Knock, knock

Brooklyn calling.

And I generally frown on Christmas decor hanging around past January 1, but I still kind of like the wreath that's on this door in Cobble Hill. Just something nice about its shape paired the entryway's detail and brownstone-y color. (Maybe they could just change the color of the ribbon?)

Things in Brooklyn (Other Than Me) Longing For Warm Weather

(Is it just me, or is the placement of that carrot a bit suspicious?)

Bookmark 'em, Danno

5 shops you need to know:

1. Hammerpress: Smart letterpress selections. I really dig its American Flag series.

2. Carrie Strine at Big Cartel: Slammin' quilted pieces (which you should totally check out, because when have you ever read the words "slammin'" and "quilted pieces" in the same sentence?).

3. Nest Living: Y-E-S.

4. Adonde: Small selection of chic stuff.

5. Connox: Another cool design shop. Because you know that I.cannot.get.enough.

Image sources: Carrie Strine, Hammerpress, and Adonde.

When It Rains

First of all, let's talk about the above roses. THEY'RE MADE OF PAPER. Specifically, "cona coffee filters" (which I had no idea existed until today). They filled the tables of the baby shower I attended this weekend for my friend Cristina. (Two showers in a row! Babies everywhere babies.) Cristina's sister made them by hand using directions from this blog post from the folks at Martha Stewart.

It was a personal touch that obviously took her sister ages to complete--no surprise given all the thought she gave to this sweet celebration as a whole. And although her sister hosted the event, Cristina's entire clan was in on the action. From her brother helping measure her waist for the "How Big Is the Mother-to-be's Belly?" game and her nephew stealing our hearts at every turn, to her husband watching on in amazement as Cristina opened Bjorns and bottles and an endless array of girlie-girlie-ness, it was a full-out family affair.

The room was filled with so much love. Just as it should be. Congratulations, Cristina and Carlos!