creativity overload

I have too many ideas crammed into my head, with new ones barging their way in constantly. Blame it all on pinterest. It leads me from one DIY to the next, a new blog to another, a recipe to try yet again...AHHHHH! But I absolutely luuuurve it. I do. I'm in creative heaven now that I have more time to indulge in it.

After a loooong 2.5 hour walk exploring our city with Trav, Hank and Isla today (finally back into a home routine after travelling for most of the month,) I found the time to chop rhubarb out of our backyard. It's growing wildly in the back corner next to my garden boxes, and I've been eyeing it for quite some time. After getting a few tips from my awesome MIL, I've decided to take the plunge (rhubarb is something I've never ever worked with before, and I'm not sure I even like it). Travis loves rhubarb betty, so that's one of my many challenges for tomorrow.

I'm also planning on more DIY...for one, repainting and reupholstering our dining table and chairs. It sounds like a big job, but with the inspiration and amazing tutorials I've gathered from here, I'm ready to take it on...and am super excited for the overhaul. Our dining room is the one space in our house that isn't even close to how I envision it to be. I just came inside from an impromptu spray painting session of some lamp bases, and I'm super pumped with the results...especially because it was so easy.

And as another random side note...I found an amazing recipe (via pinterest of course) that yields CRISPY sweet potato fries every time. FINALLY! I love my sweet potato fries, but they often end up a soggy, burnt mess. I tested the recipe tonight...perfect. If you love these fries like I do, you better get on it.

And lastly, I have a baby shower to plan in - eep - less than three weeks! I'm excited to see it come together...more on that once I get pinning!

forgive me

I've been gone far too long. No excuses. Now look!

All better.

bits & pieces

*I've been having major chocolate attacks lately! WTF?! And I don't mean the odd craving. Like, I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And I do. Oh dear.

*Does anyone else think the song Judas by Gaga sucks?

*Loving the first dance sequence in Beyonce's "Run the World."

*The nursery is nearly complete...pictures to come after holiday!

*I'm reading Shania's book, From This Moment On. Kinda crappily written (really dumbed down), but I am interested in her story. Fame and the road there intrigues me.

*Is it just me, or does it seem like EVERYBODY (celebs included) is preggo? That's cool with me! More friends who are up for baby dates.

*I am OBSESSED with pinterest. Check out my boards! If you've never heard of it, go there NOW!

*I need to plant my garden and flowers right away...I hope waiting until after BC will suffice. At least I just helped my mother-in-law with her much larger garden, so I should get a little somethin' somethin' from there.

*My bestie better not have her baby before I'm home! I can't wait to meet Isla's new friend!!!!

*Wedding shower tomorrow! I love wedding season. And seriously plan to pretend I'm engaged and shop for a wedding dress again.

*I finally got a trim! Trav and I got side-by-side haircuts, with Isla sleeping between in her stroller. Funny stuff.

*Packing kinda stresses me out. Anyone else?

*I need a tan!

*I should go for a walk with Isla right now, but for some reason by energy is seriously lacking. (And it's windy!) Jillian video tonight I think. Why does my energy peak at 11 pm? (Perhaps because that's when the chiclet is in bed?)

*Just occurred to me that my plants need to be watered when I'm gone. Crap.

*I've been procrastinating on some writing projects. Double crap.

*I'm so ready to get away! Yayaya!

isla update

Here we are, Saturday afternoon. We leave for BC in a couple days, and I'll be MIA for a full two weeks! Woohoo! I still plan to internetz though.

Isla is sucking her hand right now. Not her fingers, but her full fist - her favourite past time these days. At nearly 16 weeks, she likes to stick out her tongue, chats and coos when you hum at her, cries more than she used to, eats a lot and often, and is beginning to roll onto her tummy. She officially laughed for the first time yesterday when I was sniffing her butt for a poop check...it just cracked her up! AND, Trav caught it on video, bonus!

We headed to the doctor on Tuesday and she weighs 13 lbs 7 oz. Not sure the stats on that, but it seems alright to me! Today we strapped on a size 2 dipe too.

As for sleeping, we've got our little routine. Down at 7, feed at 4, then back to bed until 7 or so. Active time for an hour or two, and then we both crash. Luckily the past few days have allowed us to nap together ;) Although I imagine our road trip will shake things up a bit...my positive choice of words!

bb

Before baby...

I was working frantically on this magazine (you can read it all there too). Since I left when everything was in draft form, a few changes have been made to my work...but you get the gist!

I'm about to eat some oatmeal, watching my little lady rolling - yes, rolling! - all over her play mat. She needs a bit of assistance to get on her stomach, but she's so close. Last night her and I napped from 5 to 7 (whoops!), then I fed her and she was in bed by 8:30...and didn't wake until 6 am! Wow. I just started following the principles (mainly much earlier bedtime) from Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child that I got from the library; so far, so good!

my loves

Recap: Mother's Day was awesome. Slept in, and woke up with Isla in my arms and diamond earrings on my pillow. Ahhhhmazing. And it still would've been without the earrings part : )

bath time

twinkle toes

Even though I know every inch of my baby, I really haven't seen Isla's feet all that much. But with the warmer weather as of late, we've been showing some more skin...and lo and behold, this girl has spidey toes! She spreads them apart like little claws!

Today we tried on our "Mexican dress," a gift from when Nanna was in Las Cabos. Pulled the shade up on the carseat, and out in the yard we went. I've been painting a little funky table for Isla's nursery - a $5 kijiji find. Will post when it's done!

we've been bronzed

And not the good kind...

Tonight I went to competition and watched a couple of my jazz classes that I taught for half the dance season. An awesome girl took over for me end of January (and thankfully our dance styles are quite similar), and she did amazing with the choreo considering I dumped everything on her since Isla came so suddenly. I've been checking in and subbing every once in awhile, but I was still excited to see them perform. Well, they did fairly well...I was guessing high silvers or so. But no...bronze. Ouch. Haven't had one of those since my first year of dance...you don't see them handed out too often these days.

It was disheartening because I feel they truly didn't deserve a bronze, especially considering the rest of the category (all silvers and one gold.) The adjudicator is local, and in my mind, had one particular style of dance she liked. Cookie-cutter anyone? That's all I'll say; after all, it's only one person's opinion. It's just a little frustrating when even the choreo award goes to numbers with not much thought or passion behind them...they follow the numbers and stay within the lines.

Me and Nat at competition a couple years ago.

Ok, that's off my chest! Perhaps I shouldn't care as much, but I just can't help it! I feel so invested in every student. I was just hoping our girls could've got a boost tonight. But then again, maybe this will make them work harder? It's true: motivating them and seeing them dance FULL OUT has been a challenge and they're just not there yet. I think we've got through to a few though...looking forward to watching a hardworking duet I taught this Sunday, and meeting my old dance teacher for lunch with the Isla-bean.

a few treats

Yesterday Isla and I went shopping with my sis-in-law and mom-in-law. The mission? Find SIL a grad dress. We FINALLY found one, at Laura of all places...and it's beautiful! Black and sleek with a flare hem to the floor; no puffy cotton candy glitter that is ubiquitous with grads. She'll look fantastic.

In the meantime, I had time to peruse...and snapped up a few things. It was so weird to be back in a change room trying on clothes, after going months not bothering because of my expanding figure.

What I got:

So comfy! 

(In red)

I was one of those people today...I called American Eagle wondering why the shorts I bought are $15 cheaper online. WTF? I was just browsing and realized the price difference. I'm never one to care (I made my first ever return to a store only a year ago!), but now with more time on my hands at home (and my attempt to be frugal, haha) I decided to suck it up and at least ask. The girl cited the American dollar and the shipping as the cost difference...but that makes no sense since our dollar is better and shipping is 7 bucks even. But oh well....I've got the shorts in my hands and don't have to wait for their arrival! (Although it did cross my mind to return everything and buy it all online ;o)

gallery wall

Via Pinterest

I love everything about this. Seriously, I think I may copy the frame layout...it's done perfectly!

smile hank!

Vintage Duck Photography

update: life

10:48 pm. Trav is having a few beers with his best buddy (a few....?) Isla is in bed. Baby monitor beside me. I just finished working out and am drinking a chocolate protein shake. It's an attempt at getting a bit more serious before I have to don my bikini in a few weeks...eight stinkin' pounds until I'm where I wanna be. (And it certainly doesn't help that Trav got Grandma to babysit this afternoon and took me to Lincoln Lawyer...the popcorn smelled divine! So obviously, I copped a few handfuls. Oh, the movie was really great too...a nice introduction back into our favourite nerdy pastime).

Anyway, life has been crazy the past few weeks. It's funny...you'd think technically being "at home" full-time would make the days feels different from the usual nine to five. I guess partly it's me...I thrive on a day that includes a list of at least five bullets being checked off...otherwise I feel as if I haven't accomplished much, haven't given the day all the potential it deserves. In theory it makes sense, but I can get pretty OCD about it. I'm trying to remind myself of just how crazily quickly Isla is growing, and to drink in EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. It's hard, especially with each day blending into the next. I now understand why Moms say they wish they could freeze time. And Isla isn't even three months old yet!

So what's been going on? I've been subbing dance, which I've been loving. Taking Isla with me and getting back into the studio just feels good. I had to play music last-minute at competition the other day (silly mixup, but I wasn't going to not go...loooooove the competition air!), and Trav had to work last minute as it turned out. So I strapped Isla on with the Baby Bjorn, and backstage we went. Think I'm a crazy stage Mom in the making? Haha.

I've also been helping people with their resumes. I just posted a small ad on kijiji, and the response hasn't been half-bad! It's nice to use my technical skills again. I've also got a few writing assignments that I'm about to start with Alberta Conservation; it's nice to stay in touch with them when I'm on maternity leave.

Along with making some extra cash (so we can make my dream come true and go to Maui this winter...Trav doesn't know my master plan yet), I've been slowly working away at finishing up the nursery, living room and guest room. Isla and I are finally enjoying some outdoor walks (not just in Costco!), and I'm trying to stay in touch with other mommies. I need to get in touch with my local Moms' group...I think it would be good for us since I tend to stay close to home if given a choice. Time to get out and meet the people of our new neighbourhood!

Trav and I are leaving for BC at the end of the month to make the rounds with my relatives. I'm beyond excited! It's been far too long, and there's just something about BC...the air is different. It's lovely.

Oh, Trav's at the door. Must've been just a few beers after all. Nighty night.

thinking too far ahead?

I've never been that into Halloween (even though it was often a big production around here since it's my sister's favourite holiday, hands down). BUT...what other excuse do I have to dress Isla like this?! Would that be mean? (Like when people dress their dogs up in ridiculous getups?) Because I think it's just plain cute overload!

Via Pinterest.

dreamy

Love this unexpected colour combo. I've been using it as inspiration for the nursery, but I seem to be adding in a LOT more colour...I figure the place to do it is a little girl's room!

Via Creature Comforts.

want!

Are these available here yet? I detest painting my nails (the smell coupled with the fact they chip in about an hour). Stickers? Yes please! Love the gold.

just chillin'

ha!

Ok, so I won't read this to Isla...but how awesome is it?! More commentary on the book here (and more on the interesting author too.)

otto-matic

I love DIY projects - especially easy peasy ones that don't take too much thought or effort. (Unlike the dresser in Isla's room, which took sanding, five coats of paint, and six months to finish...UGH!)

The project I'm showing you cost $15 total (but my Gma picked up the tab, so technically it was free for me!) I had been looking for an ottoman for the nursery, a comfy place to put my feet up for those bleary-eyed, middle-of-the-night feeds. And extra storage would be a great bonus! However, the only ones I could find were $80 at the cheapest...sorry, not in the budget!

So when I was out visiting my parents, we had a bit of time to pop into my hometown hamlet's haphazard, scarily-stuffed second-hand store. Unique Repeats it's called. When I spotted this little ottoman, I just had to have it...the top lifts off, and I loved the retro vibe. However, this isn't what it originally looked like! I stupidly didn't take a "before" picture, but I'll enlighten you: reddish brown vinyl on top. Ick.

Once I got the otto-baby home, I planned to buy a cute scrap of fabric. Problem is, with a little babes at home I can't run out and shop as much as I'd like...I know, I have it tough :) Plus I mused, surely I can do this for free? So I raided my closet and pulled out a skirt I haven't worn in a couple of years. I won't lie to you - I probably wouldn't squeeze back into it anyway! Pretty sure I got it when I was 15. Anyway, I ripped out some of the seams, cut it up, washed and dried it, and had Trav help me stretch it over the top and staple it on right over top of the vinyl. Ta da! This is what I ended up with, and I'm super happy with the result. It was easy, it adds a pop of colour, and I love that it's a original piece of furniture no one else has. Yay for recycling! Right now it holds all Isla's toys that she isn't quite ready for yet. A great place to stash pretty much anything, and of course, to put up my feet!

she's changing so fast

Psst...who has the biggest ears in this picture?

baywatch baby

like everyone else...

...I'm looking forward to reading Tiny Fey's new book, Bossypants.

Here's an excerpt from the book that I'm totally digging right now.

Prayer for a Daughter

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

pooping faces

so serene

What a beautiful staircase! I'm usually not one for white on white, but this house tour is just plain beautiful. I love how it's functional and effortlessly pretty.

bustin' out the boob

A do or a don't? I'm comfortable breastfeeding in public...but I do worry about what others might think. These celebs don't seem to. Love this link!

hey cupcake

Treasures. I love it when I'm in that "hunting" mood and score some cheapo finds at a vintage shop, warehouse sale, Winners, or this time...Goodwill! Yep, in ye old rough 'hood of Beverly is possibly the best Goodwill I've ever been to! (By the way, I'm so over Value Village...waaaaay overpriced for most of that junk).

Last week I spent $15 total on two black and white flower canvases for the guest bedroom (makeover in progress, big reveal soon!), two lamp bases for our bedroom ($2.99 each, just gotta buy the lampshades!) and the most adorable little present for Isla. Behold:

The top pops offs to reveal a candle that smells like coconut, yummmmmmmmy. Adorable for a nursery, don't you think? Anyway, I got this for $1.99...still in the box. Curiosity got the best of me and I had to know how much it's actually worth. A quick google search, and it turns out full price is $27! Wow. I'm pretty pumped about that. If you love it as much as I do and our willing to pay full price, here's the site where I found it.

Plus, Goodwill supports a great cause. It's a win-win. I'll be back soon...considering Trav has ONE pair of jeans right now, I think we'll make it our first stop. Couldn't hurt...especially since he loves saving money more than I do ;)

Happy hunting!

style wishes

Have you ever checked out lookbook.nu? I go there when I need a refresh, some inspiration. The people who post on there are fearless when it comes to fashion, not to mention totally original and crazy mature looking. The 18 year olds from Brazil look as if they have a ten-year supermodeling career under their intentionally but haphazardly twisted belts. Anyway, here are a handful of my faves for today.

friday friday friday

He he, I couldn't resist. Did you know that Rebecca Black's "Friday" music video has over 88 million (and counting) views on youtube? Trav routinely checks to see how much it's jumped up.

My bestie is a natural with babies...she's got 11 nieces and nephews.

Anyway, this weekend we're out of town again. Just to ye old Valley. Trav is playing in a hockey tourney, and when he's doing that, I'll get to stay with my bestie! She's due the first day of summer, so we'll probably mostly chat about babies, pull out cute girlie clothes, watch bad tv and cuddle Isla. My how times have changed compared to this time last year! Pregnancy wasn't on anyone's radar. The change of pace is welcome - it's nice to have some home-time after years of go, go, go. I do know though (people tell me so) that these days are short-lived, so we're trying to soak it all in!

*****

We just got back from Isla's first round of immunizations. Poor thing...combined with her nasty cold that's still hanging on, it was a tough go. She still hasn't napped today which is rare for her...she's in the swing (a lifesaver I tell you!) just relaxing and looking around. Hopefully those eyes close soon...I know she needs some sweet dreams.

how much longer?!

Seriously...how big are my brother-in-law's feet?

The sun did come out today...but our backyard is still covered in a foot of snow. Since actual spring can't come quick enough, I'm reminiscing about our Montana lake vacation a few years ago.

sick baby

On hiatus...caring for a very sick baby who isn't even eight weeks old is scary! Hoping she's on the upswing.

In the meantime:

The best (and easiest!) from-scratch french baguette recipe I've found. Technically not clean, but soooo delicious!

My latest youtube obsession and summer beauty inspiration. Seriously, how good does she look here?! (Pay no mind to the song~)

My sister-in-law's dress pick for her grad. Love that she's going un-poufy and hint of sexy and simple, all at once. And the price is right!

watch your back

art for the nursery...want!

LOVE these. I want the unicorn one...it reminds me of when I told my sister (and she believed everything I said to be true when she was four years old) that if we were animals, she'd be a dirty monkey and I'd be a magical unicorn.

You can buy them here. I wonder if I can get a friend to recreate my own version...