cute-as-a-heart button

Dear readers, I just had to share another cute-as-a-(green heart)button outfit that Wren received for her birthday. This time, a handmade dress from SweetPea and Co. So a-door-bell, right? The colors, the fabric, the thoughtful details. Love!

I especially love the detail on the chest. Isn’t that beautifully done and yet whimsical and fun?

In other (somewhat related) news, I am in desperate need of a new digital camera as you may have noticed… I’m looking for a new or used DSLR, which would be compatible with my Minolta lenses from my old manual camera. Sounds like a Sony Alpha series from my research. Any advice you’d like to share, lovelies? Do you have a DSLR that you love?

A real Fun Guy.

We’re soaking up the sun while we can because a bunch of wet stuff is coming our way. Or so “they” say. Honestly, dear readers, I’m looking forward to it. One word. Morels! I’m actually not a huge fan of eating morels, but the hunt is awfully fun. It’s just a great excuse to get lost in the woods for a few hours. And there’s so much mystery surrounding where you might happen to find them. Every year this seems to get even more confusing with new advice from just about everyone in northern Michigan. But NO ONE shares where they actually find morels, but they might share clues with you. If you’re lucky.

Supposedly helpful clues I’ve heard. Ground that’s been disturbed by a wild fire. Sandy soil. Near rivers, but not near a bog, silly. Six weeks after the ground thaws, but not if it’s been too dry. Never in clay unless there’s organic material nearby. Not near pines, but hardwoods, but not maples. Mostly oak and poplar. Right after a warm rain, but don’t wait too long. And be careful of those false morels! Are you confused yet? Whew. Last year, we found some right in our yard amongst some rocks at 605. And a friend found some in mulch that had just been delivered to her driveway. Boy that Mother Nature does love to keep us on our toes, doesn’t she? Crazy lady.

Maybe this weekend we’ll get out and look in our favorite spots. Chris likes to say, “Ash, you can always look!” He likes to say this throughout the year just to be funny and it always makes me laugh.

In the meantime, isn’t this illustration of a morel just lovely? You can order it through Etsy here.

Still got the Bunny on the brain? I think I’ve got the Bunny on the butt, if you know what I mean. Better get out for a run to burn off some of those mini Cadbury Eggs. Oof.

Happy Monday to you! Speaking of Monday, has the “meatless Monday” trend caught on in your nest? Thinking about it a lot. More on that in a future “ponderings of a wanabee vegetarian” post.

Best!

Hollow or solid?

Top of the mornin’ to ya! Have you consumed anything green yet? We’re having this for dinner. Pretty traditional and super easy. So this mamma says “why not?” Thank you again, Uncle Fester, for making dinner while I take care of my little birdie.

Speaking (err, writing) of food, this consumer tries not to be too swayed by the mountains of Easter candy at the stores, but nonetheless I’ve got The Bunny on the brain. I’ve restrained myself and haven’t consumed any pastel eggs yet. *Yet* being the operative word. But I’m working really hard to resist celebrating the upcoming holiday so early that by the time the actual day arrives, I’m so sick of it I can’t even squeeze in another chocolate egg or bunny-shaped cookie. But I don’t get sick of looking at cute Easter/springy things… do you? I can’t decide which of these t-shirts I like better. Aren’t they darling?

Back to food. What’s your favorite Easter candy? I admit to loving black jelly beans, but I wouldn’t say they’re my absolute favorite. I love it all! Maybe it’s the pretty foiled eggs, or maybe it’s just that almost everything is egg-shaped and it’s such a simple, lovely shape.

But most importantly, dear readers, do you prefer a solid bunny or a hollow bunny? Me? Hollow. The solid ones hurt my teeth.

Boy, was this ever a thought-provoking post. More ruminations on Easter candy in future posts, I promise…

mid-winter lovelies

I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but it’s still decidedly mid-winter in northern Michigan. Although the bikinis are out in full force at Target, I’m still bundling my little birdie up and hoping for another solid month of skiing. Check out these hand knit lovelies for the wee ones in our lives… So cute!

I also had to share this cool snow sculpture of winter love birds that was erected in downtown Traverse City last weekend. One more reason to love living here! Thankfully, we do not take ourselves too seriously in the blustery north country.

After a rough week in our nest, we’ll all be back together again tonight. Healthy and happy. Yahoo!

What will you be doing in your nest this weekend? I hope to be cooking, baking, skiing, working on the craft room and snuggling up with my family. Have a great one!

Tooth!

Breaking news from Wren’s nest…

The wakeful nights mystery has been solved! Wren’s first tooth is breaking through and I think it might just belong to a shark. Ouch! Way to go, little birdie.

I realize it’s a little early to be thinking about the Tooth Fairy, but a tooth seems like it pushes a baby one step (err, crawl?) closer to being a toddler. So it got me thinking about tooth pillows and pouches. Of course, I hopped right on Etsy and found this adorable tooth pillow.

I also love this idea for making your own tooth pouch, found on the Purl Bee site. Cute and *sew* easy, right?!

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Dear readers, how does the Tooth Fairy work her (his?) magic in YOUR nest? What successful teething aids have you used? Whiskey? Frozen waffles? Cold washcloths? …

On a side note, I’ll be posting lightly in the next few days as Wren and I are hitting the road soon. Detroit 2010 Or Bust, Baby! While we’re on the road together, I plan on bouncing some blog ideas around, which made me think, what do YOU want to read about? I’m thinking of doing some taste tests – first one being something dear to my heart and belly. Windmill cookies. Something to look forward to, right?!

Happy weekend to all the birdies in your nest.

squirrel finds to get you through hump day.

Happy Wednesday afternoon. Yes, dear readers, you are more than halfway to the weekend. Yeah!

In honor of hump day, I have to share a few squirrely finds with you. HAVE TO.

My friend, Victoria Velting, makes some very cool stuff. Although she’s famous for her gorgeous purses and totes, she also now makes a line of funky upcycled kids clothing. Here is one squirrely piece that you might just have to snatch up from her Etsy shop. A squirrely union suit!

OK, lovebirds and squirrel lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Don’t you need to have these squirrels? They’re in love after all. And simply darling, aren’t they?

If you don’t need more stuffies in your life, you probably know someone who would swoon for this sweet hat. The squirrels are in love again. Of course.

Love this hat!

What squirrely kinds of things are you up to today? Do you have any squirrely plans for Valentine’s Day? Wait, you probably don’t really need to share those. But something for you to ponder anyway…