Fresh Mommy Blog

Kitchen Pantry Organization on a Dime + Free Printable Labels

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:38:00 +0000

So, along with our short week of daddy being away from home, a couple of trips to the doctor with sick littles and my own weekly (did you hear that, I'm down to the weekly check ups now!) appointment for the bunny, we've been happily cleaning our way through the house. And by happily cleaning, I mean, mama is cleaning and sorting and making about 100 more lists than normal, which brings our weekly total of lists to 5100 including the one Brayden asked me to jot down in the store for him to cross off with line items like Be nice to Aliyah and Give mommy a hug. As for the rest of the family, well, they're obliging and usually very helpful. Like the time last week Chris and I had the most adorable little helper stroll through the kitchen section of Ikea as we stocked up on jars and bins, and the moments Chris walks out of the room with a incredulously proud (and totally handsome) smile after he's taken charge and accomplished a few to-do' s of his own... things a 36 week preggo woman can't do like move a piece of furniture or retrieve stored baby items from the attic.

But back to the kitchen storage containers, jars and bins.

Have I mentioned that organization makes my heart swoon? Because, it does.

We recently sprinkled our kitchen pantry cabinet with a little more swoon-worthiness.

It wasn't too long ago that my mother was in town and we hit up Home Depot for a couple of wood planks... just because I was tired of cans and boxes and other miscellaneous items getting all topsy-turvey on the wire shelves. For us, this was a quick and perfect solution, no cutting or installing necessary, just slide on top of the wire shelf and done! It's a solution that works well for us since right now we're renting our place and didn't want to do anything to permanent, and these are perfect for me to re-use at a later time.
For the jars, a few of them we already had on hand, I just wanted to take our main staples and make them easily accessible, sorted and well, pretty... so our venture began. At first we hit up a couple of dollar stores with no luck, and after searching a bit online, these seemed to be one of the more cost effective, and yet still sealable and aesthetically pleasing options around. While there, we also picked up a few white bins to keep some extra items together that could be grouped, like Penelope's stuff, sauces and drinks like our tea and cocoa mixes, etc.

Together we dumped and sorted, wiped down and stacked up, arranged and laughed until we had our way with the shelves... and I had yet another list of all the jars that needed labeling.

After printing on sheets of sticker paper, I just cut them out and added to the jars!

And now for the FREE editable photoshop files so you can customize them for your own pantry... Click here to download the large labels, and here to download the small labels. (You can edit in both Photoshop and Elements.)

I couldn't be happier with another space in our home dusted with shiny, sparkly, spruced up fairy dust. And with it being so family-friendly, our kids know exactly where things are and where things go... over a week later and it still looks like this!

Happy sorting.
xo

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:41:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

We're weaving our way through the week... with daddy gone for just a couple of days, and the crazy stories beginning to unfold. But we are blessed, and recovering, and still praying for the families of Oklahoma. Happy Hump Day lovies!

Welcome to our tradition here on Fresh Mommy Blog... on Wednesdays, when I try to be wordless, which doesn't always happen, I'm just going to dump the previous week's photos from my phone. 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! So just grab a photo and link up with us! You can grab my button from the sidebar, but it's not required. If you'd like to connect with some other great Wordless Wednesday participants, just click here or on one the thumbnails below. Don't forget to link up below!

The Promise of Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:10:00 +0000

I had a few posts planned, a handful of half-written (although even that's an overstatement), partially edited photos, written ideas, including one that I meant to finish last night and then decided I'd finish this morning because I couldn't keep my eyes open last night. All to say, plans have changed.

With the devastation that has rocked Moore, OK and surrounding areas, I feel the need to write and the pull to bring swirling emotions from my heart and head into words. Though it may be a semi ramble of sorts. My own plans and our own issues seem so small and insignificant when looking through a small lens of what other parents are feeling right now in that area. My heart has been rocked by these images, and swells for those families.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that yesterday Chris flew out of town for a couple of days. While our big girl was in school, Brayden and I took him to the airport, loved on him with sloppy wet goodbyes and headed home... and that's when our night began. I couldn't pull into the Target we pass on the 15 minute drive from the cement stretch of airport runway to the cement of our driveway quick enough while our newly potty trained three year old cried out for a bathroom. Little did I know I'd be in that overly lit Target restroom for the next half hour diagnosing a case of the runs while texting to see if Aliyah could stay with a friend until I could get Brayden out of there... since we weren't going to make it to carpool drop off on time.

Later on that evening, I received a text from Chris that he landed safely at his destination in DC, though his flight was rerouted and had been delayed because of storms. Little did we know at that point the climax of pain those storms had caused.

Today, though our morning consisted of many tired tears and painful coughs, a trip to the doctor and pharmacy and subsequent return home to nurse back to health, I will say that I'm so blessed that I can tend to the exhaustion and ailments of my little ones and care for them. I want to celebrate the fact that I have them under one solid roof and can help them get back to normal life. I want to look at this time with them, even if we all need more sleep and a boosted immune system, as the blessing that it is. Because yesterday, someone would have given anything to have their child at home, under a safe roof, to feed them chicken noodle soup, and now they can't.

I just recently heard a phrase that hit home to me, "Tomorrow is a gift, not a promise." In light of what's happened in our country recently, and in recapping the events of yesterday, this brings tears to my eyes... both in empathy for the loss so many feel and for the immense joy that I have another gift with me right now. I have today with the most precious ones in my life. Today, I celebrate them. I celebrate the small things. I appreciate each little whisper or wailing cry. I'm blessed by their sweet helping hands as we wash all the bedding and sanitize the bedroom, whispering our own prayers of gratitude that we can, before crawling back in for a much needed rest.

We're looking for the beauty, for the angels that arise as the dust begins to settle, because it does come and the wonder of human love that runs to the rescue and sacrifices when needs are exposed is more than beautiful. Oklahoma, we're holding you in a tender corner of our hearts and praying for your peace.

If you're like me and have your hands full, there's an easy way to help by just texting REDCROSS to 90999 and automatically donating $10 to their efforts, or check it out here online.

Update: Pioneer Woman has a great list of different relief efforts to join hands with here.

The Maternity Series: 33 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Outfit details: Dress: Boston Proper (I found it at a garage sale for $1!) // White Sports Tank: Target // Belt: Old thrift store find // Bracelet: Score from Brickyard Buffalo

I love the fact that we've created this space... this virtual memory box of my kids growing up. The way they've changed, photos that prove how long their hair grows and the occasional video with their cute little voices that seem to evolve into something deeper and older each month.

Now that we don't live near much of our family, it's a great way to keep them updated and I'm reminded of this fact when we get a call or an email mentioning a certain photo and "watching" the kids grow up online. Or when we visit back home and see photos that we've posted here that have been printed out and framed, lining tables around the grandparents house.

Though I've been a little behind in posting these Maternity Series photos in this space, and it's not necessarily easy to remember to carve out time each week to take these photos, I'm blessed to be able to watch our third little one grow already. Our little bunny is certainly well loved from our home here, snuggled into the gulf coast, he's loved from the cooler temps and green landscapes of "the mitten," and we know there are so many hugs and kisses already being sent from so many other cities around the country.

So, today, I'm feeling grateful for friends and family near and far. For those in my life, who are around no matter what... and no matter how many miles may separate us. And I'm grateful for the way we can all stay connected, feeling closer than ever though we may physically be further apart. I'm grateful for the friends I've "met" here, in this vast online world, for those that have watched my kids grow and for the kind words that seem to make our days that much sweeter. Today I'm just feeling grateful, grateful to rub this big, growing belly, smiling knowingly at what's to come.

What are you grateful for today?

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:24:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

Master Bedroom + Nursery Nook Inspiration Board

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:24:00 +0000

1. Babyletto Convertible Crib / 2. Adorable personalized mobile from Pink Cheek Studios / 3. Gold Knit Toss Pillow / 4. Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet / 5. Desk Lamp / 6. Tufted Gray Bench / 7. Room accessories like this colorful glass lamp, gold letters, Sweetleaf Baby Nursery Mist, Sweet Heavenly Molasses print / 8. Andelusia Wool Rug / 9. BlaBla Cloth Doll / 10. Nurseryworks Sleepytime Rocker / 11. Gray Knit Pouf / 12. Zig Zag Changing Pad Cover / 13. Soft White Baskets /

14. Expedit Shelving

We're getting down to the wire with Peanut #3, and so I thought I'd share the inspiration behind our shared master bedroom and nursery nook that is just now beginning to come together. Since we decided against a separate nursery for the time being, and our babies tend to stay in our room for a good few months in the beginning anyway, we're calling this space a nursery nook... and wanted to keep the look soothing and comfortably sophisticated for our master bedroom, without sacrificing function or the bit of whimsy we wanted to add.

If you're wondering, I haven't really started with putting any of this together yet, besides clearing out the dresser for the bunny's things and subsequently cleaning out and weeding through our entire closet. There's also one other small project completed for our updated space, and that's our bedside tables. I had an idea in my mind for these simple and sleek white lacquer tables and couldn't find them anywhere, although I did find a few similar styles for a very high price tag. Because I already have a list of items that I'd like to purchase, I just couldn't justify spending a large amount on nightstands and decided that we'd make them. You know, because I'm sure my hubby would be more than happy to help... then another idea came that happened to save money and the dimensions fit perfectly in the space we have! We purchased two square Expedit shelving units from Ikea, and built them using only the top and two sides, giving us the sleek design of the nightstand table I was hoping for (see photo above)!

So now, I just have to put together some art for the walls, figure out which of these items from our dreamboard I can score (or find another similar piece) and put together before baby arrives! We are getting close to go time – only five weeks left (even though I'm a little behind in posting our weekly series) – and I'm anxious to get the details all worked out while waiting for the "end-of-pregnancy" energy to kick in and help a mama out.

The Maternity Series: 32 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:49:00 +0000

Outfit details: Yellow Dot Swimsuit: Rey Swimwear // Skirt: Old shawl I've always used as a skirt // Hat: Bebe

Today I sat at an outdoor picnic table tucked between the walls of her cafeteria at school and the path that leads to the playground and grassy fields that make up her outdoor PE class. Just my girl and I, settled into the rays of sunshine as they trickled in on us and the few other tables reserved for "special lunch dates". It was our time, between the waves of her classmates through the glass as they'd walk by or the birds chirping from the few trees nestled around us... and I couldn't help but see how much she still needed me, and yet how independent of me she is already becoming.

This week we again visited a nearby splash park with our newly potty trained little Brayden and I just sat back and smiled as he ran in his "big-boy" swimsuit and diaperless, through the downspouts and trickling water, between the dumping buckets and around the slippery slide... not needing me, not needing anyone to guide him. He was unafraid and happy, leaving the timidity of last year at that very same place behind in one fell swoop.

Our babies, they grow. And as much fun as it is to watch them grow into their personalities and spread their wings, it also leaves behind this little empty place where their need for you begins to slowly fade from complete reliance to moments of asking for more, and moments of wanting... needing less.

With one more on the way, I'm already learning to balance his needs (because at this point, baby bunny is already asking for mama's attention) with the needs of my other two and I'm realizing that they are naturally merging to a place of more independence.

This crazy, beautiful thing called motherhood, it's breathtaking, and it hurts. It's the wonderfully terrifying, and it's the growing pains that every mother faces... right there alongside her children.

As I go through the cravings and growing stages that this littlest new one is giving me, I can't wait to hold him in the crook of my arm, his soft, squishy skin against my own... and yet I know, his total dependence on me will only last so long. Thus goes the cycle of life, and the reminder to enjoy each and every stage, each and every moment, before we arrive at a new one.

Because new stages, they do come.

Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day this weekend to all of you beautiful souls living this crazy beautiful life of motherhood!

Be Healthy: Krill Oil + a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Okay, so let's just get this out in the open, I hate taking vitamins. And all out confession time... even as "good" as I've been trying to be with taking my prenatal vites and a few extras that I've been "urged" to swallow, I've still missed a day here and there, or a few days here and there. I know, I know, I'm hanging my head as I type. But I will say this... one of my "extras" lately besides a prenatal vitamin has been krill oil. I'm fairly new to the idea of krill oil myself, and decided to try it instead of fish oil as it's touted to be considerably more potent than regular fish oil. I'm no expert in health, but I do try and research what I can, and from what I can tell, this one's a winner. As a source of Omega 3 and DHA, it looks like krill oil is swimming in it and shaping up to be one of the best sources. And as a mama that's working to get down the least amount of vitamins with the most impact, this is one that I like to take... for the health of my growing baby, and for my own heart and brain health boost (not to mention the benefits for my skin and hair and the jump in energy when I take them).

Though, since I'm not the expert on the subject of vitamins and health, I'll let Dr. Oz tell you in his own words...

If you think you'd like to try krill oil for yourself, just enter to win a month's supply!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wishing you a happy and healthy day!

xo

Giveaway sponsored by KrillOil.com. Thank you to Everest Nutrition for introducing me to krill oil. All opinions about the product are my own.

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:26:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

Recently, I dropped my iPhone and shattered the front AND back... so I pulled the sim card, grabbed an old phone out of the drawer and had to use that for awhile instead. There were quite a few days that I was slow to even pull out my phone to take pictures, because I just didn't feel like I could get the same kind of quality with an older phone. But I realized that it's not the quality that matters so much, it's capturing the moment to remember later! What kind of photos have you been taking lately?

Before you leave, click on over to win a free month's supply of heart (and great for hair and skin) healthy krill oil vitamins!

The Maternity Series: 31 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:12:00 +0000

Outfit details: White Jacket: Gap // Shorts: Target // Shirt: Miss Me // Bella Band

I don't have a whole lot of words right now. This moment, right here, is one I'm breathing in. I know things are changing, for our family, for our kids, for us... and sometimes, just the knowing that change is coming is both scary and exhilarating.

Maybe because this moment is quiet.... I have a handsome little sleeping three-year-old next to me and a sleeping puppy in "her room" at the end of the bed, and with all the noise and commotion that's been pulled out of the air around me, so my words have gone and joined that noise in flight.

I'm feeling calm and happy, and it's almost a strange calm and happy because part of me knows that we're not prepared fully, not ready. Do I have baby bottles yet? No. Do I have a changing pad or a rocking chair at the moment? No. Do I have a list that grows just as quickly as it gets checked off? Yes. Do we have an unending amount of love for our littles that's bursting and ready to spread it's ooey, gooey stickiness all over our newest addition? Absolutely. And I think that's right where the calm entered in. With this third arrival that's about to weave his threads through our family's tight-knit bond, I know that not much is really needed besides love. Oh, the goodies will come. The fun little rompers and insanely soft blankets. The room-rearranging will get figured out and diapers and bibs and wipes will be at the ready. Maybe it will be later than "preferred" or just on time, but the love... we're ready with the love, and armed with a list.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:41:00 +0000

I'm a lover of cinnamon, and sweet and gooey things, and delicious warm breakfasts... so with this recipe, all these beats of my heart are rolled into one big, mouth watering pancake. And really, it's pretty simple to make! Last Saturday, when I instagrammed a photo of our lazy weekend morning meal, I had many requests for the recipe, so I made the executive decision that I'd just have to make them all over again just so I could post the recipe here!

To start, mix up a batch of your favorite pancake mix. Since everyone's tastes are so varied, boxed vs. homemade, fresh vs. frozen, etc, I won't post a recipe for the pancake mix here, but I do recommend this healthy version that's sweetened with bananas instead of sugar!

Not that this cinnamon roll pancake is healthy... because from here it's all downhill. Or uphill, depending on which way you look at it. Either way, it's delicious!

Next, mix up the cinnamon roll filling.

Cinnamon Roll filling: - recipe adapted from here
4 tbls butter - melted
2 tbls dark brown sugar
1 tbls sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a ziplock bag to cool. Once cooled, snip a corner out of the bag to use as a pastry bag when we swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the pancake batter.

Once you've got your ingredients all ready, go ahead and pour your pancake mix onto a hot griddle or pan and let set for a minute. Just before it would be time to flip the pancake, use your cinnamon sugar pastry bag and swirl the mixture into the pancake batter. Don't just swirl it on top, but stick the tip of your bag into the middle of the pancake and swirl your way in circles until you reach the edge.

Flip, cook for another minute and plate!

We served ours with butter and warm maple syrup, and it was an ooey, gooey cinnamon delight! I also think it would be heaven to mix up The Pioneer Woman's buttery, sugary, coffee and maple syrup cinnamon roll icing to drizzle over the top!

Enjoy these, my friends!! We all sure did.

xoxo

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:06:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

Looking back at some of the photos I captured with my phone this week... I'd say we're on our way to a water filled summer! With the temperatures rising, my kiddos are asking to swim every single day, and I'm okay with that. It's most definitely one of our favorite ways to cool off. What is one of your favorite summer past-times? It's getting closer!

KitchenWise:: Blue Dragon Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

So the temps around here have been slowly climbing, giving us afternoons with curtains dancing in the breeze and evenings where mama's feet are propped up, fans releasing their own faux breeze... and sometimes to the low hum of our air conditioner. Yes, it's spring in Florida.

This also means smoothies are becoming a regular around here, like this recently posted Green Monster Smoothie, and today my wee ones and I want to share of our easy, breezy favorites with you!

It's been a little while since I've posted a KitchenWise episode, and so we were a little rusty... but it was no less fun and entertaining, and it won't be quite so long before the next one. Promise. Oh, and for a little (and much less healthy) treat, check out our very first episode with a cameo at the end of a very little Brayden!

Blue (purple) Dragon Smoothie
Makes two cups
1/2 cup milk (whatever kind you prefer... organic milk, rice milk, almond milk)
1/2 yogurt (greek, organic, vanilla)
1 banana
1 cup frozen berries

Throw it all in a blender, or let your kiddos do it for you, blend well and serve immediately! We pour some into popsicle containers and freeze for a later snack and still have plenty to drink.

xo

For The Love of Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Hello lovelies!

I know that it's only just beginning to feel like summer around these Florida parts while there's still snow flurrying around in others and floods of raindrops pouring down for April's showers back in my homestate of Michigan. Another thing that I know lately? This tip-toeing onto seven months pregnant thing is making me warm... a feeling I'm not used to as I'm usually the girl that's constantly cold and always needing to reach for the cardi in my bag. Now, I'm the one tossing off the covers (or not bothering to get under them at all), while my usually hot-blooded husband is pulling his side of the blanket up.

With all of that said, the heat... whether it be from cooking a little bun in the oven, or this unbalanced teeter-totter between 70-80 degree days and the unusual 90s that we've been experiencing, I'm ready to get my locks summer ready. My hair pinspiration has been circling around cute and easy hair updo's to get longer locks off of my neck and at-home DIY treatments to keep my head of hair shining. Hopefully you can find some inspiration for your own Spring/Summer style here too!

1. DIY Coconut Oil Scalp Treatment / 2. Summer Hair Ideas / 3. Tangle Teaser (Works wonders for tear-free hair brush sessions.) / 4. Braid + Bun Updo / 5. The Messy Bun / 6. Braided 'Do / 7. Ombré at Home / 8. Quick Updo / 9. Boost Your Color with Tea / 10. Heal Split Ends (Before you cut!)

And if you're looking for a GREAT at home, DIY hair conditioning mask with ingredients you've already got lying around your kitchen, check out this edition of KitchenWise where Aliyah helps share one of our favorite at-home treatments (besides our regularly used add-coconut-oil-to-hair-and-let-it-soak).

xo

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:09:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

It's been a busy week, but aren't they all?! With two wee ones, and another on the way... throw in a new puppy that we're potty training and then potty training for our littlest, well, my hands have been full. But they've been wonderfully, overflowingly full of good things. With a family photoshoot for Relish, some good eats, good walks and good sunsets... I'd say good things have definitely been the norm. Especially when good is what you're looking for! What good things have you found this week?

The Maternity Series: 30 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:29:00 +0000

Outfit details: Tank top: Gap // Skirt: Target (similar here) /// "Bow" Belt: I pulled off of a suit jacket I have from White House/Black Market

I recently woke at two o'clock in the morning with a mad case of nausea... and then everything that accompanies it. My first thought, besides how gross it is, was how long do I wait before calling someone, a friend, a doctor... someone who might know what I do next. Instead of a game of telephone, I played hopscotch between my bed and the cool tile of our bathroom for the next few hours until the sun came spilling through the windows and with it's early rays brought a sigh of relief, both from a long, tiring morning and whatever it was that upset this growing bump of a belly. I'm happy to say that all is well and those wandering thoughts of a trip to the hospital didn't even come close to being talked about.

So now, besides waiting quite a while to eat Thai food again, and while working through the urge to constantly clean something, I'm going to try and get the bunny a little more rest while we grow and stretch and change, together.

And speaking of growing and stretching and changing, in spite of all the crazy news and sad events throughout our world recently, there is also so much good. There are so many amazing stories and sweet, real moments happening all over this big, beautiful world of ours, sometimes you just have to look a little closer. Part of bringing a baby into this world is looking for those beautiful things, the ones that make you smile and happy to know there is so much beauty to be found even in the midst of what can sometimes seem to be chaos. And part of our families growth and change is to find ways to appreciate our blooming world even more, though we're completely "green," we are always looking for ways to live our lives while being good stewards over our little part of this earth. So, happy earth day! What are you doing to celebrate this big, beautiful world that we share today?

How Does She

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 02:56:00 +0000

How does she do it?

You know, that impeccably perfect vision of the "she" we think we should be rearing in the corner of our mind's eye. The "she" we want to be. The one that somehow manages to be clean and styled, with clean and styled kids, who eats organically, who is always packed and prepared for what is to come, who's home is "magazine ready" while something delicious, and of course healthy, bakes in the oven.

How does she do it?

I was walking our adorable and rambunctious little puppy, Penelope, today, with Brayden in the stroller... a new routine of ours where blue skies welcome us under their own spring song and where the wheels of the little buggy I push hum along in harmony. The stroller comes in handy as I've been extending our walks a little bit lately and we both love our time together with fun little conversations and fresh air. This time, however, he wasn't so keen on our little venture, at least not in the beginning. Aliyah had a friend over, and after the late bedtimes for everyone on this little girl's first sleepover night, they needed a few moments of play time without a little brother or bouncing puppy raining on their girl-time parade. While we turned the last corner with our house in sight, Penelope squats her hind parts and I quickly look at our empty leash for the doggie bags that are supposed to be there. They aren't. And I'm unprepared.

How does she do it?

How does she keep up with two kids and dinner making? With a clean home and a puppy? With finances and bills and home-making and staying awake long enough to chat with friends while a little bun bakes in the oven?

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Tonight, with feet up and a fan running overhead, not because it's quite hot on this particular spring day in Florida necessarily, but because I'm hot... an unusual new sensation for me to feel as of late, I had my epiphany. I may not be the she I hold a firm grip on in my mind hoping to become... but I'm the she I was created to be. I'm the she that's raising two, and soon to be three, beautiful children in this big, crazy, wonderful, scary world... and loving them until it hurts. I'm the she that tries because doing something and failing is better than giving in to the fear of what failure might bring, and doing so is living in a kind of self-induced failure already... though procrastination isn't completely out of my living vocabulary yet. I'm the she that tucks in sleepy, yawning heads with kisses after chasing around the attached crumb-droppping hands all day. And I'm the she that breathes in the heavenly scent of Brayden curls as he climbs on the couch and folds his toddler body into my arms to cuddle or that boasts over the adorably crafted doodles from Aliyah's pen.

Yes, life is a constant lesson, we are all learning and growing... and we all have room to learn and grow. But I'm realizing that I am the she that I need to be, right here and right now... and I'm grateful to be her.

******************************************

If you've got a quote you love or a post with quote on it that inspires you, just share it in the comments section of this post so that we can come by and visit you!

DIY Vintage Bicycle Wheel Mobile

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:42:00 +0000

We picked up this old bike wheel awhile ago to make a mobile out of it for the kid's combined room. I was undecided on what to hang from it and let the wheel sit in the corner of my office for awhile until this 6 months pregnant and nesting thing kicked in and I knew I needed to get the wheel hung, stat.

In answer to this need for cleaning up our spaces, I asked hubby to pick up a newspaper so I could play with the comics section, and got to work.

Supplies:
Comics or book pages
A few sheets of card stock
Glue stick
A bike wheel
Fish wire
A few small clips
A ceiling hook

To start I stacked a couple pages of the comics section (with a piece of card stock in between), drew a few different shapes of clouds and cut the clouds out of the stack. Next it was just glueing the stack together so it made a thicker, and thus stronger, cloud. Here's where you can get creative! Think of whatever shapes and designs you'd like to hang. And mix up the patterns with colors. You could even use some favorite fabric scraps since it's being glued to cardstock anyway.

From there is was just cutting out three even lengths of fishing wire to hang the wheel to the ceiling and a few random pieces to hang the clouds. Then, I just tied off the wire to the wheel and to the clips and snapped the clouds in place.

Note: If the fishing wire doesn't straighten out within a few days, I may replace it with a different kind of wire so the clouds hang a little straighter.

I think this turned out so fun and whimsical in their space. Have fun thinking up some colorful and creative ideas with this... and if you make one, I'd love to know!

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:41:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

Since my return home last week, it's been a week of "nesting".... cleaning house, preparing for baby bunny and simultaneously spending as much time with these two little ones as I can. Needless to say, I left the phone and cameras down most of the week, but the few moments I did capture seems to sum up our week and our time together pretty well.

The Maternity Series: 29 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:56:00 +0000

Outfit details: Long tee: Target // Black leggings: Motherhood Maternity

So I've been a little behind with actually getting these photos up here on the bloggity... which is why you're seeing a couple Maternity Series posts pretty close together. But that's part of growing right? Giving yourself some slack when the two other littles, and a puppy, crave your attention and that attention has to linger away from somewhere else to focus on them. These wee ones are my priority, my life, even the growing bump is asking for a little more attention than before. And with the recent happenings around the country, including the dear families and brave souls we've been praying for in Boston, it only seals upon our heart even more the thought that time is precious. Our loved ones are much to important to put on the back-burner of life and let those sweet few moments simmer away as though a vapor into the air. No, I want to savor every taste and flavor and aroma of this big, beautiful life. Letting fear win and take over isn't the answer, but to continue to see the beauty, to live our lives as the beauty, even in a scary, messy world... I think that's a pretty good answer.

My middle love is asking for me, so goodbye for now it is sweet friends.

xo

Navigating This Crazy Thing Called Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:28:00 +0000

This week we took a jaunt to that special place where the serene connected threads of our beautiful earth, the turquoise crests of the ocean, splash up against the soft powdered sands of a nearby beach. It had been too long, and the waves were calling, luring us back with their lapping anthems.

It also was a chance for me to spend some extra time with this sweet little boy, our middle child in the making. Since my return home, little man's been attached to my side and asking for more and more attention. I think between the inevitable changes happening in our lives and the time I was away, someone is looking for a little extra security.

Our time at the beach was beautiful, with wisps of salty breezes, sandy bodies and cold splashes woven into the sweet moments of cute little conversations, cries over dirty fingers and stolen kisses.

A different kind of day than, say, today. A day when the "mama, mama, mama" got to be a little redundant after I worked myself too hard and skipped naps, because come four o'clock in the afternoon, the previously referred to mama was tired, hungry and cranky. Cranky enough that as we sat down together for dinner, as a family, I couldn't let the first bite of the meal begin without apologizing to my family. We all have days, pregnant or not, in a hormonal hot mess or not, that can seem to get the best of us. And whether our outrageous hijinks be a few moments or a few hours, as mothers, we effect the entire tune of our home. It's rhythm relies on our inhales and exhales, it's very breath a mirror of our own. When I see my wee ones affected by the day, I know that I'm the one that can change the course I've set, because even if the course we're on isn't intentional, I'm the matriarchal captain of my family's boat. No matter what kind of storms our family faces, with everything I've got I'm sailing them out to clear skies and a calm, turquoise sea... we'll have plenty to weather together, mama doesn't need to add to it.

"...Each day is, in a certain sense, a complete life by itself. It has its own duties, its own trials, its own burdens, and its own needs. The very best we can do for the perfecting of our life as a whole, is to live the one day well. We should put all our thought and energy and skill into the duty of each day, wasting no strength, either in grieving over yesterday's failures--or in anxiety about tomorrow's responsibilities." ~J.R. Miller

So many times, as mothers especially, and even just as women, we can tend to compare our worst days, the low moments or the hormonal split-decicions that didn't end so well with the sweetly picked and edited version of someone else's high point. The fact is, we all blow it, we all mess up. We all will have times we need to apologize as we pass the ketchup or say we're sorry over sleepy-time kisses. It happens. Some days our Instagram feed is full of sunshine and unicorns, and some days we just avoid the internet all together, because glancing through another's feed of smiles and perfect moments reminds us of the failure we were in our own moments. And that's the trap of comparison... because even on our best days, we're looking to see if we measure up, if our own success is as good as someone else's. Our job as mothers, and as women, isn't to scrutinize ourselves to our own rose-colored view of other mothers, but to find success in the eyes of our own children, the ones whose heart and tender little souls rely on us for their guidance and direction.

Tonight, we're all sleeping well, knowing that tomorrow is another day. Another day to navigate together, not to be spent in regret for moments past or wishing for time to move any quicker that it is, not to compare our failures to another's success or shortcomings to someone's strength. As I grow, finally, into this role of motherhood, I'm realizing that we're already equipped with everything our family needs, it's there... the direction, the excitement, the strength to about-face the day if needed, the humility to accept when we're the ones knocking it off course and the fortitude to high-fives someone else's success without waiting for the exhale of their imperfection to show. Dude, we've all been there, in the good times and the hard times... and it's time to live our own day well.

You know what else helps? Ice cream. Especially chocolate.

Aye, aye, Captain.
xo

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If you've got a quote you love or a post with quote on it that inspires you, just share it in the comments section of this post so that we can come by and visit you!

The Maternity Series: 28 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:09:00 +0000

Outfit details: Shirt: Find from a boutique in Orlando // Shorts: Old mossimo shorts from Target

A few random details...

He moves, he kicks, and I swear baby bunny jumps in there too. I don't know if it's the fact that three years has separated this moment from past pregnancies or if he's just that much of a mover, but it's magical... and it's a LOT.

I've been reading books to the kids like Baby on the Way, and while Aliyah remembers this from the last time around and genuinely gets excited, Brayden has plenty of questions and comments... and a growing excitement and anticipation.

Chocolate covered pretzels and orange juice over ice are heaven. Strange, and pure heaven, together. We haven't been big dairy drinkers for awhile, mostly using rice milk or almond milk when needed, but lately? A glass of cold milk along with a PB&J or one of our peanut butter banana rolls is my go-to afternoon pick-me-up.

Our lists Just. Keep. Growing. Along with this baby bump that's growing, I've been working to make room for baby, or like Chris mentioned the other day, "I realized that you've hit the nesting phase, what can I do to help?" Amazing man right there. And little baby bunny, we're getting ready for YOU!

Drinking Our Greens

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:57:00 +0000

It's that season again, where the warm weather wakes you with a wet kiss and little ones roll out of their slumber, bed headed and looking for something to fill their growling bellies. Yesterday, I mentioned making green smoothies again, since it's been awhile and warmer climates just beg for delicious and nutritious smoothies, and my wee ones didn't let that go. They woke ready to get to work in the kitchen. I don't think I had to do anything... except for clean up the mess, of course!

We've used many different recipes before, mostly throwing in whatever ingredients we've got, but sticking with the main components of spinach and banana. This time when I talked about making a Green Monster, Brayden thought for a minute and said, "I want to make a blue dragon."

And so we did! We added in some organic frozen berries (including blueberries for the "blue") along with rice milk, bananas and spinach and had our Green Monster Blue Dragon Smoothie for breakfast this morning.

It's such a great way to get your kids their greens! If they don't always want to eat spinach, why not try drinking it.

Green Monster Blue Dragon Smoothie
Makes two large, or four medium cups
2 cups milk (whatever kind you prefer... organic milk, rice milk, almond milk)
2 bananas
1 cup frozen berries
4 large handfuls of spinach (or more)

Throw it all in a blender, or let your kiddos do it for you, blend well and serve immediately! We pour some into popsicle containers and freeze for a later snack and still have plenty to drink.

The verdict? They like it!

Let me know if you try it, I'd love to hear if you like it just as much as we do.

Life Lately, in iPhone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:33:00 +0000

These photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm on Instagram as TabithaBlue and would love to "meet" you!

Getting Minted

noreply@blogger.com (Fresh Mommy) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:01:00 +0000

1. Essie Mint Candy Apple, that I'm currently wearing on my toes. / 2. Anthropologie Viscid Watch / 3. Mossimo Ona Flats, so cute in gold snake print too! / 4. Anthropologie Latte Bowls / 5. Gap Boy's Skinny Jeans / 6. Mint Geometric Stud Earrings / 7. EOS Organic Sweet Mint Lip Balm / 8. Hollandia Bicycle, similar to my cruiser that I love! / 9. Mint iPhone 4 Case, since I recently dropped my phone without a case on and after the smash, had to revert back to my trusty ole' #4 until I upgrade... but it's also available for the iPhone 5.

Confession: I fell head over heals for those adorable boy's skinny jeans and checked the availability of them at a couple of the Gap stores here in NY near me... and they were gone! So I checked at the mall near my house, and there were some in stock. Needless to say, my husband received a quick text asking if he could stop by the mall and pick up a pair of jeans for Brayden that I already had on hold there, and here's where husband of the year comes in... he did it!

My pinterest boards have been exploding with mint lately, and not just mine really... my wall has been too. It's just a color that feels right for the season and makes me feel spring. Now, I just need to find myself a pair of mint skinnies that I can fit into while pregnant.

What color are you loving right now?