Yo' Mama.

Wondering what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? I know I’m always stumped- how to find something unique and personal, fitting for such an important occasion.

This year, I’m all about hand stamped jewellery. This bracelet, courtesy of Etsy seller The Vintage Pearl, sells AMAZING hand stamped jewellery perfect for Mom. Guaranteed to bring tears to her eyes, especially if she’s a still-hormonal first-time Momma like myself!

I just happened to have received a bracelet just like this with my son’s name stamped on it. Hubs can’t wait more than 24 hours after purchasing a gift to give it, hence my early-April Mother’s Day! Little does he know the real gift is that I’m not getting out of bed that day till noon, come hell or high water! Ha!

Also check out Etsy seller sTuck in the Coop for fabulous hand stamped jewellery.

For the new Momma or Momma-to-be, how about a wrap? Essential in those early days when having two free hands is a distant memory, wraps and slings allow Mom to get things done as well as enjoy snuggles with the wee babe. And if you have a colicky little darling? Let me tell you, a wrap is a must-have – my precarious sanity was saved in those first 3 months by my wrap. It was literally the ONLY thing that would shut my son up, and there is something to be said for precious silence, am I right Moms?

This wrap is courtesy of Etsy seller Snuggy Baby, who I’ve heard great things about. Also check out Lovey Duds on Etsy for wraps and slings.

Um, how cute is THIS? Its a tea bag cozy! Holding up to 4 tea bags at a time, you can throw it in your purse, diaper bag, whatever and go! And in a snazzy Amy Butler fabric to boot. This one is courtesy of Etsy seller Rubys Playground.

When you’re just not sure what to get for Mom and you want to go with an old standby, you can’t go wrong with bath products. That is, assuming she actually takes baths/likes bath products. Don’t give your Mom this stuff if she’s a quick shower kinda gal. Just don’t. Its a shame to let it go to waste.

Soaps and other goodies from You Stink are on my list for a Mother’s Day gift to myself. Uber popular with my friends, You Stink has delicious looking/smelling/sounding products in all kinds of smells and forms. Try this Watermelon Whipped Soap for a special treat. How Yummy is that!? Image courtesy of You Stink.

Pretty Things - SPRING!

I feel like a recharged battery today. What a weekend (at least here in the GTA!) - the weather was just stunning. Sunny, seasonably warm, the promise of spring creeping in slowly and warming me to the bone. I didn't realize just how blah and grey this winter had me feeling until it got all warm and bright outside and I felt like grabbing my cutest spring dress and a pair of sandals and playing outside all day! But because I'm sensible and its really not that warm yet, I put on a heavy sweater and some runners and played outside all day instead! Yesterday especially, made me feel like spring was on its way - a delicious brunch shared with fabulous friends (who brought uncooked cookie dough and tulips as a housewarming gift - BEST housewarming gift ever thank you very much!) and then a muddy trip to the dog park which wore us all out. Fabulous.

In honor of my annoyingly chipper mood, here are some Etsy finds that make me think of spring. Happy looking!

Ava Gardens necklace by Rachel D - love the deep colors!

Cotton Candy Rose Cloche by Monkey and Me Frills - can you even deal with the cuteness?!

Lovely Gardenia by millenerium - sometimes I want to get married again so I can wear things like this!

Felt eggs and twigs nest by plytextiles - Adorable. Just adorable

Hope you're having a great day wherever you are and whatever the weather!

Pretty Things.

Sigh. I could spend all day looking at photography and design blogs/websites. In fact, if I didn't have a chubby little man who needs me alot of the time, I probably would spend all day looking at these sites. And don't even get me started on Etsy. My credit card starts vibrating when I type in Etsy's url. I can hear it humming away even in another room, my heart starts skipping beats and I hyperventilate while simultaneously wishing I had oodles of disposable income to spend on handmade goods.

Ideally, I'd like to start posting some regular features on this blog related to design, stationery, and well, life. Hopefully I can outsmart Mr. Procrastination and actually achieve this. My first idea is Etsy Finds. Each week I'd like to just post some things that have caught my eye on Etsy; maybe they'll have a theme and maybe they won't. Just some mindless, fun eye-candy. Remember, support local (and un-local) artists and artisans. There really is nothing like buying handmade.

This week's theme? Yellow and grey. I loooove yellow and grey. Yes, I know its trendy and yes I know I'll be sick of it next year. But for now, love.

Yellow Birds on Gray Tile by LuckyBlueBirdArt

Sadie Handbag by DancingDahlias

Grey and yellow wedding ring pillow by TheBloomingSouth

Stickers by SunshineandRavioli

Baby bib by Turtleparktots