Color Palate

These paint chip table linens are just the sort of quirky home decor that I like. Designed by Avril Loreti in Toronto, they're cute, clever and just the right amount of kitschy.

Weekend in Photos

I'm not sure if I've gotten lazy about taking pictures over the weekend or if they just haven't been especially photogenic lately, but it's nice to have something to share today. Since the doctor said "any day now," we finally got our act together assembling the crib and installing the car seat. So the hard part's over, right? ;) I was craving waffles, so we had a tasty brunch at Trace and a walk/waddle around downtown. And we've been taking Zuzu out as often as we can to get out some of that puppy energy. It's been so nice to have even slightly cooler weather. Fall in Texas might be just my speed.

Thanks, Baby

The UPS guy and I have grown quite close thanks to my lengthy list of prepare-for-baby purchases. One thing that was easy to decide on was this pack of custom thank you cards from Minted. I like the non-traditional color palette and the sweet little details of this design, and I didn't even have to leave the couch to buy them -- something that's become increasingly difficult lately.

Hudson River Valley House

Fall is certainly the time of year that I miss New York the most -- the apple-picking day trips, the changing leaves and perfect sweater weather. So when I came across this modern, sustainable home in the Hudson River Valley, it made me want to pick up and move back north -- at least for the next three months.

[spotted on: Onekindesign; photos by: Lang Architecture]

Fall Frocks

All I want to do is shop for fall dresses, but my 37-week-sized belly is complicating things. I'm especially drawn to this color palette and the fun patterns of these Anthropologie dresses. At least there's boot shopping to tide me over.

Thoughts of the Week

Whenever it gets cold enough, sign me up for this look.

Let the fall baking commence.

Footie pajamas for a tiny superstar.

These pastries and espresso make me want to book a flight to Rome.

I'm a sucker for dahlias, so l love this sweet arrangement.

Thanks so much for your baby book recommendations! Here are some more ideas.

Happy Friday! My mom is in town for a long weekend to help us prepare for baby boy and create a happy, little space for him. Thank goodness for mamas! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Mama-to-Be Mocktail: Purple Fizz

While we were in Napa on our babymoon, I had to forgo the cabernet sauvignon, but I did get to enjoy some delicious grapes right off the vine. Ever since, I've been craving that same juicy flavor, so I decided to come up with this fruity, fizzy mocktail.

Purple Fizz
4 oz. sparkling red grape juice
4 oz. cranberry juice
4 oz. ginger ale
Frozen grapes for garnish

Combine chilled grape juice, cranberry juice and ginger ale and add a few frozen grapes as garnish and to keep the drink cold.

Books for Baby

I may be getting a little ahead of myself by putting together a library for the baby, but there's just too much nostalgia involved to resist. These were some of my early childhood favorites, and I'm looking forward to reading them to our little one. What are some of your favorites?

On Track

I'm totally charmed by this train track street art in Portugal created by Artur Bordalo. What a clever way to brighten up something ordinary. Happy Friday!

[spotted on: enpundit]

Cream and Sugar, Please

If I were going to have a collection of a particular kitchen item, it would most definitely be cream and sugar sets. I can always seem to find new creamers and sugar bowls that I love, and these delicate designs from RossLab are no exception.

Napa Valley Babymoon

We're back from our trip to Northern California. It was such a relaxing getaway! The cool nights were a perfect break from the Texas heat, the food was delicious and the scenery was beautiful. We flew into San Francisco and spent the first part of the trip there, walking around, singing the Full House theme, seeking out our favorite sandwich from RoliRoti and giving Dynamo Donuts a try.

We drove up to Calistoga along the winding, scenic Highway 1 and arrived at the Solage where we spent the rest of our stay. It's a beautiful resort with a spa, mineral pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Solbar, on the property. Our dinner there was delicious. We spent time exploring shops and markets in nearby towns Napa and St. Helena and spent an afternoon walking around Yountville before our dinner at Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc. The menu on Sunday night featured spaghetti and meatballs and ice cream sundaes -- what pregnant dreams are made of.

Even with the lack of wine-drinking for me, I'm so glad we picked the Napa area for our trip. It's such a beautiful part of the country and turned out to be the perfect place to unwind for a few days.

Falling for Cupcakes

Yesterday, I stopped in at the adorable Hey Cupcake! for a pumpkinator, a pumpkin spice cake topped with tasty graham cracker cream cheese frosting. It doesn't feel a bit like fall here in Texas, but it's September and a bit of pumpkin is necessary.

Home Making

We're still looking for a house here in Austin. Last weekend, we made an offer on a home only to find ourselves in competition with four other buyers and outbid. It's enough to make me say, "Forget the whole thing. Let's hit the road." Something about this overhauled Airstream, a little cabin on wheels, seems particularly appealing.

[spotted on: Design Sponge]