Over The Deep End

Reminders

March 11, 2016 No Comments

Sometimes motherhood feels overwhelming. You become bogged down with all the worries, anxieties, and fears of not being enough. Not providing enough love, enough creativity, enough activities. You worry about singing enough songs, reading enough books, painting enough pictures. You worry about being present but encouraging independence. You worry that you’re just not enough.

And then, it all fades away in an instant.

I was getting Emerson dressed for the day. We were layering since there was still a bitter winter chill in the air and we were headed to the park. Tights, then leggings. A blue long sleeve bodysuit. I pulled out a faded Wonder Woman tee to throw over as an easy layer. Wonder Woman with her wild – yet glamorously tamed- hair, her bold bodysuit and fearless pose swooping in to save the day.

Emerson peaked over at the shirt and her face lit up. Pointing to the woman on the shirt, she gasp, “Mama!” And just like that, all those silly fears of not being enough faded into nothingness. According to my daughter, I was Wonder Woman.

I laughed and said, “You think that’s me?” Emerson’s classic ‘yes’ nod followed. Deliberate and slow: up, down. Yes. She pointed again, “Mama! Mama!” I laughed again, but this time, I nodded in agreement. Sure, kiddo, if you want to think I’m Wonder Woman go right ahead. And in that moment in time I knew; I am enough.

Capsule Wardrobe, Fashion, polyvore, spring

Capsule Wardrobe for the Stay At Home Mom

March 9, 2016 No Comments

This past fall I built a capsule wardrobe. For 3 months I only wore about 30 rotating pieces of clothing. In theory, a capsule wardrobe is supposed to stretch your creativity, be composed of things you love, and save you money. My fall wardrobe really didn’t measure up. I used what I had so much of it was just “okay” instead of things I really loved. I don’t think it saved me money, since at the end of those 3 months, while I hadn’t purchased any clothing, I had worn through 2 pairs of shoes, 1 sweater, 2 shirts, and 2 pairs of jeans. All those items will need replacing.

Enter ThredUp. Shopping on ThredUp* I’ve been able to afford higher quality items that I truly love. I could never purchase full priced designer jeans, but thanks to ThredUp I can get gently used designer items at budget friendly price. Shopping with ThredUp I feel even better about my purchases since I know I’m giving these pieces of clothing a second chance. That’s less waste, less consumerism and more money in my pocket! With the help of ThredUp I’ve begun thinking about a spring capsule wardrobe. <– Thred Up did not pay me to say this (I wish!) I just truly love their site so much that I went full out infomercial on you.

A Spring capsule wardrobe can be tough. It starts out cold, but quickly melts away into sunshine filled days, and higher temperatures. I need pieces that can be layered and transition from chilly to warm. My spring capsule wardrobe would consists of 4 sleeveless tops. These are dressier pieces that can be layered under a more casual button up or cardigan, or they can be worn on their own. I would have 3 short sleeved tee’s and one 3/4 sleeve tee. 4 button downs, 1 cardigan, 2 sweaters and 4 pairs of pants. Shoes would include 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of flats, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of wedges, and 1 dressier pair of booties. Outwear consists of a denim jacket, olive khaki jacket and a classic trench.

My spring palette is full of soft colors; pinks, nudes, light blues and your staples of black, white and grey. Items that could be added in would be a dress, a skirt and perhaps a pair of neutral colored shorts.

If you think you’d like to try ThredUp you can get $10 towards your first purchase by following my referral link*!
*this is a referral link. I also receive $10 for every person who makes a purchase using said link. I received no compensation for this post, and all opinions are my own.

Emerson, Recipe

Easy Whole Wheat Pasta & Scallops

March 7, 2016 No Comments

This dish is one of my husband’s favorites. It’s quick & easy, I usually have all the ingredients, and it doesn’t make a lot of dirty dishes for clean-up. My kind of meal. Plus, there’s wine involved. Need I say more?

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. butter

2 cups green beans

1 cup bay scallops

Whole wheat linguini or spaghetti

1/2 cup dry white wine

1.5 cups chicken stock

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

Juice from 1/2 lemon

2 lemon slices for garnish

fresh grated parmesan cheese

*1/3 cup milk/heavy cream

*Bacon

*optional

Directions:

Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet/wok over medium high heat. Brown scallops on each side. Once your scallops are browned add in about 1/3 of the chicken stock. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those browned bits up. Boil down most of the broth. Add in wine, more stock & remaining butter. Season with pepper, smoked paprika and lemon juice.

Let simmer for 10 minutes or until half the liquid evaporates. Add in additional stock to desired taste. For a creamier option, whisk in up to 1/3 cup of heavy cream or milk.

While your scallops simmer cook your whole wheat pasta.

Add green beans to scallops and continue to simmer until green beans become slightly tender. When your pasta is finished cooking, drain and toss into wok with scallops & green beans. Serve with a lemon slice and freshly grated parmesan cheese. For even more decadence, crumble bacon on top.

Also optional: snapping a picture when you catch your toddler sneaking bites from the butter. How can someone so cute be so gross?

Emerson, Little Things

Little things

March 4, 2016 No Comments

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written all about the little things that happen day to day. The small moments where I take a mental snapshot hoping with all my might, that I just might remember this infinitely small moment in time.

1. You’ve recently started making lot’s of animal noises. My favorite are the pig and the cat. Anytime you see a cat, or a picture of a cat, or anything cat-like you break out in this tiny “mew” sound. Over and over. If I ask you what that [cat] is, you respond with a meow. And a pig? The pig sound is hysterical. Since you have no idea how we snort through our noses, you’ve taken to inhaling in a gasping sort of sound. It makes me laugh and worry that you’ll pass out, all at the same time.

2. You really tug on our heartstrings. You now cry out for “Mama” or “DAAAAAAD” when you’re upset it’s time for bed. It takes all our willpower not to rush in at the first call.

3. The fake smile. If I ask you to look at me and smile… I get a priceless face every time. I get scrunched up noses, wide open grins, and you usually squint your eyes. It makes me laugh every time.

4. You are insistent about signing “thank-you.” It is probably the only sign you really do anymore. But man, anytime we give you something, do something nice for you or help you do something you pat your mouth in the “thank you” sign over and over, sometimes even chasing us down until we acknowledge your “thank you,” with a “you’re welcome!” You take your manners very seriously.

5. The “yes” nod. You mastered shaking your head “no” a long time ago, but nodding “yes” is more recent. I have to say it’s a personal favorite. The deliberate head back and sharp nod is terribly cute. No subtle nods here, one maybe two or three big violent head nods complete with a serious face and all.

6. You’re still obsessed with Oliver. In fact, every morning after saying Mom, & Dad you hunt for Oliver, calling “Allll-eeeeee!” You play tug of war, keep away, and help feed him. You chase him down with his extra collars and slide them onto his neck. You tackle him in big bear hugs and lay on his back anytime you think you can get away with it. You include him in your rounds of giving everyone a kiss. Periodically throughout the day you pick up his water bowl and carefully walk to where ever he is and put it in front of his snout, making sure he’s not thirsty. I think he usually humors you and takes a lick or two to appease you. Oh yes, it’ safe to say you love your dog.

Emerson, polyvore

All things Cat

March 2, 2016 No Comments

Emerson has been obsessed with cats lately. She thinks bunnies are also cats, so now that Easter gear is out I hear “mew mew mew” a lot more frequently. She doesn’t have any cat themed things, we’ve got dogs covered, but now that’s she’s really into cats I’ve been looking into some cute cat themed gear.

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How cute would Emmie be carrying around that little cross-body cat purse? I can just see her stashing her beloved paci’s in there. And that clock? I mean, her current clock is full of penguins, but this clock would definitely be a big hit. And don’t get me started on those insanely cute cat flats! I’m not sure she’d even be able to walk since I’m positive she would just want to sit and point at her feet and say “mew.”

Yes, there’s no denying she’s in a huge “cat” phase. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a few animal phases as she grows up. Emerson has such a big heart for her animals, just like her Daddy.

Emerson, Family, Things we do, Weekend Adventures

Weekend & Sunshine

February 29, 2016 No Comments

Oh what a weekend it was. We had sunshine and warmer weather. Hallelujah.

Sunday we packed up and went to Kinder Farm Park, where Hubster did some blacksmithing, and Emmie and I wandered between petting goats, soaking up sun, having snacks and running around a huge playground. Side note, you know you’re experiencing a parenting win when the statement ,”Do you want me to hold your carrot so you can go play?” is answered with a clear, “NO.” The carrot was eaten in its entirety before playing ensued. #parentingwin

Emerson even got to feed a goat, and she was in heaven. She would have gathered grass all day for that goat if I let her. She would pull up handfuls of grass and squat in front of the goat and present her offerings. Speaking of goats, she even got to hug a baby goat! Talk about cuteness overload. Everyone was so paralyzed by the cuteness (there was even a collective parent “awww”) that no pictures were taken.

Other weekend activities included, reading library books, playing games with friends, drinking lots of wine, and ending with some spring breezes floating through open windows. I hope your weekend was equally wonderful!

CF, Medical

Being the Best Self

February 26, 2016 No Comments

I’ve been trying for a while to write about my daily battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Everything I write just doesn’t sound accurate. There are some days I have energy to sew, cook dinner, do laundry and even head to the gym. And then there are days where maybe I manage one of those things. Other days, as I start to feel short of breath, or my lungs feel burdened with infection, I manage none of those things, and just managing to keep Emmie fed and safe is my accomplishment for the day.

Living with an invisible disease as an adult is very eye opening. I am no longer quick to judge someone solely based on appearance. I couldn’t say the same thing for 16 year old me, but a decade later, I get it. The person who parks in the handicap spot, who looks perfectly healthy and capable -who knows what battle their fighting behind closed doors? I get it. I really do. Everyone has their own antagonist and who am I to judge them without even knowing any of their story. Some days I surely don’t look sick, but I really do fight a daily battle.

Sometimes it’s a physical battle: coughing, fevers, swollen achy joints, throwing up, or debating whether I have the energy to go to the store to get milk. Other times it’s a mental battle: dragging myself to do at least one more round of therapy, convincing myself that it’s worth it to leave my cozy spot in bed to head downstairs and take the forgotten nighttime pill or simply rallying my inner cheerleader as I do a nebulizer for what seems like the millionth time.

While I may find myself frustrated with some of the stresses CF puts on my life as a mom, wife, and as a twenty-something year old member of society, I hope that it also presents the opportunity to teach my child to be compassionate, caring, and selfless. I hope she grows into a young lady who doesn’t judge people by the seemingly simple context of appearance, but learns to appreciate everyone’s strengths and weaknesses while acknowledging their silent battles.

We find ourselves living in a world where it’s easy to hide behind computer screens and cruelly typed words. I want her to understand that we can be better than that. We can replace judgement with compassion, hatred for acceptance and frustration with patience. We can be confident in ourselves and be kind to others. We should always push ourselves to be the best self we can be and while sometimes my CF seems like a burden, I know it’s helped push me to be a better person, wife and mother.

Emerson, home decor, Mood Board

Big Girl Room Inspiration

February 24, 2016 No Comments

With Emerson learning how to crawl out of her crib, we’ve started the transition to a toddler bed by moving her mattress on the floor. We plan on disassembling the crib this weekend. With the crib gone, I’ve been day dreaming about updating her space into her very own “Big Girl” room. Since we’re not certain if we’re moving soon or not, we’re holding off on any major changes for now. But that doesn’t stop me from gathering things as inspiration. I’d like to keep her curtains, so I’ll be using a color scheme that reflects throughout her curtains: corals, rich burgundy, cream, dusty rose, gold and a light green.

Emerson, Family, Phone Life

Phone Life

February 22, 2016 No Comments

This is our life lately, according to our phones:

Fashion, Favorites

Spring Favorites

February 19, 2016 No Comments

It snowed here again. We woke up to a winter white wonderland, complete with school cancellations and continuing flurries. While falling snow can be quite beautiful, anyone who knows me, knows I am SO over it. I am a windows open, bare feet, sundress kind of girl– through and through. Winter is just not my jam.

With that said, I am patiently counting down the days until spring weather gets here. I’ve been eyeing a few things lately that are perfect for that upcoming spring weather!

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