Fashion | What to don in your first ever hurricane

Maybe you've heard, maybe you haven't, but we're about to get a hurricane up in here! I'm usually a bit of a ninny when it comes to severe weather, but we're just far enough away that I must admit I'm a bit excited.

Hello, we don't get hurricanes in Michigan, or Ohio...

So basically, we're about to get some rain, or at least that is what this guy below tells me. Saturday afternoon you say? Well okay, then!

Naturally, my next thought is, "What should I do to prepare?" I don't think I'll need to be boarding up the windows any time soon, but I will probably be needing to make sure I have some proper footwear?

Yes, yes. Or no?

Thanks weather forecast. I liked where I was a moment ago. Lots. Of. Rain. I guess my first hurricane is going to be nothing too exciting after all...

Darn. I do love rain.

Decor | No sad walls around here!

Yes, you were all thinking it. “When is Mary going to get her butt in gear and make something?” 

Okay, maybe you weren’t, but I was.

When one decorates a new apartment, decisions must be made. Sometimes walls that would have once been gloriously covered are left barren. Such is the sad story of our bedroom wall. Our living room was begging for the wedding picture that used to hang above our bed, so I decided to get creative so that said bedroom wall would have some happiness, too. I instantly thought of some pillow-type of monogram made out of this rug I bought at the Women’s Commissioners sale a couple years ago. It ripped recently, but I loved the pattern and colors so much that I didn’t want to throw it out, so I kept it for a project such as this.

It would have been ideal to print out enormous letters in my chosen font, but we don’t have a printer, let alone a large one, so I picked a typeface that I liked and eyeballed it on some heavy drawing paper. I was a bit nervous about the sleek, modern font that I chose, called LT Oksana, but using it as a reference accomplished exactly the look I was hoping for. I wanted something clean, but not boring, so that the texture, pattern, and color of the rug would be the focus.

Have you ever tried something like this? The most difficult part for me was making the letters (don’t forget a 1/4” seam allowance! The “M” was just about the end of me.), but after that, it was a fairly simple process. I also recommend making things easier on your self and sewing a zig zag stitch around the outside instead of turning the letters with the seam inside. Of course, if your monogram is made with a chunky font, turning them shouldn’t be a big deal. Fortunately for me, the visible zig zag stitch works beautifully with the whole look of my monogram.

Have you had any bursts of craftiness lately? Or maybe some really good ideas?

Seb | What he’s been up to

This beautiful little man is a trooper. Despite the cold he came down with just days before we left Michigan (and passed on to us!), he did wonderfully during our long trip to North Carolina and throughout our first weeks, even managing to help us with various tasks! Despite how well he’s done, it’s been hard on him. In addition to his cold, he’s teething pretty badly—several swollen spots where his molars are coming in. Walks have been scarce, and carseat time has been frequent due to our many exploration/shopping trips. It breaks my heart when I think of how joyful he has been despite the challenges of these weeks. I think the highlight of his days right now is getting his teeth brushed at night.

Pointing is his favorite. He’s always trying to show us something cool that he’s noticed.

He’s been spending lots of time with Dada. It’s going to be hard on him when Cody starts school. He's also getting really good at understanding to "give it to dada!" It's impossibly adorable when he toddles down the hallway with a block to find Cody.

Which brings me to the next thing... He’s walking everywhere! It’s so fun to watch him waddle about the house and carry his tennis balls around. We just bought him some new soft soled shoes for wearing around inside. Do you know of any cute, but sturdy enough toddler shoes? I know Bobux has some good ones. Traditional baby shoe soles are just so stiff and clunky, and the poor little guy can barely take a step without tripping.

Newest talent? Talking on the phone! Just a few days ago the three of us were in the living room, when we looked over at Seb and realized that he was chatting away with someone on the “phone.” It was actually the tv remote, but he was holding it to his ear, pacing the room, and just jabbering away to his imaginary friend on the other end! It was quite possibly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Grrrraaarrrrr... Yes, he’s a growler! The skies turn blue when you growl at him, and you get extra points if you flail your arms in the air and scream when he growls at you. Just yesterday he almost passed out from laughing so hard. Man I love this little guy.

Home | Surfacing in Durham

Hi friends! I just have a few minutes at our local (yes, I said local!) Barnes & Noble to post a little update. Right now, it goes something like this: 


I love our apartment. It was surprising to me how much I would love our off white walls and white trim.


I still haven't been behind the wheel in N.C., which needs to change because I have no idea how to get places!


We visited an African Anglican church today and loved it. We've decided to go their consistently for the next few weeks instead of church hopping from the start, because we liked what we saw, the people we met, and because we both really want to get integrated into a community as quickly as possible. 


We've been to Super Target every day. Lame, but necessary.


Their are loads of pine trees, which I love, because it makes me feel like I'm in Florida, which is the only southern state I have to compare to N.C.


I have so much more to say, but Seb is getting sleepy. I'll try to get with it and write a more substantial update soon!


P.S. More photos to come! This was the only angle of the house that was tidy and (mostly) finished. It's such a process, but I'm having fun and enjoying our closets!

Home | We're off

We left our home late yesterday, and are leaving Wilmington early tomorrow for N.C. Can I cry yet? Oh yea. I already have. Let me tell you, last night was the first time I ever teared up because I was entering Ohio. I won't focus on the sob story, but there isn't a whole lot on my mind right now, except that I want to get in the car tomorrow and drive north.  We won't have internet for a few days, but I'll update with pictures, and I hope, something a little more uplifting when I get a chance.


For now, I'm focusing on a few things that always make me happy.

Decor | A roundup of inspiring home items

Lovely ombre bags. I want these cylindrical ones for dirty laundry! via


DIY chevron striped ceiling fan. via


The most lovely crib bedding. I am going to have to find a way to make my own. via


I love the idea of having a kitchen island, but hate how they often feel bulky. This one solves that problem.


image - decorating with baskets and lovely rugs.


p.s. This is in no way decor related, but thought it was so lovely and personally challenging. How to talk to little girls.

Seb | He'll always be a good midwestern boy

My sister and her roomies threw a going away party for us on Friday. It was such a lovely gathering with wonderful friends and some of the tastiest food I've enjoyed. Seb wasn't very hungry, so he opted for playing corn hole instead. Then, after partying hard, he snuggled up on his auntie's lap and listened to some tunes. We'll miss this place and the people so very much. Michigan, you haven't seen the last of us.