baby book shower

My brother and his wife announced over the Christmas holidays that they were expecting their first baby. After the initial screams, tears, hugs, and congratulations, I immediately began scouring pinterest for the perfect baby shower theme. Lucky for me, my sister-in-law is pretty much a super laid back chick and gave my Type A, OCD self free reign over the creation of the best baby book shower ever. 

I was drawn to the idea of a children's book themed shower. Pinterest was a wealth of pin-spiration for all things shower related from invitations and decoration to food and favors. This is an overview of the finished product. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting about individual elements with some tutorials and freebies sprinkled along the way. 

So Welcome to Natalie's Baby Book Shower

Guest were greeted by this hand lettered chalkboard sign announcing Story Time. The window frame is a salvage from the family barn. 

The scene was set with many vintage toys and books from both new parents' childhoods. The check- in and thank you paper boxes were Target dollar aisle finds customized with hand lettering and mini paper pennants. I love the book themed sign in book that I found several months ago at World Market. 

These vintage blocks were a steal at one of my favorite local antique shops. My daughter and I spent a good hour searching through a huge wicker basket looking for the perfect mix to spell out the baby's last name. These are now proudly on display in the nursery.

The food for the brunch time shower was centered around our book theme. The menu was printed on coordinating scrapbook paper and displayed on the spines of brown paper covered books.

This little corner display is jam packed with family toys and vintage children's books. A quick look through my teacher stash of books helped to fill the shelves.

An old book was transformed into these paper fans and book wreath. A tutorial for the book wreath is in the works.

One of the biggest hits for the guests was the Mimosa Bar. The inspiration came from this pin from kojo-design.com.

This vintage family playpen was the perfect spot for guest to drop off their guests and books.

As friends and family headed home, they picked a custom bookmark from the Thank You box. Another tutorial is in the works for these simple favors. Several of the guest are teachers that are waiting to get their hands on this printable.

Photo credit for this post goes to my fabulous cousin, Heather Smith. Thanks for taking on the challenge of shooting this photo story. <3 

time for summer cleaning

Am I the only one that loves cleaning closets??? I guess it's the feeling of accomplishment when you walk in and know just were everything is at your fingertips. There are tons of post, pins, and opinions on how to best clean your closest.

1. Get in the mood. This will take awhile so get into some comfy clothes, crank up the music, and dive in.
2. Be prepared. Gather a box (or two or three) for things to sell, donate, or trash. Clean out a space to put things as you begin sorting- I tend to use my bed as a staging area. 
3. Be mentally prepared too. Remember they're just clothing- if you haven't worn it in over a year, it doesn't fit, or just isn't your style any more- toss it. You can do it.
4. Now that you're prepped, pick a spot to begin. I usually start in the closet with all the folded items. It looks like a mess at first..... a towering pile of t-shirts, knits, and tops across the bed.
5. Take a good look at each item and ask yourself: is it in good condition?, does the item need to be laundered or mended?, when did I last where this item? (if you pull it out and wonder where or when it came from it's a toss). 
6. If it passes the first test, it's time for the fit test. I typically put all the possible "keeps" together and then try them all on at once. Here comes the big moment, try it on, take a good look in a full length mirror, and be honest- if don't love the way you look in it- it's got to go! Life's too short to hoard clothes that don't make you look and feel fabulous.
7. Anything that makes it through Round 2 is neatly folded or hung and sorted- ready to go back in the closet- but not quite yet.
8. Before you begin to reload that closet, take the time to clean up the space- vacuum the floor boards, dust anything that needs it, and take a look around. Are there other items that shouldn't be in there- relocate them to their rightful place.
9.  A place for everything & everything in it's place. Now's the time to think about organizational tools that you may be lacking. Begin by best utilizing the storage options that you have in place. Stack frequently used items front and center on open shelving. I love the modular systems available from the Container Store and big box stores like Lowe's. They offer you tons of flexibility to custom fit your needs. Keep like items together- it sounds simple but keeping your solid tees together, printed tees in another pile, etc. makes getting the perfect outfit together much simpler. Think about your favorite stores and how they are organized- use that as your inspiration. If you need a specialty storage solution for a particular item, make a list for your next trip out to pick them up at the same time.
10. Reload-  Now that you decided which items make the grade, it's time to put it back together. Make sure to think about how you get dressed each day and structure your area to fit your needs. Store off season items out of the way. 
11. Enjoy! Sit back, have a glass of wine and celebrate your accomplishments.

Next up- filling the void- finding those pieces that your {im}perfect wardrobe is missing. Also, perking up that recently re-organized closet to making it your dressing room dream.

all in the details

Summer time brings thoughts of travel and vacation! Over the next couple of weeks, I will  post my top tips for travel.
 If you're like me, you have a tendency in over pack. You never know when you'll need that floor length sequined gown at the beach, right? This summer, I'm making an effort to pack more thoughtfully. One way to make every square inch of that valuable luggage space count is to choose pieces that can work in multiple situations.
Here's one outfit that can work for a sight seeing walking tour, outdoor concert, and dinner with the girls- just to name a few. It's all about beginning with a super basic classic look and popping the details. Let's take a look.

The basics: 3/4 length light grey dolman sleeved shirt and matchstick white jeans.


 walking tour 

For a day time tour, add some fun converse sneakers, shades, and a sweet fedora to keep the sun at bay. Throw on my fav cargo jacket to stop the early morning chill.

shoes: grey/ white polka dot Converse
jacket: j. crew factory cargo jacket
hat: woven fedora, target


outdoor concert

Switch out the cons for a pop of color with some comfy flats. A light weight scarf in a watercolor print balances the shoes. No need for a big bag, keep it simple with a wristlet perfect for phone, cards, and lipstick.

 

shoes: red flats
scarf: watercolor floral print scarf, target, similar
wristlet: owl print wristlet, fossil

dinner date

  Take the chic factor up a couple of notches for a dinner out. A statement necklace, black and chrome clutch, and nude heels can take you from dinner to club hopping all night long.

necklace: white bib necklace, target, similar
bag: black clutch, old black house white market
shoes: nude peep toe heels, similar

What's your favorite packing tip? Send me your tips or pins for a later post.

did you miss me????

If any of you are teachers, married to a teacher, or have a teacher friend, you know that May is the kiss of death for relationships or getting anything other than school stuff done. All of May, this little blog has been bubbling over on the back burner- tons of post ideas simmering away with no time to put them into action.

Well, as of  June 4, school's out for summer (insert your best Alice Cooper imitation here) and I'm ready to get back to the blogger world. Here's hoping that some of you have been patience enough for this return post.

There are so many things that I want to share with you all. First up on the summer to do list is a great big baby shower for my brother and sister-in-law. Many posts are in the works on how this amazing event came together. For a sneak peak of my thought process, check out my pin-spiration board here. The shower happens this weekend, so I'm back at the ancestral home to get the festivities under way.

They say that putting things in writing spurs you on to put them into action. So, on that front, here's my hope it happens summer list.

1. Freshening up my home decor with some no/ low cost home makeovers.
2. Travel- DC here we come.
3. Style tips for women over 30 that don't want to look like there over 50.
4. Getting into shape (that's not round) before my sister's wedding this Fall.
5. Working through some of my pinboards and making them in real life.

So that's a taste of what's to come this summer. Hope that you check back soon!

raise your hand

Looking for a easy, fun, quirky teacher appreciation gift? Then download this printable and add a simple frame for a {im}perfect gift. and you know, who doesn't love a mustache?????

Keeping it simple,

more than just apples

May 5- 9 is one of a teacher's favorite weeks of the year, only surpassed by the 10 weeks of summer vacation- Teacher Appreciation Week. And though a teacher would never turn down a gift given by a student, well, we really have enough apples- apple charms, apple pictures, apple tchotchkes, apples, apples, apples. Let's face it, teachers are people too and love outside of the apple box ideas.

 Pinterest is a room mom's best friend when it comes to celebrating those great teachers in your child's life. From the simple ideas {check this one out} to the over the top super mom, Martha Stewart-esques, you can find it all. Here's a run down on my top 10 pinterest Teacher Appreciation gifts.

1/ great key fob tutorial complete with printable from she's kinda crafty
2/  puns make a great gift beginning- here's one from tammy mitchell photography
3/ love these mini clipboards from dollar store crafts
4/ for the book lover, here's sew crafty book bag from city house studio
5/ this gift's a perfect bullseye from landeelu
6/ love this box of sunshine from happy money saver
7/ teachers are waiting for summer too & this gift will get them ready from the lovely cupboard
8/ recycling a Pringle's can into a pencil snack pack- great idea from gluesticks and tape
9/ cute packaging can make the most simple gift spectacular
10/ here's another great round up of ideas


When in doubt, remember gift cards are always the right size. You can find these pins and more on my board, more than just apples. Follow me for more ideas for thanking that special teacher. And while we're on the subject of great teachers- don't forget all those special programs teachers too- art teachers, music teachers, P.E. teachers, etc. These people are truly the unsung, forgotten heroes of the elementary education system. They typically teacher every student in a school building with very little support or praise. They are the backbone of a child's education, giving praise, encouragement, and inspiration daily.

Check back this week for a couple of style & {im}perfection freebie printables for the [im]perfect teacher appreciation gifts.

take time this weekend

I'm a sucker for a good quote or a chevron print. Put the two together and you have a little {im}perfection.

 Life here was been more than a little chaotic (the toughest months for a teacher have got to be April & May) and the posting has been severely spotty. But thanks for baring with me and the new blogger growing pains. 

My gift to you, my faithful readers (all 5 of you...) this springy little printable. Click here to download and share. Enjoy your Easter holiday!

first {im}pression

they say you only get one chance to make a first impression and this super cute and simple Easter burlap carrot door hanger makes a perfect impression. Pair it with the perfect pink geraniums, a pop of teal, and this cute door mat from Target & you have a quite a statement. Hoppy Easter!

burlap door tutorial

Begin by creating a template for your carrot. In my very professional way (LOL), I cut half a carrot from old newspaper so that my shape would be symmetrical. Trace on to your burlap with pencil.

Using a rotatory cutter, cut out two copies of the carrot. I just doubled over the burlap & cut them out at the same time. The rotatory cutter makes it a snap to cut out rounded and irregular shapes.

Here's the finished cut out. Next comes the painting. I love acrylic craft paints because of the variety of colors.

Begin painting the base orange color. Let dry or blow dry.

Move on to the green leafy top and finish up with some fun sherbetty orange polka dots.  

Using a paint pen, add your phrase. I thought Hoppy Easter was a fun twist. 

Let's put this thing together. Cut several ribbons to length desired and knot loosely on both ends. Make sure to leave a "tail" to hot glue between the two layers of burlap.

 Using a hot glue gun, glue the front (painted) and back (plain) sides of the burlap together. Don't forget to add the ribbon hanger at the top.

Leave an opening to stuff your carrot. I love to use old plastic store bags- great way to recycle all those Target bags! Finish hot gluing the edges. Enjoy the finished piece!

window shopping

I love the couple of weeks in Texas that we call Spring- temperatures below 80, nice & sunny, and breezy. Mornings can start off pretty chilly and this lovely cocoon cardigan from Target is the perfect light-weight cover up.This is actually the second time I've purchased this cardigan. The first one had an unfortunate accident on our way home from a family vacation to Walt Disney World. A can of aerosol sunscreen leaked all over the back of the original creating a huge stain. Needless to say,  I looked for months for the perfect replacement. On a recent trip to Target (Tar- Jeh when we're feeling fancy), I located this little gem in a light cream. It works with everything, sundresses, shorts, jeans, and pencil skirts too. My new old fav cardi was just the completer piece I needed for this window shopping outfit (plus anytime I can add a belt is a plus)!

just in case you were wondering what's in the j. crew bag, check out my #outfitdujour on instagram- picked up a love bird baseball tee on sale- love shopping <3

cream cocoon cardigan: /Target/

chevron maxi dress: /anthropologie/ similar similar

yellow leather & rope belt: /anthropologie/ 

wooden bead necklace: similar 

orange polka dot cross body bag: /fossil/

ombre leather sandals: /aldo/ similar

#instanthappy, the first week

So here's a recap of the first week of my #instanthappy challenge. I love taking time every morning to reflect on one simple thing that makes me happy. It's amazing how something so simple can really change your perspective. Also, my 13 year old daughter (that's her up in the top left corner a couple of years back) is "following" me and playing along too! That makes it a win/ win for me, no matter how many others out there play along. But if you'd like to start your day a little bit happier, the rules are simple- click the pic to find me on instagram. Follow me and upload a pic everyday #instanthappy. Looking forward to see your happy.