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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Goodbye, Google Reader

You will be missed.

I have moved on to Feedly. What about you? Please remember to subscribe to Pretty + Small in your new reader if you're using one. Thank you!

Friday, June 28, 2013

The Best Blankets



 The first blanket on my list (pictured above) is dear to my heart, because it was made with love. My friend Nikki makes THE best baby blankets and hats. I've known her since elementary school. Not only is she very talented, she's also generous. She takes time out of her day to teach young girls at the Salvation Army how to knit and crochet.  How cool is that? If you'd like to support her, you can find her on Facebook at Daily Dose of Fiber.


Next up are the Aden + Anais muslin swaddle blankets. You will find these on every baby must-have list for a reason. They're awesome! You can use them in so many ways. They're the perfect size for swaddling. You can spread them out on the floor for tummy time. You can use them to cover changing tables. They're soft, light, breathable, and of course beautiful.


Okay, Little Giraffe blankets are kind of pricey. But they are soooo soft and cozy. They make a great gift, so this is a perfect item to put on a registry. 

I don't own a DwellStudio blanket (yet), so I can't vouch for the quality. I'm including these blankets because the prints are to die for. The trend for baby gear is to look sweet and childlike, without being too "babyish." DwellStudio just gets it right every time. 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Favorite Books


As you can see, number one on the list is the Pulitzer Prize winner A Confederacy of Dunces. She's very advanced for her age. 

Just kidding. We do love books, though. I've been reading to her since the day she came home from the hospital. They always say that it's important for babies to hear a variety of words. But come on, how many ways can you possibly describe a diaper change? Reading gives us something new to discuss. Here are some of Miss A's favorites:

This book is a delight. It has a nice rhythm to it, and is a fun way to learn about animals and colors.
Goodnight Moon is a sweet book for bedtime. It's fun to point out the little mouse hiding in the room.



Miss A loves our dog. She gets excited just hearing the word dog. So naturally, this book is a hit.


This book legitimately makes me laugh. What can I say? I'm simple.


Madeline reminds me of Miss A in many ways. It must be the hair. 

What are your little one's favorite books? I'd love some new recommendations! 



Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Yellow and Gray Nursery Inspiration





This color palette is a fresh and modern take on gender neutral. It looks great with bold patterns like stripes, chevron, and even birds! Here are some of my favorite items for baby in yellow and gray.










Monday, June 24, 2013

Let's Be Friends!


Are you on Facebook? Pretty + Small is! I'd love to connect with you there, so head on over to our page and give us a like. Thank you so much for your support. 

Deal Roundup 6.24.13



Mini Boden is 30% off with free shipping! I'm pretty excited about this one.

Crewcuts is 25% off with the code NEWSTYLE.

Baby Gap is 20% with the code GAPGIFT.

Diapers.com has Britax car seats and Bob strollers for 30% off.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Meg

Coral and Aqua Nursery Inspiration



This gorgeous coral and aqua room was featured on Project Nursery. I love the color combo, and the trellis pattern on the wall. The Serena and Lily bedding is beautiful. What a lucky little girl who lives here.

For something more unique, I found this "Fawn & Forest" bedding on Etsy:



So lovely! Also from Etsy are these beach and ferris wheel prints. 
Ahhh, this color palette is so serene. I feel relaxed just looking at it. 



Sunday, June 23, 2013

Preparing for the Plane

I'm going to be taking Miss A for an extended visit with her grandparents at the end of July. I'm excited, but a little nervous to fly with her by myself. She flew at three months old, but at that age she had less energy! She slept the entire flight.

This time I bought one of these mini backpacks from Pottery Barn Kids (On sale, plus free shipping!) as her carry on:
My plan is to wait until we're on the plane to give it to her. Don't ask me why, but the girl loves zippers.  So the backpack itself will probably keep her busy for a bit. I'm going to stuff it with dollar store toys, so she'll have some new things to keep her occupied. I'll also pack some snacks, and her pacifier for take off and landing. And if all else fails, I'm putting some Elmo videos on my phone. :)

What are your tips for flying with an 11 month old?

Friday, June 21, 2013

First Birthday Gift Ideas

I'm excited to start shopping for Miss A's first birthday gifts. I have a few things in mind. First on my list is the wheely bug:
Isn't it so cute? I wanted her to have a riding toy, plus it matches her party theme! Next we have the B. Toys Zany Zoo activity cube:

I think Miss A would love this. Hopefully it can keep a busy baby occupied for more than a minute.
This personalized wooden stacker is so gorgeous. It's handmade, eco friendly, and fun. 
She's starting to get a little more interested in stuffed animals lately. This 'Cordy Roy Cat' from Jellycat  looks like a sweet friend for Miss A's collection.

What's on the list for your little ones?

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Red, White, and Blue


This color palette is one of my favorites. So classic and chic. I've added in some chambray pieces and cool prints (tiny seahorses!) to update the look. I love that these outfits could work for an Independence Day celebration, as well as all summer long.


Monday, June 17, 2013

Twinkle Twinkle


Pink star nursery via Stylizmo.


Blue star nursery via Honey and Fitz.

I am swooning over these celestial inspired nurseries. What a peaceful space for a baby to rest. Showing restraint when it comes to a theme keeps the space modern and elegant. Love! Here are some of my favorite nursery items inspired by the heavens.






Friday, June 14, 2013

Pretty Parties: Preppy Alligator

I've already chosen the theme for Miss A's first birthday party, but I'm still coming up with other ideas. I wonder if I'll get to choose her second party. Probably not. The little redhead is kind of opinionated. :)

This preppy alligator theme was a runner up. I'm sharing it for anyone looking for a unique birthday idea. It could be tailored for a girl or a boy, although I really love the pops of hot pink.


                                                                   Cupcake Toppers








Inspiration

                                       











Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Monogram Mania

I'm originally from the South, where it's just a given that you monogram EVERYTHING. I think it can be a nice way to add a personal touch. Take a look at this monogrammed crib.


It's a beauty, but so impractical. It's expensive. You wouldn't want to use it for multiple children unless they shared the same initials. My head is saying no, but my heart is saying OMG, IT'S SO PRETTTTTY. It actually gives me the idea to paint a monogram on the side of Miss A's crib, hmmmm....


This wooden monogram would look so nice on a nursery door. Miss A currently has the "baby girl" wreath from when we brought her home from the hospital. I guess with her first birthday coming up, she won't be a little baby anymore (sniff, sniff), so I might have to retire the wreath and put this up instead.


I'm kind of in love with this little hot pink and navy number. And monograms are not just for the girls. Check out this nautical inspired Jon Jon.


I could picture a little boy wearing this for family portraits on the beach. I don't know if you can get any more Southern than that. 

What do you guys think? Are you into monograms, or is it initial overkill?