Lizabee & co.

friday: i'm thinkin'...

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

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

see, what these thinkers are thinkin'...

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

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

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

thursday: i'm thinkin'...

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

iphoneography

...it needs some sprinkles.

more thinkin' going on here...

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

georgia, ashley,tami, carla, kelli, veronica

wednesday: i'm thinkin'...

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

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

thinking, too...

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

tuesday: i'm thinkin'...

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

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

they're thinkin' too...

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

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

would you like to join?

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

and you will be added to the list.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

close up, check...feeling blessed, check

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Weekend!

Checking our list

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

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

Enjoy.

It's beginning to look alike like Christmas.

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

all images via Pinterest

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

thanksgivings away

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

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

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

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

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

Decided to stay indoors

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

photo taken from flickr

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

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

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

For the cappuccino lovers

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

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

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

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

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

happy weekend

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

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

dreaming in white

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

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

[all images taken from pinterest]

Cinque Terre Update

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:04:00 PST

Save Vernazza is a Facebook page that is keeping the public up to date on its rescue efforts. Vernazza is a smaaaall village but the damage is quite extensive and its location makes for tricky manuevering. However, spirits and optimism are high. As you visit the page, you can see how the firemen are sharing meals with the rest of the rescue workers and to top it off, enjoying a glass of wine. Their perspective on life is admirable.

As promised, here are more pics from our trip to Cinque Terre this summer with a little bonus...a soundtrack that I borrowed from una bella vita. The trip felt magical the instant we stepped off the train, however, the couple of hours in Vernazza were transformed into my own Italian movie with a serenade from a young canadian tourist. She was playing a piano solo at the cafe where we stopped for a cool drink and an espresso. The solo is Comptine d'un autre ete...which loosely translated means "a rhyme of another summer". This song will always take me back to our magical moments in Cinque Terre.

This is the best representation of how we traveled...wondergirl always tired...wonderboy helping mom by carrying camera bag, wonderbaby on mm's back...and I...behind the camera, of course.

Yes, people do lay on the rocks to sunbathe. See the leg peeking behind the rocks.

This bar/cafe is completely submerged in mud and sand.

What about you? Do have any special soundtracks playing in your head?

Have a relaxing weekend, lovelies

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:25:00 PDT

Sweet Dreams on Instagram @lizabeeandcompany

This week has come and gone. The Halloween magic has disappeared (as the decorations) but the treats will linger for what it looks like the rest of the month. The wonderkids did a fantastic job of gathering treats. As for me, I'm doing a great job of staying away from the candy jar. One way is playing with some great new photography apps, of course.

I'm falling in love with Instagram. Since I've packed my fuji instax, I've been looking for ways to document my dailies with some vintage flair. This is a fantastic way to keep up with old, new and creative friends. Love this new app on my phone. My favorite filters are Amaro, Hefe and Valencia.

So, do you Instagram?

You can find me @lizabeeandcompany.

Monterosso...and in a moments notice, it's gone.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 08:34:00 PDT

I'm writing this with a lump in my throat. The news is just heartbreaking. Severe flash flooding has completely wiped out the beautiful villages of Vernazza and Monterosso in Cinque Terre. According to the mayor of Monterosso, ..."Monterosso no longer exists."

Cinque Terre is considered the Italian Hidden Riviera by some and with reason. It's absolutely breathtaking. We had the privelege of visiting the area this July, just five weeks shy of our departure from Italy. I am so glad we made it. We were there for just a quick day trip but were able to squeeze in three of the five villages...Vernazza, Monterosso and Riomaggiore. Of course, we vowed to come back one day with more time and with or without the brat pack. I know that we will. One thing I learned about Italy is that Italians are resilient and resourceful. There's no amount of ash, water, debris or mud that will stiffle their desire to make things Molto Bella.

The day started off a little hazy but by the time we made it to the Riomaggiore there was nothing but sweet light. I snapped shots unil I couldn't snap anymore. I "disappeared" for about thirty minutes and MM called out a "search party". It was amazing and will share some of those candid shots later.

But first, I wanted to start you off with these of Monterosso.

For more about the aftermath you can read about it here. The government is awarding over 60 million Euros (about $90 million) for the clean-up effort but you can also donate to the Italian Red Cross if you're wanting to help.

saying goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:59:00 PDT

Military man is traveling every week. I try to plan different ways of saying goodbye before he flies off to training. This last time we shared a meal at a local italian restaurant and I joined him in an espresso. The company was great but the meal and the espresso far from good. It's hard to find anything close to the real thing. Italy spoiled me us in so many ways.

So, how do you say goodbye to your sweetheart? Can you give a girl a few ideas?

it's good to be home

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:30:00 PDT

Trying to get back in the swing of things and getting settled in our new place. It's actually a bit of a dream come true. We're living in a swanky part of town. I love to be close to great little mom and pop diners and the life downtown.

The Intracoastal Waterway is our view and you can spot the tower at Mar-A-Lago peeking out of the palm trees. We still have boxes to empty amidst the Halloween decorations but there's always time to take advantage of the Green Market and the fountain downtown.

....and YES, having family and friends so close by is a BIG plus. We are beaming and happy.

fashionable friday

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:27:00 PDT

This would be a cute ensemble to wear for the trip back to the states. I'll have to work on the jeans. The shoes and jewelry I can find at my favorite market. The orange Hermes Birkin...well...my simple orange bag will have to do. I think, I'd rather keep the children's college fund in tact.

So, where are your travels taking you?

more from our walk

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:23:00 PDT

Yesterday's inspiration motivated me to dig deeper into these pictures and post other moments to remember and share. We rarely get the opportunity to escape by ourselves even just for a walk. We were thrilled to have a few stolen moments.

We spent a fantastic memorial day weekend with a group of friends in quiet Sperlonga beach, two hours south of Rome and one hour North of Naples. It's a quaint beach community with just the right amount of things to do. If you ever visit Rome, I suggest renting a car and making your way there. Driving Italian highways are not what you think. The highways are fantastic, safe, full of many rest stops (Autogrill) and signs are easy to read. The drive will seem effortless but make sure your rental includes a navigation system. Also, makes any road trip much easier.

picture inspiration: heart

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:19:00 PDT

I've joined this creative community a while ago. Unfortunately, I've neglected it because other things have distracted me. Surprise!

The idea behind it is to challenge you creatively with a theme, to later post it on one's blog and the community page. This past week was heart {or last week, I can't remember}. But whatever the case, this is my contribution.

A lovely little vongole {mussel} washed ashore that we came across on a rare quiet stroll, just MM and I.

Maybe, King Neptune was trying to tell us something.

it's serious, folks.

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 21:00:00 PDT

Have you noticed that I have a favicon and a new domain name? A favicon is that logo you see to the left of a blog title on the windows tab. {look up and notice the LB in yellow next to Lizabee & co.} I made mine using Photoshop and saved it as a 16 x 16 pixel image. I chose initials but you can use an image.

Here are the easy peasey steps:

1. Choose an image or make your own and save it as a 16 x 16 or 20 x 20 pixels image. You can do that on flickr or Picnik. Both are free you just have to create an account.

2. Sign in to Blogger in Draft using your usual username and password. It takes you to a new and sleeker version of Blogger where the developers test run the newer functions. I've actually been using it as my primary "log in" page, just so I'm current with all the new features.

3. Find your blog, click on it and click on the Layout function. You should see the favicon field at the top with the orange Blogger "B" logo. Click on Edit and upload your image.

4. There you have it! You've just personalized your blog and created a brand for yourself. Pretty cool, huh?

Second, I'm publishing under the new domain name lizabeeandcompany.com. Another extremely simple process. First, Sign into Blogger or Blogger in Draft.

If you're using Blogger, under the Settings tab, click on to Publishing. On this page you can check the availability of the domain name you want to assign your blog and purchase it from Blogger for $10/year. It's that easy.

The same goes after logging into Blogger in Draft. Immediately, under the Settings tab you'll see the option to "+Add a domain name". Again, you'll check for availability, purchase it from Blogger and all your users will be directed to your blog under the new name.

There you have it; two simple ways of branding your blog without breaking the bank and doing it yourself. Okay that's enough techie talk for one post. Tune in next time for the regularly scheduled randomness of Lizabee & co.

photo-booth confessionals ™

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:00:00 PDT

I'm beginning to feel like I'm selling myself out with my photography. I have prided myself for a long time to keeping things authentic, however, lately I've been overprocessing my images. Actually, i have been stumped over this creatively because of the time wasted over learning new tricks with processing. In addition to, feeling guilty for having all this great equipment and preferring "lo-fi" images to the "high-fi" ones. That would explain my absence here and on flickr. Too much time has been wasted on looking into new ways to "show off" my images.

Let just say, i detest the guilt to have to do more. I just spent lots of time looking over other natural-light photographers and drooling over the life and emotions they are capturing. Then comparing images that i took, let's say a year or so ago, to some of the work i'm doing today. i'll have to say that i captured moments of life much better, then. The images were much better when i walked around with my nifty fifty times two around my neck (or close by) and clicked away. I got sucked into the better lenses, editors, actions, and so-on and it's making me crazy. I think it might be time to down-size.

Albeit, the recent backdrops have been spectacular but lacking....lacking....wonder. Here's a prime example...the sailboats i took in Lake Como over easter weekend. the natural light was breathtaking...that's why i put the camera to my eye to begin with...because it was magical all on its own. And yet, i felt the need to add more. That's so true in a lot that we do. We (i mean people) talk about doing less and not having to do more and yet we feel compelled to do more, anyways.

So, here's to doing less and enjoying more!

If you're interested in viewing the original pic, go to my flickr.

we just got a little lighter

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:54:00 PDT

No, this isn't some marvelous insight on how a great diet plan has help me get back into my size 8 jeans, comfortably. In fact, it's about moving. Our first round of the process ended today. Military families are allowed an "express" move, aka unaccompanied move, before the entire household is boxed up, labeled and crated to the next duty station. That's so you can have some basic articles, waiting for you, {in theory} to use while the entire household goods shipment arrives.

The express move ended today but I have been purging for weeks and by that I mean getting rid of all the excess baggage that I've been carrying with us for almost 14 years. There were boxes of memories, books and enough souvenirs to fill a gift shop. In addition to, clothes outgrown by both the wonder kids and me. You know clothes that I swear I was going to get into "one day".

Now, my favorite {insert sarcasm here} were MM's old calculus notebooks from his freshmen year in college. He swears that he'll use them to review formulas for his future homework help sessions with the kids. Dozens of carloads later our load has gotten lighter and the boxes, God willing, will be much less on the receiving end.

One thing that I hated the most about purging were the toys. Many parents knock the electronic video games and xboxes, wii's, etc, but let me tell you what....It beats all the hundreds of Polly Pockets, Barbie, plastic kitchen food who-haas that I had to sift through, yesterday. An entire day was spent figuring out what to do with a centimeter size plastic shoe to a doll that had been long gone. Oh, it was a labor of love. By hour three, I was ready to open an extra large hefty sack and practice some three pointers and blame the movers for sending then to Thailand when the girls realized that everything went missing.

Don't worry folks, I didn't. It'll feel like Christmas, again, when they open up the moving boxes...and thanks to me much less of them.

new ideas

noreply@blogger.com (liza) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:52:00 PDT

so, now that I'm in full moving mode...I'm thinking ahead. Being that I have thousands of great images from our two years in Europe, I'm looking for great ideas to showcase them. This one has me really excited. It's so creative and since our temporary home in west palm will have a minimalist vibe, this will add some warmth and personality to the space. In addition to a Euro flair.

We've never lived with the bare minimum for a long period of time but it's something I'm looking forward to do very much. Less is more, right?

{image is courtesy IGnant: an exhibition by Danish artist Monja Gentschow}