world map wallpaper

I never thought I would EVER have wallpaper in our condo, but I am trying something new. After watching 9 by Design on Bravo, I have been inspired to just go for it. What is the worst that will happen?

projects around the condo:

1. I finally got around to hanging up the giant pear with 3M tape. I figure if/when I get sick of it, I can just quickly take it down without damaging the wall.

2. I also started painting a (free) mirror to hang above the fireplace. I was originally going to go with shiny black, but thought it might be too much black with the TV and fireplace. Since we had left over Benjamin Moore Decorator's White in semi-gloss (our trim color), I figured I would use it. (and making the entire project cost about $5.00 and that was for the paint brush)

(the original gold color)

After!

my garden

(I still need a plant for my vintage crock)

In the Wash

on etsy.

SATC 2

For some reason, I am not that excited to see the new SATC movie coming out this week. My husband even asked me out on a date and offered to go see the movie with me. (so sweet) Maybe it is because I have other things on my mind (like a growing baby in my belly and putting together a nursery) or maybe it is because I don't like that the previews make it look like Carrie cheats on Big. I am, however, excited to see the fashion and set design. Like the cute cupcake apron worn in the picture above and available at anthropologie.

Kelly Ripa and the purse vest

As I was checking out Celebrity Baby Scoop, I came across this picture (see below) of Kelly Ripa with her son in NYC. If you look closer, you will notice a purse like vest. So, I googled it. It is made by Alexander Wang and can be worn as a backpack or vest. I am having a love/hate relationship with it.

Here are more of my favorite pictures of Kelly on the streets.

diaper bags

According to the book Baby Bargains, I should get 2 diaper bags. A smaller one for running quick errands, and a larger one for longer activities.

The Skip Hop Duo would be a perfect size to keep attached to the stroller for short activities around the city. And it is more unisex than other diaper bags.

The L.L.bean boat tote would be good for traveling/toys/beach.

I already have this diaper bag (see my post here) and plan on using it as the main diaper bag.

My sister-in-law has this one by Vera Bradley and it is huge!

I think it would be perfect to pack clothing for a weekend.

I really like the Storksak, but it is expensive and I would rather put the money towards a 529 college plan.

summer shoes

Remember my favorite summer shoes from last year? I almost bought these in December because they were 75% off, but they were super high and I didn't think I could ever walk a block in them.

This new version is lower and looks much more wearable.

(Stuart Weitzman "Alexlo" Espadrilles)

family

It's time for a new address stamp and to add the word family into the mix.

(from sweetpaperie on etsy)

Speaking of my mother...

We couldn't resist this little Juicy track suit found

on the clearance rack at TJMaxx.

I will try to post something not baby related soon.

(like the mirror I am in the middle of painting)

Etsy

I just ordered this pumpkin costume today. Since my baby will still be super tiny at Halloween, I thought being a pumpkin would be perfect. And Henry also has a pumpkin costume too. Is it weird to have your baby and dog match? I think I am turning into my mom. (in a good way) One year for Christmas my sister, brother, and I even had matching outfits with our Cabbage Patch kids. It was very cool to me at the time.

weekend to do list:

• clean and paint a mirror to hang above the fireplace (I will post pictures this weekend)



• hang a vintage German Lasalle Street sign (this was the street of our first home/condo)



• finish installing pulls on kitchen cabinets



• caulk guest bathroom sink (Pro Caulk makes it very easy)



• go to the farmer's market at Division and Clark (And FYI, my favorite baker at the market also opened up a bakery in Wicker Park called BAKE, I highly recommend the blueberry muffin and chocolate cream cheese coconut cupcake)



• put together a photo arrangement in the foyer



• finish putting away winter shoes/boots and switching to spring/summer shoes

I feel like the process of moving in is never ending... And I want all of the major stuff done before the baby arrives. Well actually, I want it all done a month before the baby is due.

moccasin sandals: part 2

Remember my obsession with moccasin sandals in 2008 and 2009?
(see here and here)
I found a pair of Minnetonka's with fringe and beads at TjMaxx last weekend for $20.00.

Reading list:

My new niece:

Watching my brother become a father is the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

I can't wait to see my husband with our baby!

It's a boy!!

dinner

upside down patio garden

While checking Sam's Club for baby items today, I came across this perfect size for a balcony garden for $59.95. And then I did a google search for "upside down patio garden" and found one at Walmart for $25.00. Can you tell which one is cheaper?

(the bottom picture is from Sam's Club)

boy or girl?

We find out on Thursday!!!! And it doesn't really matter what we have, just as long as the baby is healthy.

And a boy or girl can wear tan Ugg baby boots.

work bag: part 2

Since my work bag is technically a diaper bag, I finally decided to buy the bag I originally wanted when I first started teaching 7 years ago. It is made of seatbelts and I hope it lasts me for awhile.