101 Things: Review and Revisions

Posted in 101 Things, Lists by widdershins22

I have about 20 months left to complete my 101 Things in 1001 Days project. I’ve been looking over my list and there are a few revisions that I feel like I need to make. Some of the things are a bit too open ended for my liking. Others, I feel, are either unrealistic now that Joe is in the picture, or are frankly no longer interesting to me. So, I’ve made some changes. Here are a few of the new ones I’ve added to my list.

31. Open a 529 for Joseph

41. Organize and edit photos in digital library

63. Make quilt(s) to donate to Riverside NICU

76. Go to the drive-in

You can see the full list here.

12Jun2012

Planted 2012

Posted in Homey Goodness by widdershins22

Over the weekend, I finally got some gardening done. I usually do this in May, but it was such a whirlwind of a month that things got postponed until now. Better late than never, right? I had grand plans of putting in a garden this summer, but I have come to terms that its not going to happen this year. I am just so busy with Joseph that I know I won’t be able to keep up with all that it would entail. I am having to settle with my usual herbs and flower pots. Although, I did add some grape tomato plants to the list. I had bad luck with my cherry tomato plant last year, so we’ll see what happens. I think that this little bit will give me joy of tending plants while still being manageable. How’s does your garden grow this year?

11Jun2012

June’s BirchBox

Posted in Fashion by widdershins22

This month’s Birchbox has a “Jet Set” theme, showcasing products devoted to summer travel. To be honest, I felt like this theme was a little contrived, the products I received didn’t really scream “Jet Set” to me, but I did like what came this month.

Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream This cream is supposed to help fade stretch marks by combining four natural moisturizers—olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and meadowfoam seed oils along with their SmartPeptide™ system to increase collagen production. It also includes licorice root and antioxidant-rich resveratrol to fade discoloration and hyaluronic acid to help with long-lasting hydration. I have some post-pregnancy stretch marks that will put this to the test. We’ll see. If it works, I’ll definitely let you know.
theBalm cosmetics Stainiac A lip/cheek stain that in the bottle looks really bright, but goes on as a very pale rosy pink. I think that if you layered the product you could build the color intensity, but to be honest, I’m not a big fan of stains. I feel like they come off as soon as my lips get moist. After a quick test, I found this follows the same way. I haven’t tried it as a blush yet, so it might work a bit better in that respect.
Scalisi Skincare Anti-Aging Moisturizing Broad Spectrum SPF 30 This is a combo product that will moisturize while filling in wrinkles and providing sun protection. This sounds like a product that I would use. Anything that would cut the number of steps (and separate products) that I need to apply, the better. It feels light weight and non-oily and doesn’t have a super “sunscreeny” smell. The ant-wrinkle part remains to be seen.
CleanWell Hand Sanitizing Wipes These are non-drying hand wipes that sanitize and moisturize. I like that they are easy to throw in my purse or baby bag and aren’t super harsh for your skin. Much better than that bottle of Purell. Would definitely use these little guys again.
BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages by Cynthia Rowley Bundle Too cute bandages with different “fashion” prints. This was our lifestyle freebie this month. I’m not sure that I want to draw any more attention to my klutzy collection of scratches and scrapes, but they are pretty adorable. I think if you had a little girl, she’d love them.
Artspace Coupon This is more of an advertisement about Artspace, a fun site where you can purchase art work from both established and up and coming artist. It is a great little site if you are looking to purchase some great contemporary art.
Not shown: John Varvatos Star U.S.A. I think this was included to introduce BirchBox Men and also because of Father’s Day. I haven’t smelled this yet, but I’ll have Shawn try it out.

Over all, I’m not quite as excited about this month as May’s. I think that I’d definitely buy the sanitizing wipes, but the jury is still out on some of the others. I think that this is mostly because these products are ones that you’d have to use for a bit before you can tell if they work for you. I’ll be using the stretch mark cream and the anti-aging moisturizer until the samples are gone. It they show results, I won’t hesitate to get them in the full size. This is precisely why I love the BirchBox concept. I get to try this stuff that I would otherwise pass on because I wouldn’t want to spend money on something that I wasn’t sure would work.

I’m already looking forward to see what July will bring! Oh, and if you’re interested in signing up for your own box, please click here, that way I get points for the referral. Thanks!

8Jun2012

Gratuitous Baby Photos

Posted in General Life, Oh Baby by widdershins22

I haven’t shared any photos of Joseph lately, so I thought I’d show him off a bit. He is getting so big -three months next week!- I just can’t believe it. His personality is really starting to come out now and it’s so much fun to finally have some interaction when we play.

This weekend Grandma Cathy is coming to visit and we’ll also be taking him to the pool. He went in at my parent’s over Memorial weekend and seemed to enjoy it. Hopefully, he’ll be into it again, since it is going to be a scorcher.

Hope that everyone has a great weekend!

I call this one his PeeWee Herman grin.

Rough Morning

7Jun2012

Seersucker Napkins DIY

Posted in She's Crafty by widdershins22

I was browsing on Pinterest the other day and I came across a DIY project from Martha Stewart for seersucker napkins. It was unbelievably easy, almost a no-sew project, something I could whip up during one of Joe’s naps, so I thought I’d give it a go.

I had enough leftover seersucker fabric from a previous project to make six 20″ napkins. The fabric is a black and white seersucker that reads a deep charcoal stripe, which I think adds a little something to the napkins so they aren’t so beachy. Seersucker comes is a wide range of colors, so I could see doing this in a lawn green or pink as well. Imagine doing the cocktail napkin size for a Kentucky Derby party!

Like I said, this is a SUPER simple project. Measure, cut, and sew a few straight lines. Voila! I gave mine a little trim and press after washing them, but you could even skip the sewing part if you want a more casual, cut-off jeans feel.

I’m already thinking about making some more in the cocktail size and maybe even some coasters. I recommend you make some as well, I think they’ll become a summertime staple in no time.

6Jun2012

RIP Ray Bradbury

Posted in Books, Pop by widdershins22

I was saddened to hear of the passing of another great writer today. Ray Bradbury passed away at 91. A great American fantasy, horror, and science fiction writer, Bradbury was often credited for bringing the genre into the mainstream.

Fahrenheit 451 is one of my all-time favorites, you know how I love a good dystopian work, and I have to say that the film adaptation of Something Wicked This Way Comes is one of the top five scariest movies from my childhood. I mean talk about nightmare material:

6Jun2012

Solo Parenting

Posted in All About Me by widdershins22

I’ve been on my own with the little guy for the past couple days due to Shawn having to go on a business trip. He’s coming back today and I have to say that it is not a moment too soon. Don’t get me wrong, I love the peanut so much and enjoy being able to spend my time with him. I’m blessed that I am able to stay home and don’t have to deal the stress and worry that comes with sending your little one to day care while working full time. That being said, I really need a break by the end of the day and Shawn is amazingly helpful with taking up the reigns so I can get a breather. He also helps me so much with the little things; letting out the dog in the morning, getting bottles ready, making coffee, the list goes on and on. Okay, I’m not writing a post about how awesome my husband is (but I totally could!) but I want to explain why I am feeling extra frazzled at this point. Between being “on” with Joseph without any back up, no real interaction with anyone but an infant and a dog, and having to take care of all the big and little things through out the day and night, I am ready to drop. God bless the single parents out there who do this everyday without end. I am not sure I could make it. I am so lucky that I have Shawn coming back today. . . . maybe we should “welcome” him at the airport.

5Jun2012

101 Things: 86. Put in walk connecting back patio to driveway & replace side entrance

Posted in 101 Things, Homey Goodness by widdershins22

This spring we put in new steps to the side entrance of the house as well as a walkway to connect the driveway and the back patio. I cannot tell you how much this was needed. The side entrance to the laundry room was pretty much unusable. It has a minuscule wooden porch/landing that was very narrow and was cramped and over grown with bushes so that you had to squeeze in sideways to get in the door. Not very practical. We also had the problem of no walk connecting the back patio to the side of the house/driveway. This was a real pain, since you had to tramp through wet grass, snow, etc. It was also a favorite spot for Walter to do his business, so there were “land mines” to watch out for. Yuck.

So, we tore out the bushes and got rid of the tiny little entrance and had stone steps put in along with the bluestone walkway. I can’t tell you how much more inviting and open this has made the side of the house feel. Not to mention that we use that side entrance 100% more than before. Stupid me forgot to take some “before” photos for you to see. I wish I had because it really is a dramatic difference. (Pardon the less than stellar “after” photos. I had to snap some quick ones during nap time.) It is still is a little barren and sterile looking right now, but I’ll be getting some pots for around the side entrance to adds some color with some annuals. I am thinking some cheerful geraniums or other sun-loving plants. I’d love to do a flower box on the window (powder room) and maybe paint the door. We’ll see what I can talk Shawn into.

4Jun2012

Pantone Palette for the Queen’s Jubilee

Posted in Pop by widdershins22

God Save The Queen! To celebrate 60 years on the throne Pantone and Leo Burnett London have joined forces to create a high design homage to Her Majesty with a limited edition color guide of the different hues of the Queen’s famous ensembles through the years. This guide uses Pantone color references and gives the date and location of each outfit Queen Elizabeth wore. Who knew the Queen was so colorful?

4Jun2012

The Shoe of the Summer: Espadrilles

Posted in Fashion by widdershins22

Soludos shoes, $351 Office Aqua Flat Espadrille, £10 Asos Chambray Espadrilles, $14 PAUL SMITH JEANS Blue espadrille Shoes, $122 Scotch & Soda Espadrilles, €60 SOLUDOS PICO ESPADRILLE, £29 Sailor Striped Women’s Espadrilles $35

I’ve decided that my go to shoe this summer will be the espadrille. Light weight, breathable, easy to slip on and off, these shoes just scream summer to me. I am wanting a traditional pair that have no heel and have the jute sole. Check out those Soludos, they are spot on. Right now I am trying to decide on whether I want them in an oceany blue, a jaunty red, or a soothing natural hue. There are so many great ones out there, I might have to go for one of each!