lollipop

I've always been a sucker for candy colors (pun intended) and spring fashion is the best place to find them. After all of the grey weather we've been having, I'm sure we could all use a little jolt of color to brighten our day! Places like boden and kate spade never fail to deliver fun, retro pieces in saturated hues. I was so hoping JCrew would do the same, but alas they have yet to pull out of their skin-tone ruffle phase...bleh...makes me nauseous. I know the economy is bad and all and fashion usually reflects that, but give us some COLOR!

10 months

Dearest CW,

I cannot believe you are 10 months today. It's all happening way too fast. You have grown leaps and bounds this month and are doing so many new things.

You are on the move. Nothing is out of your reach...if you want something, you do the army belly crawl or climb into my lap to persuade me to prop you against the couch so you can cruise along the edge or go for something you shouldn't touch (Blackberry, remote, hot coffee, cords, cell phone, water bottle, etc.) You love to hold onto Mommy or Daddy's hands and practice walking. You are fearless...you're not afraid to let go and move to the next piece of furniture and falling doesn't phase you much. 

You're such a good little eater (see evidence above). You pretty much eat anything I offer you, unless it's that weird eggplant dinner I made the other night (sorry, I don't blame you). You're getting very good at eating table food. You love bread & cheese and even tried a pretzel today! 

It makes me kind of sad, but you don't need me to hold your bottle anymore. I prop you up on a pillow and you just go for it. Such a little man. I guess starting you on the sippy cup early payed off!

You're very easy going and full of energy. It doesn't bother you when someone takes your toy...you just look for another. And unless you're tired, you're always game for a fun activity like swimming. I'm so glad you love to swim because I do too! I can't wait for us to discover fun things we like to do together. I hope you like art as much as I do...I can't wait to finger paint with you, teach you how to draw and create whatever your imagination dreams up! I'm busy designing your new "big boy" room and it will most certainly include an art table with lots of fun materials!

Your smile and laugh are contagious. That toothy grin just makes me melt. I think you look like your Grammie when you smile...she has a beautiful, infectious smile as well! Sometimes things are only funny once to you, but the one thing that always makes you laugh is when I hide and bounce up out of nowhere like Tigger. It gives me a workout, but it makes you laugh hysterically and that puts a smile on my face!

Your little personality is starting to shine through and you're such a great kid. We just love you to pieces.

Love,

Mommy

boudoir redux

So I FINALLY received the dwellstudio comforter in the mail and it's gorgeous...but the wrong shade of blue. Too "slate." It depressed me. I need light and airy. So it was back to the drawing board for a new bedroom plan. 

I've always loved Anthropologie bedding. Every time I see it displayed in the store I just want to dive into the bed. And even though it always looks like a hot mess of pattern, somehow it just WORKS. This "india ink" duvet is probably one of their more conservative sets (no "hothouse" floral here), but it's striking nonetheless. Add to that "400 thread count cotton percale" and I'm sold. Sounds heavenly. Then I came across the cirrus sheets in the perfect shade of watery aqua. I love the cirrus duvet, but it's a little too marshmallowy for a his/hers bedroom. K agreed. But the cirrus SHEETS...perfect! I think this headboard from Pottery Barn would look gorgeous against aqua blue walls (provided the S. Africa GSO lets me paint). I would use those wonderful knobs to repurpose our old distressed entertainment center into an armoire/linen cabinet. And don't even get me started on those lamps. I'm hard at work selling all of my crappy IKEA furniture so that I can afford this gorgeous room. What do you think?

color quiz

I recently took Career Builder.com's "Color Career Counselor" quiz featured on YHL and my results were pretty spot-on. Amazing how choosing your favorite colors can help you choose a career...who knew? Try it, it's fun!

Best Occupational Category

You're a CREATOR

Keywords

Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category

You're a RESEARCHER

Keywords:

Independent, Self-Motivated, Reserved, Introspective, Analytical, and Curious

These investigative types gather information, analyze and interpret data, and inquire to uncover new facts. They have a strong scientific orientation, enjoy academic or research environments and prefer self-reliant jobs. Dislikes are group projects, selling, and repetitive activities.

gulp

I love how he goes from laughing hysterically to completely serious...