my little loves.

on my mind. excuses, stress, facebook and living.

2012-07-24T19:39:00.001-05:00

Source: koolyogagirl1.tumblr.com via Bekah on Pinterest

These past few weeks have been so trying. I find myself getting snippy and short for no reason in particular. That being said, I haven't done much in trying to control it, I just react. It finally hit me though how much that needs to change. There are so many times I start feeling gloomy, stressed and down that ideas spring to mind that I know will either snap me out of my mood or at least help me cope, yet I ignore them choosing to sulk. I don't know why I do this, I suppose its easier to sit there in despair than actually do something about my life. Much like losing weight or quitting a bad habit. I think though that I have finally hit that point in my life, that point where I realize, nothing is going to get better until I choose to make it better. Why does it take so long to get there? Sometimes I think we are too distracted in this crazy, social media cluttered life we lead. A new notification pushes any thoughts we may have onto the back burner of our minds. It is an artificial happiness that keeps us from discovering true happiness or rather a distraction from reaching our goals that make us feel fulfilled.
I made a few efforts to change that recently. I decided to change. It sounds so simple and it really is, what isn't simple is realizing that only you can make things change.

Part of deciding to change means ridding ourselves of the things that get in our way, the things we know are in our way but we are too lazy to do anything about it.

Source: google.com via Bekah on Pinterest

For me, one of the biggest is my use of social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. You know. All of those things are fine, but can also be time wasters. Life wasters really because they get in the way of my long term goals. Another one is just being lazy. Laziness is something that gets in the way. Obviously, but really, those moments where I could get up and make myself a wholesome breakfast but end up eating whatever is within reach, leftover cookies, brownies...bread? Even though I know that I aspire to eating wholesome and healthy. Even though it would only take me 10 minutes(if even that) to get a good breakfast for myself. The same for exercising. There have been several times where I think "I could get up and do my 20 minute workout, right now" I reason with myself "You'll feel better if you do" and I know I will, yet I continue sitting and making excuses.

Like I said, there just comes a time to finally realize, my life isn't going to get any better unless I make it better.

I want to live! I want to be in the moment. I want to learn to laugh off my troubles and make the best of them. I want to teach my children to do the same. Instead of taking my frustrations out on my family, I want to turn to them for comfort and I want them to do the same. I want Marc to come to me when he needs to cry. I want my children to as well. I want to shake off my funks. I want to look at the world through childlike eyes, to feel wonder again. To do all this I must be present, I must be aware. I must CHOOSE to live this way. Everyday is a choice and I have to choose over and over again. Every moment is a choice and I will choose joy over and over again. No one else is responsible for my happiness. My happiness is my choice.

Source: ginghamandwatercolors.tumblr.com via Bekah on Pinterest

Some things I am going to change:
- no excuses for my bad behavior, it is my fault if I behave or react badly.
- patience. I will be patient with others, especially my little family.
- exercising. It is now a part of my life. It will be a daily habit. I will exercise daily from now on.
- whole eating. I feel better when I am not eating crap, therefore I am going to make the effort everyday because I know how much better it makes me and my family feel to eat whole foods.
- less social media. I have reduced my daily social media to instagram and twitter. I like twitter because it is simple and minimal. Instagram too. Facebook I check maybe 2x a day. I am considering deleting Facebook too. I will work to cut my computer time down daily.
- schedule. I am going to get on a consistent schedule that will help me be more mindful and aware of my time.
- quiet. I need my quiet. In my schedule there will be blocks of quiet time assigned so that we can just be. It is important to me to have those moments where my mind can rest.
- sleep. I need more than I get. I get little sleep because I plan and use my time poorly and try to catch up on everything at night which is, again, poor planning. This will be corrected in my schedule.

I am choosing in this moment to change. They may only be baby steps but every little step gets us closer than we were before.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Bekah on Pinterest

I love this sign and plan on ordering it ASAP to keep up to remind me of what I really want to do with my life: LIVE!

So that being said, what are things you want to change? Are you going to do it?

p.s sorry again, if this is all over the place. on my mind is literally just a free flow of my thoughts and sometimes I can't even make sense of them until I have them all typed up. I hope you can catch the gist. xo

updates.

2012-07-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

I am settling in our little home, it is so cozy. We were worried the first day we moved in because the neighborhood wasn't exactly how we had remembered it being...we are in the minority and it made us feel a bit uncomfortable, but our neighbors have been so nice and welcoming. Emmett lives to our right and is an older man, he has a few grandchildren who frequently visit. Ocean has quickly taken up with the idea of kids living next door to us. On our left is an older couple, probably mid-late 60's, they are very sweet. He is often out in his backyard, tinkering with something. I see him pulling his truck to the back and unloading lots of neat, old things a lot, I bet he has a lot of stories to share.

Ocean is starting to love our home. I am so glad, I worry a lot about how all the moving may have affected her. She keeps asking "Is this really our home?" to which I respond "Yes! It is, we will be here at least until you are six!" which launches her into a talk about what kind of birthday cake she wants, which makes me feel a little better about the whole situation.

Luna...Luna is thriving. That little girl is all over the place. Walking everywhere, getting into everything! Everything! You cannot keep anything out of her path. She climbs. It's insane. She has picked up quite the vocabulary lately, she kills me with her newfound "Otay" (okay). It is one of the few things that makes me melt these days. She has settled in, she loves being in her and Ocean's room. She has started pulling books off the shelf and toddling over to someone holding them up, gesturing to us to read them. She also has an obsession with Elmo. It's actually really annoyingly cute. Annoying because she thinks she must hear Elmo in the background constantly.

Tonight I washed our first load of clothes with this crazy contraption. I think it went fairly well, but I am so glad we are going to have a washing machine soon. The soiled diapers were just a pain trying to wash. I am excited to use it for small loads of diapers though, especially for when Luna is out of covers. I think it will help us save a little $$.

I am starting to love Tuscaloosa and I never thought I would say that but I am so glad. We went to the library today (the main one, they have three!) and I was so impressed and excited. They are very active in engaging the community and they have a huge selection of books, ebooks, dvds, books on cd, magazines...oh man. Oh and I can literally walk there. Its not even a mile from my home. I am so excited. Its actually right across from the new amphitheater that was just built. There are four thrift stores, two of which are actually pretty good ones for bargain hunting. In fact, I found two free people tops at one this week for less than $2 for both of them, which of course made their store a winner in my book.

My heart is full here, I know we are going to do great things and make so many memories. I feel very blessed tonight. I am lucky to be where I am. I am so glad to be able to share my thoughts with you all, it really helps me clear my head and really feel all I have to be thankful for, so thanks for reading. xoxo

i n s t a g r a m .

2012-07-21T22:04:00.002-05:00

On an evening when I was feeling bummed...

Thrifting here has proved successful already. $2 for all of the above. My favorite find is the glass terrarium. I have been drooling over them on etsy for awhile but can't afford the $40 price tag, so lucky me.

Settling in...

giveaway//native home.

2012-07-19T23:15:00.002-05:00

Oh man. Todays giveaway is going to be fun. Do you all remember when I got this package? Do you remember how the package itself was eye candy? (Not to mention the goodies inside of it!) Sarah sent me a whole mess of pretty. Four dolls, three bags, three upcycled scarves/necklaces and a sugar scrub, yeah! I really feel so good about endorsing Native Home because they are beautiful, upcycled goodies.Well, today you have the chance to win your own eye candy. There will actually be two winners! Here is what you have the chance to win:

Package #1:

Package #2:

I really, really love the details that Sarah puts into her work. Beauty truly is in the details.

When I was trying to think of how to make this giveaway as fun as possible, I thought of Pinterest.

How to Enter:

-Go to Native Home's etsy and pin your favorite thing from her shop with the hashtag #mylittleloves

-Come back here and leave a comment with the link to your pin and your email.

-Specify which package you would like to receive if you have a preference.

Want an extra entry?

-Like her facebook page.

-Follow her blog.

Some things to keep in mind:
-Recently they added a new vintage children's clothing section to the shop.
-For every five capes or monsters they sell, they will donate one to our local YWCA domestic assault shelter.
-A little warning about the buttons on the monsters' eyes, they're sewed on real tight but use your own good judgment about very little kiddos and small objects.

**Giveaway runs until July 25th at which time I will use random.org to pick a winner. You will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave some way for me to contact you. (email, twitter, etc)

quiet.

2012-07-17T12:04:00.002-05:00

just a quiet moment, captured.

on my mind. moving, growth, money and such.

2012-07-16T14:36:00.000-05:00

So, we are at my mother-in-laws, we still had a few boxes of things stored here (books and more books, really!) She has a pool so we have been taking advantage of sun time. Ocean has been about to pass out at night. Luna hasn't been too crazy about the pool...I think because she isn't fully confidant in her ability to go it alone. She isn't crazy about having to be held. She is loving being with her Mimi's two dogs. (Even though one of them isn't liking the attention)
I am really eager to be home and settle in but we have a few things holding us back. First, we need a washer/dryer and fridge. Marc's dad just replaced their washing machine/dryer and fridge and is giving them to us but we won't be able to get them until August 25th. I think our plan for now is to use a mini-fridge that one of Marc's brothers had used in his college days and to just "make-do" with hand washing clothes. I am pretty excited about trying this until we get a real washer. It's been really frustrating still not really being settled in. If I am honest with myself (and you) I will admit that I have been battling a bit of sadness over the fact that money is so tight. Its depressing. I am happily awaiting the day when making ends meet is something that is known rather than stressed about. I feel a lot better writing this, it helps put things in perspective for me. I know my situation is stressful but I have a lot of help and support on all ends. A free washer and dryer when you need one...thats something to be thankful for. Other than that, I am nesting like a 9 month pregnant woman. Except that I am not nine months pregnant. (or pregnant at all, for that matter) Just so ready to be home and settled in. I would like to get some nice rugs, this is our first time having wood floors and some rugs would be so nice. Our bedroom is lacking...we have yet to get any bed frame since we can hardly afford them right now. I would like to build one but that requires $$ and tools we don't have. I am watching craigslist like a hawk. Just waiting for a decent king size bed frame thats affordable. I don't care if it needs a lot of TLC. I'll take it. I just need some patience.

I know these next few months will be so hard, Marc starting law school, me at home with two little ones but I definately feel like I am going to grow. Our family will be stronger. Its a good feeling to have a challenge ahead. Framed in the positive, that is. Its going to be a good time in our life. I am going to settle right in, make my beautiful house our home. Marc is going to excel in his school. The girls will grow and make memories alongside me in our cozy cottage. Ocean and Luna will celebrate 3 birthdays there. Marc and I as well. When we are done with this time of our life I will be 25. Still so young, but it feels old to me. How different will I be? I am eager to watch Marc during this stage. Finally, in a area he feels good in. He has to buy a suit next semester...for job interviews and such. I love seeing that giddy, boyish charm in his eye when he talks about it. It's really sweet to watch.

I have a feeling that Ocean is going to bloom here. We have already talked about ballet classes. She seems to have her heart set on them. There is a hands-on children's museum within walking distance to our house. We are pretty excited about that! Ocean is just growing. Kinda breaks my heart to think about her being 6 when we are done. I can't believe it. I just want her to stay little...

I love how this on my mind thing has become a feature. Its my favorite feature I think...just ramblings. My thoughts...no direction, just laying it out there. Its therapeutic. Refreshing. Like swimming on a hot day. I guess thats all we need, really...just to voice our thoughts, helps us make sense of them. Get a grasp on what we are feeling.

I think I'm going to go soak up some sun with my little family now.
Thanks for reading. xoxo

moving in!

2012-07-14T07:20:00.001-05:00

Look at these chairs I scored at Goodwill! It was like Athens kissed me before I left. I got them for $45, it was a bit of a splurge for us but they were worth the investment. I really love these chairs.

I am really missing you guys. Can't wait to get back to blogging regularly. I am getting a workspace set up to keep me in the zone. I am going to try and get on a schedule again so posts won't be so erratic and random. Our internet is being installed on the 18th, so I will be back then! xoxo

luna!

2012-07-11T05:53:00.002-05:00

Get ready to laugh! So, so cute! Seriously, I couldn't contain myself. She is so sweet and this video is just proof. Oh and We move in today, wish us luck!

girl's night. (mini-blogger meet-up)

2012-07-10T13:16:00.002-05:00

A few weekends back Brooke and her family came down and stayed with us, we all had a great time. Us ladies in particular, we met up with Paige who had a booth at Athfest going and had a night out. It was a really great time. Since I am busy packing right now I thought it would be fun to send ya'll over to Brooke's blog to check out the photos from the weekend. Head on over and say Hi!
I'll be back soon!
P.S Thanks so much for all the sweet comments about our new home! We are so excited! Tomorrow is the big day! Love you all! xoxox

yes, we are moving, for the third time this year.

2012-07-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

Finally, to our little cottage! Ah! We officially close tomorrow and move in Wednesday. I am so excited! How excited!? Oh man, this little home is my heart. I have millions of things I cannot wait to do to cozy up the place. I had to share more photos I took with my phone. Guys, I am so lucky.
This home, our home is dreamy...

I want to paint that fireplace...not sure what color.

But for now, back to the grind. Packing.

hello, july.

2012-07-01T15:51:00.000-05:00

Source: you-can-fly.tumblr.com via ve on Pinterest

Already? Cannot believe it.
So much happening this month.
Like what? Well...
We will ~~hopefully~~ be moving into our new little cottage! (more on this soon!)
Lots of decorating and really settling into our new place.
Prepping for Luna's 1st birthday party!
4th of July wonderful-ness.
Yard sales.
Another Sakura Bloom post. (I hope you guys are loving them just as much!)
Some fun collaborations with a sweet friend. (head wrap tutorial anyone?)
and more...

That being said, now would be a great time to get your Ad up! Have you checked out my sponsor page? Rates are low! Don't hesitate. Oh and I'm actually sponsoring another blog this month so there will be added traffic. Go look!

on my mind. living poetically.

2012-07-01T08:58:00.001-05:00

I love reading blogs that sweetly describe days. Cuddling with little ones, their sweet hair softly brushing my cheeks. Baking cookies, the aroma swirling around the room. I have always thought the words were so beautifully inspiring. Today Luna had a banana for breakfast...which means I had to wipe half of it off her body 15 minutes later. I also had to get up 30 minutes earlier than typical. I was slightly cranky. I didn't want to wipe sticky banana off her. In the midst of this thought, I had another...what if I tried to live poetically? Instead of complaining, what if I instead opened my senses to what was happening around me. Just simply being there and experiencing everything. This struck me as profound. I could have those moments I crave, it is simply a matter of my mind being open to them.

Instead of being irritated about getting banana on my arms I could enjoy Luna's sweet touch, her little sticky fingers grabbing my arms. As I put coffee on, I savored the smell. When I ate my breakfast I took time to let the flavors sit in my mouth awhile.

It really is amazing all that we miss in a day because we are simply to hurried to stop and experience it.

I want to rediscover letting little things make me happy, I want childlike wonder and happiness. I know it can be mine if I am open to it.

It's crazy how much, in my adult life, I have become so serious. Not much time for silliness or laughter. I am constantly on a mission and most of the time, the indirect point is to find happiness. Working more hours to have more money to buy more things to make me happy.

It's crazy how much my mind just completely forgets those things that make me truly happy. Long, long walks with my little family, exercising, eating wholesome food, quietly reading, hammocks, lemonade on a hot summers day, blogging, productive mornings, cleaning, spending time with my girls, long talks with Marc...how often do I make it a point to get these things done?

And why does my brain not hold onto these moments? Like, when its come down to choosing between watching a movie with Marc or spending time talking...I almost always choose a movie. Even though I know that I would so happy if we had a long talk instead. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with movies, or indulging in junk food...but I know that for me to truly enjoy my life, I need to do those things that take more time but are ultimately more rewarding. Eating wholesome food and just enough makes me feel good, emotionally, spiritually and physically...I know this, yet I typically choose junk instead.

cracking all my raw cookbooks back open.

Heres to living life inspired. I am on day two of healthy eating, eating just enough, exercising, and less social media/electronic time. I am feeling great. Getting close to my goals. It's so fulfilling to live mindfully. I want to be aware of that...constantly.

so happy here.

What do you do to remind yourself to be aware? xoxo

five to follow. instagram.

2012-06-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is a post I would like to continue. I love Instagram. Last Summer, I saved my money to buy an cheap used itouch just to be able to get instagram, and then was gifted an iPhone this month by a sweet, sweet friend. So I got super lucky to get upgraded. We still don't use our iPhone as a phone, I use it as my go-to camera though since it takes pretty damn good photos. Especially when mixed with Instagram.

That being said, I am always looking for instagrammers to follow with beautiful feeds and I wanted to highlight five here today. (search for them on instagram by the names below to find&follow)

1. joyprouty - seriously, this woman is a photographer and her feed is phenomenally inspiring.

2. denisebovee- again, just beautiful photos. beautiful lady.

3. lillianhardy- one of my best lady friends, I am insanely jealous of her charm, beauty and style.

4.tinybones - oh man. this woman, i love her. her kid is the cutest.

5.ohdeardrea- obviously. marlowe gets all that cuteness from her mama.

Got anyone I should be following? Let me know in the comments! xoxo

the sling diaries: communication.

2012-06-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

This months theme is communication, which in my opinion, is one of the best things about babywearing. Having Luna right next to me provides a perfect opportunity for talking to her about the things we see and smell. Ocean started talking very quickly and clearly, I attribute that to the fact that she was in a carrier for 85% of her infant hood. (Almost 100% of the time we spent away from the house)

According to Dr. William Sears, one benefit of baby wearing is that "Infants are "humanized" earlier by developing socially. Babies are closer to people and can study facial expressions, learn languages faster and be familiar with body language."

It just comes naturally to talk with your little one when they are close. While thrifting I like to point out things to Luna (like I did with Ocean) and talk to her about it. Nothing particularly profound, just little things here and there.

If I notice something particularly bright its fun to talk about the colors. Anything that excites me tends to make Luna smile.

Anytime we walk by a mirror I have to stop and give Luna a chance to get excited about her reflection. This is typically accompanied by "Do you see that baby Luna? Look at that cute baby!"

Picking blueberries, telling Luna "No pink, only blue!" She just smiles at me like she really gets it.

Aside from the benefits for baby, it is so nice for me to have someone right there to talk with. I feel so confident with a little one on my hip. It feels so right. So natural. Oh and the little older ladies love it. I get stopped several times, anywhere we go...the most repeated phrase a lady used again today, she leaned in close to Luna and patted her head saying "Girl, you've got the best seat in the house"

all images courtesy of my husband.
i am wearing the sakura bloom essential linen sling in raven maple and the simple silk sling in amber.

My other Sakura Bloom posts:

-style.

-love.

-exploration.

Follow The Sling Diaries on Pinterest and Facebook.

lightnest collective.

2012-06-27T15:31:00.002-05:00

Have you seen my friend Paige's etsy? She makes some beautiful bags (amongst other things). I am the lucky owner of several and they are great bags.

hawthorne tote with leather handle.

You can do a custom bag too, pick from these fabric samples and choose a handle, the jute or leather.

She really does make some amazing bags, she has also made some beautiful blouses and dresses from vintage materials.

I am positive she would love to create something for you. Message her on Etsy and find out.

Seriously, she is a gem and so is everything she creates.

As a side note: I did this post because Paige is in the middle of moving and finances are always sticky during that time. I know it would mean to much to Paige to be able to help her family in way that she loves. So please, if you love what you see, treat yourself and help a mama help her family.

live if you really want to.

2012-06-26T09:03:00.001-05:00

This song is really, really speaking to me right now. I have been struggling with issues pertaining to who/how I live my life according to...struggling with realizing how much I try to live up to others expectations and how much life it takes out of me. Listen.

d r i n k: simple homemade blueberry, coconut soda

2012-06-24T11:27:00.002-05:00

Guys, this recipe is so easy and so good. I created it on a whim last night when I was trying to figure out how to use all the blueberries we picked over the weekend.

You need:

- one cup of sugar

- one cup of water

- 2 cups of blueberries

- coconut sparkling water ( I used La Croix)

Directions:

Make a simple syrup first by boiling one cup of water and then adding the sugar, still till dissolved and then add the blueberries. Boil for a bit longer (3-5 minutes) and then turn low and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Take off the eye and strain over a glass jar. (I would place the jar on a plate or something to catch the run off since this will stain) Once you have the syrup in the jar, allow it to cool. Fill a glass with ice and then fill the glass with ice and then 1/4 or so of the syrup. Pour coconut sparkling water over the top. Enjoy!

lately (really late)

2012-06-21T18:05:00.001-05:00

These are some photos from the middle of last May...a little late but still wanted to share.

(the necklace I am wearing is one I borrowed from my sister Sarah's shop, Bellissimo. Go buy it!)

(the photos below are some my sisters took while we were visiting)

(she is always on the hunt for marcs water bottle and drinks from it like a pro)

links to love.

2012-06-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

source.

Most awesome iPhone must haves, ever. one. two. three. four. five. six.

For some odd reason I was really inspired to do this workout.

This is the reason Marc and I are so adamant about how much TV Ocean and Luna are allowed.

This too.

Seriously, the most beautiful home.

Coconut Milk shampoo. I made it and it is awesome. I used Vanilla Essential Oil. Yum.

This how-to is going to be incredibly helpful once we get moved. SOON!

I really want a subscription to this magazine.

My latest blog crush. Guys, seriously. Inspiration is oozing out of that blog.

High fructose corn syrup bad for your memory? So glad we rid our home of it awhile back.
Do you follow me on Pinterest? My h o m e. board is getting pins left and right. I am on a roll.
Oh and this outfit, gah.
This website offers discounts on some of the best etsy finds, go sign up!

on my mind. priorities and such.

2012-06-18T23:04:00.002-05:00

Guys, sorry I have been so M.I.A. Really, I have no excuses. I miss this blog. I miss updating you on my life and what inspires me. Well, I guess I do have an excuse. I suck at managing my time right now.

Its bad. Marc and I have been talking about it a lot and concluded that we needed to define what our focus(s) as a family and as individuals are so that we can come up with a schedule that allows us to make the most of our time. With Marc starting law school a schedule is needed. I get so frustrated because I feel as though most of my day is spent just trying to get through rather than truly enjoying it. So Marc and I went to dinner tonight and wrote out these things on a napkin. It was pretty basic when it was all written down.
We both agreed the most important things in our life were:
-sustainability, green living (gardening, cloth diapering, natural body care, etc.)
-living slower (less computer time, more reading, crafting, together. pretty much ties into the above)
-the girls education (montessori inspired, learning through play, homeschooling)
-nurturing a creative vibe in our home (alone time, crafting, reading, etc)
As an individual Marc and I have different goals or aspirations.
I would like to:
-read more often
-learn french
-blog more
-craft often
-start my own business
-become more present
-practice meditation and have quiet time in the morning

I really want to slow down. Take the time to be with my girls and man. Cook together, play baseball or craft jewelry. I want to return to a focus on simplicity, doing without or making do. To be less consumer driven, even if all I ever do is thrift. Basically finding happiness in the day-to-day. I want to learn to enjoy my life because...its my life. I want to recognize the patches of happiness and soak them up. I need to carve out time of my day for me. Time to blog. It makes me so happy. Time to be creative. Time to reflect and think. Time to just be.
Sorry if this post is all over the place, I am still making sense of everything and typing out my thoughts helps. I guess you get the gist of this post though. I am feeling very inspired to make changes that will allow for more mindful living. Awareness.
It is so wonderful to feel so motivated to change for the better.

I have been reading "If the Buddha Married" with Marc during our frequent car trips lately and it has been inspiring my heart, our marriage is truly starting to thrive. I am addressing so much pain and bitterness in my own heart that has been affecting our relationship and it is amazing how content I have been feeling. (I am working on a blog post about this! Its been a long time coming.)
I really want to share Marc and I's story but it again is very complicated and long...and I'm not sure how to approach it since it touches on some very personal things with my family, but I do want to share it.

Man, there is just so much on my heart and mind. I feel as though a vlog may be coming. I am not sure I would be able to write it all out and it make sense. I am trying though. I seriously have 7 blog posts that I am writing. All such heavy subjects. Too heavy to just hit publish...just yet. But they are coming, I promise.

I feel like I am at a point in my life where small talk is hard for me. Trying to figure out what I am comfortable sharing on my blog and what I am not comfortable sharing might take a little while, I hope you don't mind.

Oh and to all of my readers, yes, every single one of you. I love and appreciate you so much! I try and respond but I know I fail time and time again, rest assured though. Your comments and support mean so much to me. I love my corner of the internet and the souls it connects me to.
xoxoxo

lately.

2012-06-17T00:09:00.002-05:00

I came home to all this mail...including the most beautiful package I have ever received from Sara at Native Home. (giveaway coming soon!)

Look at these gorgeous dolls! Ahhhh!

Seriously, its beautiful ya'll. I am in love. Everything. The details are so perfectly put together.

Heading home. Ocean is staying with her Mimi for the week.

Luna, reading.

Yahtzee night with both sets of grandparents, my parents and siblings and great aunt and uncle.

My love and I.

My beautiful sister Rachel.

Strawberry picking. Such a great summer time.

xoxo

babywearing in dollywood.

2012-06-16T09:05:00.002-05:00

I was the only mom there with a sling and several people stopped me asking what kind of sling it was, I even had two ladies ask to take my picture. (My mom took this one)

//giveaway: kiki and jules vintage shop credit.

2012-06-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

Guys, seriously excited to announce this giveaway! Kristina is a sweetheart and one of my blogging mama friends. Go check out her amazing blog and shop and then come back here to enter the giveaway!

Hello dearies,

My name is Kristina and I run a little store called Kiki and Jules, over on Etsy, that is full of adorable (and affordable) vintage items for the kinder demographic. Each item is carefully handpicked, resulting in a curated collection of mini vintage wares. My wonderful little family helps to inspire each selection. We love style and culture, art, music, skateboarding, and travel. But we don't love unaffordable items. That is why you will see items in my shop priced affordably. By nature, I pay attention to where fashion is at and where it is going, carefully choosing items I deem the hippest and cutest and overall best. Some seriously cute mini hipster fashion!

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to offer one of Bekah's lovely readers a $20.00 shop credit. I love Bekah and know that she has some seriously fantastic readers. Good luck! I hope that you look around and find something you love!

Giveaway:

I would like to offer a $20.00 credit to my shop Kiki and Jules, with free shipping. This giveaway is open to everyone, including international readers. Items chosen must be equal to or under $20.00. If the amount is greater, then the difference must be paid by the winner.

To enter, please visit Kiki and Jules and leave a comment below stating your favorite item.

For additional entries, you can ...

1. Add Kiki and Jules to your favorite shops on etsy.

2. Follow Kiki and Jules on twitter.

3. Tweet about this giveaway.

4. Blog about this giveaway.

Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry. Leave your email or another way to contact you as well.

Giveaway closes June 18th and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter. Good Luck! xx

the sling diaries: exploration.

2012-06-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

I love having Luna close. She is at such a fun age. Reaching for everything in sight. Everything she picks up goes into her mouth. Testing out her environment I suppose.

This is one of the many benefits of babywearing. Having her close, letting her see things at my point of view heightens her curiosity and drives her to explore her surroundings more.

Its become a part of my life. Wearing my babies and talking to them about what is going on around us. Stopping to let them feel leaves, branches, books or signs. Cultivating a mind that wants to learn.

Luna makes eye contact with strangers and waves, Ocean did the same at her age. They are both such confident little babes.

Luna loves to point out things to me, it really is darling.

all images by paige at lightnest collective.

(If you use these photos in any way link back to the correct source and provide credit to the photographer please.)

i am wearing the sakura bloom essential linen sling in raven maple and the simple silk sling in amber.

My other Sakura Bloom posts:
-style.
-love.

Follow The Sling Diaries on Pinterest and Facebook.

we bought a house.

2012-06-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

I have thought so long about this post. I have been dealing with so much in my heart and mind lately, between wanting to share and wanting to keep it private.

As you know, we have moved a lot the past 6 months. NYC/CT, Asheville, Athens and between our parent's homes in Alabama. Why? Because we didn't have a plan after NYC didn't work out. Why didn't NYC workout? Because at orientation at Columbia, Marc learned he would be gone from 7am- 5pm at school, board a bus headed to New Jersey and not get back until 10pm that night. They neglected to inform him of any of that prior to selling everything/moving. When Marc first told me everything I cried. I was so angry. Angry at him because the program wasn't going to work, because we had already come so far. Angry because he didn't have a plan two. Over the next few days I went between being miserably angry to being so happy and relieved that we were free, free to make new plans. When we decided to hang out in Asheville for awhile, I was blissfully happy. That time was so hard and stressful. Being jobless, no direction, not sure what our next move was and knowing that the deadline for most schools had already passed. I cannot tell you how many nights Marc and I spent arguing and fighting, it was so stressful. I remember one day, sitting on the couch and feeling myself on the edge of depression. I thought my marriage might be ending, I though my world was crumbling. I am so thankful for the nights that our friend Erik and I spent at trivia at a little arcade in downtown Asheville. Those nights of getting out and having someone to talk to was the therapy that helped me make it through that time with a shred of sanity.

Finally, Marc learned that UGA had a program he was interested in in non-profit management. This wasn't too new, he had talked about non-profit work before, I was a little weary of new ideas for a career but this time I latched on. It was a plan at least and we needed one, I also loved Athens and we had tossed around the idea of living there before, so we could go for it. I was so excited. We immediately went to check out rentals and found a perfect one on craigslist. A couple was about to get married and the guy needed to sublease his two bedroom apartment. The lease ran until July of this year. It was too perfect. I told Marc, just in case something came up and we changed plans that this lease is very short term.
We made an appointment to check it out with a few others. As it happened, I fell in love with a different rental house. An older one with a lot of charm. Hardwood floors. You know, the good stuff. It was also walking distance to downtown. We are a day away from signing the lease when Marc's dad calls, he said he wanted to invest in real estate and wants us to find a home that we can fix up and then he can rent out when Marc finishes school and we leave. Marc and I both eagerly jumped on this idea. We immediately started looking for a home. After a lot of searching we had fallen in love with one. We called his Dad so that we could proceed and disappointingly his dad had lost interest. I was heartbroken. We had become so attached to this little home, thinking it was ours. We needed to move in two weeks though so we didn't have much time to pout and we called to find out if our little dream rental had been rented. It had.

I was so angry. So angry. Again, so many tears. (As I look back it was a bit dramatic, I will say) So hard though, not knowing what to do. We finally called the couple with the sublease to see if it was still available. It was and we signed the lease. We moved in and fell in love with the place, and Athens. The following Friday I applied for a job waitressing and got a call back the next day. Everything was falling into place. I had friends, a job and Marc was starting school in June. Finally, everything was on track. Not to much later, we went on our beach trip. Right before we left Marc got an email from The University of Alabama's law school letting him know he had been admitted and awarded a scholarship. We were at my parents when he got the email and we all joked "Here we go again!" but I knew Marc had a bit of a yearning to go. Over the next few days I didn't think about it since Marc hadn't said anything but finally one night he brought it up. I got angry and told him I had already moved enough and wasn't going to move to the sh*t hole that is Tuscaloosa. (Yep, I can be a real bitch) But guys, you should have seen the look on his face. He wanted to go to law school. I knew he was only staying in Athens for me. So finally, I told Marc to do whatever he wanted but to know that he was stuck this time. For real, stuck.
(Shaking my head at how rude I can be) He called UGA and dropped his admission and I wanted to cry. I was so angry. Not so much at him but that we were moving all over again. So mad that we were finally in a place I loved and we were leaving. After the initial wave of sadness swept over me, I realized how gleeful I was, excited even at the idea of a new place and the many new adventures that were sure to ensue. And I started to realize how perfect everything was, our lease would end just in time to move (classes start in August) and Marc would have a good degree and end up with a good job. I had to take a step back and look at myself. Who was this girl who was becoming open to all this moving around? Finding the positive in a stressful situation. I realized how much I have grown as a individual, a mother, a wife and a friend. This time in our lives has been some of the most stressful time but it has also been so rewarding.

We started looking at rentals in the area and became very overwhelmed, most places were rented or otherwise not acceptable. We finally found a dream rental. Back yard, deck, older home with charm. Wood floors. (I love wood floors) We went immediately and filled out an application. Loaded up the kids and headed back to Athens so I could go to work. We got a call the very next morning. Someone had come in with cash and got the place. Marc and I were both completely overwhelmed. What to do. There were no other options for rentals. Our only choices were a few apartment complexes in shady areas. We were distraught. Marc's dad came to the rescue and told us he was interested in real estate still if we were willing to do all the legwork. We were and he did. We found the dreamiest little house. I was trying not to get my hopes up but right after looking at it, I was smitten. I remember feeling so good. So good about everything. This was all so right. I knew it. I had a feeling. We informed Marc's Dad of the proforma on the place and he told us to immediately make an offer. We did, for $4,000 less than the asking price. It was accepted and we close in 13 days. The seller is covering all closing costs as well.

My friend Brooke said "When its right, its right" Guys, the universe knew what was up, or maybe I just did. Sometimes I wonder if there really is a reason for our struggle or if we find reason in our struggle. Either way guys, this season is coming to an end for us, bringing in a whole new season.

Marc is attending Law School at UA this Fall. We are moving to Tuscaloosa, AL. (only two hours from my parents!) Luna is turning a year old. Ocean and I are bonding. Oh and we just co-signed on a home. Our home. Our first home. Home for the next three years of our life. I am blissfully happy. This is my dream home. I can't wait to have a real backyard and a garden. I am so lucky.

Patience? I am still learning but I have got a lot more practice under my belt now. Good things do come to those who wait. I am thankful for this time. I am a new person, I know. Perspective is a good thing.

That is what has been going on in my mind and home over the past few months.

I apologize if it is hard to read and scattered. Thank you for the support and love you have all shown. I appreciated you all so much.