sure the guests aren't expecting frosting and sweetness when they bite into a savory sandwich.

holidays

The weather's finally turned crisp here - for a couple of days, at least - and I am having silly little thoughts of the holidays.


dress via The Bottom of the Ironing Basket
My son's first Christmas allows me a little license with formality, no?

Or perhaps something a little more restrained, but still festive...

Candela Sequined Cuff & Hem dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, via ShopStyle

But this, so casual and warm, would look nice with my new over-the-knee boots, and wouldn't make my jeans-wearing family give me a sideways glance...

Cowl neck pocket tunic by emilyryan, Etsy

Finding a focus

Since I'm all over the place with ideas for the kitchen, I've decided to follow Living with Lindsay's Making Your Dream Room a Reality Series. The first goal is to identify what inspires you in the photos you are drawn to.


I love the monochromatic white look in this kitchen, the drawer pulls, and the glass-front cabinets. This kitchen reminds me of ours, which has a breakfast nook, kitchen, and family room area in one big room.


I love much of the same in this kitchen - monochromatic white, glass cabinets, and I also adore the feminine table and chairs.


The pops of blue appeal to me in this kitchen, as well as the plank ceiling.


I love the worn finish on this table, which is quite similar to the shape of ours. I also enjoy the mismatched chairs and white grommet-top panels. I'd bought some like these for the kitchen but ended up using them in my baby's room.



I've been searching for the perfect china cabinet/armoire for the kitchen on Craigslist for what seems like forever. The simple lines and white finish are so appealing.


But the detail and bright color of this one are also drawing me back to it (from Design Gal & Her Handyman.)

This photo's open shelving would be great on the wall next to the fireplace - and the chairs are similar to mine. I love the distressed look (from Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage.)


And again...the similar chairs, but in blue. I also love, love the wall color.

Does that all seem contradictory? I love monochromatic white but I also love pops of color. There's not much color in my house - not even in my baby son's room - but I think I'm ready for a little.