What To Send My New Niece

I have a niece!  Her name is Margot.  Isn't that sweet and spunky at the same time?  It is the absolutely perfect name for her, I think.  She has black hair.  And rosebud lips that turn down the tiniest little bit at the edges.  And I already love her to pieces.

I have been trying to think about what I should send her.  I am feeling partial to these cakes in a box by Maileg.  Wouldn't they be the perfect gift from an aunty who loves to bake?

P.S.  I have a feeling that someone creative could make these really easily... 

Terrafirma Ceramics (and a disclaimer)

So.  I was super excited to share Terrafirma Ceramics with you.  I stumbled upon one of their pieces in person, and instantly fell in love.  You can imagine my disappointment, then, when I went to their website and found their photos... well, disappointingly bad (is it wrong to say that?).  It's just that the photographs so don't do justice to these pieces, which are heavy and somehow both smooth and rough and really quite stunning. 

I also think its too bad that almost all the photos show collections, as opposed to singular pieces.  As a collection, sometimes I think this style of ceramic can be a little much.  But individually... oh wow!  They are beautiful, especially the modern, geometric prints.

So there it is.  My disclaimer.  That the following pictures in no way do justice to the actual pieces.  They are weighty, and full of texture and so clean.  I love them.  But here's hoping you at least catch a glimmer of what makes them so beautiful- I have tried to pull the pictures that most convey what I love about them in person.

 

P.S.  What these pictures don't show is the underside of the pieces, which are unglazed and rough and really rustic, in direct contrast to the shiny, modern ceramic top.

I'm Back!

Summer is both here and over.  Zach goes back to work on Monday, which means its officially over.  But we've been running in fountains and eating sweet corn as if it just arrived.  Sigh. 

The daily grind has been... well, a bit of a grind around here lately.  We are laying in wait for my little niece (we have the special bottle of wine ready to uncork when she arrives).  We are laying in wait for some other big news.  And at the end of the day, I think to myself "when, when, did I get so many responsbilities?"  They just keep piling up.

Perhaps that is why I have been reluctant to post.  I haven't felt inspired.  Until two things happened.  First, I went to coffee this morning with Andrea, who always centers me and makes me feel unconditionally loved the way best friends do.  And second, she bought Tate the most adorable platypus ever from i golfinni della nonna. 

I mean, who could not want to post this little guy? 

We've named him "Hoyt" in honor of the Hoyt Arboretum where Andrea and I meet up to go walking so often.

These hand-knit stuffed animals and toys are made from alpaca and so ridiculously soft and cute.  They are absolutely worth checking out- I would have loved receiving one for Tate at my baby shower.

So I think that I am officially back.  I have stored up all kinds of beautiful and inspirational things to share with you.  And in the meantime, I will leave you with "Tate: Summer 2011" (I couldn't help myself.  I mean, really.  Look at this face...)

Ok, this big guy is pretty cute too, huh ladies?

Little Brown Pen

"Regarde le ciel".  Look at the sky.  Good advice, no?



I have been feeling a tad gloomy lately, and these Paris color collections from Little Brown Pen have been brightening my spirits:

Aren't they cheerful-making?  I think they would be bright additions to a baby room.