{ Gift Wrap 101 }

1. Orignal Post and Photo Credit: LoraJean'sMagazine

2. Pretty Packaging Original Post and Photo Credit: LoraJean'sMagazine

3. Grocery bag wrapping Orignal Post and Photo Credit: acreativemint

4. Fabric wrapping Orignal Post and Photo Credit: Wedfully

5. Gold Wrapping and Foil Cupcake Toppers: Post and Photo Credit: HeyLook

6. Gift Topper: Post and Photo Credit: Chatelaine

I am going to a baby shower this weekend for one of my closest friends, we met in Kindergarten and many years later we are still friends. I am over the moon about the upcoming arrival of her baby girl and can't wait to meet her. I still need to wrap her gift, and I wanted to do something special so here is a little gift wrap inspiration. I am wrapping a baby shower gift but all of these ideas can be used for any kind of celebration; birthday, wedding, or even an anniversary.

{ DIY: bunting }

Via Pinterest: Dessert Table

If you aren't on the handmade band wagon I seriously suggest you join because there is some really great stuff happening on that front. If you can dream it, you can make it or probably track someone down that does, and isn't there just something so special about handmade goods? I think so. I recently made some fabric blocks for the bean, and they aren't perfect but that is what makes them oh so special. Bunting Flags are all the rage right now, and they do look sweet over a dessert table, in a nursery or even or a bed (skies the limit folks). So in celebration of DIY here is a bunting tutorial (traditional triangles) for all you crafty friends out there and one that is a little less traditional bunting tutorial (rounded). Anything vintage is also really hot right now so why not try some vintage fabric for these projects?

{ Inspired by......... }

Photo Credit via Pinterest: Kate Shore

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

Photo Credit: Where the Lovely Things Are

Today I am inspired by the simplicity of the understated carnation. I especially love the modern reinterpretation of the carnation as a gift topper, using decorative cupcake liners. So simple yet so lovely!

{ Maptote Bodysuits }

Photo Credit: Maptote

Keeping up with my map theme from earlier this week I stumbled upon these incredibly cute baby bodysuits by Maptote for babies via UnrulyLittleThings. I would love to pick up a few for the bean, especially the one from Paris as its one of my favourite cities! I just adore Paris, and I hope that one day our little bean will get to experience Paris in all its loveliness. Having a baby really gets me thinking about all the wonderfully amazing things you can make for a wee one!

{ 7 months }

Yesterday our little bean turned 7 months old. I can not believe how quickly time is passing, it seems like just yesterday we brought her home and now she is filling our house with joyful smiles, and contagious laughter. She is also keeping us on our toes as she can now crawl (quite quickly) and stand. It is just amazing watching her turn into a little person.

{ City neighbourhood posters }

On Sunday my little family and I met up with another wonderful couple for brunch. The food was delicious and the company was fabulous, thanks guys! During brunch we were introduced to these beautiful neighbourhood maps by Ork Posters, so gorgeous, that I just had to share. The posters are screen printed using soy based inks and 100% recycled paper (love this). The city is broken up into neighbourhoods (such a neat idea) and are visually represented using various pleasing arrangements of the same typeface. Such a great idea for a gift for the avid traveller, or as was mentioned over a brunch to start a conversation!