The Crib!

Well, it's still just a bassinet actually, but either way, it's exciting! My parents generously purchased our crib for us (thanks mom & dad!)- the Argington BAM bassinet & crib set.

I'm so glad we went with this crib- it's perfect for our needs! We currently have it set up as a bassinet, and the lockable casters allow us to roll it into our bedroom as needed (it even fits through our smaller 'old house' doorways). It fits in the bedroom so well- almost as if it was designed for the space! Once the baby outgrows the bassinet, it'll expand into the full-sized crib...

I just fell in love with those rounded corners and the six-leg design... very art nouveau! At $585 for the set (bassinet, crib conversion, bassinet mattress & sheets), I think it's a great choice- a perfect blend of style and function for a reasonable cost. The rounded corners were a huge plus for our tiny space, and unlike most rounded cribs, the BAM takes a standard mattress- no custom bedding needed! While we don't have a baby to put in ours yet, we're quite impressed with the quality so far- sturdy, well made, and easy to assemble!

New Patio Lighting

This was the sconce right by our back door- the original one didn't match a thing, but more importantly, it was always filthy. Even right after cleaning it'd look like this... not really the most welcoming light. Jesse and I both liked the 'bulkhead' look; I love the simple, modern lines, and Jesse loves that "it's like being on a submarine." After looking at probably hundreds of lights, we both agreed on this one, and we're loving the clean, unfussy look! (...and yes, I still need to paint that wire to match the brick!)

Next up was replacing our old Ikea paper lantern. As you can see from the 'before,' pretty much anything would have been an improvement. "Bare hanging lightbulb" just doesn't cut it... ever. The old paper lantern had a nasty habit of vanishing in sudden windstorms, and then Ikea discontinued the size we used. I looked at outdoor chandeliers and lanterns for weeks, but I simply couldn't find anything (within a reasonable price range) that I liked. So, I defaulted back to the look I originally loved- a new paper lantern! This one though, is larger at 30" wide, and it's made of nylon instead of paper (which gives it a nice glistening effect). It's also since been secured with fishing line to prevent any adventures around our neighborhood on windy days.

Our final little face lift was to hang our 'Texas Lone Star' that Jesse's mom got us for Christmas. I might not get bluebonnets, but at least I can have this. Yeehaw, y'all! :)

Didn't Jesse do a fabulous job hanging & wiring all of this up?? Thank you my love- you're amazing!!

Favorite. Kitchens. Ever.

No other comment needed.

found via Black.White.Yellow from ElleDecor

"The Pickle Butt"

This... is my new diaper bag. It shares the same affectionate moniker as that little black imp pictured with it. It's a Petunia Pickle Bottom boxy backpack in 'Tranquil in Tibet' (scored for $50 off since it's a discontinued pattern!).

You see, our dog Pickle is often referred to as 'Pickle Butt' (or just... 'the Butt') due to attitude problems. When we discovered a line of diaper bags under the "Petunia Pickle Bottom" label, we couldn't believe it! Not only did I love the patterns, even Jesse had to agree, the name was pretty darn funny. So after reassuring myself it was worth the high cost by reading fabulous reviews (which appear completely deserved so far), I went ahead and ordered a "Pickle Butt Bag." And I'm pretty sure that's what we're going to be calling it. Permanently.

Aside from a hilarious name, aren't the color & pattern gorgeous? It's also a 'glazed' bag, sporting a water-resistant coating that allows you to easily wipe it down (a huge plus for me). It's generously sized with a slew of functional pockets, and it converts from a shoulder bag to a backpack. I'm also quite impressed with the quality; I can't wait to use it!

Funny Girl

I just love how surprisingly charming this Funny Girl poster is in Amanda Peet's daughter's nursery. I saw it back in Domino ages ago, and it just stuck with me ever since. I love when children's rooms are able to take 'grown up' decor and make it relevant for younger audiences. So sweet! I might just have to steal this idea... ;)

Wheely Bug

Check out this adorable little bee rider my mother got me! It's a Wheely Bug. I know I'm still pretty new to the world of baby-stuffs, but this has to be one of the cutest little baby toys I've ever seen. Simple, bold, graphic, and oh-so-precious!