My Spark

Something amazing happened today. I read this piece on Facebook early as I laid in bed. I saved it to read again later, because it resonated so strongly with me. We went about our morning- homemade waffles and relaxed family time, and the hubs & I watched a little HGTV while the kid(s!!) played & napped. A new show came on that seemed kinda cool. I recorded it as it began, thinking I might not be able to get through the whole thing and would want to watch it later (life with kids!). At first I really liked it. Then I kinda liked it, but wasn't sure about the hosts (Too hipster, I told D). Midway through as Erin was sewing drop cloth curtains, I looked at D and said "drop cloth curtains. DROP CLOTH CURTAINS!!" while giving myself a chest bump. I certainly didn't invent using drop cloths for curtains, but I made some for our home a few years ago. That moment caused a little stirring in me. I watched as Erin shopped a junk store for cool finds and asked D if he remembered how much I loved doing the same. He said let's go. Really? REALLY?! You don't have to tell me twice.

We packed up the kiddos and headed to My Favorite Place. R kept asking where we were going, and I said, "mama's favorite place". "But what's it called", she pleaded. My Favorite Place! (so confusing!) It had been ages since I'd been- certainly not since having both kids- and the last time I was there it was sorely disappointing. But I was excited. D was into it. It was awesome. R found every darn animal object in there, and when things started to get boring and she declared she was ready to go home, we made a scavenger hunt out of the store. "Find a snowman. A lion. A clown" Might seem like an impossible task, but not at My Favorite Place. We were finding multiples! A fellow customer in the store who had overheard us for some time laughed as she passed us in an aisle and said, "I've been able to find every one of your items except the whale" (Yeah, I mistook a shark for a whale- we didn't find one either, but I bet there's one in there. Somewhere.)

It was fun. It was different with two kids. But it was a good different. And it was invigorating. My spark! I feel like it's back. I know me- I have to be careful. Guard it, and make sure the ember doesn't die out again. But goodness, it feels amazing to have that spark warming my soul again.

Oh and this. Because, Yes!

Weekend Update

Happy Monday everyone!!  I feel so sluggish starting out this week because we had such a great weekend!! One of those that you didn't want to end.  My sister & nephew came to town, and we had SO MUCH FUN!!  Having my sis & nephew here always makes me wish they lived closer, we didn't even need to be doing anything to just have fun.  Maybe one day...

Friday afternoon we were eagerly awaiting their arrival and someone got a little wrapped up in mama's tiny yarn collection.  Literally.  It was too cute!

Saturday we had a leisurely morning, and then sis & I were off to do a little shopping (& research) at a couple local baby boutiques.  We'd never been to either one, and they were filled with so much great stuff!!  I fell in love with a few things...

These over-sized cards are so cute, and I think they'd be great for teaching babgirl.  At $25 they're a bit steep, but I did find them online at Amazon for cheaper, so I may go that route.

This zebra head was adorable!!  They also had a horse and ...hmm, one other one I can't recall.  They were super cute, but nearly $200!!

I definitely want to get one of these for the bathtub.  I'm always worried that babygirl is going to crack her head on the spout because she loves to play with it, and the whale is just way too cute!

These bird cards are beyond awesome.  The art was beautiful, and I have a soft spot for bird art.  I can't remember the price, but it was very reasonable, and with some cheap Ikea 8x10 frames, I think these would look awesome in babygirl's room!

I didn't take any pics at the other baby store, and honestly felt like I had to sneak the ones above.  They were the types of places that look at you sideways when you whip out your phone camera.  Eeek!

There was a super cool home store next to the second baby boutique, so we breezed through as quickly as I could manage since my sis was starving.  It was also not a phone camera-friendly zone, but I snuck a few:

These little canisters were so cute!!  I just wish they were bigger.  I'm totally not a canisters-on-the-counters gal, but for these I'd make an exception.  The ones pictured above were about the right size for teabags, or a sugar jar.

I don't care how many times I see chandeliers like this, I'm still going to love them.  I just think they're AWESOME!

I saw this leather strap contraption and cracked up.  I can just see the hubs using this to carry our firewood in from the back.  NOT.  He would laugh me out of house & home if I suggested it.  Looks cute though.

And then my phone went on the fritz.  There were so many more goodies I wanted to show y'all.  Oh well, guess I am going to need to go back!  :)

After a quick lunch at one of my favorite places- Whole Foods Salad & Hot Bars, we were up for just a tiny bit more shopping, so we headed to Goodwill, where else?!  I spotted some great stuff at pretty good prices...

Hard to see, but this pale pink lamp shade was a great oval shape and really nice!

Not sure what this roll was intended for, I was thinking it would make a sweet dresser drawer liner for a little girl's room.

At first I gawked at the price of these candles- almost $7 at Goodwill.  But then I smelled them, and they were divine.  Probably worth the $7 bucks!

These woven trays were really cool.  I'm not sure how functional they'd be, But I could see them stacked on a leather or cloth ottoman/coffee table.

These porcelain ornaments reminded me of something my grandma would like.

I love fall decorating.  They don't look like anything special, but both of these pumpkins were cute.

I'll probably regret not picking up those three shelves, they were a great price, I just couldn't think of where to use them.

I liked both the laptop case and those plastic heart plates.  They'd be fun to use for kiddos just on Valentines day!

These embroidered cocktail napkins were great, and brand new, but I'm just not a martini drinker and I think that's the only way they'd make sense.  I don't know any martini drinkers either.  Oh well.

I liked the shape of this lamp, and the color wasn't bad either.

Not sure what this is, I saw it on the way out and we were both kind of pooped, so I just grabbed a quick pic.  Maybe a duvet cover?  I thought the print was super fun though!

Sis & I both made out with some great deals.  I'll show you one of them later this week!  We headed home, had some dinner, and then the whole gang went to our new favorite place, Barnes & Noble.  The cousins had a great time playing at the train table together.

After playing we stopped for a scoop of icecream on the way home.  The local shop is known for interesting flavor combos, but tonight we totally struck out.  For whatever reason, I decided I had to taste the Peanut Sriracha- DEEEE-SGUSTING.  I mean really bad.  I asked the girl scooping how hot it was, and she was all, ehh, I dunno, a little.  So I tasted it.  Apart from instantly scorching my throat, it was just the grossest combo.  I usually trust their "weird sounding combos", but I instantly regretted it.  (I ended up having to grab a bottle of water b/c I couldn't even speak from the heat of the sriracha, no jokes.)  So sis & I both ended up with Salted Caramel, which should have been a no-brainer.  But it was so S.A.L.T.Y.  Like, it was hard to enjoy it was so salty.  Sis ended up dumping her scoop and eating the cone; I had a cup so I suffered through.  Oh well!

Sunday morning we headed to church, where we snapped snapped a few pics after service.

Afterwards we headed to our neighborhood coffee shop for a light breakfast in the sunshine.  Then home for naps and relaxing the rest of the day.

All in all, the best kind of weekend- not hectic, no work, just lots of fun family time!!

Hope y'all have a great week.  This one should be interesting around here- we hired a nanny who starts on Tuesday!!  Hoping it goes well...

Weekend Update

Happy Monday friends!!  Hope y'all had a great weekend and are staying toasty warm.  It was COLD in Atlanta this past weekend but we had plenty of sunshine so it didn't feel too bad.  Saturday morning started out perfect- the hubs let me sleep in while he hung out with babygirl, so I got to catch up on some zzz's!  We did a little thrifting in the afternoon, but didn't come away with much.  I always like to snap pics while I'm thrifting of fun stuff that I don't buy, but the place was SO picked over there was nothing to take pics of!!  Seriously, when we pulled in the parking lot there was nary a parking space.  I don't think I like that thrifting has gone mainstream!!  :)

Sunday was church & cleaning and then a little window shopping at Hancock Fabrics.  It's not my favorite fabric store, but there's inspiration to be found everywhere.  Here are a few of the fabrics that jumped out at me (these are apparel fabrics, not home dec)...

 I love the vibrant colors & graphic patterns in these purple & orange prints.

These too!  So fun and funky.

My eye is always drawn to black & white.  There was nothing special about any of these, but i liked the gathering as a group.

Speaking of pattern, these batiks were fun.  The colors were a lot more vibrant in person!

Especially this yellow & grey one.  There is a shadow over it, but it was the sunniest yellow & so cheerful!  I could see babygirl in a sweet sundress in this pattern.

Stripes, gingham & buffalo check are always classics you can't go wrong with.

Amid all the pattern, this aisle was like a soothing balm.  I love the neutral muslins & the ticking stripes.  The textures are what make these fabrics so appealing to me.

Especially this white cotton ruffle, I just adore it!

After Hancock the fam took a trip to Barnes & Noble.  We hadn't been there in ages, and we thought babygirl would enjoy it.  Boy were we right.  That gal was literally like a kid in a toy store!  We had no idea B&N had bulked up their toy selection, and they had some great brands and beautiful educational toys.  I'll totally head there first from now on when I need a baby/kid gift!

I've been shopping around for alphabet flashcards for babygirl.  She's a total sponge right now, and is starting to mimic everything.  I'm constantly amazed by the little things she recalls from books we read or things we've said to her. These look like a good option, but I passed for now.

This was the cutest darn purse I've EVER seen!  I grabbed it to show babygirl, and she instantly put it over her shoulder and hugged it tight.  For almost the whole time in there.  It was so cute.  It nearly broke my heart to see the $22 price tag.  Sheesh!  Honestly, it's probably not bad, but it's also not in the budget.  :)

And lastly, I see now why parents invest in train tables.  The kids were like magnets to this thing.  Riley had a great time, and met some nice new friends too.  It was the perfect way to end the weekend!  We're adding B&N to our list of places to visit more often!

So what were y'all up to this weekend?  I've got a busy week ahead of me with lots of fun new projects on the horizon, so stay tuned!!  Have a great week!

Weekend Update

Not much to update, creatively speaking.  I've been spending my days soaking up the sweetness of that little girl above, my babygirl.  Sometimes I feel like I can see inside her head and literally watch the wheels turning as she learns and grows everyday.  I always knew the thing in life I wanted to do most was be a mom, but I just never realized what a change it would make on ME as a person.  Everyone tells you babies change your life, I thought they meant your LIFE, not who you are on the inside.  I'm so aware of this little person who is watching me all day, everyday- what I do, what I say, and I want to make sure I'm being the best I can be for her.  I constantly surprise myself with reserves of patience, even at the end of the day, because I can see that she's thriving and learning and just soaking up every little bit of everything we're giving her.  It's such a gift to be a mom and grow a little person, and I just pray every day that God will continue to guide me and help me to be a better person & mom.

Whew, just got a little heavy there, but that's what been on my mind this week!  I'm constantly humbled by my role as mama.  To that end, this weekend was spent together as a family!!  We did some family thrifting on Saturday, without much success.  Sunday was church and a nice long nap.  We visited an open house of a friend who's a realtor, which may not sound like too much fun, but the hubs & I really enjoy looking at houses, so it was lots of fun for us!  Family time ended with a POLO (parents of little ones) early Valentines party at our church.  The pouring rain was a perfect excuse to stay in, but in an effort to create more connections, we braved the weather and I think we were all happy we did!  Babygirl is such an observant gal, and can spot a fellow kid in a crowd, so it was such a treat for her to be surrounded by lots of littles.  Sunday evening ended with a little work and some much needed mama time with the DVR: Real Housewives, Kim & Kourtney & Shahs of Sunset. Oh yes, I watch 'em all, and I love it!!

Hope y'all had a great weekend, and HAPPY MONDAY!!

Weekend Update

I sincerely hope that y'all had as beautiful of a weekend as this mama did!

It started Friday night with a cheap pizza & 2 hours with the hubs in front of the TV for the series finale of Fringe.  It's one of the few shows that we can agree on, and we've been watching together since it began back in 2008.  The X-Files-ish vibe of it appealed to me, and I just adore Walter (John Noble).  But like X-Files, there were some so-so seasons, especially this past one.  I had a hard time sticking with quite a few of the episodes: I hated the future story-line and I especially hated the daughter story-line, but I stuck around, and the reward was a really well-done finale.  I'm not sure how the world-at-large felt because I haven't read any reviews, but I was happy with it and in my world, that's all that matters!!

Saturday morning I left a very happy hubs at home with babygirl (see why here) to do some solo window-shopping (post forthcoming later this week, and it's a good one!).  I forgot how nice it is to go shopping alone on a Saturday morning and just LOOK slowly.  Ahhh, perfect break.  Of course mama-guilt kicked in after about 2 hours and I made my way back home.  I scored the loot below (though I've already decided to take a few things back) still, very fun!

The rest of the day was spent with the family and the TV.  I discovered two new (to me) shows and a lovely movie, as I mentioned here.  And the nightcap?  A ginger bath.  I first read about them on MFAMB here, and decided to try it out last night when I was feeling a little meh.  The gist is a really hot bath with epsom salts, powdered (or fresh) ginger and baking soda.  I was going by memory and forgot the baking soda, oops!  The bath smelled divine, was verrrrrrrry relaxing, and I felt great on Sunday.  I'd call it a success, and I'd definitely recommend you try it!  Just make sure to drink tons of water (I actually brought a big glass to the bath with me!) because you'll sweat a lot and want to be sure to flush out all those toxins.  Ahhhhhhh..........

Sunday morning was a little bit of a cooking frenzy: I whipped up some chicken in the crock pot for tacos (remind me to share that recipe, it's AWESOME!), and some taco seasoning to add to the chicken (also awesome, also need to share!), and some waffles in the hubs new waffle maker.  We've never had a waffle maker, so it's been a fun Sunday thing to do, but let me tell y'all, these waffles are HUGE and I don't even want to KNOW how many carbs they contain.  I can't even eat a whole one.  Actually, I can't even get through 3/4 of one!  But they are yummy!!

Next up we took a little trip to Starbucks for the hubs to chat with some nice folks about a fun little side job. I hope he gets it because it will be right up his alley!!  Babygirl & I enjoyed tagging along, and taking a self-portrait while we waited.

We took the scenic route home (meaning through the city streets instead of the freeway- ha!) and just enjoyed the scenery and the sunshine.  Cleaning, eating and football took up the rest of the day, which is not bad at all!  Copious amounts of crumbs were removed from our floors (this could honestly be a full-time job for me), soft tacos were delish, and 1 of the 2 games went our way.  What more can you ask for?

Happy Monday, Inauguration Day & MLK Day!!

Weekend Update

Hello friends!!

Sorry it's been quiet around here. We're in a bit of a money crunch around the T house, so this past week mama has had her nose to the grindstone trying to work as much as I can.  And since I work from home, this usually means working during naps & once the hubs gets home- also known as my prime blogging time!!

If you can believe it, until this afternoon I had not been out of the house since we got back from our trip last Monday night.  Yes, almost a full week of not leaving the house!!  And yes, that is pathetic!!  I just haven't had the spare time.  And somehow, when there's no money to spend, there seems to be very few reasons to go out.  Sad, I know.

So this weekend has been spent doing some more work, and of course, watching lots of football.  But it's also been spent having a little pity party for myself.  Yes, as good as I know I have it, I want to have it better.  I thought about typing all the things I wish I had, but as I went over them in my head, they just seemed silly.  I know I have the things I'm supposed to have, and that's that.  The problem isn't with my deficits, it's with just being happy.  So, it's a work in progress.  Just writing this helps put things in perspective a little.

And there are lots of fun things to look forward to.  Like seeing our family this week for one of my favorite holidays: Thanksgiving!!  There are lots of yummy foods to be made and consumed, and hopefully some craftiness as well.  And of course lots of family time and spoiling of babygirl with lovin. 

I'm thinking of heading outdoors this week to look for pine cones to make these adorable table decorations for the Thanksgiving table:

source

Don't you just love those?  So simple, and easy!!  I think I'll use leftover orange paint from our dining room walls.  :)

I'll leave you with this thought that's resonating with me tonight...

How true is that?!?

Happy Monday!

Catching Up

Hey y'all!!

Whew, what a whirlwind of craziness the past few days have been, and it doesn't look like it will be letting up for a couple more days!  First, let me catch you up on the weekend...

Saturday we went to a football game with a good friend, who happens to be the mama of babygirl's best friend.  It's always so sweet when the girls are together!

Then it was more football when we got home- a nail-biter Bama game.  The hubs is a huge Bama fan, and I've become one by default/marriage.  Lol.  They always make for a great game!

Sunday mama got some time to herself, which is a rare treat.  First, I must vent.  Since becoming a mama (and thus being on a super-tight budget) I haven't tended to my hair like I used to.  Ie, I cut my own hair months back when it got to the point of driving me crazy, and I cut bangs recently because I needed a change.  We're going to a wedding soon though, and I wanted it to look better, so I decided a haircut was in order.  Now, because of aforementioned budget, I went ultra-cheap and decided to use a coupon I found for Great Clips.  I had a few other things to do, but went to get my haircut first- big mistake!  I walked right in, told the guy I needed a cut, and was sat right away.  He didn't offer to shampoo, but I was okay with it because my hair was clean.  Now, let me tell y'all what I told him: my hair is SUPER curly.  I usually either pull it back, or flat iron it, I NEVER wear it curly.  So I told him what I wanted, and he got to work spraying down my hair.  Okay, I thought, it's likely easier to cut wet hair.  As he worked, my hair began to dry, and curl like crazy, and he just continued to spray it.  Now, he finishes up the cut and pulls out the blow-dryer.  He said, I just want to get some of the moisture out.  Okay, I think, that's cool.  So he dries my hair, not with a brush or anything, just dries it.  And then says, okay, you're done.  I was in SHOCK.  I looked like orphan Annie with a head full of frizzed out curly hair.  No product.  No comb or brush.  No flat iron.  NOTHING.  I didn't even know what to say, I just paid and hightailed it to my car.  My question is, WHO DOES THAT?!  Luckily I had a little clip and a ponytail holder in the car so I quickly pulled my hair up and back so I could run my errands, but I still looked like a crazy person.  The funny thing is, the haircut is actually not bad, once I was able to flat iron it and style it myself.  I just don't understand why you'd send someone out of your salon looking a mess.  Oh well!!

Next, I got to do a little window shopping at one of my favorite old haunts: Marshalls!!  I used to hit up a Marshalls at least once a month, but because of that darn budget, I don't even tempt myself.  I needed a dress for that wedding though, so I ventured in for a rare treat.  I'll post some of my favorite finds in a separate post...

Monday & Tuesday I was in a full-day QuickBooks training class.  Fun!!  It was actually great to be in a learning environment and feel like I was doing something for myself.  And a few awesome things came out of it (apart from the training itself!).  1) The hubs (who stayed home with babygirl all day while I was in class) declared that he had way more respect for me now than he ever did before.  And 2) The hubs said he never understood before how I could not have time to shower but now sees why (day 1 he didn't get to shower!).  Those two statements alone made the time away totally worth it!!  And I love the hubs for admitting them!!  :)

So now you're all caught up!!  Today was spent getting ready for a trip we're taking.  It'll be babygirl's first time on a plane, and needless to say this mama is a little nervous!!  Just praying all goes well!  And I plan on using a little piece of advice a friend gave me: if anyone gives us an evil eye because babygirl makes a peep, remember (and remind them) that they were once a baby too.  Ha, I loved that!

Weekend Update

Happy Monday!!

We had lovely weekend over here- beautiful weather, along with a good balance of work, play and helping out a neighbor.  Couldn't get much better if you ask me!!

Friday afternoon babygirl and I quickly hit up one of my favorite thrift shops in hopes of finding a cheap Halloween costume.  No luck, but I did score these cool looking vintage patterns for .10¢ each!  I haven't opened them yet, but hoping they'll be a fun sewing project.

Later Friday evening we were driving thru a neighborhood near our house when we spotted a bunch of cabinets on the curb.  We pulled over, got super excited about what we saw, and loaded up 2 cabinets in our car.  We got home, took measurements, and got even more excited when we realized the cabinets would fit above our laundry room sink- score!!  I'll post a full tutorial this week, but here's what a good chunk of our Saturday was spent doing:

It wasn't quite cool enough to make chili, but I did anyway, and it was deelish!  Recipe to come...

I also did a little fall decorating.  Not too much, but I love fall colors and it just made me smile.  I'm trying to get my hands on some brown bandanas to use for my Thanksgiving tablescape- wouldn't that be adorable?!

 
 Today the hubs helped a neighbor pick up a new fridge and move it in.  By the time he got home there wasn't much daylight left, but I was determined to visit one of my favorite shopping centers with a great antique store, Goodwill & Big Lots- talk about a trifecta!!!  I've got lots of pics of some of my favorite things to share with you later this week, but I can't get this guy out of my head, and can't help feeling like I passed over something pretty darn special.  I really hate when that happens...

What do you think?  Did I pass up a cool piece?  And just to rub salt in my wound, the price was a mere $14.95, marked down from $45. Booohoooooo......

I'll cheer you (and me) up with a pic of our cutie from a trip to Lowe's this weekend.  Have a great week!!

Weekend Update

We had another relaxing weekend around here!  Since babygirl's birthday party is behind us, we're taking a little break from the house projects to just hang out.  Not to mention, the budget is pretty stretched this month, and laying low is free!!  Babygirl is getting such a personality, so there is never a dull moment around these parts!!  And football season, how could I forget that??  Saturday is filled with college football, and Sunday, NFL.  Although we did manage to squeeze in a fair amount of house work and a couple little projects outside.

First up on Friday was a crockpot meal I made to last us all weekend, and it worked!  Recipe to come this week, but we all loved it and ate it at least once each day, lol.

I shouldn't be surprised, knowing my hubs, but the lengths men will go to for TV are astounding!!  We were in the crawlspace and up on the roof on Saturday to try and get better reception- you see we canceled DirecTv in order to cut back on some expenses, so we are just rockin' the off air channels.  I don't mind one bit as long as I can still watch my Housewives of Anywhere online, but the hubs is going through major TV withdrawal.  So here was the solution: run a cable from under the house to the second floor and attach a device that acts as an antennae.  I'm honestly not sure that it made one bit of difference, but it was a little fun to climb out on the roof!!

And this little girl, well she is just cracking us up!!  She is starting to mimic what you say, and today when the hubs and I were talking about getting a goat, she kept saying goooooooooooat, goooooooat.  So stinkin' cute!!  We've been taking lots of videos of her lately, I just want to soak up all the cuteness and not forget a moment of it!

I also had a chance to catch up on a bunch of magazines that my mom passed along.  I used to be the biggest magazine addict, but once we went on a budget I realized how much money they were eating up!!  I still love them, I just have to get them secondhand and a few months behind now, lol.

I did some blog brainstorming on the schedule I mentioned the other day, and I think I have some good ideas!  And I squeezed in some real (paid!) work too, so I'd say it was a productive weekend amid the sleeping in and football and relaxing!!  Hope yours was too, onto Monday!