Lambchop Designs Official Site » Gifts

In the Holiday Spirit (outfits)!

adrianne — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:00:18 +0000

I love Halloween. It jump starts the holiday season in my mind. Next up is Thanksgiving and then, obviously, Christmas and New Year’s. I am particularly defensive of Thanksgiving because it usually seems that Halloween and Christmas get all the attention. It’s simply NOT FAIR to the turkey. We gloss through November and then BAM! Turkey Day. All the while we’ve been stressing and shopping for Christmas. People: the turkey needs respect. Give it to him.

Naturally, because of my Turkey Day obsession, I started thinking about what my sweet babes will wear for the upcoming festivities. Now that we have a little girl on the way, the flood gates are open to the smocking possibilities! I spent a little time on Etsy yesterday and found several adorable items from what looks to be Turkey Day adoring vendors:

This is an IRON ON turkey. What a deal! I can snatch this and iron to my heart’s delight for Davis and Miss Babe!

Confetti Creations By J

Seriously?!! LOVE these turkey items. To Be Stiched. Much needed for the BIG milk of thanks for the baby.

Yessssssss! From The Nook.

Done and DONE for the actual day. Sew So Sweet Boutique.

A jumper for Davis…sorry, kid, you’re not out of the woods jusssst yet. A Stitch In Tyme.

Oh no! Let us not forget ye pilgrims! This shirt is too cute and cracks me up! Davis LOVES seeing his name or the letter “D” so this is a slam dunk from Pretty Pretty Baby.

Of course, I’ll already be shopping for Christmas outfits, too. I’ll post more on those finds soon!

Adrianne

What’s In Your…Diaper Bag?

adrianne — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:40 +0000

Can you tell that I’m doing a “What’s In Your…” series this week? Yes! Today I want to tell you how I travel light with my diaper bag. You all know I don’t like to walk around with a bunch of extra stuff…especially when you have a toddler and/or baby in your arms. It’s too much work! Plus, it allows one of your magical eight mommy hands to be free when you are out and about.

I also know you are wondering which diaper bag I finally chose (remember all of those Diaper Quest Posts? Quest 1, Quest 2). There are so many fashionable ones out there today. I ended up going with the Skip Hop bag in Champagne. The color is perfect for Fall (it will go with anything) and it’s reasonably priced ($89). Couple that with its easy-clean fabric…it’s a “GO” all around.

Love?! Yes. I will probably get one more for good measure…

Anyway, back to the topic at hand…what goes IN the diaper bag? It can hold a lot of stuff so watch out and keep it simple.

1. Three diapers, max. One travel box of wipes.

Three diapers will last you your entire outing if you have a newborn (let’s be honest, you can only be gone for about 90 minutes at a time anyway at first). Three diapers also works for an older baby. Again, you can only be out for so long because of nap schedules (at least for my kiddo). Three diapers even works for a young toddler on one nap a day. If you leave at 8am and don’t get home until 1pm, three usually will suffice. Please note that I always keep extra diapers and wipes in the car in case of emergency. You certainly never want to find yourself sans diapers. That would warrant a 911 call!

Here is an adorable travel wipes case (so much cuter and more flexible than your standard issue plastic deal):

Amy Coe

2. Two bibs, two burp clothes. Try this set from Dwell Studio:

3. An extra onesie (and one for the car):

This would be my son’s preference from Baby Gap, of course!

4. A bottle of water, an empty bottle, and a formula pack (no need for the formula pack if you are nursing, obvie).

I love these clever formula packs from Enfamil:

The water is for you and for mixing formula in the bottle on the go.

I love these Born Free 5 oz bottles. Perfect size! You can even fit two in your bag if needed.

5. A few snacks (for you and baby, if he/she is old enough). By “a few” I mean a 100 calorie pack of yogurt pretzels or a small box of raisins and a small bag of Cheerios.

To be “green” about it all, I love using the Packin’ SMART by Innobaby. They detach from each other so you can use one or two at a time. Put anything you want in there: formula, snacks, extra passies, whatever! Talk about a space saver!

6. An extra passy and your baby’s lovey. You absolutely cannot be without these! (At least, with my babe, I can’t.)

Davis always preferred the Gerber Nuk passies.

And, of course, SkipIt:

7. Your “Hooter Hider” or nursing cover. Since our baby girl will be here in Winter time, I’m simply going to wear mine wherever I go. Cute accessory meets functional nursing cover!

Maternal America

Stylish, or what?!!

8. Your personal items: wallet, lip gloss/whatever, a pen, cell phone, play date cards!

That is all! I am even tempted to (and do on some days) grab my regular, smaller purse for a quick errand.(The purse below is a little bigger than my normal purse.)

Throw in the wipes, one diaper, and a pre-mixed bottle in this bottle case.

(Or, even better, if you are nursing, throw on that scarf and forget the bottle!)

Yes, it matches the bib and burb cloth set above from Dwell Studio. Genius!

For the tiny babes, I always keep my Snap ‘n Go in the trunk to pop on that car seat or my Baby Bjorn for total hands free errands!

For older babies, I recommend a simple umbrella stroller. You can pop it out with one hand and fold it up…like an umbrella. Saves space (I am also a firm believer you do NOT need an SUV to have a kid) and is totally simple.

Loving the sassy green, by the way!

Happy Thursday!

Adrianne

I Heart NOLA!

adrianne — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:32:40 +0000

Ok. You know I can’t ignore Katrina on the fifth anniversary of the levee break, right? After all, I did go to school there and live there for a total of almost eight years. It really is another home to me. A good friend has even dubbed me the “fake local” because after all that time in the Big Easy, well, let’s just say I assimilated really well. Even in VA people assume I am from New Orleans! It’s an honor to be mistaken as a true blood! Anyway, I know that Katrina is all you’ve heard about on the news lately so I need not go into detail about that horrific event. All I want to say is:

1. I can’t believe it’s been five years.

2. I am so thankful that a lot of the city has been cleaned up (a lot of it has not been…I am hopeful!).

3. Most of all, I am relieved and thankful that all of our dear friends and their families are safe and back in NOLA. They are all a big part of the reason the city has survived: pure tenacity, endurance, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer. I am humbled by them all.

For a full commentary and true local perspective, visit Jessie’s blog, The Gimlet Eye.

To remember Katrina and support the city that survived it, let’s shop a little at the local boutiques from New Orleans.

Two Sprouts: “New Orleans Inspired Stationery and Invitations”

A perfect crawfish invite for your crawfish boil! Yes, even waaaay up here in VA, Tripp and I always host a crawfish boil in the Spring. Countdown to Spring begins now!

Calling cards for your little sweetie. I may have to buy these for Miss Babe!

How can you not love the Jazz Fest Stroller invite?? For a true New Orleanian!

Doing their part to help save the coast as well. Buy a t-shirt or onesie for your babe here!

Perch New Orleans: Beautiful and stylish interiors!

Check out their blog for their latest shipments…including these papier mache birds! I have seen these in a local White Stone store. They are just as cool as they look!

Clip on butterflies…loving the idea of these spontaneously clipped to drapes in a nursery!

Perch has many other fabulous things to fancy your eyes!! Visit their site and see more of their interior design genius and clever items like note card wallets.

Orient Expressed: A Magazine Street Must Have!

It’s truly everything from smocked clothing to stylish gifts:

A classic…

Adorable smocked pillow!

The perfect host gift! Lovin’ those fleur-de-lis!

I think everyone should book a flight to New Orleans right now! If you can’t swing it, though, at least visit one of the sites I mentioned here and buy something for yourself or someone you love.

Safe and sound to you today!

Adrianne

Fall Maternity Blitz!

adrianne — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:00:25 +0000

I don’t know about you but we have had a blast of cooler weather this week. It’s so uncharacteristic for August! The 75 degree weather has been a welcome change, however. As much as I LOVE hot weather and LOVE basking in the sun, I am ready for the inspirational cool that comes with Fall.

I was in Richmond briefly today and happened to hit Hip to Be Round, one of my fave maternity stores. Even though I am a few months away from delivery, I still need a few fillers for Fall. I am not naive enough to think that I’ll pop right back into my trusty J. Crew cords after baby girl comes in November. Unfortunately, noooooo. But, I don’t want to buy a full out Fall maternity wardrobe either. Below are my finds and suggestions for an awesome Fall collection for your closet without going overboard. I hope it helps!

1. Essential this Fall: The Faux Wrap Top.

This shirt will go with anything and is THE most comfortable tee I’ve put on in a long time. Michael Stars, of course!

2. The Cowl Neck Dress:

A true no-brainer from The Gap!

3. The Sassy Tunic (great with jeans or leggings):

Moody Mamas

4. A solid pair of cords:

I tried these on today – super comfy and you know I love that under-the-belly style band! And, keep your eye out for a plummy purple color…delish!

Japanese Weekend

5. Of course, you know I am an advocate of a good pair of designer jeans:

Citizens of Humanity

6. The Cable Knit Cardigan:

A steal at Old Navy!

7. A few long sleeve tees:

Picture it with jeans and that cutie short sleeved, cable knit cardie above! GAP

8. The basic legging:

Also GAP. Please wear with a longer shirt, however!

9. A great blazer:

Yes, I know this is not maternity. My theory is that you buy it and wear it open with a big scarf. Cute! Boden, naturally.

10. A go-to pair of flats:

These flats are cooler in person. The gathering at the toes is edged with a sassy zipper…and they come in different colors. G-O Corso Como.

That’s it, my friends! Those are the stylish basics. A few of these items have yet to hit stores so keep your eyes peeled. Please note that you should add more color than I’ve shown here. Old Navy actually has some great orange and red shirts that would go nicely with all of these basics!

Have a GREAT weekend and soak up the last of those summer rays!

Adrianne

P.S. Davis update: He LOVED his crib back together. He slept so, so well last night. Big boy bed…well, it’ll just have to wait a bit longer.

Silhouettes: Hump Day Fun!

adrianne — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:00:45 +0000

Soooooooooo I told you about a fun little project involving silhouettes a few weeks ago. I found a brilliant explanation/version of this project in Nonpareil Magazine. Here is my post on Nonpareil. Here is the photo of the beautiful result:

I love the idea of this in the nursery. I also love the clever use of old frames spray painted to your liking!

Yesterday during nap time, I decided to take this on myself. You can, too (or you can email me and I’ll make yours for you!)

Here’s what you need for the project:

1. Profile picture(s) of whomever you are “silhouetting.” Here is Davis’:

This picture makes me feel like I could reach out and touch him!

2. Cool paper (a solid for the silhouette and a neat pattern for the background…or v.v. Be creative!):

My choice for the silhouette cut-out. Remember, our nursery is plum and grass green!

I was thrilled when I found these coordinating papers! I chose paper prints with variations of purple and green, of course!

3. Permanent Adhesive:

This stuff is the best – not messy, very effective.

4. A pencil with an eraser, some sharp scissors, and a steady hand.

5. A frame (I used an 8×10 plainie Janie frame from Walmart):

Here’s how you do it:

1. Cut out the profile of the picture you chose.

2. Place cut-out picture on the solid paper and trace the picture cut-out with a pencil:

A little hint: Make sure your solid paper is the same size as the frame you are using…or make sure the size of the silhouette will fit nicely on your background paper before cutting. Sizing these takes a bit of trial and error, patience, and a copier. You may have to blow up the original picture or decrease the size depending on how you want it to look.

(I used the matting to size it correctly so I’d have the right proportions.)

3. Cut out the traced silhouette on the solid paper very carefully and smoothly (here’s where the sharp scissors and steady hand come in!).

4. Make sure your printed paper is the right size for the frame you chose. I used an 8×10 and had 12×12 printed paper to work with, hence, I cut the 12×12 to fit the 8×10 frame. (Again, I simply used the matting to size and cut the paper.)

5. Use the permanent adhesive on one side of your cut-out silhouette. Mount it on the printed paper just so. I don’t think there are any rules here…centered, funkily placed, whatever you wish. Go for it!

6. Toss the matting and place the printed paper with your silhouette in the frame. Voila! (Note: I did not paint the frames…yet. I may paint them green. I’ll have to see how it all ties with the rest of the wall art first! If you do paint them, I’d prime them first and just use spray paint. Simple!)

Here are two of mine. I am going to hang one of everyone in the family, including our dog, Alice. They will go around a mirror above the changing table a la picture from Nonpareil!

Davis

Alice

Done and DONE! Try it and let me know your thoughts. Again, if you just want it done for you, let me know and we’ll discuss. I am happy to do it for you!

Adrianne

Smocked Heaven!

adrianne — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:00:40 +0000

Ok. Be honest. Is a three-year-old boy getting too old for smocked outfits? I mean, they make most of them through size 5T…that’s for a five-year-old…but, really, is he too old? I am lamenting the idea that he may well be too old for it all. Maybe just for the holidays? Especially now that Davis is going to have a little sister, how can I resist putting him in a matching smocked outfit? All of this pondering started because a friend of mine is having a Shrimp and Grits Kids party this Saturday. I LOVE Shrimp and Grits Kids. AND, I am headed to Richmond Friday morning for the coveted Kid’s Layne sale…the warehouse of smocked heaven where I will run (yes, I will wear running shoes) and collect as many outfits as possible as soon as they let me in the door. Who wouldn’t when a) they let all the pregnant ladies in first, b) it’s all 70% off regular price. JACKPOT! Don’t go…I don’t want to have to body check you. (Just joking…seriously!)

Here is a tantalizing sample of what’s in store for the Shrimp and Grits Kids portion of my shopping spree:

SO Christmasy and SO precious. Do they have a matching romper for Davis? Too much? NON!

Yes. Yes. Yes. Those are smocked cowboys. Surely he can get away with this outfit???

Yes those are flying pigs. Yes I want one for Miss Babe!!

Monkey and tricycles. He would LOVE this pattern. But this is at the root of my question…to old for a smocked longall on a random Tuesday, for example? Maybe I should stick to the t-shirts…

A lab in a wagon. Done. I think he can surely get away with this outfit. Don’t you?

Why is it always a slam dunk for girls? This is DEFinitely a no-brainer for the baby.

I’ll post more tomorrow as I get ready to swarm Richmond!! Then, Monday, we’ll see what I found….

Adrianne

One Tuff Cookie

adrianne — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:00:08 +0000

First of all, I have to apologize for all of my posting drama this week. For example, I don’t have a clue WHY my post didn’t post yesterday until 2:45pm. If you missed it, check it out: Nonpareil: Not Just a Candy Anymore. I hope it won’t happen again!

That being said, it makes me hot to talk about winter fleece clothing on a day like today…it is opressively humid. But, I’m going to do it because I just bought Davis an adorable winter hat! It was one of those things: if I didn’t snatch it right away, it would be sold out forever and he wouldn’t get one this year. Every year I have been buying him sassy hats made by Tuff Cookie. Here he is at a wee three-month-old wearing his “Buster” hat:

Awww…super cool, man.

Here are some other cool selections I found on the Tuff Cookie site:

The Mohawk Hat. Rad!

The Buster Hat…just like the one Davis is wearing above. And, like the one I bought him for this year. Sassy!

May have to get Miss Babe this girly monster! “Goofgal”

Or this one…Monkey!

The Hoot Hat…CUTE!

I love a good hedgehog hat, you?

Now, these pig tails are just adorable. Loving this!

And, they make coats. Davis most certainly needs one of these!! It looks so warm and cozy.

And, for the girl….

I hope this hasn’t made your summer too hot! Enjoy this weekend and stay cool. More on Monday!

Adrianne

Log Your Baby!

adrianne — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:28 +0000

Part of preparing for our daughter’s arrival in October/November is brainstorming about what worked and what didn’t with our son, Davis, when he was an infant. My checklist of “not again” items include the papazan (cradle swing), the HUGE car seat (how did I not know I was buying an extra wide?), a very narrow rocking chair (see commentary on Glider Glory), and not sleeping when he slept. My checklist of “do’s” include an indestructible diaper bag (see Diaper Quest posts 1 & 2), a no-fuss stroller (read: NOT the Graco Travel System…another discussion for another day), and, most valuable of them all: a baby feeding/sleeping/diapering log. That’s right. I wrote down EVERY move Davis Bugg made from the time he was seven weeks old until he was 17 months old. It was a pain at first, I admit. But, once I got used to doing it, it was a breeze. And, it was immensely helpful to identify sleeping patterns, sick/not sick symptoms, among other important things.

Last time, I used a trusty notebook:

Sexy, isn’t she?

The notebook was great. It’s simple, no fuss, and you can write whatever you want in it. Problems arose when I was 1) not by a clock and needed to write down the time something happened or how long he nursed (often), 2) trying to find the next blank page…no bookmark (or lost my bookmark) and hard to flip through when holding an infant who’s spitting up all over you and the notebook, 3) trying to write things down after a 3am feeding…in the dark.

Imagine my surprise and excitement when I found this GEM from Skip Hop today:

Isn’t she gorgeous? Just looking at her makes my nerdy side quiver with delight. (I am a big geek when it comes to organizational products, new pencils, and untouched loose leaf paper…everyone has their own issues, okay?!)

So get this: ALL my problems are solved with this handy book.

1) It has a built-in glowing time/date clock. The clock is not only useful for telling time in the dark, telling time in the light, but it also lights up the pages for night time recording. I’m killing two birds with one stone on this one! Oh, and did I mention it has a timer on it, too? WONDERFUL!!

Look at how that beautiful clock light fits right into the book. GENIUS! I have to admit I am jealous: I didn’t think of this. WHY?

2) It comes with a bookmark.

3) It is small enough to fit in the diaper bag. KEY.

4) You can order additional pages after you fill it up for the first six months.

Bottom line is I ordered it. Unfortunately, the website says they are out of stock. BUT, Amazon has it. I can’t wait to get it in the mail. I’ll let you know the “hands on” opinion after I play with it!

Adrianne

Diaper Bag Quest Part TWO

adrianne — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:00:50 +0000

There are SO many cute bags out there these days…I had to make another sweep to see what else is coming out for Fall. I have a few standards I will always stand by: Storksak Emily Bag (remember from my original Diaper Bag Quest that I will probably snatch this one again for Miss Babe) and Skip Hop bags. Both are indestructible and you squeeze every dime spent out of them.)

The Storksak Emily Bag

Skip Hop

Here is what I found HOT off the presses for Fall diaper bags, though. Don’t forget, it doesn’t JUST have to be a diaper bag. Don’t limit your thinking. Go with something fun and stylish that you will use for a long time (given that you don’t spill anything seriously detrimental in/on it.)

One of my favorite designers, Mia Bossi. This bag is so versatile – it is big enough for a laptop, too!

Found at Bliss.

This Italian leather bag (true LUX!) is pricey but will go with EVERYTHING this fall. Imagine some kick-a riding boots and a sassy grin to match it.

Not Rational at Bliss

My favorite thing about this bag is the plum-delicious color! It’s so savvy for fall. And, it, too, will go with everything. Buy Chaiken Diaper Bag at Saks.

Another winner from Storksak…keeping it real but super stylish…and affordable!

For a bit more casual look, I love this tote from Reese Li! And, BONUS, it’s on sale at Nordstrom.

What a great bronze color on this Timi & Leslie Baby Jane bag. I have a regular purse in this color and it’s so great!! I also like the cross-body style.

It ensures your bag and lipstick and diapers and wipes and diaper creme and extra clothes and…well, you get it…are going NOWHERE when you drop something.

This gem (in a wine color – beautiful!) is one of my favorite styles. And, I love the zippered bottom that contains diaper storage and a changing pad.

The description of this bag on Bella Blu Maternity sums up what I’m trying to tell all of you: “Heads will surely turn; so it will be a relief when all eyes are on the bag rather than the baby food smeared across your shirt.” Amen, sista!

Oooh!! Try this for some kick in your step. And, ladies, it’s on sale for $89. RUN to Bella Blu Maternity: JJ Cole Silver Dots Swag Bag.

Another great alternative to black: army green. Done and DONE from Nest.

Last but not least, I wanted to leave you with a “date” option if you bring your tiny one to dinner…or something. This is from the Petunia Pickle Bottom Spring line but I think it’s a great transition bag into the Fall.

Enjoy and let me know what else you see out there!

Adrianne

Managing Expectations + Maternity Fitness Wear = Serenity!

adrianne — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:00:17 +0000

I know a lot of things in life are about managing expectations: in work, for yourself, for your kids, everything. I have never been great at this but always work really hard at becoming a master. News flash: I am getting better! Managing expectations = having NO expectations sometimes. For example, I know that I cannot have ANY expectations for what life is going to be like with a three-year-old and a newborn. NONE. I know that especially at the beginning, every day will be different and fun yet trying in its own unique way. Please remind me of this when I am bleary-eyed, the house is a wreck, I am behind on blogging and haven’t showered.

Yesterday is also a great example of managing my expectations (or practicing not really having any). Davis, our two-year-old (I am sure you are somewhat familiar with him if you are a regular around here) is going through some heavy-duty potty training. The sticker chart I mentioned a while ago is still working but he has yet to “cross over” into exclusive potty land. He needs a little push. He has become lazy and too reliant on his Lightening McQueen pull-ups. So have we. Therefore, Tripp and I have brazenly said to him, “You are going to be a big brother. You are going to be three in a month. You are a smart, big boy. Big boys wear real underwear and sleep in big boy beds.” He is 100% on board which is great! What’s not so great is that he doesn’t quite get the “signal” you need to get to tell us he has to get to the potty before it happens. Oops! And, thanks to us, he now REFUSES to wear a diaper. From 8am – 1pm yesterday, we went through four pairs of shorts and five pairs of underwear…one pair that ended up in the trash can because I just didn’t have the strength (or nose) to clean that up, if you know what I mean. (And that was all before nap time.) Surprisingly, I have been relatively calm about it all. He has helped me clean up his messes and we, so far, don’t hate each other at the end of the day.

In times of stress and striving for no expectations…or hoping for good expectations (does that make sense??), I often practice yoga or work out. And, while I haven’t had time to do that yet today, I did find some amazing maternity work-out clothes. I didn’t even know they existed. Great timing because I was literally trying to figure out what to do a few days ago…thing are NOT fitting anymore. By the way, my finds are CUTE and on SALE: yes, Zulily , people.

Check out Fit2BMom:

This is really flattering, I think! (And, maybe even cute with a skinny black skirt!)

SUPER flattering. Give me black, people.

Sadly, I am not running anymore. This skort would be perfect for it, though. Maybe for biking or just plain old elliptical? Whatever for, I want one.

These look comfy…and with pockets! What’s not to love?

STANDARD. Who doesn’t need a white tee…for work out or with jeans?

Again, cute work out top but also cute with a summer skirt!

What a great jacket for the upcoming Fall! I know, it’s not here yet but I will STILL be preggers when it gets here.

Did I say that all of this is on sale…like, 50% off? Go to it! Let me know if you need an invitation to join Zulily.

I’ll fill you in on how the “no diapers” is going on Monday. We are going to let him run around naked all weekend. Stay tuned….

Adrianne