maven mama: 2009

Sunday, November 29, 2009

New Obsession: Sarah Maingot

I have a new favorite photographer: Sarah Maingot. I seldom read fashion magazines for the simple reason that afterwords, I usually feel somehow inferior. But something about the way Sarah photographs her models glorifies the strength in their womanliness, and, after viewing this collection of images, I actually felt empowered and inspired. She treats landscapes, objects and products with equal beauty. It's clear that she loves her work, and the scenes she creates are almost mythical. In my younger years, I fantasized about being photographed by Annie Liebovitz, but now Ms. Maingot has stolen that crown.

Check out a full portfolio of her work

LOVE!

Upcycled Lanterns

I'm loving this idea:

How cute would these be hanging around your little urban oasis?
And the best part is: they're EASY. It basically involves filling the cans with water and freezing them. Complete instructions can be found HERE.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Kids: First Birthday Success!

Emerson's first birthday party was a success, I think... I always have trouble judging my own work, but I do know that the birthday girl had a good time and was smiling and laughing almost the whole party. To me, that equals an outstanding success!

The invitation:

A glittery pink 'E' above the doorway

All the men were given (embarrassing) white skimmer hats with yellow bands to match the party's yellow and pink 'garden party' theme

The ladies were a bit more fortunate in each receiving pink gerber daisy barrettes for their hair. The baby loved them!

The birthday girl in her custom-embellished garden fairy dress and headband:

Party favors for the little girls:

"Bubbles for our garden fairies" The girls (and dog!) had fun with these in the backyard:

Embellished lamp. There were butterflies and poufs everywhere!

The mantelpiece with the first presents (there were many more):

Some of the party guests took the theme to impressive lengths:

One of two hand-made banners:

Garden themed sugar cookies made with perfect cookie cutters from Sur La Table:

And 'E' for Emerson cookies, of course:

Vanilla cupcakes (my signature recipe) with pink cream cheese butter cream vanilla icing and pink sugar, and the birthday girl's cake with imported marzipan (thank you, Opa!):

"Ooooo, pretty..."

Our little girl surprised us by being extremely dainty with her first cake. There was no satisfying smashing and icing on the face, just careful nibbling:

Most of the guests posing on the front steps:

I'm thinking we'll need a serious cowboys and Indians party next year...

Monday, August 31, 2009

Great Products: Get This Book, You Crafty Mamas

Order this book now! Awesome vintage knitting for the wee ones -- I want it! Must have it!
Their homepage
And the book on Amazon

um, yes, please?!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Kids: Great Designs, Indie Designer

I stumbled upon some great graphic design at Lekker Designs on Cafe Press. The name caught my eye because it's one of my favorite Dutch words, meaning, basically, 'Delicious!' (and it's so much fun to say!)
Besides the other clever stuff on the site, there are some adorable kids designs that you can pop on the onesie or tee of your choice for around $16. Plus, being CafePress, there's no limit to the bibs, water bottles, notecards, etc, etc, etc, you can splash your favorite graphic across. So check it out.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Fall Inspiration - Obsessed With a New Wardrobe!

So I kinda, sorta have this haircut now, and I LOVE it!

The problem is that my old wardrobe just looks sad to me now that I have a hair'style'. So, for Fall, I have been dreaming of a whole new wardrobe. I can sew, and I've been searching for good patterns and fabrics (which isn't easy, I might add), but a girl can still dream, can't she?

My Fall Wishlist:

Tory Burch skirt