Lizabee & co.

Romance on Linked 52

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:36:00 PST

There seems to be a theme going on here this week. First, the love party and now a little romance. Well, why not? I was inspired by this sweet stationary and imagined writing a lovely letter. So many romances have started off with just pen and paper. While other romances keep the flame alive with messages scribbled on a romantic note pad.

Hope you enter the weekend with a little love in your heart. Please enjoy other romantic entries by...

Michelle, Heather, Jenn, Heather, Rhonda, Tracey, Stacey, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Amanda, Sara, Janet, Lesli, Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy, Heidi, Kristin, Veronica, Amy

The Love Party.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:46:00 PST

Our love party was a success. My co-hostess and I enjoyed our sweet Love Party for our little girls. They were three satisfied sweethearts, not too mention our guests.

The cake in the middle was my creation. I especially had fun making the cake bunting topper. The other two gorgeous ones were made by the second mom in charge. They were as good as they looked...all of them!

These sweet chocolate rimmed milk shots were a pinspiration. I have been anxious to make these for awhile. I just wish that I hadn't procrastinated and made them in advance. I really wanted them to be picture perfect. The kids loved them and they are extra yummy with strawberry milkshakes.

Now, off to enjoy the rest of our five day weekend. Yes, five!!!

Happy Weekend.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:31:00 PST

photo credit: the world wide web

Yipee, it's a three day week! So, what's on your agenda? We're throwing a birthday party for my littlest and two of her very sweet little cousins. Later in the weekend we are planning to celebrate the holiday here. The place is having a huge President's day celebration. Then we'll be sleeping in, playing games and enjoying our town.

Maybe more cupcakes from this sweet shop.

A classic hamburger from this landmark.

An ice cream from here.

Catch the glass show for a second time.

Shop the sales downtown.

...or a stroll on the beach.

Whatever you do enjoy!

Linked 52 : body parts

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:49:00 PST

So, I've been told that there is trouble in my future. My sons eyes are always a topic of conversation with people we meet. We have been stopped many times to hear sweet compliments from one person or another. We're not quite sure how to describe their color. Have a look at the color version and let me know what you think.

Check out other Linked 52 posts

Michelle, Heather, Jenn, Heather, Rhonda, Tracey, Stacey, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Amanda, Sara, Janet, Lesli, Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy, Heidi, Kristin, Veronica, Amy

She says the darndest things.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:00:00 PST

The conversation went like this.

[scene: mother, that's me, shuffling through DVD's so her beautiful princesses can watch their favorite bedtime movie. My silhouette captures my oldest daughter's eye. Yes, we do bedtime movies from time to time. Please don't send the literacy police my way. ]

wonder girl: Mom...

me: ye-es...

wonder girl: mom, maybe, if you take a break from eating [pause] you can get skinny.

me: [disgruntled] HERE's your MOVIE.

...mother exits room

wonder girl: Mommy are you mad?

Ouch, that hurt. I'm not going to lie but as you may know I've reached a stage in my life where the weight just doesn't come off that easily. Still not using it as an excuse. I'm doing the work, workouts, and changing eating and lifestyle habits. I've discovered quinoa, which, in my opinion, is slightly addictive. In addition to working my way to eliminate all things white from my diet...white sugar, white flour, etc... The weight is slowly coming off and new habits have been formed.

I wake up at the crack of dawn to jog/run and have signed up for a few 5k runs to keep me motivated. Running has never been my strong suit. In fact, I've never ran a race in my life...swimming... yes...running...never! Strangely, I enjoy it. Race days are very exciting and being in the presence of thousands of people running for a cause makes me feel proud.

Things have changed...photography has taken a backseat to monitoring my health. But who can blame me for that? So, for now it's a lot less late night blogging and editing. It's early bedtimes and scheduled posts with a few funny anecdotes to keep you coming back.

Thanks to wondergirl for giving me something to talk about.

Happy Valentine's Day.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:50:00 PST

I've mentioned before that I love Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda. In my humble opinion, the most romantic and passionate writer bar none. He can depict a love story in a few stanzas and leave you wanting for more.

I'm fortunate enough that I can read his poetry in his native language, Spanish, because sometimes the meaning can get lost in translation. However, here is a poem that still evokes the power of the union of two people.

Perhaps not to be is to be without your being

Perhaps not to be is to be without your being,

without your going, that cuts noon light

like a blue flower, without your passing

later through fog and stones,

without the torch you lift in your hand

that others may not see as golden,

that perhaps no one believed blossomed

the glowing origin of the rose,

without, in the end, your being, your coming

suddenly, inspiringly, to know my life,

blaze of the rose-tree, wheat of the breeze:

and it follows that I am, because you are:

it follows from 'you are', that I am, and we:

and, beacuse of love, you will, I will,

We will, come to be.

Beautiful, n'est pas? Of course, the obvious assumption of poetry about love, would be to assume that it is of the conventional love between a man & a woman. However, if you dig deeper you can apply this to the love of a mother or father to their childern, a child can dedicate it to their parent, or between two fantastically close friends. You can relate it however your heart desires. That's the beauty of prose. It's open to all sorts of interpretations.

However, you spend your day, spend it with love in your heart. Happy Valentines Day.

XOXOXO

Cupid was off by a little.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:00:00 PST

So, my very considerate and thoughtful husband decided to give his sweetheart [me] an early Valentine's Day present. He will be far and unavailable for a few weeks, which will make it hard for him to pick up the phone or conduct a video conference with me in order to send his love over the airways. [awwww]

Early last week, I received a phone call from the doorman [oh la la, we are temporarily living in a building with a doorman] that he had received a package for me. I was slightly curious but not surprised of the arrival because two out of the three wonderkids are celebrating birthdays and Valentine's Day IS around the corner. Now, I'm not quite sure if it's the mere fact of being married close to fifteen years of the twenty something Valentine's Day that we have spent together, that he is scrapping the bottom of the creativity barrel. I have to come to the conclusion that this year's gift is an indicator he is close to the bottom.

Fast forward a lot of mundane details and picture me standing over the box, running scissors along the packing tape to open the package. But before the reveal, let me go on to say that we girls usually give our guys a few guidelines, hints, rules, lists, etc., etc. My only rule is "Please rethink a gift that requires a plug." [mind out of gutter, please] Which brings me back to a Valentine's gift given to me when boy wonder was a week old. I had been nesting for quite some time. Yellow was my favorite color. I had spread the color yellow like butter over the walls of two homes and raved over it's yummy qualities. Now, let me remind you MM is considerate and thoughtful. I have been surprised with dozens of romantic and beautiful gifts throughout the years. I'm not taking anything away from his thoughtfullness and generosity, by any means. Just read on...He was so excited when it came in the mail. He was standing over me while I opened it and waited for my response to the reveal of my very own extra wide Kitchen Aid toaster in buttery yellow!! [gasp] Valentine's Day fail!!

Now, back to 2012...You're probably wondering what was in the box? This year, I'm proud to be the owner of a Bose Soundlink Speaker with Vinyl Cover. [gulp] The two guys reading my blog are probably thinking, "Very cool! How can she be bothered by receiving one of those?" But no, not bothered at all. It's a wonderful gift and I love techie gifts, too. However, where's the sizzle? Has our skin grown so tough to thwart off cupids arrows? Has he been buried too deeply into the rules of the sea that he has forgotten to woo a girl? Oh, how times have changed. No, this is definitely a brain lapse and technically it's a device that only needs to be plugged in to recharge it's battery. I'll forgive him this time...as I'm listening to sappy love songs streaming perfectly through the mobile sound system. Thank you MM! I do love it.

Remember boys, follow the guidelines set by your girls and all will be divine.

Happy Valentine's Day to All!

photo credits: Jeremy Harwell Photography

Have a great weekend.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:23:00 PST

It's the weekend before valentine's day. Maybe, an early celebration is in order. It does fall on a Tuesday, you know. But if your sweetheart is anon or away...well, then have a GREAT weekend!

Linked 52: quiet

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:04:00 PST

I've joined my favorite ladies on the web, again, in addition to a few more...

Michelle, Heather, Jenn, Heather, Rhonda, Tracey, Stacey, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Sarah, Janet, Lesli, Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy, Heidi, Kristin, Veronica

This time our project is Linked 52. Luckily, I caught up with them only a few weeks into the assignments.

The theme this week is quiet...listen...can you hear it?

South Florida would be overgrown with these beautiful banyan trees if it wasn't for developers. This particular tree is part of a huge lot of them on the property where my old elementary school used to stand. They are not pictured but there are at least a dozen more. Unfortunately, the school burned down some years ago. It was one of the oldest ones in our county, built in 1926. However, it closed its doors for good in 1986 after 68 years of educating children.

Despite the fact that the grounds have been quiet for a couple of decades, I can still hear the excitement of children playing and swinging on the vines and branches of these beautiful trees.

I should know...I was one of them.

I still enjoy a fine box of chocolates

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:32:00 PST

When it comes to Valentine's day, I still appreciate a traditional box of chocolates. It's sweet, romantic and indulgent without going overboard.

image taken from google

Feast your eyes on this storefront of fine chocolates, Prestat, in London. They have been supplying the Queen with fine chocolates for over thirty five years. I just adore the bright colored packaging and they ship to the US, ladies.

Wouldn't you like to be surprised with one of these fun and bright boxes?

I would.

Playing with sharks

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:55:00 PST

She was bored until...

she spotted him...

...The SHARK!

"Come back...

...and I will pet you," she thought.

But. then. she got him.

THE END.

How many of you take advantage of your hometown indoor playgrounds? We have a few great ones. These were taken at A Latte Fun, a mix of indoor playground and cafe for the hip and trendy moms & tots up to the age of eight. This particular owner was hands on and brought out the battery powered shark for a little added fun to a lazy Tuesday afternoon. The girls loved it!

iphoneography

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:30:00 PST

what's happening in no particular order...

...just a whole lot of living going on.

follow me on instagram @ lizabeeandcompany

friday: i'm thinkin'...

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:07:00 PST

...this week has been fun and looking forward for another collaboration. Happy weekend, All!

see, what these thinkers are thinkin'...

stacey, michelle, tracey, susan, heather, naomi, andrea, rose, jessica, barbara, shawntae,

georgia, ashley, tami, carla, kelli, veronica, karli

It was a great week waking up to the images and thoughts of these old and new friends. I've had a great time stretching my creative muscle, getting lost in somebody else's
day and even faced new photography challenges. Taking pictures of something painted with high gloss {like these little cuties} can be tricky.

thursday: i'm thinkin'...

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:37:00 PST

iphoneography

...it needs some sprinkles.

more thinkin' going on here...

stacey, michelle, tracey, susan, heather, naomi, andrea, rose, jessica, barbara, shawntae,

georgia, ashley,tami, carla, kelli, veronica

wednesday: i'm thinkin'...

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:01:00 PST

...that I want to build a snowman on the beach.

thinking, too...

stacey, michelle, tracey, susan, heather, naomi, andrea, rose, jessica, barbara, shawntae

tuesday: i'm thinkin'...

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:29:00 PST

... I like all the twinkling lights during the holidays.

they're thinkin' too...

stacey, michelle, tracey, susan, heather, naomi, andrea, rose, jessica, barbara, shawntae

i'm thinkin' is a week long project. just one thought...one picture. created by tracey.

would you like to join?

leave me a comment with a link to your thinkin' post,

and you will be added to the list.

I can't blame it on the Mozzarella, anymore.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:03:00 PST

This is something that I've never put in written word for all to see. Because I have made this my happy place...a little escape from the madness and doldrums of motherhood, but here's what is going on...

I've moved back home from Italy approximately four months, ago. Since, moving back I've put myself on a diet and lost about twenty pounds! {pause for cheers & applause, please.} However, the stubborn last twenty are lingering and I just can't blame it on good food and wine, anymore. During our preliminary packout process, I was going through the normal stresses that military spouses experience while preparing for a move. However, this one was really severe, emotionally. On the surface, I seemed to be keeping it together but at home the switch flipped to CRAZY and I was taking it out on everybody...the toddler was no exception. I had become really good at keeping up with appearances and giving off this Oprah-esque vibe that accepted and loved the person that I have become. However, in reality I avoided buying clothes and mirrors, never letting myself get photographed and bought shoes at every open market from southern Italy to London, England. I was overweight, angry and full of resent. I longed for that twenty-something girl with the petite body and care-free attitude.

So, what do we girls do first for help...we run to our girlfriends for advice. The pep talks with the girls were great. However, the usual excuses weren't making me feel better. I just wasn't buying into statements like, "oh, it's normal during moves" and "I'm always a wreck during packout"... yadda, yadda, yadda.

I decided to go to my physician for some professional help. My girlfriends warned me that I would probably get prescribed the second most popular military prescription after ibuprofen...lexapro, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Despite, their warning I went anyway, because staying this way was not an option, anymore. He asked a series of questions about age, diet plans, physical activity routines, sleep patterns and mood swings. I was completely honest, willing to except his advice because I just wanted relief. Living like this person that I had become...someone no one recognized...needed to stop. I explained to him that I was an insomniac, exercised little, my goal was to eat my way through europe, and that I was afraid that the children were going to suffer from my outbursts. He was great! There was no judgement which was my greatest fear. Seriously, I thought that if I admitted that my kids were suffering that they would be taken away. None of that happened but my girls were right. Upon completing his series of questions, he prescribed lexapro. But that wasn't enough. I didn't want a quick fix! I wanted an answer to all the changes. Have I mentioned he was great? He proceeded to listen to my fears of taking mood inibitors and went even further. He tested my FSH levels (follicle stimulating hormones) and they tested high. In a nutshell, that means I am perimenopausal. Now, what is that?!! Pre-pre-menopause!!!! Ahhhhh!!! {long pause}

Okay, so what do I do now? What do I do with this information? Put down the fork, get off the computer chair, start a diet and move. After, the initial shock, it was a relief to finally label the causes of the changes. The diagnosis will NOT be used as an excuse but rather an action plan. I know that getting back to that twenty-something girl is not the reality. I've got to get over the fact that I will never look as good as I did in the form fitting clothes that I used to wear. However, wearing moo-moos in pretty prints will not be the only fashionable option in my wardrobe.

The truth is that I need to be the best forty-something that my body will allow me. I need to be patient, compassionate and kind with myself....love the woman that is staring me in the mirror and focus on a future full of life, vitality and laughter!!

{If you or anybody you know maybe going through something like this, urge them to go to their doctors...they'll resist at first but thank you later.}

close up, check...feeling blessed, check

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:57:00 PST

... close up of an ornament...check...images of a craft project...check...feeling blessed...check & check.

I feel like one lucky girl. This week I have enjoyed giving in to the creative wave that has come over me. I'm checking off the things that are on yesterday's list, creating new things... and...well, feeling especially thankful to be able to do these things is a byproduct. It's a priveledge to be able to have the time to dedicate to these simple things. I have to remind myself of this on the days that I think the grass is greener on the other side.

In case you're wondering the turquoise glass ornaments are from Target and the supplies were purchased at Michael's. I used burlap ribbon, scraps from the bottom of the tannenbaum, Martha Stewart Holiday cardstock, scissors and a glue stick. The bunting triangles are basically long diamond shapes cut out of the cardstock that I folded in half and glued over string (pulled out of the garland). Crafty and resourceful all rolled into one. Honestly, I surprised myself. I haven't been this crafty in a long time.

Let's see what other things I come up with this season...I can't seem to stop the ideas from coming.

Happy Weekend!

Checking our list

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:53:00 PST

Do you have a checklist? Special holiday traditions?
Well, I found this one via simple as that and thought it would be fun to record our holidays with this photo checklist.
I'm well on my way, the Christmas spirit is in full swing at our home. I've never followed a formal checklist but I thought it would be fun to print this one out with the kids. Hopefully, they can put a name to the things we've shared as a family...
...and see how "coo-coo" mom was and gets around the holidays.

Enjoy.

It's beginning to look alike like Christmas.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:43:00 PST

all images via Pinterest

Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both. -- Phillips Brooks

thanksgivings away

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:02:00 PST

I believe a true bohemian always thinks of their travels...past, present and future. One year ago, we visited one of many bohemain meccas....Budapest.

Budapest is an intriguing combination of two cities Buda and Pest, where everyone from the posh to the pauper, the artist to the historian can enjoy. I am thankful everyday and especially today for the opportunity to travel and have fond memories of Thanksgivings away in such magical places.

Have a blessed day. Enjoy your families and thanks for being a loyal reader. I really appreciate you!

{In case you're wondering we stayed here and did this, cruised this and the kids absolutely loved THIS... just to name a few.}

Decided to stay indoors

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:24:00 PST

photo taken from flickr

We were welcomed with the rain and the day ends the same. The windows whistle with every gust of wind. The decision to stay home for the night was made without hesitation or resistance. I hope I'm forgiven for my absence tonight. Sorry friends. They sleep. I write and worry about tomorrow's new experience.

The wonderkids are dreaming with the stars...hollywood that is...they want to audition for a talent company touring our area. They rehearsed all week and I have become their acting coach. One more knotch on my ever expanding mommy belt. Oh, the things we do for love.

Wishing them all the luck in the world. I'm proud already.

For the cappuccino lovers

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:45:00 PST

Rememeber, I mentioned that I was looking for a capuccino that tasted anything like the ones in Italy. Well, Harold's in Northwood is where I'll be coming back for more. I challenged Chris, the barista, and he came through. He's a master barista that delivered the frothiest cappuccino in town. (Yes, he took me back to Napoli.)

Harold's is a coffee shop in a league of its own with the most intricate and intriguing iced coffee brewing system you'll ever see. It brews coffee (or tea) with a cold press to ensure that the grounds and or tea leaves remain unscorched. As a result, you have a cup of coffee/tea that is smooth and 110% caffeine proof...Pick Me Up, For Sure!

I absolutely love places like Harold's that offer a unique experience. While chatting with my friend M about everything under the sun, I took it all in and noticed that they have a lot more to offer...poetry slams, local art for sale, free comedy and eco-friendly workshops.

Definitely, a place to enjoy some local flavor and a smooth cup of coffee.

happy weekend

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 06:15:00 PST

Go out and enjoy the fall weather, lovelies. It'll be a long weekend of soccer games, birthday celebrations and cooking. Have Fun.

dreaming in white

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:36:00 PST

White couches, white chairs, white linens, almost white everything...Dare I try...? One day, I suppose when little fingers and little toes are no longer dangerous weapons.

[all images taken from pinterest]