a pretty package

Ribbons, bows, butterflies & lace...oh how I'd love to open one of these gifts - it doesn't matter what's inside really, the package is just that pretty. A great way to use up little wrapping scraps, too. image via oh hello friend

american girls

I'm not sure if you've heard of a little company called American Girl...but if you're a 6-8 year old girl, there's a good chance of mild obsession. I can only compare it to my love for Barbies in the late 80's, but these dolls actually have an educational history behind them (without the huge pointy boobs and mini waist). So...when Ruby asked if her friends could come over with their American Girl dolls for a lunch, I went all out. Finger foods, hair stations for the girls & their dolls, mani/pedi's, a mini-photo shoot and frame decorating. It was really girly & super fun.

{happy friday!}

Have the very best weekend, my friends. And...if you're so inclined to give this surfboard trick a try, please send pics! xo amber image via amy honey's flickr

kitschy 'lil camper

A camping trip in this ultra cool+retro trailer would be all-out good times. Meet Constance, a 1957 trailer available for photo shoots, but not camp life. Love it!

{gorgeous} cluster

First off - thank you to all who voted on the nursery bedding - you're awesome! I will let you know later this week which makes the final cut. On another nursery note...how pretty is this lighting cluster of lanterns? I can imagine a very happy, giggling baby waking up to these! image: fffound (please tell me if this is your image so I can give credit)

the final four {please vote!}

Ok, I really need your help - all opinions welcome! These are the final four crib bedding options for the nursery. Whichever bedding we decide on will help us pick a room color, and with 8 weeks to go, I need to get on it. So, which do you like best? 1. organic butterflies  2. dwell dragonfly  3. dwell charlotte  4. skip+hop

{happy friday!}

What could be more relaxing than a floating bed? Looks heavenly right about now, xo  image:anthropologie

the gypsy {non-diaper bag}

I'm pretty anti-diaper bag, so when I saw this I knew it had to be mine. Big enough for all the mom necessities, but also so cute I can't stand it.

fabric frenzy

I've been in a complete fabric-obsession, trying to begin+complete the baby nursery. These screenprinted fabrics are just what I'm looking for.

{cozy-up} + {snuggle-in}

Maybe it's the brisk autumn mornings, but all I want to do is cozy up in one of these bedroom nooks. top image: brown button

{wallflower}

How could you ever be unhappy in this room?! Looks like a huge blown-up vintage botanical, I love every bit of it.  via LivingEctMay2009

{happy friday!}

It's been one of those weeks. I'm neither up or down, just kind of hanging in there. 29 weeks prego and feeling every bit of it. xo, amber  pretty pink image

{dixie cup} pops

When school's out at 2:30 I try to come up with a project - nothing over-the-top, just anything that doesn't involve the TV. Today we made dixie cup pops with lemonade, orange juice and a little cranberry juice - such little mess for such big smiles in the end!

pie {in the sky}

I've always been a pie-girl, rather than a cake or any-other-kind of dessert girl. Birthday pies suit me just fine, and really, is there anything better than warm homemade berry pie with ice cream? These are some of the most scrumptious pie recipes of all time (try not to drool on your keyboard), and that apple one is calling my name. via hostess with the mostess

hand carved stamps

Such great designs - I love how these look stamped on kraft paper! Unlimited possibilities...

via style files + geninne's art blog

{happy friday!}

Happy holiday weekend, lovelies! My project list is chock full - lots to share with you in the coming weeks:

• project nursery - my nesting instinct is in full swing. we're turning our large closet space into the baby's room.

• invitations - still working on my line, I've been designing an invite-a-day and making cute mini-mock ups.

image: tere arigo

cookies {for gifting}

Probably the sweetest gift ever from the always inspiring Bakerella - full instructions and labels to download here. I heart these for just about any occasion.

plum ruffle dress

I am all about plum for the Fall - from nail polish to sweaters, bring it on! How cute is this satin + chiffon ruffle dress? Well, you can afford to buy about 3 of them for your very own right here, plus some others while you're at it. Hellooooo Fall!

september soups

I've gushed about my love for soup many times over, but now that September has rolled in I can finally break out the recipes and let the simmering begin. These recipes all look divine, even better with a loaf of crusty french bread.