52 ado

Tardy to my Party

2015-11-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

YEP, seriously tardy to my own blog. My own life. Man, it's been a whirlwind. New job, side job has expanded to a sweet little business that I love! Busy is an understatement. I have no time to shop. OMG, didn't think I would ever say that. Who wants to shop for me? Seriously, come over, clean out my entire closet (all my closets) and buy me a new wardrobe please. Online shopping is where it's at. I also try to go local as much as I can. Not a TON of options around these parts though.

Quick catch up:
My little is in Kinder and lost her two front teeth. I feel old. My littlest LOVES preschool and could not be any cuter and more stubborn. Knocked a few things off of my list, but a few more to do and no time to do. Summer was fun, fall was crazy. We got a new kitten on our late dog's birthday. I'm actually ready for the holidays, a slower life and some snow. And maybe a vacation. :)

After seeing scary scenes happening around the world I'm just so thankful to be in a safe place and surrounded by family. I may have been pretty reluctant to move back to candyland after traveling much of the world, but man, it beats the alternative. I'll take the crazy in my life over the crazy around the world.

Keeping the peace, we only have one another, so be nice. My kids are tired of me saying that. Trying to make more time for my people. More days out, more one on one, more snuggles. So what if we spoil sometimes. Life can be a party.

cheers

Patio Appeal

2015-05-27T13:21:00.000-04:00

While the playhouse is under way, I'm in a patio furniture struggle. Does anyone else search the internet for hours trying to find exactly what you want on a budget? Maybe I just have furniture envy or guilt? Seriously, everything is so overpriced these days. In between editing (which seems like my entire life at the moment...not a bad thing), I am trying to clean up our outdoor living. I have too many tastes. It interferes with my mind. I love teak, but it's such a bitch to maintain so ours is on it's last leg. Or maybe it wasn't high-end enough? At any rate, would be nice to find a set that doesn't cost a fortune and lasts me awhile AND is comfortable. That is key. I never sit outside because I cannot relax in my rock hard chairs or maybe because I get eaten alive. Time to look for a house with a pool!!!

Here are a few items I'm loving at the moment, but haven't clicked any order buttons yet...

Super cute chair! Practical? Does it go with my home? Color matches my front door and my gutters. Maybe.

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This West Elm bench is too cool.

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Totally digging this set that's on sale. I'd have to take out a small loan to get all that I need though. ;) Classic and beautiful!

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Seriously inviting, but I think I'm leaning towards metal.

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Brown Jordan is my favorite. I really love their stuff! I could spend the entire afternoon in their showroom. This collection at Home Depot is beautiful!

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These kid adirondack chairs are awesome and cheap too.

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Great sales out right now. Hope you're not as indecisive as I am.

cheers

Playhouse Party

2015-04-20T12:30:00.000-04:00

DIY playhouse going up. I'll take more pics and keep you updated as the hubs has time to build. Following this little plan for inspiration. We have a narrow space so we have to improvise and change it up a bit. Super excited for my kiddos to have a little place to hang. We are putting in a bottom floor and top floor. Bottom floor is in! (Follow my Instagram for quicker updates).

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Thank you for the inspiration The Handmade Home.

cheers

DIY Playdough

2015-03-11T16:43:00.000-04:00

Need a weekend activity for the kiddos? Homemade playdough. Check. Gather, blend, stir & play. Easy.

Ingredients
1/2 c of salt
1 c of water
2 tbsp of cream of tartar
1 c of flour
1 tbsp of oil
Food coloring

Directions
Mix flour, salt, tartar and oil in a pan
Mix water with the food coloring
Add water/color mixture to other ingredients and stir
Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, constantly stirring
When it becomes doughy, remove from heat and start kneading (hot, be careful)
When texture is achieved, time to play!
Store in container or ziplock

(apologies for the low quality phone pics)...

Easy clean up and lots of fun!

cheers

Spring Kids

2015-02-25T17:42:00.000-05:00

Loving the Zara spring collection...

Right? So good. The yellow makes me want to buy it all!

cheers

Dining Deal

2015-02-15T22:52:00.000-05:00

Need to update your dining or kitchen area? Throw in some cool chairs. Some inexpensive newbies over at World Market and Ikea.

I've got my eye on a few. My outdoor chairs are currently serving as indoor seats. They need to go back outside!

cheers

New Trend?

2015-01-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know Marsala is in, but butter in coffee? hmmmm... did I miss this one? I prefer to add a spoon full of coconut oil (OR homemade Kaklua), but I guess if I'm out, then butter is a good alternative? Read up a little on bulletproof. Eh, I think I'd puke a little if I drank that.

Coconut oil only for me. Yes, I still use it for many things. And no new updates on all of my experiments with it. Only in the fact that I added coffee creamer to my list awhile ago. It's healthy, delicious and the smell takes me to the beach.

...or if you prefer a butter latte, then go for it.

cheers

A new year

2015-01-13T00:09:00.000-05:00

Hi 2015. Hoping for a good year! The last month kicked me in the ass. Literally with flu bugs, (yes that's plural) ear infections, overtired all around, laziness. Been sucked in by the winter blahs. I need a new, fresh, optimistic year. Feeling defeated. Maybe it's the weather? Where is our snow? I'd rather have sun or snow in this January gloom. No more rain please!

Looking to do several new things this year. So, what do you want to see from 52? Or rather, where should I take it? With Ali n M Photography happening, I'm trying to figure out direction and time management. And while I'm figuring out web building on my own time, hit us up on our Facebook page if you want to schedule anything or have questions. We will be more professional soon. :) We just booked some sport stuff in Spring and Summer but want to do Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter mini sessions. We'll spread that news soon. Send me a message if you want to be on our email list.

2015... to more family time, more friend time, more cooking, more outdoor play, more adventures, more risk. Perhaps new recipes, new hobbies, volunteer. New chores. There is always a list. Most importantly, being more present to my husband and kiddos.

Here's to dreaming into the future. Happy belated New Year!

cheers

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

2014-12-09T13:14:00.000-05:00

Not ignoring, just.can't.keep.up! New posts and new website coming SOON......

Until then, this be me...

via The Satrorialist

Or more like...

via Patrycja Podkoscienly

Don't F with me. Happy Holidays. #noinotbescrooge

cheers

Wintery Stuff

2014-11-18T12:35:00.002-05:00

Snow bunnies in Indiana! In November? Awesome stuff I've got my eye on...

Thermals and mugs from Anthro.

Cookie cutters from H&M.

I LOVE ornaments at Anthro!

Flannel from Target.

Awesome fire pit on One Kings Lane today.

Not ready for winter yet, but it's here.

cheers

Story of a Photo

2014-11-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

We've slightly launched our business. Ali 'n M Photography. Ali is me, M is Mandy. Both passionate about photography for a long time. Guilty of snapping an obnoxious amount of pics. A side gig has been our goal for years. Bare with us as we get to business.

Website coming up in 2015, but you've seen a few sneak peaks. (Message me if you want quick holiday pics). Here are several more of my family in the golden light on the last full day we were able to snuggle and kiss our fourteen year old Labrador, Finn. I snagged him as a puppy from my photography professor in college. This is a tribute to him. Thank you M, whom Finn adored; we needed some laughter and play that day.

leaf play

the joy of nature

stuffing face

Finny, we wouldn't have found you if I hadn't pursued my love for photography. Thank you to my professor, Ali, for giving us so much joy in our awesome Finnegan (his lab dad was ironically named Finnegan too). Ali had two black labs that accidentally bred and 9 pups needed good homes. How do you choose from so many cute puppies? The one that runs to you, licks your face and loves you unconditionally of course. I believe in signs. Pretty certain I was meant to take pictures and we were meant to have Finnegan.

And now that I start pursuing my passion a bit, our Finn has gone. We miss you gentle giant. Thank you for giving us so much love! You were family.

To Mandy and I, photography is capturing the joy, love of life and family in it. It should be fun! Let your kids play, be yourselves. The best photos are the candid moments. Life.

cheers

Green List

2014-11-05T10:58:00.001-05:00

I have emerald on the mind. Colors in general. I would love to have these curtains... like so much (and the lights too please)!

These colors are so vibrant! Love!

Found these for almost 1/4 of the cost. Not as bright, or real, but quite pretty.

This nice thing. Love these bags. Awesome camera + everyday bag.

(Although not as pretty pretty or green, mucho affordable and cool is this bag).

Green envy at Anthro...

Colorful wishes..

cheers

p.s.

2014-10-20T15:05:00.002-04:00

I love these rugs... 50% off at World Market.

Ends today. Hurry!

cheers

Nathalie + Shane

2014-10-15T23:09:00.000-04:00

Time for fall. Wedding season. This sweet couple asked me to photograph their wedding and I'm so glad I did. Such a joy.

Congratulations!!!

cheers

Fritters

2014-10-01T13:01:00.000-04:00

October calls for pumpkin goodies. Cookies. Pies. Lattes. Waffles. Oh yes. Apples too! I just found this recipe. It's on! Holy yummo.

via

If they are good and I like you, you may just have some end up on your doorstep. :) Happy October!! A favorite month in or house! (No more flip flops, but Rory boycotted today. The sun is out, mom!)

cheers

Flawless Fallness

2014-09-25T13:02:00.002-04:00

We need some new kicks. sweaters. jackets. Kids are growing fast. Fall wardrobe is lacking.

For me. New Banana is wicked good! I love...

sweet sweet sweater

say yes to the jacket!

perfect pants

parka!

For hubs. Banana does not disappoint. All of the below... yes yes.

jacket is cool

hat + sweater

For the littles. Layer up sales event! GO GAP.

adorable

Loving this little guy...

cute digs!

Also, I just bought this hat. Much needed fall accessory! Super cute on!

Pumpkins and mums have made their way. Closets are switching gears. Happy fall.

cheers

Catching My Breath

2014-09-16T00:21:00.000-04:00

I'm SO behind. Where to start. Photographed my first wedding (yikes), toddler not sleeping, therefore nobody sleeping well, my mind not unwinding, going to bed too late, exhaustion, went to Florida for a much needed overdue family vacation, drove home just in time for a birthday and now trying to get back into reality.

So here are a few pics to catch you up. My beautiful cousin got married. I was hesitant to take pictures when she asked because it's so intimidating, but so glad I grabbed my friend and we took a leap. Super fun, exhausting, but good lessons learned. (Business has started, logo done, website is being worked on. It's a whirlwind. We are in it. agghh!)

Not too bad for a first time, but boy was I disappointed in the shots I reeeeally wanted to get. Sigh. I think the bride is happy though, so that is all that matters.

Florida was heaven on earth. We went with cousins and friends and we had a blast! Minus the humidity drab hair, cranky talkback tot moments and long drive, we'd do it all over again next week.

This face right here is pure joy! when she's not sassing you back in the face, grrrr, little 5 year old going on 13.

I promise, this kid really does smile. :)

So amazing. We didn't want to leave.

And... last but not least. My sweet little nephew turned 1. How cute is this face?

And this week is full of more editing. Stay tuned for new biz and website. Coming sooooon. Also, it's time for fall. Yay! We are ready for a wardrobe change after a hot beach week. Tomorrow is a plaid kind of day. Too soon? I think not. Do you read Dean Street Society? I love her. Check out her Style Me September Guide. Super fun! She told me to wear plaid so why wouldn't I?! ;)

cheers

Wednesday Wear

2014-08-13T09:30:00.002-04:00

Splurge on something today. Cute lil shop I just discovered. Go fishing...

I've had my eye on this FUN piece.

And these necklaces are so great!

Perfect gift! It's a shopping day.

cheers

Birthday Girl

2014-08-11T08:13:00.001-04:00

Happy 5th birthday to our baby girl! sniff. sniff...tear Miss Rory was a beautiful surprise in our lives and is such a joy. A fierce and happy girl from day one. Loves her brother, swimming, arts and crafts and wants to be a rockstar when she grows up. She is sunshine! We love you to the moon and back, peanut!

How many Heichelbech men does it take to light 5 candles?

That is happiness :) xoxo

cheers

Summer Brunching

2014-08-07T11:48:00.001-04:00

K... I am a sucker for breakfast. It's my absolute favorite. Moving to a small town hasn't bode well for my cravings. It's my goal one day to open up a cute brunch place around these parts. Until then, I do love cooking and can make a mean brunch for my family any day. This recipe is on my radar.
Bacon wrapped french toast. COME on! Yum!

I found a recipe, but slightly adjusted to my liking. Will prepare and probably change the recipe. Until then... start here:

1 loaf unsliced fresh bread (I like using challah for french toast)
1 pack thick bacon
6 eggs
a small carton of cream or whole milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp real vanilla extract
100% maple syrup
Powdered sugar

Bake your bacon at 375 till it's about 80% done. Do not cook to crispy. Make your batter with eggs, cream/milk, vanilla and spices. Soak bread and cook on a griddle. Cool slightly and cut into bite size pieces. Wrap bacon around your french toast pieces and secure with a toothpick. Throw on a cooke sheet or pan and bake at 400 for 10 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and syrup.

via Foodista

YUM! I think the kiddos will like this one.

cheers

Editing

2014-07-29T10:14:00.000-04:00

So, I traded in my old camera for a used camera in the model I wanted. I also switched from Nikon to Canon and swapped out my lenses. BEST decision ever! I love my new camera and lens. Now on the search for my second lens.

You ever wonder why it costs so much to get good photography? Because editing and downloading and sifting through pics takes FOREVER! ;) Especially if you're me and take 1000 pics at a time. Though, if you get your light right and your people right you won't have to edit much...which is my goal. I fell in love with the camera in the dark room. So getting it all right up front was so important!

A few shots I just downloaded. #unfiltered and #unedited. I will edit a bit, but I was thrilled with my new lens results. Look at these sweet faces.

I mean, come on. Cute kids!

cheers

Kantha Karma

2014-07-15T13:18:00.002-04:00

Maybe if I share these with you all someone will send me one???? Kantha is the most popular form of embroidery practiced by rural women in south east Asia. I love them! Wish I could make em.

Domino has a deal going...

Put some color on yo' couch. Or perfect as a gift!! Summer fun!

cheers

Air...dreaming

2014-07-14T12:21:00.002-04:00

Who wants to Airstream it? These are fun!!!!! I would totally stay in one. You? Glamping, if you will.

Big Sur...yes sir

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Santa Barbara is so pretty! They have other CA locations coming soon!

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Vienna anyone?? Oh my!

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Or hit Glamping.com or Glamping Hub to search for more locations. And maybe rent a treehouse while you're at it!

cheers

Romper Time

2014-07-02T16:08:00.003-04:00

Sum Sum summer time... it's here and has been hot! Beating the heat with lots of popsicles and margaritas. Although today is quite pleasant.

I want/need a romper for hot days! check these...

pink . floral . blue . pattern . crochet . pompom . dots

See, don't you want one now too?

cheers

Chicago Recap

2014-06-18T18:05:00.001-04:00

Busy weeks. Can we say BEHIND? NeoCon + sick kids + garage sale. Highlight was the city of course. NeoCon at the Merch Mart is a must.

Fun times, awesome inspiration! officefurnitureistheshit

A few highlights for me: Steelcase, HBF Textiles, Haworth, Herman Miller, Nucraft, Interface, OFS Brands and Bentley. Worked spaces wearing a couple of different hats. Good times. Media and Design Studio tags this year. Got my butt around that mart!

via Herman Miller

Nucraft ceiling

An Izzy detail

OFS Brands details

I need this chair and media table from OFS Brands

An original mart wall in the Carnegie space. Super cool!

I loved HBF Textile's!

Patcraft floors rocked!

I had to visit Anthro while in town. LOVE this couch.

Favorite city in the summer!

Off to mend my sick child. On day 10. No joke. :( He needs a beach trip. Poor kid!

cheers