Christmas Shopping for a Toddler Girl...

Christmas is my MOST favourite time of year.  

I love it even more than Fall!  

I think its because, unlike any other time of year, we make time to spend time with family, friends and co-workers to celebrate the season.  

Even though The Hubby is American, and it is against his inner core to start celebrating before Thanksgiving weekend, I have softened him a little so we start Christmas music and Christmas shopping as soon as Halloween is over.  

He even lets me decorate the weekend before Thanksgiving.  

What a guy!

All year long I have seen things I want to buy for the girl but have been holding out for Christmas.

It makes it more fun right?

I know thinking of ideas can sometimes be tricky so I thought I would share some of the beautiful things I am thinking of for the girl.

She will likely not be getting all of them but here is a starting point.

Happy Shopping!

1. A baby stroller for her to push her babies in. Pottery Barn Kids $79.00

2. Minnie Mouse Ears for everyday play. The Disney Store

3. Could these moccasins be any cuter? I would wear them inside and out. Target $14.99

4. Hand stamped silver baby bracelet. Julie the Fish Designs $54.00

5. Toddler size back pac for her stuff when we are on the plane. Skip* Hop $19.00
6. I absolutely adore this jumper.  Add bright tights and a long sleeved-t. Baby Gap $39.95
7. Every girl with growing hair needs some clips to keep it out of their eyes. Target $2.49
8. Baby Stella has magnetic accessories that attach to her mouth. Manhattan Toys $32.00
9. Child size table for crafts or tea parties. Ikea Table $39.99, Chair $19.99
10. Stylish yet cute to keep her warm in our cold weather. Target $10.00

Linking up here:

IKEA Hackers

My Waiting Bench Tutorial was featured on IKEA Hackers today.  Click here to see it!  For those of you who have never heard of this blog, it's a collection of projects made from IKEA items.  People from all over the world submit what they have done with a piece of IKEA furniture.  When I found this blog I knew I had to become a follower.  I love IKEA but don't want my house to look like it came from a big box store.  So...hack away!  Make sure you submit any of your IKEA Hacks or head over to this blog to be inspired!

Waiting Bench

When I was growing up, my parents had a bench in their foyer that we jokingly referred to as the waiting bench. The name was the result of multiple different men over the years who had found themselves taking a seat waiting for one of the three girls to be ready to go out for the night.  In an effort to spice up my small foyer I decided to add a bench, and while there are no men waiting on this bench (yet), it serves its purpose for me to pull on my boats and store the Boss' outdoor accessories.

I started with a tv stand from IKEA.  We are renovating our bedroom and no longer need these for nightstands.

I used a piece of wood cut to fit the top of the stand, spray adhesive, batting, carpenter glue and canvas material from IKEA.

 I cut the batting to size and used the adhesive to stick the sheets together and then to the piece of wood.  I used 4 sheets but you can continue to layer them until you reach the softness you desire.  I then cut the material adding an inch all the way around the bench pad.  Next, place the batting face down on the back of the material and pull the sides up tight.  Use the staple gun to attach the fabric to the back of the bench pad.  I then used wood glue to secure the pad to the bench and my husband placed 4 screws (one in each corner) for me to ensure that they wouldn't separate.  I finished the look by adding two small baskets on the bottom shelf to keep the Boss' stuff.  Easy!!!