two

Hey there. It's been awhile, I know. Got a LOT to catch up on. These past few months have f l o w n by. As have the past two years. That's right, Daisy turned the big 2.0 in November (her mama, the even bigger 30. But we'll get to that one later.).
Having broke the bank for her first birthday extravaganza, Daisy's daddy and I vowed never. again.
So instead, we had a very budget-friendly, low-key day filled with balloons in the bathtub, overly-pigmented blue frosted cupcakes, and a pizza and tricycle-riding "party"with Daisy's friends next door. She loved every affordable minute of it.

Of course, Nanny Phi "Baba" sent her an outfit for the occasion:

How cute is that hat?

"No no dis, Mom. Awann wallypop."

Daisy's outfit (hat, vest, and skirt): daisy and dolly designs

Blue frosting kisses,

n&d

a true story

"Once upon a time there was a dear little girl who was loved by everyone who looked at her, but most of all by her grandmother, and there was nothing that she would not have given to the child. Once she gave her a little riding hood of red velvet, which suited her so well that she would never wear anything else..."

~The Brothers Grimm

Daisy's red riding hood and skirt: Daisy&Dolly Designs

Little Red kisses,

n&d

baby, it's chicken soup outside

It's what I call "chicken soup" weather.
If you live in the South, you know exactly what I mean: that 90+ percent, the-second-you-step-out-your-front-door-you-feel-like-the-chicken-in-a-steaming-bowl-of soup kinda humidity.
So Daisy and I have spent the majority of our week hiding indoors, dreaming of cooler times.
Cranking the A/C to the limits, we've been watching holiday specials on Netflix, which inspired an early Christmas-style shoot (indoors, of course, which is something I haven't really tried before).

blouse, pantaloons, and dress: Daisy & Dolly Designs

shoes: h&m

bow: mine, Charming Charlie

Not too bad for the "automatic" setting, huh? One of these days, I really should read the manual. One of these days. Probably around the same time I finally finish reading the remaining 1000 pages of Atlas Shrugged.

But for now at least, my library copy is collecting dust on the coffee table, and Daisy and I have been having fun playing with the indoor lighting. Thankfully, my subject's been a good sport, if just a little cabin-feverish.

her "give me wally" (lolly) face

Aaand, her "I got my wally" face...

"Mom, there's a whole world outside; can we go?"

Peek-a-boo!

 Nothing cuter than a baby bun.

shirt with tie (boys' section, also came with a pair of cargo jeans) and denim skirt: both on clearance at JCPenny

Don't worry, I didn't really coop her up the entire week. :)

Her "evil step-mother"let her out of her tower to run off some cabin-fever, balloons in tow. 

Happy "burfdaay" uncle Bradley!

denim vest: DIY from a Walmart jacket on clearance

cupcake bow and pantaloons: Daisy &Dolly Designs

Chicken-soup kisses,

n&d

pumpkin bumpkin

I dream of fall. It has its own smell, atmosphere, and color-scheme.

That first sighting of pumpkins in the grocery. Those candy-corn sunsets. Coffee-shop mornings.

And this year, my autumn love affair has been taken to a new level. With these:

Pumpkin. Baby. Booty. 

The best part? Daisy's Nanni Phi makes these.

They come in chambray, "woof-woof," rubber-ducky, dinosaur, and Dalmatian too. She even has adorable yet "manly" designs and prints for baby boys.

Check out her etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaisyandDollyDesigns

Candy-corn kisses,

n&d

sleeping beauty

You've heard it said that all mothers think their child is beautiful. I'm not gonna argue; I certainly hope this is so. I just think this saying is missing something. Something equally true:

All mothers think their child is beautiful, but especially when that child is asleep, giving all those worn-out mamas a rest. Or at least a chance to shower.

Without further ado, my especially beautiful child:

Sweet baby snores,

n&d

goodwill ambassador

Ever since middle school, I've been obsessed with all things vintage. While other kids were collecting Beanie Babies and Pogs (don't even act like you don't know what I'm talking about), I was begging my mom to drive me across town to thrift stores. I'm hesitant to even tell you what I collected, 'cause you'll think me totally lame...okay, here goes: Hat pins. And atomizers. And cameo brooches. Yeah, nerdy. I know. The other kids thought so too.

And while I no longer think I live on the set of "My Fair lady" (though a girl can always dream), I still love a good vintage find. Especially when I can get it on the cheap. At Goodwill.

Seriously the most under-rated store. Not only do I always find unique accessories with vintage-flair, but it's also a great place to buy children's clothes, and even brand-spankin' new, tags still on 'em and everything deals.

But I can understand why some might be a bit hesitant to try shopping there. It's not the sort of place where you can shop with something particular in mind, and then there's always the sizing issue.

So I've put together a few tips for making your next treasure-hunt a success.

Look for expensive boutiques nearby. 

Sometimes, when these businesses fail (one look at the price tags can explain why), they donate (brand-new) merchandise so they can get a tax return on the retail value on their unsold goods. Translation: shopping spree on Uncle Sam. I happened across one of these donation-dreams this summer, and left giddy with a sack full of closet gold (without paying a sack of gold).

Be open-minded

As I mentioned earlier, Goodwill isn't really the kind of place to go with the expectation of something particular in mind. Especially if you're looking for the perfect pair of jeans. If, however, you are looking for something to spice up a bland outfit, or something to cozy up in this winter, Goodwill is your friend.

Don't be afraid of a little DIY.

Emphasis here on "little". Especially if you don't want to spend more time and money on a piece than you bought it for. I'm talking about simple fixes, like adding your own hole to a belt (something I do ALL the time), gluing the leather backing on to an otherwise pristine leather satchel, taking in the waist of a skirt, or hemming a pair of pants. Shoe doctors are also your friends if you find a high-quality pair with a broken buckle or a wobbly high heel.

Don't just shop your size.

This one kind of ties in with the previous tip. If you can't find anything in your size, don't be afraid to shop a larger one. Waistbands can always be taken in (if you're lazy like me, you can just use safety pins), and pants always taken up. Just be weary of complex seams, pleating, or tricky fabrics.

Shop accessories.

This is where Goodwill really shines. Belts, handbags, beaded clutches, even hats. Way more charming and wallet-friendly than Charlie.

Shop last season

Not so much for the best deals (since everything is a steal anyway), but because people tend to donate off-season goods. And because the coat section is sure to be far less picked-over in June.

Check out the kitchen aisle

Probably my favorite section of the store. You can find anything from vintage Fiestaware (just steer clear of anything orange, unless radioactive materials are your thing), Waterford vases and decanters, Grandma's hand-painted china tea cups, and porcelain cake stands.

Don't forget the kiddos.

Shopping for the little ones here makes the most sense since they grow so dang fast. Especially good if you find something a few sizes too big -at least you know it will probably fit them in a couple of months. Just last week I found Daisy a pair of Missoni for Target ballet flats (tags still on) and Minnetonka moccasin booties. And don't get me started on the children's books, DVD's, and toys. 

Think Rachel McAdams in The Notebook.

Not only is this look timeless, but it's universally flattering. Look for A-line skirts, wedge ankle-strap shoes, wide belts, sleeved button-down dresses, and pops of red. 

Here's Daisy's and I's take on it :

Daisy's look

Dress: Goodwill, Shoes: My hand-me-downs (keds) circa 1985

My look

Dress, belt, and handbag: all Goodwill

Thrifty kisses,

n&d 

A thousand words

It's been over two weeks and I still haven't unpacked my suitcase. Not so much because I've been particularly busy. Just 'cause. Because there's still sand mixed in with my clothes. Because maybe if I put it off long enough, the beach won't seem so far away. Worth a shot, anyway. I'll let you know how it works out.

And because it's been two weeks and I still haven't written down the rest of Daisy's first vacation, I'm not. It's okay. I've "a few" pictures to jog my memory.

Yeah, we had a good time. Thanks again, Aunt Flora!

n&d