I’ve found that the selection of cute baby boy clothes is pretty limited. My good friend had a baby boy just a month after me and we always end up accidentally getting the same clothes for them because there are literally two things to choose from once you eliminate the shirts that have obnoxious sayings on them. So I kind of want to scoop up every item from from Sparkle & Spin (the Europeans know how to dress their babies). Every time Beck wears this striped bodysuit I almost die from cuteness.

And if you’re in the states and lamenting about the shipping, they’re having a sale! It all evens out, right?

For the postpartum bod: ruched v-neck dress from Talbots (I’m not sure when I became a fifty year old woman)
For the need to be pedicured feet: dandelion wedges from Anthropologie
For the flushed with cash: lasercut wallet from Urban Outfitters
For the not even close to finished guest room: mid-century nightstand from West Elm

It was Ryan’s birthday on Tuesday and I was reminded of how much I love this chocolate cake. I cut the recipe out of Martha Stewart Living last year and have not made a boxed cake since. While the cake is chocolatey deliciousness, it’s the frosting that makes it golden. Cream cheese! Butter! Sour cream! Chocolate! None of this shortening based gross-ocity. Make it. Eat it. Keep a fork handy next to it.

Recipes:
One bowl chocolate cake (make sure to use high quality cocoa like Ghirardelli, also I just use canola oil not safflower oil)
Chocolate frosting (this makes a ton, a half recipe is plenty)

I thought I would be sharing a lot more house updates but since Beck has been born my decorating progress has fizzled out. Oh babies. We have a total of eight items hung on the walls but this is by far my favorite, a commissioned painting from Lulie Wallace. I’ve blogged about her work before and it was one of those rare times when I actually splurged and bought what I posted about. I call it the happy painting because there’s no better description.

More house updates coming soon. Writing that sentence makes me accountable to get back to work!

photo: Jennifer Little

I’ve felt less than inspired lately. I call it losing my sparkle. But then I come across something great like these paper mosaics from Hallie Lu Ya and the sparkle returns. Thank goodness for artists sharing their work.

In case you were wondering yes, I will be sporting those patriotic specs tomorrow. I have no shame when it comes to celebrating the 4th. Shoving kids out of the way to get parade candy and all.

sources: striped accordion decorations and Chinese yo yos from Party City, Statue of Liberty stamp from Muji, glasses and mini flag from Target

Filing the whole collection of hand carved stamps from Fresh Baked Goods under: craft drawer essentials/wanted/I would use these for everything/pure awesome.

I really love this whole set of quotes Erin Jang designed for Real Simple but this one is tops. Now I understand why everybody thinks Charles Dickens was a genius (kidding).

Some more posts I wrote this week that you’re sure to like:
4th of July project goodness
11 food blogs you should be reading (not recommended if you’re trying to lose weight)
The mega awesome DIY project round-up PART 1
And PART 2
Summer shoe wish list (I’ve already caved and bought a few pairs)
Best of the week!

It’s the perfect time of year to throw a garden party for a bride to be. Start with these cute bridal shower invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, add the ingredients for a simple centerpiece, serving pieces and favor boxes and you’ve got yourself the start of a pretty shower. And now I feel like grabbing my sun hat and sipping some fancy drink with my lady friends.

Other things that could be included: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, coordinating thank you cards from Wedding Paper Divas, favorite party food recipes and non perishable ingredients.

sources: bowls from Target, vintage fabric, sweet styling invitations, flags from BHLDN, Martha Stewart favor boxes (no longer available), string lights from Target, vase from Urban Outfitters, bamboo utensils from Garnish

Remember s&h? It’s been a while.
A pretty shower for a little girly on her way spotted on Katie’s Pencil Box

Wooden gradient blocks spotted by Katie

I want to make a bike ice cream cart spotted on A Subtle Revelry

A menu printed on a napkin is a genius idea spotted on Snippet and Ink

photo: Jessica Lorren