Swoon & Sigh: July 2011

29 July, 2011

Blog love

One of my favorite parts of textile design work is making inspiration/mood boards. I love to collect beautiful images that appeal to me on a gut level without having to really think of the how or why. Usually, when you put them all together, you will discover a common thread or a theme will emerge. And though it's tedious, I actually enjoy creating/matching color palettes drawn from certain inspirations. It's kind of a meditative act in a weird way. So I was so excited to come across the Color Collective blog, which was created as a color resource for designers. Lauren has incredible taste. Definitely going to the top of my inspiration blog list.

check out Lauren's other blog here

27 July, 2011

This doll suitcase is going straight to the top of my (l o n g) to-do list of DIY craft projects. I love that you can make interchangeable backdrops for different rooms and that the doll and all of her accessories fit neatly under the "floor". Also, the inner neat freak in me loves how easily this can all be put away. It's also a great travel toy...

love the doily floor mat..

I'm thinking this doll I made for Veda would like to live somewhere like this...

love all the tiny doll clothes

source via

21 July, 2011

Artist: Sholeh Asgary

loving the beautiful artwork of Sholeh Asgary
via

20 July, 2011

beet cake

this video captures the beauty of baking... cake + beets? 2 of my favorite things.. must be delicious!

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

18 July, 2011

The first first

Last night Veda slept in her own room for the first time. It was a change that we kept putting off, even though she was beginning to outgrow her moses basket. There are other reasons for the move as well... I am hoping I will get a better night sleep knowing that my every toss and turn won't potentially wake her. And really, let's face it, getting un/dressed in the dark is no fun. We also know that it will be nice to have some privacy again. But still, as I got into bed and saw the empty basket, a giant lump swelled in my throat. This would be the first night in 5 months that she wasn't a foot away from me- and that's not to mention the 9 months before! Even though there was only about 7 feet and a wall separating us, it felt much bigger. It made me realize that this is the first of many firsts, and I was reminded that becoming a parent is a continual lesson in letting go. Of course, Veda made it through the night just fine on her own, and in the end, so did I..

14 July, 2011

yesterday, we had a little struggle over nap time in the afternoon. as in, veda was having none of it. after 1.5 hours of trying and failing, i decided the best thing for both of us was to get out of the house. we went to the playground for a little swing time. this is what happened...

♥

12 July, 2011

5 months old

Dear Veda,

Happy 5 months little bird! You are turning into the sweetest, happiest, most life loving person I know. The world has suddenly become SOOO exciting, you can hardly stand it! Every day is a new adventure of discovery. I often wonder what you think of it all...

*You had your first swing at the playground this month. You loved it, even though you were so tiny in the swing, we had to stuff a blanket behind you.

*You had a visit from more grandparents, as well as an auntie and uncle this month. You warmed up to them immediately, like you knew they were your family. It's such a wonderful feeling to see my dad hold you. You are so lucky to have all of your grandparents around to shower you with love!

*You are rolling over from front to back as well as from back to front quite easily now. You are also scooting all over the place these days. Mostly on your back. It's pretty impressive actually. You get into a sort of fish pose and push off with your feet, with your back arched and off of the ground. Your favorite place to go is under the coffee table..

*Lately, you're babbling up a storm. You've added "m" to your repertoire of consonants, so sometimes it actually sounds like you're saying "mamama". I like to pretend you are anyway ; )

*I've also been trying to teach you "up" gestures by opening your arms wide. Not sure if you get it or not, but you do seem to do it when you are ready to get out and be picked up..

*This month has been HOT! Luckily, one of your friends from Munchkin Music Class invited you over for a dip in her pool. You love the water! You kicked your feet and splashed around. Mostly though, you just wanted to eat the floaty balls..

*In addition to rolling over and scooting, you are also sitting up a bit unassisted. Though really, sitting seems a bit boring to you when you could be moving (albeit slowly) across the floor. You have been drooling up a storm lately as well, which could be signs of teething. One thing is certain- there is a A LOT going on in your world and it is terribly exciting - much too exciting to take naps anymore! You went from taking 2-3 1.5 hour naps to barely taking 3 1/2 hour naps -and it is now quite the struggle to get you down. You are also waking more at night. We're trying to be patient and hope that this passes as you achieve these milestones, but honestly, it's hard sometimes. Mama needs a good night sleep!! Again, you're teaching me.. to be more patient, trusting, and even more loving in the face of frustration and (at times) anger. Just when I think I can't take it any longer, you look at me like this...