Fun Finds – the MAD creative

EASTER GIFT IDEAS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:March 22, 2016
Post category:KIDS PLAY
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We went to the mall Easter bunny today. Mya thinks that since you sit on the bunny’s lap like Santa, you need to tell him what you want for Easter. And she wants a nightstand. Oh how I love my practical girl. Derek and I each have a nightstand with a drawer and that’s what she wants because she “needs something to set things on and put thing in by [her] own bed.” She also prefers it to be dark blue with sparkles. Duly noted, Mya.

But since I’m guessing most other kids aren’t asking for a bedside table, I thought I’d throw together some fun kid gifts in case you wanted to add some last minute pizzaz to their baskets. (Since this post was published, some products have become unavailable. We have updated some alternative links to the pictures below.)

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GROWN-UP GIRLY GIFT GUIDE

Post author:Ashley
Post published:December 1, 2015
Post category:FOOD HOME LIVE LOVE PLAY
Post comments:4 Comments

I was going to compile a list of maternity items that’ve helped me through this pregnancy. And then I realized that they’re not maternity items at all because I was too cheap to buy much of anything that I’d only be able to use less than 9 months. Especially when I can live in sweatpants everyday. And I’ll probably have stretch marks because I didn’t get a bellyband; and I’ll probably have back problems because I didn’t get a pregnancy pillow. But I got a super soft infinity scarf, a mommy journal, and some other goodies instead. So I think the tradeoff was totally worth it. And I’m hoping these items will bring you comfort too… if not for you, for some other special gal pal. And most are great stocking stuffers, so just drop some hints to your man friend and make his job a little easier this year.

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ADVENT CALENDAR IDEAS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:November 24, 2015
Post category:LOVE PLAY
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Sorry I lied. I didn’t get my stuff together last night for Mya’s birthday post. Too. Many. Photos! (So, hopefully it’ll come together next week.) Buuuuut, I have some joyous advent calendar ideas for you… because December is just 7 days away. (Insert wide-eyed emoticon here.) I’m here to tell you, “It’s ok. Take a deep breath. Don’t freak out.” Some of these are super easy. If you have some paper bags or toilet paper rolls, you can make something work for you in no time!

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SHELVING FOR KIDS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:April 15, 2015
Post category:DESIGN KIDS
Post comments:2 Comments

One of my favorite things to find are inspiring kid rooms. Probably because they’re whimsical, colorful, and anything goes. Since my Kid Decor Pinterest board is getting out of control, I thought I’d narrow down some cool kid shelving solutions. Besides the abundant naked dolls on #4, these creative takes on storage are totally winners.

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BUNNY BOOKS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:March 18, 2015
Post category:KIDS
Post comments:1 Comment

Mya and I love going to storytime at the library or a local toy store every week. Sometimes she gets overwhelmed by the library class sizes, so the toy store has been a…

DESIGN TREND: BRASS ACCENTS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:March 10, 2015
Post category:DESIGN
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Metallics have been on trend for awhile. When given options, I was leaning toward silvers and golds. But it seems like I've been overlooking an equally as rich tone: BRASS! It has such depth and rustic…

BODACIOUS BASKETS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:January 26, 2015
Post category:DESIGN
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You know you’re old when you google “storage bins” and get excited by the results. I love me some sexy storage baskets, but I have some pretty specific requirements: they have to be soft, sturdy, cost efficient, and not smell bad. Have you ever smelled some wicker baskets? No thank you. Since we mainly use these in our living room to hide little play things, I also look for bins that have some adult sophistication. Just because they’re filled with whoopie cushions, nerf darts, dollies, and harmonicas… the baskets can create the facade that we still possess some savvy style.

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HEARTS and CRAFTS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:January 18, 2015
Post category:LOVE
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Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. Call me a sap, but I’ve always liked this holiday– not because of the stereotypical chocolates and vibrant reds, but because it’s a nice reminder to give more love. And it’s usually low key. Besides making heart-shaped pizzas together, Derek and I usually don’t do a whole lot to speak of. And that’s alright with me. These heart themed happy things make me smile. (And you can find even more on our Heart Day Pinterest board.) You could easily use the designs of 2, 9, or 10 on some homemade valentines. I haven’t mastered the delicate pancake stylings of 5, but wouldn’t it be cool if I could?! In any case, I hope the images give you some warm fuzzies.

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HOLIDAY TREATS

Post author:Ashley
Post published:December 16, 2014
Post category:FOOD
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We finally took the Pinterest plunge. "What is that?" you may ask. We got with the times and joined Pinterest. I thought it would totally be a time-sucker. And it was initially.…

GIFT GUIDE: FATHERS’ DAY

Post author:Ashley
Post published:May 12, 2014
Post category:HOME LIVE TECH
Post comments:0 Comments

We hope you (or if you're a dude-- your "baby mama") had a beautiful Mothers' Day. And now Fathers' Day is right around the corner: June 15th. Here are some…