freebie storage labels + getting organized

 

Way back before I had kids I saved this post from Making It Lovely that had a great idea for storing the never-ending mountain of baby and toddler clothes. They just grow so quickly. I love the idea of storing the clothes in clear plastic containers by size. It just makes so much sense. {Yes that is a big mess in the photo, on either side of the boxes, that I really tried to crop out. I'm not organized quite yet, but getting there}.

The designer in me couldn't help but make some pretty labels which I printed onto letter-sized paper, cut in half and stuck inside the box much like Nicole did. You could also print them onto a letter-sized label and stick them onto the outside of the box as well. They won't wobble as much that way!

So, I am sharing with you my 'designer' baby clothing storage labels in hopes that you will be inspired as I was, and perhaps a bit more organized too. 

Click the banners below to download PDF's of the girl or boy versions {newborn to size 2...just updated to size 5...just updated to size 10! Also updated - new 'maternity' and 'other textiles' labels.} and print away. You may want to print two copies so that you have 4 labels, one for each side of the box. Enjoy and happy weekend! 

UPDATE (May 17, 2016): I've made a few changes to the labels from suggestions I've received over the past few years. Hopefully these suit your needs a bit better! Please let me know if you have any other suggestions. Thanks!

 

a high-spirited garland

My obsession with Pinterest has completely escalated in the past few weeks...there is just SO much eye candy and information on there that it's hard to deal! I recently spied this beautiful 'High-Spirited Garland' from BHLDN which totally inspired me to start the decorating process for the new baby's room. She will be here very soon! {I must admit...I feel a tiny bit of guilt here. For Sage's room I took two months to decide on the paint colour, had about 50 swatches taped to the wall, and laboured over every little design detail. Without the luxury of time, I've had to make some quick decisions, however I'm quite certain she will still be happy with her new room and especially her high-spirited garland!}.

We've decided to go with a soft avocado-y green on the walls and coral/watermelon-y accent colours. And so the other day I went shopping on Tonic Living to purchase some fabric samples. How very exciting to receive them in the mail yesterday, and to see how all the colours came together. I keep staring at the swatches.

I will use my sample pieces to make a flag garland, inspired by the BHLDN one, but I would also like to make a few pillows, especially in these purty patterns. So much to design and create! My mind is spinning. 

[FABRIC SWATCHES FROM TOP LEFT: Garden Damask, Green Tea; Flatiron, Coral; Cross Section, Honeydew; Zoo Pals, Pink; all from Tonic Living]

happy valentine's day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I was pretty excited this year that I got to make Valentines for Sage's daycare. Not wanting to give chocolate or candy at all {the kids in her class are between 18 months and 2}, I went with stickers instead. Three sticker books for $1 at the dollar store - score! I whipped up this little card, stuck the sticker book on the back with a glue dot and paired them with a matching custom labelled envelope. Simple and sweet.

For Sage's teachers, I ended up making these cute little morsels. They are super easy, look adorable and are indeed the perfect combo of salty and sweet. Here they are waiting to go in the oven. I forgot to take an after photo...whoopsie. Mommy brain times two I guess. 

Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo

a new purse

I've been combing the land for a new purse! Something cool and funky but mama-friendly too. Since Sage was born, I've been using a cheapy cheap H+M gray purse which I actually get many compliments on, but it has seen it's day and is starting to fall apart. That, and I'm finding it a tad too small.

I like a long strap so I can sling it around my shoulder, especially when my hands are full of kids and car seats. I've narrowed it down to these two beauties from Urban Outfitters.
 

 

My first choice is this Deena & Ozzy Buckle Tote. It's a great colour and apparently looks much more expensive in person. It's simple and purty and just what I need.

 

  
This Deena & Ozzy Zip-Front Moto Satchel is pretty awesome too...love the colour. I'm worried it is a bit too deep though. Big is good, but I don't want to be losing my keys in there.

At $40 for shipping, I think I'll wait for the free Canadian shipping promotion that comes up once in a while!

here we grow again: 6 months

Here I am, just a touch over the 6 month mark. If you compare this photo to my 5 month pic, the growth has been unbelievable! Now I know why I've been exhausted and dragging my, ahem, butt the past few weeks. I thought it was just because I've been running after a very busy toddler. That, and I've expanded immensely. With still 3 months to go, looks like I may end up as giant as last time 'round {seriously, people asked me all the time if I was having twins}!

putting together a big girl room

While we are searching for ideas for the living room and dining room we realized that baby #2 is going to be here in 3 months. Holy smokes! So we better get working on the rooms for the littles...pronto! I've been gathering ideas for Sage's 'big girl' room. Here is some inspiration.

I had clipped the above photo from a 2010 Style at Home magazine article, as it just struck me as fresh and so pretty for a little girl's room. Sage has a little turquoise dresser (more greeny than the blue pieces above) but I thought a pink and turquoise room might be really sweet. 

I love the Marimekko fabric they have stretched in the image as art, the freshly painted furniture and light walls. Instead of white walls I may go with Gray Owl (2137-60) a Benjamin Moore colour I have used in the past which is warm and neutral and beautiful. 

This print was purchased a while ago, from Eva Juliet, a Montreal Etsy seller, and has been just waiting for Sage's new room.

Here is Sage's turquoise dresser, a pic from her old room...it's adorably sweet, but I have to admit that it is a tad small, especially as she gets older, so we might have to rethink this one a bit...

This pillow would look pretty cool, to add in a pop of pink.

Hmmm...I'm loving this colourful Jenny Lind bed too, although white may be nice and classic.

Hello turquoise chevron rug from Urban Outfitters!