marta writes

am currently on a carmelita kick / hilary's caramelita recipe

2013-05-17T11:09:00.002-06:00

my dear friend hilary was one of my favorite idaho finds. we were neighbors and became very close during the years i lived there. lucky for me, her fam moved here when we moved home. such a happy crazy coincidence! we still get to see each other. in fact we are running a 5K together this weekend. if you feel so inclined, please donate a little for a good cause. we are running on a team in honor of her sweet angel baby michael. hilary is one of those friends that you know God put in your path for a reason. i have learned so much from her, i get teary every time i think about it. she is one of the most genuine, charitable people you'll ever meet. and she brings you cookie dough, just for no reason. and she shows up early when you're hosting parties, to help out. and she usually stays late to help clean up. she is that type of person. i'd never met any one else like her.

to make a long story short, i am a better person because of hilary. she is too humble to ever realize all she has done for me and my family. in this household we talk about her and her husband like they are legends. we really love them. enough gushing, onto the carmelitas! p.s. happy birthday, hil! admittedly, i have been on a carmelita kick for months now. they hit the spot, are quick to whip up and keep for days in the fridge. these bars are perfect for a picnic, a church activity or with a scoop of ice cream to accompany The Office finale. (didn't you love it?!)

i text hilary every time i make one of her recipes. she is an amazing cook. due to her gorgeous slim physique you'd never know she has a sweet tooth. but i love how she can put it away with the rest of us. just another reason we get along so well. i've been meaning to blog this recipe forever, so in honor of hilary's birthday, i give you her carmelitas!! careful, they are addictive.

HILARY'S BEST EVER CARAMELITAS
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/2 jar Mrs. Richardsons Butterscotch Caramel sauce (brand name is essential)
1 package (2 cups) milk chocolate chips (Hilary insists on using Guittard)

In large bowl combine first 6 ingredients to form a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle half of crumbly mixture into a foil-lined, greased 9x13-inch pan. (I smash mine down to ensure no holes for slippery carmel to get through.) Bake at 350 F for 10 to 15 minutes.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the baked crust and top with melted caramel mixture. Sprinkle remaining crumbly mixture on top. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

note 01. / if you want extra dense carmelitas for a party, simply double the crumbly dough topping by melting 3 sticks butter and add 3 cups flour, 3 cups oats, 3 cups brown sugar and doubling the soda and salt. use 3/4 jar of caramel sauce and 2 cups or more chocolate chips. (you can't really mess these up.) bake the doubled recipe in the same 9x13 pan.

note 02. / here's my tutorial on prepping and cutting carmelita bars. (did i mention how they are the perfect sweet for sharing?) i make them so often, i pretty much have the process down to a science. line your 9x13 pan with foil and spray with pam. then continue with the recipe as directed. that way, you can easily lift them out of the pan and peel off the foil for cutting. make carmelitas a day prior to when you plan to serve them. or at the very least, early in the morning of your dinner party. let them refrigerate overnight so the caramel can set up properly. the next day, when you're ready to slice them, take them out and let them sit on the counter for 15 minutes or so (while you eat breakfast). carmelita edges make the perfect breakfast dessert. slice off edges and save for husband and kiddos. then continue to slice into bars. place bars in sealed container and refrigerate until you're ready to roll.

book layout design | a life history by bernice cheshire

2013-05-15T10:05:00.000-06:00

picking the books up from the print shop is rewarding. seeing all those stacks of collated paper, ready to roll, is pretty rad. however, picking them up from the local bindery is my favorite. watching fifty volumes of a book (that i designed!) slide into boxes for me to take home is a pretty amazing feeling. this was a super top secret mission, but i had to snap a text pic to dan of our new arrival. when you create a book, waiting on its completion is like waiting for a baby to come. "it's here!!"

dan's sweet grandmother, bernice cheshire, recently wrote her own life history by hand (click the last image below, her old school process of cutting and pasting handwritten paragraphs is the best). her daughter, my mother-in-law, shanna has been a key role in making her mother's book come to life and shanna solicited my knowledge in book design. it was a big project to take on. doing work for a family member adds tremendous pressure, especially for a beloved grandmother! of course i jumped at the chance to help. i love grandma bernice so much and have very much adopted her as my own.

bernice is ninety-five and has so much vitality, strength and stamina! bernice remember details of our lives, works in her garden and hosts parties and fixes salads for potluck suppers. she still laughs at dan's jokes and loves my littles when we come visit. she is always smiling and chooses to see the sunny side of life. bernice is a heroine of mine. it was truly an honor to assist in creating this book for her. she is a wonderful writer and has written a lovely history.

months ago we were sitting at my kitchen table and she was hesitant about creating a book and distributing it. she wondered who might like to own a copy of her book!! (we had to convince her that taking it to the copy shop and spiral binding it was not the best route for her incredible story!) luckily she grasped the vision of creating a beautiful bound book to enhance her writing and highlight it with the photos that illustrate her life. she has been graciously excited about putting this project into my hands ever since. here's a peek at the finished book...

life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother / video

2013-05-09T09:39:00.000-06:00

tip for tuesday / wannabe washi tape now at officemax

2013-04-30T16:53:00.001-06:00

who doesn't love a good roll of washi tape? i have a growing collection and love to tape everything up and mix and match 'em. even though it's trendy. i like the neon trend too. so sue me. i don't even mind the wannabe washi tape rolls showing up at target and other easy-access stores. has washi tape sold out? if so, i for one am in favor! bring on more washi / wannabe tape! we office-supply hoarders love it.

this is one of my favorite rolls by far. now available at your local officemax! it's geometric patterned, a bit wider than classic washi tape. it's mint! and it's made my scotch. (do you know how i love scotch brand double-sided tape?! this is the next best thing!) and i just happen to be wearing mint pants today. talk about trendy. and matchy matchy. well, there's your tuesday tip. xo.

p.s. washi on wiki.

lessons from my littles / jumping hurdles without jumping in

2013-04-23T23:46:00.001-06:00

boy it's hard to figure out what to blog about these days. admittedly, i am sucked into instagram because it is sooo easy. forget the written word and all the time it takes to jot a post and photoshop pics, here's my cute kids! here is a snapshot with a small caption, and voila, end of story, i can connect with rad people and instagram is an insta-success for a non-socialmedia-mama! but then, there is always a story within every single day. truthfully i wonder how not to blog about my boys. family life, motherhood, daily tasks and life with littles is the main thing i have going. i know i am likely saying the same things again and again, but that's what a lot of motherhood is about. it is hard to think up a subject without thinking of what these boys have taught me recently.

i have a few ongoing design projects, but most of them and are kept hidden until the client wants to debut them.. so anyway my main life is my daily world with my kids (on repeat). in house, outdoors, taking drives, creating outings, making memories and hopefully raising them into kind loving people. so grateful to have a hands-on husband to help me along this parenthood route. i try to remember what benji says and jot his hilarious statements down in my favorite little quote book of his. four is all about growing, learning new things, testing limits and being sweeter than pie. he prays often and has such a sincere relationship with God. it's no wonder he teaches me so much. i really feel that children are here to give us new eyes and gain new insights if not a completely new perspective. i've been known to say that two kids has flipped my world upside down. in the best way possible, of course.

today i stopped and looked at them with new eyes. this happens almost once a day. they teach me so much. seth is learning to crawl. more specifically he is perfecting the plank position. it's really amazing to watch. he gets on his hands and knees, in a classic crawl and then switches to plank and drops to scoot himself around on his belly in an army crawl. i marvel that he has to learn the hard way. he has to drag himself through the motions until he learns the easier way through. isn't that how life is?! isn't that the way we learn from our mistakes? we learn the hard way and with practice, we get better and better and suddenly we realize all that dragging through life's challenges was only strengthening us. and, although benji is trying hard to teach seth how to crawl properly, no one can do it for him. seth has to learn on his own. so very true with life. we must learn and grow and figure out problems and develop our talents by ourselves. we have to go through the process to better ourselves. this is the golden part of life. even though it's so tough to watch. aren't your most valuable moments in life after coming through a trial?! isn't coping with difficulties the method of sculpting stronger souls; molding us into who we are?! as a mother i want to hurry his progress and help him crawl because i know it will be a lot less frustrating for him; but i know better. i know this is one of many hurdles he has to conquer on his own. so we clap and praise and holler and hug. we do all we can to help him help himself. a lesson i will surely be learning again and again as a mama.

benji has taken on the roll of big brother with great courage. he is such a good helper and is so very patient with our latest addition. he always creates stories about two brothers whenever he is imagining up a new tale. he is confident and happy and quick to forgive. i am so grateful he loves to be obedient. always trying to do what's right. seth loves him so much, what a joy it is to have a brother. however i know it must be hard to be four and learn about the bigness of life; the rules of right and wrong and figuring out how to be brave and honest and good and thankful and polite and know when and where ninja moves are appropriate. controlling our tempers and eating our vegetables and becoming an understanding and empathetic individual takes practice. practice is easier to come by with a little brother scooting around getting into our things. although i've tried with all my heart not to place too much older brother pressure on him, i know he must feel it. his life has changed in such a big way. he shares his mom and dad now. thankfully children are so wholesome and good, he wouldn't ever think to keep us only for himself. the only way children know how to love, is completely and wholly. i praise him and hug him and thank him for all he does. i do what i can to say you're awesome to go through this huge transition with a smile.

tonight my favorite thing happened. benji, all on his own, sang his baby brother to sleep. i waited in the darkened hallway–nearing their door, about to come to the rescue–when i heard him kindly solving the problem with a song. i stood motionless, not daring to move or creak the floorboards beneath my feet. i melted into a puddle as benji's primary song, i like to look for rainbows, calmed seth down immediately. and then they both fell back asleep in their room. i wanted to burst in and hug them both and tell them thank you for being such good boys. but i knew i would ruin the moment (and wake them both up)! another moment for me as a mama to stay by the sidelines and cheer. i silently thanked God for my many blessings and all the lessons i'm learning day by day.

benji loves baking with mama | seth perfects his plank in our hotel room

become as little children | inspiration: here, here and here.

a big thank you / calling all spring cleaning tips

2013-04-20T10:40:00.002-06:00

julia child quote / source unknown / via pinterest

thank you for all the shout outs on that last little experiment. i hear you. thanks! made me feel happy! i love it when i know you're out there reading. it feels like a little party! we've been off on a mini getaway in the mountains. eating, catching up on cable tv and swimming in hot tubs while the last of the spring snow fell. seth took his first dip in his nautical suit and benji showed off some back stroke skills. life is good. i feel so blessed. today it is raining and we are cleaning and laundering and catching up on cartoons. benji loves our official pajama days wherein we don't have to leave the house! getting home from vacation is the perfect time to spring clean the whole place. (i am using vinegar & warm water as my go-to cleaning solution these days.) i have a goal this year to get rid of all the crap lurking in the corners. i am a part-time professional hoarder and hope i can keep up the motivation to clean sweep. do you have any tips for me?! i have about seven huge empty boxes waiting for a day i may need them. wha?! is this necessary in life? and magazines?! why can't i part with them? and what about kiddie artwork!? i want to figure out a solution before he starts kindergarten! wishing you a happy spring saturday.

am a fan

2013-04-11T11:22:00.002-06:00

am a fan of instagram. i didn't get it before. now i do. #callmeasocialmediaslowpoke. i plan on making an Artifact Uprising photo album. instagram is the perfect lazy-person scrapbook.

am a fan of string cheese. with apples. or alone and in my purse all day, a little smushed.

am a fan of spring rain. it's so refreshing and is making our lawn soo green.

am a fan of OPI gargantuan green grape. the perfect mint hue for nails.

am a fan of old navy v-neck tees. i live in them.

am a fan of fabulous envelopes. i love a grid design.

am a fan of these pretty necklaces. i hope to meet kersey this week at bijou market!!

am a fan of these maypole colorful felt balls and the darling girl behind them. yay, aubry. (i met her and some other very talented ladies at an intimate crafter mama meet n' greet the other night. thanks to michelle of twig for the invite! lets do it again soon!)

am a fan of the gallery wall. dan has given me the go-ahead to let me have-at-it in my kitchen. am hoping for something lovely like this little pinspiration.

am a fan of all the darling illustrations found in the little low studio shop. this adventurers print would be perfect for my family of little adventuresome men.

am a fan of hunkering down to fold laundry. am thinking i'll be ordering something from amazon prime to make it a night. any good movie suggestions?!!

am a fan of creative collaboration projects. i am so grateful for you awesome incredible people (mostly all women!!) that i get to work alongside with. seriously, i pinch myself. i love brainstorming big things together.

am a fan of this tea boy's plaid button down. if i could justify hanging another one in their closet, it would be mine.

am a fan of family bike rides.

p.s. my brother and i had a little discussion about blogs the other day. i wonder.. is blogging dead? are we on the way out, especially due to google reader going away for good!?! are you still out there? if so, say a little hello in the comments. perhaps it's just the device you read it on is too cumbersome to comment?! anyway, just a bitty experiment!

5 awesome things for the weekend.

2013-04-05T10:48:00.000-06:00

+ planning on busting out the traditional trail mix for general conference this weekend. (it's going to be streaming live on saturday and sunday. are you excited?!)

+ this Elder Uchtdorf talk from the general young women meeting was so uplifting and riveting from the get-go. i love hearing him speak.

+ i've recently discovered sally hansen's insta-dry anti chip top coat. it's ammmmazing. it dries quick and looks glossy for a very long time. my sista thought my nails were shellac.

+ raining today. benji reminds me, april showers bring may flowers. will be making a fort later for a readathon. he has discovered richard scarry books. this makes me entirely happy.

+ am joining the masses on instagram! after a friendly dose of peer pressure i am loving the quick snapshot and connection with friends. find me @martawrites. a whole new addictive substance.

easter weekend 2013

2013-04-01T10:02:00.000-06:00

easter sunday dinner and egg hunt at amy's home. the teenagers taught benji about trading; their candy for his money. (benji gave up his money willingly without any trade. it was pretty cute.) good thing i have nieces to teach me everything i am missing on instagram, snapchat and youtube. p.s. i laughed my head off at this you forgot the blueberries clip. #thankssophie.

darling easter table. the food was so good, i was too busy eating to photograph.

the golden egg in the exhaust pipe trick.

oma and opa hosted an event to remember: an egg hunt (ears provided), the bunny hop, talent show, an egg roll race (i am dying to photoshop that grass green!) and easter sweets galore. it was warm and sunny and a perfect park day. i love watching benji (and seth!) play with their cousins.

dan provided the glazed maple bacon donuts. they actually tasted pretty good. not sure i ever need one again. admittedly, looking at this photo now makes my stomach a bit squirmish. (the kids thought it was an april fools trick. yuck! bacon!?!)

best easter loot: cool band-aids. genius thinking, mom!

my easter boys in their sunday best. in my opinion, little boys belong in plaid. (i'm gonna have to roll these babes to sears or something to get a decent photo of them together!) bummer i didn't snap a picture of myself yesterday; i was actually dressed properly. ha!

hope you had a happy easter with you and yours. xo.

domino magazine / on newstands now

2013-03-27T14:01:00.004-06:00

lookie lookie! a special spring issue of domino just landed. each page features pretty possibilities (and tons of sources!) for your small spaces. not only does it have fantastic ideas for your home, but the magazine is brilliantly designed and will inspire your inner graphic artiste. i will be dog-earring this edition and coming back to it often. it's my recent favorite thing to peruse before a little catnap on the couch. these days both boys are afternoon-napping at once. knock on wood! i count myself blessed! magazine reading and a catnap!? two guilty pleasures in one afternoon.

p.s. i'm loving your responses to my last post! yay. comments aren't dead afterall!

awesome or an outrage / lululemon vs. target

2013-03-26T23:11:00.001-06:00

lately i've been noticing the clever way designers are copying (so closely!) the trends selling in big brand name shops. (yes, i realize this is not a new phenom).

therefore, i give you: AWESOME OR AN OUTRAGE?!

i have recently been introduced (and therefore a bit converted) to the awesomeness of Lululemon attire. however i had mixed feelings when i saw almost exact designs at Target for way less than offered at Lulu. what do you think? i do love finding a bargain but do you think Target is missing on quality in construction? (i did note that there a few minor differences in design.) is Lulu just out to get us!? are you stoked that Target is up on what's hip?! do you feel in some way unethical buying the cheaper version!? or do you love that you scored a knock-off design!? (no judgements here. in nyc, i've been known to go crazy for $5 pashminas and faux kate spade bags!) for the record, these pants are completely comfortable and cozy. do you know which one's which?! will you be getting a pair?

click to see the sources of the capri on the left and the capri on the right.

25 happy things. go.

2013-03-21T01:34:00.001-06:00

opening mail has never been so fun.

+ warm enough to don the onesie without pants. (on seth–indoors–that is.)
+ we took a spontaneous (and successful!) family photo the other morning right before church. we were all wearing a touch of green. we grabbed a neighbor, click and bam: a decent family portrait. yay.
+ daffodils are (nearly) blooming like crazy. this makes me so happy since all our flowers died so miserably at the end there last year.
+ made vats of italian tomato, artichoke and sausage soup for a church function. the house smelled divine. i figured i would have tons leftover.. not even one bowl.
+ working on three design projects concurrently. it's good to get my feet wet again.
+ one of them has me squealing; a little marta calligraphy (can i call it that?!) letterpressed! i've only seen late night cell phone pics of them so far, but i'm dying over it. can't wait to reveal our collaborative efforts.
+ a very happy thing; texting other freelance mamas in the wee hours to discuss ideas, give pats on backs and virtual high fives.
+ planning an epic weekend in vegas with this little lady. (have you seen her new site?!) planning a trip (and where to eat!) is half the fun.
+ my taxes are (almost) done!
+ my favorite flipflops are back in business. (they are an investment; but they last and last and last.)
+ meanwhile benji is still wearing his boots to go biking. i had to remind him about crocs! oh the love of kiddie crocs in the summertime.
+ o.p.i. elephantastic pink fingernails.
+ a new belgium waffle & frittes place just opened up next door to my gym. talk about living dangerously.
+ last saturday we spring cleaned the garage. seriously, we were so proud of ourselves.
+ easter is right around the corner. planning egg hunts galore.
+ discovered a new fabulous font: Belluccia. gorgeous.
+ i finally fit into old pre-baby tops. hello peter pan collars. nothing like shopping the closet.
+ i braved up and went to zumba. felt like a fool. but a happy dancin' fool.
+ ate two homemade eclairs with the kitchen staff at said church function. i love the behind-the-scenes chit chat. p.s. anyone else tempted to run to target for the new JT album?
+ this body scrub smells amazing. admittedly that store can be annoying. just focus. run in, run out. you won't regret it.
+ glad the bachelor's over. oh man, that show. now i can have my mondays back.
+ met old friends jer and mallory for some authentic thai. more coconut curry, yes please.
+ finally cashed in a gift certificate from my birthday for a facial. happy belated to me.
+ counting the days to the field trip to the aquarium. benji is beside himself with glee.
+ the other morning i went with dan's grandma and mother to our favorite local bindery, Schaffer's. it's a true mom / pop shop, the best bindery in town. bernice, age 95, chose the hue of cloth for her book cover and picked between gold and silver foiling for the title and spine. (we're printing 50 life histories!) this kind of thing made me remember how awesome it is to create something from scratch. especially for people you love a lot. seth was a rockstar and slept in his carseat the whole time. three cheers for learning to juggle priorities.

in honor of st. patty's.

2013-03-19T14:07:00.000-06:00

benji playing in puddles | age two | idaho falls.

#growingupwaytoofast

what's the "pot of gold" at the end of your rainbow?

designing a book layout / part one

2013-03-10T22:09:00.001-06:00

lets start at the very beginning. a screenshot of InDesign, my favorite software for designing books!

this is the part i love about book building. did you know i design books? i rarely mention it (read more about it and the books i've designed right here.)! but that is what i do, or did, before baby number two came along. so here i go. i am starting another big project. i thought i may as well try to capture up some of the process of designing a book right here on my blog while i'm doing it.

here is a screen shot of my current design work. i'm currently playing around with fonts and page design. it looks so simple, yet so much has already begun in this process of designing a book. the beginning is like making a birth plan. you can't begin to birth a baby before having some sort of plan (of course this is not the best metaphor. as most of us mamas know that those birth plans go right out the window by the first contraction. hello surprise c-section!! hello doctor i've never met before! hello baby with red hair!! hello post-baby recovery no one tells you about!!) okay, so by comparison, books do come out a bit more smoothly than screaming red faced babes. but still, it's a big deal and you've got to be prepared for the unknown. here are my tips (and thoughts in general) about building a book.

this is one of my favorite things to do (and a big part of my freelance work as a designer) which is why i want to document it in the blog!

designing a book. / my thoughts.

1. gathering gems. after obtaining all the materials, photographs and text from the client or writer, we discuss their hopes and dreams for their book. usually these books are life histories, which means this book is their legacy that will hold true long after they are gone. (no pressure, right!?) i scan all of their precious papers and photographs (editing out the not-so-great to really spotlight the amazing images is hard for the client to do with so much sentimental value tied into them. it's helpful for an outsider like me to take a look at the images and quickly realize which ones best pack a pow and belong on the page!).

i've held marriage certificates that have traveled across seas in leather trunks and have been folded so tightly they almost crack as i scan them. these clients have a great deal of trust in me and i hold their items with care! i love seeing love letters and saved children's art! of course, scanning a giant pile of documents isn't always fun; it's tedious work. however this part is essential for ME to do (and not be handed off to my imaginary intern) because it is how i come to know (and usually fall in love) with the subjects of these books (my dad, Dee Halverson, is a historian and is typically the author of the books i layout). i thoroughly enjoy browsing old photographs, vintage yearbooks and incredibly dated wedding ensembles!

2. let the pieces fall into place. after i've lived with the tangible pieces of a person's history and read their story–in the text that i'll be formatting next–i start understanding their personalities, their priorities and what they take pride in. i try to see what they hold dear and what they value and what people loved about them. i want the book to 'look like' them. i want the subject's children and friends to recognize their loved one within the pages of the book. (this is no easy task!!) with the subject and his or hers loves and likes and style in mind, i try choosing fonts and design elements to coordinate. this is beyond tricky, yet it's my favorite part. deciding upon the fonts, the spacing, the size and format, the overall look and theme of the pages, picking icons and headings, etc. i start mixing all the right ones in and letting the wrong ones go. it is not unlike ingredients all lined up on a kitchen counter. and then i begin. dabbing a bit here and there and sometimes starting all over (like throwing out salty cookie dough) if it just feels wrong. i maybe shouldn't admit this too freely, but i'll let you in on a little secret. i go by my gut in most of my work. it has to feel right. it has to feel right. it has to feel right. after plenty of practice, trusting my gut has become so much easier.

3. it's not over 'til it's over. this tip should come at the end of the process, but i had to put it out there first and foremost. it's one of the main lessons i've learned. over the ten years i've been designing books, i have come to know that it ain't over til it's printed, bound and in your hands. just because you've finished the designs, created a nearly perfect pdf. and sent it to the printer... does not mean you are off the hook! you are likely not finished! don't breathe a sigh of relief yet! hold your breath until that babe (book) is born!

if you don't take it nice and slow, rookie mistakes can be made! there may be unlinked images (oh no!), a font that hasn't been outlined or a page turned upside down during the printing process! just wait and wait and be patient. and do your best to cross your t's and dot your i's.

wow. i had no idea i had so much to say on the subject. do you have questions? is this completely random? my designing notes, to be continued.

my annual post about dan telemarking up (and down) a mountain.

2013-03-07T23:18:00.002-07:00

in honor of the annual telemark ski race this weekend,
here's a peek at a few crazy-early morning backcountry training runs.
isn't it absolutely gorgeous?!!
go, dan (and co.), go!

check out my pics from last year.

tweedle dee, you are my bright spot.

2013-03-06T09:02:00.001-07:00

seth has mastered the airplane stance. how has seven months gone by so quickly? and yet, how has this little tweedle dee not been in my life forever and ever? he is my roly poly little mister at the moment. i love seeing him watch the world as it buzzes by. he marvels at the small movement of his own wrists and loves bouncing on those little wobbly legs while papa holds him. he lights up watching benji do his ninja moves and dance around the house; like an action film on repeat. (benji has become such a helpful boy. not only with the babe but toasting his own bread! working the mixer like a pro, washing his own hands and dressing himself. putting boots and coat away and showing me his pre-school worksheets. he loves playing co-pilot to all of my projects. these boys are growing so fast.) mister seth is cheerful and smiley and chubby and perfect. he's eating mashed fruits and veggies and is sitting up like a proper babe in his high chair. he has the charming baby babble and chuckles when we tickle him. he still loves a tight swaddle for sleeping. seth's blue eyes are deep and his skin so fair. ladies all around still compliment that hair. the big news around here: he's cutting in teeth faster than we can count. five teeth (almost six! we aren't sleeping much!) already. the fangs are especially awesome. my little wolvie.

this car quilt was made especially for benji when he became a big brother. it was such a thoughful gift for when the new addition arrived. now they both love snuggling with it! abby's quilt shop is right here!

seth at seven months old.

the salad i love to eat / with pink poppyseed dressing

2013-03-05T10:58:00.002-07:00

my favorite spring salad is so simple to make; it just takes imagination (and a sharp knife)! the key to success in wanting to eat salad is putting loads of deliciously fresh sweet and savory ingredients in it. my mother-in-law is the queen of throwing together a salad with whatever is in her fridge and having no fear in whipping together a coordinating salad dressing in the blender! i've taken a few tips from her and try to stock my fridge with healthy fruits and vegetables that can always be thrown into a salad last minute. good cheese helps it feel a bit more gourmet too. after all the chopping and such, i like to conjure up the price i'd be paying for this incredible salad at a fancy restaurant! this isn't really a recipe for salad, as you should just make due with what you've got. rather, these are suggestions for a spring salad mix. with salad combinations the possibilities are endless!

Spring Salad Possibilities

BASE
Green Lettuce I like giant pretty leafy greens or the spring mix at Costco!
wash and spin I love the OXO spinner. I chop and wash my lettuce and store it inside.
add any or all of the following ingredients:

SWEET & SAVORY mix in whatever sounds delicious to you...
Pears or Apples, sliced thin
Tomatoes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Craisins
Grapes
Celery
Cucumber
Grapefruit pieces especially amazing paired with avocado
Mandarin Oranges
Peppers i love yellow or red!
Avocado, cubed
Bacon pieces i like cooking bacon in the oven for no mess & extra crispy for salads!
Bleu cheese, Swiss, Feta, Parmesan or Gorgonzola cheese

CRUNCH i usually add just one of the following...
Walnuts
Pecans
Sunflower Seeds
Pine Nuts
Croutons

PINK POPPYSEED DRESSING
This dressing fits nicely into a Brianna's 12 oz. size bottle, so save that bottle and never buy dressing again!

1 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 small red onion, chopped coarsely
1/2 cup vegetable oil*
1 tsp. poppy seeds

Mix together first five ingredients in blender until smooth. Slowly add the oil until well combined. Then add the poppy seeds and pour into bottle and refrigerate. Will stay good for a few months! Shake well and drizzle on your favorite (custom) salad.

*If you have an awesome flavored virgin olive oil (I love orange and I am savoring the bottle slowly!), you can use half vegetable oil and half olive oil.

P.S. To create a fiesta mexican salad, omit the sweet fruits and instead add drained corn, black olives, black beans, pinto beans, avocado, tomatoes and cheddar cheese! Blend a squeeze of lime and a small bunch of cilantro into Ranch dressing for a quick delicious dressing.

pinspiration / living room makeover

2013-02-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

here is a peek at one of my top secret pinterest boards. don't you love them!? after massive hand hooked rug research, i fell head over heels with that pretty graphic one, top left. i couldn't stop thinking about him and hope he's every bit as glorious as i've built him up to be. i wondered if that rug may paint me in a tiny box, decorating-wise. then i realized that one of my favorite artists, maynard dixon utilizes the full range of those same colors. thus, i am gaining more inspiration from the hues in his artwork; every blue imaginable, orangey reds, whites and creams into grays and tans and browns. earthy and vivid. we'll see how it whips into shape. i'm thinking a few accent pieces and pow, a whole new room.

for now we have:
benjamin moore revere pewter walls
honey-colored hardwood floors
white molding
pretty basic furniture that can roll with whatever hits it

find of the day / fab fabric

2013-02-26T16:19:00.002-07:00

image source.

i love this playful TIDNY fabric (available at ikea). it's perfect for kiddo projects; a rainy day marker fest, a special preschool project, add fabric paint for pillowcases, tote bags, or use as the tablecloth for a painting party (drape an art smock over each little chair)! i can just imagine the children chatting and coloring while waiting for all the guests to arrive. it could be a whole doodlebug party theme. oh, cute. i couldn't resist including a yard of it in a birthday gift for a couple artistic little ones.

happy tuesday.

i am a sucker for the oscars.

2013-02-24T22:19:00.005-07:00

image source.

a flawless speech, daniel is such a charmer. my favorite part was the peck of lipstick on his cheek during his speech. (did you notice?!) yay, daniel day. other faves; jennifer lawrence as shocked as the rest of us (!!!), amazing adele, charlize's pixie cut!, anne's perfect poise, and my little boy sitting next to me with popcorn and a capri sun in lap. when is the james bond part!?

what was your favorite part?

decorating book recommendation and dream house ideas

2013-02-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

better homes & gardens small space decorating

when i get on a kick, i kind of get on a BIG kick. like benji and his latest excitement with ninjas (and weaponry). more on that later. so i picked up six or so books at the library about decorating. mainly because i had two hungry kids with me and i just grabbed a stack and checked them out. (i am searching for rug inspiration. any tips on where to get an amazing hand-hooked rug? one that won't cost a million dollars?) this book is the only one of the bunch i even liked. i stayed up all night reading it (and wishing i could circle stuff with sharpie and write notes in it). i got schooled on making a house a home. it's full of gorgeous pictures and straight talk about decorating. i'm a visual person when it comes to stuff like this.

here are some things i got out of it..
+ marble countertops in kitchen. on wishlist.
+ pretty light MINT walls in kitchen. yes, yes.
+ subway tile backsplash. yes yes. (no we're not re-doing our kitchen. ha!)
+ gallery photo wall. must-do list.
+ breakfast nook or at least a long farm table with benches. someday.
+ seasonal bedding choices.. why not!?! crisp whites! and lots of texture!
+ white kitchen cupboards and a giant farm house sink. and marble counters. and mint walls.

okay then. sometimes dreaming up plans is my perfect escape. (not unlike filling up an online shopping basket and never making a purchase!)

valentine's at our house

2013-02-14T09:46:00.005-07:00

this month we hosted a sweet n' salty february fiesta and a cousins cupcake party. (avengers included.) today we got to take cupcakes & valentines to preschool. it felt a little like a badge of honor carrying those funfetti cupcakes in. like, welcome to the club. (i can't help but think of the millions of moms frosting cupcakes and telling their kids not to double dip their spatulas!) i never met a valentine i didn't love. enjoy celebrating and spreading the love.

happy valentine's day.

february is one of my favorites. / and a disclaimer.

2013-02-12T01:26:00.001-07:00

waiting for mama to get ready for church, benji hangs out in the newly-painted living room.

oh my, there is a lot of catching up to do.

disclaimer. i must admit, for better or worse, i no longer feel so attached to this blog that i have to keep it up to date on every single happening in life. it's a bit of a relief to know that i don't have to blogument every detail, as i once felt was necessary. having two kids and a home to take care of has put things in perspective for me. it has forced me to put first things first. it's good to look at the bigger picture. the other night my cousin asked if i missed blogging (regularly). i used to think about, plan out and check stats of my blog constantly. i was obsessed with google reader, gaining hits and making sure i was savvy enough to be a legit genuine blogger. being a blogger was my thing for awhile. i have (obviously) completely let that go. it feels good, sad in some ways that my organized scheduled neat post-it life has become chaotic and messy. but it is chaotic and messy in the best way and i'm trying to embrace it. i love the freedom of not trying to be a mass blogger and–instead–just do what i do, when i can and spill my words when they come. thanks for riding the wave with me. my dear mama-friends tell me that my feelings of being on a rollercoaster ride is pretty normal with baby numero dos. thank goodness for girlfriends and sistas who can pat me on the back and encourage me!

here are the recent details i'd hate to forget.
+ we (whit and i) painted the front room. this is the fifth room we've painted! we are sneaky; it was a surprise for dan's birthday. the best gift ever. he was shocked (and super happy). he loves benjamin moore revere pewter, so we slathered it on. it took a village (babysitters, helpers, secret keepers etc.), but we did it!

+ the boys were sick last week and in my arms the entire time. oh man, i hate it when something creeps up on us. fortunately i love their pediatrician! she is getting to know us (and benji's bear!) quite well. am realizing (once again) that motherhood is not for wimps! it's the best job ever. and the most exhausting, full-time, round-the-clock job there is. so happy they're feeling better. better enough to get a temporary pirate ship tattoo placed on cheek and worn to church. yep, i would've done about anything to make him smile. use up all the band-aids for fun? check. puppet shows? check. extra bubbley baths? check. endless silly stories? check. letting him eat whatever he wants as long as his apetite is back? yes sir. remembering just how little and sweet and precious they are?! check, check.

+ valentine's in full swing. cupcake decorating, envelopes sealed with kisses and garlands hung. (the amour garland was made by my friend, sue!! she printed the letters on pages from a vintage dictionary!! darling, right?! how fun to have a friend who surprises me with pretty paper goods.)

+ trying out green eyeshadow (with nude lips) for a wild change. (i am digging MAC lucky green. a pinky paradisco is my usual go-to shade.) benji noticed and mentioned something about an armadillo. since we were walking out the door, i took it as a compliment. how much do you allow your uncensored children's comments dictate what you wear?

+ dan is thrilled with all this crazy snow we've gotten this winter. and his inherited snowblower. i love men and their can-do attitude when it comes to snow. dan turns into a boy, spinning donuts in parking lots. i splurged on a new H&M scarf to hold me over until spring comes. speaking of which, i love how benji comes into the kitchen searching for a snack saying, i'm just looking for something to hold me over. ha! he is his mama's boy.

+ my little man seth celebrated an unbirthday (6 months!!) and is rosy and so smiley. he charms everyone with his hedgehog cheeks and toothy grin. i put him in an orange striped shirt and he was like a blue-eyed little carrot. there is nothing more cheerful.

+ hmm. what else. baking and meal planning and a tad of reading have taken over my spare time. if you can call it that. i have started four new library books at once. this of course reminds me that i want to write a book. which of course reminds me that i can barely write an email. which of course reminds me to tell myself that there is a season for everything. tis the season to mother my boys.

p.s. can we please discuss downton abbey!? am loving it. genius twists and turns. how are you liking this season??

peanut butter blossom cookies with hearts!

2013-01-28T11:06:00.002-07:00

Peanut Butter Blossoms with Heart Chocolates
adapted from hershey's

36 - 40 HERSHEY'S heart milk chocolates
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates. Let a big kid help with the wrappers.
(Do not be attempted to get another brand of chocolates.. unless you want your cookies to say Dove on them. Ha!) Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, a scoop helps! Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. If chocolate hearts begin to melt, place into fridge (or outside with icicles!) to keep maintain shape. About 36 cookies. Serve to those you love. xo.

p.s. more peanut butter cookie love here and here and here.

do you have a cooking bible binder? here's mine. it's ginormous.

rolling with the homies. it's helpful to have a happy baby swinging and smiling at you.

cookies cooling. uh oh, some are melting into oblivion! mayday, mayday.

i knew this icy cold weather was good for something. instant cool-down session.

peanut butter and milk chocolate; my favorite couple. happy love month.

this blue eyed boy has won my heart.

2013-01-23T09:03:00.001-07:00

the little mister. almost six months!

after meeting all the brown eyed beauties in dan's family (including my own offspring), i never thought i'd have a blue eyed boy. however seth has surprised me from the very beginning. his bright hair (the nurses all oohed and ahhed!), his smiley personality, his long-as-my-arm eyelashes, his fair complexion, his happy demeanor, his intense stare, his love for patting my face while nursing, his two bottom teeth (!!) and his darling little chuckle. i love seeing him marvel at his big brother. i know it will be a joy watching them grow together. he's in the crazy kicking stage; just completely content laying on the soft ground, bending his knees, kicking and watching (and tasting) his toes. he's working on grasping too; i love the teaspoon phase! he likes keeping me company in the kitchen; soon enough he will be begging to lick the beater. for now, he's happy shaking those teaspoons. oh, boy, this one's a keeper. how could i have doubted or wondered if my love could double? this boy has etched himself deep on my heart. six months is plenty of time to fall head over heels.