I've been wanting to sew red fabric heart shapes onto the elbows of a simple long-sleeved t-shirt for Stella to wear for Valentine's Day. This takes that concept to another level...
There is a tutorial on how to do it here.
Let The Sun Shine
I recently read that the air in your home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. So next time you're cleaning, open those window for a bit, even if chilly outside, and let the sun shine!
English Rockers
My husband and I have lived in our house for almost two years now and we're very slowly getting the front and back yard up to speed. To say it needed a lot of work is an understatement. Out with the banana leave plants, in with the hydrangeas! Building a deck in the back where we can entertain is high on our list. The deck will cover an alcove where I think a glider would fit perfectly. Ever since I saw this picture below, I can't stop imagining the space...
But let's step a little further into dreamland.
I'll end up with a simple glider but what I really want is one of these...
These amazing rockers are from an English company, Odd Limited.
Mini Lanvin
My sister, Bo, is a photographer and has captured some of my favorite Stella moments. When I went into labor, she was there at the hospital all night long, in a freezing cold room, sleeping while sitting up, down-right miserable. We love to joke about how it was the worst night of HER life. But I have so many great pictures of those 13 hours thanks to her.
Bo is the in-house photographer for the boutique, Forty Five Ten, and created their Tumblr site, This Just In. So when they recently started carrying Lanvin's collection for children, it seemed only fitting that she shoot Stella in one of their tiny, chic ensembles. Of course, my restless toddler was being a little sassy that day and wouldn't put the shoes on. The pictures still came out great and I love that the one Bo chose for their site truly communicates how Stella was being that day...a little silly, shoes in hand, and squinchy toes.
Bo is the in-house photographer for the boutique, Forty Five Ten, and created their Tumblr site, This Just In. So when they recently started carrying Lanvin's collection for children, it seemed only fitting that she shoot Stella in one of their tiny, chic ensembles. Of course, my restless toddler was being a little sassy that day and wouldn't put the shoes on. The pictures still came out great and I love that the one Bo chose for their site truly communicates how Stella was being that day...a little silly, shoes in hand, and squinchy toes.
Saul Leiter
Time is a train.
Makes the future the past.
Leaves you standing in the station
Your face pressed against the glass.
- U2, Zoo Station
I can't believe I'm quoting U2 but upon discovering the works of photographer Saul Leiter, these words immediately sprang to mind. I love a new discovery, even if the rest of the world already knows about it.
Keepsake
I think this is just about the sweetest way to cherish a birth announcement and plan on doing this with Stella's. A decoupage tray from Ben's Garden...
Charleston
Next year we plan on visiting a town that's been on my list forever...Charleston, SC. We might squeeze in Savannah, too, but my main focus is Charleston. I came across a Tumblr site that has wonderful pictures that excites me even more. It is a town that marries two things I love...being on the water and having that New Orleansy feel. If you have any recommendations for me, I'd be so appreciative.
World's Smallest Bookstore
Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen? Pushcart Press is the tiniest bookstore and located in Maine. I'm adding this to my list of places I need to visit next time I'm up there. I can't help but wonder if they operate on an honor system or if somebody really mans the store.
Tote
I need another tote like I need another Twinkie. But I've been eyeing these for a while. As a Libra, I'll probably vacillate over the color combo for so long that it will inevitably fall off my wish list. And I'll be on to the next thing...possibly the cute and affordable wallets. Until then...
Random Weekend Thoughts
I should rename this post I'm So Mentally And Physically Exhausted That I Have No Thoughts. I feel like we've been busy since Dec 1. This past weekend was the first time we could "get it together" in terms of getting our house back in order. But now I need a nap and am taking one tomorrow in the form of a personal day. I plan on staying in my PJs, getting up to speed on Downton Abbey (season 1 expires tomorrow on PBS.com), and getting my brain back in order. Even my laptop battery needs to be replaced. I think that's a sign.
I'll leave you with this...a shot of our Brussels sprouts. Aren't they so pretty? We're trying two different kind and they've started sprouting.
I'll leave you with this...a shot of our Brussels sprouts. Aren't they so pretty? We're trying two different kind and they've started sprouting.
In My Basket
On payday, I stock up at Whole Foods like some people buy lottery tickets or hit up the liquor store. For me, it's a religious experience. I find my calm in there, unlike Central Market, our chaotic labyrinth of a specialty grocery store. Here in Dallas you're one or the other. I'm Team Whole Foods. And while in line, I like to peek into other's baskets to see what I'm missing out on. Do you do that? Here's a peek into my basket...
After a few years of washing Stella's hair with California Baby, Jeff could not take the smell anymore and asked me to find her another kind. I had grown accustomed to it and even kind of liked it. I stood in the aisle and opened each bottle, thinking, hmmmm...these all smell the same. Until I found Nature's Gate. The scent is light and heavenly and better yet, it lathers up unlike other natural shampoos.
Next up, coconut oil. A perfect item for these wintry months. Here is a list of benefits, but I mainly use it as a moisturizer/lotion/fly-away hair smoother. And it does not leave you feeling greasy. Just soft. Like butta.
After a few years of washing Stella's hair with California Baby, Jeff could not take the smell anymore and asked me to find her another kind. I had grown accustomed to it and even kind of liked it. I stood in the aisle and opened each bottle, thinking, hmmmm...these all smell the same. Until I found Nature's Gate. The scent is light and heavenly and better yet, it lathers up unlike other natural shampoos.
Next up, coconut oil. A perfect item for these wintry months. Here is a list of benefits, but I mainly use it as a moisturizer/lotion/fly-away hair smoother. And it does not leave you feeling greasy. Just soft. Like butta.
For random or mysterious red spots, bumps, and blemishes (even ringworm), tea tree oil is a miracle in a bottle. I've used it on myself, Stella, and Jeff and everything I've put it on clears up super duper fast. Remember how the dad sprayed everything with Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding? That's how I feel about tea tree oil. I've had my tiny bottle forever so I can't recall the brand, but it looks similar to this below.
Now on to something delicious. I tried the cappuccino flavor of this protein drink and it is really good with no weird after taste. It's filling so you can't really drink it all in one sitting (or maybe you can). Out of curiosity, I dug out my old Weight Watchers book to see how bad this ranked in points value (old points system, not new one). For the entire box, it's 5 points - so 2.5 for half. If you have a sweet tooth, it hits the spot.
I've saved the best for last. I'm positively hooked on this stuff. Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto. Whole Foods makes it and you can find it alongside their regular basil pesto in the little clear containers. Yes, it's delish on eggs, in otherwise bland quinoa dishes, chicken, flank steak, pasta, etc. but if you mix it with Hellman's and lime juice, you will have THE BEST sauce to put on fish or shrimp tacos. I will never not have this in my fridge.
Cutest Little Pincushion
One of the things I love about getting out my sewing machine is seeing my tiny Hable Construction pincushion I purchased years and years ago from their first adorable, now shuttered NYC store. They are only $5 on their website right now, along with the heart sachets ($15) I love to buy as gifts for Valentine's Day.
Healthy Comfort Food
It's a new year and you want to be healthy. But it's also cold January and you're craving comfort food. I think this fits the bill...Rustic Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup. I may try this this weekend. What I like about this site, which is chalk full of healthy recipes, is that it's maintained by the real deal. Sarah Britton is not only a chef at two organic restaurants in Copenhagen, but she is also a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and the founder of New Roots Holistic Nutrition. So if you're looking for a place to gather some recipes that are good for you, this is the place.
New Year
I am sooooooooo looking forward to this new year, bursting with opportunity. I personally don't set resolutions but this year I do have a creative goal in mind that I hope to achieve by year end. An old co-worker of mine just posted on her blog that one of her resolutions was to stop comparing herself to others as it really does a number on your self-esteem. Wow. I couldn't agree more. We both worked at a company where many of our friends and colleagues have gone on to create their own piece of wonderfulness in the world. I told her that this year, instead of letting it bum me out a little, I'm going to let it inspire me. So here's to 2012! The best is yet to come! xo
Random Weekend Thoughts
"I mean yes, we're sinking. But the music is exceptional."
- Austin Kleon
I've never made French toast so when Jeff said he wanted it for breakfast, I decided to give it a whirl for New Years Day. It was the worst meal I've ever made. I let the bread soak too long and I burnt the sausage - both were overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. I actually cried at the table. I hope we don't become ill with a combo bout of salmonella/trichinosis. But doesn't the table look pretty (wink)?
I think we'll go out for lunch. But for now I'm all cozy on the sofa, candles lit, watching the movie, Never Let Me Go (so depressing but great acting and cinematography). How are you spending your first day of 2012?
One thing I wanted to share with y'all is my new-found love for Toms shoes. I didn't love their shoes at first but they grew on me. A few months ago I went to Nordstrom to buy Stella a pair of red canvas ones but since she was with me, walked out with pink sparkly ones instead. The very first day she wore them, I was disappointed that the material was so thin they wore away at the toes.
Oh, well, I thought. Until yesterday when I found myself walking through the children's shoe department at Nordstrom again. Luckily, Stella was wearing her shabby pink Toms because a sales associate stopped me and asked if I had purchased her shoes there. Toms put out a recall on them since they didn't wear well. Right then and there we switched out her shoes for the new pink glitter version (below) for free. Have you ever heard of such? Toms could have easily just handled the disgruntled customers who contacted them - but instead put out a recall offering to replace them for all. I am SO impressed and will go back to buy Stella and myself the red canvas ones. I love good customer service but I really love a company that does the right thing when they don't necessarily have to.
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