Tossing around more potential baby names than salad at the dinner table each night? Here's some food for thought:

Each year, the Social Security Administration releases a list of the most popular baby names of the previous year. This list is intended to serves as something of a cultural barometer/ historic record, but if you're trying to stop your little one from becoming one of five "Emmas" or "Ethans" in their kindergarten class, it can be a handy tool.

And so, without further ado, let me present the most popular names of 2012!

Most Popular Girl Names:

1. Sophia
2. Emma
3. Isabella
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Mia
9. Madison
10. Elizabeth

Most Popular Boy Names:

1. Jacob
2. Mason
3. Ethan
4. Noah
5. William
6. Liam
7. Jayden
8. Michael
9. Alexander
10. Aiden

"Sophia" tops the girls' list for a second year in a row, while "Jacob" occupies the top slot for the 14th year running! Some other up and coming names yet to hit the top ten list include "Arya" - a likely tribute to the popular Game of Thrones television series - and, believe it or not, "Messiah."

You can read a complete list of names on the U.S Social Security Administration website.

For a busy mom, time is a paradox. The days can seem never-ending, and yet, somehow, the weeks and months just fly by. One moment, you're wondering how nap-time could possibly be more than three hours away, and the next you're wondering where your babies went!

Whether it feels like it or not, time keeps marching along. Wondering how to capture all the sweet and tiny details? Well, with a touch of creativity and a few helpful tips, you can turn those little fingers and toes and even that sweet little nose into adorable wall art!

This beautiful silhouette of a dove is made up of dozens of perfect little fingerprints! See the full tutorial at Busy Kids = Happy Mom.

If you can use scissors and glue, you can make your own beautiful silhouette portraits. Check out these beauties created by Stephanie over at Henry Happened.

These vivid little footprints create perfect butterfly wings for these colorful friends. (Project Balancing Act)

Unlike expensive, store-bought art, these sentimental beauties will stand the test of time, finding a place in your home and your heart long after the best of Pottery Barn Kids has been demoted to closet fodder.

Need something to do this weekend? Why not give one of these clever ideas a try? Whether you're looking for a last-minute Mother's Day gift or just a fun way to celebrate the day with the kids, these simple DIY projects will have you making memories in no time!

For more fun DIY ideas visit our DIY page.

Happy Mother's Day!

Whether you're planning a new nursery for a beautiful baby-to-be or updating a room for a recently self-declared "big kid," The Land of Nod has the goods - and the giveaway- to help you get it done!

If you've never been to "The Land on Nod," I can tell you that this charmingly whimsical land of children's décor and accessories is well worth a visit, especially since they are currently offering one lucky winner the opportunity to have their nursery or kid's room designed by "Nod" professionals and featured in an upcoming edition of their GORGEOUS catalog. (Seriously...I wait by the mailbox for this one friends.)

Entering the contest is as easy as dropping by the website and registering by your name and email address, but hurry! All applicants must enter before June 17^th!

Good Luck!

(Photo via The Land of Nod.)

As any budget-savvy designer will tell you, the secret to designing a chic nursery on the cheap is to do the basics, and do them well. Instead of spreading your budget too thin on that long list of so-called nursery "must-haves," identify the things you really need, and buy the best you can afford. That being said, knowing what to buy - and what no to buy - is easier said than done, especially if you're a first-time parent.

If you're planning your first nursery, be sure to do your homework. Ask others mothers what they loved and what they could have lived without. First in your group to go baby? We've got you covered!

Save a small fortune by crossing these seven surprising items off your list, and invest in a few necessities you wouldn't want to skimp on. If you're looking for a few splurge-worthy items for your registry, check out these handy gadgets every nursery could use.

Not your first rodeo? Head on over to the forum and share any advice you might have for a first-time mommy, or leave a comment below. Thanks!