formerly known as emj

Hayden - 5 mos & 6 mos

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

My baby girl isn't so baby anymore and now I almost want another tiny newborn.. almost. but not yet.

- She's eating baby oatmeal and pears that I made her everyday now. I need to add a vegetable and a 2nd feeding to her day but it has been way harder to be regular with her one feeding than I thought it would be. Problem is it has nothing to do with her and everything to do with how well I feed myself.. I sadly usually skip lunch and often times breakfast consists of coffee..

- We feel like she will start crawling at any moment but for the time being she prefers pushing her self backwards or into a push-up position.

- She has been sitting almost completely without help for a while now I have to keep my eye on her though because she likes to lean back and we unfortunately have hardwood floors (yes, unfortunately I am one person that actually prefers carpet).

- Hayden is rather talkative and becomes super social in most settings after a little bit of warming up to people time.

- Since the addition of her big girl crib instead of her co-sleeper she takes all naps in it. With the exception of a few this past week because she hasn't been feeling so great from teething and a flu shot last week.

- Christmas: H's first Christmas was a hit! She loved ripping paper from her presents and then eating it.

Now to begin working on her birthday party.. Less than 6 months to go.

This Week

2012-01-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

Am Listening To:
-The Digi Scrap Show: Episode where Becky Higgins discusses how Project Life was started and her scrapbooking career.. its a good listen check it out
-My honey and my baby girl snoring together on the couch :)

Am Watching:
-Vampire Diaries: I just might be obsessed with vampires but this show rocks and um not to mention some cute guys.
-Biggest Loser: as always I love this show and glad Anna Kournikova<=Probably spelled wrong, is not back but still miss Jillian!!
-What's Your Number: Cheesy funny and chick flicky but I loved it!
-The Ides of March: Love a good political movie, would have liked a little more resolution at the end but oh well.
Am Reading:
-A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family by Mary Ostyn: loving this book its a great Christian family reference.. large family or not.
-Family Feasts for $75 a Week by Mary Ostyn: lots of great ideas in this one so far too.
Am Thinking About:
-My personal struggles with fear and dislike.Plus how to let God care and comfort that part of my soul.
Want To Do:
-Get scrappin more and get Hayden to sleep through the night but I'm not gonna bother trying to get to that second item.. lol..

Teething Bites

2012-01-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Literally...

I love my little cutie but she has become this little scary beast that bites and screams and pulls hair...

but then she smiles at me with this little goober smile that I just love

- Poor little no eyebrows girl -

you are in pain and emotionally unstable (welcome to being a girl)

and I love you so much and no matter how many times you bite me...

I will still love you to the best ability my human flesh can

Project Life

2012-01-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

I think I originally heard some buzz about Project Life mid-last year and my then prego brain promptly forgot about it. Then a couple months ago I randomly found Becky Higgins' blog and site and became reacquainted with it and fell in love, especially all the new additions this year.

I originally just wanted to do a modified Project Life book as Hayden's first year scrapbook but then decided wouldn't it be super fun to do a family album every year. Why yes of course! It may sound daunting... but its really not. The system that Becky Higgins has created is as easy or as hard as you want to make it.. I'm some where in between those. Also this year there are digi scrap versions and also Shutterfly photobook versions. But I'm not into that :) I love me some physical scrap goodies and techniques!

Close-ups:

Project life is a system created by Becky Higgins to help you simplify how you document life and preserve memories. It’s a reminder to celebrate the little things. You can find out more about Project Life here.

Hello, I Love You: Turquoise.. I mean Blue

2012-01-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Usually blue looks a different to me..

No, I'm not color blind :)

I just have a love for all things turquoise

So heres to my blue... Turquoise

I really want these... need more rain to justify purchasing them though

Anthropologie Latte Bowls - they are out of this color at the moment of course

Le Creuset lovelies

Some more coffee inspo since we are a Starbucks family ;)

This Vase?! Oh Anthropologie... I have no use for this vase. I have 5 vases that I never use except maybe once a year but gosh darn it! That vase is gorgeous and I stare at it every time I go to Anthropologie which happens to be 2 blocks from our home... one word - Dangerous.

Okay so my mixer is the color of the vinyl on that mixer but whoever thought to put vinyls on mixers is a genius! and I would love one, just not that color... I think you get what I mean lol

Linking up to Heather

fill in the blank friday on saturday

2012-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

1. The last thing I ate was brownie w/ ice cream and whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles .

2. The last song I listened to was Hayden's Fisher Price Rainforest Music cd... .

3. Using the letters in my name I can spell Emily... Em, Me, mile, elm.. pretty sure the rest of the things I come up with would be questionable as being actual words so I give up .

4. If I had to dress in one color for the rest of my life I would pick gray because I basically do already lol I have a serious issue with buying things in gray especially sweaters and coats and shoes... .

5. If you were to look in my bag right now you'd find baby blankie, binky, translucent powder, lipgloss, lip balm, my erin condren planner, 7 year pen, kindle, wallet, baby mittens, baby socks, sophie giraffe, bug rattle, blogger moo cards, hand sanitizer, body balm from the body shop, my water bottle .

6. When I finish filling in the blanks I'm going to write another blog post .

7. My all time favorite song to dance to is okay I have 2: forever by chris brown and got to give it up by marvin gaye - I literally cannot not dance when either of those come on .

Apartment Made Home

2012-01-12T00:31:00.000-08:00

One of the first things I did in the new year was write out a list of all the home decor projects I want to accomplish this year. I am in love with our apartment, it has beautiful high ceilings and the whole wall in our kitchen dining area is covered in windows that give great light to our living room too.

Thankfully/Surprisingly I got started right away on the list by putting up that lovely chalkboard in our kitchen/dining area. I'm trying to keep the momentum going by re-organizing everything and starting a new to be sold at Just Between Friends / go to the Goodwill pile.

Expedit & craft area midway through re-organizing

The 2012 Decor List

Living Room

Spray paint my Ikea Ung Drill frame - I love this frame and I'm still debating if I want it yellow or turquoise..

Get our family picture from Christmas printed to put in the frame
Buy & hang a 12x12 shadow box frame to rotate my scrapbook layouts in throughout the year
Hang my Naptime Diaries print that is on its way here - I'm thinking I want to hang it all hipster-like with a wooden pant clamp hanger

Make embroidery hoop art stitched with our last name on it
Order a custom item from my friend Betsy
Get some 8x8 Instagram prints to frame/hang
Paint frame of bulletin board
Attach fabric to bulletin board
Make or buy some sort of key holder
Put out more picture frames
Make some more throw pillows for our couch

Craft/Play Area

Add book storage for Hayden (spinning metal rack... wall shelve... too many options..)
Re-paint for Hayden my kid-sized table and chairs my Dad made me
Put patterned and chalkboard contact paper on spinning rack
Reorganize craft area and books (in progress)
Hang Ikea Merete curtains

Bedroom

Hang kitchen bars plus hooks and baskets from Ikea for jewelry and makeup storage
Purge old and unused makeup
Make an earring frame
Hang brown linen curtains
Make some sort of garland for our four-poster bed
Finish hanging art for walls
Purge unworn clothing

Kitchen

Order Livy Love Designs Good Moms print to hang

~~Hang chalkboard~~
Hang my magnetic knife rack
Hang Paris rack
Organize my cleaning supply closet
Organize cupboards more effectively

Hallway

Organize storage and books

Bathroom

Hang/frame "wash hands and brush teeth" print
Sew loops to towels for better hanging
Order a mason jar soap pump

Garage

Clean out & organize

hello i love you : Kitchens

2012-01-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

My friend Heather has been doing these posts for awhile now and just started them as a linky par-tay!

I am beyond excited to be able to join in :)

This weeks theme is : Kitchens

west elm

chalkboard/metal/wood

kids sewing basket apron

i dream of white or grey cabinets and farm-house sinks

coffee always

Why don't you go link up too!

As Martha would say, "It's a good thing!"

fill in the blank friday on saturday

2012-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

1. One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is take a bath or read .

2. When I have free time I tend to ... free time is kind a relative term when you are a sahm because my schedule at least isn't normal and I don't really schedule free time I just take 15-20 min here or there .

3. If I had an entire day completely to myself I would get a pedicure, go craft/fabric shopping, go grocery shopping, and then just read and write the rest of the day .

4. I would prefer to spend my free time (alone or with others...) both, I am mostly an introvert but also need to be around people some days since being a mommy can be lonely sometimes .

5. Most of my free time happens during the day before hubs is home cause its easier to do and play with Hayden at the same time or at night when everyone is sleeping.

6. The best thing about free time is that you can use it or lose it :) .

7. The next time I have free time I should probably finish reading one thousand gifts but instead, I'll probably work on project life .

January 2012

2012-01-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Cute desktop background from wild olive

I literally almost typed 2011...

I'm so excited!! why? Well because January is my second favorite month!

Duh..

Remember, I love a fresh start

Its my motivation to clean/organize/plan

Goals for 2012:

-Menu plan: Its been hard for me to get this down. Since our schedule is far from normal and needs to be kept loose since things tend to suddenly come up. I really only need to plan 4-5 dinners a week but I need to plan breakfast and lunch because I tend to forget/neglect to feed myself.

-Bible Study: Late last year I decided that for 2012 I wanted to read through the Bible chronologically. I would love to read in the morning but in this stage of mommyness it isn't exactly possible for me. I also want to try to get back to journaling about my Bible reading.

-Project Life: I'm still figuring out what this will look like for us.. Most likely it will be a weekly collection of photos and journaling and not necessarily a picture a day cause lets face it some days are just boring. I've started my title page and am working on organizing my supplies today. I'm hoping to post my pages weekly so you can see our week in review as well.

-Organization/Decor: We got a lot done on our apartment before and the first few weeks after Hayden was born while Patrick was home but now its time to fine-tune everything. I wrote out a list of all the little projects I have in my head to do this year and have already completed a couple!

-Business: I am working on adding new product and trying to streamline the way I make and list product. I would also love to try doing a craft fair this year too!

-Blog: First off its been super dull around here... I need to get back to posting about Hayden.. and I also want to really find my strengths and focus my writing and projects toward those.

What are your favorite topics or posts I've written over the past year?

fill in the blank friday on saturday

2011-12-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

1. New Years is a fresh start. get organized, get fit, get better at anything - its my favorite time to start something new .

2. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to do project life .

3. A New Year's resolution I've made in the past was to be more organized... which I am but want to improve even more this year .

4. The most time consuming resolution I ever made was I think I haven't made any like that because I always feel like I have so little time already .

5. This year I will be spending New Year's Eve I realized I haven't done anything for new years the past 3 years, so why bother changing that tradition .

6. If I could wish one thing for my new year it would be to be more adventurous .

7. 2012 is going to be so fun with our almost 6 month old .

Belated Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was a little interesting this year due to Patrick having to work the day after but it was a fun first Christmas for Hayden either way.

Heres a glimpse of our Christmas card... that I still haven't received from Tiny Prints since they have sent it to our old address 2x! but somehow the envelopes made it to the right place.. Pictures taken by Kim

and please enjoy a fun little Christmas favorites survey

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?

Egg nog

2. Colored lights on tree/house or white?

either

3. Do you hang mistletoe?

No, but I should…

4. When do you put your decorations up?

This year I did Thanksgiving week but I usually wait till after

5. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Yes

6. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

We have a small white tree with white lights and I do a mix of silver and turquoise ball ornaments plus all of my special ornaments I gathered growing up and the few I have added since we've been married.

7. Snow! Love it or dread it?

Love, love it but since we don't have it where we live I could never dread it

8. Can you ice skate?

I haven't been since I was 6 so I'm not sure but I'm really good at all other skating

9. Do you remember your favorite gift?

Most likely my Easy-Bake oven or American girl doll

10. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?

Keeping focused on Jesus' birth and enjoying time with family

11. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Peppermint candy cane cookies

12. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Driving around to look at Christmas lights

13. What tops your tree?

At the moment nothing... I'm still looking for the perfect topper

14. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?

Definitely the GIVING. I love watching people open gifts!

15. Candy canes: Yuck or Yummy?

Kind of yuck... but I still eat them

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-22T01:40:00.000-08:00

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is obviously by "singing loud for all to hear" plus cookies don't hurt .

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is just getting to spend time with family .

3. The holiday season is a time for reflecting on the birth of Jesus .

4. My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is mmm not really anything Christmas food is never quite as good as Thanksgiving .

5. I will be spending Christmas in Oakdale with my family :) .

6. Tis better to (give or receive?) give. I love watching people unwrapping gifts .

7. I'm dreaming of a happy Christmas.

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

So sorry, its gotten real boring around here the past few weeks but when holidays happen my brain just kind of goes --- mush...

1. My most favorite "little thing" is Hayden .

2. I give anything to feel relaxed - I'm so high stress feeling and I can't turn it off till everything is done .

3. I can't believe I haven't started making Christmas gifts yet?! .

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is cut out all pieces for gifts .

5. The last thing I want to do today is procrastinate but too late for that lol .

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: ... .

7. My favorite candle scent is voluspa - baltic amber and yankee candle - home for Christmas .

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-09T10:58:00.001-08:00

1. Love is a honor and treasure bestowed from one to another and real love is true commitment to be together through everything, thick and thin .

2. Being in love feels like I could never do the feeling justice, it is way too hard to explain - its wonderful, painful, beautiful and so much more all at once .

3. My favorite quote about love is 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same' -Emily Bronte excerpted from Wuthering Heights .

4. The most important thing in a relationship is loyalty and commitment in general .

5. A "deal breaker" for me in a relationship is someone who just gives up .

6. The way I show love in my relationships is serving my husband - obviously not in a slave way but as a housewife (I have no qualms about being called that- I am a reformed feminist shown the light through God's divinely given roles and feel I truly thrive in this role), prettying myself up lol .

7. I love Patrick Lee Tucker .

Who do you love and how do you love them?

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-01T19:12:00.001-08:00

1. The holiday season is a time of joy and reflection on the past year .

2. Snow makes me happy because I've only gotten to see it a few times in person .

3. The best comfort food to eat when it's cold out is a big breakfast or some really yummy soup (baked potato soup from safeway is good) plus grilled cheese .

4. Winter is the best time for rain, socks, running .

5. I can hardly wait for Christmas .

6. When it comes to holiday gifts I prefer to give them and make ones to give .

7. If I were to rate my excitement about the holiday season on a scale from 1-10, I would say I am at about a 8/9 this year is fun since its Haydens first Christmas (btw we have decided to not do the santa thing) and that we are finally spending some holiday time with my family (first time since we've been married) .

December 2011

2011-12-01T13:50:00.001-08:00

This month's calendar is from the Free People blog

Can you guys believe that so soon this year will be coming to a close?! It feels like it just started!

Last month was a little bit cray-cray...

and of course this month will be too! you know that Christmas holiday and all.

- I am loving the already sweet time that the Hope Church leadership team is gonna be taking over the next few weeks to unify and strengthen bonds. Ministry is never easy... Coming alongside each other more diligently will be refreshing and I'm sure very fruitful for our precious body.

- To start off the season right Saturday is Crafts & Crap night (4 awesome crafts plus yummies)

- Celebrating Advent: I'm all for it! I've got this adorable felt advent wreath, advent book and advent activities and banner set up.

- Christmas eve: I hope to chill at home with the babe and hubs but who knows it may get hijacked...

- Christmas day: Church family service in the morning, Yay! Its kinda fun to celebrate the birth of Jesus as a whole church body on the (alleged) day of His birth. Hubs is the Hope church < music director > and the ideas and glimpses I've heard for Christmas service line up are going to be so beautiful. After service we will be headed to my Aunt Carol's in Oakdale. I just love it out there and we are planning on spending the night too!

Hayden - 4 months

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

The littlest zebra of all

Baby girl is 4 months... Everyday I feel like she is less baby and more little girl and she is still so young but so much older. We are loving her non-stop smiles and giggles and sometimes she even snorts. Little goober baby! At her 4 month well check she weighed in at 15 pounds (about 78 percentile) and is in the 25th percentile for head circumference and height.

She also fit perfect in the box our fruit snacks come in

-Hayden is very vocal and loves to giggle!

-Has rolled over from back to front a couple times but I don't think she cares to roll much

-Loves playing on her play mat or in her high chair

-Now gets carried in the sling facing front in a kangaroo carry position and loves looking out

-We also upgraded the stroller from the bassinet to the regular seat

-Is finally starting to enjoy taking baths, especially ones with mama

-I feel like she is on the brink of sitting up almost all on her own

-Went up a snap size in her Flip diapers

-Still mostly bald and eyes are still blue!

My little model with her grump face on

and whoever said girls couldn't like comic books and Spiderman is seriously wrong!

fill in the blank friday on monday?

2011-11-28T22:27:00.001-08:00

1. Waking up at the break of dawn to go shopping is my idea of torture.. I like waking up early but I will not do the black friday thing-having worked at least the past 6 black fridays I have no urge to do anything like that .

2. If I were to go shopping today I would be on the hunt for Um hello this overachiever is done with her Christmas shopping and just needs to make presents now .

3. The best thing I ate yesterday (thanksgiving) was hmmm I can't say there was one thing that was the best they all were pretty equal and great together .

4. Something I've been learning lately is how to be thankful .

5. I cannot start my day without coffee - as if there is anything else .

6. My nighttime attire consists of pj pants, socks, t-shirt or tank .

7. I am looking forward to crafts & crap night is on Saturday and the 4 crafts we are doing are gonna be f-u-n .

silly girl

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

i'm weird because:

i don't eat eggs and rarely eat mayo and think cheese on veggies and fish is a bad ideacooking lu

i know the words to wayyyy too many songs

i put garlic powder on grilled cheese sandwiches

i never wear shoes in my home

i want a big family

i plan on homeschooling our kids

i have exercise induced asthma and slow eyes (no joke I am prescribed to do exercises to strengthen them)

i love to label things

i pull out loose hair

i don't like ketchup on fries or burgers

i'm not a cuddler

i love a good cry

we never use top sheets, i take them to the goodwill

i've known how to use chopsticks since age 6

i won't usually buy clothing items unless they are 50% off or more

i've decided not to do santa
i hate making lunch

i'm a bad friend because:

i hate talking on the phone

i am the worst at writing thank you cards and when i do write them i forget to give them to people

i get really insecure sometimes and have been known to read into something that i shouldn't have

i wear my heart on my sleeve and it sometimes gets bruised

i am too blunt sometimes

i'm a good friend because:

i will answer a text or email asap

i go with the flow and am up for almost anything

i am very, very loyal

when i trust you, i really trust you. and when i love you, i really love you

i like to have a really good conversation

i am honest and you can ask me anything

i love to spoil their kids and them ;)

i'm sad because:

i always feel like i'm or its never enough

i miss my family everyday

i dwell on little annoyances

i'm happy because:

i will and nothing will ever be enough except Jesus

we are going to my aunt's on Christmas!!!

i love this season

Hayden takes better naps now that she has a routine

i'm excited for:

Christmas decorating

the Spitzer's coming to town

crafts & crap - winter edition coming soon

our first date night since baby will be on Thursday

fill in the blank friday

2011-11-18T12:37:00.001-08:00

1. A nervous habit I have is pulling my hair, not to hurt but to get loose hairs out ... i know weird, right .

2. Something that makes me sad is people joking about babies or abortion or marriage, there is a line between funny and sacred .

3. Today I am thankful for our little family, I love having a family of our own - no drama from the outside (at the moment - who knows once we have more kids and they get older) sometimes I wish it could just be us .

4. My favorite room in my house is our living room/my craft desk area/entryway its quite the combo but its warm and inviting and I love it .

5. I can't stand people that don't use turn signals .

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would I don't really know I am horrible at not spending money.. which is my main goal for the new year - creating a budget and sticking to it .

7. The last person I hung out with was my friend cindy - we had a nice discussion time of honesty, our lives and some ministry ideas .

Bluum Box 2

2011-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

I received -October's Bluum box: Girl Talk- a couple weeks ago but have just finally gotten round to trying my products. This month they are super fab and still a few more to try.

1. Baby Symbolizer App- I'm lazy and you have to email them to get a redemption code and I am hesitant to bother anyways since Hayden would just eat and drool on my iPhone... Cool idea though.
2. Dr.Robin Shampoo/Body Wash and Sunscreen Samples- Also have not tried these yet.. I don't think Hayden really needs sunscreen at the moment but I will definitely try the body wash during her bath today.
3. Baby Gourmet Juicy Pear & Garden Greens- Hayden isn't eating solids yet but I 'm planning to start her on them next month since someone is getting her highchair for Christmas. I have given her tastes of things though and I'm thinking she would probably like this as long as its more pear-y.
4. Strivectin-SD- I don't know any girl that wouldn't want a sample of Strivectin. A modern miracle worker for wrinkles and stretch marks. I've used it only around my eyes and forehead wrinkles at night for the last 3 days so far (they suggest morning and night) and I think it is tightening a bit. It has a light tingle/cooling feeling when you put it on, which I love. The only problem is if I end up liking it - a 5 oz tube is $135 bucks!
5. Super cute bonus magnet- bees are kind of Hayden's theme for her decor, so I love this. I can't wait till she is big enough to play with magnets on the fridge.
6. CJ's Butter- I heard about CJ's Butter a few months ago through a cloth diapering board and have wanted to try it but already have a couple diaper creams. I received their Toasted Almond & Cherry Blossom scent and seriously if I didn't know better I would eat it because it is so delicious smelling! Not only does it smell amazing, it is super soft and glides on providing a nice barrier for little one's bum and seems to heal a rash almost instantly. I will definitely be using CJ's Butter from now on and I can't wait to try some of their other scents (some faves: blueberry crumble, coconut lime dream, honeyed patchouli and warm vanilla cake) and supposedly its good for dry skin, eczema and can even be used as leave-in conditioner too.

Hope everyone is having a good month, its been crazy busy for us and about to get crazier but all in good fun!

Grand Opening

2011-11-12T16:17:00.001-08:00

Oh hey - I finally got around to taking pics of product!! I'm excited! if you couldn't tell...

This little lady made a great model

Pretties!

Schmancy Pretties!

Basic Pretties!

Check the bitties out by clicking the shop above

p.s. Someone now likes her thumb

fill in the blank friday

2011-11-10T22:52:00.001-08:00

1. My favorite new blog of the moment is Milk-Friendly .

2. Something I am thankful for is my husband and little girl .

3. Something that made me laugh this week was the latest episode (naked) of New Girl it was redonkulously hilarious .

4. An item that is currently on my wish list is a kelly moore bag or minnetonka boots .

5. I am excited about Christmas!! .

6. If I were a color I would be (turquoise)not only is it my favorite color but it is cool, calm, happy and bright - which I try to exemplify .

7. My favorite way to spend a chilly fall day is by sitting cozy on my couch with my baby girl and a warm drink .

fill in the blank friday

2011-11-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

1. My favorite thing about this week was/is the rain and cold are finally back .

2. Colder weather makes me happier than a clam .

3. Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are my husband, my baby girl and new close friend relationships .

4. If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose my gap city flats, super comfy - compact - and versatile .

5. My personality type is INFP: Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving .

6. I have a serious problem resisting food in general .

7. My favorite color to wear is grey - I own way too much of it .

Crafts & Crap

2011-11-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Before marriage and baby I was a crafting queen and recently I decided I need to get back to crafting.. because I'm kind of a craft supply hoarder I needed some friends to join in depleting some of those supplies.

So I created Crafts & Crap!

Simple request: Bring 2 sheets of felt, embroidery thread, a journal, some scissors and a Fall sweet or treat.

I ended up making these and this, please excuse the blur I was busy detangling from marshmallow

- Fall Leaf Garland - Friendship Bracelets - Thankfulness/Prayer Journals

Check out our Pinterest board and maybe get some inspo for your own Crafts & Crap night.

and since this night was a night of Pinterest successes I'm linking up at Craft & Crap night attendee Jessica Johnson's monthly Pintertest Kitchen...

November 2011

2011-11-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Where has this year gone?! I have a 3 and a half month old and less than 2 away from a new year...

Some lovely things coming this month

- Our 2nd wedding anniversary on the 14th! That seems so little and it feels like its been much longer but I'm so thrilled and excited to be married to this baby-wearing cutie.

- An especially adorable couple, Cari & Jordan are getting married in a library (jealous of that awesomeness) on the 19th.

- THANKSgiving!! I'm not gonna lie to you I mainly love it for the food!

- Finally its starting to feel more like Fall?! I was expecting this hmm about a month ago.. but I'll take it anytime.

- My computer background pick for this month is from SrslyLiz

blog your heart - 2

2011-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

1. My eating has sucked this month - Sorry hubs but I can't buy soda anymore, Safeway had 12 packs buy 2 get 2 free... SO I have had at least 24 cans in the past 2-3 weeks. Ew, I was losing weight and had less tummy pooch now its even worse. Great!? Goal: Must get on better eating plan/reduce serving size/snackage and drop the soda to maybe one serving per week and definitely don't keep it in the house.

2. Still no workout :( - How do you motivate yourselves?? because I think I was born without any sense of motivation and I try to think of a goal but without motivation to work towards the goal.. I've got nothin'. I did do 100 jumping jacks 3 days in a row! Also working on Hayden's nap routine now so I might be able to work out some time...

3. Bible reading - Has been going amazing I'm reading about 5x a week which is so much better! I tend to read chunks in my M'Cheyne plan and sometimes out loud for Hayden and I. Its pretty nice and finally feel like I have balance and don't beat myself up if I'm not completely on track with my plan.

4. Creative time - Last night I hosted a Fall snacks and crafts party and got some awesome craft on! Finally have been working on product as well and feeling really good about my craft times. Cannot wait to get the shop fully running.

5. Bible Study - Some ladies and I have been scheming up plans for a women's Bible study book club of sorts and I am ridiculously excited. Can't wait to help host and facilitate :)

6. Wife and Mother - I am beginning to find a balance and part of that is from just being more prepared for every day i.e. Menu planning, scheduling and talking more intentionally about life with the hubs.

Hayden - 3 months

2011-10-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Hayden is 3 months! 1/4 of a year old already. Where is time going? To be a mother is an indescribable, amazing thing.

Baby girl has been growing so much, and something changes everyday. To think about all the new things and how much bigger Hayden is compared to just last month...

This month Hayden:

is still breastfeeding. Aiming to go a year to possibly 18 months.
is a LOT more vocal. She makes cute little coos and loves to babble
can reach above her and grasp at the toys hanging from her playmat
can hold objects in her hand and will try and move them to her mouth, doesn't always work out for her but she is getting better each day
has become a thumb/hand sucker and soothes herself this way but is sometimes lazy, like when its naptime
is very smiley
beginning of a laughing!
really loves gnawing on things, including her Sophie the giraffe
likes tummy time more- can hold her head up, but still doesn't push all the way up on her arms all the time - she kinda just planks there, maybe I should have her do it in weird places (movie theater?!) like all the other plankers
has been drooling like crazy, bibs are a must
has been putting things in her mouth- toys, my hair, hands/fingers, blankets, burp cloths

Poor girl is almost 3 and a half months and I'm just posting this... I'm working through a lot mentally right now and its just a busy time of year but I love having a blog to record all my thoughts, life, hopes and dreams. I think those are just changing a lot right now - like working on my shop and product for that and just how I live my life in general like Bible study time, which is going amazingly I'm back on a daily reading plan and really encouraged and loving my relationship with my hubs more than ever.

So much going on and not enough time to record it all. Living my life to live it and trying to find new ways to glorify God through it. Oh and admire her cuteness a little more.

fill in the blank friday

2011-10-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a pastry chef, then switched to a fashion designer when I grew up.

2. As an adult, my dream job would be it was visual merchandiser but now I just wanna be a stay at home / work from home mama .

3. W hen I was younger I wanted to be just like sabrina the teenage witch .

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was tinkerbell - my mom made the costume and it was pretty legit .

5. My favorite childhood toy was barbie and polly pocket but I loved loved loved paper dolls .

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I I was out with my mom and aunt and was sassy and said S*** and got into serious trouble .

7. I get daily inspiration from Pinterest, blogs and just general life (thoughts, dreams, etc.) .

Mary Blair

2011-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Growing up I've always loved Disneyland and not just the characters and rides but really the detail and thought put into building it. I think everyone can agree that their is no place like it and you always remember what your time was like when you were there, it really does have a magical quality about it.

I believe that part of the uniqueness and magical feeling are due to one person in particular - Mary Blair.

Her artwork is seen all over Disneyland and in Disney movies and books and until recently I had no idea that she had created them. She happens to be a children's book author and artist as well, which I had seen before. I feel like she never got enough credit for inspiring the vision behind movies like Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland and at Disneyland creating beautiful murals and design of the whole It's a Small World ride. Thats just a few of the more famous things too.

I love her artwork and even people that now try to replicate her style. It inspires me and makes me happy just to look at it.

What artwork inspires and intrigues you?

fill in the blank friday

2011-10-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

1. Nothing says fall like a pumpkin spice drink or some hot apple cider and don't forget a yummy treat preferably warm too .

2. My favorite autumnal tradition is walks where you focus on crunching leaves .

3. My favorite fall treat is definitely a tie between pumpkin scones and apple pie .

4. Fall makes me think of my grandma because she loved fall as much as I do .

5. Autumn free form word association, go! cozy, warm, fire, pumpkins, books, blankets, baking, owls .

6. My go-to outfit in the fall is skinny jeans or cords, boots or flats, tee, open cardi and a scarf .

7. My favorite fall holiday is (Halloween or Thanksgiving) Thanksgiving, what can I say food and family override candy and costumes, although I totally love those too .

fill in the blank friday

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

1. The most selfless thing I've ever done was become a mom and a stay at home one at that, it makes life about Hayden almost 24/7. good thing she's cute .

2. When it comes to working out I like it once I actually do it and after I've done it but I can hardly ever get motivated to do it .

3. A woman should always accept compliments graciously .

4. I wish I could be more motivated and then I'd be able to finish setting up my shop .

5. A best friend is my husband, he knows me and all my faults and all my triumphs .

6. I can't get enough of pumpkin, nom nom nom .

7. This weekend I am hoping to organize my craft/desk/bookshelf area .

Fried Mozzarella Caprese "Salad"

2011-10-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I found this recipe and wanted to try making my own version of it. I got stuff to make it but the husband wasn't feeling it, well at least not my description. He loves almost everything I make - basically everything that doesn't end in salad. Orzo salad, napa salad and this salad have all been added to the only make for parties and when you're alone list.

Pesto:
1 cup of basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Handful of walnuts
1/4 cup of Parmesan-Reggiano
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

I used jarred pesto to simplify the dish (use as little or as much as you like, I used about 2 Tablespoons on 1 serving). I do love fresh pesto and have made it many times, in which I prefer to use pine nuts instead of walnuts.

Fried Mozzarella:
1 tomato/I used a roma tomato because I like their flavor
1 quart of canola oil/I only used about 3/4 cup of oil, not sure why they needed that much
1 five ounce ball of mozzarella (low moisture, not water packed)/I used reduced fat mozzarella
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper/did not use
1/2 teaspoon of oregano/used dry basil instead
Salt

1. In a food processor, add the basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan, and pulse until chopped. With the processor on low, add the olive oil in a slow and steady stream until completely combined. Taste the pesto and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Set aside./skipped since I used jarred pesto
2. Slice the tomato in 1/2 inch slices and place on paper towels. This will absorb some of the tomatoes’ moisture./since roma tomatoes are less juicy I did not need to dry them.
3. Prep a plate with a few layers of paper towels. Fill a 10″ cast iron pan with 4 inches of oil, about 2 quarts, and heat oil to 350F./I used a regular frying pan and only about 1/2 inch of oil, which sufficiently covered the mozzarella.
4. While it’s heating up, slice the mozzarella into 1/2 inch slices. Prep bowl with beaten egg. On a plate, combine bread crumbs, ~~crushed red pepper,~~ ~~oregano~~ basil and salt (if needed). Note: Try your mozzarella. If there’s a lot of salt, chill on the salt. Don’t add any. If the mozzarella has no salt, then add about 1/4 teaspoon to the bread crumb mixture.
5. Double-dip mozzarella by dipping in the beaten eggs, then bread crumbs and repeating the step. This will give you a thick delicious crust.
6. Gently drop the mozzarella into hot oil using a slotted spoon and fry, about 30 seconds, or until golden brown. Turn the mozzarella and allow to fry on the other side for another 30 seconds.
7. Transfer to the paper toweled plate to drain.
8. Grab a plate and stack tomatoes and mozzarella in whatever fashion you like. Top with pesto and a crack of black pepper.

All modifications in black and bolded.

Teriyaki Crockpot

2011-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was going to post this yesterday for Mel's Crock-tober link-up but life got in the way but here it is. I will be posting the recipe I planned to post today, later on today.

Before I got married I was completely against the whole idea of a crock pot/slow cooker. I assumed that only things like cocktail meatballs came out of crock pots. Yes, those are tasty but not exactly what this 20-something planned on cooking for her husband or friends. Then I kept running into recipes I wanted to try that of course called for a slow cooker. Plus my fave Super Bowl snack - Velveeta chili cheese dip - is so much easier in a crock pot.

So one day I got so fed up with not being able to try out the recipes I ran down to Target and made my crock pot purchase. I have this one, I never knew it had such bad reviews. I think it works pretty good but it does get pretty hot on the outside.

There are 2 ways to make this recipe:

1. With store bought teriyaki sauce and 2. Homemade teriyaki sauce

I will leave that decision up to you.

Ingredients for Crockpot Teriyaki

As many frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts as you want (thighs work as well)2 packages broccolini/ chinese broccoli1- 16 oz bag of frozen stir fry veggies

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 Tb canola oil
teriyaki sauce to taste

1/2 cup of water per chicken breast (or thigh)

Ingredients for Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

1 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/2 Tb sesame oil

1/3 cup of dark brown sugar

1 T honey

1 t garlic powder

dash of red pepper flakes

ground pepper to taste

optional: 1 T of cornstarch (mixed with water to activate)

Directions

Add all Teriyaki sauce ingredients together and stir

Then add all ingredients listed in order into Crockpot

Stir until everything is coated in Teriyaki sauce

Set Crockpot on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours

Stir occasionally if desired to check that chicken is coated in sauce

Serve over rice when done

Check out all the other delicious Crockpot recipes, you won't be disappointed.

10 on 10

2011-10-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Some how I always miss you and I will probably never actually post you on the tenth cause thats crazy business and I don't think I'm that legit...

So here was my Monday

1. Morning always begins with coffee and its always Starbucks. 2. I still had a lot of pumpkin and an over ripe banana - so banana pumpkin chocolate chip bread happened. 3. Put away all the dry diapers. 4. Wash more diapers.

5. Mondays My mom comes to visit us - they played. 6. I did a quick blog post. 7. They played some more and My mom got to read to Hayden.

8. Diapers washed & then drying. 9. Grocery shopped in the store and not online for the first time in 3 months. 10. Nap time with Daddy while Mommy was away.

p.s. I've been thinking lately that readers might be perplexed by my language - California girl language mixed with writer = really weird words and phrases

Inspire

2011-10-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

The awesome scrapper/blogger/mama Stephanie Howell inspired me by her post last Monday to not care what I look like but to just take a darn photo!

Its important to capture this time and not just of Hayden but me too

and this little picture warms my heart

So how about you - just take the picture!

Linking up at Life Made Lovely Mondays

fill in the blank friday

2011-10-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

1. Something popular that I can't stand/just don't "get" is ugly comfy shoes i.e. uggs and crocs.. hello people there are cute comfy shoes out there .

2. Something unpopular that I secretly love is McDonald's, I love it always have even though I know how disgusting and bad it is for me .

3. When I've had a bad day I try to spend time in prayer and talk it out with my hubs .

4. I'd prefer dogs to cats any day.

5. Something that makes me nervous is trying something new .

6. Something worth fighting for is love, especially if you are married and your faith .

7. When people think of me, I hope they think I'm funny, sweet and a good wife and mother .

Yum

2011-10-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

So my friend Jess told me about her idea to do start a linky party (group of people linking to another blogger with theme of post) about things that you've pinned on Pinterest . What?! Such an amazing idea right. As a person that invited all my friends into Pinterest I have an excessive amount of pins and have I done anything with them... Um No. So now was the time to bake, cook or create and boy was it hard to decide which to do. I ended up choosing to bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies... What a mouthful!

Left: Pinterest cookies Right: My cookies

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Mix ingredients in order given.
Drop by tablespoons on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 13-15 minutes and remove from oven. (Cookies won’t look completely done) Let them sit on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes before removing onto a cooling rack.
1/2 cup Butter
1/2 cup White Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Pure Pumpkin
1 whole Egg
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla
1 1/2 cups Flour
1/2 cup Quick Oats
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
Someone did not like making cookies

I halved the original recipe since I only had 1 stick of butter, which ended up making 18 cookies. I sent some to a friend for her birthday and sort of ate the rest with the husband. They were delicious and gooey and fluffy! Next time I will make more and only things I would do differently are add more oats and use chocolate chunks instead of chips.

Best part about Jess's link-up is that it is only once a month, how easy is that! So go and check out all the other fun and yum projects people are linking.

October

2011-10-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

- Loving this months computer wallpaper calendar from Free People

- I'm throwing a girls get together this month involving Crafts & Cocktails and have decided I want to host one every season. So excited for the fun time that will be had.

- Halloween: not that we really celebrate it but its Hayden's first fun holiday and she will be dressed up as a zebra!

- Hello rain! I'm so happy that we are finally having fall weather, its my fave.

- I've been crafting again but this time to start a business!? I felt the need to craft and have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Shop name: Little Bitty by Emj and I will be selling hair accessories for women and girls. Only problem is deciding if I want to start on Etsy and then switch to Big Cartel or just start on Big Cartel or just be on both. Either way I need to create graphics or find someone that can do them for free/cheap cause I'm on a budget.. and I'm not sure what I want to do for that.. Any ideas for me?

Bluum

2011-10-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Birchbox? Well there is a new kid on the block, literally. Sort of.

Meet the Bluumbox. Bluum is the same concept as the Birch - except for Mom & Baby.

For those that don't know what the heck I'm talking about at all... Soooo you sign up for a subscription and around the 15th of the month you get a box full of surprise items and samples.

Birch = luxe cosmetics samples - Bluum = assorted samples and full size items for Mom & Baby

Birch box just had their one year anniversary and Bluum box just launched. I decided I had to try it out and also gifted a 3 month subscription to a pregnant friend.

What's in it?

A) The Drooly Bib by Wry Baby - not only is this bib shaped like drool but it has a special inner layer to catch and not let drool seep through the other side. Genius!
B) Itzy Ritzy Snack Bag - I love these and had planned on buying some and will buy some more for us. A much better alternative to the regular plastic snack baggie, this one is reusable/washable plus bpa free. I got the cute whale but they have other options.
C) Episencial Soothing Cream - For eczema and itchy/dry skin, this cream is smooth with a super light natural scent and has helped soften the baby bumps on Hayden's face. Made for the little one but adults can use as well. Made in the USA. (4 oz tube, um hello full size item!)
D) Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Wipes - Not that drastically different than the 7th Generation wipes we already use, slightly scented.
E) Magnet illustrated by Mimia Johnson - Nice little treat for the kid
F) Apothederm Stretch Mark cream - I'm out of the stretch mark stage but will try to use on remaining stretch marks.

I love how simple things like a package can make your day..

Linking up at Life Made Lovely Mondays

fill in the blank friday

2011-09-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

1. My current obsession is organization, I'm on an organizing frenzy - good thing too .

2. accessories make me happy.

3. My greatest strength is being loyal .

4. lacking motivation is my greatest weakness.

5. My life is crazy but beautiful, goal: slow down and enjoy the moments and people in it and remember to capture them .

6. In high school I was all over the place & confused, which explains why I was editor-in-chief of the yearbook .

7. When I'm super tired I just straight up start falling asleep lol .

p.s. note for subscribers I have edited my url so please change it in your reader

Weekend Plans

2011-09-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

Over this past weekend Hayden & I flew down to So Cal for our first ever blogging conference - Blog Sugar!

A what?!

Yes, you read that right and yes those do happen. A lot of them actually.

I've always thought it would be fun to go to one and then I heard from Jess and Kim that they might go to this one. So I asked if me and the little lady could tag along and we did.

So the weekend adventure began on Saturday...

First Hayden and I got dropped off at SFO by my sweet and wonderfully helpful mom-in-law. Everything went very smoothly, too smoothly because we got checked in less than 15 minutes and then had nothing to do for 2 hours while we waited to board our plane. During which Hayden decided to wake up and play but made great friends with the airport security guys. Flight there - fed her, a little fussy, then passed out. I even did for a little bit.

We landed and were picked up by the girls and then headed to late lunch at Cafe Rio with everyone else staying at Julie's house plus the lovely Drew B and baby Kennedy. Cafe Rio was super yum - kinda a mix between Chipotle, Baja Fresh and Coldstone (they sing when you ask for extra things I think). After lunch we went to my second coffee love - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I got their summer special blended drink - Honeydew Melon.

After settling in a little bit at Julie's gorgeous house. The speakers headed to dinner at Andrea's house and we headed to Fashion Island, met up with some other bloggers and ate at Cheesecake Factory. Love their new "Skinny" menu! I had the chicken samosas. Once back at the house we chatted some more and eventually went to bed.

The big day... Sunday!

While planning our trip the girls had the genius idea for us all to go to Dry Bar. Who doesn't like to get primped and pretty a little bit plus one less thing for me to pack.

It was really fun to experience. I love me some relaxation and I think Hayden did too! She sat on my lap quietly observing the process. My girl doing my hair was really sweet and patient since I had baby with me. They serve complimentary drinks (I had flavored water) and have a chick flick type of movie playing plus fun music.

Some girls got their makeup done after that but Kim and I went to Barnes & Noble so I could buy a copy of Mollie Makes and then headed to grab a bite to eat. Jess then met up with us and we headed for Blog Sugar!

...

and then we arrived!

I was hot and someone little spit-up all down my back. Good thing I brought another shirt! So our time didn't start off that great plus I know events like this involve mingling but I'm horribly shy in these situations and feel like a loser. Hay-baby and I headed to the bathroom and saw all this adorableness on the way.

I was really excited for my sessions though!

I chose :
1. Sarah Markley - Carving Out Your Space: Finding your unique niche in blogging while connecting with your readers
2. Lindsey Cheney - The Juggling Act: Learning to balance a successful business , family and self
3. Julie Carson & Jeannett Gibson - Blogging For Good: Using your blog for a greater good

I have been transformed, inspired and really encouraged by all my sessions and by keynote speaker Meg Duerksen. This weekend came at just right time, things have already been shaking up over here in content and even more will be changing once I get all my ideas down on paper.

p.s. Don't wear a chiffon shirt while breastfeeding, you will get milk on it and have spots... Now I know!

Pictures provided by Kimberlee Grover aka A Cuppa Kim plus a couple from the iPhone :)

fill in the blank friday

2011-09-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

1. The best thing I did all week was prepare for Blog Sugar ! .

2. rainy days make me super happy.

3. Pets are a nice thought but too much trouble .

4. My family is the best thing about my life.

5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to creating and crafting some new things .

6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is boots!!! I really want some rain boots and some fringe moccasin boots .

7. This weekend I am going to SoCal for Blog Sugar, yay!! beyond excited .