My Favorite Things

i'll moose you!

2012-10-31T10:03:00.001-07:00

I'LL MOOSE YOU!

Today my littlest turns two. Today is one of my favorite holidays. Today is the day I say goodbye.

I've written this post in my mind a million and one times, never really quite sure what to say. The words always just escaping my grasp. I have been battling this decision, back and forth, since the beginning of this year. And just recently, I came to a conclusion. It is time to say farewell to blogging, at least for now. Let's call this an extended break, with no set date to return.

This leaving thing, it's bittersweet but I know it's right. I have other avenues I'd like to pursue but most of all... Most of all I want to focus on my family. School my boys. And enjoy life at a slower pace.

Thanks for reading, for following along, and for being my friend.
I'll see you on the flip side!

xx
ME

p.s. if you'll miss me too much, feel free to say hello at my personal blog.
p.p.s. My Favorite Things will remain at this domain, feel free to browse through the archives.

scary!

2012-10-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am a wimp with a capital W! I hate scary movies, I hate them. As much as I love Halloween, I do not like the scary aspect. I would much rather keep this holiday light and fun and full of childish wonder.

And so, even though my husband has begged and pleaded to watch a scary movie this week, I will not budge. Although, I can get down with movies like Rear Window.

So tell me, do you like to hide under a blanket, cuddle up with your lover, and watch a horror film? If so, what's your favorite?

make it happen.

2012-10-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

I am tired of being disappointed with the cards that I am being dealt. To hell with the pity party yo, I am going to make it (life) happen. period. Whose with me? This can only mean one thing; I need this tattly tattoo.

Happy Friday!
Go make it happen! Period!

holy moose!

2012-10-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

I am most definitely in love with this moose sheet set from Land of Nod. If I had a money tree, I'd ship them straight to my boys' beds ASAP!

I have a thing for moose, owls and pigs. Do you have a favorite animal?

fall into style with jbella.

2012-10-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Can Dallas finally get the memo that Fall is here and the temperatures need to drop, like, yesterday? It is warm and humid and not at all in accordance with my fall wardrobe. So until mother nature decides to be agreeable and produce a chilly atmosphere, I shall dream of wearing sweaters and boots and scarves.

Jbella has a pretty stellar lineup that I would like to stowaway in my closet once the temperatures drop. Jamie (owner of jbella) and I have each created a Fall look that we would like to share with you. I've pulled three of my favorite pieces together for a simple, black and white, no fuss look.

Jamie went with a little more edge, fitting of her killer style!

black and white look
racer leggings
isabel top
the manhattan wool coat

snakeskin look
snakeskin edge jacket
alex burgandy skinnies
the jackson white top
good works cherum bracelet

jbella is a MFT sponsor. all thoughts, opinions, and words are my own. pinky swear.

p.s. don't miss out of the FREE top promo happening over at jbella. hurry, hurry, it ends tonight!

defeated.

2012-10-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

This year (combined with last) has been a doozy and the other night (after ramming my head into the corner of the microwave door (no stitches thankfully) and smashing my finger in the laundry room door) I felt defeated. I crumpled to the floor, exhausted to the very depths of my soul and I cried.

I still had laundry to fold and Halloween costumes to begin and all I wanted to do was curl up and sleep. And not worry. That worry, he is an unwelcome visitor. Because really, what does one accomplish by worrying?

My sweet, dear husband enveloped me in his arms and sent me to bed with the promise of sleeping in until, gasp, 8:00 the next morning.

Life is still here to live, worries and all. And so I will cry and carry on. Because a reeeeeally good cry is necessary to heal and move forward, yes?

And three cheers that today is Friday!

P.S. am I the last to discover Mumford & Sons? Should I be rockin' out to any other good tunes? Share your favorites!

more play. a home schooling update.

2012-10-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

And so it goes, we are in week EIGHT. Week eight people! It's strange because my boys are still young enough that not having them attend public school feels normal. It seems as though we are in a very long extended holiday with learning thrown in there somewhere.

Although we have generally found a simple rhythm to our days, each day is completely different from the next. Having a toddler will do that for you. We have a loose schedule that we follow, which allows for maximum flexibility. This is something that does not come easily to me but I am learning. Oh boy, I am learning!

We usually begin school around the ten o'clock hour but honestly we do the bulk of stuff during Nicholas' nap time. My older two are still young enough that they need my guidance and Nicholas is at the age where he wants mama constantly.

I like to kick start our school day with scripture study. We are currently focusing on the Book of Mormon at the moment. That is usually followed by drawing time. This part tends to be Tyler's favorite. I choose a form/shape and then tell them to incorporate that into a drawing of whatever their heart desires at the moment. Some days they color for 15 minutes, other days they could easily spend 45 minutes. I use this time to read aloud to them. Right now we are currently lost in the pages of a Roald Dahl book, The Witches. It is very fitting for the month of October. After we've wrapped that up, we spend 10-15 minutes doing our first language lesson and then it's lunch/break/nap time, depending on what the clock says.

During Nic's nap we do Right Start Mathematics, which we all do together. I was having Tyler work through Life of Fred but he wanted to switch over to Right Start with Benny. I really really like this math program. So far they both enjoy it and are doing quite well. I think this will provide a solid foundation for them to work with. I want to transition them over to Life of Fred when we complete Right Start (level B) and supplement with Right Start games. Oh and Tyler also does xtramath.org.

We try our best to fit in our Nature Study journals and our current theme for the month, which just so happens to be bats and spiders. History right now is all about the American Revolution. We tend to alternate history and the theme, a sort of flip flop. Art slides in there, along with baking and lego building contests. We've learned to finger knit and make a felt ball garland too!

At night, Tyler cuddles up with me in bed. He reads. I read. It's so completely cozy. I love this part.

All in all, it's about 2-3 hours of school each weekday. I try to hit the key parts (reading, drawing, math, scriptures) and anything extra is bonus.

I will go ahead and say that we all seem to enjoy each other mostly, with bursts of annoyances here and there, like any family has. But I will be so bold as to say that with 8 weeks in, I can see a future of home schooling. For now anyways.

harry potter birthday party.

2012-10-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

The fact that I am just now posting pictures from my son's seventh birthday party is proof that, well, proof that I am tired, forgetful and busy. So let's skip the fact that the party happened in June and carry on to the fantastic part that the birthday boy had a spectacular time.

The ever so fabulous Lindsay (of run lucas run), whipped up the graphics for the treat bags, butterbeer, invites and pin the lightening bolt coloring sheet. She called upon her righteous design skills to create a simple, modern spin on good ole 'Arry Pottah.

I kept things simple and inexpensive because that's the name of the game over here.

The invites were train tickets tied onto Hedwig's claws. I got the idea off of pinterest but instead of blowing the balloons up with helium, I just did it the old fashioned way—with my mouth. Then I fastened brown pipe cleaners to resemble claws and used twine to tie the invites on. My husband was so kind and sketched the owl onto the balloons with sharpies.

I bought wooden dowels for the wand creation station. I gathered up every color of permanent marker and let the kids go to town. After that, the children colored the lightening bolt pages. We used those to play pin the lightening bolt on Harry, which was a big success!

I made the cake to resemble the one Hagrid presented to Harry when they first met. There was a whole tears and gnashing of teeth incident the night before the party, wherein I left out ingredients from the made from scratch cake and it all went down hill from there. Just picture an insanely tired mom, throwing a box cake mix into the oven at one in the morning. The sight was not pretty friends. But the kids liked it and by that point I didn't care.

The treat bags were full of wizarding goodies from honeydukes. I made chocolate frogs (using a frog mold), licorice wands, gumballs, jelly belly jelly beans in test tubes and cream soda for butterbeer.

I used brown kraft paper to cover up a sun hat in order to create the sorting hat, a MUST for a Harry Potter party!

Besides the cake fiasco (and cutting out each candy label), the party went off fairly well without a hitch. And the birthday boy, he had a load of fun, which was my goal.

A big thanks to Lindsay for all the graphics and Stephanie (Auburn Soul) for the pictures!

a merry mishap.

2012-10-10T05:10:00.001-07:00

Instagram has become the new blog for me. I love to quickly scan the pictures (during a free moment. do those exist?) and take a small peek into the lives of those that I follow. And now that sounds kind of creepy but you know what I mean, yes?

I stumbled upon a merry mishap and immediately fell hard for her jewelry. It is simple but still grabs your attention. A winner of a duo!

speckled grey and mint geo necklace
mixed bead necklace in nude pink and blue

floppy hat goodness.

2012-10-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Are you a hat person? I am. The reason is probably, most likely, because I am lazy and hardly ever do my hair. A hat is the perfect solution to still looking polished. I have my eye on this felt floppy hat this very moment.

read it.

2012-10-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

I often find myself strolling the isles of youth literature when browsing the bookstore. There is something appealing to me about the stories and tales that can be found in the children's section. And I am just going to put this out there, but I completely and 100% judge books by their cover. You know you do it too. A well illustrated cover is an attention grabber and that is precisely why I purchased The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Here's the cherry on top—the story inside is just as good!

What are you currently reading?

a little bit sad.

2012-10-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

no matter what, this cheesy grin gets me every time.

One of my best friends moved away last week and well, my heart is a little sad. This year has played out completely different than what I expected. It has been full of many a twist and turn that I wasn't quite ready for. Sometimes being a grown up is hard.

The winds are stirring up lots of change. I'm stretching and growing, learning to embrace all that I can't control and learning to ease into the sometimes scary falls that come from living.

But there is a peace that settles in at the close of each day. The feeling that this is where I need to be, whether I can see it for myself or not. And so I will run with it. Laugh a bit more. And love so deeply. And be grateful for this life.

p.s. today is the beginning of my favorite month. that makes me happy :)

home school curriculum.

2012-09-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

After reading this waldorf article, I've decided to reevaluate the curriculum I am using for both my boys. I still absolutely love the math curriculum I purchased and am pretty happy with the first language lessons from a well trained mind, but I've decided to hold off on reading and handwriting with Ben and to not push handwriting and spelling with Tyler right now.

The article really resonated with me in a deep way. The whole reason behind my choice to home school, is so that I can teach my boys the best way possible. I want to cultivate an undying love of learning. To facilitate creation and to help promote their budding imagination.

I am looking into supplementing their learning experience with a little bit from montesorri and a little bit from waldorf. I am excited to study and learn more as I search out the things that I feel will be best for us.

This whole process has ignited a spark from within and I really am enjoying the journey. If you have any tips/suggestions/ideas regarding montessori and waldorf, I'd love to hear them!

on finding me. part 2.

2012-09-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

So back to this "finding me" topic. I've noticed over the last few years that my style has slowly evolved to something of stylish comfort. Although it is safe to say, I do love some of the trends happening. Color skinnies. Polka dots. And mixing patterns. But it is pretty accurate to define that my wardrobe is a reflection of seeking a comfortable laid back look. I gravitate towards a good pair of skinny denim and a well cut tee. Even as the weather cools and the days become short, I only have to throw on a few layers to transition from summer, to fall, to winter and then once again, back to spring.

To some this my seem lack luster and boring and it may be, because it is not who they are. Over the last year, I've really come to embrace this style of mine. I always feel good when I slip into my clothes, never uncomfortable or awkward. And I like that.

I can see, now that my personal style is settling, my spending is less. I don't feel the urge to keep up with what's hot now. I buy pieces that will be used over and over and over, even if that means I have six gray tees lurking in my closet. They are all loved and are worn time and time again. I put thought into every piece I buy, whether expensive or not, they have to pass the test. Do I love it? Would I wear it every single day if I could?

I may never be a trendsetter but I'm okay with that.

on finding me.

2012-09-21T05:30:00.001-07:00

The older I grow, the more okay I become with just being me. The constant crave to fit in. Dress in the latest trend. Those tendencies are slowly dying off and what I am left with is the journey in finding me.

I like simple jewelry.
I almost always wear neutrals, with little pops of color on occasion.
I wear my hair long, which can be found in a top knot most days.
I will choose flats over heels (except for date night).
I gravitate towards comfort over trend any day.
I like minimal make-up.
I use the same hand bag almost every. single. day. and rarely change it out.
I enjoy an uncluttered home.
I start listening to Christmas music after Halloween.
I like children's literature.
I would rather have a night in, than go out on the town.
I only have a few really good friends.
I love my freckles.
I am passionate about organizing.
I geek out over Harry Potter.
I will never not ever watch a scary movie.
I have a dream to live in the mountains.

As I look around at blogs and instagram, I have learned that even though I may adore so and so's outfit or style, it's okay that it's not mine. I can appreciate everyone for who they are, without feeling threatened that I am not enough. Or judging, I don't want to be that person either. Deep down I am a little bit nerdy and I'm okay with that.

I am not perfect and I still struggle with the feelings of inadequacy, but to slowly shed those feelings and gain a confidence in me, is refreshing. I still have a long ways to go but it is a journey I am enjoying.

honesty is the best policy.

2012-09-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be honest. Home schooling is completely exhausting. I am dragging your feet, droopy eyelids, brain hurts tired by the end of the day, but I still love it—mostly.

Last night after we read our scriptures and we were all snuggled in, we listened to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I highly recommend this audiobook for young and old alike!

In the middle of our "story time", Tyler leans over and proceeds to say—

"Mom, you know how Ron always says bloody hair? Maybe he is talking about spiking his hair or something. Harry would look ridiculous with spiked hair."

Bloody hair, bloody hell. Hah! I hope he never figures it out.

p.s. this picture has nothing to do with the post whatsoever but i like it. so there you go.
p.p.s. Happy Friday!

run Tyler run!

2012-09-20T07:54:00.001-07:00

Because I am swamped up to my eyeballs in things to do this week, enjoy a little video of mine. Flag football has taken over my home and I've decided to just go with it. I am not a born sports fan but I suppose my boys are turning me into one.

p.s. Tyler is number 15 and Benny is number 13
p.p.s. you might want to turn your sound down before you view the video!
p.p.s. can you tell I'm a proud mama?

the seasons of change.

2012-09-18T06:23:00.003-07:00

Perhaps I am my happiest in the fall. Late September, early October, a well of excitement rises within. The wind rustles the fallen leaves, waiting to be crunched beneath my feet. Birds start lining up on all of the wires, cawing their birdie cries. There is a peace that settles in, that only exists in this season. It is surely almost impossible to fully describe. It is my sanctuary.

School is now in its fourth week. I still find myself in a state of mixed emotion, so thrilled to have my boys at home, learning right along side them. And then the other morning, feeling under the weather, I dreamed for a moment of napping while Nic naps, while the older two would be away at school. But still, this is right. Right for us, right for our family—at least for now.

And no matter how busy we become, entangled in the craziness of life, my heart is happy with the seasons of change.

the sling diaries.

2012-09-13T06:58:00.003-07:00

The Sling Diaries is over and wow, what a journey. I had the best time documenting each theme, along with my friend Stephanie. Nicholas is (almost certainly) our last little we will have and it means the world to me to have such tender memories tucked away in photograph form. I've worn each of my babes through out the years and embrace the closeness that comes from having them right there, right next me.

A big thanks to Sakura Bloom and Marvelous Kiddo for inviting me to join them on this adventure. It's been fun ladies :)

Hurry quick! Join in the trivia for a chance to win a sling of your very own!
A lovely wrap-up of each of the women who participated.

our first field trip!

2012-09-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

In honor of 9/11, we spent a portion of our school day at Frisco Fire Safety Town. It was our first field trip of the year and to say the boys were thrilled would be an understatement.

Our field trip was right smack dab in the middle of nap time, which can lead to the conclusion that Nicholas was one big melt down. That boy of mine does not like to be contained. He is an all around pleasant little tot but sitting still is not his forte.

As I was sneaking out of the presentation with a less than happy Nicholas, I totally biffed my step and basically fell to my knees. It was completely embarrassing and painful and at that moment a deep hole should have swallowed me up. Awkward. Luckily my back was to everyone and I didn't have to make eye contact and confirm that yes, I did just fall on my arse. I'd like to just pretend it never happened. Shall we?

And now that the day is over, I am left with three sleeping boys, one of which just came down with a fever. How's that for the cherry on top?

this bag.

2012-09-10T05:30:00.001-07:00

I have my eyes on this beauty-ful handbag from fossil. Now who wants to buy it for me?

p.s. where is your favorite handbag from?

marfa, tx.

2012-09-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've heard of Marfa. I've seen Marfa pop up on blogs here and there. But I've never been. I'd like to go. To experience. To see. Have you been?

the first day and other school stuff.

2012-09-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

I need to come up for air! This week we are adjusting to school and trying to find a nice rhythm. Constant tweaking is taking place, as we learn together. I plop down in front of the computer at night to look at this or that (a blog post about a favorite history book or a review on a spelling program) and I get sucked into the home schooling vortex that never ends. My mind has officially reached its capacity to store information. It is about to activate shut-down mode any moment.

My sweet, dear friend Stephanie, of Auburn Soul, is taking this crazy journey right along with me. We bounce ideas of each and laugh at the sheer volume of stuff that is out there. Sorting through it all is completely time consuming and all together addicting!

My boys volley from excited to slightly annoyed when it comes time to do school. It has been different every day. So far I really, really like the two math programs I went with. I am hoping after introducing math to Benny this year, (with RSM) that I can transition him over to Life of Fred (which is the program Tyler is doing). Nicholas has proven to be an excellent distraction (for me more than the boys) and I have found that we save a few subjects for nap time, if only for my sanity.

So there you have it. This is our second week of school but first full week, if that makes any sense at all. Even in the hard moments I still feel good about this decision of ours and I think my boys feel good about it too.

J Bella.

2012-09-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

The temperature soared into the 100's over the weekend. Seriously September! I am so completely over this Texas heat and am aching for some cool, crisp, fall weather. You know what that means, yes? Fall fashion!

J Bella has a fabulous lineup of some of the hottest looks. Denim. Jackets. Wedges. My wardrobe needs an update. The website is easy to navigate. As you browse, you'll quickly fall in love with just about everything. I want this jacket. These shoes. And this dress.

But because it is still quite warm and Summer is holding on, how about a FREE tank with all orders. Just type in LaborOfLove at checkout.

J Bella is a current MFT sponsor. Interested in sponsorship? Email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

skinny jeans for my skinny man.

2012-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

I love putting skinny jeans on my seven year and good thing he likes them too :) Gap is my favorite go to place for jeans for my boys. They fit great and are affordable too!