Baby Celebration

This past weekend I drove up to LA to do the walk around at the Baby Expo; Baby Celebration. There were definitely plenty of preggies (including one tagging around with me, my sis Kathy, pictured here) and many a baby stroller.


I was hoping to get some gift ideas for her baby shower (top secret) and pick up some goodies for the other baby in the family (well one of many) Aaliyah who is now 2!! She is pictured here with all her silliness, after bath time and posing for the camera sporting a wave :-) Too cute... So the expo was fun, found a few gadgets that will come in handy for the new mom to be, like these Slim Line Milk Trays. Ice cube trays for breast milk, actually the correct wording is breast milk storage system. Individual one ounce servings trays for freezing breast milk after you pump. Now I am certainly no expert, but I do know most breastfeeding moms do freeze their milk on occasion, and there were plenty of moms swarming over the booth, good sign. We also picked up a Babeebrite light. this little gadget is a clip on light for those late night diaper changes, breast feedings, etc... also has a 7 minute timer to preserve battery life, cool idea. All in all, it was a good day for some shopping, and sisterly bonding.

Besitos!!!

Besitos (translation: smooches, kisses). Blik carries the funnest glass decals, these pictured are smooch glass stiks. A package of 24 different size decals for $4.50...good deal! I recently used them for a little soiree I had for a few of my girl friends. Thanks to my excellent hand model (Moira) you can see how cute they look on wine glasses, a definite alternative to the traditional wine charms. Blik also carries wall decals, I bought some for my house and have not undertaken the task of creating my design just yet, but you bet I will post on it as soon as they are up.

My First Blog Swap...

I recently participated in my very first blog swap. The concept revolved around a principle color, mine was pink. Shortly after the swap was assigned to all participants, I received a little white box from my postman... I was so excited, a package for me?
I was impressed that my swap pal was so quick to send out her care package. Tiffany from Love boxes, sent me these very cute items all the way from Utah; a magnetic hello kitty notepad (for my fridge), some black and white polka dot napkins, some magnets, Extra gum (how unique), and best of all the cutest little pink box and miniature wooden doll....how artsy! all wrapped up in a cellophane bag with some very festive ribbons...Thanks Tiffany, everything was so pink and cute :-)

Par Tea Time

One of the cool things you will find out about blogging is the networking that goes on.... I recently participated in a blog swap. Fellow blogger; M. Writes hosted an event; I will soon post pictures on the goodies I received. Another way of networking is hosting give aways; Part Tea Time is hosting a Mother's Day giveaway, a great way to blog-network. check them out, it's fun to check out what other bloggers are posting and doing to promote their sites!

The Wine Country..Mexico Style

Over the weekend we took a little day trip to a quaint little winery just south of the border; L.A. Cetto. We found a little outdoor alfresco area and had some olive bread, cheese, and wine of course.

Here are some pictures I wanted to share of our outing, the restaurant's wine cellar, and of my silly niece, Melissa, making faces over dinner.

Pretty in Pink

Today was such a sunny day it felt like summer; perfect day for a picnic. I have always loved the idea of going to a nice grassy area, spreading a blanket out, and having some goodies, all under a summer breeze. Every year I shop for an item or two to add to my plethora of picnic accessories. The funny thing is that I never quite actually make it outdoors for it, it normally turns into a backyard BBQ. Maybe this year is my year and I'll find the perfect spot for a picnic with a perfect someone to share with. Wicker and Wine carries a whole lot of baskets, totes, accessories and the like. I chose this very girly pink theme, Fleece Picnic Blanket, Thermos Funtainer, Picnic Tote for four, or if you like more of the traditional look the Picnic Basket may be your choice. They even carry a Wine Cooler Wrap to keep your wine chilled. Check them out, I'm sure you'll be inspired to head outdoors too...

From the Barrel to the Bottle and Back

There is something very appealing about going to a winery and walking through the cellars were all the wine barrels are stored aging their wine. I am particularly fond of the recycled wine barrels transformed into various uses such as tables, coolers, racks, chairs, etc... As I am a frequent "guest" at Wine Steals, I couldn't help but notice their simple decor which consists of several simple wine barrels with circular, round glass tops for their table seating. It gives the place a very cozy feel. I searched for something similar, as I would love to recreate the feel in my own patio area. Edge Expressions carries these unique Barrel Tables with a flattened Wine bottle table top, recessed in a finished oak surface. In addition to the tables, they also carry these beautiful Wine Bottle Party Platters. Although all very pretty and artsy, I think I will go for a plain no frills (pressure washed) basic clean barrel from Wine Cellar life. A large barrel will run about $80-$110, and I can quickly transform it into a table by adding a glass top...pretty good deal.

Another One Bites the Dust

Many of the items that draw my attention are the every day items that have been reinvented with a modern twist or recreated with vibrant colors, such as these dustpans. Unica Home features the Tokey Dustpan Brush, in an orange and lime green color combination. Decorative Things carries an Andy Warhol-like faces dustpan. I have in my kitchen a Pylones dustpan that is a prince and princess design with a heart shaped magnetic backing- I like to hang mine on the side of the fridge. My sister bought it for me on our trip to Paris last year, I guess you can say I'll always have my prince charming right in my kitchen!

Rack Them Up...

I recently received the most beautiful art piece for my home; a wine cellar as a birthday gift. I am waiting to post on it, but I'll wait until I hang it up in my dining area simply because it won't be fully appreciated if it's not on the wall to admire. I found these contemporary pieces, that are unique and would display wine bottles very beautifully. Urban Peel features this Pile Wine Rack, it holds up to 6 bottles. Chiasso carries, The Knot a modern, curvy design that holds 6 bottles with a light and dark finish. Zanisa carries this very zen looking A-Frame Wine Rack, holds 9 bottles and is made out of bamboo. The Wine Arc, although only holds one bottle it is a beautiful display at any dinner table.

Slice and Dice...

I've been shopping around for a new cutting board for my kitchen. I found some very cute tempered glass boards in various shapes. Loft Party carries a variety of fruit and vegetable themed boards such as kiwi, orange, watermelon, and onion. If fruit and veggies are not your thing, check out this Lotus Pink design, the Rings cutting board and the Breakfast themed one. Any of these would likely brighten any counter top, and the best thing is that they are scratch-resistant, stain-free, dishwasher safe and odor-free.

Whimsy Labels

A great gift giving idea with a very personal touch. Room Service Home features these clever wine labels in great color combinations. An alternative to the usual wine bag, with a touch of class. Choose one of their custom stamps to finish the look of the wine label, shown here are four of their styles, many more to choose from.

Post Here!

Take a look at this practical french memo boards. They are perfect for any room, I keep my wine bottle shaped boards in my kitchen (on the door that leads out to my garage). Today I have them with a small display of birthday cards I got yesterday, but they are good for pictures, post-it reminders, etc... The Alley offers several styles for very reasonable prices, $3.99-$7.99. Their Chef hat display would look great in a kitchen, and they also carry one with a Wine Motif for those wine aficionados. I got my pair of boards at Marshalls for $4.99. Great Find!

Birthday Bash

Nothing spells birthday more than a day filled with delivered flowers, homemade cake, cards, balloons, age guessing, surprises, color drawings, phone calls, text messages, wishes, birthday lunch with coworkers, favorite home cooked meal made by mom, little voices singing, "Happy Birthday, cha cha cha" and PRESENTS!!!!

Here are some of the goodies I received today.....A special thanks for the thought fullness behind this, I enjoyed my day :-)

Glove Love...

Colorful, trendy, practical, all describe these funky rubber gloves. Find these red, cherry motif gloves at Catching Fireflies or these springtime pink and yellow sponge gloves at Tiny Living. Feather Your Nest also features gloveables in a variety of combinations;polka dot, gingham, and several other designs. Check my pair out, Turqoise with black polka dots. got lucky and found them in the $1 section at Target. Yes you read right....$1.00 Wooohooo!

Cupcakes Galore...

What's better than cake? cupcakes! Take a look at these colorful, kitchen accesories that will make any cupcake lover want to bake over and over again. Bright and Bold features a set of 3 nesting, colors prep bowls . Each bowl sports different patterns; dots, stripes, and circles. Also available is the Cupcake Gift Set, perfect for a hostess gift. Set includes 4 cupcake shaped plates (gift boxed), a cupcake shaped kitchen timer, a cupcake shaped candle, and a cupcake recipe flip deck containing 100 fun cupcake recipes.

Chicks Rule!

Looking for an alternative to the typical Easter basket? Check these trendy buckets at Hallmark stores. Pictured here are "One Cool Peep" and "Chicks Rule" pails; add a few fillers and they are ready to go. Check out my creation with some sugar peeps, Dora the Explorer dominoes, and a deck of Easter cards. Hallmark pails are only $4.95 with the purchase of three hallmark cards. Additional matching items to fill your buckets are available at participating Hallmark stores. For an extra finishing touch! check out the cello wraps .