Summer Lovin

I love the beach. My pale skin is not really suited for it, but I just make sure to douse myself in the highest SPF I can find. Apparently, Miss A does not share my enthusiasm. We took her on her first beach trip a few months ago. Everything was going fine until we let her touch the sand, and then it turned into a screamfest! I don't know why, but she hates it. Luckily, she is a big fan of the pool. 

I put together this list of fun summer essentials. Number one on my list is the Pottery Barn baby beach wrap towel. So stinking cute, and currently on sale! 

[ Beach wraps ] [ toys ] [ girl bathing suit ] [ boy bathing suit ] [ sunglasses ] [ pink hat ] [ shark hat ]

Pretty Prints

Etsy is a great source for beautiful and playful prints. Here are some of my favorites for a kid's room.

You Are So Loved by The Wheatfield

What a gorgeous design, and sentiment.

White Rabbit by Berkley Illustration

This one cracks me up. Something so charming about animals wearing suits.

Neon Arrows by Amanda Catherine Designs.

I have this hanging over Miss A's changing table. It makes me happy.

Dachshund by Zeppi Prints.

A funny little triptych. Especially cute for Dachshund owners.

Deal round up: 6/4/13

Who's getting ready for Summer? Woo hoo! Let's get shopping, shall we?

The Children's Place is having a summer sale. Cute mix and match tanks, tees, and shorts for $5.

Crewcuts is 25% off with the code SUMMER.

Carter's is also 60% off summer stuff.

Baby Gap is 25% off all orders. Up to 35% if you spend more.

Have a great Tuesday, everybody!

xoxo,

Meg

Ikea in the nursery

We've had a really good experience with Ikea furniture in the nursery. I think the common fear with Ikea is that it's going to be poor quality or unsafe somehow, since it's so inexpensive. That's not the case in my opinion. Ikea comes highly rated by Consumer Reports and Baby Bargains. And it really is a bargain!

We have the Hemnes dresser and bookshelf for Miss A. Her crib is the Sundvik. It's a very safe and sturdy crib. Trust me, she rolls around like crazy, and stands up in her crib. That thing is solid.

Good morning, Mama!

One advantage of Ikea is that you can get it right away. No waiting 6 weeks for it to be ordered. Of course the drawback is that you have to put it together yourself. This wasn't a huge issue for us. We got it done in an afternoon, but it's something to consider if you're not handy at all. The other con would be just going to Ikea, which can be an overwhelming experience. Hey, you can always console yourself with the best meatballs you can have in a furniture store.

If you're looking for some Ikea inspiration, check out these lovely rooms featuring the Gulliver crib.

via Decorpad

via the b-line

via Decorpad

We Will, We Will...

Now that song is stuck in your head, huh? 

Okay once you're done doing the stomp-stomp-clap, let's talk about rockers. A glider or rocker is a nursery item that you don't necessarily *need*, but it's nice to have. Especially if your baby is a little, uh, let's say high maintenance. Like mine. 

The glider was pretty much my home for a while. It still gets used a ton, even with a nine month old. It's a nice place to cuddle, read books, and just relax. 

Some of my key criteria for rockers are:

- Aesthetics. It's got to look nice in the nursery.

- Comfort. Arm rests are key! The molded plastic Eames rocker might get a few points knocked off for comfort, but it looks so darn cool in a modern nursery.

- Durability. This is a plus for the plastic rocker. Expect sticky little hands, not to mention all manners of body fluids to get on this piece of furniture. Sorry, I know that's gross. Welcome to motherhood.

Top left to right:

[ Swivel Glider ]

[ Wingback Convertible Rocker ]

[ Sleepytime Rocker ]

[ Nara Glider ]

[ Eames Molded Plastic Rocker ]

Deal roundup: 5/23/12

Image via Magnolia Creative.

It's almost Memorial Day weekend! What are your plans? If they include shopping, here are some sales to check out:

- Stride Rite shoes and Halo sleepsacks are on Zulily today. There are also a few cute things left from Mini Boden (ends Saturday).

- Reusable baby food pouches are on Babysteals. A cute idea if you're making your own baby food.

Then we have the Memorial Day sales!

- Gymboree has everything $12.99 and under.

- Baby Gap is 40% off select styles. I just bought this tank for Miss A, and I absolutely love it! A total steal for $10.

- Carters has up to 60% off.

Happy shopping!

xoxo,

Meg

Pretty Parties: First Bee Day

Okay, I'll admit it.

I've been excited about Miss A's first birthday party since she was a newborn. I can't help it! I love that kid, and I love a good party. What could be more fun than putting together an event to celebrate her first year of life with our family and friends? 

I've decided to do a vintage style bee theme. The color palette will be yellow, soft gray, and cream. She's a little too young to have an opinion on it, but I hope her party will be both beautiful and fun.

My number one resource for the party has been Etsy! Here are some of the items I've got my eye on:

{ wreath }  { cups }  { bee stamp }

{ cupcake liners }  { dress }  { plate }

Pretty florals

{Lily Pulitzer}    {Zara}    {Mini Boden}    {Petit Bateau}

Retro inspired kids

Vintage looks are always cool, especially when they're being worn by the tiniest of trendsetters. Check out these little mini hipsters via Pinterest:

Too. Much. Cuteness.

I've put together a few retro inspired looks for the little ladies and gentleman in your life:

Left to right:

[sunglasses] [dress and bloomers] [keds]

[fedora] [striped tank] [converse]

[head wrap] [halter bodysuit] [sandals]

[aviators] [vest] [shorts] [madras shoes]

Deal roundup

Gap online is 30% off, ending today!  Use the code GAP30. This is what I scored for Miss A:

Also, Hanna Andersson is on Zulily, ending Friday. Loving the little dresses in beautiful prints for summer. There are some fun tees and lunch boxes for boys and girls.