Oliver's Library

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts

but I just picked up a few books from the This Is series to stash away for Christmas

and thought they might make great gift ideas, so a must share!

 book preview

I picked up the This is London, Britain, Edinburgh, Ireland and the World to start but am excited to collect them all! One of the greatest gifts my dad gave to me was to open my eyes to the world around us. He traveled a lot when I was growing up and it ignited a curiosity in me, a passion to learn about other places and how other people live . One of my goals is to teach my kids about other countries and cultures even if we can't travel there. 

First up learning about Britain and the UK, where my dad was born.

our home away from home, even if I've only actually passed through on a connecting flight. 

It's in my blood.and theirs too!

Oliver's Library

This is latest addition to Oliver's book collection and it's a goood one! 

We have been reading every night, we can't seem to get enough. 

The Book About Moomin, Mymble and Little My

feel the purge

Now that it's officially spring, I've got the urge to purge. 

No room in the house will be spared, no drawer overlooked. 

Clutter totally stresses me out. When things are super messy or unorganized which is all the time since having kids, I'm feeling like we need to get ruthless and let go of so many, too many things. 

here are a few of my rules Get Real. Get Rid- if it takes you like 5 or 10 minutes to dream up a scenario of when you could wear it or use it, lose it. If you utter the words, "I forgot I had this" then clearly you have lived your life just fine without it. Move on. Get organized and find it a home- if you can't then chances are it needs to go. Lastly, instead of mindlessly donating it to the closet bin, choose an organization you feel would benefit the most from it.

So I'm committing the rest of April to shaping up and cleaning out our house- so far I've packed up and donated 2 car loads of clothes, toys, books etc. And I'm excited to hit up the remaining rooms... especially the kitchen and pantry. This is an excellent time to take stock, re-arrange and move older items to front to get used up!

i just busted a gut

this article slayed me, honestly its so hilarious(ly true!).

thankfully my kids are too young to jump on the bandwagon of exploited holidays but I feel it coming. 

Oliver is already commenting on this toy or that one, we don't have cable or satellite so he doesn't see commercials at our house but of course everyone else we know does... 

this article is a hysterical reminder to everyone to bring the holidays down a notch!

want, need, have to have

these are all so gorgeous....
I need to marry west elm because I'm in love with everything on their website!
I'll just take one of everything please.

west elm

Oliver's Library

this week's book selection should probably be under 'Georgies' library since they are more apt for her age group, but since Oliver loves pretty much all books, they still peaked his interest. 

these retro inspired books (by Stephen Krensky) about growing out of babyhood are too sweet 

and would make a perfect gift or a great addition to your child's library!

etsy love

It's not going to be happening for awhile but I'm already stashing away ideas for the boys room remodel. Once Finn is ready to be moved into Oliver's room in like a year from now,
I think it will be time to change things up a bit and these prints are definitely part of the plan!
Now if only I could decided on which ones....love them all (although I'm leaning towards the Canadian cities for obvious reasons my heart is with the European ones too) 

 loosepetals

homemade valentines

last night I whipped up some homemade valentines for the kiddos party on Friday.
hot off the press (home photo printer).
Super cute, super easy (and very cheap) personalized valentines for their friends.

lollipop taped to the back is yummy earth organic pops
taste good without the yucky not so good for you stuff which is perfect for little mouths!

Oliver's Library

Oliver has always loved books, even as a baby he was so content to sit and listen to story after story. 

Georgie was very different, she had no time for the stillness that reading required ... until recently. 

True to Georgie's style she picks the time and the place when she's ready for a book by bringing one to me and saying  "read it"

I've recently discovered some greats reads so I thought I would share. 

First up. Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life by Julia Rothman

Now this book is a little advanced for a 3 1/2 year old but he did really enjoy it!

 There are so many great things to learn, from barn styles to how to make a chicken coop, to identifying different plants and flowers and even great recipes. I know this book will be a favourite for years to come for him and me. 

etsy love

hey y'all, my sister-in-law just opened up her etsy shop!

stocked with adorable must-have for the little babes in your life. 

These make great shower gifts for the mamas-to-be or great items to just buy yourself.
She's adding new items all the time and of course accepting custom orders as well.

check out from this town

photos via

This NonSlip change mat is definitely one of my favourites...
very useful, washable, soft on baby and this print gah! so good and gender neutral!

etsy love

so I died and went to coat heaven.

these coats are.... I MEAN! honestly. 

just stop because I need deeper pockets and gahhh! I'm in LOVE.

Can you even handle it? Well done littlegoodall

check out this etsy shop for even more adorable creations.

baby love

 a little gift giving idea for those little ladies in your life...

check out this etsy shop. I've ordered a couple of dolls from this shop in the past, 

for birthday gifts etc and the owner/designer Secelie is such a doll to deal with.

Recently I ask her for a custom listing of 2 large dolls and 4 smaller mini dolls. 

With some back and forth (her attention to detail is great!) she sent me these photos last night!

The cutest right? 

I can't wait to spread the joy this holiday with these adorable dollies.

 these yellow/grey mixes are so unbelievably sweet! 

Check out Heart Felts for your custom creation 

or choose from her wide selection of ready to ship dolls. 

kinfolk

my first issue of kinfolk magazine arrived last week!

filled with beautiful photography, recipes and great articles, 

it's such a pleasure to read and peruse. 

Hubs and I have made a pact to entertain more and after some small home renos 

I think we will have an even better setup for doing so. 

Oh yeah and I need to learn to spend a bit more time in the kitchen too. 

Hoping this new mag will help give me some inspiration!

ps. looking for a great gift for the foodie in your life 

or for someone like me that needs foodspiration?

Check out the kinfolk table

recipes for small gatherings- can't wait to my mitts on this.

stickygram

have you heard about stickygram yet?

Turn all your sweet instagram pics into magnets, it's super easy and extremely fast (and free!) shipping even though they come from the UK. The kids love seeing the magnets on the fridge and where ever else they end up around the house. Also they make a great gift for friends and family, party favours, etc. 

 Use code FRIENDCWHD to receive $2 off your first order!

magnets not your thing? they recently started making phone cases also...

esty love

I bought these ultra adorable felt masks for party favours 

for Oliver and Georgie's joint woodland themed party last May.

and they were a huge hit with the kids (and parents too!)

I thought I would share as they make a great gift for the littles if you are starting to think about xmas gifting... and even if you weren't.

woodland masks from Mahalo, cost about $10 each

 I also bought this adorable set from magicalattic for about $30