Calgon take me away!

Ok, that's it. No more mommy talk. I know, this is a blog for and about all things mommy-related. But I need a break! I need to think like a rational human being and not some robotic, emotional mess that just repeats herself a million times a day. I swear, most days recently have just blended right into the next one without nearly anything changing...

Wake up, wrestle Nash into the high chair, throw away his uneaten breakfast, wrestle Nash into his clothes, attempt to dress my ever expanding body, wrestle Nash into the car seat, chase Nash down at the park, have a few contractions, throw away Nash's uneaten lunch, watch the clock until nap time, thank GOD for nap time, throw away Nash's uneaten dinner, let the guilt eat me up for not being more patient today, fall asleep. And then repeat.

I know, I know. I make it sound too glamorous. But seriously, this is kind of how it feels some days! So I'm going to shut down the mommy side of my brain (which, in all honesty, is not a very sharp tool these days) and indulge in thoughts and things that are in no way related to my career choice. Care to join me?!

Seriously obsessed with this ring.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/dotoly/4349656/feather_angel_wings_adjustable_ring_in_silver/commercial/jewelry/rings

"Are We There Yet"...The perfect orangey-coral for sandal weather.


I'm already fantasizing about what it will be like to have a waist and ankles again. And when I do, this will be my go-to summer outfit. And for $25 at Target...why not?!


All this Pinning is hard work, you know??


You're welcome.

See, look how easy it is to forget for a moment that your name is "mom" and you actually have interests other than diaper changes and soothing a crying child. I firmly believe that we have to take a step back sometimes and remember who we are apart from the day-to-day routine...even if that is just a quick peak at Zac Efron.

Happy Pinning!

In a Southern State of Mind

I've really been in the Southern spirit lately. Maybe I'm just missing my family and friends. Or maybe I'm just missing that season called "Spring" that the Northwest doesn't seem to celebrate. Whatever it is, I'm finding myself drawn to all things "Southern" and nowhere is that more evident than on my Pinterest boards. I've been pinning up a storm lately with everything from Southern foods- pimiento cheese and banana pudding. To Southern style- monograms and lady like dresses. Of course every region has their claim to fame and some are worthy of praise. But, in my humble opinion, nothing outshines that proud Southern spirit.

I'm not saying that everyone else is rude, but no one quite has the manners of someone raised in the South.



It doesn't get much more Southern than Paula Deen. Her take on banana pudding leaves me speechless.

I don't know if it's a Southern thing or not, but to me a house isn't home until you've got something cute hanging on your front door. This is a simple way to decorate your door throughout the year with little changes according to the season or holiday.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78019133/monogram-wreath?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=letters+on+book+pages&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

It really all comes down to the food, doesn't it? I've lived a lot of places and Southerners really know how to eat! This pimiento cheese recipe lightens things up and takes a little bit of the guilt out of indulging.

http:// www.ingredientsinc.net/2011/09/lightened-up-pimiento-cheese-recipe/

My Southern Style icon...Reese Witherspoon. The girl just gets it right all of the time!

So there's a little insight into where my head is at these days. It's like they say "You can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl". And I would have to agree.

Happy Pinning!

Not Just Talking the Talk

It's safe to say that I'm in full blown nesting mode. I've got 10 weeks (hopefully!) to go but you'd think that I'm due next week with the way I'm tearing through the house, crafting and decorating anything that will sit still. Although the belly is quite large at this point and I get winded simply walking down the hall, there is nothing that will come between me and my glue gun these days. Luckily for me I've got, oh, about a thousand Pins on Pinterest that I've marked for ideas and inspiration for the the new nursery and toddler room so I'm in no shortage of things to try or buy (sorry hubby!). I thought you may like to see some of what I've been working on as inspired by my dear friend, Pinterest.

I love how simple this idea is for revamping a book case. In this case we have a plain, cheap book case from Target that was in desperate need of spicing up. Pinterest inspired me to use scrapbook paper to line the shelves, back, and sides. 1 trip to Michaels and $10 later...voila!

http://www.chiccheapnursery.com/2011/design-advice/rock-star-bookcase-design-advice/

In keeping with the rustic theme of the nursery, I ventured to Home Depot and for $3 had two piece of rope cut for curtain tiebacks. I roughly knotted the ends to give it a more "finished" look and then I just twisted the ends together so that they would hold.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDetailView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&productId=209522&langId=-1&SourceCode=BDSBT1

These wooden stars actually gave me the inspiration for the nursery style. I loved the unfinished look, natural material, and neutral colors. One star is designed as a serving tray, two are the same but I turned one around, and the frame has been floating around this house forever,broken, trying to find its place (it's lightweight, hammered copper). I made them all able to hang and placed them over the crib.

The new toddler room needed storage and space saving, fun ideas for my son. We found this magnetic board at Ikea for $13 and this wire magazine rack at a thrift store. We placed them below the window in his room as an inviting place to play. $20 total and floor space remains open for play- success!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10159443/

If you knew me during my first pregnancy you'll remember that I made all of the nursery bedding- skirt, bumper pad, curtains...you name it, I sewed it. This time there was NO WAY I was doing that again. The problem was, I was as uninterested this time in what was out there for bedding as I was the first go around. Luckily I found on Pinterest a simple, stylish way to make a crib skirt without using more than scissors, hemming tape, and an iron. With two cribs to cover, this was right up my alley!

http://projectnursery.com/2011/09/diy-to-sew-or-not-to-sew-your-crib-skirt/

There's so much more to show but I'll spare you the grand tour (at least for now). My point is that I don't just spend hours on Pinterest with nothing to show for it. I actually do put it to good use (sometimes) and here's proof of it! It's not life changing stuff or out of this world creative, but it's personal and done with care. After all, these rooms are where my heart is so why not put in a little extra thought and energy?! Have you made something special lately with the help of Pinterest? Show me what'cha got! Happy Pinning!



A Recipe for Relaxation

How did we get to the end of March already?! It's my favorite month and here it is already almost over! I think this year I'm a little panicky about time passing too fast because I know what's knocking at the door...baby #2 and the reality of 2 boys under 2 years old. EEEK! Don't get me wrong, I'm over the moon with the impending arrival of my precious boy but I'm also not in denial about what a life changer it's going to be. Fortunately for me, I got to celebrate a birthday this past weekend and instead of obsessing over baby details I got to just relax and be pampered by some really fab girlfriends. I'm not sure who was more excited for brunch and spa time- the birthday girl or the other ladies who had a great reason to leave the kids with the hubbies and treat themselves to some quality girl time. Let me just paint you a little picture of what exactly I'm talking about...

Brunch is the most important meal of the weekend, wouldn't you say?! Especially a weekend that includes a birthday! Here is a super easy Cinnamon French Toast bake that can be made the night before and quickly cooked up the next morning.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/05/cinnamon-baked-french-toast/

What brunch is complete without a fresh juice drink? Sadly, mine was sans alcohol, but the "Sunshine Dazzler" has lots of other yummy ingredients that are sure to please.

http://blog.teroforma.com/sunshine-dazzler/

Maybe it's the Southerner in me, but I love a good gift bag- giving one, getting one, seeing one...whatever. They just make me smile. In mine this weekend, I got lots of good girly treats- a candle, nail polish, lip gloss, a nail file...you know, the essentials! Check out this website for lots of cute, simple ideas for making your own gift bags.

http://www.tipjunkie.com/paper-sack/

The only thing better than an actual spa treatment is the fruit infused water. Can I get an Amen?! That stuff is so good! My question is, why don't I ever just make it at home? It could not be easier and more refreshing on a warm day. Granted it probably tastes so good because you're in a dim room, wrapped in a robe, with nature sounds surrounding you. But still...

http://kimbercrafts.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/cucumber-lemon-mint-infused-water/

I had the good fortune to use Molton Brown products while at the spa and, oh dear, it's good stuff. A bit on the pricey side for shower gel and lotion. But if you're looking to pamper yourself or someone else, this is a must!

http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/index.jsp

So there's a little snapshot into the glorious birthday morning I got to share with some of my best girls. Honestly, we could have hit up McDonald's and the library and I would have been happy to just spend time talking (while actually finishing a sentence) and catching up (without stories that included the latest tantrum) and I would have been thrilled. But brunch and a spa day were perfectly over the top for this birthday girl. I know we aren't all lucky enough to be able to pamper and treat ourselves every day, but these little shortcuts and inspirations should help us get through until then. 



Pinning your way to simplicity

Oh life. It just gets me sometimes. Just when I think I've found my stride... boom! Something comes out of left field and I'm like a deer in headlights- frozen and trying to figure out what to do. Ok, this sounds a little dramatic. These are not big things (usually) that are thrown my way. But on a day when I'm feeling very hormonal, pregnant, and/or just completely off my game, that's usually when I find myself most unprepared for the unexpected. And by "unexpected" I mean, blow out diaper with no wipes, dinner nearly prepared minus that one key ingredient, or pants that I swear fit yesterday but will take an act of God to get on today. These are the little things that can just push me over the edge some days. I know, I know. These are not life changers. But tell that to the 7 months pregnant, hormonal disaster that is myself some days. Here we have people fighting a war or disease and I can't seem to handle life's curve balls. But, hey, I'm just being honest. Some days surviving 24 hours with a toddler is my own personal war. Here are some oh-so-helpful links I've found recently on Pinterest that just make it all feel a little easier.



http://dailysavings.allyou.com/2012/03/07/foods-storage/

Obviously, we know to toss it when there's an animal growing on it. But here's a quick link for those less obvious occasions.

Quick and simple leg work out. If finding the motivation to do it were as simple as reading the directions, I'd be all set.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz3tjuVCy31qdogz7o1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1332188672&Signature=iBYMB6P%2B6SYiltrTZu0fXrtFpGU%3D

I know, I talk about simplifying things and then I expect you to make your own dressing, right? Well, these easy recipes call for what you almost always have on hand already and it sure beats using the kids Ranch dressing on your beautiful summer salad.

http://www.misszoot.com/2011/08/02/age-related/

Such a cute, smart, and efficient way to create keepsakes for your kids as they grow. I struggled with a simple "first year" scrapbook, so I can imagine about how well I'll do as the kiddos grow up. But this I could do.

I hope you like these little time savers and that they'll help you out in a pinch. We're all in this thing together so why not help a mama out when you can?! And let me know if you have a time saver that you use when you're stuck. I'm always up for trying new things, especially if they get me through a rough day.

Happy Pinning!

Spring Breaking the Momsie Way

You might have already heard me yelling it from the rooftops, but I'm going on my first kid-free vacation this week!! My oh-so-thoughtful husband surprised me at Christmas with a March trip to our former home of San Diego in celebration of our 5 year anniversary this year as well as our first (and probably last for a while) kid-free vacation before baby #2 arrives in June. I have literally been counting down to this since the moment I found out on Christmas. Add to it the fact that this is about the time of year when I start to hit my breaking point with cold, wet weather here in Seattle. Now, although this is a 5 day vacation sans toddler it won't be completely fuss free. Let's not forget that I'm carrying around quite a load in my midsection along with ankles that are sure to swell into the "cankle" category after a 3 hour flight. Not a good look when you hit the beach or, more appropriately, beach yourself. No, this is not the spring break of days past when you pack all the tiny bikinis, shorts, and skirts you can find and only worry about what kind of fruity drinks you'll order from the bar. This is more about days without a schedule, tantrum, or naptime; fuss-free meals; and complete selfishness. Basically all of the things you give up when you become a mama. It's not to say there isn't a serious case of nerves on my part when thinking about leaving my boy for 5 days. BUT, he's definitely helping ease my anxiety with his recent meltdowns over such logical things as not being able to play with a hot iron, suck on a medicine bottle, or uproot the outdoor pathway lights. These, my dears, are the things that I will not miss while soaking up the sun.

 

As I do with all things, I headed to Pinterest for a little vacation inspiration and here are the highlights for the moms and moms-to-be who are taking a little get away...

 

 

I have taken an oath to carry nothing bigger than this for the duration of my time away. This mini messenger can be found at Old Navy in a variety of bright colors.

 

I may not be able to have a cocktail but that doesn't mean I can't still treat myself! The "Peach Flip" is a combo of peaches, lemonade, and sprite. Sure beats another boring glass of water!

 

Go on and wear a shoe you can't get away with while on mom-duty! For once I can just dress myself without consideration of whether or not it's kid-proof.

 

Don't be jealous. On second thought, yes, please do.

 

What am I looking forward to most, you ask? Being Lauren and not mom. Not having to constantly think about what's next, being prepared, or making something a learning experience. I treasure all (or mostly all) of what being a mom is all about but for the first time in 2 years I get to remember what it's like to just be me! If you've been on a "babymoon" or gotten to enjoy a vacation with just the hubby, let me know what you think! Any advice or tips for making the best of the trip? Let me know because this isn't sure to come around again any time soon! Happy pinning!

Spring is (Almost) in the Air

Thank goodness February is almost over. It is by FAR my least favorite month of the year and this year it's torturing me by being one day longer than usual. I mean, do we really need a February 29? 28 days of cold and misery is plenty, thank you very much. The fabulous news is that my favorite month of the year is March and it's mere days away. March has always meant the promise of better weather (well, outside of the Pacific Northwest anyway), spring break (yes, I'm 33 without a child in school and I still anticipate spring break), and my birthday! Ok, so the birthday part gets a little less exciting each year but it's still something special to look forward to. In honor of my anticipation of all good things that March can bring, here are some Spring teasers from Pinterest to get you through the last lame days of February.



Fresh fruit will be out in stores more and more as Spring arrives and what better way to ruin its nutritional content than to add Nutella?!

1/2 cup Nutella + 1 cup nonfat, plain Greek yogurt = amazing fruit dip.

Such a sweet Spring arrangement using sliced limes as a filler. Instead of Roses try using Tulips, Hydrangea, or Rhinoculous that will all soon be in season.

Whether it's a birthday party, baby shower, or Easter lunch, this is a creative and easy way to serve ice cream to a group. Scoop the ice cream into lined cupcake pans and put them in the freezer. Pull them out when you cut the cake and serve!

Bobbi Brown Nude Rose Rich Lip Color- finally the lipstick that doesn't look like a lipstick! A great subtle change to make from heavier winter make up.

Break out the rainbows (almost) and put away those boots (soon)!

So are you looking forward to March as much as I am?! The icing on the cake is that Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 11- less than 2 weeks away! So embrace these last days of darkness and get ready for the Spring tease that is known as March. Most of all, happy Pinning!

Organizing the Pinterest Way

I'm a little over half way through my pregnancy (EEK!) and I'm already feeling that intense nesting instinct. Maybe it's because Nash came so early, but I feel like I have to be ready, like, yesterday to pop this baby out. And now that my energy has come back to me I'm like a tornado tearing through my house. In the last 24 hours I have...cleaned the house, done 5 loads of laundry, stocked up at Costco, prepared Nash's wardrobe for Spring, emptied out and organized both mine and my husband's closets, stored away pre-pregnancy clothes, made a Goodwill drop off, organized my pantry, and had the hubby clean out and organize the garage. In the last 24 hours! I'm scared to see what kind of crash is coming behind this wave of energy. Thank goodness I've got a vacation coming up this weekend- I'm going to need it!

In the midst of this frenzy, I've been trying to come up with new and creative ways to organize the house in preparation for bringing another person in and all that comes with it. We don't have a ton of space and I know what we do have will quickly be eaten up by all the gear that comes with a new baby. As much as I like to think I'm a pretty streamlined person, with sleep deprivation and 2 children under the age of 2, I know that this place is going to be a disaster within minutes of coming home.

Here are some simple as well as "only-in-my-dreams" organization ideas I've been using for inspiration from Pinterest...





Pantry/cabinet "risers" help maximize your shelf space. I picked up some from Target for $5 each and doubled my kitchen storage space.



This is my dream "mud room". Not only does it have all of the organization- hooks, cubbies, drawers, seating- but it's also stylish and flows with the rest of the house.

This is very simple and not so much for everyday, but I love it for entertaining and especially in the Spring/Summer. You could paint the pots yourself or use decorative ones that are in most stores now.  Depending on what type of pots you get, you could also use this for candy, toppings, or snacks!



This makes my little OCD heart happy. Now picture the complete opposite of this and you'll get an idea of what my pantry actually looks like.



Use cereal boxes for drawer organization- genius! You can use any size cereal box, cut off the bottom and then place them in the drawer that needs organizing. Done and done!

There you have it. A little snapshot into the mind of a nester. Hopefully I can implement some of these and the endless more ideas that can be found on Pinterest. Soon enough, Pinterest will be the only place in my life that's neat and organized! Happy pinning!

Pinterest to the rescue!

Have you ever been to Seattle? Have you ever been to Seattle in January? Well, let me paint a picture for you. Gray. Yep, that's the whole picture. Just a bunch of gray. The sun stays hidden as does your motivation to do anything productive. Ask me why I'm not sad about it though. My answer- PINTEREST! Yes, as each gray, depressing day passes I'm all warm and sunny on the inside because I've got my happy pill that is Pinterest. Raining? No problem! I'll check out some new hairstyles. Overcast? Ok! I'll just look at the crafts. Neither cold nor darkness shall dampen my mood when Pinterest is there to save me.

Check out what's keeping me all warm and fuzzy this week...

I want to go somewhere where this is all I have to pack.

No really, I would.

Cover shoebox tops and bottoms with fabric! A great, inexpensive way to liven up your walls.

Essie Marshmallow- a great transition color from Winter to Spring.

Honey Mustard Chicken- an easy way to dress up plain ol' chicken breasts. Plus, it's from Weight Watchers so you can stay on track with your New Year's resolution!

If it's sunny where you are, then I hate you. If not, I hope this post helped with your seasonal depression as it has with mine. Happy pinning!