Fitness | Can't have your cake and eat it, too.

[via Bright, Bold and Beautiful]

A little over a week ago I gave up desserts until I get back down to my pre-baby weight. Before you get worried, know that I'm doing it from a practical standpoint. Have you ever found yourself not fitting into any of your clothes? I can't live in yoga pants and tanks for the rest of my life—It get's cold here—and I don't have the kind of budget to go out and buy a new wardrobe, so my only option is to fit back into my old one. Sounds extreme, but it's going really well! I've noticed that giving up sweets has made me more conscious of everything else that I eat. I'm really excited about this challenge even though I was offered a delicious slice of flour-less chocolate cake a few nights ago... terrible, I know.

Have you ever given up something that you loved for a little while? One thing I know is that I want a fork-full of this cake as soon as my sweets fast is over. Mmm...

Pregnant | For my pregnant Friends

Sandra Bullock's baby Louis is so precious. If you ever get a chance to pick up the May 2010 issue of People, it is worth it for the gorgeous pictures of them together.

When I count how many friends I have that are expecting new little ones, I can hardly believe it. I'm so excited for these new babies to arrive! I just happened upon this article on Simple Mom that might be helpful to read for those of you nearing the end of your pregnant days. A few others to check out on Calming Delivery Day Fear, Increasing Your Milk Supply, and Swaddling.

The maternity top I would buy if I were still pregnant.

My list of what you will need most as a new mom.

If you're dying to get crafty, make your own burp cloths!

Home | Where Your Treasure Is

I'm taking a vacation of sorts for the next 2 weeks. What will I do while I'm away?

Take care of my patient and loving husband and our beautiful baby boy. Daily keeping in mind this verse: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. | Proverbs 3:27

I want to give all my time, love and energy to those around me, catch up with friends whom I haven't talked to in far too long, vacuum the apartment, make orange cranberry biscuits, run and do pilates, drink a cup of green tea every day, and study God's word earnestly.

Most of all I want to be a good wife. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. | Proverbs 31:12

...And a seeker of God. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. | Proverbs 8:34-35

Decor | Plants Everywhere

I love this idea. It makes me wonder where else one could tuck away a little succulent garden or some other plant! Any ideas?

P.S. If I were ever to have a dog, I would get this one. Also, remember these? ... cuter version, here.

Style | Brown Bear

Alpaca Cardigan
Toothpick Cord


Mountain to Malasana pants
Something for baby, too... Baby Gown

While everyone is still dreaming about the bright colors of summer, I'm fantasizing about brown things. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy these items as much as I do.

Note: These items should never be worn together.

DIY | Fabric Covered Buttons

[via shagpile]

I am in the crafting mood, and would love to make some cute cushions for my kitchen chairs like this one, and found this how-to video on making fabric covered buttons! It looks like this site has more helpful craft videos, too. Tutorial here

Home | Sweet Summer

Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book






Alma Pottery Milk Cup

Southbound to my parents this afternoon, and lots to do before we go. I am trying cloth diapers with Seb and they make the poor little guy's bottom larger than his head. Thankfully right now we're using disposable when we travel. He is so smiley, though, and has some eager grandparents and aunts and uncles that can't wait for his arrival. Family breakfast, coffee with KT and a little shopping, too! This post pregnancy thing is killing me in the wardrobe department... can't wait to fit into my old clothes again!

What are you doing this weekend? Here are some things that remind me of home. Also, I love love love this mug...

For more home.

Seb | Tummy Time Remix

Seb hates tummy time, so I tried laying him on a pillow, and it worked much much better. He kept pushing himself down, though, which is what I caught here, along with his adorable yawn.

Dear Dahlia

[via Shelter]


Rothenburg ob der Taube


Thanks Gina!

Last night a friend came to visit and brought a huge dahlia bloom that her mom sent from her garden. It's sitting in a bowl on my coffee table, and I am thoroughly enjoying how lovely it is. In July of 2008, I was studying in Germany and went to Rothenburg o.d.T. and snapped the above shot of an enormous dahlia. I'm so glad to have one gracing my living room.