Cute maternity swim suits are a little more challenging than regular suits, but there are still some great options out there (also be sure to check out Old Navy for inexpensive basic suits… I bought the black halter tankini and black cinched bottoms this Spring and loved them). Here are a few of my favorites:
1 / 2 top & bottom / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 top & bottom / 7 top & bottom / 8 / 9
You can also save by buying a basic pair or two of bottoms and switching up the tops… several mix and match suits for less!
—Ellie
I get asked this question a lot – so I thought I’d share – my number one tip for setting up a baby’s room.
You don’t need to buy a changing table. Take any dresser, add a changing pad, and when your little one is finally potty-trained, get rid of it as fast as you can. (Keep the dresser, of course!) To be safe, I recommend using velcro-strips to secure the changing pad to the top your dresser).
-Chiara
Days seem to be flying by lately. Now that I’m down to the last couple months in my pregnancy, there seems to always be some kind of doctors appointment or baby-related to-do list item that needs checking off, and of course work and keeping up with the house is keeping my husband and me busy as well. Today I’m cleaning up my Golden Belt studio for tonight’s 3rd Friday open house (stop by, if you’re local! I’ll be around from 6:30-8:30).
The above is one of the many beautiful photos of Aurélie Lecuyer’s home in France, found courtesy of Bloesem.
Weekend Event Picks for Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill: Durham’s free summer music series has moved to DPAC’s front lawn, and kicks off tonight with Solas and Kenny Roby // Third Friday in Durham, including live music at Goldenbelt // Grand Opening of Spectre Arts in Durham, also tonight // Roman Holiday screening on the lawn of NCMA, 8pm // 44th annual Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday afternoon // Parents looking to engage their children in art, check out blogger and author Jean Van’t Hul at The Regulator Bookshop Saturday night // The Rite of Spring Centennial from the NC Symphony // Head to City Plaza in Raleigh for Artsplosure, all weekend
Have a good weekend!
—Ellie
I was so happy to hear from Lee, a bookbinder living and working in central New Jersey. She has a new collection (first two images) of hand-bound books which use simple, strong geometrics and a beautiful neutral color palette with pops of color inspired by detailed tile work and woven rug designs. Says Lee:
“You can image the entries, full of backwards letters and misspellings, and of course compelling story lines: “Today I jump roped” “I had school today” and so many more. The fact is, there is something important to me about recording my life. Even if the topics are mundane, when you look back, your handwriting, your writing style and the sense of place you communicate are so telling.
After graduating with my degree in Art History and Studio Arts concentrating in Graphic Design from Indiana University, I moved to New Jersey a newlywed. My books and journals became closer to me than ever, and when I finally made my first case bound book, I was thrilled.
My goal in bookmaking is to make a beautiful, meaningful vessel for you to fill with all your thoughts, drawings, bits and pieces that represent your current self. My books are thoughtfully made and meant to last a lifetime.”
Each of Lee’s books are hand sewn and bound with a different Coptic binding technique. They’re filled with paper from French Paper Co. in Niles, Michigan, powered by fully renewable hydroelectric generators and family owned. You can see more books in Lee’s Esty Shop, Read Write Books, or on her blog.
—Ellie
