Some party trends I’m getting tired of seeing (sorry tissue poms) but big, round balloons are certainly not one of them. Since I can’t seem to find them around these parts, I’m happy to have found Sugar. I love the color selection and shop owner Jennifer is so friendly and easy to work with — even when you have a big order. I’m trying to pretty up a gym, it’s hard work.

Also, these baby tees in the shop are hard to resist. And I don’t have a kid.

Stay tuned for a surprise…

Since I’m sure none of you subscribe to Martha Stewart Living, I thought I’d throw you a bone and share this home tour from last month’s issue. What I love the most (besides everything really, there’s even a Chesterfield!) are those colorful woodcut prints hanging in the dining room. They’re from artist Ann Conner and I can’t really find any information about them but I can safely assume they’re out of my price range. I can also safely assume you’ve stopped reading by now and that’s why I’ll continue to jabber…

Has anybody read Gunn’s Golden Rules yet? It was better than I even hoped for. He shares a funny story about Martha once stating, “There are few disappointments in life greater than a room temperature nut.” Who says stuff like that?! Crazy Martha.

The work of Tokketok design and letterpress is quite splendid. I spot Cathie’s calligraphy, a patterned envelope liner and a pretty set-up for the Little Winter Market — which, if you went to, please feed me some details. Was it like stepping into a page of the Toast catalog? And did you buy me presents?

Chums, I’m searching for some fresh blogs to fill my reader with. I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve given it a little update and it’s looking tired and worn. Much like me after a weekend of party prep. You didn’t think I would forget about celebrating big for baby Lucas, did you?

Here are three of my new faves:

Jane is a graphic designer who puts together so many delightful collages that I favorite every single one on Lox Papers.

After seeing Brittany and Paul’s wedding with the huge paper flowers and hand-painted banners (so fantastic) I knew that their blog would be come an instant read. They live in Copenhagen and share awesome bits of life there (like a theater prop flea market) on The House That Lars Built.

Mariah lives in South Africa (maybe I have a thing for interesting locales today) and blogs at Size Too Small. Her style is simple and understated but just darn cool. Plus I love her Now and Then series pairing women of the past with new fashion collections.

So please share what fresh content you’ve come across lately, whether it be on a blog or something else that’s struck your fancy.

I don’t know why I feel the need to defend mustard yellow. It’s not like it’s my show pony at the state fair. I just don’t feel like I have you all convinced. So the above images are my case for why you need to join the mustard yellow is cool club.

Aren’t those cracked brown buttons on the coat fantastic? It reminds me of one my dad’s old cardigans.

Sharon is hosting an inspiration board contest and has asked me to be a judge. If you feel so inclined, check out my profile (ahem, life story) and enter the contest chubs. I mean that as a term of endearment.

Golden spotted on Destined to Design

I love this clean and classic stationery from Stripe and Field. The most recent collection was inspired by traditional textiles and is designed to work by layering and mixing simple patterns. Lovely, no?

via Chelsea

My current obsessions include (but are not limited to):
the color plum and mustard yellow
polka dots
soft leather skinny belts

You can safely assume that all of these things can be added to my list of forever faves alongside cardigans and waffles.