Get Down With Your Bad Self

Buy a Pie, Raise some Dough!

2010-11-03T14:25:00.002-04:00

Back when I was a youngster, selling candy bars for my dance group or booster tickets for volleyball, I would often have to shell out the $80 myself to pay for the candybars that I was too shy to sell. That was back when babysitting only paid $2/hour. Fast forward some decades and I'm ready to try again for a cause I care about-- MANNA.

MANNA delivers medically appropriate meals to help boost the body's ability to fight serious illnesses, provides education and counseling to help clients make
intelligent nutrition choices, and offers compassionate human contact that link consumers in need with caring community volunteers from all walks of life. Together, these free services help people with a life-threatening illness maintain their independence and live longer, healthier lives.

So, help me raise some money toward this awesome cause. If you donate $25, MANNA will reward you with one of the amazing pies or cakes on their menu this year:
*Traditional Apple Pie
*Holiday Pumpkin Pie
*Southern Pecan Pie
*Carrot Cake
*Chocolate Fudge Cake
*Cherry Topped Cheesecake

You can pick them up at one of 60 pick-up locations in Philly, the burbs and South Jersey.

Help me by ordering a pie today. That way I don't have to buy them all myself. And, don't forget to put my name down.

Buy a pie and raise some dough!

Take good care,

Rija

Hello there

2010-10-29T13:14:00.001-04:00

It has been a long week- I feel like every week is now. Yes, that's right, I've been gone since June and now I'm jumping right into this week. I have to start somewhere. Anyway, I have all these nightime events and they really crunch my free time to nothing. Luckily, this week I had yoga on Wednesday and aqua spinning on Thursday. The average age in the aqua spinning class was 72 and it was at an old people's home. That being said, it is a great workout and some of the songs featured were Rude Boy and the techno version of The Lion Sleeps tonight. I never imagined myself as a 30-something in a bathing skirt surrounded by 70-somethings in sports bras or bathing suits listening to 'rude boy can you gettit up'- pretty hilarious. I guess you just don't care at that point!

I hope the weather is good this weekend- I haven't checked out any forecasts. Halloween is such an easy holiday especially when I don't have to have to dress up. Vik is going as batman and Luka, a monkey. It suits her personality perfectly. It was that or the cheeseburger costume- which Old Navy didn't have in her size. Vik has been wearing his costume for about a month now. He doesn't like change so its good he's had time to get used to something as innocuous as a Batman costume. You laugh, but when Adam brought it home, Vik collapsed to the ground in tears because Batman isn't grey, he is all black and his mask covers his whole face. Adam spent the next 20 minutes googling until he found original cartoon pictures of Batman that Vik accepted, reluctantly.

I head out to Beverly Hills on Monday night for a work trip. I have stuff all day Tuesday ending with a cocktail party and then dinner at 9pm. That is midnight eastern time. Same Drill Wednesday and Thursday. And then I fly out Thursday night on the red eye to get home at 6AM Friday. I am going to be exhausted, but maybe I'll organize a meet-up with Shannon, Steve, Dylan and the gang. I know you just pinned my age. In 7th grade, we made soap in science class, we named ours Lever 90210. Seriously.

Other than all that busy talk, we're doing well. Vik has been better. He went through a rough patch of misbehaving and not listening. Slowly but surely, he is improving. As for Luka, "I'm going half way to the danger zone" should mysteriously start playing anytime she walks in the room. She is climbing up on tables, chairs, whatever she can get too. I found her atop the fridge yesterday- only kidding. She is hilarious. We want to try her on milk since she has been doing really well with her dairy free, organic diaper, egg free regimen. Do you see a theme here?: Everything is going so well, let's change something and make drama. Sometimes kids outgrow their allergies and she is 15 months now.

That's all for now. Have a lovely weekend.

Angels and Demons

2010-06-09T21:04:00.004-04:00

My brother took both of these photos Memorial day weekend down on the eastern shore of Virginia. Awesome face; the joker.

Around the Way

2010-06-03T13:45:00.000-04:00

Things around here are status quo.

We had a regular Chevy Chase kind of Memorial day weekend which started off with a 9 hour trip to Virginia. The car was packed to the top with kids, clothes and Viktor's collection of Blue-Rays. We were ready to pull out of the driveway Friday morning at 930 prompt. Only Adam noticed that my oil was leaking. Oh, did I forget to mention that he decided to play mechanic two weeks prior and change my oil himself. With a wrench. And and oil pan. And, obviously, no expletive clue what he was doing. Not to worry because he got out his trusty wrench and tightened the filter which I was told "can be tricky". TRICKY. We take off to get gas at Wawa and on the drive notice that a weird film is clouding the rear glass with every swipe of the wiper. We are leaking oil like a punctured balloon, or filter. At this point we are racing the velocity at which oil can leak from a faulty filter on our race to Jiffy Lube. I was betting on oil. And, would have won had I wagered. By the time we unloaded the whole fam into the waiting room of Jiffy Lube, we were told that the oil was ALL gone or in more technical terms, didn't register. Adam kept saying, "it's a little funny". We definitely doubled down on travel time.

On the kid front, Vik is way into the Black-Eyed Peas, specifically Boom Boom Pow because those chickens be jockin' his style. On the flip side, stink bugs are cramping his style as we have to evacuate at least 3 from his room each night. You should see the way that he so gingerly places one foot over the threshold and then listens. Listens. For the buzzing. Listen. Only after a full minute of listening to the silence will he enter that room. Oh, the cringing and writhing that occurs if the buzzing of a stink bug is heard. But, inch worms, they are just fine. Like the lucky little guy that Vik found down in Virginia, Jack Attack. Mr. Jack Attack was smart enough to stop moving early in his journey. Vik quickly grew bored and Jack Attack lived to see another day. Jack Attack is lucky that Luka didn't see him because is very much resembles something that should go in her mouth. Luka cannot gain enough speed crawling to satisfy her voracity for getting into EVERY single inedible object in sight. She is clearly solution-oriented because discovered a method whereas she puts her head down like the Jackie Joyner-Kercee of crawling to gain that extra millisecond per hour. Next thing you know, she'll be shaving her arms, legs and head. The good news is that she is not walking just yet and still my adorable little baby. Albeit my baby whose favorite activity is open-handed wapping my face and looking around for shared laughter. Hilarious, Luka. How about next time I take away your beloved Cheerios. Oh, yeah, I'll do it.

Dissent: Updates

2010-05-19T08:18:00.000-04:00

I talked to my mom on the ride to work.

Mom: I talked to Senelis (my grandfather) and I said, Rija is getting Luka baptized on June 6th, not at the Catholic Church. And he said, why not? And I said because they are a pain and have all these rules for godparents. And he said, well you must negotiate to get what you want. And I said it is a done deal. And he said, well at least it is Christian but I may have plans that day.

Me: So, are you going to be able to sleep tonight now.

Mom: Yes and you can invite everyone.

Me: Awesome, I don’t have to make up godparents to promulgate the lies.

Mom: I have to go, talk to you later.

I was only disappointed that I didn’t get to tell her that I bought my way out of hell with the envelopes; she appreciates joking about my eternal salvation.

Dissent

2010-05-19T06:55:00.000-04:00

Hi god, it’s me Rija and although I know that all god’s creatures have a hand in the choir and some sing low and some sing higher, my family thinks the ones that sing low are going to straight to hell because they aren’t Catholic. So, please get out your scarlett letters and brand me because I have sinned. Luka is being baptized one of those protestant religions. As in, those protesting the Papal father.

And, I really wish that I had some great fundamental reason for not having Luka baptized Catholic like the fact that priests should be able to marry so that various pedophiles aren’t gallivanting through the church playing holy figure. But, I don’t. I can’t proclaim that I will return to the church when this is rectified. Nope, I have only the fact that I find it ridiculous that the church makes it so obnoxiously difficult to get a child baptized. Parish this, donation envelopes that. The envelopes, that is how they track you. Worse than the IRS, I tell ya.

So, excuse me if I find it refreshing when I talk to the protestant pastor and ask him about getting my daughter baptized and he says okay, what day works? That’s it. You sure you don’t want dibs on my first born or my left arm. No, okay bring on the potato salad. Except that it’s not that easy because of aforementioned scarlett letters and burning eternities in hell. I wasn’t going to invite my extended family since they live 2 hours away. It just seems like an imposition to have them drive 4 hours on a Sunday to witness my sins and talk hail mary’s behind my back. Then I start to think that someone may get their feelings hurt, so I run past my mother that I may just invite everyone as a courtesy. And people, she is hinting this and implying that until I yank from her tormented Catholic conscience that she would like for me to LIE to the family. She would never say this of course, but that is what she meant. And, I’m not sure if it is the Lithuanian or the Catholic guilt but she tells me that it will break my grandfather’s heart. This is my grandfather who spent two days figuring out which saint Luka was named after, settling on Luke in feminine form. That is when I realize that no matter what I do, the church still has a hold on me through guilt. For now, I’ll settle for made up godparents and hypocrisy in the name of the father, son and holy spirit.

Paranoia

2010-05-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

Friday was my night to rise with Luka as she shrieked her displeasure. My tactic is to keep a bottle with formula powder on the nightstand and when I hear her doing her screech owl imitation, I jump out of bed and run to the bathroom with aforementioned bottle. By the time the water is a little warm, her calls have become less nudging and more FEED ME. And, she is so damn dramatic; it’s like trying to jam a bottle in Stevie Wonder while he’s performing, smooth vocals not included. On this particular night, I had a couple margaritas and man, was I hot. Like, slow creep hot. I need water because my brow is glistening, hot. So, after I finish feeding Luka and guzzle a blue plastic sippy full of water, I decide I need to turn on the fan, lest I expire. Only one problem, the switch turns on the fan and overhead four-spot. I pull the rope to what I hope is the overhead light but since I have no confidence, I concoct a plan whereas I’ll cover Adam’s eyes without touching his face and quickly flick on the switch. If the light turns on, I go for the other rope. If not, score. Do you see where this is going? I place my hand hovering over Adam’s eyes and simultaneously root for the light switch on the wall. Only Adam wakes up in the middle of my fumbling and his vision is obscured by my large hand and at exactly that moment, I flick the overhead on. Light flashes through the room, like a horror movie set, and Adam’s balls jump into his throat. And I’m trying to explain what the expletive I was doing but I can’t stop laughing through his claims that I’m trying to kill him. And, actually I still find this story so hilarious that I’m crying and snickering right now picturing someone watching that scene from the outside looking in. Holy hell.

Good Omen

2010-05-14T15:55:00.001-04:00

A black squirrel ran across the street this morning as I was driving to work. I didn’t hit it and that was good. Even better and the omen part that, I used to see black squirrels on Oriole Ave all the time when driving to work from the townhouse. The townhouse that we will be moving into soon- hooray! Yes, I have talked about the townhouse an inordinate amount and might be slightly obsessed. Not more obsessed than I am about my new lunch special: flat bread from Trader Joe’s with veggie cream cheese and turkey. Cheese is my favorite food group. I picked Vik up from school yesterday and we went to the first ever farmer’s market in Media, our hometown. Right, I have no segway but all things lead back to cheese so bear with me. We head to the farmer’s market after school and we’re a little late to the game since I work and the other residents of Media must be independently wealthy or have really rad jobs that allow them to flit about town to make the early part of the 1 to 7 farmer’s market. And, I was so proud to be standing there getting organic fresh food from around the way. I didn’t exactly fit in with my three-inch heels and pale office pallor, but I gave myself a pass with the multiplicity clause. I made it up. It allows me to rationalize things that don’t fit into neat stereotypes: nuns on Harleys, businessmen with pony tails or collard greens at Whole Foods. Anyway, Vik sampled some cheeses and chose “Fat Cat” to bring home to the tune of $5.30 for a small little brick. Do you know how many kraft singles I could buy for that? A hundred. Of course that is when they are on sale at the Acme. But, Fat Cat goes so well with organic dates and summer ale. Point being, I love the farmer’s market.

Cha-Cha-Changes

2010-05-05T16:55:00.002-04:00

Hello there. So much to say, so little time! We have moved- finally. From hatching the idea to execution has seemed a long, long road but I couldn't be happier that the house is sold. I know it seems strange, but we never really took the time to make that house our own or connect with it. We loved our townhouse and nearly everything in there was something that we upgraded. Sure, there are things that I am not looking forward too like how the kitchen is so dark, but for the most part I can't wait to get back in there. Until we can get back to the townhouse, we have most of our possessions in climate-controlled storage and are shacking up with my in-laws. It has been just fine and there is something to be said about co-habitating, planning meals especially. It is wonderful to only have to cook two or three times a week and have dinner prepared the other days.

I AM realizing that I took having a bathroom in my bedroom for granted in the worst way. Until now. The bathroom thing though- not so convenient. It's the middle of the night that gets me...ugh.

And, let me complain about actually moving. Moving is the pits. My intentions were all tangled up in packing tape and boxes. I had to remind myself that we want to live a simpler life with every box I taped. Oh jeez, more Police references: Every move I make, every box I tape...

So, we are all sardined in to my in-laws house and life is good.

Unedited

2010-03-17T20:52:00.007-04:00

I have had two glasses of wine and successfully gotten two children to bed. I didn't eat dinner but Vik and Luka did and the dishes are done, man. I have so many many things to talk about. We sold the house. The house that we thought we wanted. The house that required (subjective) a tractor to mow and lots of mulch and maintenance and had 2 unused bedrooms except when my parents visited. We are moving back to the townhouse after our tenants, who don't pay their rent on time, move out. This makes me SO happy. In 'always greener on the other side' fashion, I didn't realize how much I LOVED that townhouse.

I also took another job, sort of. I am doing the exact same thing but with volume times three and an unbelievable platform at the same company. Same title, same number, much better aura. I am thrilled, again, at my job. I was in a rut for three years. I desperately needed a change but couldn't figure out which way was up. It is empowering; taking back your life after a couple years of feeling like it was leading the way.

It's funny how I got the kick to take action. It goes unsaid that Adam had to agree to all of the changes. We make all the big decisions together. But, anyway, I have these lunches with my good friend Stephanie. And, it's nothing in particular but I think airing everything honestly and hearing her do the same is my therapy. And, in a silly little way, I felt accountable to get something done by the next time I saw her. So, I (and, Adam) took action. Because, he felt the same way about the house. And, admitted that he hated the wallpaper I chose for Luka's room. The things you find out!

I love my quarterly lunch with Stephanie. We meet halfway; a bit over an hour for the both of us. Our waitress is kooky. I thought about switching venues to avoid her, but it sort of seems like tradition.

Oh, oh yeah. And, I started crossing off my life list, dammit. I got into a book club; went to my first meeting last night. We drank wine, yes. BUT, we actually had discussion questions and talked about the book. We read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was very good. Book club, check.

And, friends. I pledge to get together with my friends more. Just a quick cocktail or dinner and a margarita. I just did that on Friday with Laura. Fabulous. We caught up and told stories until we cried laughing. It is the best. That hysterical laughter where you can't get the words out. Such a release.

So, basically, I am so much happier than I was a while ago. A readjustment was needed. I feel proud that I (and, we) took action. I feel good and happy.

And, Vik and Luka are so awesome. Luka is on the move- crawling to anything she can get in her mouth. She is such an agile little plum fairy. And, just pleasant and has this smile; it is a goofy grin that makes me laugh everytime. That grin has popped two teeth and it looks like two more are bustin' through. Vik is so handsome, like Adam. Killer smile with his 3-year old chicklet teeth. He is just so infuriating. Talks us in circles. He loves his movies. And sleeps with a cast of characters including: George (as in curious), Lola, Jordan and Jack. Not sure where Lola came from but she is actually one of Luka's sensory toys that Vik nabbed. He is so, so sweet to Luka.

Enough of the babble, my buzz is wearing off. And I need to know who is closer to being the NEXT American Idol?!

Give me Liberty

2010-03-15T21:53:00.009-04:00

I dragged Vik to Target with me on Sunday for the grand release of the Liberty of London line. LOVE.

I got my brother-in-law's girlfriend an adorable bag and tray for her birthday. And, I got my mother-in-law 12 tumblers for Mother's Day. Yes, that's right...two month's ahead. Liberty of London line isn't waiting around.

The shelves were clearing as I was shopping. No kidding- online is practically all out of stock!

I almost couldn't pass on this lampshade. Isn't it gorgeous?

I didn't see any of these chairs but don't think I could have resisted.

Anyone else rush off to Target this weekend?

Hello, hello, hello...

2010-03-01T20:53:00.005-05:00

Is there anybody out there?

Right, I know. It is March 1, 2010. It's like I woke up and two months are dunzo. Anyway, I have some 'splainin to do, but I need to dip my feet into the pool of imagination for a second. So, let's just pretend that Easter and bunnies and bees and warmth are coming round the bend at warp speed because I cannot bear to look at the snow any longer. And, the dang (DANG!) Farmer's Almanac...curses! So, in my little world, I'm planning Easter baskets. I already bought Vik a new Phillies hat since his looks like it came out of a dumpster by now since he wears it like a bad haircut. I don't know, I wanted to say 'like a bad haircut'. Anyway, I am also getting a fresh new copy of Molly and Wally Molecule written by my friend, Christine Adler and her pal Dean Badillo. I don't know Dean but think it is super that Christine and Dean rhyme. Anyway, you can go ahead and buy the book right off of their website. Please take special note of their green policies and don't shake your fists at them just because they live in "temperate" Laguna Beach and we're looking at temperatures in the 30s as warm.

So, what are you wishing for in your Easter basket?

Gift Guide: Hostess with the Mostess

2009-12-10T08:22:00.011-05:00

My 2009 gift guide for the hostess (or host) who has everything. I tried to hit all price points too so you can go for the big bang gift or maybe combine a few.

Clockwise from Top Left: 12 Days of Christmas Dishes ($95), Shark Peeler ($6), Letterpress Coasters ($12), Roadside Diner Plates ($36), Stag Bar Tools ($49), Wallpaper Magazine Rack ($159).

Second Hand

2009-12-08T07:19:00.018-05:00

I had a little look-see on Craigslist and there were some good bones. I had to give these gems some more flowery names:

Purple People Eater Club Chair($5)

Dirty Vodka Martini Straight Up Couch($75)

Meet the Jetsons Loveseat($300)

I obviously have seating on my mind; it will be integral in the living room make-over of 2010. I have vowed not to buy one thing until I have the entire mood board done and the money set aside! The Martini couch is giving me an entry way idea though. I really, really want

this bench for the entry way, but I think I have an idea for a furniture upcycle that may give me a similar look.

Successful

2009-12-06T08:41:00.005-05:00

Three times with Santa is a charm. Viktor did wonderfully this year. And you know what he said: Santa didn't have gloves on this year and he gave me a high-five. Sure enough, we checked last years pictures and the very same Santa had gloves on. What a strange thing to remember. Of course, this is the kid closes and then re-opens a door to enter a room if he feels that that door should have been shut.

Fa la la la laaaaaaaa

2009-12-02T06:45:00.010-05:00

I didn't have quite the level of cooperation that I wanted for a family portrait, but I like this one for reality itself. Vik with a stick. Luka not looking. Adam trying not to force a smile. And me caught in an awkward moment mid-sentence. So standard.

Can you believe that it is December? I didn't realize Thanksgiving was so late this year until I stared at my calendar BAM! three and a half weeks until Christmas. My overactive goal-making mind thought I would be done with shopping by now. In reality, I have close to nothing done. BUT, but I decorated last Friday, so that is something.

Do you change out your artwork for the holidays? I typically don't but I have some aspirations to really give my front room some punch with little cost. I'm obsessed with this print, titled: Jee and the Brontosnowrus from S. Britt.

And I thought changing out my bunting in the front window would give a little punch. Look at how cute Benita's bunting from Chez Larsson is and oh my goodness her punchy Merry Christmas pillow. I'm going to share some of my quick, easy decorating ideas in the next week using stuff I already have around the house. Until then, see ya!

The Second Story

2009-11-28T16:48:00.006-05:00

I've not talked much on this blog about starting an online shop, but it has been in my hopes and dreams. Since I can't very well quite my job and go at it full time, I decided to start small and with existing resources. Meet my new project: The Second Story.

The look will change as I grab time. It will be branded and beautiful, but I decided to dive right it and do it now!

Gobble Gobble

2009-11-25T19:46:00.004-05:00

I'm just thinking of all the things I'm thankful for while I drink this Dogfishhead 60 Minute. I'm thankful for it. I'm thankful for my lovely little family. And my friends, the ones that reach out when I haven't talked to them in a while. I'm thankful for laughter because it really can get you through.

I'm just thinking of the Thanksgiving where my brother brought home some pheasants from his early morning hunt. My relatives from the old country were so proud to be eating fresh gamebirds. It ignited stories past, but best of all, pheasants, prounounced with heavy accents sounds like peasants. And my cousins and I would roll with laughter everytime one of them spoke of eating peasants. It may have been the virinta. Maybe if I drink enough of these beers, I'll share the recipe for the Lithuanian honey liquor we call virinta. Oh what a treat!

I am very much looking forward to a couple of days to rest, watching Viktor eat the drumstick, and pecan pie. And decorating for Christmas. I wish you all a beautiful, relaxing Thanksgiving.

*courtesy of potterybarn.com

So long Friday

2009-11-20T18:28:00.003-05:00

I am having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Not really, but my list of complaints reads like the Alexander book.

Check it.

Adam hit my foot while I was dead asleep and startled me awake. I hate being startled awake.

Viktor didn't cooperate this morning causing me to be frazzled and sweaty and really really late. I hate feeling rushed and being late.

My bagel was messy, my hair is frizzy and gues who almost forgot to put on deodarant?

I think I'll move to Australia.

I keep having to take off my earring for phone calls like a power suit, clip-on wearing 80s business woman and I hate earrings.

My pants are too big, my shirt is ill-fitting and my face feels greasy.

How's that for some Friday chatter?

I am SO looking forward to this weekend! My parents are coming into town. We're going to check out a craft show that benefits the local high school marching band and having a family portrait done. Plus, I got a bunch of laundry done this week and feel accomplished. Always look on the bright side of life. Badoo, ba-doop, ba-doo, ba-doo...

A Christmas Story

2009-11-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

I mentioned the other day to a friend that I was getting Viktor a play kitchen for Christmas in hopes that my tupperware and wooden spoons would stop disappearing. She loved the idea but said her husband wouldn't go for their boy getting a play kitchen! Is the woman/ kitchen paradigm still kicking?

Anyway, I picked up the Duktig Mini Kitchen as well as some of the accessories. Isn't it beautiful?

I am attempting to get most of my Christmas shopping done prior to December. I can't help but share the story of the Christmas that my mom did her shopping early.

My mom is extremely competitive. She didn't let us win Monopoly when we were little. She would actually try to get us to land on her properties to collect rent and bankrupt us. Anyway, this one year, she sets a goal to complete all of her shopping prior to Thanksgiving. And there is not a goal set that is not achieved by my mother. With all of the shopping done, I wrap it all up and we're set for a merry little Christmas.

But, always a but, we head out to The Hecht Company for an exchange and my mom starts noticing a mega-sale going on whereas ALL of her gifts are now on sale. Maniacally, she starts calculating the delta and realizes the sales prices add up to savings in the hundreds. A professional shopper, she pulls out all of the receipts from her purse and explains her plight to the store clerk. Blink blink. Next, she requests that the manager issue a credit to her account based on the current sale prices and what she had paid the week before. The manager denies the request. And had that manager known my mother, she never never would have done such a silly thing. NO. The store manager tells my mother, No.

My mother, the Monopoly slum lord, does not take 'no' well. Imagine my shock when my mother left with an 'okay' and million dollar smile. This was NOT the mother I knew. My mother was apt to cause scenes and demand bosses bosses. Okay?

On the ride home, I hesitantly asked what she was going to do. Almost joyous , she interrupted her humming to explain the last laugh. On principle, we unwrapped each and every package, loaded them into the car and returned every item. The principle! And to prove the point, we did this 10 minutes before closing. I stood at the register head hung in shame and teenage embarrassment while my mom stood proud. The store clerk went white after she began to gather the items for return to the store floor when my mom stops her. "Oh, you don't need to put that stuff back, I'd like to purchase it all at the current sales price."

Pink Studio, I think I love you.

2009-11-17T06:00:00.002-05:00

Good Tuesday morning, people. I wish I could spend the day chatting and sharing ideas but I've got to go play office space. In the meantime, wanted to share a new love. I keep running into all of these fantastically romantic and feminine shoes and when I check the brand, it is always Pink Studio. The two masterminds behind these lovelies are Lisa & Lucy Chang. I think they've got it going on! Take a look-see!

Clockwise from Top Left: Thora Peep Toe in Olive, Jacob Boot in Olive, Shaw Stone Flat, Billy Peep Toe in Fuschia, Jeanette Pump in Jade Green, Dre Boot in Camel.

DEE-lightful!

2009-11-13T16:22:00.007-05:00

Another week of work done and I am not enjoying myself, but I don't want this to turn into a boohoo saga. I am actually working on several things that should be fun and exciting coming up. One of them is a family portrait. The last sort of formal pictures that we had were for our wedding, a amazingly shiny, happy night that I will savor the memory of forever.

Point being, I want a creative and journaling family portrait. As chance would have it, my dad is a hobby photographer (so is my brother!) and they have all the eye talent and equipment to make it happen. Next weekend, a photo shoot is on the list to get done when my parents visit. I'm thinking of us walking through Media, our quaint little town, and our local orchard. And I saw this picture from amazing photographer, Trever Hoehne:

Although Luka is a little young, the quality and whimsy that I'm looking for is there. We could also go to a little bridge near our house...hmmm, the possibilities are endless. Now, what to wear?

I'm hoping the Nor'Easter pummeling our area STOPS and allows us some outdoor time on Saturday before the weather turns unbearable. And then Sunday, I'm traveling a bit to have lunch with a dear friend. Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Pretty as a Peacock

2009-11-12T09:16:00.009-05:00

I know, I know...very cliche. The whole pretty as a peacock bit. I just can't stop with the peacocks though. Just these last couple of finds, I promise.

Clockwise from Top Left: Peacock Eyelashes, Peacock Tee (I just ordered this!), Peacock Bangle, Peacock Tights, Peacock Bedding.

I Want

2009-11-07T15:20:00.013-05:00

My head is in the sand this week. I had two after work outings and really, I just can't hang anymore. More on that later.

I've found more that I want, but have no room for...I would really love all of these pieces. I might need that camel leather lounger in my living room (insert substantiation of purchase here):

Gray Chrome Rocker($35)

Blue Tufted Naugahyde Couch & Loveseat ($599)

Leather Camel Lounger($100)

Black Sideboard($45)

Well, it's Friday again.

2009-11-06T19:37:00.006-05:00

WA-pshtt! That was my head watching this week fly by. I survived my first week back and my week included Viktor barfing in his bed while sleeping in the middle of the night and exercising twice. So that brings me to my bragging rights for another habit: exercise. Me and exercise; we're an item now. It has been over a month now. It feels good to exercise, even if only twice in one week. I'm working on a new balance in my life and mostly it includes avoiding my all or nothing tendencies.

Usually when I implement new habits into my life, I make them a crusade. An example is that time that I drew up a notebook designating 8 check boxes for water, 5 boxes for dairy, 5 for veggies...you get the idea. Oh, but I didn't stop there. I also had twice a days of exercise- weights in the morning, cardio at night. I actually had someone ask me if I was training for a triatholon. Me, a triatholon. Yeah- if you mean drinking, eating and sleeping. Compulsive much? Point is, it was totally unrealistic and lasted for say three days, maybe less. So, I'm going with the some is better than none, moderate view. Moderate; my heart is palpitating just thinking about doing anything in moderation. THAT is how hard this is for me, but I'm working on it. And, if you're wondering, I'm still cleaning to and I didn't get to everything this week but there is always next week.

So, deep breath, I'm going into this weekend without a to do list and hopes to just relax and see what the days bring. Well, maybe just a couple of things off the lists!

Enjoy it!

My New Obsession

2009-11-05T19:49:00.012-05:00

In my virtual window-shopping, I've been spotting Peacocks everywhere from home accents to style accessories and I think I like it. Here's a couple that make me smile:

Clockwise from Top Left: Peacock Embroidered Throw Pillow, Round Peacock Printed Rug, Peacock Feather Votive Holder, Peacock Feather Hair Clip, Peacock Champagne Flute, Peacock Postcard Art Tag.

So Happy Together

2009-11-03T20:45:00.005-05:00

Oh baby! I have been pining after the Ikea BÄRBAR Tray for months, but my multiple attempts to bring it home were fruitless; it just wasn't stocked. Today, I had a few minutes between appointments and had a look-see at my neighborhood Ikea and there they were. Made my day for $5.99! I looks so much like Charley Harper's illustrations but brighter!

Out of the Closet: Return of Order

2009-11-02T06:37:00.001-05:00

Just another manic Monday, for sure. I am back to work today and not too happy about it. I spent all day yesterday preparing like I was a third grader going back to school after a long summer: the anticipation of seeing old friends, new expectations and what to wear! The rest of our weekend was awesome. Viktor was thrilled to trick-or-treat; I wasn't sure how it would go...sometimes he gets a little shy but he really got into yelling 'trick-or-treat'. Not to mention that it was pouring rain and we were all drenched. Lucky that it was around 70 degrees! We also got our second disc for Dexter, Season 3 and watched a couple episodes- amazing.

Anyway, I'm sure posting will be light as I re-adjust and find the bright side of work but I wanted to share my last project of maternity leave: my closet clean-up.

I talked about the need to organize and clean out my closet back in July. And, holy mother of excess, I got rid of 3 LARGE bags of clothes and 1 bag of shoes! I finished the closet clean-up just in time to go back to work.

A couple things that I added: an Ikea shelf that wasn't being used to hold shoes vertically while still allowing me to easily access them, pictures of each pair of shoes glued to the outside of the boxes and a sweater and shoe hanging organizer. I also have a basket in the bottom for goodwill donations and a bag for dry-cleaning. Let's see how long this lasts!

Affordable: Friday

2009-10-30T10:38:00.003-04:00

On Friday of my real life I-have-a-budget week, I am so happy that I just slip on a dress...easy.

Reality ($216):

J.Crew ($401):

Reality Links: pleated pilar dress in plum, black herringbone tights, satin wrapped suede heels and jeweled garland necklace. I was going to keep the dress but plum raisin is sold out so then I thought *huge splurge* keep the shoes but they are sold out in plum so we keep nothing!

Shopping this way has really helped me hone my own closet to a few stand out pieces but mostly foundation pieces to build from. I also have some 'on the cheap' ideas to jazz up my boots and plain black heels. Stay tuned; although I may be slow as I re-adjust to working full-time. I'm sure to have the Sunday night jitters before my first day back in the office. Boo hoo.

Have a great weekend and a fun Halloween! We are taking the kids trick-or-treating tomorrow night- our neighborhood still does it on October 31st. Vik is going to be Spiderman and Luka, a viking. I'll be sure to post some pictures!

Affordable: Thursday

2009-10-29T14:00:00.000-04:00

On Thursday of my real life I-have-a-budget week, I found some super alternatives.

Reality ($284):

J.Crew ($713)

Reality links: washable flannel pleated ankle pant, tweed ruffle jacket, grey python print flats, beaded chiffon necklace, fleece pants and ruffle hoodie. Keeper: watercolor leopard evie top.

Zucchini Bread

2009-10-29T09:49:00.001-04:00

I know that this is nutty, but I have wanted to make zucchini bread since I've gone on maternity leave. I didn't have any cravings while pregnant but as soon as I had Luka, I wanted zucchini bread. Since I'm headed back to work on Monday (hangs head in despair), I made the bread Tuesday night. I didn't have an heirloom recipe so I googled and found this one. And it is fabulous. I added raisins. Delicious. Now, I can check that off my list.

Affordable: Wednesday

2009-10-28T14:00:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday of my real life I-have-a-budget week, I did MUCH better than yesterday when I blew the mortgage payment with my 'reality' outfit.

Reality ($278)

J.Crew ($827)
Reality links: grosgrain ruffle tweed jacket, belted pencil skirt, pumps, grey crystal chain, cords and grey flannel rain boots. I kept the merino shirred v-neck sweater. You could keep the fireball necklace too because it's only $35.

Reinvigorate: The Den

2009-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Drum roll please...okay that might be dramatic, but I first talked about infusing the den with some lighter colors to brighten it and give it some flair back in July. My vision was about greens and grays and white. Lots of white. My inspiration: Amy Butler's August Fields collection, specifically Dew Drops:

I took my time and enjoyed the process, choosing carefully.

Before I started, my den looked like nothing. No style, just a conglomeration of crappy stuff from the old house.

Note the fireplace bumper (for little heads)/cat bed/throw blanket,

the blue lamp that throws off a terrible hue but that babies are mesmerized by and there is Luka chilling while I document. And, I HATE the artwork here,
and, finally, the '3-lamps for just $99.99' outdated floor lamp to the right of the couch.
And the afters:

I white-washed the fireplace with a bit of white shoepolish. I just applied the polish to each brick and then dabbed with a wet sponge. I also spray-painted the brass fireplace grill with a satin finish black. Then, I began to accessorize from around the house and some stores. I didn't spend more than $10 on any of the bobbles on the mantle: Farm Vase, Gray Unglazed Stoneware Vase (got it for $4 in the clearance section of my local Ikea!), Ribba Frame with a picture of Viktor in worker man mode, Turquoise Alligator Tissue Box (HomeGoods clearance aisle for $5), Black with White Shells Urn (hand-me-down from my mom), Darling Rosie I (mixed media collage by me) and the Floral Print Porcelain Tea Cup was a christmas gift from years ago.

The "F" is from Urban Outfitters. I was at HomeGoods the other day scrounging through the stationary and office goods in search of a full-size notebook/ journal when I found Miss Fishy from Papaya!; I had to frame her (next to the "F")! Oh, hand made paper pinwheels. You can learn to DIY here.

I also spray-painted the nasty lamp to save money and had a drum shade custom made by Dot and Line (amazing quality!) with Amy Butler's grey/sunrise fabric. The large pillow covers were custom-made in 21 inch size by Meringue Designs and given to me by my parents for my birthday! I love Cynthia's pillow covers; I am a repeat customer and my first purchase is still in amazing shape after countless pillow forts created by Viktor! The smaller pods pillow covers were made by Ella at Mint Design. I was a new customer and Ella sent me an absolutely lovely package with the fantastic pillow covers! And the Pods artwork and light gray micro-suede pillow covers are by me.

While there will be a part two that addresses the tower of dvd power and the coffee table. And adds a white frame to the artwork above the couch. And adds cornice boxes and a new mantle, I am thrilled with the results so far! Actually, I have an idea for sideways "T" mantle that stores dvds hidden on the side, but I need Adam's cooperation in building it, so I wait, like Chuck Norris.

Second Hand

2009-10-27T14:15:00.015-04:00

Oh, I was just looking for some stuff and came across these gems today. I wish I had a place to put them!

Anthropologie table and 4 chairs ($350)

Mitchell Gold Silver-Sage Couch ($480)

Ikea Modern Coffee Table ($40)

Birch Bent Plywood Dresser ($90)

Affordable: Tuesday

2009-10-25T21:13:00.031-04:00

On Tuesday of my real life I-have-a-budget week, I would save a bunch if I could find anything similar to the J. Crew jacket, navy pinstripe pants or the popover tunic! I'm going to use a little creative license here and diverge from the color palette.

Reality ($643):
J.Crew ($1099) :

Reality links: gray pinstripe editor wide waistband pant, chic cashmere jumper, portobello jacket, pewter oval buckle skinny belt, pearl and pave cluster necklace, graphite calvin klein orianna heels, ultra-skinny slashed knee jeans and steel grey puma simplice tinsel. I didn't save anything because it would not have matched! I know that this 'reality' is a little pricey BUT much of it is grey and therefore very versatile!

Affordable: Monday

2009-10-25T15:33:00.011-04:00

After pretend spending my life savings at J.Crew last week, I decided to search for some better price points.

On Monday in my real life I-have-a-budget week, I would bargain shop the J.Crew look.

J.Crew ($643, not including the dress which is no longer available) :

Reality ($201):

Reality links: strappy v-neck dress, antique button ruffle cardigan, natural and black ballet flats, chained pearl necklace, flocked owl graphic tee and skinny jeans in ebony wash. And in each reality link, I'll save one J.Crew item. In this case, the bouquet sash belt is on clearance for $20.

J.Crew Wishlist: Friday

2009-10-23T18:29:00.006-04:00

On Friday of my very own fantasty week, it's casual Friday- cheers! So I want to wear the pleated pilar dress in plum with black herringbone tights, satin wrapped suede heels, and the jeweled garland necklace. And since this ensemble would take me straight to dinner at Cuba Libre, I wouldn't even have to change.

Hope you enjoyed my splurge this week. I'm sure I just blew the daycare budget at J.Crew, but it sure was fun and it actually gave me a chance to come up with some ideas as I prepare to go back to work. I can't believe my maternity leave is almost over; I feel like I have so much that I still want to accomplish and Luka is just getting so adorable now: smiling and 'talking' and rolling and farting like a pop-pop in his plaid recliner chair.

Anyway, have a great weekend....I think we're headed to see

Where the Wild Things Are tomorrow with Viktor. A 2.5 year old is a great excuse to see such a classic, but updated with some super music!

Pimp Ride

2009-10-23T07:12:00.003-04:00

I was watching Grey's Anatomy last night and a commercial came on for a Nissan Altima...I wasn't really paying attention until they showed this daughter learning how to drive from her father. And then I started hee-hawing out loud thinking about when I was learning to drive. I was terrible. I couldn't seem to coordinate my feet and hands and eyes resulting in spastic and parent-frightening moments.

This one time, I was driving down Route 40, a double lane two-way highway. My mom was riding shotgun. At the time, my mom and her best friend, Sonja, had matching white Lincoln Town Cars: society ladies. The differentiating factor was the interior pleather; mom's was dusty blue and Sonja's beige. These things were tanks, not easily navigated by a googly-limbed 16-year-old. So anyway, I'm driving along and GLEE! there is Sonja next to us. Remember aforementioned spasticity when I tell you that I attempted to wave (fervently, because WEE!, I'm driving), turn my left-turning signal on and brake so as not to hit the car in front of me attempting a left-turn... at the SAME TIME.

What resulted was swerving and screaching of brakes/ tires and my mom screaming: PULL OVER. PULL OVER now. What the hell are you thinking? All the time, or just now? Because right now I'm thinking, that was a great rush, now I must rest my adrenaline-wrecked body and contemplate how the hell YOU do that while smoking.

Ultimately, with such supportive parents, I did learn to drive but it took several learner's permits, driving school and nearly a year to get my license. And I've been told by coworkers driving behind me that they thought I was an elderly person.

And with that tale, I'm off to the epic battle: Vik's will and mine. Poor Luka: just an innocent bystander.

J.Crew Wishlist: Thursday

2009-10-22T08:53:00.013-04:00

On Thursday of my very own fantasty week, it would be raining outside and I would need that go-to comfortable, not walking around with my pants wet outfit. I'm thinking I would wear the cropped, stretch elan flannel trouser with the watercolor leopard evie top and cover up with boiled wool regalia sweater jacket. Since it is raining and I can't wear the suede shoes that I want to wear, I settle for vivi printed ballet flats and a clean-lined glass cube necklace. After work, I want to go home to a nice glass of wine and wait for Grey's Anatomy to come on so I completely change into ultra knit weekend pants and matching hoodie plus throw on some slippers to keep me warm!

J.Crew Wishlist: Wednesday

2009-10-20T22:13:00.011-04:00

On Wednesday of my very own fantasty week, my ensemble would be business with a twist of whimsy in a merino shirred v-neck sweater and the grosgrain triomphe jacket over a wool tweed oona pencil skirt. A sweet pair of pumps and a simple but shimmery fireball necklace. After work, a quick power trip to the mall to pick up a Christmas gift (it's nearing the time), I would lose the jacket and skirt for a pair of cords and some cozy boots. And, no, I do not typically change to run to the mall from work but in my fantasy week, I am a debutante!

J.Crew Wishlist: Tuesday

2009-10-20T09:32:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday of my very own fantasty week, I would start my day in the navy pinstripe durham pants topped with the cashmere shirred popover and blushed tweed collier jacket. I would definitely wear a skinny shimmerveil belt to define my waistline (it needs definition). And top it off with the pearl cluster necklace. The cossette mary jane peep toes would dress my outfit up a bit with height. After work, to browse the textiles on fabric row, I would change into destroyed matchstick jeans and tretorn sneakers in copper. Then I would find the best deals on fantastic fabrics and get totally ahead of my skillset attempting advanced projects for the home (pouf, anyone?).

Sewing 101: Cat Bed

2009-10-19T13:45:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I began cleaning out a closet in our guest bedroom and realized that I have had my good friend's sewing machine for a good 4 or 5 years! My sewing endeavors are rather spotty but I really wanted to sew Brian a cat bed just like Benita from Chez Larsson did here and here. I read most of the pertinent sections of the manual and made the interior pocket to fill for the cat bed yesterday afternoon. This morning, I found some fabric at JoAnn's and made the cover....there were some bumps along the road and things that I would do differently (like a finishing seam and pin the fabric) but Brian seems to like his new pad:

Hint hint: If you look beyond the cat bed, you can see part of the den invigoration! I am waiting on a couple of pillows before sharing.

J.Crew Wishlist: Monday

2009-10-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

I could spend a thousand dollars in five minutes flat at J. Crew. Seriously, my mind gathers steam and I form outfits that transform from office to drinks at the Palm. Only problem is that I go from work to ratty tee and sweats to cook dinner and do bathtime. There was a time that I went from work to drinks but then I didn't have the money to buy all these nice clothes- oh wait, I don't have the money now either...a girl can dream.

On Monday of my very own fantasty week, I would start my day in the dressy jersey cinched dress paired with the strada ruffle cardigan. I would finish the look with bailey feather patent flats,the bouquet sash belt and crystal and pearl pastiche necklace. After work, on my way to meet the girls for dinner, I would trade the dress for the textured jersey bouquet tee and ankle stretch toothpick jeans in black resin. And those jeans would look SO good on me because in my fantasy week, I wouldn't be carrying an inner tube billowing over the waistband.

Blue Apple Books

2009-10-17T06:52:00.009-04:00

I was at Toys R Us shopping off of Luka's 'school' list (I'm back to work in TWO weeks!), when I wandered into the book section. The book section at our Toys R Us is tiny but usually carries the usual suspects. I spotted a lovely book: Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types. It is a definite gotta have for all the typography buffs out there (with kids).

Then I saw two books by Dwell Studio: Count and Touch and Feel Farm.
I noticed that all of the books that drew me were Blue Apple Books. Based out of New Jersey, they are an independent publisher founded in 2003. They are geared toward early childhood development and I really love their book choices!

I saw awesome tear-off placemats on their site too by Deborah Zemke. So cute! Although, I'm not sure that Viktor needs ANY other distractions at mealtime; the air and world around create enough problems! But, I can hope that by the time he's say 35, he will sit still and may be able to concentrate on two things at once like dinner and doodling.

Time to Relax

2009-10-16T21:41:00.006-04:00

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderfull weekend. Ha- that is how Adam proposed to me...my ring inside a book of Rome (one of the stops on our honeymoon) with a paper that said "Well?"

So, I hope that you are all well and that your weather is better than ours. It is colder than it should be mid-October and rainy. It is 2-cheeseburgers-from-McDonald's-for lunch-and-I'm-wearing-the-same-shirt-as-yesterday type of dreary (oh shuttup, you are just jealous). At least it's a Phillies shirt.

This weekend, we'll be attending a blessing for our friends' son (read a non-denominational proclaimation that their son should not be denounced to hell via grandparents guilt) and then hosting a fall gathering. Sunday funday is for football.

Have a great weekend!

Cat Beds on my Mind

2009-10-15T08:34:00.008-04:00

I've talked before about Brian (our cat)and our tenuous relationship: he wants to be pet and I have a hair phobia. I am here to announce that we have reached a tenative agreement. Brian stays off of my furniture and currently sleeps on a folded up fleece blanket or on the floor. I would like to reward his good behavior (and perch myself on the safer edge of hair sanity) by giving him a cat bed.

In my mind, I endeavor to make a cat bed, just like Benita from Chez Larsson does here and here, but I don't really sew. I found this one on sale:

And this one (not so thrifty):

The last one gets me thinking about a DIY cat bed without a bunch of sewing...hmmm.

Papaya Art

2009-10-14T14:50:00.013-04:00

The other day I was at HomeGoods and happened upon a boxed set of note cards called "Miss Fishy". Miss Fishy was so whimsical and enchanting that I had to make her mine! I couldn't bear to send out all of the notecards, so I framed one and put it up in my almost reinvigorated den.

Isn't she adorable?

I got a second and just went onto the Papaya Art site and the homepage alone swept me off my feet. I prepared this little compilation in Adobe Elements (which I've just gotten) and can't export the source code to show you. So, take my word and check out the site!

I've just ordered this little lovely for when Luka goes to school in a couple of weeks (they keep a daily journal).

UPDATE: After I published I jumped onto Papaya! Blog and spotted my Miss Fishy in wrapping paper:

Cu-Cu Ca-choo

2009-10-12T16:11:00.003-04:00

I took out the contents (I feel like I may inappropriately ask another adult if they need to poop soon with the constant pee/poop conversations that potty training brings) of the Diaper Genie to our outdoor trash can today and when I opened it there was a balled up army green zip up jacket at the bottom.

Of course, my mind goes to the most ridiculous scenario ever: I look around to make sure that a mass murderer isn't lurking in our suburban backyard. And, holy hell, I have left the back door wide open and turned my back...someone has probably snuck in. Luka is in there sleeping, dear lord, what have I done. When I get inside and ascertain that nobody has entered, I am convinced that the sweatshirt is evidence in a murder yet to be uncovered. People, I almost called Adam because I KNOW we have never owned this article of clothing. I have refrained but am nervous to take a shower.

At least I'm not hiding chicken under my bed though, right?

I Found It!

2009-10-09T12:37:00.006-04:00

I was watching Color Splash the other day (last mention this week) and saw a pendant chandelier that I was in lusty LOVE with. Well, I've found it!!

It is designed by Carolyn Kinder and manufactured by Uttermost.

I fell in love with this version of the Uttermost Alita:

But then I saw this one:

HELP! I need somebody because I don't have enough room for all my lighting lust. My only wish is that it was made in a flush or semi-flush for my hallway. I wonder if an alteration to the cord length could be done easily?

Yellow Fever

2009-10-07T08:30:00.012-04:00

No, I have not been bitten by a tse-tse fly but I am HOT for yellow. Although, I have yet to finish the den, I have mentally started planning the living room reinvigoration. Reinvigoration might be a light word because it entails a two-person shelving project that I uncovered on The Brick House:

And, here's where the yellow fever comes in. I want a floorlamp to the left of that shelving unit that looks like:

1. Ben Siebel Floorlamp. 2. Tripod Floor Lamp. 3. Sonneman Cylinder Floor Lamp. 4. Bronze Finish Drum Shade Floor Lamp. 5. Sonneman Round Floor Lamp. 6. Pineapples Giclee Arc Floor Lamp.

The thing that I love most about the Giclee Arc Floor Lamp is that it comes in all of these colors/patterns.

Paper Bunting

2009-10-07T07:51:00.000-04:00

The last weekend in September, I had a little baby shower for my dear friend. The day was glorious (these pictures were taken the next day which was a gloomy rainy Sunday). The goal was to be relaxed and low-key. So, instead of buying a bunch of decorations and going over the top, I decided to use what my mama gave me use what I had hoarded from craft stores in the past years. One of the decorations was paper bunting made from scrapbooking paper.

To start, I glued two pages of the paper together so that it would be patterned on the front and back. Then I made a form out of heavy-weight card board and traced around it onto the paper. Then I cut them out. For the regular triangle bunting, I stapled the ribbon to the triangles (I would have used glue had I used my brain but you can't tell so who cares!). For the circle 'Happy Baby!' banner, I punched two holes near the top of each circle and threaded ribbon through. Voila!: Paper Bunting.

I also hung a clothes line and attached Luka's onesies to it with clothespins.

The clothesline and triangle bunting remain. I'm going to use the clothesline for my next project which I am still figuring out how to execute. My only wish is that I had a longer bit of ribbon with which to tie the triangular bunting, that way I could have extended it the length of the window. I hope to replace it with fabric bunting soon anyway. My ultimate is to dress the window seasonally: cards during Christmas time and festive bunting. We'll see!

Habit

2009-10-01T15:32:00.006-04:00

I can't believe that it is October 1st and autumn is in town; boy is she a flashy lady. All those reds and yellows and oranges. Even though I would say that summer is my favorite season, I would say that so many of my favorite scents are associated with fall.

Last night, I put out some of my fall decorations including all of my pumpkin and spice candles. When I went downstairs at 300AM to get Luka's bottle, the smell was delectable. A little bonus since all the chocolate chip cookies from the shower are gone. And just now, I lit my Pumpkin Almond candle and turned on Color Splash.

Sidenote: At the doctor today, there was a illegally fine guy next to me who looked just like David Bromstad. Unfortunately, he was inappropriately hot since we were at the pediatrician and he was a patient. And definitely gay. And people, ALL the hot guys (except Adam, obviously) are underage or gay, right?!

Back to my rambling: Usually, I would feel guilty sitting around watching television if I weren't feeding Luka, but right now, eating my Jax, I feel deserving. And as I look around, I feel a pride in my home that I haven't really felt before. And it is all due to CLEANING. I know that it sounds weird, but I am lazy. In the past, my cleaning consisted of waiting until the hair on the bathroom floor spontaneously combusted into a fur coat and killer attack dust bunnies haunted my dreams. But I have formed a HABIT. A good habit for once. A cleaning habit. I get to call it a habit because I committed for an entire month. Not just any month, but a FIVE WEEK month. Not a measly four week month- FIVE. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment (similar to finishing off the bag of Jax) in looking around and seeing a clean house. I did it by writing down all of the things that need to be done on a weekly basis and separating the tasks into 4 days (I get Friday, Saturday & Sunday off). I combined things that are awful (for me, cleaning the tub and bathroom floor) with easy peasy stuff like water the kitchen plants (there are two). And then I typed it up in Excel and made it pretty. Now, I print it out at the beginning of the week and relish checking off the tasks!

Reading

2009-09-29T20:18:00.003-04:00

Along with reading a book called The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, I began reading a new blog today: Mommy Wants Vodka.

This paragraph got me:

In high school, I would occasionally try to write in a journal but it always ended up something like,
“I really like Shawn X. He sat next to me in Brit Lit and I swear he smiled at me. Oh, I don’t know WHAT I’ll do if he doesn’t ask me to homecoming!”

And then I would look back on it and be embarrassed FOR
myself.
I can relate except instead of hoping that Shawn X was going to ask me to homecoming, I would hope that he would just acknowledge me. Oh the hopeless awkwardness that high school was to me. Thank god for the land of pleasant living; long live National Bohemian!

The Kitchen Sink

2009-09-29T08:23:00.015-04:00

We spend alot of time at the kitchen sink washing the likes of an infant (bottles), toddler (melange of colorful plastic dishware) and us (caffeine delivery devices). I cleaned the sill of our kitchen sink for my friend's baby shower and realized that this needs to be a happier nook. I have a FAKE plant hanging there that I bought say FIVE years ago for $2 at a craft store. It started as a bit of a joke but nobody is laughing now. I tried to put a trio of succulents contained in concrete potters and a copper tray there but it was too wide for the sill. So, I'm in search of the perfect hanging pot to replace the fakey and try my hand at a live one. This is what I've come across that I love and most likely cannot afford:

1. PlantOrb from Perch! 2. Scribble Planter from Pigeon Toe Ceramics 3. Sky Planter from Boskke 4. Nest No. 3 from Fort

And although the Treille - Jardinière Suspendue from Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec will not fit in my kitchen window, I had to share. It is amazing!

Color Splash Addicted

2009-09-28T17:22:00.008-04:00

I have been watching a TON of HGTV and my favorite of the design shows has to be Color Splash with David Bromstad. Today, he designed a couple's dining and living area and it was my favorite yet. They had this killer pendant chandelier that was vanilla-colored with scraps of metal criss-crossed on it. I want it. I have been scouring the Internet in search of. I may have to make it (YIKES!). In the meantime, I have found some lovely lighting:

1. Chase Ceiling Mount 2. Sophia Flush Mount 3. Small Siena Flush Mount 4. Small Kalco Semi-Flush Mount

I'm thinking of the Chase Ceiling Mount for our foyer.

Happy Friday

2009-09-25T17:58:00.003-04:00

Hope you enjoy the weekend as much as I plan to. I am so excited to host my best girlfriend's baby shower tomorrow. I decided to use what I had to make decorations and ended up with some cute paper bunting for decorations which I'll take photos of and share. And right now, I'm enjoying a delicious dirty martini on this crisp fall evening as I cook dinner and listen to Viktor playing outside with Adam. I love the beginning of fall!

Ship Happens

2009-09-23T08:46:00.011-04:00

Usually towards the end of August, I get a sort of melancholy feeling that it takes me a couple days to recognize as nostalgia. I yearn for the easy breezy days of Shippensburg University where the first couple days back meant decorating our apartment and rekindling our languished friendships with glutonous boozing. And laughing about the clever 'Ship Happens' tees that were given for free if you were the 100th book store customer. I remember grieving the 400 or so bucks that those books cost each semester. I can't imagine the cost now!

When I saw this lush blue velvet couch on AP, my nostalgia was in full force. We had one just like it- a little more turquoise. My roommates found it at a consignment shop and carried it down King Street, up the stairs to their rooftop apartment. With a budget of $0, an accent wall was 'wall-papered' with black and white images (sexy sizzling hot men) from old magazines.

The couch moved with us to our big blue house on Orange Street. It was where I shared my first kiss with Adam. It was where the girls cried for break-ups and laughed for good times.

I have the best memories of that blue velvet couch! The best part is that I can still reminisce about the memories made with my girlfriends. We have been a lucky lot to stay in touch all these years :)

Terrain at Styer's

2009-09-22T12:50:00.014-04:00

I am lucky enough to live 10 minutes from Terrain at Styer's, the flagship nursery from Urban Outfitters. It is an inspiring destination with calming greenhouses, an exquisitely indulgent cafe and wonderfully staged shop. For those who don't live in the Philly area, Terrain just launched their shopping site. Some of the lovely pops from the site:
When browsing the store, time seems to abate as you get lost in discovering something new in every nook. I love the little handwritten chalkboards announcing each new find. My favorite section of the store might be the terrarium section where several shapes of air plants line the window overlooking the cafe and succulents abound. And then there is the basket tree lined with tea towels and other linens from Ferm Living. Terrain's buyers are ingenious!

I have to say that the commerce site doesn't do the store justice. Nonetheless, I have managed to find a couple of treasures that I wouldn't mind grabbing:

1. Document Wrapped Soap 2. Angie Lewin Card Set 3. Gardener's Salve 4. Patisserie Mould

And just look at these faux bois giftcards!

Trying to Crowbar a Title that References Kings of Leon

2009-09-09T16:00:00.016-04:00

And without further adieu:

I was out at Target the other day, doing a return and buying materials to enable more unfinished projects so I decided to phone my mom. She and my brother work together and he was in her office when she answered. We chat and my brother yells in the background: I'm going to the Kings of Leon concert tonight.

Me: I'm jealous.

Then my brother uttered those serendipitous words, I have an extra ticket. And this little voice in my head was going, do it. You never do anything like this. You're like Jim Carey in Yes Man. And since yes is the new no. I decide to do it.

I realize that this will be no small feat for I must shower, pack, retrieve Vik from school and drive to Baltimore. I am up for the challenge. On my drive home from Target, I begin calculating rough feeding times for Luka. I am pleased that she will eat when we arrive home and I will then have 3 or 4 hours with which to perform aforementioned feat.

I am a gazelle, lithely packing things from here, there and everywhere. It's like my mind and body are acting in harmony; a gold-metal performance in synchronized swimming. Do you know how much stuff you have to remember for two children under three? DO YOU?

Locked and loaded; I'm off to get Vik from school.

It takes me 40 minutes to get Vik out of that school. Every SINGLE teacher wants to eye Luka and discuss how large she is. I understand, they are at work and any chance to procrastinate is well appreciated. And I could USE SOMEBODY (crowbar).

FINALLY, we get out. When I describe my first lapse of judgment, will the Internet please hold up a sign for the audience: LAUGH. Laugh out loud hysterically for an awkward amount of time.

Viktor tells me that he does not need a diaper and will wear his underwear. I will not pee, he says. And I am quick to add or poop. Yes, right. Let's go.

And hey baby, take a walk on the wild side, do da do da do, do da do...

So I listen to the radio. And I'm walking on the wild side.

Five minutes later, I pull into the U-Haul parking lot. Luka needs a diaper change.

I am 10 minutes into a 2 hour trip and already running 1 hour behind, but it's a concert. For fun. And I must not get stressed.

45 minutes later, Luka is ready to eat. READY spelled with fantastically loud cries.

Here is where I realize my next road-trip-with-two children-under-three faux pas. I must feed Luka.

I need water to make Luka's formula. Water, water, okay, McDonald's has water. McDonald's water will be freezing cold for adult drinking pleasure. I will request tap water. Oh god, will I subject my 6-week-old child to McDonald's tap water served by who knows who? Vik is falling asleep, that is the kiss of death, he will surely pee now. I am so screwed. I must remove two children from the car and enter a place of business. The stroller is buried under bouncy chairs and diapers and bags. I will have just one hand to contain Vik. Oh dear lord, what was I thinking? WHAT?! WAS I THINKING?

And this next part I say out loud to myself: Pull yourself together. People take children on road trips and take them to pee all the time.

I pull into Walgreen's parking lot and prepare for battle. I walk around to get Vik who's head is bobbing and eyes are threatening. Too late. Dumb Dumb dumb. He is wet. Okay, no big deal. I grab a diaper and new pair of shorts. Luka is SCREAMING as she pushes out her pacifier because LADY, you do not fool me, there is no nourishment exiting that thing.

We enter Walgreen's and immediately find the water. And I'm not kidding when I tell you that I actually begin calculating which is the cheapest water. NOT a time for frugality. I grab the water and move into line.

Internet, please hold up a sign that reads: Groan, for you knew there would be a line.

While in line, the man behind us begins chatting up Vik about his Phillies hat. Vik takes the time to do his bar trick and recite the Phillies players for this guy. Jimmy ROLLINS. Chase UTLEY. Raul IBANEZ. The guy then alerts me that Vik is grabbing himself and might need to pee and that both of his shoes are untied. Oh he just went to the bathroom, I answer but thanks. Hmmm. Yes, don't tell me man-who-likes-the-Phillies that you don't grab yourself too. You all do.

I set Luka's carseat down and bend to tie Vik's shoes. The woman in front of me, is trying to get by to get another gift card. And I hear that she is opening a Walgreen's credit card. PLEASE, be kidding because I have 30 seconds before Vik starts running the bases and trying to hit homeruns inside of Walgreen's. And oh, there is candy there and there and THERE. And she is glaring at me annoyed that Luka's carseat is in her way. Oh lady, you are looking for a Philly-style beat down. DO NOT EVEN LOOK AT ME and I give her the raised eyebrows that I inherited from my Lithuanian grandmother, Mimi. Those eyebrows mean business.

I black out from the what-ifs formulating in my head.

Safely back in the car, I nearly break my arm patting myself on the back as I am sitting in the passenger seat feeding Luka. I even manage to give Vik a bottle of water to drink and coach him through taking the cap off. 15 minutes into feeding Luka, Vik is bored. Bored, bored, bored. Bored leads to mischievous which leads to BAD. First, he chucks a couple of books and soft baseball our way. Next, he is spilling a little water here and a little there. I start off mildly attempting sing alongs and promises of almost done. Since Vik is now very aware that parents have no hands while feeding babies, he does not listen to me. The scene quickly escalates to screaming and threatening and ends with Vik grinning his devilish grin while dumping the entire bottle of water in his lap. I am quaking angry and do my best not explode and just dry up some of the water.

I am flustered and anxious to resume our trip when I leave Walgreens. It's like pre-term menopause; that prickly feeling in my armpits and the sweat beading. I pump up the air and the radio, happy to be back moving towards my destination. And it's coming closer (gaining momentum in crowbarring). I am back on 95.

Somebody call 9-1-1 cause shawty fire burning on the dance floor. Whoa.

And I am head-dancing when it dawns on me that I just hit one of my mental milemarkers of the trip: The Susquehanna Bridge. I think I gave a who-let-the-dogs-out-style fist pump at this point.

Fire burning. Fire burning.

Hey D.J. please insert sound of tires squealing to a halt here. I realize that I have already CROSSED THAT BRIDGE 40 minutes prior. Dear god. I am headed north on 95; away from Baltimore. Away from the Kings of Leon concert.

One more trip over the bridge a five-dollar toll later and I am back on 95 South. It is now 600PM and I am an hour past my estimated arrival and still have an hour left.

By this point, I am exasperated and a little crazy as I look in the rearview and realize that both children are sleeping. The thought goes through my head that nobody would believe the chaos that these two angelic sleepers have caused.

God gives me reprieve: no rush hour traffic and I make it in 40 minutes.

And since I can't really figure out how to insert lyrics from Sex is on Fire, I'll just say, Kings of Leon sounds as good live as on their album.

It was worth it.

Refreshed

2009-09-07T20:01:00.021-04:00

I love long weekends! I hope that everyone else is feeling as refreshed as I am or at least has good memories if the weekend was packed.

Friday was my birthday; Adam and I got to go out to dinner together. Alone. We went to a fancy local restaurant called Azie. I was doubly blessed because I wore pre-pregnancy jeans and it felt spectacular!

Our reservations were at 615. We were done eating by 700. That was three courses in 45 minutes. We were drunk on the freedom. It was like I was bra-less or just got my driver's license. With all that spare time, we took a stroll down the streets of our hometown. It felt like vacation. So then we eyed an empty barstool and stopped for one last cocktail. Ahh...simple pleasures.

On Saturday, we went on a jaunt to a local spot, Tyler Arboretum. I had been wanting to explore this unbelievable tract of land for years but never made it. The Totally Terrific Treehouses Exhibit drew us. Vik LOVED it. And so did we, as Vik could run wild with little repercussion. I'm thinking of joining for access to the trails, barn yoga and seasonal events.

A couple photos from our weekend:

Oh, and Adam did Luka duty all weekend long. ALL WEEKEND. I am no longer nursing, but that is another episode. With that teaser for my Labor story and the aftermath, I implore you to read this if you are a new parent or just KNOW. Otherwise, you'll just think I've gone daft.

I want to be a Shabby Apple girl!

2009-09-01T10:45:00.001-04:00

Have you ever heard of Shabby Apple?

I just came across their website and want to create my fall wardrobe from their online shop. Not to mention that it is so socially responsible. Undoubtedly, I will secure my spot in heaven with purchase.

From their website:

We at Shabby Apple Dresses love to help women dress but are also commited to helping women live as well. Thus we are supporting the fight against global poverty by partnering with Unitus-a non-profit organization that accelerates access to life-changing financial services for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net dress sales to support work in India (where Shabby Apple Dresses has sourced many of its dresses and the textiles used to manufacture its dresses). In addition, each Shabby Apple Dresses customer has the opportunity to donate an extra five dollars to Unitus every time she buys a dress. Shabby Apple Dresses and Unitus are involved with 10 of India's most promising microfinance organizations that provide financial services to more than 1.6 million hard-working women and their families.

Make sure you read about the women who receive the microloans. And I love the Vignettes section whereas you receive a discount for purchasing the entire locks to toes ensemble!

A sampling of my favorites:

And they have clothes for girls and preteens!

Teachers Pet Cardi, Simple Tee and Poppy Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-08-31T15:51:00.001-04:00

I was googling around (its a verb!) various Amy Butler combinations and came across Grosgrain Fabulous and oh, I'm in love with this lady's goods! I will take one of everything.

And behold, giveaways: Teachers Pet Cardi, Simple Tee and Poppy Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Pick me, pick me. Ooh ooh, right here. Just a little something for the back to school season.

Shopping is my Business

2009-08-28T15:41:00.008-04:00

I have all of these high hopes of accomplishment while on maternity leave but mostly I just get to daily maintenance goals like brushing my teeth, washing the dishes, feeding Luka... maybe if I didn't proscrastinate by Internet shopping, I would be apt to get something else done. Perhaps if I bought this notebook from Urban Outfitters, I would be better organized?

I love how it has that enormous clip so that when I dig out the 300 lists that are in my purse right now, I could just incorporate them with my new Big Note Book lists.

Speaking of getting organized, Benita of Chez Larsson was testing out an idea of organizing obstacles. Her first endeavor, best use of space under Kicki's stairs, was very impressive. I should send her a photo of my office nook disaster... but not before I put it on one of my to-do lists.

Wishing you a great weekend of relaxation and accomplishment.

My Turkey is 10 lbs

2009-08-26T16:30:00.021-04:00

I can't believe it, but Luka P. was 1 month on Monday. I decided a couple of months ago that I wanted to record every month with a picture and the corresponding month number. A large paper-mache month number. But, as usual, I procrastinated and when I went to JoAnn's Monday morning, they did not have the numbers that I wanted. I settled for pretty printed paper and here is the result:

As you can see procrastination got me terrible natural light, poor choice of color combinations and a very pissed and hungry Luka. Next month, I vow to plan!

Miniature Suburban Living

2009-08-20T09:12:00.021-04:00

I opened up Google Reader this morning, excited that Irene from Bloesem Kids had posted. And I about dropped everything to begin construction on these dollhouses featured on Giant Peach Industries blog:

They are available for purchase from Favouritz, but are temporarily out of stock. The mini- Eames rocker is delicious! I didn't find the exact chair, but found these other miniature chairs that are fabulous:

Bumble Brain

2009-08-18T15:24:00.004-04:00

I had a dream last night that Babies 'R Us and GNC opened a new store that they would cohabitate. It was right down the street, next to the post office. In my dream this was comparable to a free massage everyday- JACKPOT! I was all: Thank god I can buy my Pampers and Creatine all in one place. I can't understand why Adam was not nearly as excited as me. Did you hear me? Babies 'R Us and GNC- one stop shopping, baby!

Today has been rather productive. I made one, two, THREE phone calls for work without Luka screaming in the background. I showered so that I don't smell like baby barf; somehow Luka wears that scent so much better. And I have eaten two meals. This is accomplishment, people.

And, I watched one episode of 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' (confession!). I totally can't stomach talk shows but bring me reality t.v. with girls who's initials are all KK and I'm in!

Both Kids are Sleeping

2009-08-16T13:59:00.009-04:00

As I write that, I know I will pay. It is like Murphy's law and now I should begin the countdown: 10, 9, 8...

I did not spontaneously combust.

I have been up to my ears in "er, uh, er, uh". No, that isn't the bed squeaking from, uh, nevermind. It is the noise my breast-pump makes. In the middle of the night when I'm extracting liquid gold from my bosom, my pump talks to me. Last night it was chanting: I'm a pig, I'm a pig, I'm a pig. Over and over. I'm not sure why as I didn't feel especially plump or have a yearning for bacon but that is what it was saying. I guess my mind invents all sorts of things for me to think about in the wee hours of the night. It all prevents an incedent whereas Adam wakes and finds me lying on the floor, in a puddle of my own drool, with the pump still attached: er, uh, er, uh, I'm a pig, I'm a pig...

Really, though, I had no idea how taking our family from three to four could upset our already precarious homeostatis. Every move must be purposeful but never is. I feel like an octopus in a horror flick where my head is a merry-go-round and my arms flail uncontrollably. Viktor is climbing the furniture. No, really. I entered his room yesterday after he yelled, "Dada help" to find him stranded on his dresser. Oh dear. And Luka is SO dramatic what with all that eating and pooping. And, although Vik has developed an affection toward his sister, I still don't trust that he won't share his boogers with her if I should dare blink my blood-shot, baggy eyes. I feel morosely incompetent as I write this because it doesn't nearly convey life now.

I'll try again. Drag weary body out of bed. Pump, pump it up (I'm a pig, I'm a pig, I'm a pig). Feed Luka a bottle. Change her diaper and get her dressed while discussing the merits of why Michael can where his Crocs to school and Viktor may not.

-Insert short story here-

Me: Which shoes do you want to where today, Elmo or Oscar?

Viktor: My Crocs.

Me: We don't where Crocs to school.

Viktor with the worst whiny voice ever: Michael wears Crocs to school.

Me: We don't wear Crocs to school. What is your name?

Viktor with his devilish grin: Michael.

Outsmarted by two-year-old. Again.

-Resume daily craziness-

Strip Luka down because she barfed on herself (and is now starving) while yelling at Viktor to stop trying to stand on his head lest he break himself. Carry loads of equipment downstairs. Read: diapers, wipes, pacifier, bouncy seat, barf rag and pump hook-up. Attempt to get Viktor to eat while he screams: I do it myself. I tag-team Adam who has managed to get a shower and throw clothes on. This blow-by-blow is tedious so I will just say I look up and it is 430 PM, I am covered in barf and I'm not sure what I've done today.

Next episode on Forty Fingers and Forty Toes, Viktor is startled to discover that Luka does NOT have a penis.

Hello World!

2009-07-27T11:58:00.003-04:00

Luka Penelope Ford

8 lbs 9ozs

21 1/4 inches

July 24 at 953pm

Dirty DI-ANA

2009-07-21T19:37:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken on Saturday which marked 39 weeks of pregnancy for me. We had a great time on Saturday dancing to old Michael Jackson tunes. And had some laughs playing the name game. Michelle Jacqueline in honor of?

And this photo taken moments ago after we buzzed Vik's hair out back.

Guest Rooms

2009-07-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

I saw the post Eight Bedroom Vignettes on Apartment Therapy the other day and fell in love with some of the images. My favorites:

It got me thinking about my guest room and how it is unfinished. We had to shift down one room to accommodate the nursery and I have yet to rehang the artwork or the sheers. And my bedside tables are lacking anything but lamps.

Any fresh ideas?

Before I Trash it Up

2009-07-16T15:16:00.019-04:00

I'll wreck this room before you know it with the impending chaos that a newborn brings, So, I thought that I'd share the pictures of No-Name's nursery before she has a name. If she is indeed a she. How accurate are those ultra-sounds anyway?

I stuck pretty close to my original plans (*where to buy information is in the original post) in terms of the components.

There was just some shuffling to make the flow of the room feel good. My original plan was to have the crib on the wall-covering wall but the white dresser contrasted so much nicer.

And then the crib sheet made from Amy Butler's Daisy Chain Deco Rose fabric by Creative Bee did not have to compete with the wall-covering. I fell in love with the simplicity of Wallter Teardrops Wall Applications but knew that I'd need 2 packs so I found this alternative from Hip in a Hurry at Joann's. Armed with coupons, I paid about half of the Wallter alternative.

My maternal grandmother and namesake, Mimi, gave me her mink and mutton dark brown coat years ago and I loved it. Unfortunately, it was falling apart and took up residence in my closet with no use, but priceless nostalgic value. A couple of years ago, my mom gave me the pictured teddy bear for Christmas. It is made out of the mink and mutton coat! And one of the bear's feet is part of the coat lining with Mimi's initials embroidered: VLL

I'm still waiting for the brown LazyBoy recliner/rocker from my parents. I told them not to rush but now I just want the room done.

Open Air Theatre Lust

2009-07-15T09:13:00.017-04:00

With all this unbelievable weather, Adam and I were talking about how nice it would be to watch the Phillies outside. On a big screen! Our own drive-in. Of course, then our minds wandered (at least mine did) to airing kid's movies with picnic dinners and friends. And we took that right into Eagles season (and Ravens!) on nice crisp fall nights with adult beverages in hand. And I can hardly contain myself from searching for the components on Ebay and Craigslist to execute my outdoor theatre, RIGHT NOW! Not to mention a frothy brew in hand. Ahhh.

After reading this post oh Ohdeedoh, I am convinced that we can create (on the cheap) what would be years of memories and fun. Not to mention that we have this lovely side yard that would be just perfect:

I would love to see our friends, family and neighbors lounging on blankets and lawnchairs for no-fuss, bring-your-own-brew and sammy get togethers!

*Another resource in my quest: Backyard Theatre

Reinvigorate: The Den

2009-07-14T12:00:00.023-04:00

I know that I've mentioned more than once that as part of my maternity leave, I'd like to infuse the den with some style and lighten up the room. We live in a split level and the den is 5 steps down with only 2 little windows for natural light. This usually suits us fine because it is where we watch television and movies. That being said, it is painted a mocha latte sort of color and I want to brighten it up with greens, grays and whites. I also have some ideas like taking white shoe polish to the brick fireplace and changing out the brass firescreen but need to tread lightly since Adam is not even aware that there is a problem with the den. So, here are my tenative plans:

1. 16 inch Green Poppies Pillow Cover from Meringue Designs
2. 20 inch Abstract Splash Pillow Cover from West Elm
3. Knubbig Table Lamp from Ikea *This is less lime-colored in person
4. Ground Control Tissue Box from Lil Tin Purse
5. Medina Glass Jars from West Elm
6. Trees Wallprint by Three Sheets 2 the Wind at Design Public
7. Tall Grass Soy Wax Candle from Milton and Margies

Where Was I?

2009-07-13T06:51:00.005-04:00

I have no idea how it's gone from July 1st to the 13th without me posting. I don't even know where to begin. My mind has been humming with plans. I guess you can say I put some big girl underpants on (really big, given my 38-weeks-pregnant state) and made some stuff happen. First, I ended my business partnership after 5.5 years. I knew it was right when the relief of just saying it outweighed the trepidation of doing it. It was a very smooth and respectful separation for so much business. There are still some lingering projects and effects but 2010 will be clean cut.

But back to 2009. We have had a great July. The weather has been the best I ever remember. Ever. And given my penchant for drama, I can understand if nobody living outside the area believes me, but I keep commenting that instead of overbearingly hot and soupy Philly days, I feel like we're residing in Vermont: crisp, cool mornings flowing into glorious sun-filled days with no humidity. Along with the unbelievable weather, we've had a lot of fun with Vik. He LOVES the pool and jumping off the diving board and kicks around with a noodle under his arms. We took him to see fireworks for Independence Day and expected for him to be talking about them for weeks. Instead, he and his friends from school were drawn to the glow bracelets. They looked like they were part of a tribal ritual, swirling this way and that, yelling "Chicka chicka boom boom". I felt like I was watching a bunch of old men instead of two-year-olds when Vik's friend yelled, "Stop talking. I'm trying to watch my fireworks!" Well said.

Vik is developing a hilarious, somewhat infuriating and always inquisitive personality. We have entered the era of Why. There is no answer that will satisfy the beast of Why. And in order to preempt any notion that my answer will , Vik will often retort "Why and why and why?"

Which brings me to the question of why and why and why am I still pregnant after having contractions for days and hours at a time? I know this is silly, but I am banking on the idea of going into labor before my due date. I held out on finishing the nursery, packing a bag or washing clothes until this last week but now I'm ready. And since I'm expecting a girl, and the flowers and pink ephemera abound, I feel like some cosmic joke will erupt with me delivering a boy, late. The whims of the universe, I guess.

Out of the Closet

2009-07-01T15:33:00.004-04:00

By a show of hands, how many of you have things in your closet that you haven't worn in years?

I do! I do!

In the last couple of years, I have been much better at releasing my hold on things like the bell-bottoms that I wore in early college (they had a resurgence in the mid-90s, ask anyone) and the pair of black patent leather and clear plastic heels that I discovered fogged up when my feet got warm (very sexy).

For some reason, I still can't shake things like my grandmother's mustard crocheted sweater that I never saw her wear and have no association with. My grandmother died in 2001 and this sweater has lived in 2 states and 4 different homes at this point. How about the 13 pairs of jeans, 3 of which actually fit when I'm not pregnant. Or, the half dozen articles of clothing that I bought too big, never returned and have never worn. And one bridesmaids dress in the closet (2002) and one in my laundry basket from LAST year. I guess I should count the dresses that are in my backseat that I offered my sister-in-law for a wedding that she had. Most of those fit but I have worn them to so many occassions that I will not put them on again.

I would love to sit with a psychologist for a clinical dissection of what goes on in my head but I bet it would go something like this:

Psychologist: What about this pair of jeans?

Me: Those jeans? I am still hoping to fit into them someday even though the last time I wore them we were partying like it was 1999 because it was 1999.

Psychologist: And these?

Me: I'm not sure but the LABEL! They are designer and must have cost a fortune.

It is ludicrous what I have kept. And in an effort for full disclosure, I'll tell you that I have at least 2 large full rubbermaids containers of other clothes in our crawlspace. In my effort to clean out and let in room for the new, I am going to take my closet on as a full-fledged organizing project while on maternity leave. I can not wait to show you some of the stuff that I find socked away!

Until then, I wonder if any of you have any ridiculous items lurking in your closet that you'd like to talk about?

36 Weeks

2009-06-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, I reached 36 weeks in my pregnancy and although I promised I wouldn’t do it this time around, I’ve already started convincing myself that I will go early. I had an appointment with one of my midwives today and since my pants were already off for my Group B Strep test, I figured I should add to my neurosis by asking to be “checked”. Upon hearing that I was 50% effaced and baby no-name’s head was engaged, (Blah blah not dilated) I got a gleam in my eye. My midwife, Nancy, must have sensed me getting out over my skis because she gently reminded me that this only means that my body is getting ready. In effort to maintain my façade of sanity, I answered: Sure, I probably have weeks left. But really I was thinking: Let’s do this!

It is terribly tedious acting reasonable when I am way ahead of myself and reality. I have purposely not completed certain tasks on my list so that I won’t jinx this early birth that I’m planning. Boy, aren’t I going to be disappointed when I have time to complete these tasks 2 weeks from now. Why do I want to go early anyway? I will just be introducing a nameless little girl into an unfinished nursery and a dishwasher-less home. I guess I should spend some time in reality and check things like ‘Purchase new dishwasher’ off my list so that when the time does come, I will have an adequate heating cycle to sterilize all those bottles.

Just Eat It!

2009-06-29T11:16:00.004-04:00

This week’s Just Eat It is on the lazy summer day’s side of homemade. First, because I am enormously pregnant and only have so many minutes on my feet until my ankles become indistinguishable from that of an elephant and because our sink/ garbage disposal/ dishwasher is on the fritz. Oh, right, it is 4th of July and that gives me another excuse to just bbq burgers and dogs! So, please check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday to see much more innovative meals than mine this week!

MONDAY: Lemon-and-Herb Pasta Salad from Everyday with Rachael Ray. We liked it that much 2 weeks ago! And I’ll add grilled Sweet Basil Pesto Turkey & Chicken Sausage from Trader Joe’s.

TUESDAY: Soft and Hard Tacos from a box kit made with Ground Turkey. We’ll have shredded Romaine, chopped Tomatoes, shredded Cheese and Guacamole as accoutrement.

WEDNESDAY: Trader Joe’s Marinated Ahi Tuna, fresh Romaine & English Cucumber Salad and Near East Rice Pilaf from the box.

THURSDAY: Adam to fend for himself since I can eat quarter-sized portions only every 20 minutes and I GUESS I’ll microwave Vik some Macaroni and Cheese!

FRIDAY: Pizza

SATURDAY: Picnic with friends over fireworks. I’ll bring the brownies!

SUNDAY: Family Dinner at the In-laws

The Sky is the Limit

2009-06-26T11:00:00.001-04:00

Everyone handles stress a little differently. I, for example, will act the total bitch to Adam and when he gives me attitude back, give him the ‘I’m 8 months pregnant’ sob story and make him feel guilty. Or, in the case of last night, throw a complete and utter fit when Vik wants to sit in my seat at dinner time. Then when Adam says: Babe, of all the things for you to get upset over. I scream back: I can’t do ANYTHING while throwing both arms above my head for dramatic appeal. You know how they say people take on the characteristics of their dogs? Well, since I don’t have a dog, I’ve regressed to imitating Vik. If you can’t beat them, join them!

There are others who cry or can’t sleep under stress or those who have physical manifestations in the form of backaches. Just like everybody poops, everybody has stress. And since life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it, I’d say that Vik and I are maladjusted. Especially since when he’s stressed, he plummets to the ground and flails; I stopped plummeting years ago. I win. And so that I don’t add to my stress more by getting sued, I’ll go ahead and give credit of that quote, the 10%/90% thing to Lou Holtz because I didn’t make it up.
Adam has been acting in a very peculiar manner in response to his stress. A couple of weeks ago, I came downstairs after getting Vik off to sleep to find an Earwig in a plastic zip lock in front of the computer. Adam had gone a-googling and pulled up some pictures and descriptions of our impending demise from Termites. Being the good wife, I didn’t want to embarrass him so I opened a new window and pulled up information on Earwigs and had a good silent laugh as I walked away from the computer. And then I waited until he saw the correct description and acted supportive by trying really really hard to stifle my laughter at his wide-eyed relief that our house would not crumble to the ground that very night.

This past week, Adam pulled a tiny tick out from Vik’s armpit. And put it in a zip lock. I couldn’t laugh since I had done the same thing a couple weeks prior. That way if Vik developed Lyme-like symptoms, we could proudly present the specimen to the doctor. Of course, then we would be chastised for waiting so long when the blood tests came back positive. And then I would arm-flail at the doctor for not better educating us on the symptoms and effects of Lyme disease. But, I digress: back to bugs in bags.

This morning, Adam was off to work and I was scampering about the kitchen preparing breakfast and packing lunch in an effort to exit the house while Vik quizzed me on inane details of whether his car cup was clean and if I was driving him to school. I turn to pop my waffle in the toaster oven and saw yet another bag with a bug lying directly on top of the tick bug in the bag. And I am left wondering whether Adam’s stress is causing him to evaluate a career change to entomologist. This newest bug in the bag, an enormous black ant, struck me so funny that I was laughing in tears while Vik looked on with fear in his eyes. I’m actually surprised that Vik isn’t used to this tantric behavior after two plus years of it, but nonetheless try to assure him that I am fine. It’s tough to explain to a two-year-old that you wish upon the brightest star that it was Dada’s birthday or Valentines Day or anything requiring a gift so that you could go out and get him some little pins and a board to collect his bugs or nets or an ant farm. Oh the possibilities!

Summertime

2009-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

When we were younger, my brother and I could not wait until school let out each year. It was always the Friday of Father’s Day and we would head to Cool Font campgrounds in West Virginia for an annual camping trip with my dad. I don’t remember one trip when our sleeping bags weren’t damp from the leaky tent. It always rained. We relished running amuck through the rainy woods with the other kids, spinning tales of hidden treasures and ubiquitous forest monsters for the gullible bunch.

Upon our return, it was officially summer: bee stings, Elios Pizza, Lipton Iced Tea, MTV and flashlight tag. We spent our summers at home with a babysitter, swimming in our backyard pool and playing with the neighborhood kids that weren’t enrolled in camps. On the rare day that a thunder-storm would blacken the sky, we would drive our babysitter nuts with our pent-up energy. After the initial disappointment passed, my brother and I would spend hours playing Stratego. It was a game that required a strong strategy, a good memory and a little luck. For us, it also required the ability to take a punch to the gut since our games always ended in fistfights and accusations of cheating. If we had ever finished a game, I know my brother would have won. It’s not that I can’t strategize with the best of them but Ray has always had this uncanny ability to read people and react accordingly to get what he wants. In those days, oftentimes what he wanted was to push buttons. Or drive me to launch staplers, coffee mugs or magazines through the dining room at his head.

Vik seems to have inherited this trait. On one hand I am pleased that he follows in the footsteps of Ray who is one of the most intelligent people that I know. On the other hand, I am losing my coveted spec of sanity.

The other night at bedtime, I was so close to the edge that I yelled: Get back in bed. Get out of my face.

That one little statement seemed in invigorate Vik’s sense of victory as a wide, evil smile erupted. He quickly approached, gleeful and giddy, to put his face so close to mine that our noses were touching! He could hardly contain his delight. I could hardly contain the cartoon-like steam pouring from my ears. I had to WALK AWAY and send in reinforcements. My two-year-old is winning. And as I write this I get a sense of deja vous because I expressed this same sentiment here and here.

For now, I will be cowering in trepidation at the fact that soon, two of our offspring will be conspiring to bring us down.

Filled with Love

2009-06-23T07:33:00.003-04:00

On Friday, Vik came home from school with a gift bag full of presents for Father's Day. He was SO proud of those presents and insisted on carrying the bag in for himself and running through the house until he located Adam up in our bedroom.

"Dada, Happy Fader's Day! I made you presents!"

Adam began pulling out the school-made assortment one-by-one and we were shocked by the amount of thought that Vik's teachers put into these gifts. There was a paint brush with Hawaiian Grilling Sauce (which we grilled our chicken with that very night). There was a psuedo- goldfish bowl replete with fishing rod filled with Goldfish Crackers. A couple of magnets emblazened with '#1 Dad'. And finally, a coffee tin painted purple that said:

Filled With Love

Popcorn- Because your my Pop
Raisins- Cause your raisin me
Chex- Cause your always chex on me
Cheese-Its- Cause your the big cheese

Oh. My. God. Who comes up with this stuff? We laughed until we cried and then did it again everytime anyone we could share it with came over this weekend.

Just Eat It!

2009-06-21T08:19:00.018-04:00

Last week was rain and more rain so it was tough to grill anything. Luckily, with a little shuffling, we were able to grill what we needed between raindrops. Although, the weatherman is calling for more rain this week, I have THREE meals that require the grill…hope I don’t have to go to Plan B! Please check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday to see other great meals!

MONDAY: Grilled Chicken Club Salad with Guacamole Dressing

TUESDAY: Already seasoned Italian Pork Tenderloin, Potatoes Au Gratin from the box and Tomato & Cucumber Salad (description/ recipe below)

WEDNESDAY: Hamburgers on Whole Wheat Buns, Kraft Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad from the box and Broccoli Cole Slaw from Paula Deen on Food Network

THURSDAY: Marinated Flank Steak Salad (description/ recipe below)

FRIDAY: Pizza

SATURDAY: Leftovers

SUNDAY: Family Dinner at the In-laws

Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Peel and quarter whole English Cucumber

Cut one Beefsteak or Ugly Tomato into cubes removing seeds and pulp

Combine in bowl with ¼ Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 Cloves Crushed Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

Marinated Flank Steak Salad

Marinate Flank Steak Overnight in ¼ cup Olive Oil, ½ cup Soy Sauce, ¼ cup Worchester Sauce, Salt and Pepper. The Flank Steak that I bought is very small so this should suffice; make sure that your marinade covers the Flank Steak entirely.

Grill Flank Steak on medium heat until pink in center. (Again, this is going to depend on the size of your Flank Steak)

Wash, dry and chop 1 to 1 ½ heads of Romaine Lettuce

Peel and quarter half of an English Cucumber

Combine Romaine Lettuce and English Cucumber. Top with Flank Steak and Blue Cheese Dressing.

Balsamic Cucumber Couscous

Prepare 2 servings of plain Couscous (I use Near East Original Plain) according to box directions. Cool.

Peel and quarter half of an English Cucumber

Combine Couscous and Cucumber with ¼ cup Balsamic Vinaigrette

Rachel

Springpad’s Meal Planner

Hmmm

2009-06-19T12:11:00.015-04:00

I think the bit of sun today has made me giddy. Thought I'd pass on a couple of things that made me smile, wonder or raise an eyebrow.

Counter Clockwise from Left:

Vagina Peach by Vulva Love Lovely I would love to be privy to the scene where a new guest spots this pillow on your couch. Oh. My. God.

Lettuce Candle by Utopian Key I'm not sure that I knew lettuce had a scent?

Nano Electronic Cigarette In the quest to be healthier and conserve resources, an electronic cigarette available in fashion colors and assorted flavors!

A sign that I pass in my work travels often; hilarious.

Your Perfect Beard from I Made You a Beard For when I want to be Chuck Norris for Halloween.

Babble

2009-06-18T14:13:00.003-04:00

I don’t remember the last time I slept through the night. I’m a guest star in Fight Club. For weeks and weeks, Vik has not slept through the night, staying up for hours at a time. On Monday night, Adam went to a friend’s house and picked up a twin bed to throw in the corner of Vik’s room. It was for us, not him. I had slept countless nights sitting up in his rocker; an uncomfortable, circulation impeding feat at 8 months pregnant. That night, Vik decided he would sleep in his big boy bed. And he has ALL NIGHT for the past three nights. Getting him to sleep is a tag-team effort marked by threats, yelling and choke holds back rubs. Last night, I woke to pee at 330AM and didn’t get back to sleep until after 5AM because I had a complete panic attack. I didn’t know where the infant car seat was. Whoa, crazy. I think there would be more things to worry about if I went into labor now, 5 weeks early, than an infant car seat. And I had my process for hanging the wallpaper in the nursery outlined in my head but my mom threw a wrench in by telling me that I should line up the patterns after I’ve hung the first piece so that I don’t measure wrong. I ALWAYS measure wrong; there are at least 4 holes behind every piece of artwork I’ve ever hung. And now I’m sure that I haven’t ordered enough wallpaper but continue to procrastinate finding out because I’d rather not know than find out it’s discontinued. I’m sure it will be much better news closer to my due date.

And I have to break up with my business partner. I have never broken up with anyone. Not a boyfriend or a friend that drags me down. Typically, I just let things grow quiet. It is my passive aggressive way of moving on. It is sort of like when I tell people I’ll try to make it to their events when there is no way in hell that I will because I am overbooked and a closet introvert on top of that.

If the sun would come out and give me a brief respite from this gloomy rain, I could forget about all this nonsense and go about my delusional way. You know making chocolate-covered pretzels, dreaming about PowerBall and anticipating getting a good margarita buzz on after dropping this puppy off!

I think I thought I was Martha for a second

2009-06-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

I was reading some magazines that my mother-in-law had around a couple of weeks ago and saw an idea to wrap Father's Day gifts and fashion the ribbon as a tie. I would give credit but can't seem to find this idea on the Good Housekeeping website which is where I THINK that I saw it. I decided to make use of my large array of blank notecards instead and used the idea to make Father's Day cards. This way I didn't spend two hours that I don't have choosing store-bought and we're trying to be budget-conscious. It was so easy:

1st I cut a slit in the spine side of the card using an Exacto Knife (on the counter- no good).

2nd I threaded the ribbon, print-side down through the slit.

3rd I visited this website to learn how to tie a Windsor Knot. Twenty tries later, I am a pro!

4th I trimmed the ribbon underneath & cut the top part of the tie into a 'V'.

While I was searching the Good Housekeeping site to locate the gift wrap idea, I came across this Father's Day Shirt Cake idea. I have gotten over my inner Martha and will NOT be making the cake, but thought you'd like to.

Acupuncture Series: Closer

2009-06-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

I've been searching of a way to close out my Acupuncture Series for quite a while, not wanting to leave yet another project undone. Call it my mid-year resolution!

Through my research and specifically this article, I started thinking that I would like to open an acupuncture practice. The vision of my practice would be driven by frequency of appointments in healing acute problems rather than duration of weekly appointments. In turn, that would level costs, making the treatment more affordable for the common folk.

Well, don't you know that there is already a movement for Community Supported Acupuncture! You can read more about it here and here and here.

And, in West Philadelphia, within 30 minutes of our house, I came across Philadelphia Community Acupuncture!

Now then, forget the laundry, the bathrooms that need cleaning, it is time for me to put together my business plan for attaining my acupuncture license. I'll be sure to mention my career change to Adam at dinner tonight. He REALLY appreciates my 'ideas' and 'projects'!

Just Eat It!

2009-06-14T09:49:00.016-04:00

On Friday night, I was reading a couple of magazines over at my in-laws house. Everyday with Rachael Ray was one of them and there were some really fresh sounding recipes that I want to try. Also, I'll be linked up to Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday again, so don't forget to check out what other families are eating this week!

MONDAY: Grilled Chicken over Romaine Salad (description/ recipe below)

TUESDAY: Grilled Pork Chops with Balsamic Cucumber Couscous and Apple Sauce (description/ recipe below)

WEDNESDAY: Lemon-and-Herb Pasta Salad from Everyday with Rachael Ray

THURSDAY: Whole Wheat Rotini with Tomato & Onion Sauce and Romaine, Cucumber & Carrot Salad

FRIDAY: Pizza

SATURDAY: Leftovers

SUNDAY: Family Dinner at the In-laws

Grilled Chicken over Romaine Salad

Marinate Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts in your favorite Italian Dressing (I put the chicken in the morning or night before)
Cook Marinated Chicken on indirect medium heat on your grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side. Slice into thin pieces.
Wash, dry and chop 1 to 1 ½ heads of Romaine Lettuce
Peel and cube 2 small to medium Gala Apples
Peel and quarter half of an English Cucumber
Toss all vegetables together with ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds
Serve Grilled Chicken over the Salad with your favorite dressing (I use Balsamic Vinaigrette)

Grilled Pork Chops

Combine ½ cup whole grain or spicy brown mustard with 2 Tablespoons honey and 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Coat Pork Chops.
Cook Coated Pork Chops on indirect medium heat on your grill. Grill for 5 minutes on each side.

Balsamic Cucumber Couscous

Prepare 2 servings of plain Couscous (I use Near East Original Plain) according to box directions. Cool.
Peel and quarter half of an English Cucumber
Combine Couscous and Cucumber with ¼ cup Balsamic Vinaigrette

Avoiding Therapy

2009-06-12T15:44:00.006-04:00

In the past couple of weeks, two midwives and one nurse practitioner have asked me if we’ll have Vik in the birth with us. My response has been to mention that Vik is two-and-a-half, thinking, stupidly, that it would end discussion. Each and every time, the ladies would nod fervently and smile, mentioning the sibling classes available at the birth center for expectant big brothers and sisters.

Blink. Blink.

And then I have the urge to tell them that Vik would hold his own toddler-style ‘the roof is on fire’ party and tear the MF-er down. That a two-and-half year old boy can not be held accountable for his actions when expected to, to…do what for hours upon hours? Efforts at maintaining a calm setting would be utterly futile and spiked with time-outs and arm-flailing breakdowns. Instead of giving the above, wild-eyed explanation of Armageddon in the birthing suite, I answered, “No, he won’t be in there. He’ll join us after the birth.”

Do people at my birth center actually bring their kids to this. It's not like 'Bring Your Kids to Work Day"; this is blood and moaning and pain with NO medication.

I have to believe that Vik's nightmares of monsters and ghosts would spike to a whole new level with the introduction of this natural (said with a reassuring smile) birth experience. Am I being overly protective?

Of Course I have Ideas for Father's Day

2009-06-11T08:15:00.003-04:00

I tried to reach the masses from young, hip dads to those more traditional in my picks list. For my dad, I purchased beer soap from The Beer Soap Company since he shaves with a real soap lather and a razor. My father-in-law and Adam are still in the works but I'm thinking of trying my hand at homemade chocolate-covered pretzels as part of their gifts.

Counter Clockwise from Left:

Imagine All the People Living Life in Peace' Rock Blox by Susanna Anna

Miniature Crescent Wrench Cuff Links from Pink Top Hat

'King of the Garage' Prevention Mask by Klo Rebel

Rock Fish Printed Organic Tea Towels from Endevour

Tadcaster Beer Soap from The Beer Soap Company

Upcycled Car Wash Scrubbie Mit by Joan of Z

Vintage Wilson Goggle Glasses from EDM Designs

Bruce Lee Wall Decal by Badass Custom Decals

Why TVs in Motel Rooms are Bolted Down

2009-06-10T19:02:00.012-04:00

When I was in high school, an empty-nester couple bought the yellow and red brick ranch house up the road from my parents. After a few months, the couple began instituting their changes and the house began taking on an abandoned feeling. Strange. And at a glance, you couldn’t pinpoint what was ‘not right’. It wasn’t the uneasiness of someone having died there, like the ‘haunted’ house up the road that was frequented on Halloween night, but just general apprehension as you passed. One day, I thought further than the disengaged glance driving past provided and realized that the couple had torn out all of the landscaping. Every bulb, shrub and tree was gone. Left was a flat lot with low-cropped grass and a tidy walk-way to the front door. No indication as to the flair or character of the couple that lived there. Years passed and I learned that the woman-half of the flair-less couple had an extreme case of OCD and had to remove all the extras to self-medicate.

And it was when I began ‘cleaning’ my living room this past Sunday that I thought of this woman. It all started with my wanting to pick up Vik’s toys; a carnival-like mélange of plastic. Since I was taking the enormous effort to bend my bulbous self over, I decided that we should pack the majority of those toys away since they had become fixture and Vik was onto outdoor activities and flinging himself haphazardly through the air. So, I arranged the heap of hens and policemen and clowns on the dining table for sorting and packing. With all that clear, it was easy to see the dirt and the hair. And that evil evil hair. That hair that leaves my black wardrobe looking like I’m the crazy lady with 35 cats. I hate that hair. I have wondered more than once if it would be cat-abuse to proceed with electrolysis for Brian. My relationship with Brian had quickly slipped into Jerry-to-Newman-like disdain. I had already de-haired the large couch in the living room two weeks prior and sprayed it daily with some cat pheromone product. But, it was time to attack the smaller couch with packaging tap and the vacuum. After 45 minutes or so, I rendered that couch hairless when I spotted another point of contention between Brian and I: the faux houseplant cluttering the corner. I had purchased this plant in lieu of having real houseplants since Brian would eat them dead and then barf. But, Brian ate that plastic plant anyway. To the curb!

Next, the conglomeration of vases and bird figurines and house structures meant to give the bay window character caught my eye. A disaster in decorating. In the next 15 minutes, a diaspora occurred, scattering various pieces throughout the house until my bay window was clear.

The only thing left was to vacuum the rug and floorboards but my energy was depleted. Alas, Adam stood by, an innocent bystander, who caught the crazed look in my eye. Brilliantly, he finished the cleaning while I lounged on bossed him around from the couch.

And now my living room is bare like a brazilian wax. I'm just not sure whether I should attribute it to nesting or neurosis. Time will tell.

Color Quest: Reminiscent of Sun and Sea

2009-06-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

A couple of days ago if you had said "blue and yellow" to me, it would have conjured up visions of sunflowers in cobalt vases or yellow gingham and navy. The weird thing about that is that I bought a duvet cover on clearance a couple of years ago from Pottery Barn (can't find a picture on the website) and it is a blue, harvest gold, vine green and cream floral design that I love. Since then, I've been searching for art and decorative matches to no avail. I just needed some inspiration...

1. Organic Overnighter by Pansy Maiden
2. Bifold Travel Organizer by Italia Craft
3. Astral Victorian Women Earrings
4. 'Escapade' Photographic Print by Laura Kicey
5. Delphine Necklace from Rachelle D
6. Yellow Blue Stripe Bird Collage Print by John W. Golden
7. Wall Flower Card from Earmark
8. Wren Bird House by Door County Woodworks

Just Eat It!

2009-06-07T11:30:00.007-04:00

This week, I plan on linking to Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday. Many of the links there provide me such great dinner ideas.

MONDAY: Tuscan Chicken with White Beans & Spinach (description/ recipe below)

TUESDAY: Creole Shrimp with Potatoes, Corn & Tomatoes (description/ recipe below) and Romaine and Cucumber Salad

WEDNESDAY: Tuna Nicoise Salad (description/ recipe below)

THURSDAY: Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Kraft Ranch Pasta Salad & Quartered Cucumbers in Ranch

FRIDAY: Pizza

SATURDAY: Leftovers

SUNDAY: Family Dinner at the In-laws

Tuscan Chicken with White Beans & Spinach

In a large saute pan, heat ¼ cup of olive oil (or enough to lightly cover the entire pan) at medium heat

Cut 2 large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts in half lengthwise
Coat Chicken Breasts in Flour

Once olive oil reaches the correct temperature (check by flicking a little water to see if it sizzles), add Chicken Breasts

Cook 3 minutes, flip Chicken Breasts and cook an additional 3 minutes
Remove Chicken Breasts and set aside

Reduce heat to medium low and add ½ cup chopped White Onions (I use frozen to save time)

Brown Onions

Add 1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic

Add ½ cup Chicken Broth

Increase heat to medium

Add ½ 16 ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach

Simmer 5 minutes

Drain and add 15 ounce can of Cannelloni or Northern White Beans
Simmer until liquid is reduced

Serve White Beans and Spinach over Chicken Breasts with Parmesan Cheese

Creole Shrimp with Potatoes, Corn & Tomatoes

In a large saute pan, heat ¼ cup of olive oil (or enough to lightly cover the entire pan) at medium heat

Once olive oil reaches the correct temperature (check by flicking a little water to see if it sizzles), add ½ cup chopped White Onions and brown

Add 1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic

Add 1 lb medium Shrimp (I use frozen shrimp that is de-veined in the 26-30 count size)

Cook 2 minutes, flip Shrimp and cook an additional 1 minute

Add ¾ cup Vegetable Broth

Add 3 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning

Add ½ 16 ounce bag frozen Yellow Corn (I use Trader Joe’s frozen Roasted Corn

Add 1 Portion of Roasted Russet Potatoes (I make multiple batches at one time and freeze)

Drain and add 1 14.5 ounce can Diced Seasoned Tomatoes (I use onion and garlic or tomato and basil)

Tuna Nicoise Salad

Prepare ½ of a 1 lb box of Whole Wheat Pasta of your choice (I use penne rigate or fusilli) according to box directions and preference

Wash, dry and chop 1 to 1 ½ heads of Romaine Lettuce

Drain and set aside 12 ounce can of Chunk Light Tuna in Water

Drain and set aside small can of chopped Black Olives

Mix ½ cup Balsamic Vinaigrette, cooled Whole Wheat Pasta, Romaine, Tuna and Black Olives

Inspiration Needed?

2009-06-05T13:56:00.006-04:00

It is a rainy, gloomy Friday here in the Philly area and I was fortunate to sit through some really inspirational sales training this morning. The trainer told a little story about his son's graduation from college that went something like this:

I wanted to leave my son a note prior to his ceremony that afternoon at graduation. I took my piece of paper and thought about what I could write that might hit home. After a few minutes, I remembered the conversation that took place between Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee prior to the Battle of Chancellorsville. Stonewall Jackson told Robert E. Lee that he would like to separate his army. Robert E. Lee had studied Napoleon and knew that it could be suicide to divide an army in battle but Lee knew his man and responded simply: Well, go on. As my son embarked on his next step, a career in Houston, I knew he would make his own way. I jotted on that paper: Well, go on. Love, Mom & Dad. My son never mentioned that note until years later when the economy had taken a hit and he was struggling to make his way. One day, he said: Dad, I read this piece of paper every morning before going to work. And in his hand he held that note, creased and aged, that I had left him that hopeful afternoon.

I hope too much wasn't lost in paraphrase as I was eager to share those wise and hopeful words with you today!

A Long Labor Story

2009-06-04T16:21:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday, I was 32 weeks pregnant which for me means that my to-do list has metastasized into thousands of note cards and scrap papers scattered throughout my purse that NEED to be done prior to delivery. Some of the need-to-be-dones include finishing a piece of artwork that I designed for my mom’s Christmas 2008 gift- I started that Tuesday night. Then there is the nursery which is painted but not wall-papered and truthfully, we didn’t even use Vik’s nursery until he was 4 months old or so. And all of those projects that I have penciled out on paper and not begun- those will certainly need to be done prior to delivery. And then…

And then I remembered that I am just not sure if I remember exactly how to give birth and that flew to the top of my need-to-be-dones list. Laugh if you will, but I had a moment of panic. A moment in which I frantically dug out a long-buried “Easing Labor Pain” and demanded that Adam read and practice coping with me RIGHT THAT SECOND. He was not thrilled but smart man that he is, muted the Phillies game and read the relaxation exercises with me. And then I began googling “natural birth stories” to remember all the stages and weird happenings of labor. That led me to reflect on my labor with Vik and what I could have done differently or better or what I was remiss in planning. With my elevated heart rate, it was almost like exercise. And after all that panicking, I remembered that I mostly needed to keep CALM and breath. And then I passed out from all that panic and maybe a little crash after my Smarties-induced sugar high.

Having thoroughly analyzed my labor, I thought I’d share my story with you.

January 25, 2007

10AM: 7 days late, I sat through a non-stress test at my birth center monitoring fetal movement for 30 minutes. Afterward, my midwife explained that we needed to schedule induction for the following Thursday at the hospital across the street. Quite nearly in tears, I demanded to know why I would only get 13 days to be late when their policy states that I could deliver there up to 14 days late. The answer: Obstetricians at the hospital did not prefer to induce on Thursdays because labor could continue into their weekends. After having my membranes swept, I sobbed on my way to work.

1130 PM: I awake from my slumber to pee and feel ‘something’. In my mind ‘something’ turns into a definite contraction. Rather than return to bed, I rush downstairs, turn on the television and begin timing and recording contractions. I am ready to do this but am being brave by not waking Adam to experience my less-than-zero-on-the-Richter scale contractions.

1134 PM: We are having a baby and I can not let Adam slumber without knowing that IT IS ON. I wake him to say that I’m having contractions but that he should stay in bed to save his energy. I continue to pace the house, often entering the bedroom to ‘inadvertantly’ wake Adam because HOW CAN HE SLEEP THROUGH THIS?

January, 26, 2007

300 AM: I force Adam awake to time contractions which are about 10 minutes apart and 10 seconds long and have been erratic at best.

645 AM: Adam is ready to leave for work but now I am actually in a bit of pain and he can’t decide. I am playing martyr and telling him “I will be fine” even though I just want him to stay home. He leaves to make his meeting.

650 AM: Adam returns. He is afraid that something will really happen as soon as he arrives to his office, an hour away. Secretly, I am happy that he made the ‘right’ choice.

930 AM: Adam calls my assistant to tell her that I am in labor and won’t be in the office today and please change my voicemail and email to state my extended absence.

1000 AM: Adam and I have a conversation that goes something like this:

Me: Did you get that one?
Adam: No, you didn’t tell me it started.
Me: In the birth classes, they said that you should be able to read my non-verbal signs to figure out when a contraction started.
Adam: They don’t know what the hell they are talking about. You are just walking all over the place and you’ll be mad if I follow you around trying to look at your face.
Me: Okay, fine, I’ll tell you when the next one starts….NOW
Adam: Well, how am I supposed to time it, we don’t have a stopwatch.
Me: GOD, just look at the clock and estimate based on when it changes over.

1100 AM: We call the birth center to say that I am in labor and should we come in. They ask us if I am having 4-1-1 contractions (4 minutes apart, 1 minute long, 1 hour). “Of course” we tell them, unsure of our timing capabilities. Should we time the 4 minutes apart from the beginning of the contraction or the end?

1145 AM: We are ushered into an exam room for an internal check of my cervix which has not dilated more than 2 centimeters which is where it was at my appointment the day before when I hadn’t been in labor for 12 hours. And then the midwife tells me to go and walk around Borders for an hour or two and then come back. I refuse to walk around Borders moaning and bending to endure these non-productive contractions. Adam and I proceed home where he makes us grilled cheese for lunch.

400 PM: We arrive back at the birth center to be checked again. I am smug since they suggested I come back in two hours and I have waited four. I am not-so-smug when they tell me that I am a tight 4 centimeters and to go home, take a bath, take Benadryl, drink wine, whatever it takes for me to get some rest because I have not gone into active labor. We leave and I am pissed- I have been contracting for over 12 hours and have nothing to show.

445 PM: I take a couple of Benadryl and we both got in bed for some sleep. I try to sleep with warning of ‘the worst is yet to come’ dancing in my head but just can’t get to sleep. I run a bath and hoist my baked-potato with all the fixin’s 5 foot 9 frame into our town home-sized tub. And stay there for a time. Hours pass and now I am in real pain, rocking and moaning and having Adam rub my lower back while I bend and breath through what hypno-birth proponents call ‘surges’. Surges my ass.

930 PM: We arrive back at the birth center and this time I am certain that I am in active labor and have dilated further. Presto- I am a ‘stretchy’ 5 centimeters. I’m in. Only one problem: All 5 birthing suites, including the one that typically houses visitors, are full. Everyone has gone into labor at the same time. I am asked to labor in one of the exam rooms until hopefully a room opens up, otherwise hospital transfer for me. The hospital transfer possibility doesn’t even faze me; I will transfer to the janitor’s closet if it means that this pain will stop. In the back of my mind, the ‘unbelievably reserved’ portion of my personality is concerned that the visitors outside the exam room can hear me moaning.

1045 PM: One of the women in the birthing suites has delivered a healthy baby and since it is her 5th, has agreed to move down to the basement for her post-partum tests and visits so that I may have her suite. No hospital transfer for me!

1130 PM: I get into my suite and my midwife suggests that I get in the Jacuzzi Tub to help me relax. It is fabulous. There are candles lit. My only gripe is that they keep forcing me to drink orange Gatorade which tastes sickeningly sweet to me. And I get irritated when ‘they’ let the water get cold as speaking is tough now. I think I manage to squawk: Too cold.

January 27, 2007

100 AM: Midwife suggests that I get out and see how I’ve progressed. She checks and I am 7 centimeters with my water still intact. Even though I had requested no intervention, the midwife asks if I want my water broken to speed things up. Hell, yes I do….want to speed things up. At this point, Adam is starving and we have decided that once my water is broken, he will go to the kitchen and eat some of the food we brought with us. And then the midwife breaks my water and instantaneously, I am in nasty nasty transition. And for those that have not birthed yet, I will save the fluid details but it is messy business. And there is no way in hell that Adam is leaving to eat and he better not pass out because he needs to exert massive amounts of counter-pressure on my back.

215 AM: As I realized the midwife is back in the birthing suite with us, I try not to bite the counter through contractions anymore because I don’t want to be yelled at to breath through, lest I break my teeth. Teeth, TEETH, who needs to worry about teeth when your insides are being ejected by some inner force of which you have no control. I balk when the midwife asks me to lay down on the bed to be checked: my contractions are 90 seconds long with 0 seconds in between. I must walk and squat and have counter-pressure constantly. I can not stop to lay down, but I do. I am 10 centimeters. My midwife asks if I have the urge to push and I tell her that I have been pushing since she broke my water. Oh boy. As she’s getting her delivery kit ready, a strange calm comes over me and I know it is time to push.

220 AM: I walk over and lay down in the bed, energy completely depleted. A new kind of contraction comes over me that screams: PUSH PUSH PUSH. I do, the midwife calls in the nurses. Adam holds my one leg while the midwife urges that I hold the other. I am tired and don’t want to hold my leg. I think I relay this to her and she reminds me that this is the end and I can do it. I am pushing. The midwives are telling me to slow down. Slow down is not an option, pushing is the only thing that has felt good this whole time.

245 AM: Ring of fire is a bit mild in describing crowning. I would like to dance on your ring of fire. This is more like shot put barreling through the worm hole and the midwife is telling me to slow down. If I slow down, will the burning stop? No, then back up off me, this baby is coming out.

254 AM: His head is out, now for the shoulders. I call bullshit on those birth stories where the body ‘just slithers out’ after the head. One more solid push and voila, Vik is loaded onto my chest, umbilical cord pulsating.

255 AM: Instant adoration and love too big to quantify fills us as we look to each other unable to speak. This is what life is all about.

Commemorative Pins Available

2009-06-03T11:45:00.004-04:00

Recently, I’ve really been reflecting on why I write here and more so on why I feel guilty if I go more than a couple of days without a post. I really don’t have that many readers but still want to provide content that’s entertaining or horizon-widening or just something that you can relate to.

I started this blog one year ago and this is my 100th post. Mostly what prompted me to begin writing here was the need for an outlet. At that time, I was working from home so that I could take care of Vik while he was on 3-times daily IV antibiotics . Parenting at that time was tough; I wanted to embrace all things Vik rather than be an enforcer of ‘the rules’. Since then, I have had no problem in my role of enforcer while Vik employs every method of driving me gray that he can. I’ve found the dog cage to be the most effective method for time-out:

As I took a little time to review what I’ve written about this past year, I noticed that I bounce from topic to topic like a hyper two-year-old. It glared compact fluorescent light on where Vik gets his personality. But after having read a marketing piece about knowing your audience, I think mine are lifestyle readers. A little of everything all in one place. I really enjoy writing here and look forward to producing more pinball-like content as I leave all projects undone and drop interests like hot shit.

Seasonal Style #3

2009-06-02T15:38:00.010-04:00

Life has been moving so quickly for me recently- a little bit of wake up, go to work, come back home and do-it-again syndrome. That means it is really time to slow down and begin enjoying the unofficial summer that Memorial Day ushered in. With the arrival of June, the calendars begin booking with graduation parties, weddings, showers and barbeques. Even though I'll be wearing whatever fits at 30-odd weeks pregnant, I can still pine after a cute sun dress.

1. Yellow Magnolia Lace Bamboo Dress

2. Linen Halter Dress

3. Tiered Linen Playa Dress

4. Linen Blend Ruffle Dress

5. Strapless Pom-Pom Dress

6. BCBG Max Azria Flip Flop Dress

7. Dina Stitched Strapless Dress

Just Eat It!

2009-06-01T12:52:00.004-04:00

I really need to add a blogroll section to my page because I get so much satisfaction from my daily list. Blogs have taken the place of hard-print magazines for me, mostly because of the convenience factor: I never find myself with 20 or 30 minutes to sit around. But, at work, I can always grab 5 minutes throughout the day to read my favorites.

Within the past week or so, I’ve added several new blogs to my list of reads. One of those is Org Junkie. I really identify with Laura, the author, in her love of containers. I am obsessed and can peruse the home organization section of Ikea for hours if Adam let me. For this reason alone, Org Junkie is tops. But then Laura takes it even further: Menu Plan Monday .

I’m not sure when it changed, but at some point in the past year or so, I got tired of spending over $100 per week at the grocery store and having nothing to eat. I would do the shopping, wandering the aisles picking out things that looked good or were on sale. Throughout the week, Adam or I would do clean-up stops at the store- oops, we ran out of milk or waffles, etc. And the kicker was every single night we had the same frustrating conversation where one of us would race to ask: What do you want to eat? And a race it was to put the onus on the other. Inevitably, we would have ‘nothing’ in the house and end up ordering take-out.

Around the time that Vik began eating all table foods, it became evident to me that we should begin having real family meals. And that life would be a lot easier if we didn’t have to come up with a meal plan at 6 or 7 pm after working all day. I would still have to cook when I got home, but I love cooking. The best part was that the annoying ‘What are we going to eat?’ conversation became extinct.

Now, I keep a running list in the drawer for my Saturday or Sunday grocery excursion. I list the meals that I’m planning for the week up at the top and then write in the ingredients I will need to buy (in aisle order, roughly). If I have any long-lead items, I do the prep work on the weekend if at all possible. This weekend, I cleaned, cut and baked a bag of russet potatoes; two containers went into the freezer, one into the refrigerator. I also washed, dried and cut three heads of romaine lettuce for the week (we eat lots of fresh salads!).

And now with my push to reduce expenses and cut costs, I make a game of cooking wholesome and cheap meals. So, why not share it with you all. Without further babbling, my first edition of:

Just Eat It!

Monday: Turkey Sausage on the Grill, Roasted Russet Potatoes (description/ recipe below), Romaine & Cucumber Salad

Tuesday: Trader Joe’s Seasoned Frozen Mahi Mahi, Quartered English Cucumber in Ranch Dressing, Tater Tots

Wednesday: Whole Wheat Soft Tacos (description/ recipe below)

Thursday: Whole Wheat Pasta with Ground Turkey, Onion and Garlic Sauce (description/ recipe below)

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Hot Dogs and Baked Beans

On Sundays, we are spoiled because my mother-in-law usually cooks a big family dinner!

Roasted Russet Potatoes
 Preheat Oven to 375
 Wash, Dry and Chop 4-5 medium-sized Potatoes into bite sized cubes
 Toss together in a bowl with 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, 2 Tablespoons of Italian Seasoning, Salt and Pepper to taste
 Bake for 35 minutes flipping once halfway through

Whole Wheat Soft Tacos
 In a large sauté pan, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat
 Add ½ cup of chopped white onion and sauté until browned
 Add 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic and sauté for two minutes
 Add 1 lb of Ground Turkey (I buy the lean and hardly ever have to drain any fat off) and cook through
 Add 1 Tablespoon of Cumin, ¼ teaspoon Chile Powder, Salt and Pepper to Taste
 Serve with Whole Wheat Soft Tacos, Guacamole, Shredded Romaine, Shredded Cheese and Salsa

Ground Turkey, Onion and Garlic Sauce (not so much a recipe)
 I buy the generic brand of Onion and Garlic Tomato Sauce when it goes on sale for $1 per jar and then add whatever ingredients I want. In this case, the leftover ground turkey from the Whole Wheat Soft Tacos

Next week, I endeavor to link up to Menu Plan Monday .

Introducing Frugality

2009-05-29T13:54:00.011-04:00

In the past couple of months, our family has really felt the strain of the economy personally by way of my variable income. I haven't ever really talked about my career on this blog before but I am a commercial real estate broker; I act as a real estate advisor to businesses big and small. Lately, with the economy in the toilet, most of my time is spent working on deals that either crash and burn after all of my speculative time is put in or helping companies to negotiate with their Landlords to reduce their rent. Neither one of these activities produces income for me but in the long run builds relationships that are based on trust. I could go on and on about business development but that really isn't the point I wanted to make on this post.

With all that is happening in the economy, I feel less than secure. Even though Adam and I worked diligently in our twenties to acquire wealth in the form of real estate, investments and savings, I can't help but think we could have been more prepared for such a downturn in the economy. Being in a business where my eye is ALWAYS on market indicators, I feel only minor solace in the fact that even top economists didn't see this coming. We never structured our lives in a manor which our cash reserves were our heaviest sack; my underlying assumptions were that you had to make your money work for you. For us, that was yelling 'suckas' to anyone who left more than emergency funds in a savings account earning a paltry interest. We kept even those funds in ING Direct to earn the highest interest. And we didn't take out variable or no interest home loans or invest in high risk stocks. But with all of the hard work and saving and leveraging, I never expected the residential housing market, stock market and therefore the commercial real estate business to slam their heads so hard into that rocky bottom. With all of this new insight from both personal and career experience, I have begun evaluating for the next time. In my re-education, I looked to the blogosphere for information and happened upon a fantastically candid blog by Gail Vaz-Oxlade.

Some of the articles that spoke to me were:

Why You May Not WANT to Own

Try versus Do

And this one, called How Did We Get Into Such a Mess? might be a favorite because I think that a new house, a second daycare and a reduction in my variable income puts me in the category of "haven't come to terms with the financial implications". Ha- I love how eloquently put that is.

Does anyone else have any financial blogs that they read?

You Have to Walk Before you Fly

2009-05-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

I think 'nesting' may be a strong word, but I am taking minor steps towards organization and having everything in its place. The top of the refrigerator has been driving me nuts with all of its snacks and mis-placed crap.

BEFORE:

On a recent trip to Ikea, I picked up two Skrin Galvanized Steel Box with Lids to store snacks and other kitchen stuff that needed a better place.

AFTER:

Now, if I could just get some cute magnets and de-clutter the front of the refrigerator!

Big Moves

2009-05-27T11:13:00.000-04:00

In the past couple of weeks, every once in a while, Vik will ask to use the big guy toilet or his own potty. Since pushing Vik toward potty-training would be much like attempting to push a brick wall down, we are letting him go at his own pace. We cheer him on when he initiates the use and reward with M&M's but go no further.

Last week, he asked me to go several times on the big toilet and was thrilled with the resulting pee in there! I have proceeded with trepidation because although changing a diaper is not much fun, it is much less messy business than seeking out a bathroom for a two-year-old who can't hold it and then having to mule around changes of clothes and plastic baggies.

At the shore this weekend, Vik announced that he was going to take a nap and that he could do it himself. Amused, we all continued with our prior activities as he marched himself into the bedroom and shut the door for privacy (another new lesson in our home). After several minutes and a few door slams later, Adam went to check Vik's status.

He opened the door to the bedroom and it was no surprise that Vik was not in the crib taking a nap. Adam continued down the hall, hearing a splash and minor ruckus in the bathroom.

Vik, in showing his understanding of 'privacy', had taken his Elmo toilet seat, arranged it atop the toilet and climbed up on it.

In response to Adam's "What are you doing, Vik?" came a strained grunt: I'm pooping.

Color Quest: Beach Ready

2009-05-26T11:49:00.022-04:00

We spent a very nice Memorial Day weekend with my family down on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Most of the shoreline is only lightly developed and so quiet. The best afternoon was spent on Sunday walking in low-tide in the Chesapeake Bay on the sand bars, enjoying the tide pools and sunshine.

The relaxation is drawing me towards light and airy summer things:

1. 'Imagine Life in Peace' ring from Artisan Look
2. Banded Pleated Hobo Bag by Ally Bu
3. Signature Antler White Linen Pillow with Monogram from White Twig
4. Linen and Tea Summer Trio Hand Embroidered Thread Balls by Julie and Co.
5. Linen Tea Towel from Flower Press
6. Anemone Tank by Janeane Marie
7. Custom Silhouette Portrait by Le Petit Enfants
8. Snack Shack and Seascape Carnival from vol25