Holiday | Magical

How does Anthro have such magical Christmas decor? I love how each piece is so beautiful and intricate. Have you decorated for Christmas yet? I got our decorations box out of the closet yesterday and began to put red bows and candles everywhere. My mom, the floral arranging genius, made me a Christmas centerpiece that is very woodsy and wonderful. We're going tree shopping this weekend, and I can't wait to get out some of my Grandma's vintage ornaments. Oh yes, and I've been playing Christmas music nonstop—Bing Crosby (be still my heart).

P.S. Did I mention that I watched my favorite Christmas movie a couple nights ago?

Home | Love and stuffy noses

Isn't he perfect?

Sickness has been running rampant in our home for the last week, so life has  been tiring. Seb just turned 6 months and this is his first cold, the poor dear. He has been very fussy and needy—a new thing for him—and although it's been challenging, it's been wonderful to be able to cuddle with Seb and help him feel better. He is usually pretty independent, but he's shown how much he realizes my presence and my voice and how much he needs me to be with him. Being a mom really is the best.

Textile | I found it

I found the pattern that I want to use when I make Seb a quilt: Equilateral Triangles! Aren't these just lovely? Both are made by CarsonToo.

[photos via CarsonToo]

Home | Sweet cloudy days

"Even if I have to dig ditches for the rest of my life, I shall be a ditch digger who once had a wonderful day!  -Cornelius Hackl, Hello, Dolly!

Yesterday was a wonderful day.

In the afternoon we drove with the N's to Whole Foods (my first time!!!!!).  I know, hard to believe, right? Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay long and explore the whole store, but we did get to enjoy some samples, eat a late lunch, and peruse the baby aisle.

I bought some Burt's Bees diaper ointment for my baby and after one use vowed to never again use Desitin. So if anyone needs any, hit me up! I have tons. It's not that Desitin doesn't work well, because it really does. I have no complaints about it's effectiveness. I simply hate the way it smells. I don't know why, but I just don't like it. Burt's Bees Diaper ointment smells heavenly, though, like lavender and a million other delightful essential oils all wrapped into one. I used it last night as a preventative treatment since nighttime wetness can wreak some havoc, and Seb's little bottom was all clear this morning! I love it.

Speaking of babies, that happens to be the reason we were able to go to Whole Foods! Our friends, the R's, just had a beautiful baby boy and we got to visit him on just his second day in this world! He is simply precious and a wonderful gift from God. I can tell that B and J are going to be wonderful parents. It was so sweet to see them with their precious little one. I was sharing with MEN last night that when you have a baby you have to fight to keep spontaneity in your marriage. Gone, at least temporarily, are the days of deciding just about anything on a whim. This is true, but it is also true that a baby is such a joy and gift, and that he or she is worth every challenge. Cody and I have so much fun watching Seb dive, mouth open wide, towards his yellow spoon, or try with all his might to get those pesky toys to his mouth. Exhibit A.

Or whack himself in the nose with his toys. Exhibit B.

Or just look stinkin' adorable. Exhibit C.

Just a few days ago he lifted himself up on his hands! It looks like crawling is just around the corner for our little guy. He will be 6 months in just a few days, and I can hardly believe how quickly time has gone, and also how much God has been faithful to guide us through all the tough spots.

And now it is at this point that I wish I had the opportunity to share with you the little shoes that I made for baby J. But alas, and for the second time (grr), I have forgotten to take a picture. I guess I'll just have to keep making more!

On a cheerier note, tonight we are going to see Harry Potter! Although I must admit, I know what happens. Cody got me thinking that perhaps Ron or Hermione would be killed in the end, so I had to google "Who dies in Harry Potter 7" to find out. The info was too addictive, so I couldn't stop there. Oops!

Home | Just a little under the weather

I know I'm sick, and I know that sugar is a no no, but it still seemed like a good idea to savor a square of Ghiradelli's Espresso Escape Chocolate bar. This stuff is seriously good. I think it's safe to say that it is my favorite non-traditional chocolate bar. I still love some quality milk chocolate.

Here are a few links I've come across in my stuffy/sneezy state:

-I think that I could actually make this patchy blanket.

-This reminds me of my American Art History class, when we studied early American homes. I loved that class.

-I've always wanted to design and make my own stuffed animal.

-Bess' blog has seriously been keeping me company during my prolonged couch-time today. Plus, she's having a moleskin notebook giveaway! I'll confess, never before have I wanted a moleskin notebook, but she makes them sound über cool.

-Cool yarn. Don't let the dull website facade fool you.

-Hither & Thither, besides having the sweetest blog name, has the loveliest things to share. I adore their last two: the perfect red, and antler decor (I don't care if it's "out", I would like one in my house).

-One word, one obsession: Terrarium

Mmm.. right now I wish I had a cozy screened in porch with a fireplace, a blanket and a hot cup of tea. Maybe someday, but right now, I'm going to take advantage of baby's nap time and get some shuteye on the couch.

Decor | A Pouf

I used to think, "What could be better than a pouf?" Well, a knitted pouf, my dear. For those of you that knit, you should highly consider making this your next project. While you're at it, you could make me one, too. Pretty please!

Free pattern here.

[photo & info via Katy Elliott]

Home | Photo journal of lately

Ratatouille's Ratatouille = Perfection

Bathtime

lounging with Nanny

 

Lighting the candles for Cody's mom's birthday

The birthday girl

Grandaddy with Seb

Grandmother with Seb

Paw Paw and Seb at Breakfast (I love this one)

Seb chewing the Elephant toes just like Aunt Anna taught him

 

Style | My new boots!

I am ridiculously excited about these boots that just arrived in the mail today! They are my first pair of boots (if you don't count farm boots and snow boots—oh and my furry boots that my friends affectionately call my "roadkill boots.") I absolutely love these. They are the perfect color: Cognac; the perfect height: below or above the knee; and the perfect fit: small enough for my chicken legs—and by legs, I mean calves, because heaven knows that my thighs are not of chicken-like proportions. Haha.

Have you bought something fabulous lately?

Food | Beautiful things

[via 13bees]

If I had known a dress like this existed, I might have worn it on my wedding day. I can't get over how exquisite it is!

[via Glamour]

Also, my new favorite snack is apricots. Once, a friend made chocolate dipped apricots and I can't stop thinking about how tasty they were. Thinking I must make some soon.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! We're in Cinci with Cody's family to celebrate his mom's birthday and are having so much fun.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

To make you warm

[via]

[via] Photography using a turn-of-the-century 11 x 14 inch wood camera by Judith Pushett and Kevin Irby

[via]

The Dignity of Motherhood

 
On days when being a mother is somewhat exhausting, I think it's helpful to look at images like this, and realize that there are mothers all over the world who are still struggling in the midst of poverty and destitution, not knowing how they will feed their children tomorrow.

I love the dignity and strength that Dorothea Lange reveals in this photograph of a Migrant Mother. I may make booties for my baby, but this woman—she is supermom.

Style | Wide vs. Skinny

What do you think? Skinny or wide leg? I tend to think that it doesn't really matter what the trends are, if the result is that you're sacrificing figure flattering styles. I would much rather see wide-leg jeans on a woman than skinny jeans if the latter is going to be unflattering on her. A lot of what makes a woman's style is her ability to assess what looks the best on her. Plus, if I looked like this woman (Thursday, September 09, 2010, On the Street....Ninth Ave., NYC) in wide leg jeans, I would never wear anything else. But on the flip side, this woman looks great in the skinny-legged variety. Which do you prefer?

[photo via Refinery29]

Home | Post Homecoming

 
Now that Homecoming is over and life in this college town resumes it's customary glamour, I've got a few things on my mind...

Chocolate, as per usual
Hungry Howie's Pizza and Cheesy Bread, ditto above
This Coat (because it's cold here, and I'm ga ga over all things quilted right now)
Candles, because next to house plants, they are the best thing to make a house feel like home. My favorite scents are Pumpkin, Hazelnut and Pine.
And the Hedgehog pillow I'm working on—story and inspiration to come later.

Off to read a bit and go to bed. To my dear friends whom I got to see this weekend: I love you. Come back.

[Photo via Talbots]

Home | As promised... woodland family

Home | Socks and other things

I love socks once the weather gets cold. These are going on my wishlist.
Have time to kill today? Google image search Mark Shaw Photography. You're in for quite a treat.

Sebastian's first Halloween was quite delightful. His... FOX costume(!) was a hit and I look forward to sharing pictures with you later today (I hope). Life has been a bit crazy with several doctor's appointment's for the little guy, finishing our Halloween costumes, and making veggie soup and sugar cookies. I've also been reading David McCullough's book Brave Companions. It's addictive.

Seb is being Mr. Cranky Pants today, so I'm off for now.