For Every Bird a Nest

a breezy night

2012-06-25T14:35:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday!

I am suddenly having a ~~want~~ need for a tiny bit cooler weather. A breezy night would suffice. Because really, I just want to wear this. It really isn't too much to ask. A lunch date on the
Mellow Mushroom patio sipping margaritas....

okay fine let's step it up a bit.
A date night on the Vivace patio sipping strawberry mojitos

Still not good enough, now you are just getting snobby on me.

Pull my leg.

A romantic weekend getaway to The St. Regis Bora Bora while dining on the beach at sunset. Sipping only the finest champagne and greeting our celebrity friends.

whatever it may be. I could make this outfit work.

Hat

Top

bag

downward dog

2012-06-22T09:49:00.003-04:00

Well my child is definitely a toddler now. And just when I think maybe he really is still a baby I am quickly reminded otherwise. You see, his temper tantrums have taken a slight turn in the past couple of weeks. He was arching his back and throwing himself on the floor. He would then hit his head on the floor and that sent him into a whole new level of meltdown. Fortunately, he has figured out the repercussions of head banging and now has a new tantrum move. It looks something like this..

Actually, it looks exactly like this. And sans the pink shirt this could actually be my child.

Of course it makes me smile every. single. time. I have to turn to stifle my giggles before I assure him that I am indeed sticking to my guns. "I am sorry, but you can NOT play with the kitchen knife that you managed (God knows how) to get out of the (closed and locked) dish washer." Or it might sound something like, "We do NOT stick our toothbrushes in the toilet, swish them all around, and then suck out the juice (germs)." Or even, "Only Daddy let's you open the garage door 28 times in row. Mommy is simply no fun."

Anyways.. I am kinda proud of his new move. How "zen" of him. Perhaps we could all benefit from busting out a yoga move when things aren't going exactly our way.

Speaking of yoga. I think I need to get back to it. Even if it's off of exercise t.v. during nap time. Last time I blogged about exercise was here and I didn't know I was pregnant. My how things sure change. And my Things, I mean my body.

Reality check. I wear one pieces. I can still sport the bikini but much more self consciously. I am DYING to run but my leg is still not right. Remember I mentioned all my drama here. I left out the leg story so just imagine an open car door, my leg out of the car, and me hitting the gas instead of the break. Oh.. and a garage. That would be the key factor in that little story.

But of course to get me motivated I think I need a little trip up to the local Lululemon.

I absolutely love my Groove pants! They are amazing and want them in every color imaginable. Well they are all black but the waist band changes.

I also love their daily tank and all the fun colors

But my favorite are the No Limits Tanks

so Whitaker is napping and on top of the 12324 things I need to do while I have a few minutes, I am turning on exercise tv and cranking out a workout.

maybe.

summer bucket list

2012-06-22T09:11:00.002-04:00

I loved Monkee's of Chapel Hill's idea of a summer bucket list!!!

And, I love everything on it ;)

They posted the list this morning!

You can "like" their Facebook Page HERE

pinteresting

2012-06-19T07:40:00.000-04:00

want this house!

love the hints of pink and the frame wall

no description needed

obsessed with this entire vanity

looks like a great DIY! Oh to find the time

hmm. dreaming

Follow me on pinterest! Here

pictures!

2012-06-17T20:38:00.003-04:00

Over Memorial weekend we had pictures taken on the beach by an old Topsail Beach friend and wonderful photographer, CharlesAnna Herring Williams. You can check out her website here

We got up bright and early so that we could be on the beach at sunrise. I was so nervous that Whitaker wouldn't be his normal "spunky" self, but just like his momma, you put that boy on the beach and he is happy as a clown.

Keeping him out of the water was the hardest part! Luckily we had a costume change in there and weren't far from home because both outfits were drenched by the end of the shoot! The wind was blowing and the beach was beautiful!

Here are just a few she sent over as teasers! Judging by these, I can not wait to receive the rest! I will make sure to share when I have them in hand!

I love them all!

Happy Father's Day Weekend..

2012-06-16T21:42:00.001-04:00

To my wonderful and amazing dad! I am proud to say that I am a lot like him, but strive to be even more so.

This one of my favorite pictures of my me and my dad. Taken as we parted right after the father/daughter dance at my wedding. "Tender, Mushy" moments aren't exactly our forte. So this was a very special exchange.

And of course to the my sweet hubby. I am so proud of all that he has accomplished as a man, a husband, and a father in the past year!

This was taken last weekend! Daniel broke his unlucky fishing streak and then no one but Whitaker and myself were there to witness it. Quite humorous if you ask me.

Blood or not, I hope everyone someone that they can call a father

or a man to witness as a father.

Can you guess my mood?

2012-06-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

dreamer

2012-06-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

I would like to throw a carnival block party. And have Anne Hathaway and Lauren Hutton as guests. Maybe show off my Resort 2013 collection at the same time. And of course have Vogue cover it. No biggie.

Vogue article here

$200 for the whole shabang

2012-06-12T21:13:00.003-04:00

BB Dakota Garan Mini Skirt with Sequin Trim in Neon Orange

$66

Zoom Bisou top $39

Michael Antonio - Tipton (Gold Glitter) - Footwear

$49

GUESS - Alfie Slim Clutch (Mint Multi) - Bags and Luggage

$38

Cuff $8

Entire outfit is right at $200!

2012-06-12T09:43:00.002-04:00

I shouldn't complain

2012-06-11T22:59:00.002-04:00

I didn't before, but I now understand why women get botox. Over the past year I feel like my forehead wrinkles have begun to sink deeper and deeper into my face. It is like all the sleepless nights that came with a baby have buried right into my freakin' face. What started out as cute smile lines is certainly no longer. I am not sure any night cream, no matter how expensive, is going to reverse this damage. And you know what the most annoying part is? My damn husband just keeps on getting better looking. I shouldn't complain really, but it's not fair!?! No wonder women are obsessed with plastic surgery.

The thing is, men get wrinkles too and they are considered sexy. So is it really that they are actually getting better looking or is it that their age is making them just that more attractive. Hmmm. And it is no new news that I have a thing for "older" guys.

Forget the Channing Tatum's (though his heiney is not to be ignored) of the world... I prefer one of these!

weekend

2012-06-08T22:10:00.000-04:00

Wishing you a weekend that encompasses the relaxation of this picture. And of course the pure joy of basking in your youth....no matter your age or location.

(but a body of water to feed your soul is certainly an added bonus)

Yes, please

2012-06-08T20:05:00.001-04:00

Sure wish this was my view every night. But I will certainly count my blessings that it is for the weekends

Pardon my drama

2012-06-08T03:00:00.000-04:00

Instead of "Friday Fashion Finds Under $100" you are getting a diatribe of my life since I stopped blogging

I already gave you a quick version of losing myself. But sit tight because you are about to get the ~~juicy~~ details.Truthfully, this is kind of hard to put out there. So learn from my mistakes people and make it worth telling.

Well after I finally settled into my daily routine of being a mom and really finding confidence in myself as a mother... we hit a little hiccup. A big one in fact. I was running around one morning in early November trying to get myself ready for the day. We had a few men around the house putting in a whole new air conditioning unit which caused for replacements both inside and out. I was distracted. I was rushing. And I put Whitaker up on the bed. I turned to my dresser (2 feet) and heard the worst noise I have ever heard in my life. Him hitting the floor. It still makes me nauseated just thinking about it. It was absolutely awful, but it happened so fast. Well, I know this "happens" to a fair amount of people but I cried and cried at my lack of responsibility. He calmed down after a few minutes but I knew it had rocked him. We took him to the pediatrician and were assured that he was fine. Well by that evening and into the next morning, he developed a huge hematoma on the side of his head. I called the doctor again but they said some swelling was normal. So we waited. A few days later the swelling still hadn't improved. So we took him back in. The doctor took one look at his had and excused himself to his office. My heart sank. I knew it wasn't good. We were sent to x-rays. And from x-rays, straight to Duke Children's Hospital. Whitaker had a hairline skull fracture and was to see the best pediatric neurosurgeon around.

I bawled the entire way there. With all sorts of things going through my mind.

How could I have let this happen to my sweet baby? I am a terrible mom. How could anyone let me have a child? Maybe I am an unfit mother.

And the worst part was that I knew when I arrived at the hospital, that my internal questions were about to be asked to me out loud. Skull fractures aren't taken lightly in the pediatric world, as they shouldn't be. Child Services gets called in for these type of injuries. And not only that, you are not allowed to be alone with your child. In hindsight, I was treated so kindly and reassured by numerous doctors that they were simply following protocol. But it didn't make it any easier. All of my self-doubt was being reinforced right in front of me. There was one doctor that I will never forget though. He was so gentle with his words and as he prepared me for another round of people coming for questions, he said, "Mary-Peyton, I would rather put 9 good mom's through all of this if it means catching 1 bad mom". That stuck with me throughout the whole ordeal.

And trust me it was an ordeal. Besides his obvious hematoma, Whitaker was acting completely fine. He has always been such a happy and outgoing child. That hadn't changed. Well add child services plus head injury assessments and poor thing was put through the ringer. First, a CT Scan. He screamed, and I cried. But it lasted maybe a minute so it was bearable. They had to take several vials of blood from his arm so that was miserable and just to top it off they left the line in, "just in case". So, we then had to keep his arm straight the rest of the time. A not-so-gentle opthamologist had to check behind his eyes which required prying his eyelids open. They kept him over night for observation. I had to tell the story of what happened over and over and over again. I am guessing to make sure my story didn't change. And the absolute worst was that child services required every bone in his body to be x-rayed before we could leave the hospital. This was to insure that there were no other past injuries. This took two hours and he fought the entire time. In fact, the technician told me towards the beginning that they always give up eventually and comply. But not my strong willed child. He screamed and kicked and hit right down to the last minute. She had to tape him down to the table in certain positions to keep him still. And as I stood there, completely helpless, trying to hold down my child as my court appointed "sitter" observed, I was the one that gave up.

And from then on I felt like I lost a little piece of myself and my self confidence. As a mother, as someone that wants to share myself on the internet, as a responsible adult even. I just needed some time to gain it all back.

Where was my husband you might be thinking? He was there. But only one person was allowed with him during all the tests and x-rays. Whitaker wasn't quite 6 months old. He needed his mommy.

When I was on that pediatric floor I saw a lot for the short time we were there. It breaks my heart to know that some children are actually sick and go through what Whitaker did and more on a daily basis. I don't know how their momma's do it. And how sad that there has to be such strict protocol because people really do abuse their babies.

But what makes me cry just thinking about it are the babies that were up there all alone. I just wanted to scoop up each one of them and take them with me.

At the end of the day, Whitaker is healthy and he is loved. And I am so thankful for that. So don't put your babies on the bed. Even if you don't think for one second that they are going to roll off. Because mine sure did and it wasn't worth it. Emotionally, Physically and Financially!

And then I crushed my knee in a "car accident". But that is a story for another day...

How dramatic and tragic do I sound!?!?!

2012-06-07T20:12:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite things about summer is the maxi dresses... as I am sure you have deducted from the amount I feature! When I put one on I just feel like I don't have to dry my hair, only have to wear mascara (blonde eyelashes), and get to embrace my inner boho.

And I intend on doing just that this summer.

Just a few that I am eying... and they came from just one website.

My wallet was trying to open itself up all by itself (amazing) and pull out the credit card... So I stopped perusing and left it at just these. My husband just smiled at my will power.

(warning. really cute pic at the end)

Splendid

Whitaker and Nora enjoying a dinner date at the pool

under $85

2012-06-06T10:37:00.000-04:00

Back with a budget friendly outfit!

This time everything adds up to just under $85!

a little jig

2012-06-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

When Whitaker really wants something he puts it in my hand or points. Then he waves his hands all around and does a little 2-step with his feet to indicate that this is indeed what he is after. His little "jig" insures he gets what he wants because it is just so dag on cute!

This Tibi Dress makes me want to do just that, a little jig!

Photos courtesy of the amazing blog Atlantic-Pacific

I will take the up-do and the sunglasses while I'm at it!

Trina for Banana

2012-06-05T14:05:00.003-04:00

It is not new news for the fashionistas out there that fashion designer Trina Turk has collaborated with Banana Republic for a summer 2012 collection to debut June 7th. But to those of you that did not know.. now you are in the loop.

Trina Turk has brought her amazing designs and colorful prints to such a wonderful "mainstream" store and can provide Trina Turk lovers with more affordable pieces.

The campaigns make me excited!

And these outfits make me even more excited!

I love to see how designers style pieces into a collection!

2012-06-05T12:43:00.001-04:00

A little advice..

2012-05-31T20:28:00.001-04:00

As this last day of May comes to an end, it amazes me how quickly time flies. June marks 10 years since I graduated from high school. Hard to believe, but then it does seem like forever ago. Especially when you consider how much I have learned and changed! I guess it would be quite worrisome if I hadn't. I have definitely made mistakes but I sure do wish I could go back sometimes and give myself a few tips. It's not like I would have actually listened, but maybe if my 28-year-old self had given 18-year-old me some advice, maybe and I mean maybe, I would have at least had it burning in the back of my mind during some of my escapades.

So here it goes... maybe some other high school graduate will see this and take a few of these things with her.

1. More often than not your mother is right. Hard to believe right now, but I promise it's true. So listen!

2. Trust your gut. You have great instincts. Use them. Have faith in who you are and what you are capable of doing.

3. Timing is crucial. Someone will tell you that, but until it all falls into place it is hard to comprehend. So be patient.

4. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck... I am sorry to break it to you.. but it is a duck.

5. You are not fat. Embrace your body. Take care of it. One day it will create the most precious thing in your world.

6. Speaking of your body, do yourself a favor and do not consume ANYTHING after midnight. Really it should be like 9 o'clock but let's get real. Okay fine... nothing after 2 AM.

7. In college, Study Abroad and Get an internship. No excuses.

8. You are not perfect. In fact, you are far from it. The quicker you accept your faults the happier you will be. Surround yourself with people that love you despite these faults.

9. If you love someone, tell them. Rejection is much easier to get over than regret.

10. Tequila never ends nicely. Avoid it like the plague.

11. Do not let your brother get into a car on December 28, 2008. Actually do. He ends up okay and sometimes life demands a new perspective.

12. Move somewhere new when you graduate from college. Anywhere.

13. Save your money. There really is no need for everything you buy.

14. Stick up for yourself, your family, and your true friends. It isn't always easy but it is crucial.

15. Take time for yourself. You don't always have to be surrounded by people.

16. Men are men. Play hard to get.

17. Cherish the women in your life and those that come into it. You will lean on them more than you can imagine.

18. Be honest.

19. Don't dwell. It get's you nowhere. There is also no reason to over analyze. It seems to be engrained in a woman's DNA, but it also get's you nowhere.

20. When you meet the man you are going to marry... trust me, you'll know.

And just so you know... I am so glad I am not 18 anymore!

Any additions to the advice list?!?!?!

what, what

2012-05-30T15:49:00.000-04:00

Well, Homegirl is on a tight budget these days. Thank goodness we live in a wonderful city with lots of free things to do. Only problem is I want to look cute while getting out and about!

So I thought I would start putting together a few less expensive outfits to make the hubs proud.

This entire outfit is under $140! And you might already have some pieces in your closet that are similar, so the cost just keeps going down! Can I get "what, what"?

Shorts $45

Lace Top $36.50

Wedges $26.99

Geo Pattern Bangle Set $10.80

Handbag $19.99

Minty Fresh

2012-05-29T09:19:00.001-04:00

Back to reality today after a wonderful weekend at the beach.

We had a family photo shoot on the beach at sunrise Sunday morning and I absolutely can not wait to see the pictures. It was such a gorgeous morning. I need to get up that early more often!

I caught a few rays, Daniel a few (small) fish, and Whitaker a full body rash. Overall, a fabulous weekend.

I am feeling a bit minty this morning as I am sporting a little Target mint number myself for the ride back to reality.

I also love the color...

on my toes

Paired with white lace..

to talk a mile a minute on....

to make my work just that more refreshing...

to pretend I live such a fabulous life...

as my summer bag...

on the runway....

And to feel as put together as her!!!

Watching the Storm Roll In

2012-05-25T14:23:00.001-04:00

Friday Fashion Finds Under $100

2012-05-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

Well I am down at the beach for this gorgeous holiday weekend and felt like it was time to bring back Friday Fashion Finds!

Here is a few to wet your palette until next week. I will blow it out of the water when I get back, but right now it is way too pretty and the salt air is calling my name

$69

$72

$65

$98

$18

Me

2012-05-23T21:22:00.003-04:00

hellllooooo...

Anyone out there?

Or have you given up on me. I would have if I were you.

Truthfully, I have almost given up on "me" this past year. That doesn't sound so great when you put it in writing, but the truth is I have given so much of myself to my little man that I have forgotten about "me"! I don't even know who "me" is these days. Sure, I am a mom, a wife, an employee, a friend, etc. But that is about where it stops these days. "Me" is going through a little desperation and soul searching. "Me" needs to figure out, well, ME.

are you following?

If not, let me put this simply. I am back to blogging. I need a creative outlet and I know this blog is just what the doctor ordered.

So what have I been doing?

Well on top of working and being an okay wife

I have basically been running.. literally running.. around to keep up with this cute boy

and here he is.. my heart.. on Easter

One thing I must note is that my hubby just finished getting his MBA. He has worked so hard and I am quite proud. If you read all the way back to the beginning, you will learn that I started this blog when he began as something to keep myself occupied while he was gone.

Crazy it has been 2.5 years

So thank you loyal readers... you can start following again :)