So Pretty!

I saw this wedding guest book on the front page of etsy this morning.  There is something about the simple lines and color contrast that really make it stand out for me.  It's customizable and perfect for almost any style of wedding...well maybe not the super floral or old school styles...but I just love it!

White Sparrow Bindery

Christmas before Halloween

I know it's not just me.  I know you have all noticed it too.  Retailers have always started to prepare for the winter holidays early.  It used to be that you'd see seasonal items appearing right after Thanksgiving...then the Christmas cards and wrapping started to creep onto shelves earlier and earlier prior to turkey day.  Now...I've seen Christmas candy and all sorts of things lining shelves way before Halloween!

This phenomenon has hit Etsy as well, so I've posted a few of my favorite holiday cards below.  And get ready...I'll be posting a couple new Chunky Pineapple holiday designs soon.  =)

Two Guitars

Crafted by Lindy

Lucky Bee Press

Port Hope Press

Gray Nails

During my last pedicure I wanted to try something new.  Red looks better with my skintone than light pink and I can't get anywhere near coral or orange-ish shades, so I usually stick with a nice red like Opi Chick Flick Cherry or a slightly brick-ish color like Opi Paint my Mojitoes.  I saw an interesting brownish grey color called You Don't Know Jacques and it came out nicely, but I then became obsessed with finding a grayer, less brown, nail polish.

You Don't Know Jacques

After extensive magazine and internet research, below four of the shades that look appealing. 

Concrete Jungle

YSL Tuxedo

Chanel Particuliere

China Glaze Recycle

The Chanel shade is a little on the brown side and the YSL shade might be a bit too dark for me, but you never know until you test them out.  =)

Our House

Mr. CP and I stopped by a local art supply store to get some chipboard for one of his school projects.  Our House, by Crosby, Stills & Nash, which I haven't heard in forever, was playing over the sound system.  It's good to hear the classics every now and then.

{via Amazon.com}

Friday Wishlist

I haven't had a bike since I was a kid in the suburbs of Loan Island.  While living in China, Philly, NYC and SF, I was a little worried about crazy drivers and mainly survived on public transportation for the most part.  I'm pretty sure that I can still ride one without doing serious damage to myself...I think...and I really like the retro style bikes out there in all the lovely shades, but bikes cost some serious dough these days.  Anyway, even though I don't have a bike (yet), I came across this beautiful bike shelf this week.

Bike Shelf by Chris Brigham

The bike shelf comes in ash and walnut wood.  I'm partial to walnut wood (shown above) these days.  It's definitely pricey at $300 per rack, but it fits into your home like a piece of furniture.  Also, they are all handmade by one guy so you know some extra love and care went into each piece.

Favorite Picks for New Parents

We're at the age where a lot of our friends have been having their first babies.  Apart from the cute little onesies that I like to pick up as gifts, there is one book that I have given to several new parents.

The Petit Cookbook by Lisa Barnes

We got a lot of positive feedback from the first couple we bought the book for and we liked the idea of organic food being made at home for the  kiddies.  Starting babies off with healthy eats should be a top priority for everyone.  One mom altered the mac and cheese recipe just a tad and it was the best mac and cheese we had ever eaten, so adults can enjoy it too!

Another great gift for newborns is the Mustela Newborn Gift Set.  The set contains hypoallergenic bath and moisturizer products for sensitive newborn skin.  It's important to give the little ones less to cry about.

Frame Something

Check out these ideas.  These frames make everyday objects seem special.  With a little creativity, you can personalize your space with just about anything. 

Map Hearts for places you love

Old House Keys for significant places {via Apartment Therapy}