Monday, June 30, 2014

I/We Miss You.

 *it's funny- I used to hate this photo because I thought I looked crazy (I do, haha), but now it's one of my favorites.
This was taken in 2005 at Denny's I think, after a show.


I told myself I wasn't going to write about this today. I had another post ready to go, but when I got up this morning and logged in to publish comments I realized that I hadn't scheduled it at all, so I took it as a sign that maybe I should write about what I wanted to write about in the first place.

So here we are.

Time goes quickly when you're looking back at it. When I think of all the times we had with you it's a blur, but if I close my eyes and lie very still, little bits and pieces come bobbing to the surface, slipping back under again if I'm not quick enough to reach out and grab them. Moving into that old apartment on Cortez Street, you and Hank lugging all of those boxes up that tiny flight of stairs. A million nights at shows, sitting at the merch table with you, inside jokes and the endless stream of girls coming up to talk to you, photos of funny faces and that hand under your chin pose you'd always, always do. There are more layers of memory beyond the first things that come to mind- your Mom, the lunches we would have and the stories she would tell me about you and Hank and the guys being young and crazy. Almost eight years ago now- you, Juliann, Hank and me moving into the house on Marina Street- I can still remember the way our excited voices echoed in that big living room before we brought our stuff inside. That summer in particular is easier to remember than most. It's a skateboard going over the cracks in the pavement, you and Juliann laughing sitting out there on that front porch, the smell of dinner cooking in that big kitchen, such a treat after the painfully small one in that first place we all lived.

Hank hurts so badly. I can't imagine losing my best friend. You both got to grow up together, tour the country together, play shows together. You lived together, both got married, both became fathers. In the way friendships ebb and flow as time goes on, you two always found your way back to each other.

So last night when we all got together and shared stories, favorite songs playing over videos of you skateboarding, it hurt so badly because I know you would have loved that. You would have loved reminiscing over the silly, funny times in your life- and it made me sad to think that we don't honor the people we love more while they're alive.

And now I'm sitting here listening to one of your old bands and it's surreal to hear your voice after not hearing it for a year, and to be able to remember that one footed hop you'd do across the stage, bandana on your head, mic in your hand. I'm looking at photos from Henry's birthday parties, from the places we've lived, from after-show meals at Denny's or Waffle House or a random diner in New York. I'm thinking about J. and your four babies, and I can't imagine how they feel. But I know if I learned anything from you, it's that this is it, you know? You were well aware that we get one go-round, and you lived your life as such. So I'll think of that when I feel sad like this, and smile to myself, knowing that if you were here you'd be teasing me saying "Dino, get it together," laughing, eyes sparkling in that very Andrew way they would, reminding me that like you really did believe, there really is no time to waste.


“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved.  But this is also the good news.  They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up.  And you come through.  It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”

— Anne Lamott


Andrew and baby Henry, Hank and Dustin.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Weekend Links

Before I get to the links, I wanted to share something neat that I participated in last week. The Vision Council had a webinar entitled UV Safety for Young Eyes that I had the opportunity to attend, and it was eye-opening (haha) for me, as far as UV protection and children. I religiously slather on the sunscreen for my entire family, but I don't always stop to think about protecting their eyes. I never really thought too much about it, but after reading the literature and watching the presentation I felt like I wanted to share it with all of you. For more info, check out this link. It's all very interesting, and like I said, made me look at sun protection a lot differently, and I'm glad to help spread the word. They also sent me an awesome pair of Michael Stars sunglasses to go along with the theme of protecting our eyes, and I'm in love!


And now, some links --

An interesting read: Cool at 13, Adrift at 23.

What's the point of anything?

Hip hip, hooray! Judy Blume is finally writing a new book.

Moms, put on that swimsuit!

These photos are amazing.

Etsy love: this wolf trophy head, this print, and this teething ring.

The best burritos in San Diego, ranked by San Diego surfers.

Snacks of great writers. Love this.

The best tweet ever.

These photos are beautiful! I need to find myself a canoe, stat.

Casual Fridays are my favorite.

Wishlist: this book, this bag, this clutch, and this top.

Fascinating: What Babies Think.

Some of my favorite actors and scored by the wonderful Jenny Lewis- I can't wait to see this movie!

20 things I've learned about being a grown up, via Tracy's blog.

Overheard at my funeral...

Why anesthesia is one of the greatest medical mysteries of our time. Interesting stuff.

Have you been waiting to hear the unauthorized story of Saved By The Bell? On Lifetime? Well...it's your lucky day.

So good- "Everything I Fucked Up While Trying to Eat Like Gwenyth for a Week."

And finally, a post about kids and the summertime. A good read.

xoxo


Thursday, June 26, 2014

A Healthy, Sweet Summer Treat: Strawberry Rhubarb (Paleo-Friendly) Ice Cream


Today the wonderful Megan is here to share a delicious (and healthy!) summer treat with us. If you're a regular reader you know that I love to share bits from Megan's blog here...she has such a knack for making things look so beautiful! So if you haven't already hopped over and become a fan of Freckled Italian, be sure to do so (and then check out her Instagram while you're at it). Thanks so much for contributing such a wonderful-looking treat, Megan. Can't wait to try it out.

--------- 

Summer is here! What better way to celebrate than with homemade ice cream? I have to admit that I've never actually made ice cream, so this was a fun little culinary adventure. I adapted this Martha Stewart recipe--using coconut instead of dairy and honey instead of regular sugar--to make it Paleo-friendly.

Ingredients:

1 pound rhubarb, chopped
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons water
2 cups strawberries
1 cup canned coconut cream (the heavy part on top)
1/2 cup coconut milk




Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped rhubarb, honey, and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes, until rhubarb is broken down and all ingredients are well-combined. Set aside and let cool.

2. Puree strawberries in a blender or food processor. Strain to remove seeds and combine with coconut cream and milk in a large bowl or container.

3. Add cooled rhubarb-honey mixture to the strawberry-coconut mixture and refrigerate overnight (or for at least a couple of hours).

4. Freeze in an ice cream maker and enjoy!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Right Now.


Right now I'm watching two little boys' relationship grow stronger every single day, and seeing the word brother take more meaning. The littlest is getting bigger, and the biggest is realizing this is a good thing, saying things like "will he be walking soon? By this weekend maybe?" We are all looking forward to so much, even though at times I'm tempted to push that little baby right back on his bum to avoid him hitting anymore milestones. Stay small a little longer, okay? Right now it's the very beginning of summer, which for us means walks downtown just as the sun is going down, when it's all yellow-orange-red, and if you close your eyes for just a second you can almost imagine that you're a child again too, walking down Main Street wherever, time suspended for just that moment. Summer has become a new adventure with two children, trying to fill days up with things they'll remember forever, while reminding myself it's usually the ordinary everyday things that end up taking the best spots in those memories. Right now is looking up at Hank over the tops of our kids' heads, and feeling so lucky to be right here, right now. It's me being 32 and Henry being 3 and 1/2 and Charlie being 10 months old, that's us- my three-person weekday crew I hang with day in and day out. It's the hard stuff too- trying to navigate through places we haven't been, figuring out things we don't know about, but all the same having these three sets of hands to hold that make it all okay. It's Henry's contagious excitement and Charlie's big ole grin, and the way both of these boys fill up every single corner of my heart that at times I feel it might just break, love spilling out every which way. It's June and July and August, months that have become my favorite since becoming a mama. Our right now is full of backyard pools and popsicles, and trying to figure out ways to work through the inevitable "I don't want to go inside now!" that is almost a daily occurence. Slow baby steps but we're getting there, navigating our way through this 3rd year of Henry's life that calls for more patience on my end. But with every step forward we leave footprints behind us, and while at times it's hard for me to let go of all the good we've experienced, I have total faith the best is right up there, over the hill. A baby in the carrier, one holding Hank's hand, and the four of us are up and over, straight to the good stuff.


*Here are some past "Right Now" posts. xoxo
p.s. reusing this photo from my last Palm Springs post...because I love it so much.


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Making Summer Travel a Breeze...and a Giveaway with 4moms



Since having kids Hank and I still try to keep our wanderlust spirit alive, but as our family has grown, trips have become a little trickier. With a 10-month old and a 3-year old, the term "vacation" always makes me a laugh a bit since taking care of Henry and a very active, cruising Charlie can be anything but relaxing; and even more so when we're away from home. But having a safe space for the baby to play and sleep, be it in a hotel room, vacation house, wherever you are away from home, is imperative. Without a playard we'd be chasing our wild man 24/7, he wouldn't be able to move around and crawl as much, and naptime and nighttime sleep would be difficult. With Henry we had a little pack-n-play that was functional, but it literally took us at least 5 minutes and a few tries to put together every time we wanted to use it. Not fun.

So when I found out about the 4moms Breeze and read that it opens and closes with one easy step, I had to try it. Seriously, watch this video and I know you'll be a Breeze believer too. The first time we took it out of the box I had to take a video myself and send it to my Mom and sister- they had be present during some funny "can someone (anyone?) get this pack 'n play set up?!" so they too were in awe at how easy the Breeze was.


^^Hank demonstrating how easy it really is! 


Now we take it everywhere. Last month we took a trip to Palm Springs and the Breeze was inside, outside, in the bedroom for naps, on the porch while we all hung out, on the patio while we swam. Because it's so easy to open and close, it's no big deal to move it to a more convenient place and let Charlie continue to happily play.

And when we're at home the Breeze is always set up too. I often bring it into the backyard while Henry and I are running around, and we also set it up in the living in case I have put him down for a second and need him to be safe and secure.


And great news, today 4moms is giving away one Breeze to one of you, right here. If you've never tried a 4moms product before, I'm crossing my fingers for you...we're total 4moms believers in this house and I hope you become one too!

Good luck to all who enter, and be sure to follow along with the 4moms Facebook too- they're giving away one Breeze a day during this blog tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
*Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents only.
This post was in partnership with 4moms, and the Breeze was provided to us for review purposes.
But as always, all opinions are my own. 

Monday, June 23, 2014

Book Series Review: The Selection Trilogy


So, I recently started a book series and then ended up finishing it all in one week. It included a lot of late nights and completing chapters during nap time, but seriously...I couldn't put the books down!

I'm talking about the The Selection series, a trilogy of "dystopian romance" books that have been pitched as The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor (some of you may already be rolling your eyes, I know). Via Amazon- "In a world where everything is determined by social castes, America was born a five, one of the lowest castes. This year, a Selection will be held to find a bride for Prince Maxon. America's mother thinks that having her daughter participate will be the solution to all of their problems but America doesn't want to participate for one simple reason - she is secretly in love with Aspen." I'll stop there to avoid giving anything away, but after finishing the third book I almost felt like maybe I should keep them as my dirty little secret. I mean really, the books are silly. I wouldn't go as far as to say dumb, but this is TRUE beach reading, fluffy stuff that is all entertainment and not a lot of thinking involved. I'm almost torn as how to even review it, because on one hand I was completely sucked in, but on the other I found myself very irritated at the main character, America Singer (her name even bugs me), and found myself wanting to roll my eyes and say "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" more times than I can count.

However, even though I find America irritating, The Selection is a good story, and if you're in the market for a light-hearted, easy read that will absolutely engage you, then go for it. I really did enjoy all three books, beginning to end. But if you are someone who would probably tease me for still kind of liking The Bachelor and is a little more cynical of silly romance story lines, these might not be for you.

But really, for $2.99 it's worth a shot- maybe you'll end up liking the silly fluffiness of it all. I know my sister and I did!

xoxo

*I used Amazon Affiliate linking in this post.
To visit Amazon without my link, click here. :)

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Journal Day #13

This week, write a "State of Me" address. Write about how you're really doing- what you've been thinking, what you've been up to. What have you accomplished lately? Where is there room for growth? Where are you right now in life and where are you headed? Current joys, currents sadness...write it all out. Discuss the current state of YOU. 


I've had a little bit of time to think about this prompt after writing it last week. This past year has been a good one, and I talked a lot about that when I turned 32 last month. But rather than looking back over the past year, this is about right now and how I am, how things are, how life is, in this very moment.

So. Right now life is wonderful. It feels very simple, and I like that. I've had this quote on my mind for sometime- "Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care that they get," and it's a good marker for life right now. I'm focused. I feel so proud of my marriage and proud of this family we've grown, and I know it's because that's where my whole self is. And I don't mean physically because here is where I am, but because my family is where my care goes. Hank and I work hard to be the best we can be (perfect, never, not even close...but trying our best always), and I feel like that is reflected in the love felt here. So for that I am grateful, and that is the major source of my happiness and allowing the phrase "life is wonderful" to have a place here in this post.

However, I often feel like I fail at being a Mom, but I equally feel like I'm doing a great job. Weird, right? It goes back to that second paragraph though; we try and try our best, but of course with that statement comes the realization that by saying "try" there isn't always a success. Sometimes at night I will lay in bed and think of all the things I did wrong- "I let Henry see that I was annoyed with him," "I told him 'not right now, wait until I'm done with _____' more than I should," "we didn't even leave the house once." It's so easy to discount an entire day based on things I feel like I did wrong, so lately I've been trying to focus on the other side of it and realize that I am doing a good job. Although I do think that maybe if I didn't feel like I was failing from time to time it wouldn't allow me to grow into a better mother.

And then of course summer feels strange this year as the one-year anniversary of Andrew's death gets closer. It feels like everywhere I look there's something, somewhere, honoring our 19 firefighters, and Andrew's photo hung up or posted reminding me that yes, he really is gone. Do you know that feeling, where you think someone is going to pop out and say "hey guys, just kidding, here I am!"? I still feel that way sometimes, like I'll hear him yelling my name across the grocery store, jogging over with that huge smile, ruffling Henry's hair and hugging us all. It's very sad.

Overall though things are trucking along, we have our health, we have each other, and we're also talking about trying for another child. I always knew I wanted a big family, and sometimes it seems scary to imagine three (!) kids, but we are so excited. This won't be happening for a bit, but as we've discovered now with Charlie coming so close to turning one, time moves quickly.

So the state of me? If I had to sum it up I'd say I've never been better. It's not even that things are necessarily better, but perhaps it's that I am getting better about understanding myself, and if I've learned anything over the past few years it's that self-awareness and understanding are imperative to my happiness. I'm also learning that "good" is relative and the bad and sad things have a place in good's realm too, because at the end of the day, it's all a part of the experience. Most of all, when I think about my right now, I am just overwhelmed with such a sense of happiness and joy and excitement...and most of all, gratitude.

So, how about you? Link up in the comments below, and be sure to leave a little excerpt from your entry too. I can't wait to check them out.


Read more about my Journal Day project here.
Read previous Journal Days here.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Charlie, 9 Months Old



Nine months! We're getting so, so close to his birthday and I can't even believe it. This little guy has been growing like a weed and making us all fall in love with him more and more every single day. His personality is the best- so sweet and funny, and one of the most smiley guys I know (I think I say that every month). This stage is so fun too because he's just starting to talk and show his preferences for things. He's eating a lot- still breastfeeding- but also really loving "real" food. He definitely likes fruits more than veggies, but has also been into shredded chicken and cheese. Yogurt is always a hit too, and he gets super excited about those little yogurt melts. Sleeping is going much better than it was. He's been teething so it's been hit or miss depending on how he's feeling, but when he's doing okay he'll sleep 6:30pm-5:30am, then take two naps during the day. I can't even explain how happy I feel that he's finally sleeping well at night- there was a point when I was starting to go crazy when he was waking 2-3x, but I'm so excited to say that he has sleeping through the night down.


This month Charlie:

loves to clap
has waved a couple of times
says mama, dada, and ball
has six teeth with two more still working their way down on top
cruises all around the couch and ottoman and is starting to want to stand unassisted
is a fast, fast crawler
his favorite toy is a ball- he loves rolling it back and forth
loves music and when Daddy plays his guitar
will "sing" along to music in the car
loves to squeal and scream, then laugh and smile
berries and mangoes are his favorite food
drinks water out of a sippy cup


Charlie, it's been so neat watching you become so much more mobile and communicative with us. Just the other day Henry said "it's so fun that Charlie can PLAY with me now!" and it really is- you guys are able to "talk" and play, and it's so neat to watch. It's funny, earlier this week we had to have a talk with Henry and ask him not to go in your room first thing in the morning to wake you up! He just can't wait to see you. You are so loved, and it's really fun to know this is just the beginning of lots and lots of great times to come.

Happy 9 months, Charlie!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Two Quick and Easy Summer Recipes



There's nothing like corn on the cob and a fresh summer salad during a hot day. This past Sunday's family dinner was extra tasty- "cowboy" burgers, Trader's Joe's Chili Lime Chicken burgers, summer orzo salad and corn on the cob. It was delicious, and I wanted to share the recipes for a couple of the items. They're easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Summer Orzo Salad

You'll need:

1 box of orzo
2 bell peppers
1 small yellow onion
3-4 cloves of garlic
1 lemon
salt/pepper
olive oil

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425. Chop up your veggies and place them in a bowl. Add in splash of olive oil and salt and pepper. Mix and be sure the veggies are coated. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast in your oven for about 30-35 minutes. While the vegetables are roasting, cook your orzo on the stove top. Once it's done rinse with cool water and drain. Next, mix the cooled orzo and veggies in your serving bowl. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lemon all over to act as a dressing. Taste it- you may want to use the whole lemon but for me, half was perfect. Enjoy!

Chili and Lime Coconut Oil Roasted Corn

*I almost feel silly posting this because it's so easy, but until recently I never thought to roast corn with coconut oil, so I thought I would share!

You'll need:

4-5 ears of corn
2 tbsp coconut oil
chili powder
1 lime

Directions:

In a bowl mix your melted coconut oil and chili powder. I used the smallest amount of the powder because Henry was going to be eating it too, but you could use anywhere from a dash to a couple of tablespoons. It's all up to your preference. Toss the corn in the mixture until each piece is coated. Transfer to your grill and cook until some of the kernels are just beginning to brown. Before serving squeeze the juice of one lime all over.

Enjoy!


Monday, June 16, 2014

Hello, California!

Mission Beach, San Diego, Everybody in the Water!
click photo for source

This week we're spending some time on the West Coast, soaking up some beach time and sunshine. I've always enjoyed California but I've never been in this area with a lot of time to explore, so if you have any recommendations for fun family-oriented things to do/places to eat in and around Mission and Pacific Beaches, we would love it!


Sunday, June 15, 2014

Journal Day Prompt #13


Here's this week's prompt:

This week, write a "State of Me" address. Write about how you're really doing- what you've been thinking, what you've been up to. What have you accomplished lately? Where is there room for growth? Where are you right now in life and where are you headed? Current joys, currents sadness...write it all out. Discuss the current state of YOU.

Because I'm out of town I'll be back in one week (Sunday, 6/22) with my response, and that's where I'll ask you guys to share a bit from your writing in the comments, as well as a link to your post.


Read more about my Journal Day project here.
Read previous Journal Days here.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Weekend Links


Happy almost summer! I hope your weekend is full of sunshine and lots of outdoor fun. Here are some links to kick it off. Enjoy! xoxo

Are we obsessed with documenting everything?

8 kids TV shows that need to make a comeback.

Here are the sunglasses I'm wearing in the photo above.

If you're a Pretty Little Liars fan, this is great news.

Jim Carrey, you're so wise.

This is such an awesome wedding.

And speaking of weddings, I'll be attending one later today to celebrate the lovely Cam and Joe!

Why this father refuses to call his son smart.

Yum- summer corn, black bean and avocado dip.

Wishlist: this sandal, this top, and this table.

Spiralized Sweet Potato Fries- these look delicious.

A great The Fault in Our Stars movie review...I can't wait to see it!

Another new gadget on the horizon- the Apple iWatch.

A wonderful read: The Trouble With Reader-Shaming.

And another on the same topic.

Dying over all of these photos, here and here.

Etsy love: one, two, three, and four.

The brunch obsession.

And finally, On Marriage: A Year Later.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Journal Day #12

Let's talk about love. Do you believe in the idea of a soulmate? Do you think there is one person for everyone- and do you think that no matter what, if you're "supposed" to meet that person you will? This week, talk about your experience with love and discuss what you believe, and also be sure to touch on what helped shape those beliefs.

photo by Amy of Homespun Creative

Maybe it's the Gemini in me, but I've always felt like there are definitely two sides to most things in my life. And in the case of love, this is definitely true. There's a part of me that knows that it's possible to meet many people in your lifetime and fall in love, and that there are probably various partners, based on the different stages in your life, timing, and location that could be a match for you. I get that. But then there's this whole separate side of me, the side that wins out every time when talking about love, that believes wholeheartedly that there is one person for everyone, because I know without a doubt that I have found mine.

When I met Hank I never believed in anything like love at first sight (although maybe just "really really interested at first sight" is more realistic), but somehow on that summer day it happened. There was an definite spark and seriously, everything went in slow motion. It was bizarre, it was awesome, and kind of scary too. And I know that he is my person. My soulmate, if you want to label it as such. I don't think there is another person out there that could ever love me the way he does, or that I could love in the way I do. I have to think though, had I not been over our mutual friend's house on that very day, would we have met? We'd been in and out of each others' lives via shows and friends and had often been at the same place at the same time, but never managed to meet or even hear of one another. When we were much younger we figured that we had been to many of the same concerts growing up, and then later his band even played a show in my freshman dorm...and I can still remember walking through Sechrist's lobby while they were playing. So was it fate that we would meet four years later? Just timing? If we both weren't at our friend's on that day, if I hadn't decided to go outside, would we have ever had an opportunity to connect in such a way?

It's crazy to think back at all the turns in your life, and then take a look at where you currently stand. All of it, every single little second, has brought you here, and as often discussed in that whole "butterfly effect" thing, any change to anything could change it all. Or could it? And if a relationship ends with someone you do consider a soulmate, would that then be it for you?

Most of all, I just know how this love feels, and maybe it's a romantic notion but this is the only love I ever want. I do believe Hank and I were supposed to meet, and I would like to believe that if it wasn't on that day, it would have been another. And maybe that's crazy...but really, imagining life without this love and everything it's built is so, so much crazier to me.

How about you? I'm really excited to read everyone's post on this topic, so comment below with a blurb from yours and a link pointing us there! xoxo

Read more about my Journal Day project here.
Read previous Journal Days here.
 

Making Eco-Friendly Living More Convenient


A month or so ago ePantry contacted me about working together on a post. I had heard of them, but wasn't really sure what they were all about, so I took a look through their site. And wow! Would it be weird of me to call a cleaning product site awesome? Really though, the site is extremely user-friendly, bright, and beautiful. The whole idea of ePantry is super cool too- in a nutshell, their mission is to make eco-friendly living more convenient via an intuitive subscription service, and after trying it out myself, they definitely do what they've set out to do.

Here's how it works: you make an account (you can quickly sign up or just connect via Facebook), answer a few questions about your household, choose the products you want delivered right to your door, and there you go! A few days later you receive your first shipment. I've worked with Method before, so this time I wanted to try a different brand (they carry Method, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Seventh Generation, Green Forest and more) and decided to give Mrs. Meyer's a whirl. Have you tried this stuff? I've never gotten it because it always seemed a little too expensive but after cleaning our whole house with it, we are hooked on that smell! And luckily ePantry sells it for much cheaper so it makes it much easier on the wallet.


Like I mentioned above, ePantry is a smart subscription service so your next order is set up based on what they predict you will need. We were out of town for over a week of the first month, but it was really easy to hop online and change it up. They have an app too, to make it even easier, and I love that you can cancel or change what you need or want at anytime. And as an added bonus, if you don't like something, they will immediately refund you.

I also did some math and figured that through using ePantry I was saving about $10-11 more than I would through our usual spot, Amazon, and saving close to $25 from average grocery prices. Awesome.

And today, ePantry is offering Sometimes Sweet readers 25% off your first order as well as free shipping when you sign up via this link. Let me know if you do (and what you pick too, because I'm nosy like that). Happy cleaning!

my favorite new-to-me product! ^^



*this post was sponsored by ePantry, but as always all opinions are my own.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Like a Safety Net



I've been thinking a lot about our day-to-day, and how all of these little moments roll into overarching feelings that define seasons and stages of our lives. When I wake up in the morning and I'm getting ready, it's weird because I know I won't remember this particular morning but I know I'll remember the feeling of morning, and be able to go back and pull little pieces and glimpses from the section of my mind where all the mornings in my little world belong. And I think of childhood in that way too. I can't remember everyday, or even many days, but I have an overwhelming feeling of happiness. Safety. Fun. Henry and Charlie might not remember me sitting with them every morning, sunlight streaming in through the living room windows, us on the couch, reading books...but they will remember that feeling, because it all rolls together, day after day after day. Same with our picnic lunches, walks to the mailbox, the quiet way Henry and I kind of sigh into each other on the couch before bed. And so that saying comes to mind, it's not what you do every once and awhile that is your life, it's what you do everyday. Or something. And it goes with the bad days too, you know. On the days when I lose my temper or feel frustrated, uninspired, use the television to fill our time, this is not everyday. The foundation we am building here, the feeling we have most days, magic and learning and excitement, all of that is there. The freedom to be whoever you may be. Acceptance. Positivity. All of this rolls and rolls and rolls day after day until one morning my boys wake up and they are no longer babies, but grown. And they'll take with them all of it, wrapped up neatly into little packages in their mind, all kind of tied up with little labels stuck neatly on top. If I'm lucky and keep doing my best, my greatest hope in the world is that the feelings we have now flourish into the defining themes of their childhood. Love. Trust. Fun. Acceptance. So I'll keep on keeping on, growing and loving day after day, and remain hopeful that they will always feel this great big love Hank and I have for them. And that on days they might feel anything but, my hope is that those feelings will rise up like a safety net, catching them wherever they may be, and remind them of where they come from and that no matter what, love has always been there.

A Few Last Things V.5


A few last things with Megan- and when you're done reading be sure to hop over to her blog. She's one of my very favorites and I can't say enough great things about her. Her Instagram feed is super dreamy too. Prepare to be inspired!

Last thing you cooked: The weather is beautiful and our apartment has an awesome grill on the roof, so I have been grilling everything these days. My husband and I grilled a huge flank steak over the weekend and we've been having leftovers ever since! I marinated it in olive oil, garlic, and some gluten-free soy sauce and it was awesome (especially on a salad for lunch the next day with cilantro balsamic vinaigrette)!

Last time you felt nervous: I'm a huge Game of Thrones fan, and Tyrion and Oberyn are two of my favorite characters, so that trial by combat had me on the edge of my seat. I actually had to stay up really late to watch it because I went to see Saint Paul and the Broken Bones play in Minneapolis that night (which was awesome!), but didn't want to wait to watch it, and then of course I couldn't sleep--the entire episode was just too intense for me! But it's still my favorite show, even when it stresses me out.

Last big thing you splurged on: I bought a dress I totally didn't need a few weeks ago at an adorable little boutique in St. Paul, but even more recently, I got a new camera! I'm super excited for it to arrive next week so I can try my hand at some videos this summer.

Last gift you gave: I gave all of my bridesmaids a pair of Acute Designs' Swarovski stud earrings and a really pretty candle from Anthropologie with a note as a little wedding day thank-you gift.

Last place you vacationed to: The Dominican Republic! Last month we honeymooned at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana and really enjoyed swimming, walking on the beach, and drinking out of coconuts all day.

Last time you laughed until you cried: Definitely on our wedding day! The entire morning and afternoon of getting ready with my girlfriends and my mom, then taking pictures and getting to see Rob for a first look before the wedding. The entire day was just so full of joy and laughter and tons of emotion. I laughed, I cried, I laughed until I cried! It was the best.

Last blog/IG accounts you really fell in love with: I may be biased because I write for them, but I really love everything The Eighty Twenty puts out there. I think the website is beautiful and I love our shared Instagram account. Blog: http://theeightytwenty.com & Instagram: http://instagram.com/theeightytwenty


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Summer Favorites

I wanted to share a round up of some of my favorite spring and summer things out right now. I've included the dresses and bathing suit I wore in my Palm Springs post, and then some other fun items too. I've never used this rewardStyle app but it was insanely easy and I feel like I don't know what took me so long to try it. Anyway, let me know if you get anything- the prices range from Forever21 finds to Nordstrom/Anthropologie splurges. Enjoy! xoxo


A Palm Springs Birthday-Anniversary-Birthday Weekend

Awhile back Hank and I decided to stop giving each other gifts for birthdays, our anniversary, Valentine's Day, and even Christmas. We always, always do hand written letters or cards and small items on occasion, but we made the decision to put our money towards experiences rather than things and haven't look back. Our birthdays and wedding anniversary also happens to fall in the span of four days (mine is May 29th, our anniversary is May 31st, and Hank's birthday is June 1st), so for the past few years we've always done a stay-cation to celebrate. This time around, there was no way I could leave Charlie overnight, so we decided to make it a family affair and invite my parents and my sister and her family too.

We first tried Airbnb when we all went to Sedona to celebrate my Mom's 60th birthday and really, really fell in love with the whole concept. It was such a nice change (and so much more affordable) than all staying in a hotel, so when we started to plan this weekend I immediately checked out Airbnb listings to find a place. We lucked out again, and found a great, kid-friendly spot right in the heart of Palm Springs. 

We celebrated my birthday when we arrived Thursday night- my parents, sister and Lucy were waiting for us with party hats and cheesecake- and then Hank and I got to go out on Saturday to celebrate our anniversary. Sunday was Hank's birthday and we woke him up with donuts and coffee, and in between all of it was a lot of pool time, good food, and enjoying downtown Palm Springs.

It's weird, if you would have told me a few years ago I would be visiting Palm Springs twice in the span of a few months (or ever!) I probably wouldn't have believed you. But we've really fallen in love with that quirky little town. It's a quick drive and feels like you're a world away once you're there. Have you been there? If so, what did you think? And I'm also curious- have you ever tried Airbnb? If you haven't take a look at all the awesome places all over the world when you get a moment. And full disclosure, that's my referral link, so you will get $25 credit when you use the service and so will I. I've also heard Home Away is a great, similar site. Any recs for that one?

And of course, here are a million photos from our weekend- mainly photos from my regular camera, which I edited with A Beautiful Mess actions. There are also some from my iPhone mixed up in there too.

xoxo