my top baby pinterest projects

Alright, let's round out this baby gear review sesh. Hopefully I can think of some grown-up things to write about soon.

 May 2012, the week before our scheduled c-section at 36 weeks. 

I was only 8 months along! Just imagine if they would've let me go full term.

I was on partial bed rest for over three months before I had Jaina, so I had plenty of time to make things. I was so bored, I was even crocheting things, then taking them apart - just for something to do (cuh-RAZY!). I came across lots of Pinterest projects. Some of them worked, some did not. Here are my top three.

3. This Baby Sling by Our Seven Dwarves was so easy, and takes just an afternoon.

Image and tutorial via Our Seven Dwarves.

I love that we've been able to use our sling at every stage of babyhood. When she was a teeny baby it was perfect for her to lie in sideways. Strangers are a lot less likely to come up and touch a baby who's all nestled in mama's bosom. When she was four or so months old she could sit up like the baby in the above picture. And now I just stick her legs through and let her butt sit in it as if she's riding on my hip.

 Three months ago, running errands.

I love that it folds up and can stay in the diaper bag, so it's always there. It's a lot easier to get around with the sling than a stroller. And if she's about to lose it in the grocery store I can switch her from the cart to my hip without much fuss.

2. I use this "Anywhere Chair" by Made By Marzipan all. the. time.

Image and tutorial via Made By Marzipan.

It's perfect for grandma's house or for restaurants that for SOME REASON don't have high chairs.

I used denim for the inside, and found this cute teal/navy zebra print for the outside. I love that it folds up flat, and, again, I can always have it in the diaper bag. No need to bring a booster seat on short trips.

1. But the BEST thing I made for Jaina was this Hooded Car Blanket by The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.

Image and tutorial via The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.

I really didn't want to put a blanket or some kind of snuggly completely over her, and blankets kept falling off. This worked so perfectly. It's just a hooded blanket with slits cut in the back. That way you can lay it in your car seat and pull the straps through. Then you just lay your baby in the seat, strap her up, then wrap her up like a burrito. Plus, you can actually kinda swaddle them in there if they're fussy. This stayed in our car seat from October to March - super useful.

This is one I made for someone a few months ago. Do you like my cheesy set-up?

Card table, comfy chair, and TV. Real classy.

Looks like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge could've used a hooded car seat blanekt to wrap up the royal baby. Have you seen how he was strapped in? Yikes. I would've made one for you, Kate! Might I suggest this cute snuggle flannel print from Joann's?

All this talk about babies is making me miss that stage already! Even though she's not walking, this little lady is all toddler. She keeps me busy, and I'm not sure which one of us is the most exhausted and grumpy by the end of the day.

But it is so fun to watch her learn. I can't wait till we can talk to each other!

pinspiration

Just trolling the internet for mind candy.

How cute are these Princess Aprons from Vessel Handmade's Etsy shop?

 via French Larkspur

I never met a vintage cart I didn't like.

via Emily Henderson. Wig form turned lamp.

We saw three of these come up at an auction a couple weeks ago! 

I wanted to get one, but they climbed well over $100 within seconds.

 via Demco

I've loved booktrucks ever since I spent my college years working in the library. 

I feel like they would be very useful around the house and a new way to display books or dvds. 

Plus, as my husband would tell you, you could slap wheels on just about anything and I'd fall in love.

Who knew they were so expensive, though?! $300 is a bit steep for me. It comes in 20 colors, though. 

Lots of punchy ones, too, not just gray and taupe.

Ben at HomeMade Modern's wood and iron table. 

Zach scored some great weathered planks for free last weekend, 

so we're gonna tackle our own dining room table soon!

I keep coming back to the Jefferson Loveseat from Thrive Home Furnishings.

I love how comfy our couch is, and of course how red it is, but it is waaaaay too chunky for our little living room. It would be much better in a basement or rec room. This one is just so cool, and would fit the scale of our room a lot better. 

I love this print from Hand & Eye.

Do you get it?

It's "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard!

And, finally, how cute is this Matryoshka carafe and tumbler? 

From Fred and Friends, of course. Their stuff is hilarious.

pinspiration - food edition

Here are some recipes I've "pinned" recently.

 Penne with Roasted Asparagus & Balsamic Butter

Just made this last night, and it was marvelous. We actually had dinner at 10pm last night. Zach didn't have to be at work until one in the morning, so I was a sweet wife and waited to have dinner with him. Awww.

 

Samoa Bundt Cake by Betsy Life

(This lady's the queen of bundts, you've gotta check them out.)

Doesn't this look extreme?! Samoas are my favorite Girl Scout cookie, so this got my attention right away. I'm notorious for promising to bake cakes and never getting around to them, so someone needs to keep me accountable. If I haven't made this within a month, then, then... teach me a lesson and make it for me! ; )

 

Artichoke Crusted Chicken by Sugarlaws

Made this just last week. Sooooo good. A few changes for next time: I'll double the recipe (it only called for two chicken breasts!). I'll change the mayo to Greek yoghurt; much healthier and, I think, tastier. Other than that, very easy yet fancy dinner.
 

Chickpea, Feta, and Parsley Salad by Simple Provisions

We had this alongside the Artichoke Chicken. Refreshing and fulfilling and the same time. The recipe makes quite a lot, so I made half one night then added quinoa and some edamame to it the next night. That made it a meal all by itself. Here's ours the first night:

I really like that the onions and garlic are sauteed first. I hate enjoying a salad then having onion breath forever afterward. You feel fresh while you're eating then immediately feel like you've gargled pure sweat. (Sorry, gross.) Anyway, the point is, this dish DOESN'T do that. Everything melds.

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries by Sugar Derby

I've had these pinned forever. This needs to happen once strawberries are in season. The picture is pretty self explanatory. 1. Hollow out a strawberry. 2. Fill said strawberry with cheesecake filling. 3. Roll in graham cracker crumbs. 4. Put them on a pretty dish (with chocolate drizzle garnish, of course), sit down with a stack of magazines, and enjoy the high class life.

I mean, who has time to get a fork, a plate, cut a piece of cheesecake, cut up some strawb - I mean COME ON! I have a life. ; ) But seriously, they'd make a great party food. I will try it! I shall! (Can you tell how not into making desserts I am?)

There's a lot more dinner time inspiration on my "yummers" pinboard. Feel free to click the button on the right to follow me on Pinterest and see what's catching my eye these days.

Do you have any fun new recipes you've tried or are dying to try?

pinspiration

Some house things that have inspired me recently:

I'm really loving the look of etagere(s?). 

You can display a lot, but they're not "visually heavy". 

Have you ever seen a happier place to curl up with your book friends?

I aspire to be the kind of person who keeps an ornamental orange tree in her home.

I love how she's flooded the wall with artwork. It really takes the focus off of the tv.

Don't ya just love Pinterest?

Follow my boards here.