{ ispy: lovely party favors for the kiddos }

Whenever I stop by  Lovely Design, I look forward to discovering Sharilyn's latest {and always amazing} DIY project. This designer and mama extraordinaire oozes creativity and talent. Case in point...take a look at these darling goodie bags she recently created for her daughter's second birthday party. 

 

the bags were personalized with each little party guest's first initial

but that's not all...

The bags were filled with  "scribble books" {also created by Sharilyn}, a set of specialty crayons & sweet treats

What an inspiring mommy {and a lucky little Adelaide}!

DIY instructions and patterns available here:

Goodie bags

Scribble books

Oh, and don't miss the darling invitations Sharilyn designed

{all images via Lovely Design}

{ ispy: kids letters to obama... }

I always say if you want genuine, honest feedback–ask a child. It often amazes me how my eight year old daughter can break down a seemingly complex problem, with which I've struggled, and offer a perfectly practical resolution in mere seconds with her simple, spot-on observations.  In these moments I'm left wishing there was a ways to box up her heartfelt advice and preserve her childhood innocence indefinitely. 

The brilliant minds behind 826 National have done just that in their newly released book, Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kid's Letters to President Obama. A few days after the election, kids around the country were asked to provide advice and guidance to their new president. The collection of letters offers pages of practical, often amusing, young wisdom  for the newly sworn in President. 

"I really hope you put America back together. No pressure, though." -- Sheenie Shannon Yip, age 13, Seattle

"Dear President Obama, If I were president, I would tell people to not talk much. It wastes time. I'd also say to war: no more, no more, no more!" -- Catherine Galvan, age 6, Chicago

"Dear Obama, I have grown up with a very liberal mom and a very conservative day. Thank you for bringing my parents somewhat closer together. :) You are my idol Mr. Barack..." -- Olivia Roper-Cladbeck, age 12, Seattle

You can purchase the book here. All proceeds benefit, the 826 nonprofit organizations

{ {i}spy: irresistible, one-of-a- kind treasures }

I just spied these adorable, handmade stuffies in the UK based Strawberries and Cream shop and I want to adopt every single one of them. Such charming little adornments for a baby nursery, don't you think?

To see more:

Visit the Strawberries and Cream shop 

Additional stuffies are also featured on the minori design web site

Don't miss: Theresia's flickr stream for more of her amazing designs

{ {i}spy: let's play }

{i}spy: a colorful {and tidy} playroom...

Sources:

01. Tin-Can Caddy Project -- thank you Martha

02. Set of 3 storage suitcase --  Mahar Drygoods

03. Citrus Paperclip set -- Kendra W

04. Kids labels (set of 6) -- Studiojk

05. Clean Up Your Room print -- JohnWGolden

06. Kids Strapping Floor Bins -- Land of Nod

07. Roll.n.Go Crayons -- Lil.B Designs

08. Cardboard 'Mobile Home' -- KidsonRoof

09. Dine.n.Doodle chalk mat -- Lil.B Designs

inspired by one of the many to dos on my ever growing list of home projects: #3...create a fun and organized playroom

{ it's back... }

{i}spy is back...

featuring my favorite finds & inspirations for the young 

{and young at heart}...

{i}spy: something deliciously cute 

image via danielle thompson

image via Wendy Copley

{i}spy: a magical day filled with tiny treasures

{i}spy: the best use of paper fans–ever!

{i}spy: fun party favors

{i}spy: a little lady in red 

{i}spy: picture perfect styling

{i}spy: a time-out spot for moi

{ new feature: {i}spy }

with my little "i"

My apologies for my unexpected absence from here Monday...it turned out to be one of those days. Anyway, I thought I would jump right back into the swing of things by kicking off a new weekly(ish) feature--which I affectionately call {i}spy--inspired by the first initial in my daughter's name {i} and one of our favorite games. {i}spy will feature family-friendly finds, fun project ideas, and musts for the young and the young at heart. I hope you'll enjoy these discoveries as much as I do...I look forward to your feedback.

"Lantern" giclee print (illustration by Susie Ghahremani)-

{i}spied on designismine

With the celebrated last day of school nearing (Thursday) and so much excited chatter about summer excursions and activities, these items from the ever-so-delightful boygirlparty.com really caught my eye...

Sources:

Owl To-Do List

Let's Get Primitive The Urban Girl's Guide to Camping  book

I Love Dirt! activity book 

It's great to be back...have a lovely one!