If I had one hundred dollars...

because that's right, I do!

In the form of a gift card to Pottery Barn. Which of course means that I have a gift card to Pottery Barn OR Pottery Barn Kids OR Williams-Sonoma OR West Elm. Happy dance. The only real issue is that I don't want to "waste" the gifted monies on small things that I won't specifically remember, so I'm looking to maybe spend a little and get a lot for it. The West Elm Essex Printed Bench that I have loved forever is currently on final sale for $249.99. Do I go for it?

I love the color, the print, and I especially love the idea of having an upholstered bench in my home-- but is it too much? I also found some big flat rug options at Williams-Sonoma Home for ssome very reasonable prices. This gray and ivory one is supposed to be coral but looks more abstract to me:

But this blue and white guy has been catching my eye as well:

The place where we really need a rug is under our dining room table, so flat weave seems like a reasonable option and fairly easy to sweep as well. What would you do-- make a move or keep on looking?

Cheers,

P.S.- What I really wish they had for purchase is a Moroccan pouf. I need a few of these in my life:

What about weaning?

People say "oh, we're weaning" or that they did wean, or that weaning was easy/ difficult/ impossible for them, but they never actually say what they're doing. And I'm quite sure that there is no "right" way to do it, but for the sake of those who are simply curious about other people's paths to the next grown-up thing, I thought I'd share how we're doing it.

The first set of weaning, from breast milk to formula, occurred abruptly when my daughter simply decided that she no longer wanted to nurse. As in, one day she refused to latch. So I didn't force the issue and decided to try again a little later. Tons of attempts and three days later, my breasts were impossibly hard but she still wouldn't latch. I gave her the remaining bottles of breast milk that I had in my freezer stash at the time and at a day past ten months, she was done.

This next set of weaning, from formula to milk, is more on my terms, and here's my goal: to have N off formula entirely by 12.5 months.* Since she's a decent eater and without significant food allergies or sensitivities, this seems reasonable. So here's been our plan (N was drinking three eight-ounce bottles per day):

Week One- AM bottle stays the same, afternoon bottle becomes two four-ounce sippies of formula, PM bottle stays the same

Week Two- AM bottle stays the same, afternoon sippies stay the same, PM bottle reduced to six ounces

Week Three- AM bottle stays the same, afternoon sippies become milk, PM bottle stays at six ounces

Week Four- AM bottle reduced to four ounces, afternoon sippies stay the same, PM bottle stays the same

And we're currently on Week Four-- Baby Girl will turn one officially at the end of Week Five-- and we have this plan for the rest of the weaning process:

Week Five- AM bottle becomes a sippy cup of milk, afternoon sippies stay the same, PM bottle stays the same

Week Six- AM and afternoon sippies stay the same, PM bottle reduced to four ounces

Week Seven- AM and afternoon sippies stay the same, PM bottle becomes a sippy cup of milk

*We are transferring to hemp milk, only a tiny bit of whole cow's milk, and eventually almond milk. Almond milk wasn't recommended for the initial weaning by our pedi since it isn't very caloric, but it is what myself and the husband drink exclusively at home and even use in place of cow's milk in quite a bit of cooking.

Disclaimer: Don't change your child's diet without your pediatrician's advice; this is just meant to be an idea of how our family is handling this transition. Etc.

Love,

Green-Eyed

I try to be a good person. Really, I do. My entire paid job revolves around this goal. And I know in my heart of hearts that I am blessed. More blessed than I could have ever imagined-- I have my perfect partner in my husband, the most darling Baby Girl in the universe, solid gold friends and a tiny but well-loved home. We prefer to do-it-ourselves, and nothing gives us a greater thrill than being able to point to our coffee table and say "we designed and build that" or to smile at our daughter and acknowledge that "yes, she's ours". I cloth diaper, breastfed (and would have loved to keep going if N wanted to), baby wear and even sometimes co-sleep.

But I have a great appreciation for the more expensive things in life, as well: gorgeous jewelry, Restoration Hardware pieces, high end designer purses, sleek Apple products, and crazy-lovely strollers. And try as I might to always keep in mind the absolute truth that things don't lead to greater happiness, the small evil part of my brain is skilled at planting seeds of "want" in my brain and sometimes even making me think that they're "need." I sometimes almost believe that more gifts equal more love, or that I deserve a bigger and badder ring as I grow up. But I really, truly don't.

So I sit here now and count my real blessings: a happy life, good health, beloved child, excellent education, strong relationships, home of our own, and no real financial stressors to speak of-- and I can't help but think that I am wealthy. But forgive me-- I need to forgive myself-- when I still want a pair of diamond earrings, and please pray for me when I again covet someone else's bling. I'm human, and that's ok.

xo,

A bowlful of randomness

It's 40 degrees, been storming and now a hazy gray outside, and it's the middle of January. My body is literally aching for a hit of sunshine: my lower back's been killing me all day. Even our standing Monday morning play date didn't quite hit the spot. We got home and while I stood with N in the Ergo, doing everything in my power to lure her to sleep, she clawed at my face with her sharp baby nails and laughed when I firmly reprimanded her.

After our play date, we bought a balloon. A helium, chemically enhanced, dark purple with white spots balloon. And now that N's finally down for her nap, I'm typing this while simultaneously shoving vanilla ice cream mit sprinkles. Vanilla ice cream mit sprinkles in the container. My keyboard is a bright orange, and I Don't get me wrong-- the balloon is gorgeous and my sundae is worthy of a party-- but today still feels gray.

I put my feelings into words yesterday in a vent to the husband: "I'm trying to do everything. Which means I'm doing nothing very well." And I keep thinking that I need to make a plan, but today doesn't feel like the day. Today I ordered a snowman smash cake and a 3 foot tall silver "One" balloon and about a dozen other helium-filled delights. I bought plain coffee cups to be Onederlanded, and a ruffled silver table skirt, and robin's egg blue party necessities. Baby Girl is turning one, which means she'll no longer be my baby. She'll be my toddler. And I'm still not sure how this year has passed so quickly.

So today is definitely not the day to reformulate my life. But dammit, I need to make a plan. Gray is only my favorite color when the sky's a shade of blue.

Love,

P.S.- Am I the only person in American existence who kind of wants to be called for jury duty? The husband has been called twice, and I'm just a smidge jealous!

Weekend planning

Maybe I need to make my plans more concrete... so in that vein, here's my to-dos for the next two days. You'll note that a few of the plans are carry overs from last week, although to be fair this batch of laundry is new and I've already mostly finished the others. Also I'm human.

Saturday-

1. Completely finish & photograph Pinterest-inspired pillows

2. Turn two little snowmen from Green & Red to Aqua & Violet

3. Get computer synced up with our printer (I've only had it for three months!)

4. Print out printables-- meal plan, bbsitting list & dog form

5. Look into resources for babysitters :(

6. Organize pantry, fridge & freezers (this is long overdue but 100% necessary)

7. Finalize food for N2's upcoming birthday party

8. Date night at home with N1: dinner, bananagrams & a "blue box" movie

9. If UVerse is fixed, set up DVR for weekly shows

10. Diaper laundry

Sunday-

1. 15 minutes *FREAKCLEAN* (more on this later)

2. Attend church

3. Attend birthday party

4. Update gallery wall

5. Paint N's name letters

6. Meal plan for upcoming week

7. Work on paperwork

8. Finish paperwork for 2011 medical reimbursement stuffs

9. Organize 1-2 hall closets (for a 1000 sq. foot house we have far too many closets)

10. Put away all laundry in appropriate places

It's gonna be an intense weekend, but we have an intense few weeks coming up between birthday parties, house visitors, a trip to my hometown, work, N2's activities, and general lifestuff. So it's worth a crazy to-do list to alleviate some of my anxiety about getting it all done with a smile. :)

Smiling-well-gritting-my-teeth-but-smiling,

Hello, My Name Is Desperately in Need of a Plan.

Hi, Desperate. Oh yeah, that was horrifically cheesy.

When you decide to do something, how do you achieve it? Do you work at it bit by random bit with the hope that it will eventually all come together? Do you write to-do lists? Webs? Make inspiration boards, or peruse Pinterest? How do you keep yourself organized?

I've tried it all, and then some. I have read research on achieving, and try to follow the rules-- I even max out my lists at seven items! I prioritize. I write out specific and achievable goals. Et cetera. But now things are getting serious and I have more plans and events and obligations and activities to manage than ever before in my entire life. As a former high school competitive dancer, that's saying a lot.

So I'm asking you-- what do you do? And I can I steal a bit of your genius?

XO,

Buyer's regret = not me!

The internet can lie, folks, and less than stellar strollers can look like a million bucks with great photography. I took my research to the streets (well the aisles at Elephant Ears, actually) and in my book, the G-Luxe wins hands-down over the Flite as the better umbrella stroller.

If you are a taller person (I'm 5'8'' and would venture to say anyone 5'6''+ would agree with me), the Flite just doesn't work well-- it's short! Also, in person it looks a lot less like an umbrella stroller and a lot more like a small and semi-chintzy full function stroller. Although if that's what you're going for...

In other news, I have more and more beef with my City Elite every day. But I can live with it for now. I'm officially off the stroller search.

:)

UPDATE: I'm totally a liar. And I chose the Baby Jogger City Select over the UPPAbaby Vista as our new full-function stroller. More on that decision later...

Buyer's regret = me

Upon even further obsessive searching I found this umbrella stroller, which is only a few pounds heavier than the UPPAbaby G-Luxe but seems to be made of a higher quality fabric and host the same great features but with an added perk-- the ability to attach a snack pack! This Bumbleride Flite takes the umbrella stroller to the next level, and I'm not going to lie that theprettyaquacolorslaysme. I'm afraid that the G-Luxe may be heading back where it came from before it even gets used!

Augh! Decisions, decisions. How did I not come across this guy in my search? Babble even named it its "best umbrella stroller" title in 2011 and they updated it more for a February 3, 2012 release... argh... my UPPAbaby fanatic friends may have led me astray.

Obsessively yours x2,

Orange you glad...

I stepped out of my color comfort zone (officially known as the CCZ) and ordered this hot little G-Luxe number! It just arrived today, so consider my official review to be "pending," but here are some of the first things I've noticed about Ani in person:

1. I'm not sure if it's the way it was folded up in the box or just the reality of an umbrella stroller, but the sunshade is much flimsier than it looks in the pictures. So is the canopy, but I'm tentatively giving it the benefit of the doubt and calling it "wrinkled" to start.

2. The set up mechanism isn't super easy/ obvious without first looking at the instruction pamphlet, but this is how you do it: set the stroller on its back wheels and press down on the pedal (located about 70% of the way down in back) until you hear two clicks. I haven't tried to fold it back up yet, but I'm guessing it's gonna be a little thoughtful as well.

3. Similarly to other reviewers I would say that the drawstring mechanism for reclining/ sitting up the stroller seems a little delicate. But I'm willing to bet that it does the job.

4. The fabric is truly nice and cushy, which I love. And the footrest is really easy to manipulate although it probably wouldn't be hard to get it a little out of whack.

5. The basket is a decent size at first glance. I plan on putting stuff in it this evening when I return back home (yup, I'm blogging from work = winning!) to see how well it function, but again I'm liking it at first glance.

6. It pushes easily and seems very agile. I played around with some one handed maneuvers while my daughter was seated in it and it worked well. Also she giggled for the duration of her ride which is never a minus in my book.

7. I love the attached drink holder. Our other stroller doesn't have one that comes standard on it and I never remember to buy one when we're at an appropriate store to do so. And I ALWAYS want one. Booya!

My friend, however, has discovered the Inglesina 2012 Trip stroller, and I think it might be superior. It's a little heavier but the fabric seems quite durable, and it even comes with a belly bar:

We'll find out when we compare them-- I swear I never thought that I would obsess this much over a silly umbrella stroller. As it turns out, it's only after you have a kid that you figure out what gear is truly important/ necessary for you. And for us, it's this.

Obsessively yours,

UPDATE: Upon extensive but totally unofficial "push tests" in person, the Ingelesina seems perfectly useful. I love that it comes with a belly bar, which is perfect for a toddler snack pack, something that I would say is necessary with my to-be toddler.

It's the freakin' weekend...

We're planning a Winter Onederland party around here, and since the invitations have already gone out, I think we're pretty set on the theme. Here's some Pinspiration for N's big (birth)day:

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Yup! We're snowmen renovating, tutu seeking, snowflake loving people this month! Can't wait to start getting creative now that we're within a reasonable timeframe from the event! And in that vein, my weekend plans are as follows:

1. De-Christmasfy (yup, that's official slang now) some cute snowmen that I got on clearance for party decor.

2. Finish my new (Pinterest inspired!) pillowcases.

3. Finish and put away ALL the laundry (when it involves more than 3 loads and more than 3 hampers, all gets all caps- ugh!)

4. Work on some "it's January and time to get my life together" organization projects.

5. Meal plan the next week for the first time in my life!

6. Enjoy our first official (read: paid) baby sitter for an evening event.

7. Order the aforementioned G-Luxe stroller.

What are you up to this snowy January weekend?

XO,

I love elephants.

I admit it, I have an affinity for all things elephant. These would be the perfect baby accessories to add to my purse when I don't need my normal (and huge!) diaper bag with me. I wish I would have known about Giggle before now!

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XO,

An umbrella stroller quandry.

This time last year, I was rather pregnant. 38 weeks knocked up to be exact, and with a strong will for Baby E to be born as soon as possible. I'm not sure what I imagined motherhood to be, but I know two things for sure: I didn't expect it to bring so many wonderful "extras" to my life, but I definitely expected to start planning a first birthday bash as soon as (s)he was born. But I digress.

I also didn't anticipate stroller shopping a little less than a year later, nor that I would learn that new stroller models come out every year much like cars. So now on top of my normal musings I'm wondering what the 2012 models have to order. Do I buy 2011 on sale, or do I hold out for the new and shiny? It's "The Great Car Search of 2011" all over again. That time we did buy new. And Subaru (I digress again). But Subaru doesn't make strollers.

While I'm still loving our City Elite, the thing is massive. But what really bugs me is that it is difficult for me and nearly impossible for non-familiar stroller pushers to anticipate both the length of its stride and the amount of width it needs to navigate any given area. I blame its three wheel style. It's awesome for off-roading, long walks, and big outings. But I need a littler version for day-to-day errands and busy destinations (the zoo, restaurants, etc.).

I need a mini this!

What I need is a lightweight, fold-up-teensy-tiny, sunshades, big basket hauling, easy to push stroller. So after hours-- yes, I'm that obsessive-- of research, here are my finalists:

1. Maclaren

Under the quaint title of "toddler buggies," they boast the Volo, Triumph, Quest and Techno XT. I immediately discarded the 8.8 lb Volo as an option. Without what I consider to be a crucial feature-- the ability to recline, I wrote this guy off. The Triumph is heftier at 11.5 lbs but does have multiple reclining positions. The Quest is the first of the group to physically present as a bit more than an umbrella stroller, which intrigued me. Of course, it is even bigger at 12.1 lbs but it has a longer sunshade and does recline to four different positions. So does the 15 lb Techno XT, which also boasts air vents and a long sunshade. Design-wise these strollers are okay looking-- they are definitely more attractive with added "flair." But at $200+ and $300+ price points, I'd have to really fall in love in order to purchase.

Maclaren Quest Sport Maclaren Techno XT

2. UPPAbaby

While well-known for their Vista stroller, I didn't actually know that they made a lightweight model before this research. In fact, they make two: the G-Lite and the G-Luxe. But while the G-Lite is sleek at 8.8 lbs and boasts a 50 SPF sunshade, it doesn't recline. It does cost $129.99 from the manufacturer, though, and while that's expensive for a lightweight stroller it seems pretty comparable to the Maclaren Volo with a few nicer features. The $189.99 G-Lue, on the other hand, fully reclines and is the lightest USA umbrella stroller to do so at just under 11 lbs. And it comes in an aqua blue/ gray/ white ("sebby" to UPPAbaby) which is just gorgeous.

G-Lite G-Luxe

Apparently I'll be buying American this time. But one question remains-- do I buy now, or do umbrella strollers get updated every year as well? Hmmm...

Love,

I'm not original. Luckily, others are.

Dare I even say it?

I do.

Pinterest-- it's the latest word in the fun/ creative/ trendy/ pseudo-social world. And as someone who formerly covered my computer desktop in layers upon layers of inspirational pictures and links that I never quite got organized, it's also been a personal lifesaver.

It's also been a source of stress. Because for every... well, so far 281 images I have pinned... I have acted on maybe one or two. I'm not into inspiration for inspiration's sake. I thrive on action. So it's time to get moving.

Here are my first three Pinteresting projects, to be completed this week. There, I've set a deadline.

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All fun and fanciful, just the way I like.

Love,

I'm blue. Ahbadeeabadideeabadeeabadi.

*the above post title is meant to be sung*

I co-hosted a baby shower for a good friend's impending arrival this past weekend. The shower went well. This story, in fact, has nothing to do with it.

It has to with a version of these innocuous-looking guys. It was tiny, circular, and the color of a summer day. I'm not sure what kind of medication it was, but after the shower I found it on the floor. The party was held in my daughter's playroom. She's eleven months old, which means that if she finds something big enough to see with the eye, she puts it in her mouth. Thank goodness I'm anal and did a twice over on my hands and knees, dust buster in hand, after the initial clean up. Then after a third and final look-- after all, I found a death pill on my third go around-- I deemed the room safe to play.

And romp we did. The best part about making something temporarily off limits is the joy you feel from your kid when they get it back. But several minutes later, I noticed that my normally cream-colored daughter was resembling this dud:

Her saliva had turned light blue and was pooling all over her cheeks, chin and neck as she chewed vigorously. Did I mention that she also happened to be teething? It was a sticky blue mess, and my heart literally stopped. In less than a second my heart started running a marathon, my eyes pooled with tears, and I was across the room. N whined as I held her face with one hand, and then cried angrily when I yanked her jaw open with the other. She yelled and screamed and tears streamed down her face, but I persevered and nearly gagged her as I fished around her mouth for the blue saliva culprit:

It was a damn blue m&m. Did I mention that the shower was for a baby boy? And now thanks the idiot lady who attended with a loose pill in her pocket, my baby is now scared of delicious chocolate candy. Although come to think of it, this tactic could work to my benefit in the coming years... boys? booze? being messy? The possibilities are endless.

Feeling thankful,

Go blue?

Despite my inherent bias toward it, I've got a few soft spots for Michigan on my person as well. After all, it is the home state of my love, and the state where my daughter was born. Here are a few (non- college related!) Etsy favorites:

DestinysCreations

thewheatfield

RebeccaMich

This last one really makes me giggle. Mostly because it reminds me of my early days, when people absolutely befuddled me by giving me (a native Ohioan with horrible spatial intelligence) directions via their palms.

Love,

Newsflash: I'm from Ohio.

I may live in "another" state now, but I will be damned if my heart doesn't always belong to Ohio. The Columbus metropolitan area-- to me-- represents a perfect marriage between big city life with successfully charming suburbs and enough rural spots to keep the country lover in me happy. Here are my favorite "Ohio" finds on Etsy.

Lil Burritos

sweetlyframed

bandaprints

AHeirloom

One of these just may be headed to my father for his birthday, and another to my niece or nephew to-be. And perhaps a third should be making its way to MY house. Just sayin'. (hint hint: husband!)

Love,