Mad Passions

Music Monday: Chris and Dave Hadfield - In Canada

2014-10-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

I'm wishing all my friends and family a very Happy Thanksgiving today! We have so much to be thankful for. Every day I'm reminded how awesome it is that I was born in such a wonderful, peaceful country.

We pronounce the letter R like we’re pirates on a ship
We’ll drive two thousand miles, on a summer camping trip.
We wear Sorels in winter, while plugging in the car
We eat the holes from donuts, we love Nanaimo bars.
And we do possess a word that lubricates our speech:
…“It’s pretty good, eh” …
and it’s always within reach,

Following along with Wendy.

Music Monday: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

2014-10-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

And did they get you to trade
Your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?

If you're a fan of this song, or Pink Floyd there's a great documentary on the making of their album. Turns out this song isn't really what I thought it was written about.

Following along with Wendy.

Lately

2014-10-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

Lately Connor and I have been going to pottery classes on Sundays. It's a 13 week course so I'm interested to see how Connor does and how he progresses. Pottery is in his blood on James side so I'm hoping he likes it. So far so good and I'm not sure what we're going to do with all these pottery items but the class will be done by Christmas. As my Mom mentioned "hello Christmas presents!". Also I've come to realize that parenting moments happen when you least expect them to. The 1st class we made turtles and while every other Mom there guided their kid to make "proper" turtles I was happy to allow Connor to find his way and make a turtle with 4 tails and his legs on TOP of the turtle shell. I had a 5 minute conversation with myself where I tried to decide what kind of Mom I wanted to be and decided that I was just fine, and even more important that Connor was AWESOME as his is. Weird turtles and all!

Lately I've been loving the unusually warm weather we've been having. Flowers, and skirts mixed with a rain shower here and there has been divine.

Lately I've been cleaning and rearranging furniture in our apartment. I seem to do this every Autumn. I can't imagine what this would be like if I had a big house. It seems impossible the amount of junk that we collects.

Lately time seems to be moving so incredibly fast. How is it October already? This is making me very excited for Christmas! How is Connor getting so tall? He no longer needs to roll up his jeans multiple times.

Lately Christmas stockings have been on my mind. Since Connor was born I've wanted to get 3 stockings for us, but I haven't been able to find ones I like (actually I haven't looked that hard). At first I really wanted to sew my own but after a quick trip to the fabric store I was pretty overwhelmed with choices and cost, so I quickly ditched that idea. I then thought of knitting but that path would take years to complete. Now I've settled on just buying 3 that I like. Hopefully this is the year that I find them. Oh and then there is the issue of personalizing the stockings, do I go with "Mommy" and "Papa" or "Melanie" and "James"? Hmmm. Lots to think about.

On My Bookshelf [september]

2014-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my list of books read in September:

Before I Go To Sleep by S.j. Watson
I first heard of this book when I saw a write up of the new movie that is coming out staring Nicole Kidman. I found the subject matter interesting and wanted a quick easy read. I actually really liked this book although I did figure out the end well before the last chapter.
3 stars | Adult Fiction

Dawn: A Novel by Elie Wiesel
I can't say enough about Elie Wiesel! This novella is just 80 pages long but every single word moved me. It's his first work of fiction and although the subject matter may be hard for some to read, I highly recommend it.
5 stars | Adult Fiction

September was a slow month for my bookshelf. I've also been reading The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). It's a fairly large hardcover and not a book that I want to carry around with me in my purse. Unless I can find some time to dedicate to this book I'm going to be in for the long haul. Next on my to-read list: The Truth Is A Cave In The Black Mountains by Neil Gaiman.

I'd love to hear what you're reading right now, or if you have a great suggestion I'd love to hear that too!

Music Monday: Taylor Swift - Shake It Off

2014-09-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop moving
It's like I got this music in my mind sayin' it's gonna be alright

Following along with Wendy.

Knitting Inspiration

2014-09-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

After this post, I started to really crush on all the amazing knits on the new Outlander series. I won't talk too much about the show but I'm really starting to like it. I've read the 1st 4 books (I think the series has about 8? now) and while I devoured the 1st book the next few lost my interest. I'm hoping the show is a bit better. I'm still not sure about Claire's voice overs though.

The knits however.... oh how I love all the knits. And not just Claire's below but the men have some really great fingerless gloves, berets, and throws. These are really making me want to knit up a large shawl this winter.

All photos taken from Starz Outlander site.

Music Mondays: Junip - Far Away

2014-09-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

I really love The Secret Life of Walter Middy and the soundtrack is amazing. If you haven't seen the movie I highly recommend it!

Cold wind blows into the skin
Can't believe the state you're in

Following along with Wendy.

Crushing On // 03

2014-09-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Without further ado, here are some PIN's that I'm crushing on right now...

♥♥ Back when Connor was a baby I splurged and bought myself a Dior LipGlow and then I left it in my purse where Connor can reach it. I didn't think he would be able to figure out how to twist the case, and he didn't. He just jammed his fingers into the gloss and smeared it all over everything. Just this past week I finally bought a new one. LOVE IT! It should be a staple for every woman.

♥♥ This helped solve a few headaches in our household around Connor using our iphone/ipad. Wish I would have known about this sooner.

♥♥ Really wish I knew where to credit this image, because I really want to climb into that bed and snuggle up.

♥♥ Every Autumn I crave pickled veggie jars in my fridge. I've had a few friends gift me some, but they're never quite right. These ones look relatively easy and I think/hope I may try making some pickled carrots and beans. Maybe.

♥♥ Yummy chocolate chip cookie cups topped with a Rolo? YES PLEASE!

Finished Project: Cunning James Hat and Jayne Toddler Hat

2014-09-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

"A man walks down the street in that hat, people know he's not afraid of anything." - Wash

James is a big fan of Firefly so last winter I decided to knit him and Connor matching hat's based on a popular character from that show.

The character Jayne Cobb is a loveable guy who's Ma sends him a hat to keep him warm on his travels. The best thing about the hat is that Ma Cobb didn't really care about weaving in her ends or picking flattering colours, or that it fit perfectly. She just cared that her son was warm. When Connor saw the hat he insisted on wearing it, which is something he wasn't big on at the time. Perfect!

♥ Pattern: Cunning Jayne Hat by Renee Peterson and The Toddler Called Jayne by Milli Davis
♥ Yarn:Patons North America Decor in Rustic and Mandarin, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Rust
♥ Needles: 6 mm (US 10) for the adult version and 4.5 mm (US 7) for the toddler
♥ Mods: for James hat I cast on 72 stitches as he felt the recommended stitches made for a too small hat. For Connor I added 4 extra stitches as I wanted this hat to last a few years. Also on the earflaps, I purled the 1st row after picking up the stitches. I want this hat to match the adult version.
♥ My Ravelry Page for James. My Ravelry Page for Connor.

I love that I was able to find a pattern for both James and Connor. It was a quick knit and Connor's hat is big enough that it will fit for a few years to come.

Now I'm just trying to figure out what I want to knit for myself to honour a fandom that I love.

I'd love to hear if you've knit an item either for yourself or a loved one that is based off of a movie or tv show. I've knit armwarmers based on ones from New Moon: here.

On My Bookshelf [august]

2014-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my list of books read in August:

The 4 Seasons of Marriage: Secrets to a Lasting Marriage by Gary Chapman
Oh I had such high hopes for this book. I LOVED his first book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts so much that it's one of my go-to wedding gifts. Almost everyone I know has read that book and raved about it. (If you haven't read The Five Love Languages go read it now. Seriously!) But when I started reading this book I knew right away that it would be disappointing. I just couldn't get past the heavy religious text. In The Five Love Languages I was able to look past that and still love the book, but this one just failed. I don't need to hear how a couple let Satan into their marriage because they had pre-marital sex, or that a husband is not opening his heart to the Lord because he looks at porn. Fail.
0 stars | Self-help

Into the Forest by Jean Hegland
I read this book because we are shooting the script at my work and I wanted to know what all my coworkers were talking about. The plot is interesting; two sisters living an unschooled lifestyle with their parent's in Southern California when the US infrastructure collapses. It is told through the younger sister's POV and although the writting was good and it was an interesting story, it took me much longer to read that I should have. I just couldn't get into it. And this is the rare time where I'll say that I think the movie might actually be better than the book.
2 stars | Young Adult Fiction

August was a pretty disappointing month for my bookshelf. Especially after I had such a great July. Next on my to-read list: Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor and Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson.

I'd love to hear what you're reading right now, or if you have a great suggestion I'd love to hear that too!

Music Mondays: The Sheepdogs - I Don't Know

2014-09-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

A quick Google search turns up the following description: The Sheepdogs are a Canadian boogie rock band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I have no idea what "boogie rock" means but I just know that I like The Sheepdogs.

Lookin' back at me
There's more than mystery
Letters and pages of
Ancient history, yeah.

Following along with Wendy.

Music Monday: Hall & Oates - Maneater

2014-09-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

If I'm in a bad mood, sad, angry, pmsing, or hangry and you throw on some Hall & Oates there's a 98% chance that I'll perk right up. And I'll most likely start dancing too. I can't help it but these guys just make me happy!

Mind over matter
Ooh, the beauty is there
But a beast is in the heart

Following along with Wendy.

Weekends

2014-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 1/2 years, weekends really didn't matter to me. People would occasionally wish me a happy weekend and I would always shrug and think whatever. Life becomes a blur when you're watching a baby and your days have no order.

But now?

Now weekends rock!

I'm usually torn between doing nothing, just hanging out with Connor. And trying to get everything done that I can't get done during the week.

So now my weekends have become a new kind of blur, a mad rush to do and make and be present. Yet in all that I find myself cherishing every moment with my guys. My 2 loves that I just don't get to see enough of anymore.

And oddly enough I'm so happy with my life.

So very happy!

I mean, come on! Look how adorable and styling and mature my sweet baby is in that photo.

Music Mondays: Communist Daughter ~ Speed of Sound

2014-08-25T19:07:00.001-07:00

I'm not the same
Cause now I can't change
So I guess I better go

Following along with Wendy.

Music Mondays: Walk Off the Earth ~ I Knew You Were Trouble

2014-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Walk off the Earth is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 2006 in Burlington, Ontario, and has gained success around the world by making low-budget music videos of covers and originals. We've all heard the original Taylor Swift version, and while I don't mind the original, I LOVE this one so much more. So take a listen, and tell me what you think.

No apologies. He'll never see you cry,
Pretends he doesn't know that he's the reason why.

Following along with Wendy.

Meet the newest additions to our household.

2014-08-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

Back in June Connor picked up a snail when we were out running errands. He was fascinated and it was kind of cute, so we decided to take it home. I've been wanting to get Connor a pet of his own and was thinking a fish might work, but when Connor picked up the snail I thought "What the heck, why not snail?"

It survived 3 days and then died on us.

Connor didn't even notice but I did feel guilty for killing the poor guy.

So I turned to trusty Google and did a bit of research. Lo and behold, while snails are relatively easy and cheap to take care of they do require a few things to survive. Namely plenty of misting and a constant source of calcium to grow their shells.

Armed with this new knowledge I was determined to give snails another go. But they're pretty hard to find in the summer.

So I actually squealed when I left work one rainy day to discover dozens and dozens of snails covering the walkway. I quickly looked through my bag and grabbed a zip lock baggie (what you don't carry zip lock bags in your purse to carry treasures home?) and carefully picked up 3 and brought them home to surprise Connor. They were a hit!

And the biggest surprise is that weeks later they're still alive!

Underoos!

2014-07-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

Someone finally decided he wanted to wear underwear, just like Mommy and Papa. And look how proud he is! He asked for them himself and then insisted on trying on all 5 pairs. He even posed in front of the mirror. After weeks of being potty trained we're finally on the last steps. He's getting so big!!

On My Bookshelf [july]

2014-07-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

The many faces of Connor. Totally unrelated to this post but oh so perfect anyway.

In my last post I mentioned that I have lots of time on my hands because I'm working again. And it's true. I have a 45min to an hour transit commute (each way) and that gives me lots of time to do whatever I can while sitting on a bumpy bus. So I'm spending that time reading, knitting, writing, listening to music or just enjoying the view. It's actually not that bad, and the time goes by quickly.

I've always been an avid reader right up until Connor was born. I usually read about 50 books a year and then I was lucky if I read 4 books a year once I became a Mom. So in January I gave myself a goal of reading 12 books this year. I really wanted to start feeling like myself again and I felt that 12 books was doable. I was making great progress actually and then I got the job and now I'm up to 13 books and see no reason why I can't double that number. But I'm no longer keeping score, instead I'm just enjoying my favourite hobby.

I was reading a blog the other day and saw that she started book reviews the easy way. I actually can't believe I didn't think of this but I'm going to steal her idea. So starting this month I'm going to write a short review of each book I read as I finish them. I'll pop in here write up a quick and short review and then wait until the end of the month to hit "publish".

I'm really excited to see how this goes. Maybe each month I'll have plenty of books listed or not many at all. Again I'm no longer keeping score.... I'm just excited to to start something I've been wanting to do for awhile now.

So here is my list of books read in July:

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Col. Chris Hadfield
Great read! I really loved Col Hadfield's writing style. It was as though he was sitting with me chatting and having a cup of tea. I laughed out loud numerous times and thought his advice for life was applicable to anyone. I love that he's Canadian, that he's so down-to-Earth and I love what he's done for NASA and space programs in general. However I also think after reading this book that he's a bit crazy. I don't think workaholic applies to him as his whole view on life is a bit much. Over achiever? Selfish? But at least he's upfront and honest that he's not the world's best Dad or husband as he is only home for about 15 weeks a year, and he puts his aspirations above others.
5 stars | Self-help/Biography

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Obsessed with this book!! This book had my hooked within the first few pages. I love a good fantasy love story that doesn't treat you as though you need everything spelled out. I loved the concept of this story, loved the writing and truly wanted to climb into this book and live among the pages. It isn't every day that I get this obsessed about a book and want to stop everything I'm doing to keep reading. There was one section toward the end that I thought the author took a turn for the worst with a plot twist and I kept reading dreading that my love affair was ruined. But then a final plot twist slapped me in the face and BAM! I was hooked again. And the best part? Goodreads reviews are awesome for the next three books. Bring. it. on!
5 stars | Young Adult Fiction

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
Bet you saw this one coming. As soon as I finished the first book I requested this one from the library and finished reading it in a few days. I loved it as much as the first. Angels and humans and Chimera? Still in love with this story and the second books delves further into the history and relationships these characters have. I can't wait to read the last book even though I'm not wanting the series to end. That's the only part of reading a fantastic book that I hate. There is always the time to say good-bye.
4 stars | Young Adult Fiction

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
This books was so bad that I had to stop reading it. I felt like I was losing brain cells. I had really wanted to read a scary book and it had some pretty good reviews on Goodreads so I gave it a go. Bad move Melanie. It was boring, terribly cliche and poorly written. It was such a disappointment.
0 stars | Young Adult Fiction

Dear Diary

2014-07-24T12:44:00.001-07:00

Dear Diary,

How have you been? I feel like I haven't written you... in decades. My life has been pretty crazy lately. But in a good way.

I decided to dust off my blog again but keep my old habit of posting sporadically at best. So don't get any ideas that I've suddenly become one of those fancy bloggers that has a scheduled post every day. My life might be crazy but I haven't lost my mind. lol!

Why the sudden urge to blog again, you ask? Good question!!

I'm not quite sure why actually. But one of the reasons is that I have time again.

See, I started working at the beginning of June. Not my old job before I had Connor (thank the gods!!). It wasnt' a decision that I would have made (or that I wanted to make for that matter) and I cried for a week. Poor Connor was so upset that Mommy was so upset. Let's just say there were lots and lots of tears in our little home.

Starting work again was one of those things where I knew it was coming and I fought and fought against it but then everything just fell into place. Sitting across from my now boss, talking about the job description, job expectations and salary, I knew I couldn't say "No". And then cue tears.

Needless to say it's been a bit of a transition for all of us especially since James and I have done a role reversal. I'm working and he's staying home to take care of Connor. They are both loving it! So that's been a huge weight off my heart in terms of what's best for Connor.

Well I better go! xoxox, Melanie

Crushing On // 02

2014-03-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

Without further ado, here are some PIN's that I'm crushing on right now...

♥♥ I always love my tea in a mug. I only have 3 mugs right now but I'm looking to add more to my collection. I love this one, and definitely this one and this one too (NSFW).

♥♥ James and I have been talking about making some healthy noodle soup. In the past we would use Mr Noodle and that just isn't an option anymore. I love what Meryl has shared!

♥♥ Connor and I are fighting a nasty cold right now and these popsicles need to be made.

♥♥ I like my shoes to fit, be comfy and be practical. In the summer I live in my Havaianas and the rest of the year it's either my Converse shoes or Hunter boots. But I really love these shoes. I'm actually a little shocked by how much I love them.

♥♥ The urge to transform my home is still going strong. (I talked about it a bit here) I'm still transforming our living room and I'm loving it. This photo is so inspiring to me, I really want to work on our bedroom next. I have visions of white space, plants, and openness. It's going to be tricky as we have a dark brown 'black-out' drapes but I think we can manage to work around them.

Finished Project: Tiny Trees Baby Vest

2014-02-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

I knit this adorable vest for my friend's 2nd baby (who was born back in November). I've been meaning to post about it, but kept forgetting. So forgive me for sharing the details so many months later. :)

I originally wanted to knit an adorable bear cardigan but I didn't have the right yarn so I opted for this sweet vest instead. It was an easy knit, and free, both bonuses in my book. I knew that the vest and the tweed would be a great unisex choice and I also knew I could add a bit of feminine detail to the vest if the baby turned out to be a girl. When baby Mahayla was born I tried to add some flowers by using embroidery floss but it just wasn't working out. It was really bad actually so after a quick search on Ravelry I found some cute flowers. I used some stash yarn and VOILA! instant girly-ness.

♥ Pattern: Tiny Trees Baby Vest by Kylie Bates and Flower Pattern by Joanna Allport
♥ Yarn:Knit Picks City Tweed DK in Tarantella
♥ Needles: 5 mm (US 8)
♥ Mods: added flowers
♥ My Ravelry Page.

I love that this project is a perfect example that Plan B is sometimes exactly what you were looking for. The end product is nothing what I intended to knit, but I just love it. And more importantly my friend loved it too!

What is a Prayer Shawl?

2014-02-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

"Out of a single strand of yarn, a flowing fabric emerges that will eventually wrap itself around another ones shoulders and speak love into their heart."
After my knitting post a few weeks ago I received some requests asking me what exactly a prayer shawl was, so I thought I would take a few moments to answer that question here.

I first heard of prayers shawls around 2002, when I was working at Chapters bookstore. Someone had ordered in a copy of Knitting Into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry. As I was a beginner knitter at the time I read through most of the book before the customer came in to claim their order. I immediately fell in love with the concept behind prayer shawls.

An excerpt from the book:

These shawls are made intentionally for someone suffering through a time of transition, crisis or need. They are often made with a specific friend or loved one in mind. They may be either knit or crocheted. While stitching, the maker of the shawl holds that person in her thoughts, according to her own spiritual traditions. Susan Jorgensen, {co-author of Knitting Into the Mystery} is reluctant to call these garments “prayer shawls,” because the word “prayer” means different things to different people. For some, this may mean that a traditional “prayer” is said before, during and after knitting. For others, it may just be a quiet reflection. The key is that the work is done intentionally for the blessing and comfort of someone else.

I was already developing a love for knitting and saw what a relaxing hobby it was for me, so to read that I could also incorporate a spiritual aspect to my knitting based on my own spiritual beliefs spoke volumes to me.

This book changed the way I knit for others.

How often do we knit for a loved one by merely casting on, knitting, and casting off? Most of the time knitting while being distracted by something or someone else. And almost always we're thinking of the endless to-do lists we have going. Sometimes we block our finished item and then we give them to the recipient. How often do we really put mindful intention into our actions?

When I begin to knit my shawls, I sit for a bit with my knitting and ground myself. I focus my mind on my task at hand and begin my first stitch with a very clear intention of the person I am knitting for and why I am knitting for them.

That's the basis behind these Prayer Shawls.

I especially love that each shawl can be personalized as much, or as little, as you want.

Love quick, chunky knits? Choose large needles and fabulous fat yarn.

Prefer lacy knits that challenge you? Choose a lace-weight yarn and a new pattern each time.

Don't want to concentrate or make mistakes? Choose a simple pattern that repeats itself.

Really the options are endless.

For me, I love the original pattern of k3, p3. The shawl guides me along its path and I don't need to worry about putting it down and losing my place when I pick it back up again. I also love my yarn of choice, Lion Brand Homespun, as it hides any errors I may make and most importantly it can be thrown in the washer and dryer.

I also love the k3, p3 pattern for the deeper meaning behind those 3 little stitches. The book goes into detail behind the Father, Son and Holy Spirit aspect of the Prayer Shawl Ministry but they also note that the 3 stitches can again be personalized. They can represent Past Present Future, or Mother Father Child, Life Death Rebirth, Maiden Mother Crone, Youth Adult Senior, Sickness Healing Health, the list could go on. So many things can be focused on and so much energy and prayer can be put into these shawls.

When I learned more about these shawls I had grand ideas to always have a Prayer Shawl on my needles. Any shawls that I finished knitting and didn't have a person in my life to gift them to, I would donate to a hospital or charity. I would still love to do that and maybe someday or some year I will. But for now I knit when the need arises.

One note on yarn selection: Many women agonize over what colour to chose but I try to not let that bother me. I don't worry about household decor or colour schemes and instead think of the person I am knitting for. When I pick out the yarn I never think of what couch the shawl will sit on, or what colour their bedspread is and instead picture the recipient with the shawl wrapped around them in any situation. I think of them during long car rides for medical treatment. I picture the shawl warming them in their kitchen, their living room or bedroom and even their bathroom. I also picture the Prayer Shawl giving them comfort in the hospital. That is what I think of when trying to find the "perfect" colour.

Um.... this post has gotten a bit more wordy than I had intended, so thank you if you've read to the end. whew!

And finally I leave you with my favourite blessing that I give with my Prayer Shawls:

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light to you
Deep peace to you, deep peace to you.
~ ancient Gaelic blessing

Lately

2014-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Lately Connor and I have been going to a Mom & Toddler group for 2 year olds. It's so great seeing Connor starting to interact with other kids instead of just playing beside them.

Lately we've also been going to the Library for Storytime. The event is only 30 mins and I've been meaning to go since...oh.. Connor was born. I always thought it would be a waste of time really, our library is a block away and I didn't really know how interesting 30 minutes could be. Boy was I wrong on this! Connor loves it and so do I! The librarian is really great, you can tell she just loves kids. There are at least 2-3 stories, plenty of songs with actions, a felt board and puppets! We're both having a blast and Connor has even started sitting through full storybooks with me now. I'm very happy about this.

Lately I've been building up my wardrobe and I'm sticking to my commitment that I will only buy items that I love. If I try it on and have to think about it, then I know I shouldn't buy it. There have been a few times however that I'll text a friend a pic for reinforcement. I'm usually asking just in case it's one of those days where I think I look great but my head is elsewhere. And I love it that my friends are always honest but gentle about it. So cool!

Lately I've been weeding out my "stuff". You know ~ all of the things in this apartment that I don't love or are not useful. Stuff. Like I said in my previous post, we've been in this apartment for 9 years now and I've been holding onto a lot of things, waiting for when we move into our home. Well I can't fool myself anymore, I don't think that move is going to happen anytime soon. So for now, I'm focusing on showcasing the things in my home that are important to me. The things that have a story, or simply make me smile. Everything else is going to charity. And let me tell you, this feels fantastic. Some of our shelves are bare, and some just have one or two items on them. But the simplicity makes everything feel calm and light. I'm really loving this New Year cleaning. Thanks Wendy!

Lately Connor has discovered the joy of crawling into little spaces. He will go into our bathroom cabinet, take out all of the towels and crawl in and close the doors. He'll then just hang out until he gets bored and then call me to come and "find" him.

Crushing On // 01

2014-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit that I have a bit of a Pinterest obsession. It's so easy to pick up my phone while I'm lying in bed, waiting for Connor to fall into deep sleep. I browse Pinterest and daydream about all sorts of things. I know that plenty of bloggers have Pinterest posts, I figure one more won't break the internet.

Without further ado, here are some PIN's that I'm crushing on right now...

♥♥ When I saw these bunnies it was a no-brainer that this graphic would be my current desktop wallpaper. Double plus bonus because Connor loves it too!

♥♥ My teapot broke recently so I've just been using my mug to make cup of tea after cup of tea after cup of tea. It isn't pretty. I have ALWAYS wanted a vintage teapot. The more girly the better. What I wouldn't give to find a collection of old teapots at a reasonable price.

♥♥ I am definitely making this for my boys during February!

♥♥ Are these tiny rings not the most adorable?. They would be perfect for my wee fingers.

♥♥ I would love to wear my hair like this. That headband... swoon! I actually found what I thought was the perfect pattern, only to click the link and discover they were headbands for babies. Oops!

♥♥ So true! Stop making excuses. Get out and MOVE!

♥♥ And HIM. Always him.

9 years

2014-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today marks 9 years that I have been married to my best friend. And this month James and I have hit a pretty fantastic milestone of celebrating twenty (20!!) years of being a couple.

When I was pregnant with Connor I read that the first two years after having a child are some of the hardest years a couple will go through. The article then went on to state that if the new parents make it past two years, the third year would be spent rekindling their relationship.

We are finding this to be so true.

I'm loving these past few months of our marriage. We are getting to know each other again and I'm loving what I've discovered about myself and about my husband. After all these years together he still surprises me.

♥♥♥ PS. James has requested that I not post pictures of him online. He's not a fan of having his photos taken and while he doesn't mind that I print them out for my Project Life albums, he's not so keen on having them online. I completely respect that and so instead of a wonderful picture of my man I will post some random wonderful pictures of other things that I am in love with. Like those cherry blossoms in the photo above.