How to raise a useful baby...

 via McSweeney's

For all the love, affection, joy, blah, blah, blah that Sweet Pea is supposed to provide me - he's not actually going to be of any practical use to me for a while. Or is he? Maybe I'll get him a few of these "Baby, Be of Use" books by Lisa Brown so he can start earning his keep from the get-go (and I think I'll start with this one...).

Keepsake Name Prints

These keepsake name prints by InkTreePress are perfect. Perfect for any nursery or children's room, the perfect welcome baby gift, a perfect way to preserve the moment.

InkTreePress allows you to select custom colors and descriptive details of the birth day or night- it takes this print a step beyond simple personalization. The result is a beautiful instant captured on paper!

All images courtesy of InkTreePress

illustrated nursery

 from "The Laidlaw Reader Primer, First year--First Half"

 by Herman Dressel, M. Madilene Veverka, and May Robbins. 

Illustrated by Mabel B. Hill and Hazel Fraze

via katinthecupboard

I still have a lot to do in terms of putting together an actual nursery nook, but that is not stopping me from finding ideas everywhere. 

For example, I can not get enough of illustrated nurseries and picture book bedrooms. There are so many sweet touches to found (like the fabric chair in the image above or the striped curtains in "Goodnight Moon") that I find inspiring (though I have to be careful not to incorporate all of them and make the baby dizzy with color and pattern!) Here are some of my favorites:

In the bedroom below, I obviously love the view of sail boats outside the window (though I can't make that happen in my house...), but I also love the star ceiling, the little vases of flowers, and the animal shaped chair:

 from "Wonderful Story Book" by Margaret Wise Brown

illustrated by J. P. Miller via try-whistling-this

"Yes" and "please" to a patterned wallpaper, touches of the lightest, whitest blue, and a beautifully stenciled dresser:

via miriana (via This are a few of my favourite things...)

I think the  following picture confirms that I'm a sucker for sailboats and rocking horses and toy drums:

"The Indoor Noisy Book" by Margaret Wise Brown

illustrated by Leonard Weisgard via krakencrafts

Aside from the presence of the toys mentioned above, I love this image for the huge open window (and view!), the packed mini-bookcase, the kid-size table, and the yellow. I do have a soft spot for some well-used yellow:

"Words" by Selma Lola Chambers

illustrated by Gertrude Elliott via try-whistling-this

While I nest, I think...

 via the obsessive imagist

Thursday, a newborn, and Etsy

Image courtesy of cherylzibisky

This Thursday and Etsy post is all about the creature who seems to be popping up everywhere- the newborn. I feel as though I always know someone who is pregnant or who just welcomed a little one.

I don't think I could ever tire of looking for new baby gifts. All that sweetness and cozy...and although I am certainly no stranger to Target or Gymboree, there is something extra special about the handmade baby options on Etsy.

If I had my druthers, I would get all the newborns in my life a giant box filled with goodies like these....

The perfect blanket:

 Essential organic cotton baby blanket courtesy of organicquiltcompany

And some receiving blankets for swaddling and making any surface more snuggly:

Receiving blankets- set of 3- green urban courtesy of gingerfreckle

A personalized burpcloth set- a snazzy little welcome to the world:

Panel and monogrammed burp cloth plus wash cloth gift set in blue whales- custom and cute courtesy of littlegreyhouse

A set of beautiful bibs, because even constant drooling can be fashionable:

3 Baby Bibs- you pick- made to order courtesy of redcharlotte

The perfect diaper caddy to hold changing essentials and make life easier for everyone:

Diaper Caddy courtesy of baffinbags

Say "no" to harsh winds, beating sun and germy looky-loos....in the prettiest possible way:

Infant Car Seat Tent/Canopy Cover in "Happier" by Deena Rutter courtesy of hipbabyboutique

Anything knit or crochet makes for a classic new baby gift. I am partial to something with ears....

Crochet Teddy Bear Hat for Baby Boy or Girl- 3 to 6 months-Light Tan Brown courtesy of amotherscrochet

Awwwww.....baby booties:

My Eloise courtesy of MyBabyandCompany

Sometimes moving away from the "supplies" is the way to go- a first toy, unique teether or some correspondence papers that are just for the new Mr./Miss...

One Small Gnome Doll for Baby-Organic Cotton-Eco Friendly- your choice of five styles courtesy of tadpolecreations

Penguin wooden teether teething toy Natural Modern Organic courtesy of threeleavestoys

 

Baby Thank You Cards -Baby Laundry- courtesy of sweetbellacards

Often you can come across that perfect thing for the nursery. I loved these vintage children's silhouette prints:

Images courtesy of VintageJaneToo

I love the idea of these pop art boy/girl face pillows for any nursery. A very cool addition to any style baby room:

Image courtesy of vintagejane

Of course this round up of new baby gifts is only the beginning- Etsy has unlimited ideas and options for the little ones in your life, so you have start early!

spring shower

I think that nowadays there is an awful lot of the styling of life going on and less of the enjoying being in the moment. Sometimes it seems the quest for the perfectly contrived wedding shot or party theme has taken over....
That said, I still admire beautifully orchestrated gatherings- I can't help it.

This baby shower I swooned over is found at simplybloomphotography (spotted via say YES! to hoboken) ) and I like that it is full of ideas I would use for various parties. The invites with teeny, tiny paper flag bunting, the floating kites cake topper, and the hot air balloon garland- all fantastic.

Images courtesy of simplybloomphotography

fabric for the nook

via golly bard drawing room

For Sweet Pea's nursery nook we have a rocking chair that used to belong to my husband's grandmother. It's a little scratched and the paint is worn out in places, but we aren't planning to change it. We love that the wear is reflective of its use and her love. We do have to soften it a bit for us to sit in.

So the plan is to pad it with a pillow or two. And even though I not very talented with a needle and thread - I think I can handle this project especially if I'm working with one of Golly Bard's lovely prints. Holly of Golly Bard is one heck of a talented artist (her blog, her etsy shop) and though I'm saving my pennies to buy one of her originals - having one of her fabrics to cover a rocking chair for my little fella is a very nice thing to have...

via golly bard drawing room

find the golly bard fabric at spoonflower

the centerpiece

We still don't have a crib. Or a changing table. Or just about anything else for Sweet Pea's nursery nook. But the one thing we do have is a print of this Dumbo poster. It's the Polish version of the 1941 Disney movie and it's just plain lovely. Because of its existence, I've convinced myself that now everything else will fall perfectly into place. How could I be wrong when I'm beginning with such a sweet illustration?

baby's nook

image by Erin Williamson of Design Crisis via parenting.com

I'm presently in the midst of doing all the boring but necessary shopping for baby Sweet Pea by picking out the safest of the practical things that consumer reports recommends like the car seat, stroller, and play yard. All this stuff is, of course, important, but I want to spend some time on the unimportant details of gearing up for Sweet Pea like decorating his world. 

And though I'd love to go all out in a baby nursery, the little fella will be sharing a bedroom with his parents for about a year or so until we move into another house. Nevertheless, although he will have more of a nook than a nursery - I'm looking forward to making that space his own. And the spaces that inspire me the most are the ones which not only look bright, airy and simple, but are ones which I would, as a grown up lady, want to live in too. For example, I'm still in love with the look of this baby room, but I'm also a fan of this nursery by Laura Naples of Orange Beautiful, this baby room belonging to Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo, and this one designed by Erin Williamson of Design Crisis. There is so much inspiration to take in - I just have to figure out where to start...

halfway to Sweet Pea

via animated views

That picture says it all, doesn't it?

Yep, Popeye and I are having ourselves our own little Sweet Pea! Just wanted to share the news with our readers that my husband and I are 20 weeks in with 20 to go. And that, thus far, this pregnancy has been one incredible, stressful, amazing, and freaky experience (hello Olive Oyl's/Shelley Duvall's face!) that I am both so ready to see end and nervous as to what will happen when it does end and this little person (wow...I am making a person) enters our world. It really is something else and I am absolutely terrified and thrilled at the same time, but that's normal, right? Anyway, I promise not to turn Hiving Out into a complete mommy blog, but please forgive me for the more than occasional Sweet Pea post.

Easter Bunnies

It is no secret I am big fan of littleAshop on Etsy. The bundle babies are a truly special gift- handmade, one-of-a-kind, and sweet as all heck.

Now this post is actually about the bundle bunnies. This Easter if you are putting together a basket for a baby/young toddler (or folks of any age who appreciate perfect touches), some of those things like assorted sweets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk are out, but I will tell you what is in.....a bundle bunny! What an ideal Easter treat. littleAshop does custom wool or cashmere bundle bunnies (with color selections conveniently listed) and I can't think of a better surprise at the end of a jellybean trail or egg hunt. Hop on over and check them out!

Image courtesy of littleAshop

On the Night You Were Born

Nancy Tillman's On the Night You Were Born is one of those popular new baby or baby shower gifts you see when making the rounds at your friendly neighborhood pregnant lady parties.

There are reasons this title is a favorite. The beautiful and dramatic painted illustrations are captivating for audiences of all ages. The overall sentiments of joy and wonder that surround the celebration of a new baby are perfectly captured....

"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, 'Life will never be the same.' Because there had never been anyone like you... ever in the world."

Tillman reminds us how amazing each and every baby is - and what a message to send to your little one.

and baby makes five!

Great news here on the "Hiving Out" front! Lorelei gave birth to her third child last night, a dark-haired and chubby baby girl. Mother and daughter are doing just fine and we wish both of them  - as well as the rest of their beautiful family - lots and lots of love (and rest too!).

photograph by Andrea McClain

Sophie

Image courtesy of google

I am sure you have seen her. She seems to be everywhere. I did not know a thing about her until my daughter was born, but now Sophie Giraffe is a familiar, much loved, face around here.

In case you have ever wondered, as I did, why this 40-year-old teething toy is so wildly popular (and pricey!) -I did a little research. According to Sophie's site, she is a longtime favorite because she is the first baby toy to stimulate all five senses. She is smooth and soft, with contrasting light and dark coloring from food paints- she squeaks and the distinctive smell of the rubber from the Hevea tree has proved to be pleasing to babies everywhere. In other words....this little giraffe is perfect.

If you are looking for something sweet and practical for that next baby shower- look no further!

Image courtesy of google

Thursday, Amy Butler everything, and Etsy

Image courtesy of MaisyandAlice

It has been a while since we posted a Thursday and Etsy collection, so I figured it was about darn time. There have been many occasions, when I am in an Etsy trance and clicking through all of the handmade goodness, that I find myself drawn to Amy Butler designs- her patterns on fabric or paper are always eye-catching and beautiful. 

So, this Thursday post is all about Amy Butler and how she pops up in all sorts of Etsy shops. These are just a few ways you can incorporate her design in your world ....and make it that much more color filled and delightful.

For your home- some gorgeous accent pillows, a set of cheery table linens, or a truly unique laminated tablecloth.

Image courtesy of rubystella

Image courtesy of BellaBeeDesigns

Image courtesy of modernmyrtle

For gift giving- from birthdays to bridesmaid gifts, a clutch like this would be much appreciated...

Image courtesy of PoppyPunch

And a fun gift for the hostess....the perfect apron.

Image courtesy of sassyapron

For parties- a set of vibrant, coordinating hats, some sweet cupcake toppers, and potential garland or place cards can be found to brighten any celebration.

Image courtesy of gigglesapu

Image courtesy of ElizabethSt

Image courtesy of jaimemancilla

For the baby- a sassy bib/burpcloth duo, the ideal summer dress, booties that will be the talk of the town, and an outfit for your favorite little lady.

Image courtesy of LittlePigeonCrafts

Image courtesy of margeandrudy

Image courtesy of outofthebox

Image courtesy of mekokids

For you- one of those bags perfect for all of your busy days or a cozy and stylish lap quilt made just for those lazy nights.

Image courtesy of girldesvignes

Image courtesy of shancee

A little Amy Butler for everyone!