Lauren Rebecca

Father's Day 2013.

2013-06-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

We haven't had much time to slow down and breathe lately. We slowed down on Father's Day and took a trip to the farm. Some of you may not know that Ty has a life long dream of owning a farm someday and so this Day On The Farm seemed perfect. Not only did Ty really enjoy it, but Scarlett loved the animals and her oh-so-delicious tub of fresh lemonade. The llamas, cows and foals were her favorites. The saddle riding and loud tractors...not so much. We saw where they bred the million dollar horses that get sent to the Kentucky Derby and met some spunky stallions. We tasted jams, watched the sheep get sheared, and we even got some information on getting local milk delivered to our house. It was a really fun day to forget all about everything else and just enjoy ourselves.

I didn't get to spend time with my father this year but we made plans for after the wedding.

I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day!

This one.

2013-06-13T23:26:00.001-04:00

So as many of you may know, I'm super busy with my wedding a week away. Sorry for the lack of posts but I can assure you that many posts are in the works and waiting to be put together. Some home tour posts that have been a long time in the making, some more of this cute babe and of course, wedding details!

Scarlett has been my saving grace this last week. Everything was going well until Monday when bad news started falling on me like hail, pelting me with issues. It is a week until our wedding and I'm trying my best to keep things un-stressful....it's a hard job! That's a post for another day. But Scarlett is the one thing that can make me forget all the silliness that seems so large at times. I took Scarlett for a lunch date today and as we sat down for some sandwiches, a crying baby caught her eye.

"Mama, the baby's crying" my two year old told me.

"I know. The baby isn't very happy." She watched the baby for a few seconds, turned to me with a face of concern and said, "Mama, that's soooo sad."

Melt.

She is the sweetest thing I've ever laid eyes on. And the other night, while I fought her to put her pajamas on, (it's a game to her), she kicked me right in the gut. I leaned over in pain and said, "Ouch Scarlett, you hurt Mama." She stopped, she held her arms out and said, "I sorry Mama, I sorry!" I swear this little girl is my saving grace!! I love her more than I can say. And so, as these crazy busy days before the wedding go by, I keep her close to remind me of what love is really all about.

Where To Find Scarlett's Clothes:

links
Lowercase Letters

Our First Dance.

2013-06-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

We finally chose the song for our first dance.
We chose a song that I had heard before it was even hit the radio.
It has since become rather popular but that hasn't deterred our decision.
The first time I heard this song, I was listening to Pandora in the car.
I was driving along and thinking about wedding details, all the things that need to get done.
I was feeling a little overwhelmed and the cold feet feeling started to come over me.
Every now and then, I feel this overwhelming feeling.
I don't know what it is but it's kind of like anxiety hitting me, forcing me to take note of the whirlwind of events circling around me in such a short amount of time.

Then the melody started.
I just listened and as the song went on, I felt heavy tears fall.
It reminded me of Ty...of when we first met. And how important he is to me and how lucky I am.
It reassured me even more when Ty told me he felt the same about the song.

The song was "Stay" by Rihanna.
This song has a lot of conflict as to what it is really about. Some people think it's a song about breaking up or a tumultuous relationship, others think it's a ballad from Rihanna to Chris Brown.
I think that the key to a great song is to make it relatable.
A song that everyone can mold to fit their life or something they went through.
This song does just that.

I know that some people probably won't understand why we chose this song.
I asked Ty his thoughts on it and he told me this, "This song reminds me of us. I don't care what other people think, I care about you and our love and how we feel."
To us, this song speaks differently. It is a song about two people who are in love, but have other issues in their lives that are tugging them in different directions.

It brings me back to when I first met Ty......

Here is our meaning of "Stay".

Stay

All along it was a fever
A cold sweat, hot headed believer
I threw my hands in the air I said show me something
He said, if you dare come a little closer

(This first part reminds me of the previous relationship I was in. It was a fever, a cold sweat, things were constantly up and down, hot then cold. I was lost and that was when Ty came into the picture. Skeptical of him, I said the same thing, Show me something. And Ty, in different words, repeated what Micky Echo sang, if you dare come a little closer...)

Round and around and around and around we go
Oh now tell me, now tell me, now tell me now you know

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay

(This section makes me think of what I would say to Ty back in those first moments. I wasn't sure how to feel about him. I was coming out of a 10 year relationship, I was scared, unsure and I didn't know whether to trust him or run away. But something about Ty made me want him to stay. He was different than anything I had ever known. )

It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take, it's given
Round and around, and around, and around we go
Oh now tell me, now tell me, now tell me, now you know

(This part that Micky Echo sings is like Ty speaking to me. It wasn't much of a life I was living, in such turmoil all the time. It was not much of a life at all. All those years I had been trying to take love. Ty showed me that you can't just take love, love is given. He didn't want us be some short-lived fling, he wanted to be sure that I wanted him as much as he wanted me. He wanted me to tell him that I knew for sure.)

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay

Oh the reason I hold on
Oh 'cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
'Cause when you never see the light, it's hard to know which one of us is caving

(This part of the song makes me teary every time I hear it. It's the most meaningful to me. The reason I held onto anything at that time in my life.... was because I desperately needed the hole inside of me gone. I was fading. A lot of people don't know how low I had really fallen at that point in my life. It was funny because I thought I was the only one who needed saving but in fact, Ty needed someone just as much as I did. In essence, we helped each other in a lot of ways. )

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay, stay
I want you to stay, oh

Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko) by Rihanna on Grooveshark

Our Surprise Getaway.

2013-06-05T22:17:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, was a blast! No other way to describe it. We had fun! My sister planned a wedding-party getaway and they all got together to surprise Ty and I with a fun weekend away to Ogunquit Maine. We arrived in Maine to 2 rental houses on the beach and unpacked just in time to have some drinks in the hot tub. We laughed the night away.( Good times with these guys.) The next morning, we walked a bit of the Marginal Way and stopped at the beach. The rest of the day was spent by the pool, which was amazing since it was 90 degrees out! We had perfect weather. We ate a delicious lunch that my sister prepared and then headed to Perkins Cove for a Cocktail Cruise. It was great to get some cool sea breeze on our skin and take in some sights. Once we finished there, we took a trolley back to our houses and changed back into our bathing suits for more hot tub time. Sunday was breakfast near the ocean and then some more sunbathing. Three days full of laughs, yummy food, suntan lotion, sand in our toes, trolleys, kisses, beach hair and great friends....what better way to spend a weekend?

Glorious!

It was the perfect getaway. We needed it. I've been so busy trying to plan our wedding in New Hampshire while I'm in New York that I needed some time away. I want to say thank you so much to all of you. Seriously, it was so wonderful to spend a weekend away with you all and not have to worry about one. single. thing. Erica, you did a great job and thank you so much! These memories....I love them! And of course, there were a few who couldn't make it that were there in spirit....Billie, Peter & Joe. We love you guys and wish you could have been there.

Scarlett stayed with our parents and although the weekend was not long enough, Ty and I both agreed on the way home that we were glad to be picking up our little peanut. My mother took her for and her cousin to the butterfly museum, water park, out for ice cream and to the candy factory. Needless to say, she had a blast as well.

Now we are back home and it is sinking in that in 2 weeks, We're getting married!!!

Links:
Two Thirty Five
The Wiegands

Time.

2013-05-29T15:42:00.000-04:00

Blood by The Middle East on Grooveshark

Scarlett's pretty over the moon with her new leggings from Lola Bean.

She asks to wear them pretty much...every day.

Leggings: Lola Bean / Shirt: H&M

Scarlett.
She's been teaching me so much the last few months. Yes, my 2 year old is teaching me. I'm was actually sitting here in bed tonight thinking. My mind was spinning so much that I crept out of bed to jot down these thoughts. Everything about Scarlett is wonderful. Today, she called to me, "Mama, look!". I turned to see her holding up a card that I received at my bridal shower. It was colorful, filled with florals and a few birds.
"Look Mama, this beau-ti-ful!" She was right. Her little mind always reminds me of all the small things in this world. This simple card was filled with beauty. She sees things that I miss.

She reminds me.

She calls for me when I am at my busiest. Up to my neck with wedding details and important things. "One minute Scarlett." I call to her.

But one minute is all it takes for her to grow up. For her to change into the little person that she is becoming. Growing out of the heartfelt things that she says and the small gestures that she makes.
"Bless you Mama." When I sneeze.
The way she says, "I swimming." or "I tired." in her little voice, her tiny sentences forming together.
"A big hug?" she asks.
Watching her swaddle her dollies and change their diapers.
Watching her sing her abc's in the bathtub, lining all the letters up.
The way she wraps those arms around me.

I don't want to miss those moments! We have been trying to make more of a schedule around here lately. With everything going on with wedding plans, events and traveling back to Mass pretty much every weekend, it's easy to get distracted or lose track of time.

Every night, after she has a bath and brushes her teeth, we have been reading 2 books. The other night, I had a million things going on and I was deep in concentration. I heard Scarlett call for me but I just didn't want to lose my train of thought. "One minute Scarlett."
Before I knew it, it was 9 pm and Scarlett came to my leg and laid her head on me, "I sleepy Ma-ma." I didn't realize it was past her bedtime. I rubbed my eyes with frustration. I wasn't frustrated with her, I was frustrated with myself for not giving her any of my time. How was it the end of the day already?! Never enough time.
I told her to go get blankie and sleeping baby and I got her some milk. After prayers, kisses and big hugs, I closed her bedroom door and made my way back to the living room. I paused by our bedroom door. Out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention. I walked to our bed and pulled the covers down. Two books lay there idle. One on Ty's pillow and one on my pillow.

I felt pretty small at that moment.
Instant teary eyes.

I was too busy to read her 2 simple books. Those two books are the highlight of her night.
I want all of her moments. All of those precious minutes that go by in the blink of an eye. I'm missing some of them with each time I say, "One minute Scarlett." And so she teaches me. I realize that I won't be able to come to her every beck and call for the rest of her life, but I want these moments now. I want her little-ness. Just another lesson in motherhood.

Everyone is so worried about career and money and success. When you die, what will that leave you? A good reputation and some money for your kids, maybe. But if you haven't experienced life, enjoyed it, then what good is it? I swear that having children makes you wiser. Time is so short. Sometimes I lay awake at night paralyzed by the fear that one day, everything I have will be gone. Or that it can be taken away in the blink of an eye. But then I remember that this world wasn't intended for us and there is much more to come for us. The only thing that comforts me is knowing that God will someday bring us home forever. FOREVER. Not sure I even understand the meaning of that. But I could get used to spending forever with Scarlett and Ty...

Time is a strange thing.
Sometimes it's against us and sometimes it helps us. But always passing. We need to remember to stop and take that time to love our little ones, love our significant others, and soak up all the wonderful things around us.

This moment...these moments.

Links:
Two Thirty Five Designs

Late Night Thoughts.

2013-05-24T00:19:00.000-04:00

(Photos from this past weekend.)

Shoes: Zara

Cat Dress: H&M

So here we are, less than one month before our wedding. How do I feel about that?

Pretty excited!
There have been quite a few points along the last year or so that I wanted to forget the whole wedding and just elope. Ha! But now that things are coming together and falling into place, I'm more excited that our family and friends can come share this day with us. Despite the money, planning, stress and hassles of planning a wedding, I keep reminding myself that my love for Ty is really all that matters. It's a lot of back and forth every weekend from New York To Massachusetts. In fact, I'm packing up again tomorrow errr....today I guess since it's midnight, and leaving my loves to go back and tend to more wedding stuff & one of my bridesmaid/friend's wedding shower. I'm tired. You would think that staying home with Scarlett would give me free time to relax. That isn't so. Scarlett is slowly letting go of her afternoon nap and my two year old is an attention craver. She loves my undivided attention and as much as want to give her every bit of me, I do have a lot to get done in 3 weeks. Ahhh!!

On another note, Scarlett had me laughing tonight. Usually when I put her to bed, she asks for "Sleeping Baby" and "Blankie". Tonight, she asked for those two things and a book. Confused by this, I told her that we already read books. She insisted so I gave her a book. She tucked it in beside her and pulled her blanket up to sleep. Ha. Oh that babe!

What's new with Ty and I? Well, as much as I'd like to leave you with some juicy drama about our life, to tell you the truth, everything is the same....wonderful. I often wonder if people get sick of hearing me say that. But I'm not going to lie, we are really, really happy right now.

I've started to think about going back to work. I have mixed feelings about this. I love getting dressed up every morning, grabbing coffee and heading out to work but I also love spending every precious moment with my two year old. My two year old that is growing up so quickly before my very eyes. I think about if I would have gone back to work 3 months after she was born like I had planned and I can't imagine it. But now, she's 2 and I can tell she's starting to want more. She loves when I drop her off at the gym playroom, or going to dance where she can dance and sing. I hate to admit it, but she is thrilled to leave me and go explore and learn. So I know that she would be over the moon to go to preschool 3 or so times a week. I originally signed her up for 2 days a week, 3 hours a day. I'm thinking that isn't going to work out if I really want to go back to work. And the program was more of a play-based preschool. I want her to learn something since she's definitely ready to absorb some more knowledge.

I took a day and went to visit a new preschool that was recommended to me, just down the road from our house. It is a state of the art, brand new, school catered to toddlers. I was surprised by how much they had to offer. A Library for her age group, themed rooms to teach them about the real world (post office, school, grocery store, etc) a gym with mini-sized equipment, all bathroom facilities miniature-sized to accommodate them, brand new playground and lots of indoor play toys. The teachers are all equipped with iPads that link right to the parent's iPad/iPhones so that the parents can ask the teachers a question at any time of the school day. The teachers also input everything that the children do throughout the day. If I want to see what Scarlett ate for lunch? I just go to the school app and look to see what they fed her or if she napped. With only 10 kids per classroom, and 2 teachers per class, I felt confident that Scarlett would receive enough attention. It seemed that it was too good to be true. Scarlett, of course, didn't want to leave and so I came to the conclusion that this fall, I will put her in this learning based preschool and go back to work part-time. What will I do for work? Haven't a clue.

But after the wedding, I plan to put my resume back together and head out in search of one. The area that we live in here is a lot different than the small-town I'm used to. To find a job back home was like finding a needle in a haystack. Here, my options are good. Well, those are my late night thoughts for the night.

I guess I should put my lap top away, snuggle up to Ty & fall asleep before Scarlett starts calling, "Mama, WAKE UP. I have der-tee diaper." ;)

Good-night loves!

Just in case you'd like to follow along, like me on Facebook here.

Links
On Your Heart
Casual Friday
Best of Friday

Mini Style in May.

2013-05-20T16:47:00.001-04:00

I must say that one of my all time favorite places to shop for Scarlett is Old Navy. Not only has their clothing quality come a long way, they are getting pretty trendy with their cute styles. AND, the best part, you don't have to spend a fortune. I'm pretty sure 40% of Scarlett's wardrobe is Old Navy. Here she is again, head to toe, Old Navy for toddlers. Steal Scarlett's Look below.

Dear Ty.

2013-05-17T09:17:00.002-04:00

Over The Love by Florence + The Machine on Grooveshark

By: Lauren Hutchinson
Copyright © 2013

Dear Ty,

Drowning....

I sometimes feel like that about my life before I met you.
Those days were hard,
Tearful.

I felt as though I was drunk, spinning around wildly with no intention of stopping. Every turn taking me further away from the light.
Bitter and angry.
Not knowing how I had gotten to that place.

I think I asked God a million times why?
I think I prayed a thousand times for it to go away.
Drowning.
It's a word I use often when I describe that time in my life.

It felt that way.

Like no matter how hard I tried, the water kept hitting my face and pushing me down.
Like I couldn't catch my breath.
Like the more I struggled to reach the top for a breath of air, the faster I sank.
I couldn't hold on, so I began to just...let go....
Free falling down into that murky water.
I watched myself fade...

And just as I felt I was about to hit the bottom, just when I had given up hope, just as I was about to close my heart for good,
two strong arms reached down and pulled me up.
They wrapped around me and held my cold, half-damaged body against theirs.
I opened my eyes,

And there you were.
The answer to my every prayer.
What I had been unknowingly searching for for years.

I know it seems rather dramatic to say that you saved me.

But truly, you saved me.

I find it completely surreal to think that we found each other in this chaotic, mess of a world.
But I know there was help in bringing us together.
With every choice bringing us in a different direction, I realize that all of the bad things that have come my way, no longer matter. Those difficult times swung me around like a rag doll, not caring if I was on my knees already.

Dear Ty, my lover, my rescuer, my heart, my everything.
I want you more than I have ever wanted anything.

The love I feel for you makes my heart beat faster every time I think of our first kiss.
It makes me burn with passion when I think of you telling me you'd wait forever.
It fills my eyes with tears when I think how you unconditionally love me....

This IS the love of a lifetime. I'm so in love still.
The best part is, I know you are here to stay...the day is coming quickly. I'm savoring how I feel in this moment. And yet, I know the best is yet to come.

.............................6/21/2013

Links:
Carissa Graham
Covered In Grace

Graphic Tees.

2013-05-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

This Mother's Day, we just hung out all day in cozy clothes. I thought our graphic tees were just perfect for a lazy day... And the photos were just too cute not to share!

Born to Rock tee: ForeverXXI

Tiger tee: Target

Links
WIWW
Rolled Up Pretty
Look What I Got
Passion for Fashion
Best Of Friday
Weekend Shenanigans

Things I'm Loving.

2013-05-12T10:57:00.002-04:00

Warm sunny days in New York.

The way Scarlett says "baby soup" (bathing suit) Just too cute to correct.

The smell of sun tan lotion on our skin.

Iced Tea with LOTS of ice & lemon.

Opening the mail to find wedding response cards.

Fresh flowers in the house.

Pool days.

Outdoor Dining.

Listening to Scarlett in the back seat, sing along with me to the radio.

Ty.

My new living room rug. (check back this week for a living room post)

Trips to the greenhouse.

Saltwater Sandals.

"Come on, Mama!"

Scarlett's Whimsical 2nd Birthday

2013-05-06T08:32:00.002-04:00

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong on Grooveshark

This year, I really didn't want to do a big party like I threw last year. I just wanted to have family, a couple of kids and a cookout to celebrate Scarlett turning two. Soooo, that's exactly what we did. Of course, I'm a sucker for small details and small party or not, I wanted some cute decor and a couple of fun activities.

I decided I would throw her a whimsical party with white bunnies, fresh flowers, spring colors and some flowing fabrics. I picked a couple of spring activities, (planting spring seeds and chalk fun) that I will go into detail about in later posts, But the real hit of the party was the gift Ty and I bought Scarlett. We bought her a water/sand table that I almost didn't get her since I wasn't sure if she would like it. I'm glad I did! We weren't planning on bringing it out until present time, but it was just too nice of a day to not include some water! Good decision.....The kids spent the majority of the time at that little table, occasionally stopping for cupcakes or food.

Scarlett was thrilled with everything. Overwhelmed, even. Our family and friends gave her wonderful gifts. She hasn't even gotten through all of them yet! They will keep her busy for quite some time! I feel so lucky to have such a loving family that made it all the way from Massachusetts to celebrate with us. And for great new friends that we've met here. The best part of the party.....For me, it was when Scarlett smiled as we sang Happy Birthday to her and then, she pursed her little lips together and blew out her candle for the very first time.....I think I may have gotten a little teary. I can't believe my baby is 2!! We took so many photos that I was completely overwhelmed with sorting through them. But I think I picked a good variety to show you how much fun we had this weekend!

Bunny Cupcake toppers HERE

Dream Catcher: Wildflower Dream Catchers

Links:
Misc Monday
Mon Meet Up
Ivy & Elephants

Slow It Down.

2013-04-29T18:44:00.002-04:00

Between sending out our wedding invitations, traveling back to Massachusetts to sell my house, Walking the March of Dimes and trying to bring some spring into our home, it's been a busy weekend. That seems to be the new norm for us. But no matter how busy it is, there is always time for ice cream. Which is exactly what we did on Sunday to slow down.

Sometimes it's hard to slow down from the pressures of life.

But it's necessary. And when you do, you start to enjoy the little things.

The little things like....Scarlett had her first ice cream cone. Well, it wasn't her first but it was the first cone that she could hold all by herself. That counts. I've been doing a little gardening. This is a whole new experience for me. (Pics to come) But I have a love for flowers so I figured why not? Besides a sudden bought of allergies, it's been fun going to the nurseries and picking out plants and flowers. I've never had allergies and don't know why they've all of a sudden decided to come on, but they are not fun! It makes me think about little things that people take for granted. To go outside and enjoy spring without having to take a Claritin is something I took for granted. It reminds me to be thankful for all the little things that I don't even think about.

Selling my first home was a piece of cake. We decided that it needed to be done since we never used it. It showed 6 times and sold in one week. As I walked through for the final time, I had a rush of emotions come over me. I'm not good with letting go. Every little detail holds a place inside of me. Even if they aren't special memories, I still feel like I need them. I thought about how we brought Scarlett home from the hospital to that house. I thought about how we mulched the gardens and mowed the grass. How I painted every wall in that house and how I bought it all on my own.

But as soon as I closed the door and walked down those steps, I thought about how I'm going home to create new memories in our New York house. I decided that it wasn't letting go, but merely moving on. Simple.

And I'm pretty sure that's why I came back to New York in a big hurry to garden and buy pretty things for our home.

Scarlett's bow headband:c/o Little Gems Creations

Artwork waiting to be hung.

Paper cups keep her busy.

A little grocery shopping in our pajamas...why not?

Links:
Weekend Shenanigans
Ivy & Elephants

Around Here...

2013-04-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

dreams by Cat Power on Grooveshark

Things are pretty happy around here lately.

Warm weather arriving, the sound of Scarlett playing, Ty cooking on the grill right outside our screened in porch and me, sitting here taking in the smell of grilled zucchini as warm air pours in through the windows. Lovely. If you know me, you know that I like to keep busy. I get bored easily. I like to have things going on all the time. I think it distracts me from knowing that I no longer work. This summer might prove me wrong...Last weekend we spent our last relaxing weekend until August!

We are busy every. single. weekend. until August!!

No joke.

I was looking at my calendar with Ty the other night and it will definitely be an interesting summer. I'm sure it will go by in the blink of an eye, as does everything when lots of things are going on. Of course, it's all fun stuff. Not only am I getting married this summer, but one of my bridesmaids is getting married in August and my mother announced a couple weeks ago, that she will be getting married again in September! So, needless to say, we'll all be busy but I'm so happy that love is in the air!!

My wedding shower was this weekend and it was really nice that my friends and family all got together for me. We laughed a lot. The best!! It made me miss my friends from Massachusetts.

(an unfinished living room)

I'm having fun sprucing up our new home with decor. We moved in here this past December but the only room that is really complete is Scarlett's. I hope to have some Home Tour posts up soon. Things take time and money. Right now, our money is busy in wedding vendor's pockets. I still think often, why didn't we elope? It was our first choice but things didn't end up going that way. Mostly because we didn't want Scarlett flying without us while we stayed on our honeymoon. I love planning a great party or someone else's wedding, but when it's your own wedding, it's mostly just pressure to get it done.

Speaking of parties, I'm planning a small get together for Scarlett's 2nd birthday on May 4th. Nothing like last year's hurrah. Just some food, some decorations, family & a couple of Scarlett's friends.

I'm just really happy with life right now. That's the way it should be, right?

Sometimes that scares me. But not enough to deter me from enjoying it.

(I love that there is a single letter S in the background of this photo.)

Around here, Ty has been wonderful. When isn't he? Awhile back I was feeling very alone, not just physically but emotionally. Ty would go to work, come home just to leave for fire fighting calls, go to the gym and by the time he got home, the last couple hours of his day were spent with Scarlett before she went to bed. Not much "us" time. I finally decided to tell him how I was feeling. Within minutes of telling him, he began fixing things. I love that he takes my feelings so seriously.

Ty loves fire fighting. It's something he enjoys. But he decided to put a hold on it so that he can be home more. This sacrifice that he made for me makes me very grateful to have such a great man. We have started going to the gym together more. Or he takes Scarlett with him to the gym so I can do grocery shopping without a toddler who refuses to sit in the cart...which by the way, is a vacation in itself! Ha ha.

With Ty, love is easy. I know that the man I will be marrying in two months (EEEK) is in it for the long haul. I can't tell you how many times he has proved to me that he will love me through the good and the bad. Because let's be honest, I'm not the easiest person to live with ;) He loves me just the same.

I feel lucky. Everyday.
Hoping things are going well with you, too!!

PS. I was all smiles this morning when I ran across Babble's 10 Must-Read Mom Blogs with Style and who do I see? Miss Scarlett and I.....check it out and other style savvy bloggers here.

links:
Misc Monday

Covered In Grace

When It Hits Home.

2013-04-19T14:31:00.003-04:00

I had something totally different in mind for today, but with all that is going on in my home, having family in Boston working to protect and serve us, I'm just full of sadness. I can't help but think what a world I've brought Scarlett into and it makes me second guess having more children....

My younger sister's fiancé is in Boston today. My prayers are with him & all the others working to protect & serve us, until they are all home safe. This life is crazy. The world, corrupt. It hits a whole lot harder when it's your home that's hit or when people you know are in the midst of it.

When things like this happen, I can't help but think of what my father would tell me as a child. "In the end days, the world will be corrupt and bad things will happen everywhere. But we have to keep our eyes to God."

I really love this quote and when I saw it was by Mr. Rogers, I loved it even more. He was an icon in my childhood....

"When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'

To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers- so many caring people in this world."

I saw a lot of photos of people running towards the attack area to help.

I have said it a million times and I will say it again...there is NOTHING meaningful or important in this world besides love.

By praying for our "Boston" I'm sending love to all those risking their lives

today and for all those that were injured or lost loved ones.

Come home safe Peter.

What We're Wearing.

2013-04-16T16:21:00.000-04:00

Okay warm weather, you can stay now...

We are having a grand ole' time soaking up the rays

& playing outside.

Me:

Top: H&M

Rectangle Ring: Xsre
Ankle Boots: Target

Scarlett:

Woodland Tee: H&M

Minnetonka Moccasins

Headband: Lemons & Lace (our new fav headband shop!)

Links:

WIWW

We LOVE Alycia & Her Dream Catchers!!

2013-04-15T07:55:00.002-04:00

Today, I wanted to share with you a blog that I have been loving lately! Alycia captures the most beautiful photos, has an adorable little boy, Kyler, and makes amazing dream catchers. No really...you should check them out here. One of the best things about blogging is meeting wonderful people and getting the chance to work with them. I was lucky enough to get one of these awesome catchers that I will be adding to Scarlett's room and sharing with you later this week.

I'm super pleased to have such a sweet and talented blogger here today!!

Hello! I'm Alycia of Wildflower Blog, and I am so excited to be here today guest posting ! I live in San Diego, California with my husband and son Kyler. I love spending my time taking care of our sweet little boy, taking pictures of everything we do, thrifting and decorating our home!

My favorites posts to do are photos from our week, I love taking pictures of the beautiful little details of everyday life, so I thought I would share some pictures of our week here !

We had a great week last week! I drank lots of coffee as usual, baked some banana apple breakfast bread, bought a beautiful print, enjoyed some quiet time while the baby napped, went to the beach and soaked up some sun and than spent some time over at the beautiful flower fields looking at everything in bloom while eating a sundae! I would love for you to stop by my blog and say Hi ! I will be giving away one of these beautiful Kelli Murray Poppy Prints later this week so be sure to enter for a chance to win =) Thanks for reading and thank you Lauren for having me ! xo Alycia

A Beautiful Day.

2013-04-08T19:44:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning to the sun peeking in through my bedroom window.
The birds chirped happily and it reminded me that it was going to be a beautiful, sunny 65 degree day.
For those of you who are thinking this is cold, you have not endured a New England winter.

I rubbed my eyes and rolled onto my side, letting the sun warm my face.
I inhaled deeply and let the feeling sink in.
I thanked God for this beautiful day.
Scarlett sang quietly from the other room.
Her small voice melting me as it often does.
We got up, ate breakfast, got dressed and packed a lunch.

Now, here I sit on our blanket in the middle of the park in the warm sun.
Scarlett is in her glory as she slides, runs and plays.
I love seeing her like this.
Happy & full of light.

This weekend, I was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, thrilled to be going over what seems to be endless amount of bills & wedding costs.
Stressed about it all, just at the right time it seemed, I heard a glorious sound.
Scarlett singing.
It was a song I have never heard her singing before.
"Be nice to everyone, and they'll be nice to youuuuu. Be nice to everyone...."
I recall hearing this on her Yo Gabba Gabba dvd while we drove in the car one day.
I watched.
She took each baby out and set it on the floor, placing their hands together.
How completely angelic that she was singing this song while making her dolls hold hands.
I didn't rush for my camera or phone...
I just sat taking in her sweetness.
And I thanked God for that moment.
Then, in the midst of my sappy mama-joy, with tears in my eyes, I thought,
'With all that I have done wrong, with all that I fear won't be good enough, I guess we're doing something right.'

All these moments that surround me, they fly by in the blink of an eye.
I guess I am at a stage in my life where I appreciate every simple memory.
I want to wrap these moments up and tuck them in my heart forever,
Begging for them to linger.

Today, is one of those days when I am so filled with thankfulness.
I feel like I am beyond blessed with Scarlett, Ty... myself even.

Too many times when things go wrong, people to turn to God and say, "Why?"
But when our lives are going well & we are happy, how often do we thank God?
For me, not often enough.
When those little moments hit me and I feel so overwhelmed with joy,
I've made it a point to say thank you for all the beautiful moments that surround me.
The moments that can so easily slide by if I'm not paying attention.

And today, it's this beautiful day.

Links:
Rolled Up Pretty

Some Birthday Party Inspiration.

2013-04-07T16:57:00.000-04:00

Scarlett's 2nd Birthday is approaching in May. Last year, for her first birthday, I threw her a large Vintage Carnival Party.

This year, with so much going on, we don't have time or the money to go all out. But, I'm still going to give her a small party with a very cute theme. To the Pinterest boards I go. I have a few ideas in mind.

Any of you have any kids birthday parties lately? I'm in need of some inspiration. Let the ideas roll......

Find these all on my Pinterest HERE.

Meet My Bridesmaids

2013-04-05T11:09:00.001-04:00

My wedding is 76 days from today!!

I'm excited, nervous and mostly happy that I can officially be tied to the love of my life, for the rest of my life. Wedding planning is so much more fun when it's not your own....lol.

I was thinking about wedding plans

and it came to mind that I am so grateful that I have such wonderful bridesmaids in my wedding.

Great friends that I am so happy can share my day with me.

I thought I'd share a little about these wonderful girls.

Here they are, in no particular order.

Kalin- My little sister. Amazing singer and songwriter, crazy talented, recently engaged, graduating this summer from college. I tell her we need to go into business together, I'll write the lyrics, she writes the song. Taylor Swift has nothing on her ;) So excited to see my baby sister growing up!

Lindsay-My close, caring friend. Been there through a lot of tumultuous times. She's getting married in August (I'm in her wedding also!). She listens to all my sob stories & gives great advice since our lives have mimicked each others the last few years. She's my wedding planning pal. I kid with her that we are going to be like Kate Hudson and Anne Hatheway in Bride Wars...Haha. I love her.

Erica- My older sister, maid of honor, coordinator with amazing vision on planning & decorating. She is my decor advisor and....my baby sitter. Ha ha. That last one may seem insignificant but when we travel back to Massachusetts and I need to meet with wedding vendors, this one is a HUGE help and she takes my Scarlett without question anytime! I miss living closer to her. We used to have such fun days out together.

Aleta- My newest friend, but she's been helping me with wedding advice since before I asked her to be my bridesmaid. I met her through my fiancé. A Hard working, college student with a sense of adventure. This girl is also a workout guru. We always have fun together whether it's dancing or hilarious girls weekend vacas!

Shauna- Ty's sweet younger sister who I have become very close with. She's fun, energetic with a sense of style like no other! My go-to style advisor ;) Also graduating this spring for Fashion and merchandising....of course! I talk to this girl pretty much EVERY day.

Billie-One of the best friends I have ever had. Been there through it all. She was my doula, my supporter, the one I peed my pants laughing with, ex co-worker who I miss working with SO dearly. Just the most genuine person I have ever met.

I love these girls. They are all so very important to me. I want to say Thank you girls for being my friend!!

Easter 2013.

2013-04-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

This Easter, we decided to stay in New York instead of traveling. This next weekend is our last bit of sanity before a crazy summer begins! To say I will be busy is an understatement.

Ty's sister and her boyfriend came to visit us and we had a great weekend.
Fine Italian dining, nature walks, egg hunting and shopping to name a few.
Spinach and Ham Frittata, Scones, French Toast, Potato Browns and Parfaits were on our brunch menu.
Blushing Mimosas topped off a fabulous Easter Brunch made by, yours truly.
It was a such a relaxing weekend and a perfect holiday overall.

It's Monday now, and I'm on to wedding details. I woke up this morning realizing that our wedding is less than 3 months from now.....a knot in my stomach reminds me of how much we have to do.
Exciting and frightening all at the same time.

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter!!

My Facebook Here.

Rolled Up Pretty

Pieces.

2013-03-26T14:32:00.002-04:00

Instagram: @itslaurenrebecca

Links:
The Wiegands

$10 Blog Sale!!!

2013-03-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

Everything is $10!!

Since my last blog sale went really well, (here) I decided to have another. I dug up some more clothes and I'm letting you all have dibs on them. If you are interested in purchasing anything, please email me at:

laurenrebeccablog@yahoo.com

Shipping $4 for clothing $2 for scarf or jewelry

Leopard Skinny Jeans (Worn twice)

Size 3

As seen:

Black & White Scarf

Slouchy Pants

Size: Small/Medium

As seen:

American Eagle Dolman Top (worn once)

*Mint condition*

Size Small

Chevron Beaded Bracelet

$7.00

Bangle Set

SOLD

Arrow Necklace

Worn once

SOLD

Lulu's Adjustable Flower Power Ring

$5.00

My Good Luck Charm.

2013-03-18T15:10:00.000-04:00

Green Polka Dot Top: Baby Gap

(This top used to be a dress which is now clearly is too small for her, but i used it as a shirt and she can still wear it!)

Gold Polka Dot Leggings: Old Navy

Gold Shoes: Old Navy

Rosette Bow Headband: $1.00 from the Dollar Tree

Scarlett was featured on Babiekins Magazine!! You can take a look HERE.

The Last Snow Day.

2013-03-14T15:18:00.002-04:00

I must say, I will not be sad if this was our last snow day. The last couple of days have been sunny and warm, melting the last of the snow in our yard. I have spring fever. Cleaning the house, staying light out later and buying sandals are sure signs of spring. I am one of those people who loves to spring forward. You won't hear my complaining about losing an hour!

Here are some photos from, hopefully, our last snow day. ;)

ALSO,

Scarlett's bedroom was featured on Babiekins Magazine here.

Quick Style Tips for Busy Mamas.

2013-03-12T09:17:00.001-04:00

Since I've had Scarlett, a lot has changed. Having a baby is a huge blessing and a huge adjustment.

Time always seems crunched so I've had to figure out ways to get things done quickly.

This applies to everything, including my beauty routine. Here are some quick tips for all you Mamas on the go or even for you non-mamas in a time crunch.

I've adapted to having less time to do things at my leisure.

My quick tips in a time crunch?

1. I learned the hard way that packing a whole diaper bag and then remembering to bring my own purse was not only a hassle but a whole lot to carry around. Splurge a little on a designer baby bag. Even TJ Maxx has some great diaper bags that look chic. This way, your diaper bag can double for your purse, letting you stash everything in one bag instead of two or more. I can't tell you how many times people have complimented my handbag, not knowing it was my diaper bag. Splurge here or save here.

2. Don't have time to do your hair? Lucky for you, the messy bun is in. Knot up your hair any ole' way. It's sure to look put together if you throw on a little make-up with it. Another great idea if you don't have time to curl your hair, is the Friar Tuck or the Bantu Knot Curls.

3. It happens a lot to me. I rush to get us all ready and in the car and then realize I didn't eat. Keep some snacks in the car or in your purse. I like Granola bars, Fruit bars or Trail mix for a quick snack to tie me over.

4. No ambition to go digging in your closet for something to wear? I have a pair of go-to boots that help me get dressed quickly. I can wear any pair of skinny jeans and a plain old tee. I find that instead of going into my closet and searching for something to wear, I can just throw anything on and my wonderful riding boots and infinity scarf can make it look not-so-plain.

5. I often don't have time to put on full make up. I am not one of those naturally gorgeous women who never has to wear make up. This one tip helps me weekly. Even if you can't do anything else to your face, curling your eye lashes and applying mascara wakes up your eyes and helps you look more put together. Especially if you have light lashes. It's the one ritual I never skip. I also find that the less expensive mascaras work just as good as the expensive ones.

6. The best idea yet! Have a back pack of fun things packed up for your toddler at all times. Crayons & coloring book, maybe a toy or two, a snack or some small fun items like a slinky or stuffed toy. Keep it in the closet where your toddler/child can't get into it. When it's time to go, grab their bag and be off. You know they will keep occupied with a few of their favorite toys that they don't get to play with everyday.

7. Speed dry nail polish. It speaks for itself. When you don't have much time, you need those nails to dry quickly. I tend to use speed dry or 60 sec dry nail polish like Revlon's Top Speed Nail Polish.

So now you give me some of your quick tips. I always love hearing ideas for busy mamas.