A little inspiration

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The Thanksgiving leftovers aren't even gone yet, and I'm in full Christmas mode! I can't help myself - I wait (and pin!) for this all year long. Here are a few things that have me inspired to make things merry and bright!

"M" is for Michael

As soon as I saw this pin I wanted to use the idea in Michael's room. When he was tiny I used to sing a silly little song to him with the words "M is for Michael" and he always grinned and cooed when I would sing it. So, the idea had some really tender sentimental value for me. It's also easy and inexpensive, which makes it exactly my kind of crafty. 

Wouldn't this be a cute for a baby shower? See the original tutorial here on Say Yes to Hoboken.

~ linking up with MMM ~

Big revelation here: I love pinterest. 

I've collected decorating ideas and tearsheets from magazines in a purple notebook since I was in high school, and when pinterest hit the scene a couple of years ago nothing could have been more natural (or more exciting!) to me than collecting my ideas online. I love, love, love having all of my inspirations in one place. Sometimes just going to my account and looking at the pins I've collected can lift my spirits and get the ideas flowing. Does anyone else feel that way?

Pinning has taken on a whole new meaning now that we're transitioning to a new home. I've been pinning all the usual things you'd expect (area rugs, chairs, etc.) but my favorite finds are the do-it-yourself projects! They're relatively simple, inexpensive, and the possibilities are so fun! Here are a few favorites that you're likely to see in our new place.

I go a little nuts for a good set of bookshelves. These are just genius.

I love the idea of a stamped wall pattern in a small space like a powder room.

Spray-painted bricks as shiny bookends.

We've got a lot of tall windows to cover. These drop-cloth curtains will be just right.

~ linking up with miscellany monday and monday meetup ~

Rooms I love

Rue magazine via Nina Garcia's Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest? (You can find me here.)

You really should follow Nina Garcia's 'Interiors' board. 

I don't want to state the obvious, but her taste is seriously impeccable. 

(On a related note, I can't wait for the next season of Project Runway!!)

Cinco de Mayo

Certain holidays were just made for a city like Boston.

Fourth of July? Perfectly patriotic.
Thanksgiving? It practically started here (or, right down the coast anyway).

Saint Patty's Day? Nowhere better. 

But on Cinco de Mayo I can't help but wish we were in Texas. 

I'm planning to create a little bit of Cinco de Mayo warmth here this weekend, 

and I thought I'd share a few of the pins that are inspiring me.

¡Salud!

piñata cookies / papel picado cake / tin can centerpieces
city streets / mexican suzani

Pinspiration

Are you on Pinterest? I am (find me here), and it has been a huge source of inspiration and fun! I love trying out the recipes and DIY projects that I pin. Some turn out to be a disappointment (like this cake), and others make me wonder how I ever lived without them! (Like this recipe for cilantro lime chicken - it is fantastic, and easy! The chicken cooks in the crock pot for six hours, then we serve it with black beans and spanish rice, and it is so, so good.) So, rather than keep them to myself, I'll be sharing some of my 'prize pins' here from time to time. 

Today I found one of my favorite pins, to date - ABC scripture cards. This one got me excited because although Michael and I read from a Bible story book every day, I am excited for him to learn real scriptures and not just the stories. This project is great, even for a very little one. There is one short scripture for each letter of the alphabet in an attractive, colorful template. 

I started by printing the scriptures onto cardstock, then laminated each page. 

Next, I trimmed the edges and cut apart the scriptures. I punched a hole in each one and put them on a ring. Easy as pie, and it took under an hour (counting the time I spent chasing my rug-rat around and pulling him down off of various furniture).

And it includes a bit of encouragement for the card-reader, too.

Now the fun part - sharing the words of life with my sweet baby :)

 (via I can teach my child)

~linking up with Jellibean Journals~