Based on the fact the we are going to spend our summer bleary-eyed and figuring out how to care for a kid – we aren’t going to take a proper summer vacation.  So this summer I thought I would take a virtual vacay and dream a little about some of the places I would like to visit.  One of those places is Cape Cod.  It is so American Classic – so close to the birth place of our country and yet a place that is classic cool and always chic. 

Instead of actually traveling there – I thought I would explore some of the design that I know I would love to gaze it if I actually went.  These are some classic examples of Cape Cod design and design that I think embraces that style. 

This photo below is a perfect example of the quintessential Cape Cod bungalow.  Center door, symmetrical design, and wooden shingles!  So quaint!

Photo via HGTV

Love the white built-ins and duvet. Wouldn't this be the perfect room to wake up in?

contemporary bedroom design by boston interior designer Su Casa Designs

Isn't this little clapboard shingle porch adorable. I love the light fixtures and the bright pops of green against the blue.

traditional porch design by boston interior designer Su Casa Designs

Such a perfect cottage garden. Can you imagine the never ending vases of fresh cut flowers you would get out of this garden? I would be in heaven.

traditional landscape design

The blues and yellows here are the perfect compliment to the gorgeous view out that bay window! Love it!

traditional living room design by boston interior designer Su Casa Designs

Now this is a man cave that I would be alright with the hubby having! So classic.

traditional exterior design by new york architect SchappacherWhite Ltd.

So what about you?  Love the Cape Cod feel?  Ever been there?  I wanna know!

So for today – I have a tutorial on how to make a Tricycle Diaper Cake.  However, let me start by saying this isn’t something that I made.  This is something that was given to me at one of my showers.  But it was so amazing that I took it apart piece by piece to make sure I would 1.) be able to replicate it and 2.) share it with you guys! 

So here is what you will need as far as ingredients go! 

• Diapers – at least two jumbo packs
• Lots of big rubber bands
• 1 1/2 inch ribbon
• 1 paper towel tube
• 2 napkins
• 1 receiving blanket
• 1 pair of baby socks
• 1 zip tie
• 1 pacifier
• 1 bib
• 1 dishwasher basket
• 1/4 inch ribbon
• 1 cute cuddly friend (love the giraffe!)

To start – I would make the “tires” first.  Basically – you layer each diaper on top of one another into a tight circle.  One needs to be larger than the other two and the size is something that you might need to judge for yourself based on how big you want the cake.  This one had 25 in the front tire and 18 in the back.

I found it easier when trying to put it back together to get it started like this and get the rubber band around and then shift them into place.  You will need to leave a hole in the center.  Once you get the tire finished you wrap a piece of ribbon around and secure it on the bottom. 

Next you need to make the back axel.  Using the paper towel tube, you need to wrap a napkin around the end of the tube and then put a diaper around the middle.  Then you use a couple of rubber bands and secure the dishwasher basket around the axel. Slide your two back tires on and you are done with that portion of the trike.

Next you have to make the handlebars.  Straighten a hanger and then bend it into a u-shape.  Bend the ends down and tape them down so there are no pokey ends.  Wrap the receiving blanket and secure both the bottom of U and the ends with rubber bands.  Slide socks over the ends.  You can secure the socks with rubber bands and then roll up the ends to cuff.

Next – thread the hanger through the front tire and overlap the handlebars.  Secure with a zip tie.   Once secured, use a rubber band to secure a pacifier and ribbon on the front.  Tie a bow to hide any evidence of rubber bands.

Lay a bib down as your “seat and wrap around the handlebars. 

To connect your front and back pieces – you need to thread a ribbon through the back and front tires.  Get it pretty tight to ensure it doesn’t fall apart or the front wheel doesn’t fall over.  Set your fuzzy friend on top and you are ready to go!

Again – I can’t get over how adorable this was and it was such a great gift.  The other great thing to do for the mom-to-be is to include a little note in the card that tells the size of the diapers and the type of pacifier. 

So what do you think?  Isn’t this just adorable!  I love it!  Would you make it for a shower?  I wanna know!

Linking this up to

Metamorphosis Monday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Tip Me Tuesday with Laurie @ Tip Junkie
Get Your Craft On with Kim @ Today’s Creative Blog
Tips and Tutorials Tuesday with Beth @ Home Stories A2Z
Transformation Thursday with Gina @ Shabby Chic Cottage
Hookin up with HOH with Allison @ House of Hepworths

Well with Memorial Day weekend kicking off the outdoor party season this past weekend I thought I would toss together some party prep ideas that you can use for your own festivities this summer! 

1.  Don’t be afraid to use mismatched regular wood dining chairs as part of your set up

As this picture clearly shows – mismatched wood dining chairs can look eclectic and chic for your next al fresco dinner party.  And let’s face it – you would feel way more like saying “al fresco” with these chairs than you would with some folding plastic ones! 

eclectic patio design

2.  Create conversation spaces

Parties thrive on conversation and good company!  So make sure you set up areas at your party that facilitate that fact.  This seating area provides you all the key components – a comfy place to sit, a seating arrangement that let’s people face on another and a table to set food or drinks on. 

contemporary patio design by los angeles COCOCOZY

3.  Make it feel like a vacation

Nothing makes a party feel more like an escape from the real world than giving it a little island vibe!  I love these painted patio chairs.  They create a fun, bright atmosphere without a whole lot of effort!  Throw in some colorful pillows and towels and you are set for an island attitude on your local latitude!

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

4.  Light up your night

Nothing keeps a party going like a little light!  Let’s face it – it is hard to talk in the dark.  But don’t think you have to get all expensive with your lighting.  This is still one of my favorite ideas – terracotta pots, a little sand and a bunch of plain white candles.  Bonus points if a couple of them are citronella to keep away the bugs!

Photo via Southern Living

5.  Don’t be afraid to use your “fine” china

If it is a small get together – you can really make it feel more homey and inviting by using your regular dishes or even something a little nicer.  Just remember your audience and know when to go all out and when to break out just the Chinet.

contemporary patio design by san francisco architect Sutton Suzuki Architects

6.  Have a “signature” drink

It doesn’t matter if it is a pitcher of sangria or just something colorful like the picture below – but having a signature drink for your get-together can be one of those special touches that makes people anticipate coming! 

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

7.  Make some shade

If you are entertaining during the daytime – it is advisable to have a shady spot where the fair skinned and overheated can gather.   Umbrellas or canopies can be a great way to set up some shade that is also portable.

mediterranean patio design by other metros landscape architect Carolyn Chadwick

There you go – those are my seven tips for Outdoor Entertaining!  Now what about you?  Do you have a great tip that you would love to share?  I wanna hear it!