Oh Baby!

June, July, and August are among the top months for babies to arrive according to the U.S. CDC and the U.S. Census, so it's more than likely that you will be either hosting or attending a baby shower this summer. That means it's time to shop for that perfect gift! We all want to give something thoughtful, unique, and of course cute, so here are some ideas to help you out!

An extended family member shared these awesome towel/aprons with us and we've been gifting them every since! They allow you to stay hands free during bath time, and when it's over you just simply lift up your baby and wrap 'em up in this soft plush towel that keeps you dry and your baby cozy! Available in a variety of colors and patterns from Baby Wrappers.

Bibs are always a great gift and something that the mom-to-be will use over and over, so why not get her one of the coolest bibs out there? These adorable "bandanna" style drool bibs come a in variety of cool modern patterns and are handmade to last and last. Trying to match with a theme or color palette? Contact the creator and they'll be happy to custom make them in the fabric of your choice! Available from The Little Parasol.

Who can resist a pair of baby shoes?! Why not spoil the new baby with a pair of shoes that give back. For every pair of shoes bought, TOMS will give a pair to a child in need. With so many styles and colors to choose from you're sure to find a pair that's perfect, but we love this simple white canvas pair. Available from Tiny TOMS

A cute diaper bag that is equally functional is sure to have the mom-to-be thanking you for years to come. Voted number one by Parenting Magazine, the "Duo" easily converts from shoulder bag to stroller bag making it extra versatile. It features tons of storage and comes in some of the coolest modern patterns we've seen including a collection designed by Jonathan Adler! Available from Skip Hop

This little teether has been #1 for over 50 years for a reason. It's designed to facilitate development by awakening all of the baby's senses including sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. It's safe, made from 100% natural rubber, and just adorable! Sophie the Giraffe available at Amazon

the NEW Tea Party

Source: seaofshoes.typepad.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

Tea has come a long way since our Grandmothers or the traditional British "tea time". Tea now comes in a variety of styles and flavors and is even infused in our beauty products and served up in cocktails. Tea provides a wide variety of benefits including absorbing antioxidants as well as providing disease fighting properties against cancer and heart disease. Serving it to your guests promotes relaxation and is sure to help you enjoy each other's company. (And it's appropriate for all ages!)

For a twist on the traditional "tea party" try hosting a "tea tasting". With so many unique varieties out there, the possibilities are endless; from fruity, to minty, to herbal. Visit a local store like Teavana or an online option like Mighty Leaf who offers sampler packages. Choose an array of options and brew them up in clear glass pots like this one from Amazon for added visual appeal.

You can also do the same with iced tea for warm weather. Try infusing the tea in one of these cool pitchers also available on Amazon .

Before guests leave, let them create their own "tea sampler" to bring home by providing these tea bags that they can fill with their favorite variety of loose leaf tea.

Now I know you're thinking, "All this tea is lovely, but my girls are gonna want a drink!" Don't worry, we got you!. Try tea infused cocktails like green tea martinis or white tea sangria.



Click for White Tea Sangria recipe

There are even products like green tea vodka and sweet tea bourbons that are great just on the rocks. Our favorite, however, are these cocktail infusers from Tea Forte that let you steep tea directly into alcohol so your guests can choose their flavor and type of spirit. They also come with a recipe book with all kinds of cool concoctions so the possibilities are endless!

  

Lavender infused tea cocktails.

Whatever your choice, pair your tea with assorted nuts, cheeses, mini sandwiches, and of course, sweet treats and you've got a "modern tea party!"