Happy fall, friends!
Okay, fine. I know it's not officially fall. But the kids are back to school, my commute is back to being annoyingly long, and the pumpkin spice latte is back at Starbucks.
It's fall. At least in my head. And I would suggest you get on board with that or find yourself another blog to read because it's about to get all boot shopping and tv watching and comfort food eating up in here.
1. So, Tuesday was the first day of school in Minnesota and many other places. I know this because everyone on Facebook posted adorable pictures of their children with backpacks and cute little "first day of" signs. Everyone, that is, but me. Because it never once crossed my mind that it might be Calvin's first day of preschool. Even though he moved into a new class in a new building with a new teacher. For preschool.
I don't know if I'm sadder that I missed taking a picture of Calvin on his first day or that I missed out on cute sign making. Probably the latter. Especially since he needs a bath and has been sporting some seriously bad hair for the last week.
Will someone please send me an email or something next year so I don't forget to bathe/photograph him on his first day of pre-k?
Much appreciated.
2. In August, I told Nate I was going to do another September cooking challenge on the blog. Now that we're seven days into September, I think it's pretty clear that won't be happening. We'll shoot for October instead. Until then, here's something I made recently that was super easy and quite good.
Baked Chicken Fajitas
Courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff via Pinterest
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 medium onion, sliced
1 large green pepper, seeded and sliced
2 T vegetable oil
2 t chili powder
2 t cumin
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t dried oregano
1/4 t salt
Serve with:
Flour tortillas
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Lettuce
Avocado
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together chicken, tomatoes, chilies, green peppers and onions and spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Combine the oil and spices in a small bowl, drizzle over the chicken and veggies, and toss to coat. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. I am on the prowl for cognac boots. I think I mentioned this earlier. This falls into the stuff-I-want-but-can't-stand-to-shop-for category. Very few things fall into that category. Very few. Because I love to shop. I even love a good shopping challenge. But boots. Ugh. There are too many factors to consider: color, height, circumference, width, style, heel. I want something I can wear casually with jeans but still dress up with skirts and tights. I want something I can walk in while holding 50lbs of children. I want something that's close to my knee but not over it. I want real leather. I don't want to pay a zillion dollars.
I'm never going to find them, am I?
4. Well, if I can't have perfect boots, I guess I'll have to settle for perfect flats. Like these metallic Tory Burch ones I've always wanted that only cost $195.
Hahahaha.
5. Have I mentioned my addiction to Downton Abbey? I am hopelessly obsessed with that show. Like, going through withdrawal obsessed. Luckily, the season three trailer came out this week. It's not enough to keep me satisfied, not even close, but I'll take what I can get.
Please listen to me. If someone suggested you watch Downton Abbey and your response was "Ew. A PBS Masterpiece Theatre period drama? Not a chance" then you need to shut your mouth and get yourself to the nearest streaming video service. While you're there, just go ahead and block out the next 15 hours of your life. You'll thank me later.
6. I am working on my fall must-haves clothing list. So far it includes the aforementioned boots. I know I need more than that, seeing as I spent last fall/winter in maternity clothes and most of what I wore the year before is now probably out of style or ill-fitting. Postpartum dressing really is the pits. Because even if you lose all the baby weight, nothing fits like it did and you pretty much have to start over or get real creative with your styling. Sad to say, styling is not my strong suit. Or even my mediocre suit. I so wish I could be one of those girls with perfectly tousled hair and a casually draped scarf that looks amazing over the most basic but well-fitting tshirt and jeans, but mostly I am just awkward and frizzy and wearing Gap jeans that stretched out five seconds after I put them on.
7. Seriously, what is the deal with Gap jeans? They used to be my go-to, now they are my run-from. This blog post is kind of hilarious and awful and while I don't really like any of the jeans she's hocking on the positive side (not a fan of pocket adornment myself, I'm a 33-year-old mother and marketing professional after all, not a teenager looking to score some beer and a new lower back tat), I can't argue with the fact that those Gap jeans are frump city. If you have recommendations for non-mom jeans with a 34 or 35 inch inseam that are appropriate for the workplace and won't break the bank or stretch out beyond recognition within minutes, by all means — send them my way. I'm getting desperate.
8. My kid wants to be Super Why for Halloween. My mother-in-law has kindly agreed to make the cape, but I'm at a loss on where to find a solid green outfit and blue mini shorts. I'm thinking it might be easier to find a pair of blue track pants and a blue t-shirt and accent with a green mask and cape. He probably won't even notice. Although he's remarkably observant at the most inopportune times, like when I mutter "what is your DEAL?" to a frustrating driver or someone says "stupid" within an 800-mile radius.
And yes, I realize there is a Super Why costume available for purchase, but I am one of those snobby moms who prefers homemade costumes. And by homemade I mean purchased at several different locations instead of in a single bag.
Snobby AND efficient.
9. There is nothing in the new fall lineup that interests me besides The Mindy Project. And maybe Nashville, since I looove Connie Britton (it's all the Friday Night Lights we've been watching. She's so good.). How disappointing. Although I guess that will help with our who-gets-to-watch-what-now-that-we're-both-home conundrum.
10. I have a long-awaited movie date with Christian Bale tonight. Sigh of happiness.
Don't worry, Nate will be there, too. Probably wishing he wasn't after two hours of me saying "Wow. He's so hot. Isn't he hot? Wow."
Showing posts with label things i'd like to own. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things i'd like to own. Show all posts
Friday, September 7, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Brain dump.
After having taken most of the summer off from blogging — excluding some lazy posts consisting solely of cute pictures of my kids — you'd better believe I have a few things to throw your way.
It's list time, yo.
(Anyone else follow that up with some sort of 90s "doot doot doot doot, doot doot doot" beat? No? Yeah, me neither.)
1. I've found the perfect shoe. Made by Aerosoles. I don't know if this makes me an old lady or if this makes me brilliant because it is both perfect AND comfortable, but I don't really care. It took me a couple of years, but I am finally wearing an inexpensive wedge sandal that fits my wide foot and goes with everything.
I really I hope I have the same luck when I begin my upcoming search for tall, flat, cognac leather boots. The mere thought of this search stresses me out. Darn you, bunions.*
2. One of the downfalls to our new schedule is going to be TV. In that neither of us will be able to watch whatever we want on it. I've only had to share the remote 1-2 evenings a week for the past decade, so this every night business is going to take some getting used to. Nate is currently engrossed in Breaking Bad; I am obsessed with Downton Abbey. Neither of us has interest in the other. Luckily, we share an affinity for Friday Night Lights, which we've just gotten back into after kind of forgetting about it. But what are we going to do this fall? Nate doesn't want to watch Law & Order: SVU or Grey's Anatomy (oh, Lexie!) and I don't want to watch Monday Night Football or Hell's Kitchen. I suppose we could create some sort of TV watching schedule. Or, you know, turn off the tv and talk to each other.
Eh. Probably the schedule.
3. You should make this salad. It appears to make a TON (truly, I wasn't sure how I was going to mix it, even in my enormous mixing bowl) but turns out after you go back for seconds, thirds, and sevenths, there's really not that much left.
4. I have an odd fascination with colored pants right now. I feel like I want some, but I also feel like they would look horrible on me. And that I'd never wear them because of the horribleness. I am typically pretty willing to take a chance on new trends (see: capri pants, spring 1999), yet I am waffling a bit on this one. But how cute would a pair of pink or red cropped pants be with a jean jacket and black flats? HMMM.
Stay tuned. And if I do show up anywhere wearing pink or red pants, please be kind despite the almost certain horribleness. Points should always be given for fashion bravery, friends. Always. Unless we're talking Chloe Sevigny, who is not so much brave as she is blind. At least I assume that's the case, as there's really no other explanation.
5. Guess who's coming back to town? Guess who has tickets to see him? And guess who didn't have to call her husband to see if he could request time off work so she could go because starting Monday he will be home in the evening?!
I feel like that wasn't a very difficult quiz, but the answers are 1) Joshua Radin 2) Me (and my friend Barbara) and 2) Me
What are the odds I'll have pinkeye again? (Probably pretty good seeing as I'll soon have two germy daycare kids.)
6. I ordered a headband from this Etsy shop for Audra. It. Is. ADORABLE. Moms of girls, take note.
7. You may or may not know this about me, but I hate the Olympics. I have always hated the Olympics. The Olympics get in the way of regular television programming and I am a creature of habit so that annoys me.** Also, I don't like sports. But I've found myself somewhat fascinated by them this year. Either Nate has them on or I put them on for Calvin (because I feel marginally better about him watching people achieve athletic glory over yet another episode of Jake and the Neverland Pirates), and then I walk by just as someone sticks a perfect landing or does 8,000 summersaults into a pool and then I kind of can't stop watching. Plus, those female gymnasts are incredible. So incredible that I may have cried a little bit watching them.
I guess maybe I don't really hate the Olympics. Which is a pretty major revelation after 33 years of thinking I do.
8. Nate and I cleaned out our basement two weekends ago in anticipation of our upcoming garage sale. Not entirely sure how we could possibly have enough stuff crammed into our meager 1,200 square feet to warrant an annual garage sale, but we do. I guess it could be all the shopping? Or all the kids? Anyway, if you need random unused baby crap (bottle warmer), picture frames of various shapes and sizes, copious amounts of toddler boys clothing, three martini glasses, nursing textbooks, a grandma-esque glider, a bag full of miscellaneous chargers, a camera that requires film, my 15-year-old college TV set, or really cute Pottery Barn Kids circus crib bedding, let me know. Also, our basement is now really organized and significantly closer to being bug free. I won't tell you how many times I screamed and yelled for Nate (or, more pathetically, Calvin) to squish something, but it was an embarrassing amount. Hundred-year-old houses have waaaay too many basement nooks and crannies and I'm pretty sure some of the insects we found down there were big enough to eat my baby.
I feel itchy.
9. This will surprise no one, I'm sure, but I've already started thinking about Audra's birthday party. First of all, I am a spaz. Second of all, there is no reasonable explanation for her being closer to one than she is to birth. None. Except some sort of time travel. Because I just had her. Like last week or something. Despite the fact that she is eating crackers and babbling and scooting backwards under things. Which I'm choosing to ignore for the moment because it makes me want to cry.
So, her birthday party. I have a few ideas in mind. And just enough time to be dangerous. Now that I have two kids and two parties to throw, I may as well make Etsy my homepage...
10. I finally signed up for Spotify. Why I didn't do this sooner, I do not know. Especially when Facebook has made it pretty clear that everyone but me is using it. And you know Facebook wouldn't lie. In fact, Facebook is dedicated to publicly exposing every little idiotic thing you do...like listen to the Dawson's Creek soundtrack on Spotify. Thank heavens for the "private session" option, which I have only recently discovered.
Now, off to see if the Felicity soundtrack is available. My friend Gordon assures me it is.
*Aerosoles alone probably don't make me an old lady. Aerosoles and bunions, however, probably do.
**Just in case you couldn't tell from item #2 that I have a slight tv addiction.
It's list time, yo.
(Anyone else follow that up with some sort of 90s "doot doot doot doot, doot doot doot" beat? No? Yeah, me neither.)
1. I've found the perfect shoe. Made by Aerosoles. I don't know if this makes me an old lady or if this makes me brilliant because it is both perfect AND comfortable, but I don't really care. It took me a couple of years, but I am finally wearing an inexpensive wedge sandal that fits my wide foot and goes with everything.
I really I hope I have the same luck when I begin my upcoming search for tall, flat, cognac leather boots. The mere thought of this search stresses me out. Darn you, bunions.*
2. One of the downfalls to our new schedule is going to be TV. In that neither of us will be able to watch whatever we want on it. I've only had to share the remote 1-2 evenings a week for the past decade, so this every night business is going to take some getting used to. Nate is currently engrossed in Breaking Bad; I am obsessed with Downton Abbey. Neither of us has interest in the other. Luckily, we share an affinity for Friday Night Lights, which we've just gotten back into after kind of forgetting about it. But what are we going to do this fall? Nate doesn't want to watch Law & Order: SVU or Grey's Anatomy (oh, Lexie!) and I don't want to watch Monday Night Football or Hell's Kitchen. I suppose we could create some sort of TV watching schedule. Or, you know, turn off the tv and talk to each other.
Eh. Probably the schedule.
3. You should make this salad. It appears to make a TON (truly, I wasn't sure how I was going to mix it, even in my enormous mixing bowl) but turns out after you go back for seconds, thirds, and sevenths, there's really not that much left.
4. I have an odd fascination with colored pants right now. I feel like I want some, but I also feel like they would look horrible on me. And that I'd never wear them because of the horribleness. I am typically pretty willing to take a chance on new trends (see: capri pants, spring 1999), yet I am waffling a bit on this one. But how cute would a pair of pink or red cropped pants be with a jean jacket and black flats? HMMM.
Stay tuned. And if I do show up anywhere wearing pink or red pants, please be kind despite the almost certain horribleness. Points should always be given for fashion bravery, friends. Always. Unless we're talking Chloe Sevigny, who is not so much brave as she is blind. At least I assume that's the case, as there's really no other explanation.
5. Guess who's coming back to town? Guess who has tickets to see him? And guess who didn't have to call her husband to see if he could request time off work so she could go because starting Monday he will be home in the evening?!
I feel like that wasn't a very difficult quiz, but the answers are 1) Joshua Radin 2) Me (and my friend Barbara) and 2) Me
What are the odds I'll have pinkeye again? (Probably pretty good seeing as I'll soon have two germy daycare kids.)
6. I ordered a headband from this Etsy shop for Audra. It. Is. ADORABLE. Moms of girls, take note.
7. You may or may not know this about me, but I hate the Olympics. I have always hated the Olympics. The Olympics get in the way of regular television programming and I am a creature of habit so that annoys me.** Also, I don't like sports. But I've found myself somewhat fascinated by them this year. Either Nate has them on or I put them on for Calvin (because I feel marginally better about him watching people achieve athletic glory over yet another episode of Jake and the Neverland Pirates), and then I walk by just as someone sticks a perfect landing or does 8,000 summersaults into a pool and then I kind of can't stop watching. Plus, those female gymnasts are incredible. So incredible that I may have cried a little bit watching them.
I guess maybe I don't really hate the Olympics. Which is a pretty major revelation after 33 years of thinking I do.
8. Nate and I cleaned out our basement two weekends ago in anticipation of our upcoming garage sale. Not entirely sure how we could possibly have enough stuff crammed into our meager 1,200 square feet to warrant an annual garage sale, but we do. I guess it could be all the shopping? Or all the kids? Anyway, if you need random unused baby crap (bottle warmer), picture frames of various shapes and sizes, copious amounts of toddler boys clothing, three martini glasses, nursing textbooks, a grandma-esque glider, a bag full of miscellaneous chargers, a camera that requires film, my 15-year-old college TV set, or really cute Pottery Barn Kids circus crib bedding, let me know. Also, our basement is now really organized and significantly closer to being bug free. I won't tell you how many times I screamed and yelled for Nate (or, more pathetically, Calvin) to squish something, but it was an embarrassing amount. Hundred-year-old houses have waaaay too many basement nooks and crannies and I'm pretty sure some of the insects we found down there were big enough to eat my baby.
I feel itchy.
9. This will surprise no one, I'm sure, but I've already started thinking about Audra's birthday party. First of all, I am a spaz. Second of all, there is no reasonable explanation for her being closer to one than she is to birth. None. Except some sort of time travel. Because I just had her. Like last week or something. Despite the fact that she is eating crackers and babbling and scooting backwards under things. Which I'm choosing to ignore for the moment because it makes me want to cry.
So, her birthday party. I have a few ideas in mind. And just enough time to be dangerous. Now that I have two kids and two parties to throw, I may as well make Etsy my homepage...
10. I finally signed up for Spotify. Why I didn't do this sooner, I do not know. Especially when Facebook has made it pretty clear that everyone but me is using it. And you know Facebook wouldn't lie. In fact, Facebook is dedicated to publicly exposing every little idiotic thing you do...like listen to the Dawson's Creek soundtrack on Spotify. Thank heavens for the "private session" option, which I have only recently discovered.
Now, off to see if the Felicity soundtrack is available. My friend Gordon assures me it is.
*Aerosoles alone probably don't make me an old lady. Aerosoles and bunions, however, probably do.
**Just in case you couldn't tell from item #2 that I have a slight tv addiction.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, Friday, Friday, OHHHHH.
For some reason I always sing Rebecca Black's Friday to the tune of Justin Beiber's Baby.
And this concludes the portion of today's blog post where I embarrass myself.
I hope.
Things I love today:
1. Amy Grant's Better Than a Hallelujah.
2. The Band Perry's If I Die Young.
Note: I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks in my car lately (I'm on the 10th Janet Evanovich book) so I rarely have the radio on. Maybe the rest of you have been aware of those two songs for months (years?), I have no idea. I may be horribly dated, but at least I finally got the the part of the Stephanie Plum series where she gets it on with Ranger,* and that's been a long time coming. And since most of you have no idea what I'm talking about, I will just say that he is HOT and and leave it at that.
3. Leftover coffee in the coffee pot at home. I never used to drink coffee, but right now I need it to survive. And I am so happy when there's some leftover from the day before because I don't have to chill it — it can go right into my ice-filled reusable tumbler. Obviously I don't have any sort of trained coffee-drinking palate, and I'm guessing that is a completely gross and unacceptable practice. But that's okay. I'll drink mine and you'll drink yours and we'll all be happy and caffeinated and productive.
4. Rio. Nate and I watched this movie with Calvin last night and we were totally and completely delighted by it. So cute. I laughed a lot. Especially at all the Minnesota references, none of which hold weight ("cheese and sprinkles" is not really a thing, sorry). Highly recommended for the little ones. Or the big ones, if you're immature like we are.
Things I never thought I'd want to buy but do:
1. A minivan. Apologies to all my friends who have not yet gotten on board with the swagger wagon, but it's going to happen. Soon. Being cool** is just not as important to me as storage space and doors that open on their own. I understand if you're no longer willing to ride with me, but just know that I'm going to be mighty annoyed if I have to open my own door when getting in your car.
2. Uggs. (Ughs.) Last year, out of desperation and due to copious amounts of snow, I bought a pair of Target knock offs. And oh my heavens were they ever comfy and warm. They were also a cheap piece of crap and fell apart about a month in. In preparation for another long Minnesota winter (and the very real possibility none of my shoes will fit me in the last month of pregnancy), I am going to start scoping out real ones. I still think they're ugly as sin, but let's all reference the footnote from my #1 and remember that I don't care about shallow things like looks.***
3. Jeggings. I've succumbed. To maternity jeggings, no less. There's really nothing more to say except I probably look like a lumpy carrot and, well, so be it.
Things I always knew I wanted to buy and still want to:
1. Baby girl clothing. You guys, I have a problem. A big one. And that problem is my income to spending ratio when it comes to tiny dresses and striped leggings. Is there a 529 savings account for clothing? There should be. I'd max that sucker out.
Things I should probably stop doing:
1. Eating for two.
2. Shopping for baby girl clothing.
3. Watching Toddlers and Tiaras when Nate's not home. And probably TLC in general. Train. Wreck. However, if you haven't seen this parody with Tom Hanks, it's worth a watch.
Have a great weekend, lovelies!
*Don't worry, my mom already knows I listen to smut in the car. And she agrees with me...Ranger is HOT.
**Who am I kidding? Being cool has never been top priority for me. Lazy ALWAYS wins.
***Okay, fine. I do. Stop picking apart my blog post.
And this concludes the portion of today's blog post where I embarrass myself.
I hope.
Things I love today:
1. Amy Grant's Better Than a Hallelujah.
2. The Band Perry's If I Die Young.
Note: I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks in my car lately (I'm on the 10th Janet Evanovich book) so I rarely have the radio on. Maybe the rest of you have been aware of those two songs for months (years?), I have no idea. I may be horribly dated, but at least I finally got the the part of the Stephanie Plum series where she gets it on with Ranger,* and that's been a long time coming. And since most of you have no idea what I'm talking about, I will just say that he is HOT and and leave it at that.
3. Leftover coffee in the coffee pot at home. I never used to drink coffee, but right now I need it to survive. And I am so happy when there's some leftover from the day before because I don't have to chill it — it can go right into my ice-filled reusable tumbler. Obviously I don't have any sort of trained coffee-drinking palate, and I'm guessing that is a completely gross and unacceptable practice. But that's okay. I'll drink mine and you'll drink yours and we'll all be happy and caffeinated and productive.
4. Rio. Nate and I watched this movie with Calvin last night and we were totally and completely delighted by it. So cute. I laughed a lot. Especially at all the Minnesota references, none of which hold weight ("cheese and sprinkles" is not really a thing, sorry). Highly recommended for the little ones. Or the big ones, if you're immature like we are.
Things I never thought I'd want to buy but do:
1. A minivan. Apologies to all my friends who have not yet gotten on board with the swagger wagon, but it's going to happen. Soon. Being cool** is just not as important to me as storage space and doors that open on their own. I understand if you're no longer willing to ride with me, but just know that I'm going to be mighty annoyed if I have to open my own door when getting in your car.
2. Uggs. (Ughs.) Last year, out of desperation and due to copious amounts of snow, I bought a pair of Target knock offs. And oh my heavens were they ever comfy and warm. They were also a cheap piece of crap and fell apart about a month in. In preparation for another long Minnesota winter (and the very real possibility none of my shoes will fit me in the last month of pregnancy), I am going to start scoping out real ones. I still think they're ugly as sin, but let's all reference the footnote from my #1 and remember that I don't care about shallow things like looks.***
3. Jeggings. I've succumbed. To maternity jeggings, no less. There's really nothing more to say except I probably look like a lumpy carrot and, well, so be it.
Things I always knew I wanted to buy and still want to:
1. Baby girl clothing. You guys, I have a problem. A big one. And that problem is my income to spending ratio when it comes to tiny dresses and striped leggings. Is there a 529 savings account for clothing? There should be. I'd max that sucker out.
Things I should probably stop doing:
1. Eating for two.
2. Shopping for baby girl clothing.
3. Watching Toddlers and Tiaras when Nate's not home. And probably TLC in general. Train. Wreck. However, if you haven't seen this parody with Tom Hanks, it's worth a watch.
Have a great weekend, lovelies!
*Don't worry, my mom already knows I listen to smut in the car. And she agrees with me...Ranger is HOT.
**Who am I kidding? Being cool has never been top priority for me. Lazy ALWAYS wins.
***Okay, fine. I do. Stop picking apart my blog post.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday mashup.
1. This weekend I went to the zoo, went to the park (3x), ran around our backyard (literally), and did some vigorous mall walking in the form of shopping. Today, my rear end hurts. And so do both my legs and one of my hips. Apparently four months of sitting on the couch makes normal activities such as walking seem like a full-blown workout. Good to know.
2. Also good to know: Forever 21 has awesome jewelry for next to nothing. We're talking practically free. While I unapologetically judge those who are of a certain age and wear clothing from places like that, jewelry is another story. The cheap teenager stores are really the best when it comes to trendy and inexpensive accessories. And when you have a kid or five clawing at you all day, inexpensive is the only way to go.
3. I have been listening to Mumford & Sons on repeat all day. Good music for writing.
4. When I was a day camp counselor in college, I worked with 11- and 12-year-old girls. No one wanted to work with them, including me, because they were a bit of a pain — loud, sassy, boy crazy, prissy. I got assigned to that group against my will, and you know what? I loved them. Of all the kids I counseled, they were my favorite. I was reminded of this when, while chasing my son around the park last week, these two girls who were a bit younger, probably 8 or 9, came up to me. "I like your shoes," one said. "Me too, I like them too!" the other one chimed in. "They are so pretty. And I like your phone. It's REALLY cute." "OOH, I like it, too!" "I just like everything you have on. You look pretty." "I think so, too!" Oh, dear girls. Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE. And so will being sweet to my son (which they absolutely were). And then, yesterday, another little girl around the same age: "I like your baby. He's soooo cute." Both times, these girls followed me around the playground the entire time we were there, chatting about my clothes and my shoes and my baby. If I never have a daughter of my own, maybe I'll just hang out at the park a lot and wait for cute little girls to chat with me. Because that doesn't sound weird or creepy at all.
5. Do you know about Pinterest? If you're a hoarder of inspiration and ideas like I am, you should join. Look me up if you do!
6. I love my husband because he does things like bake a crazy good tres leche cake while I'm at work all day.
7. I am mad at my husband because he does things like bake a crazy good tres leche cake while I'm at work all day and on a diet.
8. But then he buys me tulips and hydrangeas and writes me a note about how much I am loved, appreciated, and respected at home after a long day of work where I feel neither loved, appreciated, nor respected, and I think - okay, I guess diet sabotage in the form of delicious cake isn't THAT big a deal. I should probably have another piece.
9. And now you understand why I will be dieting from here until forever.
10. After the success of my plate wall, I am now on a mission to finish decorating my awkwardly spaced living room. How a 12x15 room can ever be large enough for anything to feel awkwardly spaced is beyond me, but I blame the stained glass piano window. It's pink and off-center and it drives me BANANAS. But I've been chipping away at that room slowly and surely and I think things are starting to come together. Have I mentioned lately how much I love Etsy?
11. I am going to make two of these boxed rings jewelry storage pieces for my bathroom. What a cool idea. My long-been-blank bathroom wall thanks you, Martha.
12. I am a very slow decorator, in case you haven't noticed.
13. For a long time I overlooked Payless for shoes, thinking they were all cheap and ugly. But that was back when I had disposable income. Now I'm a mom on a budget, so I decided to take a second look. Glad I did, too. On two separate occasions I bought these and these for work this summer. And now that I look at both of them together, I realize I kind of have a thing for fabric peep toe shoes with bow-like adornment.
14. Cell phones are handy for capturing mother/son ice cream silliness at the park on a Sunday afternoon. Not pictured: the two mini DQ Blizzards we devoured in record time. The best thing about eating ice cream with a not-quite-two-year-old is the fact that I can order my two favorite flavors and eat the big candy/cookie chunks from both since he is just happy to have ice cream and doesn't even realize there are chunks available to him. (Sorry, sweetie. Your Mom loves food.)
15. I am addicted to Mad Men. That is all.
2. Also good to know: Forever 21 has awesome jewelry for next to nothing. We're talking practically free. While I unapologetically judge those who are of a certain age and wear clothing from places like that, jewelry is another story. The cheap teenager stores are really the best when it comes to trendy and inexpensive accessories. And when you have a kid or five clawing at you all day, inexpensive is the only way to go.
3. I have been listening to Mumford & Sons on repeat all day. Good music for writing.
4. When I was a day camp counselor in college, I worked with 11- and 12-year-old girls. No one wanted to work with them, including me, because they were a bit of a pain — loud, sassy, boy crazy, prissy. I got assigned to that group against my will, and you know what? I loved them. Of all the kids I counseled, they were my favorite. I was reminded of this when, while chasing my son around the park last week, these two girls who were a bit younger, probably 8 or 9, came up to me. "I like your shoes," one said. "Me too, I like them too!" the other one chimed in. "They are so pretty. And I like your phone. It's REALLY cute." "OOH, I like it, too!" "I just like everything you have on. You look pretty." "I think so, too!" Oh, dear girls. Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE. And so will being sweet to my son (which they absolutely were). And then, yesterday, another little girl around the same age: "I like your baby. He's soooo cute." Both times, these girls followed me around the playground the entire time we were there, chatting about my clothes and my shoes and my baby. If I never have a daughter of my own, maybe I'll just hang out at the park a lot and wait for cute little girls to chat with me. Because that doesn't sound weird or creepy at all.
5. Do you know about Pinterest? If you're a hoarder of inspiration and ideas like I am, you should join. Look me up if you do!
6. I love my husband because he does things like bake a crazy good tres leche cake while I'm at work all day.
7. I am mad at my husband because he does things like bake a crazy good tres leche cake while I'm at work all day and on a diet.
8. But then he buys me tulips and hydrangeas and writes me a note about how much I am loved, appreciated, and respected at home after a long day of work where I feel neither loved, appreciated, nor respected, and I think - okay, I guess diet sabotage in the form of delicious cake isn't THAT big a deal. I should probably have another piece.
9. And now you understand why I will be dieting from here until forever.
10. After the success of my plate wall, I am now on a mission to finish decorating my awkwardly spaced living room. How a 12x15 room can ever be large enough for anything to feel awkwardly spaced is beyond me, but I blame the stained glass piano window. It's pink and off-center and it drives me BANANAS. But I've been chipping away at that room slowly and surely and I think things are starting to come together. Have I mentioned lately how much I love Etsy?
11. I am going to make two of these boxed rings jewelry storage pieces for my bathroom. What a cool idea. My long-been-blank bathroom wall thanks you, Martha.
12. I am a very slow decorator, in case you haven't noticed.
13. For a long time I overlooked Payless for shoes, thinking they were all cheap and ugly. But that was back when I had disposable income. Now I'm a mom on a budget, so I decided to take a second look. Glad I did, too. On two separate occasions I bought these and these for work this summer. And now that I look at both of them together, I realize I kind of have a thing for fabric peep toe shoes with bow-like adornment.
14. Cell phones are handy for capturing mother/son ice cream silliness at the park on a Sunday afternoon. Not pictured: the two mini DQ Blizzards we devoured in record time. The best thing about eating ice cream with a not-quite-two-year-old is the fact that I can order my two favorite flavors and eat the big candy/cookie chunks from both since he is just happy to have ice cream and doesn't even realize there are chunks available to him. (Sorry, sweetie. Your Mom loves food.)
15. I am addicted to Mad Men. That is all.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Covet.
Times are tough, so I've decided to start charging all of you to read my blog. I will accept cash, personal check, or Crate and Barrel gift cards — anything that will help me get my hands on this table. Perhaps you're short on cash but know someone who works for C&B and can get this for me at a discount? All reasonable offers will be considered. Especially since the internet is telling me there are limited quantities available in zip code 55435.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Shopaholic and friends.
I spent last weekend with six women I adore: my mom, the two Marys Breyer (my mother- and sister-in-law), and our friends Lisa, Karen, and Dawn.
Five years ago, my mom, the two Marys and I pioneered the first of many shopping trips to Galena, IL — home to many adorable things available for purchase. It started as kind of a mother/daughter trip (my SIL's mom and sister came, too), and ended up expanding just a bit to include a few other friends. We rent a darling little cottage that fits our group perfectly, and then spend the weekend shopping, eating, drinking, playing games, and talking late into the night.
It's REALLY fun.
And a little tiring. Because we don't just shop in Galena. We S-H-O-P. We shop like it's our full-time job. We wander up and down the main street for about eight hours on Saturday, and then usually a few more on Sunday. The second day of shopping is always the result of Saturday evening's show and tell, because inevitably someone wonders how they missed something someone else found and insists on going back to get it the next day.
I got home Sunday night at 4:30 and whined to Nate about how tired I was. I had no business whining about anything related to sleep after he survived two days of single parenting our toddler and daylight savings time...but I was tired. Shopping (er, S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G) will do that to you.
So, what did I buy during our little excursion?
Here are my finds, minus the big one — a gorgeous paned mirror for my dining room. It was too big for us to bring home in our car, so my mom took it home and is bringing it to me at Thanksgiving. I can't wait.
I got a few fun things for the kitchen, including a cookie scoop (it's almost time for holiday baking!), a really cute cutting board, new dishcloths, a Christmas dishtowel, a set of Halloween dishtowels (a gift from Mom...thank you!) and a little Halloween ghost bowl (all the fall holiday stuff is on clearance when we go, it's kind of fun).
I also got this sweet set of three antique puzzles. I'm going to mat and frame them for Calvin's room.
And these tin stars, which were on clearance at the first store we visited. I think I'm going to hang them at various lengths from navy ribbon on my front door for the Fourth of July.
Every year we all gravitate toward these little seasonal signs/figurines. I have a bunch of them. We all got the "Rejoice" one this year, I thought the mummy was cute (and appropriate), and the crow made me laugh. But nothing made me laugh as hard as my mother-in-law figuring out that her pair of pilgrims consisted of two women and not a male/female couple. The lesbian pilgrim figurines are officially my new favorites.
The only things I purchased for myself (well, it's all for me...but for me to wear) included a teal infinity scarf (one of those big loop ones), a scrunchy brown pashmina-y scarf, and a cool pair of earrings from a handmade jewelry store.
This year when I got home Nate actually complimented me on my shopping choices. I think he was just relieved to see me come home with a single bag. I also think he forgot about the massive mirror that's yet to arrive.
Wild hair on the streets of Galena:
With my lovely sister-in-law:
The girls (Lisa, me, Mary):
The ladies (Mary, Dawn, Mom):
And Karen (she was goofing off in the group shot, so she gets her own here):
The goods:
Relaxing in our cute house:
And Mary with her hat. She's definitely a hat person, don't you think?
Five years ago, my mom, the two Marys and I pioneered the first of many shopping trips to Galena, IL — home to many adorable things available for purchase. It started as kind of a mother/daughter trip (my SIL's mom and sister came, too), and ended up expanding just a bit to include a few other friends. We rent a darling little cottage that fits our group perfectly, and then spend the weekend shopping, eating, drinking, playing games, and talking late into the night.
It's REALLY fun.
And a little tiring. Because we don't just shop in Galena. We S-H-O-P. We shop like it's our full-time job. We wander up and down the main street for about eight hours on Saturday, and then usually a few more on Sunday. The second day of shopping is always the result of Saturday evening's show and tell, because inevitably someone wonders how they missed something someone else found and insists on going back to get it the next day.
I got home Sunday night at 4:30 and whined to Nate about how tired I was. I had no business whining about anything related to sleep after he survived two days of single parenting our toddler and daylight savings time...but I was tired. Shopping (er, S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G) will do that to you.
So, what did I buy during our little excursion?
Here are my finds, minus the big one — a gorgeous paned mirror for my dining room. It was too big for us to bring home in our car, so my mom took it home and is bringing it to me at Thanksgiving. I can't wait.
I got a few fun things for the kitchen, including a cookie scoop (it's almost time for holiday baking!), a really cute cutting board, new dishcloths, a Christmas dishtowel, a set of Halloween dishtowels (a gift from Mom...thank you!) and a little Halloween ghost bowl (all the fall holiday stuff is on clearance when we go, it's kind of fun).
I also got this sweet set of three antique puzzles. I'm going to mat and frame them for Calvin's room.
And these tin stars, which were on clearance at the first store we visited. I think I'm going to hang them at various lengths from navy ribbon on my front door for the Fourth of July.
Every year we all gravitate toward these little seasonal signs/figurines. I have a bunch of them. We all got the "Rejoice" one this year, I thought the mummy was cute (and appropriate), and the crow made me laugh. But nothing made me laugh as hard as my mother-in-law figuring out that her pair of pilgrims consisted of two women and not a male/female couple. The lesbian pilgrim figurines are officially my new favorites.
The only things I purchased for myself (well, it's all for me...but for me to wear) included a teal infinity scarf (one of those big loop ones), a scrunchy brown pashmina-y scarf, and a cool pair of earrings from a handmade jewelry store.
This year when I got home Nate actually complimented me on my shopping choices. I think he was just relieved to see me come home with a single bag. I also think he forgot about the massive mirror that's yet to arrive.
Wild hair on the streets of Galena:
With my lovely sister-in-law:
The girls (Lisa, me, Mary):
The ladies (Mary, Dawn, Mom):
And Karen (she was goofing off in the group shot, so she gets her own here):
The goods:
Relaxing in our cute house:
And Mary with her hat. She's definitely a hat person, don't you think?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Dear John(nie).
Dear Johnnie Boden:
Please stop sending me emails. Or at least emails including offers I can't refuse.
You see, I am poor. Well, not really poor, but I'm paying an arm and a leg for daycare and diapers every month, and I just got the first of what I have to assume will be multiple student loan balance letters regarding my husband's recently completed education. There is no room for you and your 30% off plus free shipping in my life.
Gosh, 30% off is a really good deal. That means the Amalfi dress I've been eying would only be $70....NO. NO NO NO.
No thank you, Mr. Boden!
You are preying on my weaknesses. Somehow, without even having met, you know I cannot turn away from tiny striped jeans for my son, or adorable printed skirts for me. You know I find your soft cotton fabrics and your whimsical polka dot packaging irresistible. You know I love putting Calvin in shirts that say delightful things like "Pony Ride."
But I cannot continue this relationship with you and your beguiling goods. Truly, I cannot. Please, take your 30% off plus free shipping (Free shipping! Shipping is a significant expense when you're ordering things from England, that's a serious cost savings...) and, well, you know. Keep it. For a while. Just hang on to it for me. I won't always be poor. And when I'm not, well...you and I are going to get to know each other very well.
Until then, dear Johnnie, I remain yours truly,
Abby
P.S. If you bumped the offer up to 40% plus free shipping and free returns we might be able to work something out much sooner. Just saying.
Please stop sending me emails. Or at least emails including offers I can't refuse.
You see, I am poor. Well, not really poor, but I'm paying an arm and a leg for daycare and diapers every month, and I just got the first of what I have to assume will be multiple student loan balance letters regarding my husband's recently completed education. There is no room for you and your 30% off plus free shipping in my life.
Gosh, 30% off is a really good deal. That means the Amalfi dress I've been eying would only be $70....NO. NO NO NO.
No thank you, Mr. Boden!
You are preying on my weaknesses. Somehow, without even having met, you know I cannot turn away from tiny striped jeans for my son, or adorable printed skirts for me. You know I find your soft cotton fabrics and your whimsical polka dot packaging irresistible. You know I love putting Calvin in shirts that say delightful things like "Pony Ride."
But I cannot continue this relationship with you and your beguiling goods. Truly, I cannot. Please, take your 30% off plus free shipping (Free shipping! Shipping is a significant expense when you're ordering things from England, that's a serious cost savings...) and, well, you know. Keep it. For a while. Just hang on to it for me. I won't always be poor. And when I'm not, well...you and I are going to get to know each other very well.
Until then, dear Johnnie, I remain yours truly,
Abby
P.S. If you bumped the offer up to 40% plus free shipping and free returns we might be able to work something out much sooner. Just saying.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Poetry for people like me.
I love Brian Andreas.
His work used to be kind of hard to find (I purchased my first print in the mid-90s), but now he's pretty mainstream. Still, I find he has an uncanny way of capturing things I think or feel but can never say — things that would sound overly romantic and/or insane in conversation. Which is why I would like to fill my entire house with his work. That way, I wouldn't have to say anything. I could just point.
While I have many favorites, I have always coveted this one:
As long as the sun shall rise goes the old lovers vow.
But we are children of a scientific age & have no time for poetry.
Still, I offer a quiet prayer of thanks for the sunlight each time I see your face.
If such a simple — albeit beautiful — statement can be poetic, why is it that we have no time for poetry?
Don't be fooled. We have time. Plenty of it. We just spend it all watching that horrible remake of 90210. (By "we" I clearly mean "you people." I would never watch something so poorly acted.)
I came across a public art display online today — Everyday Poems for City Sidewalks. It's an incredible idea, stamping poetry into sidewalks. Who doesn't have time to enjoy a few lines of poetry while walking the dog or waiting for the bus?
Kudos to artist Marcus Young for making poetry part of our everyday lives. Especially those of us who live in Saint Paul and spend way too much time watching bad TV.
His work used to be kind of hard to find (I purchased my first print in the mid-90s), but now he's pretty mainstream. Still, I find he has an uncanny way of capturing things I think or feel but can never say — things that would sound overly romantic and/or insane in conversation. Which is why I would like to fill my entire house with his work. That way, I wouldn't have to say anything. I could just point.
While I have many favorites, I have always coveted this one:
As long as the sun shall rise goes the old lovers vow.
But we are children of a scientific age & have no time for poetry.
Still, I offer a quiet prayer of thanks for the sunlight each time I see your face.
If such a simple — albeit beautiful — statement can be poetic, why is it that we have no time for poetry?
Don't be fooled. We have time. Plenty of it. We just spend it all watching that horrible remake of 90210. (By "we" I clearly mean "you people." I would never watch something so poorly acted.)
I came across a public art display online today — Everyday Poems for City Sidewalks. It's an incredible idea, stamping poetry into sidewalks. Who doesn't have time to enjoy a few lines of poetry while walking the dog or waiting for the bus?
Kudos to artist Marcus Young for making poetry part of our everyday lives. Especially those of us who live in Saint Paul and spend way too much time watching bad TV.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Good things.
My mother has the largest collection of good things in the world.
Next to Martha, of course.
More specifically, my mom has everything one might need to throw a perfect dinner party: plates of varying sizes, shapes, patterns and colors; cloth napkins for every occasion; serving bowls and platters; multiple sets of silver; goblets; glasses; mugs; napkin rings; chargers; tablecloths and runners; candlesticks, vases, etc. etc. The list is never ending, as is her need for additional storage space.
She is an excellent party planning resource. Unfortunately, she lives 400 miles away.
Which is why I've started my own collection of good things.
When Nate and I got married, most everything we registered for was related to entertaining. Nate loves to cook and I love to make things pretty, so entertaining is kind of our thing. We don't do it very often, but it's something we both enjoy. We received the most beautiful entertaining pieces for our wedding: platters, napkins, table runners, candleholders, serving utensils, sugar bowls, crystal stemware. When I opened our first china place setting, I cried.
Since then I've collected beautiful vintage napkins and tablecloths from both of Nate's grandmothers. And I've purchased a number of other necessary items — most recently a white ceramic toothpick holder with a little domed cover, and a miniature salt and pepper set. I also bought a darling little apron, because it's important to look cute for your husband while setting the table for guests. (At least that's what I tell myself. It's not like I'll be cooking anything in it.)
I have just about everything I need to comfortably accommodate eight guests at a last-minute dinner party — a basic requirement for any good hostess.
The one thing I don't have (that I really, really, really want) is a set of plates by Jessica Rust Designs. I keep running into her work — O at Home, Real Simple — and I love it. She has a number of ready-made designs, but will also turn a photo of your house into a little illustration and put it on a plate. So sweet, I can barely stand it.
Wouldn't our front door look adorable on a plate?
Good things, indeed.
Next to Martha, of course.
More specifically, my mom has everything one might need to throw a perfect dinner party: plates of varying sizes, shapes, patterns and colors; cloth napkins for every occasion; serving bowls and platters; multiple sets of silver; goblets; glasses; mugs; napkin rings; chargers; tablecloths and runners; candlesticks, vases, etc. etc. The list is never ending, as is her need for additional storage space.
She is an excellent party planning resource. Unfortunately, she lives 400 miles away.
Which is why I've started my own collection of good things.
When Nate and I got married, most everything we registered for was related to entertaining. Nate loves to cook and I love to make things pretty, so entertaining is kind of our thing. We don't do it very often, but it's something we both enjoy. We received the most beautiful entertaining pieces for our wedding: platters, napkins, table runners, candleholders, serving utensils, sugar bowls, crystal stemware. When I opened our first china place setting, I cried.
Since then I've collected beautiful vintage napkins and tablecloths from both of Nate's grandmothers. And I've purchased a number of other necessary items — most recently a white ceramic toothpick holder with a little domed cover, and a miniature salt and pepper set. I also bought a darling little apron, because it's important to look cute for your husband while setting the table for guests. (At least that's what I tell myself. It's not like I'll be cooking anything in it.)
I have just about everything I need to comfortably accommodate eight guests at a last-minute dinner party — a basic requirement for any good hostess.
The one thing I don't have (that I really, really, really want) is a set of plates by Jessica Rust Designs. I keep running into her work — O at Home, Real Simple — and I love it. She has a number of ready-made designs, but will also turn a photo of your house into a little illustration and put it on a plate. So sweet, I can barely stand it.
Wouldn't our front door look adorable on a plate?
Good things, indeed.
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