Date SMASH Stamp

Yesterday, while shopping at Joann's I came across this really cool date stamp, it was just sitting there by the checkout line waiting for me! It reminded me of the old library stamps used back when I was in grade school and I guess I became a bit nostalgic. This date stamp is definitely functional and fun, with quotes like; “STOLEN', OH, SNAP!”, “Hot Mess” and many more! The stamp is part of  K & Company's SMASH Collection, and is used with their inspiration scrapbooks, but I'm thinking I will find plenty of other uses for it!

Dinosaur Shirts by Vicarious Clothing

With JD's birthday only a few months away I've started looking for his 3rd birthday, birthday party shirt! Every year we buy him a themed birthday shirt and after his birthday I tuck it away for safe keeping. This year his birthday theme is dinosaurs, so I've been on the hunt for the perfect dino shirt. I've come across a lot of really cool ones, but I've falling in love with these fun shirts from Vicarious Clothing.   I'm thinking that the "CARNIVORE" one suits JD, that is unless they come out with a "OMNIVORE" one in time for his birthday!

Library Card Catalog

For a few months now I've become a little obsessed with vintage library card catalogs. There is something so nostalgic, striking and just plain awesome about them! I have come across some really nice re-purposed ones online, but the one below from Poetic Home has to be my all time favorite. I can picture many interesting uses for them: storing trinkets, wine, napkins and so much more. Can you imagine a separate little drawer for all of those little things floating around the house!?

Well, having a mom who works for a school that was built in 1950 has it's perks, and can make for some interesting stored and forgotten items. It turns out that my mom's school actually had not just one library card catalog in storage but two (15 drawer sitting atop a 10 drawer)! They definitely need some TLC, but I'm hoping to get at least one of them to look like the one pictured above from Poetic Home.

Long Beach Antique Market

Event Held 3rd Sunday of Every Month

Long Beach Veterans Stadium

4901 E. Conant Street

Long Beach, CA 90808

 www.longbeachantiquemarket.com

I Heart Nordstrom Rack!

They recently opened a new Nordstrom Rack near my home and I have to admit I've become a little obsessed! For my birthday last December I received a few Norstrom gift cards and have been slowly spending them in the last few weeks. I'm always amazed at their low prices and although their items may be considered "Last Season"! I don't particularly mind; I just adore cute stuff. Here are a few of my latest finds.

1. Kut from the Kloth Catherine Boyfriend Cut Jeans

2. CL by Chinese Laundry Ionia Wedge

3. Envy "Medium Tool" Bag

4. TOMS Navy Canvas Classics

Teaching JD about Responsibilities

Before we got JD a dog, we had a long talk with him about what his dog would need on a daily basis. Other than the obvious love and attention that a dog requires, there are walks, meals, water, play, sleep and discipline to think about. JD loves Bailey; sometimes he doesn’t even want to go to school because he hates to leave her behind. He enjoys taking Bailey out for walks too, but this morning I actually made him come along for a morning walk. The first thing JD said as we walked out the door was “It's so cold mom” and I agreed with him. I explained that even though it was cold we needed to take Bailey out for a walk and he said, “So she can go pee-pee and feel better.” How cute is that! Kids around JD's age can be so egocentric and we are hoping that having Bailey around will teach him to think about others needs.

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits

Page Museum

5801 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.tarpits.com

Ruffle Cake Plate

I adore cake plates and stands, there is something about them that just makes me happy! I've been in search of a small green cake stand for a couple weeks now and with a quick lunch trip to Home Goods this week my search ended! I found this simply perfect 8" moss green ruffled cake stand for $6.99 and was honestly giddy the entire day. Home Goods has an amazing collection of cake stands. If you like this one in particular and can not find it at your local Home Goods, you can purcahse an identical one here.

Valentine Cake Pops

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I've been working on a few treat ideas for JD and his classmates. I wanted to send something cute, sweet and bite size to school. Luckily for me I have Micaela of  Zendejas Goodies (sweetest cake pop maker in town) on speed dial and she was more than happy to help. Micaela made me a few samples to work with and I just added a few simple extras to make them toddler friendly and fun!

What you will need:

• 12 cake pops
• 6 paper straw (cut in half)
• 1 sheet of decorative paper (cut in 5” x 2” strips)
• Glue or double sided tape
• Scissors

Gumball Cookie Jar

I purchased this cookie jar in green last week from Tuesday Morning and I just had to share it's cuteness! I love gumball machines and can picture so many fun uses for these jar. Currently we're using it for dogs treats (JD's idea), but I might just need to get one more for actual cookies! If you can't find one at your local Tuesday Morning, you can purchase them at Ginny's online  for a few dollars more!

Tuesday Morning $19.99

Ginny's $24.99 (on sale)

Dinosaur Party Ideas

With JD's 3rd birthday coming up in May I've been pinning party ideas like crazy! This years theme is “Dinosaurs”! JD loves dinos and every time I come home with a dinosaur item he immediately says “That's for my dino party”! This year we’re doing things a little differently and I'm really excited for JD; he has no idea what we have in store for him! Here are a few of my favorite pins, but if your looking for more dinosaur party ideas please visit my entire board here.