Fresh Mommy

Creativity and Wonder:: Sunday Citar

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 27 May 2012 04:28:00 +0000

“Curiosity, creativity, discovery and wonder; they aren’t traits of youth, they’re traits of learning. If you want to feel younger and you want to replicate the conditions of youth, do that.”
~Bejamin Salka

What are you doing to stir your creativity and wonder?

I want to say "Thank you," to those who have, and are currently serving to make this country a great place where my children and I can explore. Where we have the freedom to create and think, to be. On this weekend, a weekend celebrating YOU, my family and I say, "THANK YOU."

Everyone, enjoy your weekend! Do something different.

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I would love to have you join the Sunday Citar inspiration and have all of us come to your blog to read what quotes inspire you! Simply write your own post on your blog, link within your post to my blog, and sign up with the linky below, leaving your name and the link directly to your Sunday Citar post. Just click here if any of that sounds confusing. There you'll be able to get the complete rundown, as well as learn how to link back to my blog if you don't already know how. Take a moment a visit at least three of the participants around you... you'll be glad you did!

When It Rains

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Last night, it rained. Hard.

Chris and I stepped off of the plane, home from a quick trip away and right into the arms of our awaiting littles... who just so happened to pick us up from the airport in a welcome wagon. Quite literally.

A cerulean sky with pink and white cotton candied clouds ushered us through the day, and we were glad to be home, out of the chilly gray days and wet air that we'd been experiencing in Baltimore and back under sunny skies.

By late afternoon a dark wall came low and quick over the horizon with thunder proudly announcing it's arrival. And by evening we felt it's presence with it's quick and heavy footprints that rinsed away the sunshine and drenched our parched earth.

And so, we played. And laughed. And danced... in the rain.

I figured it was just easier to let them show you.

What do you like to do when it rains?

Faves:: the travel edition

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:19:00 +0000

Hello from Baltimore! Chris and I flew out on Monday afternoon, after finishing up a lazy goodbye breakfast with my brother and his family who were at the tail end of their vacation... and our hugs were two-fold. A send off for them before they went back to Michigan, and then a second round with our own littles while we threw items into a bag and headed for the airport.

And that bag? Well, I packed a carry on. I can say that I'm a chronic over-packer and like to make my hotel rooms "feel" like home. But lately, I've been learning that simple is just about always better... or at least, it's easier to travel with. I think I've flown more in this year with just a carry on than I have in my entire life.

And yes, internet, I'm patting myself on the back right now.

Here are a few of my favorite go-to items that end up in my little roller bag...

1) Colored skinny jeans, as seen in this fave post. (Just not too skinny, we've all heard about the recent reports of nerve damage right?) And yes, I packed both my red and teal this week.

2) Travel friendly face care, like my Fresh Farmacy face wash bar from Lush. And of course it never hurts to carry a little Grease Lightning for the acting up that your skin tends to do with travel.

3) A great, lightweight scarf. It works as a small blanket on the plane, helps keep away the chill from gray, rainy days (thanks, Baltimore) and can change up an outfit on the fly. I can't find the one I usually use online anymore, but it's similar to this one from H&M.

4) EOS lip balm from this faves post. It's cute, it's fun, it works and it smells delish. Oh, and at 95% organic, 100% natural, paraben, petrolatum and phthalate free, it's a little crunchy too.

5) A comfy, striped, well-fitting, long sleeve tee. I actually packed a short sleeve flouncy tee and a long sleeve fitted one... and used both while on this trip. But the simple colors of this top means it will go with just about anything.

6) I'm in love with NARS The Multiples, and you may have noticed if you've seen this post. The one I use almost every day and is a great travel companion? This one here.

7) A great pair of sandals can go both dressy and casual.

The few other essentials that were in my bag:

Toiletries in trial or travel sizes (Get samples whenever you can, they're perfect for that tiny little ziplock bag allowed in a carry on.)
A LBD (Little Black Dress, though mine was a maxi version)
A great pair of heels.
A black cardigan/lightweight sweater.
A small umbrella, because I knew rain was in the forecast.
A clutch purse. I didn't want to carry it on the plane, but wanted to have something small to carry.
A travel size Febreeze, for stale rooms and to freshen clothes.

So, if you've got a trip coming up, try it with a carry on! With just a little planning, it's much easier than you think.

Goodnight, I've got an early morning flight back to my little ones... and I'll be seeing them even quicker than usual since I don't have to wait for a suitcase at baggage claim!

Our Week In Review:: 5.23.12

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:22:00 +0000

...Otherwise known as Hump Day Dump!
I've been REALLY bad at snapping phone photos, or any photos really, this past week. Between leaving the phone alone... and the computer as well, while we spend time with family and also the final touches of the kids and I recovering from the bug that reeked havoc on our house I just didn't take that many. But nonetheless.... here's a snapshot of our week:

Cousins at breakfast... we had an amazing time with my brother and his family in town with us this past week!
Beach... beach... and more beach.
Chris and I took off on a quick trip to Baltimore for some meetings, and left the kids at home. I don't think we've flown together, kidless, since... well, I can't remember when.
Gifts to take home to the kids, and a little something' sweet for me.
Late night pampering.

Welcome to our tradition here on Fresh Mommy Blog... on Wednesdays, when I try to be wordless, I'm just going to dump the previous week's photos from my phone. A little piece of where we've been and what we've been up to. And the resulting collage? Well, I think it speaks so much more than I could. Welcome to Hump Day Dump, we'd love to have you join, whether it's one photo or many, phone pics or camera pics, wordless or not!

All of my photos were taken on an iPhone with the instagr.am app and were put together using Big Huge Labs mosaic maker... super simple and free. If you want to find me, I'm on instagram as TabithaBlue. For more fabulous Wordless Wednesday memes, check out Project Alicia, Better in Bulk and Wordless Wednesday

Sunday Citar:: Cuddles

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 20 May 2012 01:53:00 +0000

“I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.”
~Shel Silverstein

Today, the bug that's been passed around our house hit my girl with a vengeance, and between the hair holding, back rubbing, fever fighting and praying, this mama decided that it's time to see the end of it. I ran around the house cleaning up and disinfecting, washing loads of laundry in hot water and added extra vitamin C to our routine. But mostly? It was a day of cuddles. It's been a week of cuddles really... while we've had family in town and had taken them around to our favorite spots, and most importantly our favorite beaches, my littlest has stayed close to my side, not wandering much further than a few inches from my hip and back again. But today? It was a day both nestled close to me. My independent girl tucking her head into my neck for relief and rest. And even though our plans were for a fun sitter to round up all the kids while us adults (my brother and his wife included) headed out for a night on the town... something I'd usually whine about missing, I knew my babies needed me. And home I stayed with a grin on my face and my arms around my little ones... knowing everything they needed was right there in my cuddles and kisses.

And soon, very soon, I'll be back to regularly scheduled posting... gotta get this bug out!

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Our Week in Review:: 5.16.12

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:33:00 +0000

...Otherwise known as Hump Day Dump!

This week my brother and his family are in town and staying with us which means COUSINS! And FUN! And late nights for the four little ones, and even later nights for us when we stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking, laughing and catching up.

So, while we're all yawning through breakfast, here's a look at some of the things we've been enjoying:

Helping big sister with word puzzles.
Bike rides. And a mint green bike!
The cute tree covered bridge on our trail.
Open skies over Alligator Alley.
A rainy day at the pool... and swimming anyway.
Busch Gardens, and cousins!
Self portraits... and finding hundreds of them, taken by Brayden, on my phone.
Up close with the animals.
Finding ways to cool off on a hot day.
Brayden's driving.

How was your past week? We'd love to hear.

A Happy Mother's Day:: Sunday Citar

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:03:00 +0000

I love seeing life through my "rose colored glasses."

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.”

Tonight I stifled a cough that was trying to rage up and out of my throat and interrupt the tickle fights that were happening as I tucked my little ones into bed. A cough and sinus thing that just a day or so before had caused so much drainage I ended up throwing up. In Chris' coffee cup. In the car. Not long after we'd set out on a quick overnight getaway, just the two of us. Romantic, right? It totally had a few of my friends convinced that I was pregnant.

There are times when "busy" isn't just used as an adjective thrown out there to seem important or to fill a void in conversation. Times when deadlines, and chores, and kids, and phone calls, and flights, and trips to and from the airport either for me or to pick up someone else all seem to stack on top of each other until I can't see where it ends. And during those times, I can rally. I stay up late, I get up early, I delegate and multitask... and then when the ebb of the crazy busy starts to concede to the flow of the more quiet and calm times, well, sometimes my body revolts and finds ways to make me slow down even more.

But when that reaches my children, when they cough and cry out for relief, my entire body aches for them. Every fiber of my heart and my soul yearns to give them what they need, to find a way to bring peace to their own heart, their own bodies.

I think that's when you realize what motherhood really is. When you know that if you could take and carry every burden, every care, every tear, every cough... you would. When you realize that their very breath and happiness means more to you than your own. When you strive to a better version of yourself so that you can be the woman you want your daughter to be, or your son to marry. When you make the best of everything just to see another smile, to hear another giggle.

So, make the best of everything is what we do.

Want a tip on making the best with what you've got? Find a place you love, that you can pack up the car and run to on a moment's notice. A place you can hear your children's giggles strum your very heartstrings.

For us, this beach is one of those places.

I need to start keeping Brayden's swimsuit in the car, he's getting too used to wave diving with his clothes on.

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And the winner of last week's amazing petiteBox giveaway is Staci A with her comment... "It's always the little moments that really make the day!" Staci, email your information to fresh mommy@me.com and you'll get a goodie box delivered right to your door!

Happy Mother's Day!

DIY Kid's Chalkboard Table Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Given my love affair with chalkboard paint, I knew that I had to use it when we decided to make over our worn down, worn out kid's table from Ikea. The table has served us well, giving my littles plenty of space for their creativity to soar and their food to spread and spill. At it's low price point, it's not a hard table to replace, but I figured I'd try and give it a makeover first. It's been needing one. So I went all Clinton Kelly on it... and I have to say, it turned out freakin' fabulous.

(If you get that reference, you win! Not that I have a prize, but you still win.)

First up was a trip through the paint aisle at Home Depot. I already had leftover chalkboard paint from this project, but we wanted something else to brighten the chairs. After narrowing down the 15 yellows we looked at to the favorite, Bright Star, we learned that spray paint would save us the steps of sanding and priming... and I'm all about saving. So we found the closest in-a-can match to that beloved chosen color.

Big sister insisted on doing as much of the project as she could on her own. Hand the girl a ratchet and she's got some mad skill... disassembling the furniture in record time. Also, notice the messed up table top? It was in pretty bad shape.

Once we had all of the pieces separated, we went ahead and began spraying the table top with the chalkboard paint. One, because sister girl couldn't wait to get her spray on. And second, because I knew we could get the first coat in and then spray it again after we added some sunshine to the other pieces.

After the first coat of chalkboard fun on the table top, we taped off all of the chair legs since I wanted to leave them in their natural wood state to match the table's still wood legs.

And then we set out to add the coats of sunshine.

Yes, there's a little peek at another project I was working on with the same paint.

Can I just say that I'm loving yellow right now? Because I'm totally crushing on it.

Add a little tin of chalk and you've got yourself plenty of time to make dinner while the kids play and let their imaginations take over... or draw a place setting and carefully try and fill each drawing with the correlating tableware from the kitchen.

So far, this project has been a hit in our home! Definitely one of our favorites.

Our Week in Review:: 5.8.12

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:49:00 +0000

... Otherwise known as Hump Day Dump!

Right now we're enjoying:

Trips to the grocery store and coming home with flowers.
Thrifting excursions with the kids... and Aliyah subjecting her brother to the wrath (or hugs) of Dora.
Target!
Afternoons in the pool while little brother naps.
Relish meetings in our portable "office."
Evening drives home from the beach.
Discussions over dinner with a two year old.
Doctor's office visits, tear free. And stickers.
Watching the tide roll in as the sun sets.
One-socked mornings.
Sunset.
DIY projects.
Thrifting finds that the kids love.

How was your week? Do tell.

The Sweetest of Days:: Sunday Citar and a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:09:00 +0000

“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls off a string.”

Today unfolded like a beautifully written song, crescendoing in all the right places, letting tension build to just the perfect amount, a few tears kissed the rosy little cheeks of my loves and then, finally, a closing with a magnificent and satisfactory grand finale.

It wasn't that we went anywhere particularly magnificent, or that we did anything extraordinary. But sometimes that's what makes for the best of melodies... the real, the raw, the perfect enjoyment of right here, right now. The ordinary. With each moment fluid and flowing into the next, a steady stream of thoughts and smiles, laughs and reactions, tears and love.

Some of my favorite moments? Waking to the sound of quiet strumming to his acoustic, the melody of You and Me rasping through his lips. I walked out to the glow of morning sun climbing in through our windows, looked at Chris and said, "That's hot." And it was.

Or when I laid my littlest down for nap, and in his quiet voice asking me to stay longer said, "I wuv you soooo much."

It was the excitement that new pajamas brought to my kids. The same reason I love opening that one box on Christmas Eve and knowing I can slip into the soft, fresh fabric of something new... my littles danced at the surprise of cute little night time duds.

A sweet day it was indeed, the park greeting us with a sunny smile, the pool welcoming a hot mommy and daughter for an afternoon swim where we pretended to paddle our boat away from sharks and ended up lounging on rafts talking about life, and plans and painting projects we decided to do.

I love impromptu decisions with my kids, like planning a project or two in the pool with Aliyah and then heading to Home Depot to find the perfect paint color... my daughter choosing hers solely based on the name. Like dropping every color but Bright Star and then upon realizing that Bright Star was, in fact, a different yellow than the one in her hand, kicking that one to the curb so that the real Bright Star could come home with us.

It's these beautiful moments, the in-between moments I like to call them... The little things that I want to seared into the very core of my memory. The way Brayden's tiny pearly whites peak out from behind his curled pink lips when he laughs, or the way Aliyah squints and hides behind her hand when she giggles. The way they fight over one toy until I threaten to take it away and then they play like a perfect pair, their wit getting the best of each other until one falls in laughter. It's the bear hugs goodnight that turn into a game and kissing Aliyah's flushed cheeks and the milky skin of Brayden's forehead for the fourth, fifth, sixth time in the moonlight.

The sweetest of days.

I love finding thrift stores to wander with my kids, laughing our way through one and then ending up sharing a cinnamon sugar pretzel with them at Target as we wander their aisles instead. I love going to the grocery store for food and leaving with flowers to "happy" our kitchen a bit. I love finishing the night with chocolate. And new pajamas.

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Welcome to petiteBox, who just launched in March and their beautiful boxes bring a surprise of high-end mom and baby products right to excited mama's doors each month. I couldn't keep my kid's hands out of my box when I opened it up, excited to touch and smell all the luxe products myself. They offer a curated subscription from the fourth month of pregnancy all the way through baby's first year! And with options of a 3-month or 6-month pay-ahead subscription, it's a perfect baby shower gift... just sayin'.

One comment will randomly be selected (through random.org) to have their very own surprise box of goodies show up on their doorstep, courtesy of petiteBox.

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And since summer, sun dresses and bathing suit season is here... or at least right on our heels, Schick is offering 200 Fresh Mommy readers a FREE Schick Hydro Silk razor! If you want to try their new design with water-activated Moisturizing Serum infused with marine extracts and shea butter to get a close, smooth save, just click here to get yours! I've been loving mine, and ahem, I think Chris has been too.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, lovies! No matter how splendid or simple it may be, it can still be sweet.

See Local:: The Craftastic Studio of ROC Paper Scissors

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:20:00 +0000

Introducing Relish Studio's new personal project, See Local. Each month we are going to showcase a local artist or business. This month... we are happy to introduce you to Rosa of ROC Paper Scissors.

We walked into the light and airy studio of Rosa Clifford (featured on The Martha Stewart Show and Tampa Bay's Daytime) and though the morning was slightly overcast, I don't think we could've felt any warmer, the room any brighter. What amount of sun that shone through the misty clouds, poured into her large west facing windows and the light sparkled off of her racks of glitter and pretty, dainty things. We were there to capture a tutorial for one of her beautiful handcrafted cards, of which orders come to her from across the globe, for Martha Stewart's The Craft Dept. blog... and we left her studio feeling like we'd just had lunch with a dear friend. Although, yeah, lunch with a dear friend happened, because that's just the kind of person Rosa is––a great hostess, an inspirational artist, a caring mother, a dear friend and a good cook too.

Take a look at our totally crafty and smile-inducing shoot, and then visit Rosa at her online shop... though I will say, mind your wallets, because I left the shoot with an order of my favorite pieces of art.

On second thought, don't worry about having to save up for the perfect pieces, you can easily score your own, and at a great price too!

To get the full tutorial for the card shown above, visit Martha Stewart's The Crafts Dept. blog.

Other Vendor Credits:

Featured Artist:: ROC Paper Scissors

Photography:: Relish Studios

Jewelry:: Heidi Daus Designs

Hair:: La Posh Salon

FEATURED ON:: Martha Stewart's The Crafts Dept. Blog

Our Week in Review:: 5.2.12

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:38:00 +0000

... Otherwise known as Hump Day Dump!

I'm now sitting in the household parallel to the calm after the storm. After a quick overnight trip, a road trip just a short three hours away to the opposite shoreline of our sunny state for bigger waves and less responsibility, for face to face chats over lunch with friends we haven't seen in years and uninterrupted pool time with the sound of the ocean crashing the shore filling the space around us... we are now back home. In the first few minutes, we spilled through our familiar door with bags and wet towels, loud voices and road trip food remnants, and yet, just a few moments later, a hush fell through the halls of our home and tired little bodies slept.

The mornings of a day that we're scheduled to return home always follow the same pattern, or at least a similar one. But the main underlying theme rests in the fact that Chris' mind is already on it's way home. It's like there's this magnetic pull, this draw, to the comfort of his abode. His own personal sanctuary. A place of rest itself. And I get it. I think the kids just might feel that was as well. Though they didn't want to leave our mini vacay on the Atlantic coast, they soon sank into the comfort of their own beds upon our late afternoon return.

And with that, as I sit in the quiet of a house asleep while evening's horizontal sun rays flood the windows, here's our week in review:

An obvious favorite, afternoon naps.

Sometimes a sunset on the beach is more than just beautiful, sometimes being there is a necessity.

Park dates and lunch with friends.

I spent more time in an Apple store this past week than I have in a long time. One computer down and a new one later, I think it's safe to say that I'm done for a while.

Ice cream, one of our happiest treats.

Road trip! And "naughty" road trip snacks. And falling asleep mid-snack. All of it, priceless.

A beach boardwalk full of rides, and a very big, exciting ferris wheel.

Evening cuddles with my very sleepy baby.

Brayden's make-shift hotel bed. In which he slept in happily... and all night long.

Road trip fuel. Aka, Starbucks.

Faves of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:52:00 +0000

Not that I'm the next great fashion star, and I definitely feel more comfortable with my legs cloaked in a pair of well-worn yoga pants cuddling on with my two precious littles than in a pair of stylish heels... but a girl's always got favorites, and what good is it to have favorites and not share them. So here are a few of my current faves. Happy Monday!

1) I recently added a pair of red-hot jeans to my collection and couldn't get enough of the fun pop of color it adds... so finding this teal blue pair at Target for $16? Well, it's hard to pass up on a deal like that.

2) My new go-to swimwear when I want a bit more coverage. With a motto like, "Who says it has to be itsy-bitsy?" all I can say is, touché, Rey Swimwear, touché.

3) From OPI's Holland Collection,"Thanks A WindMillion"... cute.

4) Loving this starfish ring... now if I could only find it in a US H&M.

5) I've had similar boots to these for a couple of years now, and they never cease to make an outfit. Plus, they're comfortable.

Sunday Citar:: Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:06:00 +0000

"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."
Jamie Paolinetti

Not to long after Chris returned home from a quick trip to the store, arriving with new goggles for big sister which resulted in tears from little brother about wanting goggles too, he walked through the door again, home from another mission for bread and eggs proudly announcing he'd found a pair small enough for our littlest.

Brayden came running. "I get my doggles?!" The words poured out of his mouth almost faster than he could think them, and my smile couldn't be contained.

And since then? They've been a hit. Though he hasn't actually submerged his head under water in them, his goggles have served just about every other purpose... sun glasses, super hero mask, binoculars, a platter for serving up hours and hours of imaginative play.

One big score for daddy.

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Right now.

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Right now., originally uploaded by Tabitha Blue / Fresh Mommy.

Hello lovies! So, if you happened to stop by yesterday for my ramblings about unraveling, the beach and the best Wednesday ever... Well then you might have also read that my computer has been shutting itself off. To the point of not turning back on. In other words, last night I headed to bed early with my husband after settling the kids into bed since I had the night off! Also, that means Monday I'll have a new Faves post for you since I'm spending my afternoon at the Apple store. And I'll be here Sunday with a fresh Sunday Citar. Have a lovely weekend!

Unravel

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:32:00 +0000

Today, a late afternoon nap turned early evening nap while the sun's falling rays peacefully spilled through our window basking the room with it's golden glow, all the while, two little babes slept in it's warmth. Usually, they wake and as they rub the sleep from their eyes, smiles emerge and a newfound energy runs through their veins. Today though? That was not the case. In fact, a calm and quiet house quickly became a place where there seemed to be a battle for the most tears shed, like there was an award in the distance, dangling, antagonizing, waiting for the victor to emerge, wet with tears and spent.

I could feel the promise of a beautiful evening begin to unravel. I grasped onto it with all I could, grabbing at tendrils, willing myself to hold them together, and yet, it was out of my reach.

Two sad, crying little ones wanted a space mommy's lap, alone. And though I maneuvered myself into the most uncomfortable and unnatural of positions so that each could be reassured and taken care of, it didn't seem to work, and tears followed.

"Let's take this party outside!" I exclaimed, the beautiful evening breeze greeting our faces through the open doors leading to the back yard. I just knew the fresh air would bring a brightness back to their eyes... and then, it didn't.

My next great idea in my Mama's Bag Of Tricks was dinner. Although the fact that two still-tired, whining little ones falling onto the floor asking for snacks and declarations of their rank on the hunger scale reaching dangerous levels was a pretty big clue as well. After setting them up at their pint-sized table near the pool with strawberry yogurt to curb large-sized appetites, I threw something together for dinner. And it worked! Though the triumph that only a mother knows when she's satiated the needs of her babies didn't last long, and tears again fell through dinner.

More unraveling. So far, I'd been able to keep calm during what seemed to be hours of tears and incomprehensible groaning, but the claw-like grip I'd kept on the threads of a good evening were again working their way away out of my reach. I knew I had to do something, I knew a great evening was attainable, there was a way to salvage the couple hours left before night fell upon us.

The beach.

As the sun raced for the horizon, so did we. I grabbed sweaters and left shoes behind. Aliyah dropped a toy car that she'd taken from Brayden on her toe, and both of them found their way into fits of sadness again. I searched for lost keys and wiped more wet faces and runny noses as I buckled squiggly bodies into their seats. As I drove towards the bright glow of a setting sun, the angle of the light caused more tears. The low-gas light tattooed the dash while it taunted me with beeping. The pass to our closest beach was in the car that Chris had taken earlier, but thankfully, the last $4 in my wallet covered it. My hands steadied the steering wheel, though I almost turned around and waved the white flag of surrender about five times along the way.

And then it happened.

I made the left turn where tall grass opens up to white sand and lapping waves. The rhythm of the ocean kissing the shell lined coast replaced the sound of cries from the backseat and the entire cast of our eventful evening let out a collective exhale.

We ran. The kids chased a random group of ducks along the path, quacking and laughing... the change in their demeanor a far cry from just five minutes prior. An orange sky cast a hue of hope along the coastline and in the warm waters of the gulf we found what we needed to mend the unraveled cord of our evening.

We played tic-tac-toe in the sand, climbed benches, helped a few tourists by snapping their photos (One of them just "had" to show me how to use an iPhone to take a picture... "Thank you Mr. Tourist, I had no idea.")... and ran to let the salty waves wrap us in their warm embrace, clothed and all.

Somewhere, deep down, I knew this is what we needed. It had been too long since we came to this place and let go, and though there were many opportunities to give up and call it a night, to surrender to the easy way out, even though it meant an evening of struggles and grumpy kids, we pushed on. I pushed my kids on because I knew there was something better for them than tears.

I think that's the beautiful part of parenting... the artful part. When you know there can be a better outcome, but it takes some work getting there. There might be some creative planning along the way, some quick decisions and last minute changes, but I think the effort makes the end result all the more meaningful.

"What day is today?" Aliyah asked as the sun began to sink behind the rocky ledge at the end of the island we were frolicking on. "Wait... Wednesday." She answered her own question and then without a beat, followed up with, "Can we come next Wednesday and play in the warm water too? Because this was THE BEST WEDNESDAY EVER."

Sometimes the best memories are born in the midst of trials. The best days ever are made out of the determination to change a day of tears and sorrow. The biggest rewards come at the end of the line when the white flag would have been an easier choice, many times over.

And, now that my computer has literally turned itself off THREE times during the writing of this post, I think it's time that I, finally, call it a night... while smiling with a happy heart.

Goodnight, friends, from the mended end of an almost-unraveled evening. Definitely one to remember.

Our Week In Review:: 4.24.12

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:28:00 +0000

Aliyah had been asking and asking, "Mommy, can you please make an appointment for me to get my hair cut. It needs to be healthy so it can grow." I kid you not, her words. And so, I obliged.

Hot tub dates during an unseasonably chilly spell where the doors and windows are flung open so that our curtains can dance and sway to the heavy breeze flowing through.

A day of rain. Beautiful. And another plus... I could sport these coral Wellies from my Spring faves list, and received compliments all day long.

A shopping trip to a big box store. The best part? Tandem cart rides

Chillin'.

My littles have been waking up early this week. Every.single.day. And so we've been having special cuddles while we watch the sunrise.

I clearly didn't leave all of New York behind and so my family and I huddled in a little local pizza shop and shared some delicious pie... Brooklyn style.

Evening trip to the park, with my two littles and Aliyah's two "babies" as well.

Girl's Night Out! 'Nuff said.

Barefoot bike rides.

Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:10:00 +0000

"When you're looking for a friend, don't look for perfection, just look for friendship." ~Proverb

When I was little, I'd carry around my "babies," settle them down into their beds and cover them tightly with a blanket for their nap while I'd clean house. And then literally, I'd clean my mama's house... but I'd pretend it was all mine, and it was full of visitors that had come to stay with me. I'd make my family pretend that they didn't know where things were in the kitchen, just so that I could get it for them, or make them stay out of the kitchen so that I could cook my guests a "surprise," or wash everyones laundry because I didn't want to see it piled up on the floor. Seriously.

And those sweet little babies, there were always two. The best of friends.

It's surreal now to see my life at this stage, with my own daughter carrying around her two little babies... and when she takes a break, little brother steps up and pushes the babies around in their stroller, or drags them by their arms to his bed and puts them down for a nap.

In the quiet little moments, I realize that I have my two babies... and most times, they really are the best of friends. Nothing about it is perfect, they wine and argue and fight for the last word or the biggest applause... but it's friendship, true and real kinship, and it's good.

Happy Sunday, friends!

Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:52:00 +0000

"I'm setting up a photoshoot, Mommy!" She breathed the words out through a veil of determination and excitement. Chairs were set in place and every scrap of white material she could find was draped just so, pillows fluffed and blankets layered until she stood back and nodded her affirmation.

Brayden was the first guinea pig and I was handed the camera. "You first," she said and so I clicked.

It amazes me, really. Their bond, their connection. I watch and as I do, I learn. Sometimes I try and look for that bit of woman that's in my girl, my firstborn. As she grows I see the signs of who she is, and who she's going to be. I see her as a young woman, a mature woman, a mama. I see her nurture her brother, directing him, praising him. I observe her carefully holding her baby dolls, catch her painting their "nails" a pretty pink and helping her strap a bag on to her bike so she can take them to the park... always letting them enjoy the big slide first.

And this shoot? Well it was all her, her ideas, her preparation... her direction.

They are growing. And for right now, I'll love the little glimpses of babyhood that I get to see, because the more I look, the more I realize... they're not babies anymore.

Hump Day Dump

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Last night I sat on Aliyah's bed and stroked her hair, rubbing her pained head until she fell asleep, saying quiet sing-song prayers to calm her and let her know it would be okay and wishing I could take the pain away instantly. I'm home... mama's home and my babies know it. The last day and a half has been filled with extra cuddles, and two little ones attached to my hip. Even now as I type this, my littlest is snuggled up against my side as close as he can get, "helping" me. Quite the difference from this past week where I logged 100 hours (yes, I added them up and most of which were in heels) at the NY Auto Show, attending a friend's reading by an acclaimed playwright, evening strolls through Times Square, learning how to apply makeup in taxis and navigating subway lines.

But the most amazing part of my trip to the Big Apple, a place I really do love to visit, wasn't the energy, though it always moves me, wasn't the scenery or skylines, though they always slay me, wasn't the food, though it's always some of the best I've eaten... it was my welcoming party. The sight of two little bodies, running the baggage claim hall, hand in hand. Their full speed inching them closer to me, and their smiles stain my cheeks wet through tears.

I've been thinking about them and their growth, about changes and life and what's best for them, and for us as a family. A lot actually. And I'm sure as I find time to let my thoughts settle into my heart, they will find their way here, in this space. Until then... Happy Hump Day!!

Sunday Citar - Awkward

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:53:00 +0000

I smile into the screen like a piece of me is on the other side. And it is. The faces of my baby loves smile back at me, talking and carrying on... almost close enough to feel the delicate skin of their rosy cheeks, almost close enough to smell the scent of their hair that's been kissed by the sun and salty gulf air. And yet, they're still so far away.

As Brayden teeters between the excited "Hi mommy!!" that he interjects into the conversation at random moments, smiling with his bright blue oceans and a wide, tooth filled grin and totters back with a sad lips turned upside down, I decide to brighten his mood with a question.

"Are you going to ride to the airport on Monday to pick Mommy up?" I ask with a hopeful smile drenched in enthusiasm, waiting for an equally enthusiastic reply since he usually rises to the occasion and lets his spirit soar even higher than mine can go.

"No." The matter-of-fact reply comes back like a sucker punch to the gut. I wasn't ready, I didn't guard. Defense, where was my defense?

As I let the emotion of his answer sink in and slowly, mentally, unravel the knots made from my own, he follows up with a delayed, "I come on Saturday and get you."

Tensions melted with the realization that my littlest love just wanted his mommy home soon. With a crooked smile I was about to let him down easily with the fact that I indeed arrive home on Monday and then Aliyah chimed in with a sing song voice and head tipped back, "Awkward..."

They make me laugh. In fact, I'm still laughing at the response of my five year old and her perfect timing.

Another cute, laughable, adorable and down right making-mama-miss-these-faces moment I captured in the car with my phone before I left...

Friday Faves

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Hello Fresh Mommy Friends,

Tabitha is hard at work in NYC and she has asked me to guest blog today. I decided that I'd carry on what she started last friday and share some of my favorite things this season. I really hope that you all try some of the awesomeness below...whether they be sweet treats, budgeting tips or beauty products they are bound to get your summer started on the right foot.

1| Watermelon Mojito Pops 2| It's a 10 Keratin Treatment 3| Cargo Bronzer 4| Your A-to-Z Money Guide
5| Wet-N-Wild in Don't Blink Pink (local drugstore) 6| EOS Lip Balm (target) 7| Cute One Piece Swimsuits (found everywhere)
8| VRAI Almond Oil 9| Sweet Lips 10| Braids (love them)

Happy Friday!

Briony

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Spending the week in the Big Apple, working long hours and yet still enjoying the longer nights that this city offers. And no matter how many times my feet traipse the city streets, I'm always slain with the views.

Faves:: What's In Your Bag?

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:04:00 +0000

We huddle in the break room, passing favorite glosses and comparing polish colors. Conversation weaves between a great read and a hot new spot for shopping, or dinner. Within five minutes we've shared everything from make-up tips, to dreams and fears. It's the way girls communicate. Sharing. It's just what we do.

So today, I'm sharing with you some of my faves... the staples I like to keep close.

The Bag:
B Makowsky - I loved it from the first time I saw it, and had to walk past a couple of times to introduce myself before I picked it up and stroked the soft leather. It's been my carry-all, my go-to purse for the last year and a half, and it still gets used just about daily.

The Other Bag:
My little make-up bag is a $3 win from the point of purchase bin at H&M... a beautiful steal in my book.

The Make-up Faves:
NARS The Multiple in Copacabana: A sweet highlighter that is any make-up artists dream, or at least I'm assuming. A swipe of this gives a dewey glow and sparkling complection.
TOO FACED Lash Injection Mascara: I've tried them all (almost) and this one wins.
Laura Mercier Concealer: Perfection in a little pot.
Josie Maran Argon Oil: For stressed tresses... yes I have that sometimes.
Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter: I'm a mom, and am constantly washing my hands... this saves them. I keep a travel size of it in my bag that I scored from a San Francisco hotel.
Lush Whip Stick: Because it smells like chocolate. 'Nuff said.

The Scents:
LUSH Vanillary Solid smells delish and I never have to worry about spillage & the Hannae Mori roll-on is a little stronger for times I want to up the ampage.

The Glass:
A cheap pair of sunglasses from Kohls, because I lose them if they cost more than $15.

The Hardware:
I always want to keep reading material with me, and now I definitely always do with my Kindle Fire... a Christmas present from the love of my life, Chris.

The Wallet:
Another great gift from the hubs, and it keeps everything I really need.

The Phone:
I'd be lost without it, literally. Because I travel so much, I think I'm constantly on my GPS or Yelp, or some other app to help me find great lunch or the best coffee shop, or just to help me get back to my hotel. Also, I'm a super huge fan of instagram, and am always wanting to capture special moments... or Skype with my family... or update Facebook... or listen to Pandora... or.... the list could go on and on, so I'll stop there.

The Camera:
My Canon 5D Mark II, or in other words, an extension of my arm... usually. I seem to go through phases where I'm always snapping, and then phases where I take a break from it, but usually, my camera is my sidekick. I keep a 50mm lens attached and wrapped in this scarf tucked safely away in my bag.

What you don't see here is the diaper and wipes that I usually have stocked and a random toy, because I took these photos while out of town, without the kids, and just so happened to clear their stuff out of it before the trip.

So tell me, what's in your bag? Do you have a few favorite things you'd like to share with the rest of us?!

Sunday Citar - He has loved you from the start.

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:39:00 +0000

I've decided to do this Sunday Citar a little differently, because well, I wanted to share this song. I figure you can quote lyrics too, right?!? So below is a video of the song and the beautiful lyrics that have captured my heart. I hope today you find yourself filled with hope and faith and that you are surrounded by those you love and hold dear. And I hope that you know He has always loved you from the start.

My voice you didn’t know, didn’t know. I called, you had to go, had to go. Back to your little world, where nothing is strange.

You set out on your own, on your own. You said, I’m heading home, heading home. Back to the life you know, neatly arranged.

I have done for you, everything my love. Hear My song for you, I will not hold my tongue.

It’s late, your getting cold, getting cold. You try to keep warm, but you’re alone, you’re alone. The dark streets are empty now and the wind starts to blow. I have done for you, everything my love. Hear My song for you, I will not hold my tongue. Open your heart, open your heart. For I have loved you from the start. I will never harm you, come my love. So come. So come.

I have done for you, everything my love. Hear My song for you, I will not hold my tongue. Open your heart, open your heart. For I have loved you. Open your heart, open your heart. For I have loved you from the start.

Jenny & Tyler - Song for You