always judge a book by its cover

To me, there is no better gift than a book (other then wine or food, perhaps). So I was delighted when my book club threw a 'baby book' shower for me last year. I have always been drawn to the clean, crisp illustrations of many children's books, and even purchased quite a few way before the thought of having a child entered my mind. 

While a mom-to-be will always appreciate a classic (Goodnight Moon, The Giving Tree, The Hungry Caterpillar), a more unusual selection can be a great gift as well. A book with a charming cover doesn't even need gift wrap...just a ribbon and a sweet note. A couple of my recent favorites are shown above. Whatever and Tikki, Tikki, Tembo have slightly 'dark' endings for children's books, but nonetheless, are beautifully illustrated. All of Maira Kalman's (What Pete Ate from A-Z) books are amazing, not just because of the quirky illustrations and bright colors, but because they entertain the adult just as much (or more then!) the child. I just found Leonardo the Terrible Monster during my last trip to the book store, and thought it was delightful. You can't go wrong these days, with so many great books to choose from.

brilliant!

I actually started drooling when I saw the amazing creations of 'hello naomi' on flikr. Not only are the cupcakes and cookies little works of art in and of themselves, the backgrounds elevate them to a higher level of brilliance! I think she has a future as a food stylist. Unfortunately, Naomi hails from Austrailia, so those of us in the States will just have to admire them from afar. Next week, I promise to move on from my cupcake obsession, but these photos seemed the perfect way to send you off for the weekend. For more photos of Naomi's amazing delights, go to www.flickr.com/photos/hello_naomi/collections/72157602788113356

in the mood...

for cupcakes! I can't get my mind off that giant cupcake from yesterday's post. In search of all things cupcake, I came across these paper-based beauties. Not quite as great as the real thing, but a close 2nd. From top: Snow & Graham cupcake wrapping paper, Hicks Paper Goods' cupcake buffet invitation, Sprinkles cupcake invitation, and Boatman Geller enclosure card

yum

One big giant cupcake...how yummy. This enormous cupcake measures 6 inches high and 7 inches across. Of course, you have to buy a specialty pan to make it, but I'm sure creative types could improvise! Available at Williams-Sonoma for $35. (image courtesy of www.williamssonoma.com)

'partyscapes'

Today, I heard unexpectedly from an old Martha Stewart colleague and friend of mine, Rebecca Thuss. While I was sad I missed seeing her at the National Stationery Show last month, these pictures from her portfolio cheered me right up! I have deemed them 'partyscapes.' If these don't put you in the mood for a fête of some sort, I don't know what will. They are simply divine! To see more of Rebecca's vast collection of work, both freelance and for Martha Stewart Weddings, go to www.rebeccathuss.com. (images courtesy of Rebecca Thuss, Thuss Farrell Photography, and Martha Stewart Weddings)