Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

Chic for Cheap: A Baby Shower in New Hampshire

Hello lovelies!  It's been a while since my last Chic for Cheap post but I decided to end my hiatus to try my hand at helping out Jennifer; a reader (and mom to a 1 year old) who will soon be flying from California to New Hampshire to attend a family-hosted baby shower at a country club (with a dress code).  Being a Cali girl who is still trying to adjust to East Coast weather I figured this was my perfect challenge. 

Here's a bit more about Jennifer's specific needs:

"I'm in desperate need of your help in putting together a very chic look for an upcoming event that is taking place in two weeks!  I live in California and am flying out to New Hampshire for my sister-in-law's baby shower.  The shower is being held at a country club that has a strict dress code - no jeans.  On top of that, I'm bringing along my one year old daughter to introduce to majority of the family for the first time so I want to make sure I look presentable.  I have a bit of a dilemma - I've never been to the east coast outside of Summer so I'm not sure what the weather will be like so I want to make sure I'm prepared for whatever and I need to make sure that whatever I wear can keep up with chasing around a toddler.  I have looked just about everywhere for the right look and continue to come up short.  I would be forever so grateful if you could help me out with this!"

I realize that the look I came up with is on the neutral side (palette wise), but I wanted to focus on choosing materials that look luxe and more expensive then they are...and I think just about any mom could show up wearing this and feel great.  If the grey/black is too heavy, then I'd recommend adding in some color with the accessories.  Maybe a necklace with pops of color, or a fabulous bag.  Also, the weather this time of year can be rather unpredictable (so far as I've experienced) and warmer pieces such as the tights and sweater can be packed along and used or left off as the weather requires for the day of the event.  The little girl's outfit was just an add-on...the total for the main look is $153.29.

Melissa has put together an outfit on her blog too... so be sure to check that out.  Have fun Jennifer!  xox Ez

• Gold Hope Earrings ~ Patina Stores
• Classic Tights ~ American Eagle
• Printed Knit Tights ~ Baby Gap
• Belted Cable-knit Sweater Dress for babies ~ Old Navy
• Gauze Embossed Metallic Wallet ~ Forever 21
• Shiny Ballet Flats ~ Baby Gap
• Cabled Open Front Cardigan ~ Forever 21
• Dinner Party Dress ~ Mod Cloth
• Lizard Print Flats ~ Old Navy

In Good Company: Daytrip Society

I just came across the Daytrip Society online shop yesterday and am loving their creative assortment of products for home, living and more.  Their paper goods section is one of my favorites and there are some great earth-conscious things to be found in their green department.  You can see much more right here.  xox Ez

Wish List: Patterned + Blue

Hello lovelies!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend.  I'm still here in New Jersey hunting for an apartment/home (not much luck so far) and will be back in California and hopefully returning to a more regular posting schedule in just a few days.  Thanks for hanging in with me.

In the meantime...here are a few pretties from my wish list.  Such lovely colors and patterns don't you think?!  What's on your wish list right now?  I'd love for you to show me with a link in the comment section below.  xox Ez

• Vintage Blue Embroidered Infant Top ~ Belle Heir
• Sukie Plained Lined Journal ~ Greer Chicago
• Ladybeard illustration ~ Clare Owen
• "Dress I Saw at Church" pattern design ~ bluekdesign
• Ring ~ Isharya
• Boucle Wire Wastepaper Basket ~ Shoestring Home
• Ishi Plates (on sale for only $1.50) ~ Crate & Barrel
• Nari Noodle Bowl ~ Crate & Barrel

As Seen On Nesting: 06. 12. 09

I recently had the privileged of interviewing a lovely contact of mine from Flickr for a home tour on Cookie Magazine's Nesting Blog.  My post is up now, and I hope you'll stop on over for a little visit.  The Thompson home is full of thrifty goodness and fun!  xox Ez

A Sweet Cupcake Roundup

Hello again lovelies!  I realized that my D.I.Y Cupcake Toppers post from earlier today couldn't be complete without a sweet roundup of cupcake recipes, books, and more.  So here you are... some yummy picks for the sweet tooth in us all:

1. The Cupcake Deck ~ Chronicle Books
2. Cupcakes! ~ Chronicle Books
3. Hello, Cupcake! ~ Amazon
4. Martha Stewart's Cupcakes ~ Amazon
5. 75 Spring Tulip Cupcake Papers ~ Layer Cake Shop
6. Letterpress Printed Cupcake Boxes ~ Simplesong

More sweetness:

• The Confectionery Gift Wrap Kit and Cupcake Kit ~ both at Chronicle Books
• Cupcake Recipes ~ free from Martha Stewart.com
• Snow & Graham Hey There Cupcake Card ~ Luxe Paperie
• More pretty cupcake liners and accessories can be found at: Bake it Pretty  |  Cake With Love  |  Cupcake Social  |  Cute Cups (the cutest cupcake supplies ever)

Don't forget you can also download free cupcake tags from me, right here.  xox Ez

D.I.Y. Cupcake Toppers & Garlands with Repurposed Paper

While packing up my house I keep coming across project ideas that I've filed away to share with you all at sometime or other.  I'll have to save the other ones until after my move, but today I wanted to show you how to make some sweet and super easy cupcake toppers and little paper garlands, using scraps of paper that you have laying around your home or office.

For my toppers and garland I used a mix of magazine tears and security envelopes (of which I have a massive drawer full).  My daughter and I are always on the lookout for discarded security envelopes, and luckily the recycling bin at our post office is always chock-full of pretty little wonders for our collection.  I'm also in the midst of ripping apart my magazine collection and consolidating my favorite clippings into organized binders...so this project fit in just perfect.  I shy away from calling this a truly eco-friendly craft, but by giving new life to old paper that would otherwise be headed for the rubbish heap...it is at the very least a project I (and hopefully you) can feel relatively good about creating.

CUPCAKE TOPPER SUPPLIES:

• Scrap paper at least 1/2"x 3.5"
• Ruler
• Scissors
• (optional) rotary cutting tool or craft knife and self-healing mat
• Toothpicks (plain, not the mint kind) with only one pointed end.  If you only have two-sided variety you can carefully snip off the sharp point beforehand with some wire cutters or sharp scissors.
• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS:

1. Collect up scrap paper of standard to medium weight from around your home or office.  Suggestions: security envelopes, magazines, old calendars, old letters, kids artwork, discarded gift wrap, old maps, etc.
2. Cut strips from your scrap paper that measure 1/2" x  3.5" using scissors or your chosen cutting tool.  Keep in mind the colors, patterns and motifs that will show in the section you cut out.  For a cohesive look, try matching colors or using complimentary shades or patterns.
3. Fold your strips of paper in half, then open and apply glue to the inside of your rectangle.
4. Roll the non-pointed end of your toothpick along the top of your glue stick until it has a coat of glue attached to it (this will help is stay put during the next step).
5. Insert your toothpick (dull-side up) along the fold line inside your rectangle.
6. Seal the two sides together, pinching lightly where the toothpick is hidden inside the paper to secure.  Smooth out any air bubbles.  The toothpick may be slightly loose at this point, but this should improve once the glue has dried.
7. Using your scissors, cut out a V shape at the end to create the look of a pennant.
8. Top your cupcakes, treats, or favors and enjoy!

Note: please take special care when using toothpick toppers around little children.

GARLAND SUPPLIES:

• Scrap paper at least 1"x 4"
• Ruler
• Scissors
• (optional) rotary cutting tool or craft knife and self-healing mat
• Twine, ribbon, or string of some fashion.  The silver variety I used was found in the beading section of my local craft store.
• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS:

Follow cupcake directions above with two variations:

• Cut paper strips into 1"x 4" strips.
• After folding papers in half and applying glue, attach them to a thin length of twine.  You can space the papers out how you'd like.  Hang and enjoy!

I hope you liked my little projects and that they will inspire you to start looking at the scraps of paper around your home a bit differently.  xox Ez

Giveaway Time: Frazier + Wing Mobile from Fawn & Forest

Okay guys... hold me back from entering myself in this giveaway from Fawn & Forest...because I'm seriously tempted!  One lucky winner will received the 20" or 22" Frazier + Wing Mobile of their choice (a $75 value).  I don't know about you, but I've been dreaming of owning one of these beauties for ages!  Melissa has one hanging in her home and it is amazing in person...and makes such a great statement in the room without overwhelming the space at all.

Now here's how you can enter to win: UPDATE - THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

• Visit the Frazier + Wing section of Fawn & Forest and browse through their 20" and 22" mobiles and find your favorite (be sure that it is the 20" or 22" size).  Come back here and tell me which one you'd like to win and where it will be hung in your home when it's yours.
• Please be sure to include your first name AND last initial when commenting or I will not include you in the final drawing to select the winner.
• One comment per reader please (I do use IP tracking)
• This contest will end Monday, June 1st and the winner will be announced here on Tuesday, June 2nd.
• Best of luck to you all!

A huge thanks to the crew at Fawn & Forest for offering such a fantastic prize.  Be sure to check out their site for amazing gear for the entire family...their Forest Finds section is especially wonderful!  xox Ez

Fabric Wall Decals from Mae

Just yesterday I discovered these wonderful removable, reusable, washable Fabric Wall Decals by Mae (via Paper n Stitch) and I immediately had to write a post about them for Cookie Mag's Nesting Blog.  Come check out my post for the link to Mae's amazing shop of wonders!  I picked up the Dress Up Dolls for my daughter and the Oh Deer set for myself!  Yay!  xox Ez

Chic for Cheap: Summer Looks for a New Mom

Hello lovelies.  Today's chic for cheap request comes from a reader who is a new mom with some specific needs for her summer wear.  Even though her guidelines may not be the same as yours or mine, I'm hoping the pieces I chose could easily be worn by any of us (that's my intent at least).  Let's find out a little bit more about what Erin's looking for:

"I'm hoping you can help me with finding some great options for summer.  Here's my issue: I love wearing dresses in summer - love the ease, the comfort, and the way a dress instantly makes you look put together.  The problem is that this summer I am nursing a baby, and am having a difficult time finding dresses that can accommodate this.  I don't want to buy specially designed nursing dresses - so I need something that has either a very stretchy neckline or buttons up.  Any thoughts?"

Since a dress is nearly a whole look in just one piece, I decided to go for two different looks (both can be mixed and matched).  And for two complete outfits that can then be accessorized to create additional looks, I think the price tag is pretty fabulous, don't you?!  Don't forget to check out Melissa's look right here.  xox Ez

• Deep Harbor Blue Dress - Ruche
• Interlocked Thin Bangle Set - Forever 21
• Anita Sleeveless Woven Dress (also available in white and black) - Forever 21
• Tobbyn Sandals - Target
• Triple Handle Tote in Bone - Target (much more stylish than a standard diaper bag)
• Lion Sandals in Gold - Target

Shop Love: Made by Mosey

You simply must pay a visit to Made by Mosey... a wonderful little esty shop with handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations, such as, cloud, butterfly, and bird mobiles, hankie blankies (my favorite) and more.  Would it be weird for me to buy a baby blanket to put on the end of my bed or to hang a mobile over my desk?  I think I really want to.  {SHOP} . {SITE}

As Seen On Nesting: 04. 06. 09

Today I am beyond thrilled to share with you all, a very special home tour post that I wrote for Nesting.  I hope you'll come on over and get to know the Melissa we adore (and her beautiful home) a little bit better.

xox  Ez

As Seen On Nesting

I just wanted to share my most recent post that I wrote for Nesting with you all.  This is such a brilliant idea (from Sarah Jane Studios) for giving new life to something that would otherwise be discarded.  You could apply the concept to any old art or paper clipping (maybe vintage paper, a magazine image, old love letter... etc.)  Read the article and find the attributing links right here.

Today I Love: Donna Wilson's Creations

There's is something that really captivates me about Donna Wilson's work.  Especially her soft little cuddly Creatures.  I just want to bring them all home and line them up on my bed like I used to do with my stuffed animals when I was little.  Such big personalities in such a tiny little packages.  I love them all!

See all of Donna's creations here.

Chic for Cheap: A Classy Birthday Look

Hello lovelies.  As you're reading this I'm probably on my way to take our dog into the vet for her appointment.  Thank you all (each and every one of you) for taking the time to leave such warm and caring thoughts for us.  It truly means the world to me!  I'll let you know when I have an update on her condition from the vet.  xox

Erin from Lucky Designs will soon be throwing a birthday party for her daughter's first birthday and asked for a few ideas to go along with her theme of navy, yellow, and white daisies.

This one was kind of tricky for me.  At one point I actually had 4 different boards started with incomplete looks on them... but in the end I went with this outfit because of the dress.  I think that it has a great silhouette that is flattering for many different figure types, and the dark color means that when little ones grab on with frosting-covered fingers, stains will not show (very important, right).

Don't forget to check out Melissa's look right here.

• Wool Blend Felt Headband - Facinator from Shoozie Shoes (so cute I just had to include it)
• Floral Twist-neck Dress at Gap
• Winter Flower Hair Clips in blue and ivory by Thread & Petal
• Dahlia in the Garden Ring by eRosasJewelry
• Valonia Pumps in navy at Target (Okay, these might not be the most practical for a child's birthday, but you'll look amazing at least)

Congratulations on your daughter's big milestone Erin.  I hope the party is filled with all kinds of memory making fun for both young and old alike.
xox
Ez

Made My Day

At the end of last week Joanna of Cup of Jo asked me a few fun questions about my daughter's room makeover and has shared my answers in a feature over on Cookie Magazine's Nesting blog.  If you're interested, I hope you'll stop on over and check it out.
Thanks so much Joanna... you totally made my day!
xox
Ez

It's a Small World

The newest online edition of small magazine is out now and it's chock full of beautiful layouts and wonderful inspirations (they had me at Julie Morstad).  See the whole thing right here.

One Good Thing

Sweet little Cosine Bird Whistles... perfect for perching on your desktop and for entertaining young and old alike!
{available at Design Within Reach}

Inspired by: Wynona Robison

Photographer Wynona Robison (via Wende on Twitter)

Gift Ideas from Fawn & Forest

I was super flattered when the lovely team over at Fawn & Forest asked me to pick a selection of my favorite goodies from their site to share with everyone.  You can check out my picks here, and see other guest gift picks right here (click the "guest gift picks" button on the left side of the page).
Thanks Fawn & Forest for including me.

Gift Guide: $30 and Under for Babies + Kids

Row I: Monster Magoo Softie by Plants & Animals, Blueberries & Cream Quilted Bib at Good EGG Industries, Hand-woven Baby Scarf by Billy Sue Textiles, Sorting Box at ModernTots

Row II: Wall Plaques (other animals and sizes available) from Romp, Felt Bird Purse Sewing Kit at ReForm School, Baby Leather Moks by Scandeez, Bath Toys at Fawn & Forest

Row III: Baby Boots by Aurelia and Annalise, Flower Press at Romp, Ulla Softie by Junker Jane, Ballerina Tee by All-Mighty Clothing

Row IV: eeBoo Sewing Cards at Genius Babies, Out & About Bottles (two sizes available) at Romp, Felt Flower Headband by Lou and Lee, Custom Hand-carved Bookplate Rubber Stamp by The Mayberry Sparrow 

Here are a few ideas for the little rascals on your holiday list.  When shopping for gifts for kids I always try to keep the parents in mind.  Because really, what holiday-frazzled parent wants to listen to a plastic doll say "mama, mama, mama" or a toy gun with it's pre-recorded tazzer sound effects play on auto repeat for hours at a time?!

Do you have great gift suggestions for babies and kids that are under $30?  If so, I'm sure we'd all love to know.  Leave a link to items you've found in the comment section below.