pretty much the greatest gift you could get anyone.

I present the J. Schatz egg nightlight. Designed and created by Jim Schatz, these lil' babies are my absolute favorite item for the home. The glossy stoneware orb casts tons of tiny "stars" on the ceiling and walls of your pitch-black room. I got them as super-special, I'm-an-awesome-aunt first Christmas treats for my niece and nephew, and little Lucy was staring at the glow completely mesmerized when they put her down to sleep at night.

The light coming out is actually yellow–not blue.

And they come in a variety of candy-colored hues. Beauuutiful. Like Christmas lights! I know Christmas is over, but this unique item is the perfect gift. Not just for nurseries, but really, it can be for someone of any age. I secretly want one for my bedroom! They're not super cheap so maybe start saving now... or if you're going to be having a baby, add it to the registry!


Happy Weekend!

For more great lighting ideas check out Scotlight Direct website.

the best things in life

...are babies.

Especially my new nephew Jack. New York City was cool and all, but as soon as I found out my brother and sister-in-law's darling baby boy was born early Friday morning, all I wanted to do was come home and meet him and hold him and fall in love with him. Which I finally got to do yesterday.

I realize this must come as a surprise. I haven't mentioned the pregnancies in my family on the blog (Instagram followers have seen a baby gift or two!).

And that's right - I said pregnancies. My sister is due with a baby girl next month! TWO babies for Alaina to love! One niece and one nephew. How fun are the holidays going to be this year?!

What a wonderful reminder on a day like today to be good to those you love. Don't take a single day for granted. If you're fighting - make up. If you haven't spoken - pick up the phone. If you love someone - tell them. Life's too short to not be happy with the people in your life.

Congratulations, Ted and Jess!

For All the Little Jackie O's (of the Green Generation)

A mini rendering of something Jackie would have worn.

This post is for all you moms, mommies-to-be, aunts, godmothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and friends to those with little girls. Allow me to introduce designer Sarah Waldo, graduate of the Parsons School of Design, creator of American-made, organic children's clothing, and fellow blogger. I will spare you all a full-on, plagiarized rehash of Kate Armour's profile on the talented designer, featured yesterday on Kate's blog, The Neo-Traditionalist. But on the off chance you 1. missed that post or 2. saw the post but failed to click on over to Sarah Waldo's website, here is a bevy of organic ruffles, bows, and preppy plaids along with links on where to buy these darling ensembles below.

Designer Sarah Waldo fitting one of her tiny muses.

And how precious is this tiny model?

The plaid, the ruffles, the Wellies, that smile.

She is happiness.

Reminds me of the first day of school.

Where can I find that headband? Anyone?

More ensembles from the Spring/Summer collection:

(click on image to read text close-up)

O. M. G.

Seersucker makes me giddy.

Yellow polo shirt with capped, puff sleeve? I want one in my size!

Every baby should have one of these rompers.

Can we make that a law?

*images via The Neo-Traditionalist and Sarah Waldo*

Makes me want to call my girlfriends and have a slumber party.

On a boat.

Off the shores of Nantucket.

Wearing organic cotton pajamas.

Hey - it could happen.

So, you see something you like? Feel like spoiling the darling in your life?

Click on over to one of these online shops that sell Sarah's designs:

Urth Child

Pure and Little

Green Edge Kids

The new face of Baby Gap

As I mentioned back in August, I bought this adorable preppy ensemble from Baby Gap for my friend's new baby girl. Look how adorable she is in it! Please vote here for Lily Elizabeth to be the new face of Baby Gap.

Baby Shower a la Kaczmarski

This weekend, my mom and I had the pleasure of welcoming guests over for a baby shower. A longtime family friend and soon-to-be-grandmother of a baby girl asked that she use our home to host the shower for her daughter-in-law. My mom gave her a resounding "yes!" Fortunately, it was a small shower (16 guests), so fitting three tables into our living room was not a problem. Living room furniture was moved out of the house, and rented tables, chairs, and linens were brought in.

Pink bassinet cookies for the guests came from Toni's in Hinsdale. The gorgeous sterling silver tray was borrowed from a good friend.

The centerpieces consisted of three sky-high, white candles and a flower-filled cement urn (which were beautifully arranged by the host's sister). Large pink hydrangeas sat in the center.

The white Apilco dishes, antique sterling silverware, and glassware belong to my mom, a great collector of basic, timeless pieces.

A single hot pink hydrangea noted the expectant mother's seat.

Pink gifts surround the mantel.

Dessert was served buffet style in the dining room.

Amazing white chocolate mousse cake from Toni's. We added the berries.

Living room from another angle.

More flowers on the way to the porch.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served on the porch. Yay for being sunny and 73 degrees!

Champagne, anyone?

For the Little Ones

Word of baby showers and newborns keep popping up on my radar. One of my friends just had a baby girl of her own, and I cannot describe how much fun I had picking out a gift for the little lady. It was also a bit of challenge. There is no way to know what other people have already given, what style the parents are after, even what size to buy considering how fast babies grow. Alas. There is a single answer. Baby Gap. It is affordable and oh-so cute.

I went with this preppy, fall ensemble for the new New England gal.

More classic black and whites from the Sabrina collection. Two-tone cardigan, black leggings, and girlish details. Perfect for a lady of any age.

Naturally, these darling, faux-Mary Jane tights tempted me...

Baby Gap also has an amazing green line. How apropos for a member of the new, destined-to-be eco-friendly generation. Start 'em young, I say.

And for the new gents of the world, there are great basics, as well.

And once Miss Lily is a bit older, she'll be receiving gifts from the mecca of fashionable kids' clothing. Crewcuts.

Pretty in pink.
The look on the left is my favorite. The dress. The glasses. The bob. Love it.
And for him... casual cool.
Men of all ages should own a navy blazer and a peacoat. Write that down.