What's better than this....

If your heart could explode...(a.k.a. Peyton's birth story)

2011-08-08T01:05:00.000-04:00

...from loving, then mine surely would have by now. My sweet baby girl is finally here!! She is 7 weeks old today, and if I don't get it down now, I'm afraid some precious detail might be lost forever, so here goes:

On Saturday, June 18th, I woke up around 10:00 a.m. I slept in a little because we finally got enough of the nursery finished that we decided to stay up super late and put the crib together, seeing as I was already several days past my due date. It took us until about 4 or 5 in the morning, but we were determined to get it done. And it was a good thing, because upon waking up, I started feeling cramping that I knew deep down was the beginning of my contractions. Girlfriend was just waiting for proper accommodations. As noon approached, I was sure. I told Darrin I was pretty sure we were going to meet our girl soon, and before I knew it I was kneeling on different pieces of furniture and I couldn't speak through each wave of pain. Mind you in between, I did what any self-respecting woman would do and cleaned like a nutbag. Contraction, put clean laundry away. Contraction, run the vacuum. Contraction, load the dishwasher. When they neared 5 minutes apart, I made the call to doctor who confirmed it was time to head to the hospital. It was all sort of surreal. I liked that we were calm and relaxed about it though....(except for the contractions part)...I made happy calls to my mom and sister in law, and Darrin stepped out for a quick haircut. I took my time getting a nice shower and doing my hair and make-up. We finally got in the car around 5:30 and walked through the hospital doors at 6:00. I was getting super uncomfortable, but was loving getting all the happy anticipatory texts from friends and family. The next thing I knew, I was shuffled off into the triage area, where I would be stuck for the next 6 hours. Apparently, lots of people have babies on the weekends, and due to over-crowding, we couldn't get a room right away. I also couldn't get the kind of attention I deserved, but we'll keep this as positive as possible. After being stuck on a tiny gurney for 6 hours, and only being checked twice, I had gone from being dilated 2 centimeters upon arrival, to 8 centimeters around midnight. It is much easier to get a labor and delivery room at 8 centimeters, just so you know. Oh...important things to remember about the triage portion includes my husband (who doesn't do well with waiting...for anything....especially with his number one girl in pain) finding a roll of medical tape which he began tearing off strips and sticking them to the ceiling. Being a rule follower, this pretty much gave me a panic attack. He then informed me that he was hanging faux fly-strips to make it look like a third-world country hospital, since that's the quality of care he felt I was getting. This sent us both into roaring laughter, prompting the fun police (nasty nurse) to come in and ask us what all the noise was about. Darrin was forced to tell her that he didn't know we were in the no-humor section. This also caused me to laugh right in her face. I love my husband. Ok, back on task here....I do want to give credit to the first angel nurse I came across, Courtney. Courtney was spread thin that night, but when she was able to come be with me, it was like one of my best girlfriends was dressed in scrubs. Courtney stopped what she was doing when I had contractions to hold my hand, and she smoothed my hair back and called me honey during my epidural when they wouldn't let my husband stay with me. I told anyone who would listen that I wanted to marry Courtney. Needless to say, I had a full on meltdown, complete with tears when I realized Courtney couldn't leave triage and come to labor and delivery with me. She did however, find the coolest nurse available in that department, and instructed her to take good care of me because, "she's a real sweetheart." I cried again. From here on out, my second angel/nurse, Reana, took wonderful care of me. I'll spare you all some of the gruesome-ness here, and just say that I pushed for two long and painful hours with help and coaching from amazing mother and wonderful husband. I tried as hard as I possibly could, but Peyton Elyse Paulovich finally arrived at 5:11 a.m. on Father's Day, with the assistance of a vacuum. I had hoped and prayed that she would come on this day for quite some time since Father's Day had been especially hard for my husband since he lost his own Dad seven years ago.

She was perfect. I could see a perfectly round little head, adorned with beautiful fine brown hair, and her eyes...oh her eyes. From the first time I saw her open them there were big and dark and just beautiful. It was instant, insane, full-on, head-over-heels all consuming love. I didn't want to give her up to anyone, but after a few moments, Reana said that she wasn't happy with how much I was still bleeding. The next couple hours were ugly. They did rotten things to me that I won't describe here, and my body began to go into shock, shaking violently to a point that I couldn't control at all. It was terrifying, and I don't know how I would have gotten through it without the love and support of my family. My sweet baby sister, who I could tell was scared and didn't anticipate seeing all that she saw, would come to my side every now and then to hold my hand and tell me she was proud of me. I had my mom on my left, and my sister-on-law on my right--both of them holding my shaking body best they could, and brushing my hair from my face, comforting me any way they could. My mom kept saying, "I don't like how she's shaking...I really don't like how she's shaking." They were both crying...partially in fear, and I think mostly because I was in so much pain, and just wanted my baby back. I loved these women something terrible already, and will never, ever, forget how they took care of me. Darrin knew exactly what I needed from him, and that was to take our baby to the opposite side of the room, and hold her and sing to her, and shower her with the love she needed. I cant' comprehend what on earth I would have done without the perfect support team that I assembled. I should just put it on record here as well, that my sister in law, Danielle, was having none from anyone. From the first instant that she realized I wasn't being taken care of like I should have been due to the crowding, girlfriend was on it. I lost count on how many trips she made to the nurses stations, and how many hospital staff she read the riot act to.

Yes, I actually managed to somehow sweat my hair into a mullet.

The proud Papa.

Aunt Danielle

My first portrait.

Hello beautiful girl.

After about 4 hours, we were finally taken to a recovery room where we would stay for the next two days. Once again, god bless you Danielle for forgoing sleep and neglecting your own family to come with me and help get me settled in up there. My mom had to take my grandma to have an outpatient procedure done, and Daddy was absolutely spent, and needed to go take care of our furry little boy at home. To anyone who may read this, who hasn't had a child, let me give you some advice. Schedule backup. It was my experience that after you give birth, the nurses pretty much shove you and your baby in a room and leave you for dead while you feel like the lower half of your body is falling apart, and your not real sure how well your legs work. There were some hours in the wee mornings of those two days where I just cried as soon as my sweet girl started crying because it meant I had to get up off the bed ( equivalent to medieval torture) to get her, and then sit back down with minimal use of my hands. Childbirth is no joke dude.

Oh, that first shower. That's all I have to say about that.

I got to know my girl with some precious one on one time for two sweet days before Daddy was allowed to take us home. I was never so happy to be heading to 371 Orchard Street. On one hand, I was happy to be going home where I knew people would actually take care of me, and more importantly, I was excited to get my girl home where she belonged. I'm pretty sure I didn't break my smile the whole car ride home.

She takes my breath away......

And this sight? Can't. Get. Enough.

So, crappy hospital experience aside, being a mama is everything I imagined and wished it to be, and so much more....so very much more. Every day is better than the next, and I can't wait to start each one of them with my angel and our new family.

My sweet angel is completely and utterly amazing. She smiles, she laughs, and she holds on to your arm when you hold her like she means it. She loves lights, her Twilight ladybug, and ceiling fans. She gets more and more mellow and shows us a little more of who she is every day. Girlfriend turned 5 weeks old and decided she would sleep in her crib at night for stretches of 5-6 hours. I'll take it.

I feed her smiley pies for breakfast.

More to come...it's 1:00 am, and this new mama has to get in bed while the princess sleeps. Oh, I almost forgot....Daddy nicknamed her Peaches, and it melts my heart every time he says it. Life is good.

Texts from my Mom....

2011-03-20T11:25:00.000-04:00

So, although it's my birthday, and I do intend to do a birthday post in the next, say 36 hours, I wanted to preserve forever these lovely birthday morning texts with my mom. Enjoy!

Mom: Happy Birthday, lov u!

Me: Thanks mom, love u too! Thanks again for the gifts, I really love them!

Mom: U are so welcome, u kids r best thing that ever happened in my life. although I bitch alot, i am blessed.

Me: Haha, I love being your favoirte!

Mom: I love you all, but you are my best behaved. (mind you, I am 31 years old.....lol!!)

Me: Oh! Jacob just won the "first sibling to text my happy b-day contest!"

Mom: Poor Sunny (moms little boy yorkie pup) is laying in bed with his body on my pillow and hands on my shoulders so Coco (moms little girl yorkie pup) won't try to rape him.

Me: What's wrong with her? She needs a blow up Sunnie.

Mom: Jacob really is such a caring young man. And she is in heat, and Sunnie is sexy!

Me: Oh man, sorry I asked.

Mom: He can't control his swagger.

Mom: Sunnie. Not Jacob.

Me: Ok, now I'm definetley posting this conversation on Facebook.

Mom: What's Facebook? Like I care!

Mom: Sunnie is a winner. F Charlie Sheen!

Yes. My Mom really is this cool.

Adventures in Put-In-Bay 2032

2011-01-16T02:59:00.001-05:00

So, ever since the second and third girls were born in our circle of friends, we have literally died in laughter watching these toddlers dance to Beyonce, or chug from a sippy cup, imagining them all grown up (and we use that term loosely..) and going on a girl's vacation together just like we do every year. Now, that we found out last week that WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!! (i know, seriously, just pinch me someone) I was inspired to put a little bit 'o illustration to our imagination/nightmare. And sorry...if you're one of the like 3 people who read my blog who don't know about girl's vacation, this might not be as super-funny to you as originally intended. Behold....

PUT IN BAY GIRL"S VACATION 2032:

Saturday night....to be continued.

Dude, microsoft paint is no joke. This masterpiece took me a total of about 3 hours-ish. Yeah, my tree is still up, so what??

The most wonderful, wonderful, time of year....

2010-12-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

....is multiplied a million fold when your heart is just swelling out of your chest. I've imagined writing this post probably a gajillion times, and can't believe I'm actually writing it now, during the sweetest time of the year. This year, Darrin and I got the most amazing gift we could ever dream of.....just ten days before Christmas, we got to hear our little's heartbeat, and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard in my life. It took a minute or two to find it, but then it just got louder and louder, leading our doctor to even call him or her a show off. We can hardly even wait to get our first glimpse of our little peanut in just two more weeks. So here we have the obligatory belly shot....

can ya see it?? It's there, I swear it. And sometimes it's bigger than others, which I think is hilarious. We're just a week shy of 4 months already, where the time has gone already, I seriously don't know. Well actually, I do. A lot of it was spent on the couch, trying not to throw up, but I am ecstatic to report that I am now feeling much, MUCH better. We are still not fans of the smell of fried food however, but I can live with that.

It's still a bit of a shock to me, but after you hear that little "swoosh-swoosh-swoosh," it magically, and finally, all becomes a lot more wonderfully real. Like you feel an instant bond that you were almost afraid to let yourself feel even two minutes before you heard that sound. And as if I weren't enough of a Christmas nutbag already, all I can think of this year, is how much more crazy good it will be from now on. Taking Christmas pictures in ridiculous outfits, starting our own little family traditions, playing Santa, baking with a little helper on a stool, seriously...I can hardly contain myself here.

After the crazy holiday shopping and cooking and laundry and such are done every day, we've been spending our nights hanging out in the future nursery, and tossing ideas around, and it's just oh so much fun. And have I mentioned I have sweetest, most loving, if not a bit over-protective guy in the world? I am basically not allowed to lift anything over ten pounds, walk the dog at night (mainly I think because I'm so graceful...), or drive if there happens to be a slight dusting of snow on the ground. He's a very protective Papa already, and I like it. He's actually sweeping the 12 snowflakes that have landed on our doorstep this very second, because I'm heading out to do some last minute things in a bit. So very cute.

And as for the holidays, here's a wee bit of our nest this season~

I had a country-ish, gingham ribbon fetish round the homestead this year..

......and made our traditional holiday paska bread all by myself this year. Who knew bread took, like, um..6 hours.

...the dangly little pinecones make my heart smile.

...the annual fride of little faces....just got a few more to make room for :)........

....Miss Maiya pimpin' her winter 'nuggle bonnet I made her...and never got around to posting in the shop. Maybe before winter is over, we'll see.

...Mr. Majestic does not take kindly to the cold...but he is a fan of any warm and cozy blanket.

And finally! Little Miss Katharine Michelle Garrison joined the world just in time for Christmas. What could be more stinkin', over-the-top wonder-fabu-mazing than a little Christmas bundle of joy, only days old to nuggle and hold? Kate, we are all so very happy you are here, and you and Mama are doing well. Soon we will make the pilgrimage to Columbus for your wolfpack initiation little sista. Congratulations on your beautiful baby Melissa and Russ!!

Well friends, me and my 4 month-old sidekick are off to check the last few things off my Christmas to-do list, so turn on the holiday music, put on your Santa socks, grab a gingerbread latte at Starbucks, and most importantly, enjoy every last morsel of your holiday with your family and friends. It is afterall, the most wonderful time of the year :o)

xoxo~nicole

It was a good, good day.

2010-09-26T13:26:00.000-04:00

A very, very, very good day indeed. We got on the road around 10 am for a much, much needed journey over to Ohio to see our dear friends....one of which we haven't seen in three long excruciating years...and well, with the arrival of her ever so sweet new little princess Maiya, it could be delayed no longer. Our love-fest began when we arrived at our beautiful, 6 plus month prego friend Melissa's home. Words cannot express how happy I am for the much-deserved happiness Melissa has found in her life this year....a new loving hubby, and baby on the way too! Just warms my heart, you know?

After screaming and cackling like birds for a bit and showering Melissa with baby gifts, we headed off to a fabulous cafe called Northstar. Dear Pittsburgh...please bring these to our area, they are utterly fabulous. We chose amazing salads, and a bottle of white wine to drink in front of Melissa. I can't wait to create the plate full of green deliciousness I ordered....It had sweet buttery lettuce, julienne apples (or pears, not sure) gorgonzola cheese, and seared tofu, topped with a heavenly vinaigrette and some scrumptious multi-grain bread on the side....so delish!

Next stop was the Frangos household, where I got to salivate over the dee-licious 2 and half week old little piggies. Upon opening the door for us, we all shrieked and screamed and hugged just like in the movies....I don't think I've been so happy to see friends as I was yesterday. These girls have become such amazing and good-for-my-soul friend/sisters over the past couple of years...simply can't imagine not having them in my life. Oh Maddie....the sweetness of this child just overwhelmed me. I think I spontaneous combusted into tears three different times listening to her just barely there little coos and sighs while she slept in my arms like an angel. So insanely happy I got to meet her.

So we talked, we hugged, we laughed, I cried...hence the reason my face looks puffy and make-up free. Later in the evening we dined on some of the most delicious pizza I have ever eaten....graciously pre-ordered by Melissa from some heaven sent place called Mama Mimi's. It was thin and fabulous, and had insanely good cheese, which is all great pizza required in my book. To wash down the yummy grub, we chugged some home-made beer which I promptly named, "Greg Brew," courtesy of Maddie's super-sweet and hospitable husband Greg. This was by far the best dark beer in the world...like seriously, dude could go into business.

So, in summary, this one will go down in the memory archive as one unforgettable, soul-soothing, helluva day. Amazing friends, fabulous food, delicious beer, and 7 crazy-ass Thelma-and-Louise-esque roundtrip hours in the car with my best gal Danielle. And for the record....we were officially straight and hungover prior to getting in the car on the way home, and would totally opted to gas it the hell over a large gaping cliff had we come across one by the time midnight rolled around. Note to ourselves.....next time, we stay the heck overnight and drive home in the morning.

I love you girls all so very much, and had such an amazing time. Lets never, EVER, ever, let so much time pass before we get the wolf-pack back together again, mmmkay????

is it really almost over?!....a slight summer recap.

2010-08-22T13:25:00.001-04:00

...summer? Where on earth did August 22nd come from, like really?!!! It never ceases to amaze me how the summer flys by, Never. Once again, I didn't score as much pool/beach time as I would have liked. I did not get the back yard into the tip-top shape I would have liked. And I did not spend quite as much time with friends as I would have liked.   But it's ok, because you can just about smell it in the air at night. Not the super-hot and humid ones that are lingering around, but the slightly cooler ones----autumn is coming. As much as I hate to bid summer farewell each year, as soon as Labor Day hits each year I find myself excited to drag all the giant storage containers filled with orange, brown, and gold goodness up from the basement, and snag a few new fall candles, and some sweet cinnamon pumpkin hand soap--which by the way, I annually grill the sales gals at Bath & Body Works for the release date, and mark it down on my crackberry so I can go in there like a nutbag and buy every bottle left, because the heavenly stuff disappears like mad. And no, I'm not telling what the date is just in case you might live within a 100 mile radius of my store and could potentially short me a bottle or two.   So there. Ha.

So for the recap part....what a summer. What an emotional roller-coaster of a summer. I hardly noticed summer rolling in with all the business I was ever so fortunate to have been blessed with in my little bonnet shop this year. I think I may have finally realized summer arrived when I stopped wearing sweatpants and socks at the sewing machine, and had switched to comfty shorts and flip flops. Oh how I love me some good flip flops--can a girl every have enough pairs, really? I think not.    So June was quiet and lovely. Not much to say about it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Then bring on July. Oh July. For whatever reason, July has never been a good month for my family, and even my friends for that matter for most of my adult life. I even had a conversation with a friend about how we may start a petition to actually remove July from the calendar, and shove an extra month in between February and March, and call in Smarch. If you get the letter in the mail, please fill it out and return it in a timely fashion, much obliged.    In July, my sister (in-law), in law in parentheses because she's just my sister really, got some news about a scary mole that had us all worried silly for a good month or so. But...I am so happy to report, that after a pretty intense precautionary surgery, it ended up to be just a stupid stinkin mole. Which is more than fine by us. Whew.   Later in the month, I get a call from my sister while I'm at work, and heard dreaded words that no one ever wants to hear....., "They said Grandma has cancer."   Normally, I can keep my shit together in a professional atmosphere, but not this time. Fled the office bawling in true drama queen form, and headed straight for the hospital. I am still dumbfounded at how quickly everything happened.....two short days after they told us about the tumors, they decided to do surgery to remove them. In just under a week later, pathology came back free and clear of any cancer, and we had a recovering gram at home, pissed off that she had to drag and oxygen tube around for a week until she felt comfortable without it. If you know me at all, you probably know that I'm not all that sure about what God is, if there is a God, and basically just think that religion/spirituality goes something like this: Be a good person, like really, down to your core a good person, and take care of others as you'd like to be treated, and do as much good as you can in your short life, and eventually things will work out ok for you. But whatever the heck it was out there in the universe that got had my gram diagnosed with cancer, operated on, and home cancer free all in just under 2 weeks, well, Halle-freaking-leuah is all I have to say.   We're actually gonna wrap this up soon here, because I need to drive out there and give her a hug, steal some tomatoes and zucchini from her garden, and hear about how she still doesn't really like my hair this dark. And it's all good. I hope Gram's around for many years to come to tell me how she's not wild about my hair color.

So, aside from dealing with several mini and not so mini dramas, this summer I sewed. And I sewed, and sewed some more. Sometimes I got sick of sewing, sometimes I looked forward to coming home from a day at my desk, or driving all over western PA to sit down at my machine and create. I had so many lovely opportunities this summer to expand my little business as much as one woman, still working a full-time job can do with the support of her lovely family. Bella Sol Bebe bonnets can now be found in over 6 different retail shops and online boutiques as well as in my etsy store. That still sounds weird to me as I type it. So crazy. I have so enjoyed "meeting" and working with new people this year, exploring new fabric lines, and just having one creative little summer. Thank you all again for all the support and kind words you have offered me over the last several months, couldn't do it all without you guys.

And finally, a little list if you will--of the good things I did, and learned this summer, and some things I'm looking forward to in the upcoming months:

~loving our almost nightly "family walks," as we've named them with my handsome guy, and the best little dog ever.

~ totally love going outside at night for a much needed quick little break from the Singer and a breath of fresh air, and it's super-warm out.

~loving watching my brothers and sister continue to grow into lovely adults....can't believe the twins will be high-school seniors this year. absoutely frickin' nuts.

~learning to even more-so than before, be grateful and appreciative for all that I do have, and think less and less about things I want, or want to acquire. just so not what life is about it, you know?

~this year, I feel like I learned to be a better friend.....I don't know if that comes with turning thirty perhaps, or maybe just from going through some things in your own life that brings you a new-found empathy for others that you didn't even know you had.

~I also think I grew up a little more as a person. I thought I already knew this, but I learned that sometimes you just have to suck up the bullshit that others give ya, and tell yourself that you love them, and just let it slide.

~I learned that sometimes you will find true and good friends where you didn't really expect them to be, and to hang on to them when you do.

~I learned to stop messing with my hair, and just let it be. And that I rather enjoy not wearing make-up for 3 days at a time, because I don't feel like it.

~I am so excited that 4...YES 4, dear friends are expecting new littles in the upcoming months, and can't wait to meet them as they start to pop out, one-by-one, beginning next month with the arrival of Miss Maiya Frangos!!!!

~and I've learned...well, I'm still working on learning, that very good things usually come to those who wait, and that patience is a virtue-not one that I've really known before-but a virtue nonetheless. And to try your bestest to not let life pass you by while you're desperately trying to be gracefully patient.

Oh, I think that'll do for now. So how bout wrapping up with some of those sweet little aprreciation photos I mentioned....

almost forgot....my sweet pea went to prom!! would you just look at her...?! you were (and are) so beautiful honey...I am so very proud of you <3

my little sweet bunny of a niece turned Two...and shared some cake with Aunt Cole :) And yes, Buzz Lightyear blessed us with his prescence at the party. And I quote, "To Affin-a-Tee---And Bee-Yawn!!"

...seriously...the sweetest little muffin you ever wanna meet.

...and finally, a snapshot from a movie/lunch date with gal pals to celebrate my sis-in-laws birthday on the hottest June day ever at the Cheesecake Factory.

Off to grandma's house I go. Happy Summer Sunday friends. xo ~n

I heart Lola Pink Fabrics~

2010-08-17T11:58:00.001-04:00

Hey friends!!
Ok, so I know I've been, like totally MIA in blog land, and I promise to rectify that the second I have a moment to breathe and write a proper post--but for now, I just wanted to share the lovely blog feature my very sweet friends at Lola Pink Fabrics posted this past Friday. These ladies are absolutely fabulous, and carry the most beautiful fabrics, with an insanely gorgeous (and large!) organic collection I might add. So if you're looking for something unique and pretty for your next sewing project, you must stop by thier site!! Just click the link above to check out thier blog, and to stop by thier website, click here.

So yes--a new post to come in the days ahead. I absolutely must before poor Heidi is forced to leave another comment on one my 3-month old posts again, LOL!! Besides, I have some ridicunulously (yes...ri-dunc-ulous) adorable photos to share that my awesome ka-bossum customers have graciously sent to me.

I look so forward to getting back into the blog-thang--I swear I have been faithfully keeping up with all my favorite fellow bloggers, and I hope you are enjoying these last dog days of summer---I'm so loving this hot weather!! I must admit though.....I am coming down with a bit of the pumpkin fever and craving some luscious autumn home decor, not to mention some new fall and winter warmie bonnets for the shop. Oh, the fun!!

'til later!!

xo~nicole

Another bonnet up for bidding!!

2010-05-07T11:59:00.002-04:00

Hi friends!!

I know, I know....long time no post!! I've just been so fortunate to be insanely busy sewing my behind off, but I wanted to take a second to let you all know that another bonnet is up for auction in the efforts to help bring Shaylee Joy home from China to her new family. If you, or anyone you know is interested in a bonnet, please encourage them to consider getting it this way.....I know her Mama and Daddy are super-anxious to have her in their arms, and anything we can all do to help bring that day closer is so greatly appreciated. To see the blog and bid on the bonnet, click here.

Also, I want to thank you all so much for your continued support of my beloved little business. I know that it is because of you, my friends, and my fabulous customers, that I have been blessed to have the recent success that I have had--through your advertising for me, referrals by word of mouth, and all the amazing photographs you have taken for me, and sent me of your gorgeous children. And I have to tell you--I absolutely love hearing from my customers--each and every one of your kind words truly do warm my heart. I am constantly amazed at all the wonderful people and kind souls I have come across through my shop, and in blog-land as well.

I just wanted you all to know how very appreciated you are!! I need to get my butt at the sewing machine, but I hope to find a few minutes to post again soon!!

Have a fan-tabulous weekend everyone!!

xoxo-nicole

Oh! I almost forgot!! Here are some of the latest super-sweet pics I've gotten! Thank you all for sending them...LOOOOOOOVE them all!!

Courtesy of: Sophie Rondeau

Courtesy of: Amanda Harper

Courtesy of: Caryl Rose

Courtesy of: Shawna Hufendick

finally....a birthday (and some other stuff) post.

2010-04-03T12:42:00.001-04:00

Well. I'm finally taking a few minutes to sit down and do my "I'm thirty now," post. I would have done this...well, right after my birthday, but I've um, sort of busy. My etsy shop had begun picking up a little again for the spring as it was, but I knew I needed some great pics in there to really kick it up a notch. So I asked my pal Kelle (mother, wife, photographer extroadinaire) if she wouldn't mind snapping a few pics of her gorgoeus girls in my hats for me, and she did one better than that, she did this. A link to my shop in her amazing blog, and now I sit here with over 70 (yeah, 70!) orders in the past week and a half. So I sew. And sew, and sew, and sew. And I love it. The laundry is piling up, my carpets are covered in a blanket of thread and miniscule fabric bits, and when I'm not sewing, I'm emailing back and forth with fabulous witty women who want to see this color and that next to each other in the quest for their little's perfect summer hat. So. Much. Fun. So, once again, Kelle, I seriously can't thank you enough--you're the bestest.

Oh, just look at these sweeties....

www.kellehampton.com

I'm pretty sure that each and every person I've shown this pic of Nella-bean to says, "is that seriously a real baby?" I know, right!!

And I just wanted to share some of the other sweet pics that customers have been sending to me lately, which I find so very nice that they think of me enough to want me to see their littles in my creations....keep 'em coming guys, I love it!

This little peanut's mama has been a customer of mine for about a year, grabbing a new hat every time he grows out of the last one....thanks so much Janet!!

And oh yeah, I'm THIRTY now. I've decided I'm actually pretty impartial about the whole thing. I sorta, sorta don't feel thirty, which is, well, just fine with me. My actual birthday was just lovely....we didn't go out, or do anything elaborate, we stayed in, got some Chineses take-out and a six-pack of Augustiner, and I sewed, while my sweetheart would come in every so often to keep me company and plant a kiss on top of my head. I've offically turned the kitchen into the "sewing studio," if you will. I couldn't take being holed up in my bedroom anymore....if I'm not within a, i don't know, say 5 yard range from my guys as often as physically possible, I just get cranky. The next day we stopped at my mom's for some cake and presents, and so my brothers and sister could tell me how they couldn't believe they had such an "old" sister. Ha. My Mom gets me the best presents...hers are always my favorite. She got me a bunch really cool Vicki's sweats, which are pretty much my in-house uniform, and she scored me a gorgeous pair of D & G sunglasses, which I heart....and I'm might just up my cool factor a teeny-tiny bit while I'm pimpin' around in my Dodge Caliber with a backseat full of baby bonnets-wearin' my new shades. Super-sexy, I know. I really just can't help it.

And this cake....oh Oakmont bakery, you are divine. Another reason I have the best sister ever, two day before my birthday, my phone rings, and we have this conversation:

Karlie: Hey...what kind of cake do you want from the Oakmont Bakery?

Me: Ooooh....um, either white or yellow, with that buttercream/whipped cream combo icing, and a custard filling....no fruit.

Karlie: Ok. Don't tell Mom I asked you, it's a surprise. I just wanted you to like your cake. She always wants to get you raspberry filling....

The winner turned out to be....white carmel cake with vanilla custard filling with carmel drizzled in, and caramello chunks stuck into the top. Couldn't even get a pic before it got hacked into. It was dee-licious.

Mom: "Why are you taking a picture of the cake?"
My sister: "So she blog all about it!"
Me: "Shut your mouth!"

So yeah. I had thought that I would have some profound life lessons that would hit me like a ton of bricks upon turning thirty, but really, it just comes to this: my husband and I are young and healthy, we are very grateful and fortunate for the roof over our heads, and everything we have. We feel so very lucky to have jobs that we enjoy, especially in this day and age, and are thankful for new opportunities that come our way--and are excited about beginning to start a family. Life is pretty good.

Oh, do I love these boys.

And here's just a small peek as to what my bedroom and kitchen look like as of late(and I hope it looks this way for a long time to come)....no way in heck do you get to see the rest of the house! (yeah, absolutely no nice flow to this post at all...)

And that's about it for now....I'm a pretty boring chick....I like to hug on my guys and bury myself in beautiful fabric. Looking forward to celebrating Easter/my birhday with my husbands side of the family tomorrow, and oh this gorgoeus weather! I think we are being rewarded by nature for the heinous amounts of snow we got all through February, becuase it was...get this...79 degrees yesterday. And they're sayin' 80 today...so I'm gonna do my best to tear myself away from the Singer today, at least for a little bit.

Oh-and I just want to thank my sweetie pie sister for coming over here last week and cutting out about, oh..I don't know...25 hats for me. I can't really tell you how very helpful that was, I'm so lucky to have such an awesome sister, love you muffin.

Well, there's eggs to dye, carpets to vacuum, a dog to get groomed, food to make, and so much more.

Happy Easter Everyone!!

~Nicole

Help a little girl come home to her family.

2010-03-26T18:06:00.000-04:00

Hi friends,

I just wanted to take a quick second to ask you all to check out the button over to the right and help to bring home Shaylee Joy from China, to her new adopted family here in the U.S. A friend of the family contacted me to ask if I'd like to donate some items from my etsy shop (which I will be doing very shortly!) for an auction held on Shaylee's blog. So if you think you may be able to help, please do!

much love,

nicole

p.s.-I've been super-busy thanks to my pal Kelle posting some gorgeous pics, as well as a link to my shop on her amazing blog. I can't wait to come spend some blog-therapy time here soon and share what I've been up to. Ok...off to slave away at the sewing machine!!

just checkin' in...

2010-03-23T17:05:00.000-04:00

..cause I know I still owe blogland a birthday post, and it's coming. just as soon as i get caught up with my shop orders...i've been a total slave to the sewing maching. Which is a wonderful problem to have. I'm just really super excited about my latest creation, and wanted to share a sneak peek before I post them to my shop. You may have seen it already on etsy fan page, and if you haven't already, become a fan today!! So here she is....the first in the Bella Sol Bebe line of Kitchen Princess aprons/halter tops/dress with a cute pair of bloomers:

They are fully reversible, and have ties at the neck and around the back...made extra long so you can tie it in a ridiculously cute ginormous bow! They will come in toddler and girl's sizes, and I'm also contemplating making some with snaps. Matching ones for Mom and styles for boys will follow soon as well. There will also be aprons that match your favorite bonnets, so you can wear them both on a sunny day......just add a pair of shorts or jeans to the apron, and you've got a super-cute little halter-tunic top. I think they'd also be sweet over a bathing suit on your way to the pool or the beach, or on a run up to the snack hut.

Alright...thank you for bearing with me as I gush in excitement over aprons, ha!! I'll be back soon!!!

Happy Anniversary to my little shop....

2010-03-18T18:17:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe it's been one year since I started my little etsy shop. And, I thank you guys all the time, because, well, I'm just super-appreciative, but thank you all again for all your support, kind words, gorgeous pics of your kids wearing my stuff, and making my first year what I consider to be pretty darned successful for just trying something on a whim. I really couldn't have started this without all your help.

Sewing is absolute therapy for me...like completley. Being creative and putting together color combinations just rocks my world on most days, and pulls me out of a funk on others. I can spend countless hours perusing aisles of fabric stores, or even on the internet for that matter, checking out the new season's fabric lines,......I'm a total addict, with a big scary stash in my bedroom to prove it. I can almost feel the adrenaline high when I discover a new fabric shop (totally love that my job requires me to drive all over the southwestern portion of the state.....no seriously, i do!) in my travels. I've recently tried my hand at knitting and crochetting as well with the thought in the back of my mind that someday I want to be able to make a ga-jillion different little hats for my future little peanut to wear every day of the week. The crochetting actually came easy, the knitting is a different story. I do not enjoy the kinds of things that I cannot easily fix after I identify a mistake. Saving the fine tuning of those skills for another rainy day. However...I'm hoping to debut a line of little girls fancy frilly aprons sometime next week...and maybe even one or two for the little guys who like to help in the kitchen too. Such fun.

What I didn't expect when I began all this however, was how starting this little endeavor of mine would catapult me into this super-cool subculture of other crafters, bloggers, friends, and friends of friends. It really is something. Not only have I reconnected with old friends and acquaintances who I did not know were fabulously artsy, but I've also "met" so many new people along the way....whether I buy fabric from them on etsy, frequent thier gorgeous quilt shops (here's one of my faves...website does NOT do it justice) or perhaps the handful of repeat customers who are beginning to roll in because their littles have outgrown thier bonnet from last season (warms my heart!).

To celebrate, now through Saturday at midnight, visit my shop to take advantage of the special annivesary sale.

What else....um...not much really. I've mostly been spending days working, driving around in the sunshine, which is just fine by me...and my evenings whipping up a quick and poor excuse for dinner so I can catch up with some orders. when I get busy like this, if it can't be made in a crock-pot, you can bet dinner will involve 2 slices of (the freshest loaf left of) bread and which ever deli-meat that doesn't smell funny. For everyone else that is...my dinner, at least a few days of the week, consists of something like the following: a handful of jellybeans, 5 crackers with some cheese, a handful of honey-wheat pretzels, a chunk of decapitated white chocolated bunny, maybe a small bowl of popcorn, 2 or 3 diet sodas/glasses of water and probably another handful of jelly beans. This will occur over about a 4-5 hours period, just so you don't think I'm some kind of pig or anything (ha!). So there you have it friends....copy and paste it somwhere safe right now, because I may never reveal my secret diet again.

Oh!! I did finally sit down and co-design and order my new product tags, business cards, and address labels...I can't WAIT until they get here. If you ever need a super-sweet and crafty gal to help you out with these types of things (for an amazing price), check my girl Brenna here. Love, love, love them.

City On A Hill Creations (an etsy shop)

Oh, snap. Literally, as I write this, guess what pops up in my condescending inbox?? yep. it's the new Self-Get Fit Move of the Week!! Which is awesome...because guess who never tried out the last one I got yet?? But really...it's ok. Baby steps, baby steps. Mr. Majestic (one of Darrin's super-awesome doggie nicknames) and I have been all about the after-work walks in this deliciously sunny and warm weather we've been having. I do use the term "walk" loosely though.....it's more like a mad dash out the front door, brought to a screeching halt at the first corner where we like to sniff the stop sign. Followed by a painfully slow crawl as he sniffs down and marks his territory all along Willow Street. If I'm lucky, I can get him to run the length of one small-town block before I almost kill myself stopping.....totally scared I'll hurt his little neck if he stops and I don't. He is so the boss of me it isn't even remotely funny. This is what I came to find in my bed after my shower this morning...(mind you Darrin had already relocated in the middle of the night because there wasn't enough rooom):

I know. There's nothing I can even say about this. because it's totally and completely my fault. and a little bit of Darrin's fault for working night shifts when he was just a baby. I don't think Darrin really believes me either, when he comes in and witnesses these pathetic displaysand asks, "Did he get like that all by himself?"

So yeah. I'm pretty darned boring lately. But guess who's not? This girl. If you read my blog, you know I"ve linked to her before, and probably know a bit of her story. But this time, girlfriend's gone international!! Check her out here. So very proud of you Kelle, and proud to "know" you. Keep it up chick! Can't wait for the day I'm linking to your book. And I totally saw that little flash of bonnet in the photos shown in beginning of the interview!! I was forced to tell my family that my bonnets were on CNN by the way (ha!).

And that's that kids. I'll make every attempt at a more exciting and photo-heavy birthday post this Saturday. Still a little on the fence about that actually. Totally ready to see what my thirties have in store for us, but I also really like my age to start with a "2."

So Happy Birthday Bella Sol Bebe, and Happy Thursday to my friends!!

~nicole

beer, a birthday , ugly cake, and extra winter luggage.

2010-02-28T20:45:00.001-05:00

So, the earlier alluded to girl's night was cancelled Friday, but gosh darn it, we're nothing if not determined, so we braved slick roads and reconvened last night. Pictures of people were attempted but defeated by things such as purses in front of faces, and well, just plain horrible pictures. It turns out those extra just shy of ten pounds I packed on eating whatever I wanted over the holidays, and drinking myself silly through the snowstorms, are much more visible on film than in my mirror...who knew. Very much reminiscent of my dear friend Candy's self-diagnosed and created disease, known as Reverse Anorexia. The main symptom is thinking you look pretty hot before you walk out the door only to shudder in horror at the photos you see of yourself later on. Ugh. When Darrin noticed me twisting and turning in the mirror trying to examine whether or not there has been any growth of my muffin top (aka-the chef hat) and asks what I doing, I respond, "I feel like a fatass, i'm checking the situation out, ok?" And god love him, really,.....because his response to this is, "Baby....it's winter." Followed by a quick, "You look good, shut up." Which I guess means he thinks we are like bears and should put on extra pounds for warmth or something....still not sure what I think of this theory.

I have been dutifully not deleting the email in my inbox with the subject line "total body tone in one move" for just such an occasion. Later on, I may actually even read it. I am all freakin' over and type of exercise that is made up of a bunch of exercises combined into one move, and also, anything I can do with my ass on the floor. I'm just going to go ahead and say it again, I only run when being chased....and at that, dude better have a weapon. I simply do not enjoy becoming out of breath due to physical activity...er...well....exercising. Whatever. Now my only dilemma is this: do I suck it up and just get my ass in shape...or do I wait it out another couple months and just hope I get pregnant and blame it on the baby?? decisions....decisions....

Anyway...I did manage to get a couple food and beverage spots so it wasn't a total loss...

And let me tell you, a good time was had....largely due to this.....

yes...that absolutely says that I drank 6@ $1.75 small Miller Lite Drafts....you kind of have to when they are $1.75. This arriving at my table sent me into complete hysterics, and proclamations of how much I love my Mayberry town, because where in the heck else can you have six beers, and zucchini sticks for under 18 bucks!!!   I was however, laughing wildly by myself, being the only one of the four of us who exceeded the drink limit (I live 3 minutes away...no excuse....but this did happen over the course of 3 hours....still not helping out my case....i'm done...). Don't drink and drive. Seriously. Especially in the snow.

Yes, fun was had. We talked about this summer's annual girl's vacation....which sent us all talking in 4 different directions at the same time fighting to tell our funny stories first, trying not to snort beer on the table. And feeling bad every time we yelled the f-word because there was a little granny sitting behind us (what was she doing out at 11pm anyway??)   So yes....we drank, we munched, we laughed so hard that we were sweating in our cute little sweaters. A successful night. The morning however, not so much. I would like to know, if anyone has any thoughts on why my teeth feel painfully too big for my mouth after I drink the night before...it's like getting wisdom teeth all over again or something, what the heck is up with that?
Oh, and to make up for the lack of pics of us looking fabulous....here is two of us anyway, from our billboard shoot this past summmer. Way better.

And finally....today....my sweetheart turns thirty-one. Bailey and I got up early to make him these...even though we know he most likely touch them, but it's the thought, right?

I love you muffin, best husband ever, you pretty much just rock. Even when I'm cursing you out with my endearing truck-driver mouth for unexpectedly dumping me on the floor to practice your UFC moves, and you won't stop unless I "tap out" because that's how it works....I love you. I love that you've made up approximately 17 different nicknames for our dog, and he responds to all of them, and they are all awesome. I love the proud smile you get on your face every holiday when your card from Bailey that says "Dad" on the front. If no one knew any better, you'd think it were from an actual human child based on your expression alone.
We love you so much

I love you, and I will publicly apologize for the ugliest birthday cake ever because from the woman at the bakery who did not speak much English thought that "the cake is for a man" secretly meant "write all over it in orange, and switch to pink when you run out of orange," and then when I felt horrible asking her if she could fix it, she proceeded to write in blue ON TOP of the half orange, half pink mess. And as if that weren't enough, she took it upon herself to put weird red squiggles all around edges and dump sprinkles on it too. So sorry. This pains me so...I'm now totally regretting not making my own cake and going totally Crafty McCrafterson on it.

And while I'm at it, some other stuff I love about you:

-you send me sweet texts during the day
-those 2-3 extra inches you have on me and your broad shoulders that manage to make me feel petite at 6 foot 1 (total fox)
-you are kind and generous
-you have always said "I love you" on the phone no matter who else is around, since we started saying it.
-you are totally into trashy reality TV with me, and will call me from the other room to hurry up when the commercials are over-AND- you get just as excited as me when a new season of Real Housewives starts.
-that when you come home you walk through the door yelling, "where is that beautiful wife of mine?"
-I could go on and on. Happy Birthday sweets, I love you so very much.

Oh, and apparently, I suck at posting big pictures. Ridunculous.

Ode to Snow....

2010-02-26T16:15:00.000-05:00

Dear Pittsburgh Februaries....I take back every awful thing I've ever said about you, because I've come to the conclusion, that you are now, wonderful. You bestow beautiful whiteness that makes a whole lot of the dirty city look a lot cleaner, but most of all, you make it dangerous for me to go to the office. Which in turn brings the wonderfulness that is called working from home. In yoga pants and a hoodie. With my own version of the skinny-girl margarita (recipe below) for lunch (shut up, it's friday), along with a pack of wheat and cheddar crackers, the laptop on the coffee table, and a little dog going back and forth between his post on the recliner-peeking at me with sleepy eyes over a pillow, and sitting in the middle of my indian-style crossed legs, underneath the fleece snowflake blanket...because cuddlin' he likes.

Oh, it's pathetic I tell you. I've yet to turn on a lamp, but as proof, I have actually done some work. See exhibit A:

My only hope of the day is that it continues to hold off so girl's night may go on. Well, that, and that Darrin gets home safe. I miss him. My out of town pal is, as we speak, risking her life driving from hours away on the jacked up turnpike for a few cocktails at Dingbats tonight, so the show must go on. Pics to follow....if we do in fact get there.

And just for the record, highlights, I am done with you. Farewell. You make my hair feel like straw,and with that I simply cannot live. So last night, I rewelcomed my comfortable favorite dark soft mahogany, along with the soft shine I so love in every box. Ahh.

And I suppose I will finally tackle that damn basket of once nicely folded clothing that keeps whispering to me from the bedroom.

Just a little snippet. Let's hear it for "too-bad-to-be-on-the-roads-work-from-home-fridays!! Oww!!!!

Nicole's Makeshift Skinny-girl Margarita:

-lots of ice
-2 seconds worth of Cuervo
-half a second of triple sec
-big wedge of lime, squeezed in glass
-shake like mad
-add regular or lime flavored club soda
-yumm.

Thirty days 'til thirty years.

2010-02-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

In 30 days, I will officially be 30 years old. And the first thing I have to say is, "where in the hell did that come from?" I was just 24, and walking down the aisle, what seems like the other day. But I guess it's more like 1,950 days ago. It's almost like I forget we're all getting older, like for some reason I get really surprised when i see someone I went to highschool with and they've aged....it's like I think time froze for everyone else or something. What's that all about? I think maybe it's because in a way, I feel like my life didn't really start until met Darrin and we got married. I'm not sure why that is, but it wasn't until then that I feel like I became my own person....like I was free to my life as I wanted as an adult. And now here comes 30 already. Somehow I feel like I should have accomplished a lot more than I have by now, but I suppose I haven't done that bad either. Here's where I really wanna dig into stuff....things I learned up to now, things I still want to do...but if I did that now, what the heck would I write about on my birthday??

So I shall refrain for now. But i guess I could compile a little list of things that I don't want to do anymore, right?? So...

A few notes to myself if I may.....

-Stop complaining so darn much...you even annoy yourself sometimes. You just don't get to go through life without ever having a headache, or backache, or whatever-ache every once in a while. So shut up about it, no one else wants to hear it. You have your health, a wonderful husband, a warm and dry place to live, and family that love you. So shut your face.  Some people should wish to be so lucky.

-Stop resting your face on your hand all day while you work, it rubs off your make-up and makes your face dirty. This is why you look like someone smacked you by the time you get in the car at the end of the day.

-Make some kind of rule for yourself where you don't do anything personal on the computer until at least 1pm...you would probably get alot more work done.

-Stop worrying about your height...like for real this time. You are really not a giant amazon of a person, and people who make comments on the street about you have never been taught any better. Honest to goodness people, no one ever, ever, ever, wants to hear things like "Wow, you're a big girl!!" even if you are just commenting on her height. Stop it. Now. You will never hear me carrying on to you about how short or fat you are, so just don't.

-You've gotten better at it, but continue to choose your battles and think twice before you make a big deal out of something with those you love.  "Will I feel this strongly about this in an hour or so?" helps me out a lot.

-Now if everyone else I know would also abide by the above rule, we'd be all good.

- Stop acting like your cell phone is an appendage. Yeah, yeah, t's very cool, and amuses me when I need to kill time and everything, but it's starting to become a problem. Really. Like, mainly when you are driving.

-Stop pulling out the attitude when your doing all the day-to-day chores, and just ask for help. If after you ask you still do not recieve, then attitude is just fine.

-Stop eating so much junk food, the healthy stuff you eat doesn't really cancel it out like you pretend it does in your head. There's this word....moderation.  The gummy vitamins can stay however.

-Stop putting things off for another day, that's why you don't get things done. That icludes your bathroom mirrors which people probably think they have permanent toothpast splatter on them.

-Stop sitting around so much....you're obviously not getting any younger...and like grandma reminds you all the time....you just don't bounce back like you used could in your twenties.....thanks gram.

-Don't sweat the small stuff. Easier said than done, but just try.

..just a little bit of fun...here's a nearly thirteen year-old me, with my then little peanut who just turned NINETEEN two days ago. Holy cow.

yeah....this same kid.....

...still no clue how that happens. love ya kid!!
I think that will suffice for now. The other thing that I think may actually become a semi-regular feature here at my place, are "Letters I Can't Really Send, But Would Like To." For example:

Dear Facebook Friends:

I love you all, I really do, but please stop junking up my profile with hearts, hugs, drink requests, farm crap, fish tank junk, and other things of the like. I know the intention is good....but frankly...no one wants to deal with that junk.

Dear Mobile Dog Groomer:

You should know that I'm terribly offended that you will not return my calls. We are very very sorry that we forgot about your appointment.....and we've apoligized profusely, several times, and have offered to pay for your lost time, simply because my little bear loved you, and I didn't want to take him to a big box pet store to be groomed. I'm not sure why you're doing this, but you should feel bad about the trauma you've put him though, not to mention the groomers at the place he goes to know....I think it makes them a little uncomfortable that I sit on a bench outside the grooming room window for the entire two hours (ain't nobody layin' anything less than a loving finger on my pooch) that he's there. All. your. fault. And oh yeah, I tell people about it. All the time.

Dear maybe-homeless man who stands on the side of Rt. 28 everyday:

You know, I don't wish that type of misfortune on anyone, ever. I can't think of anything worse. But the fact of the matter is, that I remember the day about two years ago that your sign which normally reads: "Please Help," instead said, "Why lie...I need a beer." And now I don't know if I can believe you anymore. Sorry.

Dear crowd of people that were in the downtown Third Ave. parking garage lobby with me last week when my knee inexplicably gave out in front of the ticket machine:

Thank you for not laughing when I fell over onto my hip, in a skirt, and dropped my bags...which threw me off balance in the first place. And thank you to the young girl in a Point Park hoodie for helping me up, those sort of acts are contagious, your parents did a good job.  And thank you to everyone else for not taking off with my stuff that was scattered in roughly a ten foot radius of me. If you ever see me do this again, feel free to laugh yourself silly, it's fine with me :)

I think that'll about do for now.

Counting down ~ nicole

*oh yeah-if you've actually stayed long enough to hear the second song on my playlist...I just wanted to reiterate that even though it's called "Thirty-One Today," I am only turning Thirty. Just wanted to make sure that was clear. I dig me some Aimee Mann, and she doesn't sing a song called "Thirty Today," so this will have to make do. We'll bring it beack out next year too :)

It's a hard knocks life...

2010-02-12T20:11:00.041-05:00

..for Bailey. And yes, I'm going to risk being the weirdo who posts too many pictures of her dog here for a moment. Because if you can't love on your littlebear like a madwoman, then what the heck is the point is having them around in the first place, right?? I promise to keep these sort of posts at a minimum...besides, he's totally over me following him around with camera, and I'm pretty sure my neighbors have written me off as the street spinster with the lap dog after watching me almost kill myself, falling over in the snow trying to get some quality shots of my #1 muse. So, just humor me for a sec....

and someone is silly happy that dad finally got around to carving him out a path in backyard to play in...

especially since mom damn near lost two fingers trying to put this on me to go roll around in the mounds in the front yard...

and well, after all that play, a guy's gotta rest.....

i swear to you he gets the blanket like this all by himself...it's sad really.

and never ever once do we miss the opportunity to climb in and curl up behind a bended knee...

and probably one of my favorite sights lately...

..intertwined paws :)

So, that really about sums up what we've been up to around here over the last week. It goes something like this: get up, drink coffee, shovel (or watch Darrin shovel....or flash cash out the front door to the young'ens shoveling out the neighbors), cook, cuddle, clean, sleep. Repeat for 5 days. Results in a crazy lady with cabin fever like she never thought possible. We've had chili in the crockpot, a homemade apple & raisin cake, and my secret recipe tuna salad that went fabulously with a couple of Yeungling's around 3pm, since we can't drive anywhere anyway. My main job, other than cook and laundry washer of all the snow soaked clothing, has been to DVR any decent show I can find during the day so that we have a nice line-up for the evening. I know, I know...it's rough!! We've been livin' in our comfty clothes...and I have to say...I think I could become quite accustomed to a life of walking around in Vicki's sweats and Uggs, half buzzed up in the middle of the day. Not to shabby kids, not too shabby. Not too much would get done, but fun nonetheless.

I did, however, finish my new, I'm oh-so-in-love-with kitschy quilt for our bed. Turned out to be just what I needed to offset that bain of my existence dusty rose carpeting. It has also come to my attention, that as much as I love my new creation, a professional quilter I am not, nor do I think I want to be. Stuffing all the rolled up fabric under my machine is just not a party, ok. I did happen to come up with what I think is a supercool new product idea, to be seen shortly in my etsy shop. I know, the suspense is killing you right??
Tough. Gotta wait.

I want to put that retro floral print on just about anything I can get my hands on. Love.

and i know you wanna see said disgusting carpet so feast your eyes...

And finally...this, my friends...is what you get when you try to get just one cute self-portrait of you and your best pal.....

rats...E.T. finger toes made into this one...ugh.

gettin' closer...

i give.

What's better than cookin', sewin', keepin' warm, hangin' out, and lovin'??

Yep. Nada.

think we'll stay in today....

2010-02-06T10:11:00.002-05:00

Friday Afternoon...

Friday Night...

This morning....

Gotta love February in Pittsburgh, and the largest snowfall in 17 years.

Stay warm friends!!

just had to share....

2010-01-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

...the news that kelle's beautiful baby Nella has finally entered the world, and I couldn't help but to share this story with the people that I love, because the outpouring of love that has already been sparked by this child and this family, is simply inspiring. So please, just take a few moments to witness all of this...and prepare to be hooked.....like the many others who have stumbled across Kelle's, Enjoying the Small Things....if you're anything like me, you'll find that you just can't get enough, and well, you'll be back.

http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/and-it-was-beautiful-day.html

Congratulations once again Hampton Family!!!

just a tid bit...

2010-01-19T19:56:00.000-05:00

...of what's up with me right now, cause it's been a while. A little sort of survey, if you will, taken from the sweet new mama Rebecca, over at her place:
http://ahappyheart-rebecca.blogspot.com/2010/01/monday-daybook-for-mon-january-18-2010.html

Outside my window...is the cold and darkness of a Pennsylvania January night, with the unlit remains of Christmas joy draped pitifully on my own and my neighbors hedges.

I am thinking...that I need to chill out just a little bit, remember that I come here because it's important to me to enjoy everyday life, and the special things that each new day brings.

I am thankful for...a big long heart to heart with my honey the other night...and although sometimes it may take us a little while, after almost ten years, we can communicate with each other, and still continue to grow together.

I am wearing...black yoga pants, with a grey sweater pulled over a comfy cami.

I am remembering...well...more like trying to remember, that I am a very lucky person in this world, and not to dare take one blessed day in this world for granted, especially time spent with my loved ones.

I am going...nowhere this evening...I am happily settled in for the night. But in a larger light...I think I'm goin' places, alright.

I am currently reading...A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, and Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert...because someone who I think is pretty darned cool recommends.

I am hoping...yes...well...if you know me, you know what I'm hoping for ...a long and lanky little in my future ;)

On my mind...see above. And also very much on the forefront of my mind...hoping that the sweet, little ones from Haiti who arrived in my city today find thier way to the homes of those who have warm homes and open arms to help heal them back to happy and healthy children they so deserve to be.

Noticing that...this apple wine I scored on sale ain't so dang bad afterall.

Pondering these words...Believe, Dream, Imagine, Faith, Hope, and Love. Words I look at every day above my loveseat in my living room...but often fail to really appreciate.

From the kitchen...Mmmmm. Eggplant, zucchini, mushroom, and redpepper veggie and cheeses casserole...i'm talking fresh shredded parmesan and mozzarella here. (Close your mouth!!)

Around the house...a bit of an emptiness with the Christmas decor packed away...but a lotta love nonetheless.

One of my favorite things...few items come to mind....just the fleece snowflake blanket that we cuddle under on the couch at night with our furry little guy.

quick new year's pics and a lazy, lazy, dog.

2010-01-07T21:37:00.000-05:00

as promised, a few new year's eve pics...

me and my sweet pea.

my sister and her party girls..

party puppies!...bailey's sister coco, and the infamous sunnie, sporting his fab festive hat..we all have a bit of doggie obsession in this family...

and bailey's been having it extra rough around here lately, trying to recuperate from the holidays...

and here's what we've got going on as we speak...they're telling us around 8 inches by the time it's all over tomorrow night...it would be super-terrible if it were just not safe enough for me to drive to work tomorrow, wouldn't it?

And you can't see him, but Darrin has been outside for the last 20 minutes, cleaning the cars and salting the sidewalk, since we have absolutely nowhere to go for the next 12 hours. The guy just can't stay out of the stuff...he'll find any excuse to bundle up (in a hoodie and basketball shorts) and brave the elements, it's actually pretty cute. Note to self...try to capture this to make a funny "Darrin plays in the snow" collage.

Happy Thursday, and Stay warm friends!!

goodbye 2009.

2009-12-31T19:11:00.002-05:00

just a brief post, the last of 2009, while I still have a moment, to say goodbye 2009, and a little acknowledgement to what this year brought me. And tomorrow, I have good intentions to write about what I hope the new year will bring with it.

In the spirit of keeping it simple, a list:

-turning 29 in 2009, really only made me think about turning 30 next year, and I'm okay with that.

-in 2009, I think I finally was able to let go of that last little bit of myself that made me care about what others thought of....well, not care....but worry I suppose.

-building on the last item, I can officially say that I no longer am bothered, or feel self-conscious in the least about being 6 foot 1. Yep, I finally acknowledge that last inch.

-my man. 2009 marked our 9th year together, and darlin', I mean it through and though when I tell you that I love you more every. single. day. I don't know how that works, but I just do, and I know that you do too. I still can't wait to hear your voice, or see you for the first time each and every day, and my day doesn't start until I'm home with you. Your arms offer me the sort of comfort that there simply aren't words for. I can't imagine a life without you, and hope that I never have to know one. I simply cannot wait to see what 2010 has in store for us. I love you.

-2009 brought me a renewed love of writing, right here in my little blog. And along with that, something I never imagined, I found new friends that I now can't imagine not sharing things with, and became closer to people who I never knew I shared so much in common with. In particular...

Kelle...sharing our lives back and forth in blog land makes my days brighter, reading your words helps me to appreciate "the small things," even more than I knew I did in the first place. I know you've been told this before, but you truly have a gift....not only in your photography and your writing, but just inside you.  And your art inspires me daily. Now if I could just get my hands on one of those big honkin' cameras.

Maddie...sharing our stories, our struggles, and our laughs, makes icky days easier just knowing I'm not alone.  I have no doubt that 2010 will make all your dreams come true.

Shelly.....I'm so grateful for the day you read my post and "had to comment." I have absolutely loved getting to know you, we share a kindred sense of humor, and when I find someone who gets me like that, I don't let them go....just so you know.   You are the best.

Tammy....destiny I think, had you planted at the YW, just for me. I could not have made it those first two years without you. We are kindred spirits, and I know that you are always just a call, or short drive away whenever I need you, as am I. You are a sweet, sweet, soul, and we share that "delicate flower" gene. Us flowers have to stick together.

Becky....whether you know it or not...I've looked up to you since the day we met. I admire the person you are, and always have tried to learn from you. You are a kind-hearted, smart woman, and just plain old good person....the kind that just being in physical proximity too makes you feel good. I hope you know how much I have truly shared in your joy that is little Miss Claire this year. No one deserves happiness more.

And Melissa, my dear Melissa......I thank whatever super-natural being is up there in the realm above for bringing you to me. What our friendship has turned into this last year makes me all warm and happy silly. I really needed you in my life, and am so grateful for your friendship. We are, without a doubt, soul-sisters.

-in 2009, I've been able to be a better big sister than I think I ever have been before. some of that comes with having your feet planted firmly in the ground, and the rest from pure unconditional love. I love the three of you more than you could ever know. And I know that what you do know, is that I am ALWAYS here for each of you. And I love that you know that, and that my cell phone rings at odd hours when you need me. Don't ever stop.  My sweet little Karlie....I am so proud of the young woman are turning into to. You are beautiful inside and out, and I can't tell you how crazy I am about you. Could not have designed a better sister/best friend....yep...my bestest friend is 16 years old. And I'll say this for the last time....don't rush into it or anything.....but if you don't want me to look like an old whore in a bridesmaid dress, please don't wait too long either. xoxo-niki

-in 2009, I've learned that I take pride in doing my job well, but that it's never, but never ever, worth bringing it home. leave that shit in the elevator...or at least in the car.

...alright. well, that may not be everything I wanted to say, but it's 5 after 7:00, and I've got to throw my butt in the shower. there's a few places I need to go and eat some food, have some drinks, and hug some people. And my littlebear....don't you fret....we'll be home to kiss you at midnight, just like we always are. just can't "bear" not being with our furry little at the strike of midnight. and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy New Year friends!!!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas!!

2009-12-19T12:22:00.000-05:00

..and I couldn't be happier. It's been several years since we got a good few inches for christmas, and we're loving every minute of it. So, not a lot of words today, but here's what's been going on around here lateley...

woke up to this scene this morning....

ok, i made him wear the wooly socks, but it was worth it.

And really, that about wraps it up. I would however like to extend an apology to the kids who came to shovel earlier....I only had $5 and a baggie full of cookies to offer, and they graciously cleaned my porch and walkway anyway.

more to come soon, Merry Christmas!

yeah, i know...i have issues.

2009-12-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

came across last years santa pic...

unfortunately, i've decided we will not be braving pet day at the santa set-up in the mall this year. Aside from standng in line for an hour between two mastiffs last year (read: bailey on my head for an hour) , my little guy has taken a stand. Much to my dismay, there will be no more sickeningly adorable clothes for littlebear. My sweetie turns into Mr. Hyde if I even pull a sweater out of the closet....and I may risk losing a finger if I get close to him with it in hand. My dreams of an antler headband are crushed. I will have to settle for the charlie brown christmas collar alone. So, stay tuned. Tonight I will get that perfect shot I've planned out meticulously if it kills me!! That's all for now friends.

well...that and an enlarged shot of my sister after a goofy-late-night Target trip a couple weeks ago. had we any disposable cash, we would have each actually bought a pair of these Raphie-esque jammies. we were literally laughing with tears running down our face, holed up in a dressing room for about 20 minutes trying to get the best shots of each other (we'll just say my facial expression in my bunny portrait make me look...um...special, so we won't be posting that one) not to mention sweating up a storm...thos bunnies jammies are warm if nothing else. I will say that we looked very, very, cool each carrying our respective pair out of the dressing room to hand over to the gal who keeps order in the dressing rooms.

spending a chilly, snow-flurry-ing day inside with my best guys...and lovin' it. Happy Saturday.

(the first) big fat christmas post.

2009-11-28T12:31:00.003-05:00

so here it is. I've been decorated for going on three weeks now, the time hasn't been just right to share it in blogland until now. Why, eh....i'm not exactly sure....maybe it's because the turkey's been carved and packed away in tupperware, maybe it's because the first few snowflurries came down while my sister and I put up lights outside Something I haven't done, well, ever I think. I have never ever, ever, ever, been attracted to the thought of the mall on black friday, but i guess there's a first time for everything. just another reason i love my sister so.....i picked her up, and we were both clad in black sweaters and uggs....she in her Burberry scarf, and me in my gray cable knit fingerless gloves that just make me feel cool.....we giggled, like we ususally do when she hops in my car and we have 2 or more of the same articles of clothing on. I drug the poor thing to the mall ( she had been under the impression that we were only picking up some extra lights and going back to my place) but that just wasn't going to cut it for me, i needed a tad more retail therapy if you will. I had a yankee coupon, buy 2 get two, that had been burning a hole in my pocket for a couple weeks, a hankering for a bottle of dry white wine, the names of two kids I picked off the tree at work who need some gifts from someone a little more fortunate, and the lights of course. we decided it would be a pink, green, and white theme this year, since we both basically shrieked with delight at the sight of bright pink christmas lights at walmart. the only problem was the green. not. one. box. but my sister and i, are nothing if not determined, especially when presented with a shopping challenge of any sort. next we hit the dollar tree.....only white lights. next up, Michael's craft store.....where i did score a cool set of art supplies (top wish for tree kid #1) exactly in my price range, but still...no green lights. next stop lowe's. you guessed it, no green lights. we were a little tired at this point, but couldn't bear the thought of going home with no green lights, so off to target we went. at this point we were basically running to the back corner of the store where all the christmas lovin' is stocked, for fear that at that very moment some middle aged woman was stuffing the last few boxes of green in her cart. and then we saw them. there were 8 of them, stocked neatly on the bottom shelf. and in my cart they went, the 8 of them. we weren't going to take them all, but after a quick discussion, it was decided that we simply would not risk 1) not having enough to satisfy us, and 2) anyone else in town getting green lights. all i have to say, is thank god karlie was with me, or else there may very well be a pink wicker lighted pig donning a santa hat in my front yard as well, and my pockets $40 lighter. we laughed the whole way home, imagining everyone else in town will be jealous that we have green lights, and they don't, and hoping that they don't restock any, and how it's a good thing we finally found them, since we were on the verge of picking up damon (our only brother under 18, my sister's twin) and driving to the next town, forcing him to snatch them out of someone else's yard. come to think of it, actually...we may just go back for that pig afterall....next paycheck. And sweetie-pie...you didn't even know you were doing it, but for some reason I was in a post turkey day-pre-christmas-funk..and you pulled me right out of it. thanks for cheerin' your big sister up, you were just what the dr. ordered, love ya bunches. so here we are, entirely too many pictures of some paulovich family christmas lovin....

finally found the perfect tree topper to satisfy my hankering for a sort of lodgy-country-american-eagle-style (hey, i tried...) christmas tree. The way the grapewine and berry star compliments the rugged twine garland, adorned with pine cones, red berries, and little bundles of twigs makes for a happy girl.

and the living room just wouldn't be the same without our beloved reindeer head hung above the couch, his green and red scarf tied just so.

and perhaps my favorite christmas piece of all....santa's clothesline...weaved into some red and green berry lit up garland above my kitchen window....complete with his jacket, suspenders and trousers, his mittens, socks, and scarf......i kick myself every year for not buying mrs. claus' clothesline as well......discontinued now of course. damn you avon.

our wedding cake ornament makes me smile every time I hang it up......

not far from my husband's parent's wedding ornament ornament....

or his granparent's

and heck, while we're at it....a little tour de favorite ornaments if I may......

the bookworm schoolhouse ornament, from my toddler class of 2004...

and the lenox filigree angel from grandma....

starfish santa....from our naples trip before we were even engaged.....

and last but never ever least..the one from little bear's first chrsitmas with us...mind you this is one of many bailey-boo photo ornaments that grace our tree...

and I'll finish with the outdoor masterpiece my sister and I slaved over for hours last night....after tearing down the blue and red, lest they clash with our pink and green....here you have it....a bit blurry, buy it'll have to do...

...i'm still thinkin' it's missing a little pink christmas pig.....

and finally, on this very sappy morning of mine, i'm wishing you and yours a very happy, family and fun-filled holiday season, with more love and laughter than you stomach can handle, and a very merry christmas, the great part...it's only just begun.....so if you can....do something unexpected to make someone else's a little brighter...it just makes ya feel good.

Oh,happy, happy, happy day.

2009-11-10T21:34:00.001-05:00

Long time no post...because I am a total Christmas nut, and couldn't help but to almost entirely finish putting all the Christmas lovin' ....from the pine swags and the tree, to the lighted reindeer head on the wall, and lighted berry garland around the windows....all over my nest. While I do need to complete some finsihing touches before I preoceed to spew Christmas all over my blog as well, I recieved something wonderful today, well 2 something wonderfuls!! Both in the form of email.

#1) When I saw the subject line pop up on my Blackberry, I actually told the client I was working with, "I'm so sorry, I simply have to read this." It read, from Becky, "our sweet little girl." I lost it right then and there, tears spilling as I opened the attachment and got to lay my eyes on her for the first time. I was forced to explain to the lovely woman I was meeting with at the moment that a dear friend of mine, after years of trying many different paths, welcomed a beautiful baby girl into her family today. The woman, having raised several foster children, began crying and smiling with me, as we ooed and awed over the tiny pictures together. Isn't it something...when you expereince a moment like that, with basically a complete stranger...and just for a minute or two, your not strangers at all, you are just two women sharing something special together when you least expected to,.. because it was just that... special,... and to not enjoy that moment , in the moment, would just be wrong, and you both know it. So Welcome Claire Olivia!!! And Congratulations to Becky and Jake. I am so extrememly happy that Claire found her way to you, she couldn't have landed in a more wonderful, and love filled place. And again, I apologize for not being able to control myself..and screaming, laughing, and crying on the phone today. But it was simpy amazing to actually HEAR the happiness beaming from you over the phone. Never was there a couple who deserved this more. I am still bouncing off the walls with happiness for your new family. What a truly lucky little girl... Talk about an early Christmas gift from God...

oh yeah....#2. I was so stinkin happy for Becky and Jake, that I almost didn't notice the other little message in my inbox. I wait for it all year, because it makes me giggle insanely, and sending it to my family and friends just makes me happy. And what better a way to end an insanely happy day, than with a bit of silly festivity...besides, no one can see me dancing with joy in my living room, so this will have to do:

With no further adieu, I give you....The (first) 2009 Paulovich Family Elf Yourself Dance Video!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Oh, I love this time of year!!!

What's better than new babies, happy hearts, and dancing elves???
~A big-fat-nothing.

birthdays, Halloween, and a big ol' pic post.

2009-11-01T10:04:00.009-05:00

So it's been a delightfully busy last couple of weeks. With pumpkins to tend to (the real ones, and the ones that run around in little costumes) and parties to be had, it's really been the most lovely October. My sweet-pea Drew turned 3 this months, and what an absolute joy it's been to watch him grow, and to be close to him and his B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L baby sister Brooke. The love I have for them is just unreal.

Candy, your little Ben it's stinkin' delicious.

What's more fun than bringing all outdoor fun inside for an autumn birthday party? The kids had soooo much fun, and I had so much fun watchin' and snappin' away.

And if this isn't the prettiest little witch you ever did see, well, you're a liar!! :)

Oh, that face. If I haven't kissed it a thousand times, I haven't kissed it once!

Sorry about that flash muffin!!

Mommy and Booke.

and buckets of fun (aka-markers, coloring books, and halloween toys) to play with...

and Uncle Darrin and Aunt Nicole got Drew a V-motion game system because what three-year-old doesn't need one of those? There's just no fighting it, the boys digs his electronics.

Ah, my Brooke. I'm fairly certain she got the posing gene from her mother, who never...and I seriously mean NEVER...takes a bad picture. (Shut up Danielle, you don't, it's sickening!)

Shelly took a turn canoodling Ben too, it just couldn't be helped.

and then there's Nate. Shelly may tell me otherwise, but this kid is never without a smile on his face.

and this would be a group shot of the "church ladies" as Candy lovingly refers to all of us for our "get-in-that-party, shower, wedding, christening, whatever...and get it done" nature. We are so lucky to have each other, it's just kind of an understanding now. When any of us have any type of event, the process is as follows:

1. Get there early if all stars align and this is physically possible.

2. Roll up your sleeves.

3. Finish last minute decoration.

4. Set that food up, and presentation counts!!

5. Enjoy yourself, eat, drink(if you're not preganant, drink less if nursing, lol-someone always is!)

6. Relocate gifts to their proper destination.

7. Put the house back together.

I think that about covers it ladies, right?

and at the end of the night (made blatantly obvious by the state of my hair) we scooped up our littles for one last pic.

Brooke, Aunt Nicole, Uncle Darrin, and the Birtday Boy, Drew.

What's better than an autumn birthday party, for the sweetest boy on earth laden with pumpkins, leaves, good food, treat bags and friends???

Nothin'.

And for a final goodbye to October 2009, we spent a nice cozy night at home handin' out the candy. While I do pride myself at being a multi-tasker, taking lots of pics while handing out candy, and trying to keep Bailey from going ape&%# everytime a 3 year old came to the door proved more than a little challenging. So here's what I could capture...

I hate kids on my porch, I hate kids on my porch! Uh....this is definetley something we need to work on...

the preoccupation with trick-or-treaters made for a difficult halloween portrait this year...

next to my less than creative carving job this year. the yorkie design I had planned to tackle just did not come to fruition.

And what a treat for me, Andrew and Maria brought a little Cinderella by for me to fuss over and blanket with kisses. Too too sweet this little one is, all smiles and giggles, everything a little girl should be.

So farewell October, thanks for the loads of fun, with family and friends. Bring it on Turkey Day, bring. it. on.

humpday slacker.

2009-10-21T15:54:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure when it was, but there came a point today when i had definetley decided I wasn't doing anything else productive at work today (like you never did it...) and that was that. and now, I suppose i'm, uh,...confessing, lol. It is 4 minutes before I am done for the day, and i've accomplished little more than scheduling one meeting, and delivering my new diploma to the HR lady. (note to self: never give boss blog link...) Ah, I lie...Tammy stopped by and took my lunch at the Hard Rock. (haha, I was gonna go back and edit that, because Tammy didn't take my lunch...she's much too nice. She took me to lunch. yikes. ) what happens at the hard rock stays at the hard rock. AND, I bought a pretty fly hat (think newsboy, crocheted in oatmeal yarn, with big wooden buttons) from this lovely etsy shop. I'm in love with it, and will obsess over it in my brain until it lands on my doorstep. Oh, sorry- 4:00. Peace out kids.

perfect weekend in pics.

2009-10-14T21:48:00.006-04:00

A post of few words...but a lotta pics. Just a little taste of our super-relaxed weekend. We took a ride on a beautiful fall day (and I stuck my camera out the window to snap some trees..), visited Misera's pumpkin farm, hung out around the house, loved on the dog, and stuck pumpkins everywhere they would fit. I will say just this: Pumpkins and gourds cost 25 cents a pound at sweet old Mr. and Mrs Misera's; we came home with over 70 pounds o' punkin. And I'm happy. And for the record, this nonsense of mine will probably just go on and on until the day after Thanksgiving, when I unleash my inner elf. It can't be helped.

I know, my steps are gross. We decided to live with it until next spring.

I guess you really can't tell how bright and gorgeous these babies are, so you'll have to take my word for it. And the wooden fence just made it all the better for me.

This would be our ride home from the farm, also the same route we take just off the highway to get home from work everyday. It's funny I never realized just how pretty it was until this past Saturday.

late saturday night, in comfty clothes and no make-up.

totally not kidding...anywhere I can stick 'em.

Homemade crab bisque (that darrin insists on calling "crab bis-q" pronouncing the "q" everytime, cause that's what he does, and I love it.) Oh, and due to popular demand, this recipe is posted on my facebook page in a note. Try some with some fresh italian bread and butter, it makes your life better.

I do this every year, it just makes me happy....i rip out the dead geraniums in my flower boxes, leave in the vinca vines, and stuff 'em full of gorgeous mini pumpkins and gourds, and slop a bunch of white lights in there. It's goodstuff.

So that's it. more fall and halloween fun to come I'm sure....we have however decided that bailey will not be forced to wear a costume this year...well...because....I like my fingers. My once very agreeable little man when it came to dressing up, no longer tolerates my finding a shirt, sweater, jacket, or costume for every silly occasion, and I think I have to respect that. So, we'll have to do with last year's lobster pictures and the pumpkin and candy corn collars. It was fun while it lasted little. Happy Fall to you and yours!!!

Honestly, what's better than a bummin' around weekend with your best friend in your sweats???

Look what I got in the mail yesterday....

2009-10-07T15:38:00.003-04:00

that's it. Just wanted to share :0)

have I mentioned that I love this season..........

2009-10-05T12:46:00.009-04:00

warning: this post contains boring, stream of consciousness ramblings about my home decor fantasies for the holidays. My apologies.

...from now until New Year's Eve. And I'm sorry for yet another pumpkin laden post, but I simply cannot help myself. I even lost my breath today for a minute as I got off the ramp of the turnpike a little ways north, and the colors of the trees!! Oh, for god's sake, it's only the first week of October, and they were just insanely amazing, I'm sorry I was driving and couldn't capture a shot of them, because they honestly were just too beautiful for words....every shade of yellow, orange, brown, and red.....wow. Ooops, backtrack a few days: I kicked it off right this weekend, as I had a lot of alone time due to my cutie pie football coach being obligated to attend games all weekend. I've told him before, when left unattended, I will eventually shop. I can't help it, my car just takes itself to the mall, JoAnn Fabric's, the grocery store, the farmer's market,....it seriously just happens. All I'm interested in doing from now until the end of the year, is wearing fun new fall clothes, boots, and hats, cooking yummy comfort foods that take all day to cook and make the house smell insane, and finding/making new fun decorations that make it feel extra homey. I'm fairly certain you could not stuff one more pumpkin, gourd, piece of wheat (no matter how tiny) in any crevice of my home. and you know what the sick part of it is?? as soon as I finished, all I wanted to do was plan out what I'm adding in to my regular Christmas decorations. I've finally gone over the edge folks. I've decided this year it's gonna get Christma-ridiculous-mas up in this place. Yep, everything. I'm swapping out the kitchen curtains for some super cozy country Christmas ones I spied over the weekend at one my all-time favorite stores, American Country Collection (sorry friends, no web link available) and I'm pretty sure I'm going to swap all the bathroom accessories for super-cute Christmass-y ones, I can just see it now: maybe in a snowmen theme...a soap dish, lotion dispenser,garbage can, towels, hell maybe even a shower curtain! .....wow...where the heck was i?? Oh, yes. The madness started early at the country store, where I found the most adorable garland I have ever seen in my life, complete with miniature pumpkins, and tiny terra cotta pots, to accent the faux dried autumn flowers. I almost died, it was so gorgeous. I even made the cashier take a strand off of the door display, because one piece just would not do. Then it was off to Joann's because it is the only place I can find little white lights with a brown cord (green simply will not do until Christmas time). And then something fabulous happened: I found them. The exact thing my whole perfect autumn home fantasy was missing: ceramic white pumpkin salt and pepper shakers. Laugh if you must, but they warm my heart somethin' silly. And get this, at 50% off, they were $3.50!! I kinda wanted another set, but really couldn't rationalize it, what with only having one kitchen and all. (oh, i havent' mentioned yet that the weather this weekend was just perfect for wearing a light sweater with a sleevless parka, and my new harvest gold knit hat, one of my all time favorite outdoor apparrel options, I think because there is seriously only like 4 weeks total in the whole year that you can get away with that kinda thing in Pittsburgh)the rest of my fabulous saturday was spend trimming my house with even more fall lovin' than last week, and sipping a little white wine while I made sure every leaf and berry was in it's perfect place, while i waiting patiently for my best buddy to get home.

And then it was on. Sunday, I just couldn't take it anymore, and had to throw a "practice Thanksgiving" as my good pal Becky refers to these kind of dinners: turkey rubbed with sage, cornbread stuffing with golden raisins, candied sweet potatoes with parsnips, green bean casserole, and pumpkin spice pudding. Yumm... minus the turkey for me of course, but yumm to the rest.

And tonight, I couldn't resist the new holiday fabric I've had stashed away for weeks now any longer, and the Frosted Fairy bonnet was born. Christmas fabric makes me happy, I could roll around in it, and unfold and fold it over and over again...... and that's all I have to say about that.

pumpkins, friends, quilts, and such.

2009-09-26T20:11:00.008-04:00

Well, long time, no post, huh? and i guess it's because I've been a pretty darn boring person as of late. work is just short of overwhelming, the weather is changing, and besides adorning my place with bits of autumn love, not much has changed in my little Springdale life. Well, I lie. There was this....

Baby Jonahthan Michael Petras finally decided to Join us two weeks ago, and he's just as sweet as you could imagine. I couldn't help but to whip him up a new cuddly, flannel-lined, all-boy quilt, that I hope he will drag around behind him by it's corner for years to come. Welcome Jonathan!! You have a slew of non-related aunts just waiting to spoil the silliness right out of you.

After visiting Chrissy and Jonathan, there was food to eat, and a few dark yummy beers to enjoy by me, and the best sister-in-law a gal could wish for, on one of the last occasions we'll probably have to sit outside and dine.

And then of course, there is always time for a quick bedtime story from Aunt Cole, snuggled up with her two best littles. Is there anything more scrumptuous than littles fresh out of the bath, smellin' sweet in thier jammies waiting for story?? Really, is there?

And I'm happy I've found the urge to be creative once more, as I'm sure I've mentioned already, as happy as I was to have the opportunity to put some of my hats and dresses in an actual store, it basically sucked the life out of me, along with the desire to sew anything for a couple of weeks. I finally came across the pattern for this lovely little number from WholeGrainBaby on etsy (check 'em out, they're fabulous!) and quoila! My Brooke has a new reversible, lined on the inside, little fall jacket. Love it.

And finally, I think I have officially been bitten by the quilting bug. I'm starting to crave them as the high today all of about 63 degrees, and it doesn't help that everywhere I look, I'm inspired to make a new one. Here is my first attempt....it is...in my mind...the quilt I'll pull out after Thanksgiving every year, and my kids will wrap up in it together on my couch, excited for what lie ahead in the weeks to come.

Oh, yeah....and I must pay a little tribute to my fall lovin, because I do love it so......

What's better than fall lovin' all about the house, new babies, beer with friends, bedtime stories, and the beginnings of a new fun and funky Christmas quilt to toss on the back of the couch? Once again.............nothin'.

I told ya it was comin...

2009-09-08T18:50:00.005-04:00

(just a warning, this post is very boring, and basically just a post for the sake of posting, because well, I just felt like it, ok?)

...and guess what I saw today....the first little red leaf on the tree in our back-yard. I am just now realizing that I don't know what kind of trees they are, but nonetheless, we have two deliciously juicy tiny red leaves. Yum.

After further inspection, (aka, the front yard..) I discovered that my discovery was a little late. The tips are turning on nearly all the leaves out front, and these lovely little berries are sprouting out everywhere. And, no, I don't know what kind of tree this is either. So....being that I was in the mood, and it's a brisk 66 degrees out this evening, I got a little crazy....and got out the maple leaf made of twigs, adorned with a little pumpkin bow on top....

....and then I saw the autumn wreath hanging in the stairwell of confused holidays...( see I hang all wreaths and wall adornments in the stairwell leading into our icky basement, at least it makes trip down to the laundry room a little more pleasant..)

And these little guys are coming up out of nowhere all over the large grass plants on our lawn, and just looked so sweet and soft, I thought they deserved a wee bit of recognition.....that and I had the most uneventful Labor-Day long weekend ever so I forced myself to go outside and find something beautiful. I spent the "holiday weekend" (I grimaced every dang time I heard a helmet-haired news caster say that) almost entirely in front of the computer to work on my "final" thesis edits, yet again. I no longer care for the word "final" whatsoever. I cannot describe in words how I long to just live a mundane life again, without the dark and dreaded THESIS (i was trying to make that scary, and I don't think it worked out) breathing down my darn neck.

And of course, what would a post be without a new shot of my furry little...who has officially given up the fight of denying his crazy mama her photo ops, and instead chooses to stare at me blankly, with a bit of "just get it over with,"in his eyes. I'm sorry love, I just can't help myself sometimes....and I don't care that dad says, "don't you have like 20 pictures that look just like already?" Because each one is different and special to me, and I save them all like a nutbag on photobucket!

There was a little bit of productivity this past week, I created this little number for a super-fun customer who sent me a list of about ten fabrics, and told me to "pick two and surprise her!" with a matching dress and bonnet set for her little girl's first birthday this weekend. How much fun is that?! I fell in love with the contrast of these fabrics, as well as the little bits of pink and purple in the yellow print that went so lovely with the dark pink one...

And that's about it. Today was another average 'ol day, I visited two preschools, like I do most days. I have a pretty cool job I must say.....I used to regret leaving my job as a childcare center director, not that I missed the place itself mind you, just the littles inside. But not anymore, now I get to see lots of different places, and I have learned so much more about how children learn in so many different ways, and in different settings. And on top of it all, I get to help make them better....yeah, it's not to darn bad. And I think today, I found the place I want my future littles to go, and get this...it's like a half-mile from my house! Not that I want my littles to go anywhere that is, but that's how it's gotta be, in the immediate future at least. And it's nice to know that such a cool, high-quality place, with nurturing and loving staff is so nearby. Wow, I'm pretty sure I talk about my non-existent children more than anyone in the world. Oh well, that's me I guess.

Fall's a-comin...

2009-09-04T23:15:00.007-04:00

...you can smell it just before the sun is about to go down. Like someone somewhere close is burning leaves.....I can't imagine that anyone has leaves to burn yet, but still, that smell is there. Just cool enough that you need a jacket after dinner to take the dog out, and tonight I heard the highschool band and the muffled announcers at the highschool football game a few blocks away. it's after 11:00 and I'm still waiting for my own coach to return home to me, with a sage candle burning away on the coffee table. I didn't go tonight, but instead opted for some "me" time, translation, a trip to the local mall, taking some new pics, and a late night shower before bed. Oh yeah, and I found this:

FINALLY!! I think I've washed my clean hands about 4 times in the last hour and a half, because I love the sweet cinnamon pumpkin so. To my dismay, the body splash is not yet available....how they torment me. Sure, I could order it online, but why spoil the instant gratification kinda fun you feel buying it in person, and spraying it on in the car, right?

It's been a strange sort of week. Work is hectic, and well, just sorta weird. For the first time since I've begun this current job, I've found myself muttering my former job's mantra in the elevator at 4 p.m.: leave it here, don't take it home....this too shall pass. It will become calm again though, this I know and take comfort in.

On a much, much, more fun note, I've begun dabbling in the art of self-portraitry (if that's a word, i'm not sure, but hell, i'm gonna go there). So, please don't judge too harshly, these are my first few, rough attempts...(which also means no make-up...eek!) but I've got a new found bravery at my ripe old 29 years, so here goes:

so there you have it. I can only go up from here, right? I'm loving this camera stuff, I gotta say. Found out I have different color settings on the little bugger, who woulda thunk? very cool. more black and white to come.

Well, it's a short and bland little post tonight friends, buy I have to say...as I write, my dear sweet Melissa is on my mind! I only hope you know how I long to be with you on roller skates tonight! Love you to absolute pieces, you rock them skates out, ya hear? Rock 'em the #@&%! out!!

Happy friday.

(oh, and I have no idea why my censorship up there created a link to um, nothing...please disregard it.)

busy weekend anyone?

2009-08-24T18:12:00.015-04:00

Summer is winding down, and boy oh boy are the weekends busy lately. There are graduation parties, baby showers, etsy orders, and more...and I love it all. What a great time I had this past weekend, surrounded by family and friends celebrating until we just couldn't anymore. I had the privilege of a beautiful, hectic, super-fun, and rare day, surrounded by my family. Everytime I look at pictures of them, I just simply cannot believe that these gorgeous young men, and stunning young lady are my siblings, the same one I changed diapers for a short 14 years ago....

nothing says fun like sweaty hair slicked to your forehead....

They are kind, and compassionate, and have big things ahead of them. I just can't wait to see what they do with their lives...thier work, who they marry, will they have families....all of it. I just love watching them grow into little (ok, not so little in this family..) adults.

me and the guest of honor..making unfortunate faces in the sunshine.

my baby brother....you can't imagine how I've waited for the day my brothers would tower over me...love it!!

And then there's my little angel. I am so proud of my sweet, smart, and drop-dead gorgeous sister. She's got it all together, I'm telling you....from the hair to the shoes, and on top of it, she knows exactly what she wants out of life, and I'd be nothing but shocked if she just doesn't go out and get it.

yup, twins.

can't get enough of this girl!!! (and yes, ok, -we totally dye our hair in the same color color spectrum to make it more beleivable, we don't really know what our natural color is anymore, we think somewhere in the range of light to medium brown.........now if we can just wean Mom off the "ultra light blond"....)

It was an all-around good day...we ate, we laughed, us girls ran around like crazy in heat, sweating like crazy, cleaning, putting food in and out of the fridge, making margaritas, going on ice runs (before the margaritas), finally sitting down after all the extended family headed off, to enjoy a little more grub, and a little more drink. It's a lot of work, but we just don't do it enough. I vow to do my best to change that once I have some of my little ones to add to the mix, and take pictures of like this....

like sleepy littles, recharging for an afternoon of fun...

the kind you have during some impromptu water-play, around the uh,..wine bottles...eh, so what :0)

and the kind you have being the only kid big enough to have at the pinata...

And a late night turned into an early morning, heading off to the city for Chrissy's baby shower. We are so happy for her! Some number of years, and two beautiful girls later, she's found the love of her life, and now comes baby...who will surely know just how wanted and loved he already is.

please take note of Jonathan's name tag on his beautiful mama's belly.

We played silly games, or what I should say is, we talked amongst ourselves in our little group while others and children played the silly shower games ( I mean it bitches, no stupid games at my future baby shower..)

Yes, indeed. This would be a baby-bottle chugging contest. Yeah, I don't know either.

I will give may-jah props to the insanely cute cake, from the fabulous Paddy Cake Bakery ala Bloomfield.

And I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY, did I say finally? got to meet my dear friend Candy's baby boy, Mr. Benjamin Glass. With no further adieu, feast your eyes on perfection....

I have no words....except for: Oh MY GOODNESS. I MUST HAVE ONE OF THESE. SOON. Here is where I need to thank Candy for allowing me to completely and totally hog her baby for the duration of the shower, and also to apologize once again for using my busy life as an unacceptable excuse to have not met him sooner, to have not brought a hot meal to her house yet, and well....I'm sorry. Please know the extent to which I feel like a total jerk. I heart you so much!!

And now, for my most favorite "What's better than this" moments of the weekend...

I can only but imagine the bond this man will have with a baby....I so can't wait to see it.

if a little dog was ever kissed more, I'd like to meet him.

And this...this would be mama trapping an angry puppy in the bathroom after a much needed bath. Much needed bath after a long and smelly "sick baby (puppy) night. There was 16, uh, incidents, that needed cleaning up during the hours of 4 and 5 am on Friday night/Saturday morning, and all the while he was cuddled up in a towel with Daddy reassuring him, that it was "okay buddy, it's okay. You just have boo-boo belly, it will be ok." And once again for the record, yes, we know we have problems.

Sooooooooo mad at me!!! But way too funny to resist!

The next morning was spent all clean, wrapped in his favorite snuggie, recovering, while mama and papa drank coffee and watched 90210 reruns on the couch, but of course.

Whew. What's better than long, busy, weekends spent celebrating and just plain enjoying each other?? You got it. Nothin'.

mama's home....

2009-08-19T19:22:00.008-04:00

So, I've heard many a pal go off about how they think it's weird when couples call themselves, "mama" and "papa" or something similar, even moreso when they don't have children. I have come here to out myself. Yes, it's true. It probably wouldn't have happened if we weren't actually parents to the sweetest puppy on the face of the earth, but, well..., it did. We say, "hi papa!" every day, when daddy returns from coaching football practice, because we are excited to see him, ok? We cannot help it. Period. All this aside, life is returning to normal after a fun-filled girlie get-away. Good old rainy Pennsylvania, and we're celebrating with nothing less than banana nut muffins and home-made chicken pot pie. Mostly out of guilt I feel for my loves eating fast food all weekend, but a little bit because fall is a-comin, and I got the baking bug.

yes that IS a spiced pumpkin yankee candle, yay!!

kindly disregard my less than presentable oven....

So by now bellies are being filled with home-cookin' again, and the plants are all pinched and weeded. And by the way, speaking of plants, what is wrong with this picture?? Do ya see it? Dang it to heck. After digging through all the geraniums at the greenhouse, for the "just perfect hot pink ones" for my window boxes, THAT happened. The ugly stinkin' red one. Don't know quite why, but I HATE red geraniums. There it was, sneakily (yes sneakily..) hiding without a bloom in the middle of all my hot pink ones. I planted away on a nice weekend in May only to find a week or so later of the catastrophe. What is one to do but accept it right? Ugh. Oh well, mere weeks remain until I I pull the dead imposter and my dead pink ones out to stuff my window boxes with mini-pumpkins and gourds!!! Stay posted for pics of our annual trip up the back roads to old Mr. Misera's pumpkin patch. Can't wait to hug sweet Mrs. Misera with her glaucoma glasses and all!! Best dog-gone assortment of beautiful pumpkins and gourds in oranges, greens, and whites you'll find north of Pittsburgh, I swear it.

close-up of the unwelcome intruder!

oh yeah, this is someone not happy that mama is outside taking pics, and he isnt! please take note of smeared snout marks on my glass door.

that was all so exhausting!

By the way, did anyone hear about the new TLC show coming out? "The Truth is....I'm obsessed with My Pet." I can't imagine whatever that will be about. What's better than warm home-made muffins fresh out the oven with melty butter loving after being gone for 2 days?? Nothin.

laughing my ass off all by myself.

2009-08-19T19:13:00.002-04:00

ok, so I totally stole this from a friend whole stole it from another friend on Facebook. After laughing my ass off all by myself for a good 5 minutes, I decided to share it here. Because, I do pride myself on having a pretty cool sense of humor, and do not partake in the "laughing alone" all that often. Here goes, enjoy:

Random thoughts for your Monday:

I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

That's enough, Nickelback.

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

There is a great need for sarcasm font.

Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f**k was going on when I first saw it.I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

The other night I hit a new low at an open bar. I had already hopped on highway blackout when, inevitably I had to find a bathroom.Eventually I decided it was probably on the other side of the bar so I tried to walk over there, but ran into a guy coming the other way. We played that, Both go left, Both go right game to no avail, so I finally put out my hand to guide myself past and that's is when I realized, yup, that's a mirror I just tried to walk through. And the guy on the other side is me. Even cats can re cognize their own image.

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

Was learning cursive really necessary?

Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads.Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us."Classy, bro.

Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?I

love the sense of camaraderie when a n entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

Bad decisions make good stories.

Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA. No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.

I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?Damnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.Why is a school zone 20 mph?

That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

I think that if, years down the road when I'm trying to have a kid, I find out that I'm sterile, most of my disappointment will stem from the fact that I was not aware of my condition in college.

Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimate d that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

What's better than a good laugh on the floor in front of the coffee table all in your lonesome???

Girl's vacation...good for the soul.

2009-08-17T17:48:00.029-04:00

what an absolutely fantastic weekend, another super-fun girl's vacation weekend at Put-In-Bay, which we've graced with our laughter three years in a row now, as we've graduated up a notch from Ocean City, MD. Six girls, non-stop laughter, and the nicest weekend of the summer. We left Pittsburgh early Friday morning, and proceeded to stop as many times as we like, sans men and children. And oh yeah, this happened:

and this...

and this too...

....thanks to Kelle H. for this super-fun road trip idea I couldn't help but to borrow...

...someone not quite ready for a photo op.

We arrived just in time to spend a few hours baking in the sun at the bayside pools and outdoor bar at the Bayshore Hotel.

A perfect afternoon at the pool, was naturally followed by a casual dinner....with 6 slightly tipsy ladies, full of love for one another....

after we filled up on crab bisque in bread bowls and once a year fried treats, it's back to the hotel for a few hours of primping, possibly the most fun we have on our trips...

we danced, we drank, we laughed, we took (probably too intoxicated) golf cart rides, taking the "scenic route" back to the hotel.

the next day we found designer hats shopping the strip...

enjoyed ice cream on the porch of the most adorable fudge and candy parlor....

and in a flash it was time to catch the ferry back across the lake.....

and examine our after vacation "not so neat feet" taken at a respectable distance of course as to not reveal any chips....

Put-In-Bay 2009.....you girls are fabulous, I love you all!!!

melissa, danielle, jenn, myself, amy, and jessica

I almost forgot...

2009-08-10T19:13:00.004-04:00

...to post pics of my homemade camera strap! Because I'm sure you've all been absolutely biting your nails in anticipation....here it is. I'm quite proud, lol. This first one's a little rough, but I've ironed out the details now. Yes, it's just a point and shoot, I just wanted a big fat strap, ok?

Monday ode to my sweet Little-bear...

2009-08-10T16:47:00.026-04:00

lovin' mama all up!

i'm just lookin', i promise mom.

...and some photography practicin'. (not to shabby, right?)A new interest in the birds has developed in the back yard. And let's just say we are very careful to clear the yard before we go out to play after the unfortunate homicide which occurred a few weeks ago. That's right, my quick as lightning littlebear sprung out from the bushes like lion and just snatched him up. It was over in seconds. You would think that my antics in response to the event would have scared him enough to not try it again (god knows I scared the bejezus out of the neighbors) but no. Not at all. Every outing begins with crazy barking, and a mad dash to try and climb each of the four trees in the corners of our yard. God forbid a bird might actually flow low enough for him to see, even more craziness ensues. Oh, Bailey, what we will do with you!! And that was how your newest nickname came to fruition--Ozzy.

In the spirit of lists of things we love taken from fabulous blog-pals, here goes one of just a few of the thousands of things we love about our Littlebear:

1) We love that we can't lie on the floor without being graced by puppy kisses.

2) We love that when it's chilly at night (and even when it's not) that you burrow under the covers to find that perfect nook behind a knee to sleep in. All night long.

3) We love that you have to be wherever we are, no exceptions. (Well, we almost always love that..)

4) We love the simple little faces you make.

5) We love that you think it's normal to put your head on a pillow whenever possible (that's where your head goes, right?)

6) We love how your behind wiggles back and forth when you walk.

7) We love that you form a physical barrier between me & papa when we sit next to each other.

8) We love how you rest your little chin in our laps.

9) We love that you get in the mix when we give goodnight kisses, as if you think, "oh, it's time for lovin'? ..here I am!"

10) We think it's hilarious that sometimes you bark at dad when he gives mama a hug or kiss in the kitchen.

11) We love that sometimes on Sunday mornings you don't get out of (our) bed until you're ready.

12) We love you're "messed-up" morning face, and the one we call "fraggle-mouth" too.

13) We love your super-cool little personality, you're always ready to play, you think you're a tough-guy (but hide behind daddy when things get too serious), stubborn as can be, and you're a little lover above all else.

I'll stop here because I could on all day. We love you so much Bailey, you have brought so very much joy into our lives, and have brought us even closer together, when we didn't think it was possible. Now if only you could read.......

Please feel free to leave the crazy-dog lady your own list of what you crazy-love about your own furry littles via commet. (Serioiusly, please do!)

Sweet puppy lovin'~ what's better than this??!!

p.s.-bailey, i'm sorry for the close up of your rear-end, it's cute..i can't help it.

so i'm a little late....

2009-08-09T20:28:00.005-04:00

...in starting this challenge, but I love the idea nonetheless. While I'm sure it's possible that I may not meet my goal, I'm excited to take it on. Determined I am, to improve my sub-par photography skills before we begin makin' a little one. Look out Bailey, here I come with the damn camera!!

Had to come back and add a wee bit here, since I almost forgot to note what a perfectly lazy and lovely Sunday I had myself. It started off late, since a rare (extremly late) night was had hangin' out with my honey watching terrible TV, and looking at a good friend's newly posted wedding pictures, nuzzled close to together on the couch. I awoke to find my second-favorite guilty pleasure on the tube (I'll just suck it up and come clean with it, it's One Tree Hill, ok!). The couch begged for my butt, and I gave it what it wanted, as I enjoyed the silly teen drama with my Christmas mug (yeah, in August) of coffee graced with some lovely pupmpkin pie creamer. That's right! I found it!! Good old Target is the first place to stock it this year, kudos Target, I love you more than I care to admit. Goodness, I digress. A good hours were wasted well on this finally hot and muggy August afternoon floating in the pool with my mom and sister. There was laughing, talking, contemplating baby names of our future children, small town gossip, graduation party planning, just good stuff. After pool time, I even got to ransack my sister's way to cool and expensive for a 16-year-old's closet for my upcoming girl's weekend. (Just 5 more years sweetie!!). A highlight from my afternoon: I love that my sister and i both have perfected the launchpad technique in order to not freeze your buns off in our non-heated Pennsylvania pool, pay attention....

1) Retrieve raft from other side of pool with the extension handle pool net.

2) Place raft partially on the deck, and partially on the steps that descend into the water.

3) Place yourself strategically sitting on raft so that when you lay down, your head will not be in the water. ( You only need this step if you are of the 6 foot variety of women commonly found in my family).

4) Place your heels in 2 of the weird cupholder things that are strangely all over the raft.

5) Grab handles on steps, and push!!

That's all there is to it. A perfect pool entrance without the freezing water on your belly, and if you're good enough, you might even keep your hair dry. So, memorize it, use it, pass it on. Just don't forget where you heard it first.

I am such a dork. What's better than that! Ha!

One of the kids again...

2009-08-06T01:33:00.009-04:00

A super-fun Wednesday night shopping excursion with my brothers, sister, and mom, was just what the doctor ordered this evening. They picked me up around 6:00, and the second I sat in the car, just like always when I'm with them, I'm a kid again. The oldest of four by eleven years, I've often assumed more of a parent-like role with my siblings, but something great has happened as they become young adults. We have these awesome new relationships, more like friends than ever before. My 16-year old sister is absolutely my best friend, and everything you could want in a sister. Karlie is beautiful, classy, smart, shoulder to cry on, wiser than her years, and a just a downright good friend. Her twin, my brother Damon is a handsome 6'6" strapping young guy with a sense of humor to absolutely die for. On top of that, he's sweet. He may not want you to know it, but this kid, bursting of personality, has always been that way. And then there's Jake; my giant teddy-bear, tough on the outside, but a big ball of mush on the inside. I am so blessed to be close to them.

Ok, that's my awesome pack in a nutshell-on to the journey to the mall. My mom pulled up, and scooched over so I could drive. We were on our way a mere 2 minutes when Damon pulls out a less than flattering picture of Jake, which he "edited" with some marker and had attached to a string...apparently just in preparation for the trip. He proceeded to roll down his window a bit, hang the picture out the window, and roll it up on the string. Naturally this did not please Jake, which in turn did not please mom. Giggles were had by all, but the photo unfortunately was not permitted to dangle outside the window for the duration of the trip.

The rest of the shopping was filled with practical jokes, laughter, and teenage boys complaining for us to hurry up. Naturally this was not going to happen as we rummaged through clearance racks at Juicy Couture, and fantasized through the shelves of True Religion, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton.

I also acquired some cool family pics this week, most of them from a cousin's graduation party I sadly wasn't able to attend during our Brecenridge trip. Check out the black and white one...that's my grandma with my grandpa who passed before I was born, and my uncle as a baby. Was she beautiful or what?? And then there's Damon at his first amateur fight a few months ago, which he won by the way. That kid is going places, remember I said it! And a little further down there, that's Jacob, cheesin' away, and my sweet Karlie, holding one of the newest littles in our bunch, Savannah, who is actually a year old now, and I don't see nearly enough of.

A quick nibble of Aunt Nicole's love-bugs...

2009-08-03T22:33:00.016-04:00

And here we have the best part of my Monday, emailed photos of my gorgeous niece and nephew on their summer trip to the south. I wonder where Brooke got that super-hip bonnet?? Also, please notice the new Coppertone baby ad above. And I think the prize for my favorite must go to.........(drumroll)......"Toddlers at the bar eating see-food!" I honestly can't decide which kid's mouth is the stinkin' funniest!! I heart my Drew somethin' serious, but the best open mouth shot on that little one with all the dark hair a few stools down is coming in a close second. Isn't it just like our princess to chew with her mouth closed...chipmunk cheeks stuffed and all?? This is, afterall, the girl who refused to smash her smash cake on her first birthday. Love it.

Seriously...what's better than this?!

A Good Saturday.

2009-08-02T11:22:00.011-04:00

Finally, another good Saturday. I got to start my morning on the couch with my coffee, my laptop, my 90210 reruns, and most importantly, my littlebear. The Etsy shop is on vacation, (hence the big blank white block over to your right) and so is my brain, for a few days anyway. I still have a few orders to catch up on, but a break is needed.

Back to the good Saturday...after some menial tasks in the early afternoon, a trip to the mall was a must. I simply couldn't take it anymore, I know it's only August, but I had to have the pumpkin lovin'!! The lady at Bath and Bodyworks looked at me like I was crazy, and unfortunatley I cannot have my Sweet Cinnamon and Pumpkin handsoap for a few more weeks, but the plug-in air freshener is filling my bedroom with wonderful-ness. Next it was off to Yankee for some pumpkin candles, and what do I find upon my arrival? Oh yes, it was just too good. Spiced Pumpkin Candles, on sale for 12 bucks because they got a little wax in the lid??? Are freaking kidding me??? Yeah, I bought three. Oh, and the little tiny jars on sale for 5 bucks, got two Christmas ones. Hey, it'll be here before you know it! And my last stop, the little wine shop in the corner to grab a bottle of that yummy white wine they make in Indiana county.

I returned home, and gave my whole first floor a much needed cleaning, (the candles made me do it) and put a spiced pumpkin in the kitchen, and one on the coffee table. And a glass or three of wine of course. Perfect.

What I had really wanted to do today however, was to get to work on the funky camera strap I had envisioned for my new camera--that I can't wait to take on girl's vacation this year. I have always been the idiot who comes home with like, 6 pictures, and then I steal everyone elses as soon as the shutterfly emails come pouring in. Not this year, I'm determined to get some fabulous documentation of some of the best fun we have together all year.

Speaking of these gals, I am so so so lucky to have been thrown into this wonderful group of ladies. When I finally moved home from college 7 years ago, which in itself amazes the hell out of me (when did i get that old??) I found I really didn't have any girlfriends left (Kristen-you were in Maryland..) due to a much needed housecleaning of the company I previously kept. I had the wonderful guy, mind you, just no girls. In no time, my soon-to-be husbands sister (love you to pieces) slowly adopted me, and introduced me to this amazing group of girls she has been friends with for eons. Every one of these super-cool ladies now play an important part in my life, and I can't beleive this will my fourth annual girl's vacay. I'm so blessed to be a part of your lives, and I love that you are a part of mine. Apoligies for all the sap, but hey, that's what I'm doin' here, ok. Can't wait to get on the road!!~ What's better than a girlie weekend ??

Mid-day procrastiblog.

2009-07-30T13:06:00.007-04:00

Well-here it is. The bain of my existence for the last month, the wholesale order I was so thrilled to get, that turned into weeks upon weeks of sewing from the time I got home from work, until my back ached from hunching over the machine--wait--I did get a break to cook dinner. God Bless my mother-in-law who has graciously been picking up my slack around the house. I thought if would spread a little further across my bed (there are 8 dresses and 11 bonnets afterall), but no. Hopefully when I get my super-cool new camera, I will be able to actually post clear pictures of my dresses, hats, and such.

Oh, the dog butt is not part of the order, dog butt stays in the bed. Just a few more snaps to apply before I ship it off to the new Columbus boutique opening in August. (Contact me for details if you'll be in the area, and want to try to some fab new Bella Sol Bebe frocks on your kid.)

Anyway, I would have actually finished everything last night, if it weren't for the metal snap ordeal. If my poor husband never hears me complain/yell/swear/cry about metal snaps again, it will probably be too soon. First I bought them all out of stock. Twice. I finally have enough to finish now, and was happily snapping (which involves hitting a tiny post with a big hammer) away, and like usual I hit my thumb. Twice. Hard. My thumb needed to recuperate overnight, so if all goes well, I will finally finish tonight, and get this stuff out of my stinkin' bedroom. Not mention perhaps maybe a chance to vacuum up the bits of thread covering my carpets like a fur coat.

So, what I'm really thinking about right now is my new camera. Super-psyched. I found a good online deal, and finally used the gift certificates and coupons I've been hoarding since March. (They were supposed to be for a new PC to replace my dead one, but that's clearly not going to happen anytime soon.) It should be arriving in the next couple days, so I can't wait!! Just in time for Put-In-Bay pics, football season and pics of Darrin in his new cute Shadyside Academy coaching gear (sweater vests!) , and the last few straggling days of summer. I can't wait for it to get here..not to mention the dang fabric I've been waiting a week for. I love getting packages in the mail...makes no difference if it's for a shop order, a gift, something I bought online...don't care, I love it all. Later.

Torture.

2009-07-28T09:29:00.007-04:00

Yep, this is what I have to look at every morning when I'm dragging my butt out of bed at the ungodly hour of 6 AM. I ponder for a few minutes (every day) whether or not I should call in sick, and steal another few hours in the fluffy covers with him (you'd think I was talking about my huband, but the fact of the matter is we are both much too long to sleep that peacefully for a long period of time in our queen size, despite different sleep schedule--totally getting a California King someday) until I wake up enough to rationalize with myself, " you will feel better in a few minutes, just get in the shower." Irritated with me for turning on the lights, he will roll around until he gets his soft little head buried under the covers again. And this is where he will stay until it's time to walk mom to the door. Like clockwork, my little furry will jump out of bed, walk down the stairs with me, and nuzzle into the corner of the couch; he is accustomed to me then taking the throw blanket and arranging it just so (I know just how he likes it of course...) so that he can nest down for a couple of more hours. Oh, to be a dog, to be MY dog, must be somethin' else. Sleep tight little!! What's better than this? :0)

We have a new title kids.

2009-07-27T08:20:00.019-04:00

From the day I started I was never quite satisfied with my blog title, and lying in bed last night it hit me. It hit me right there where our common household phrase originated. It was a late weeknight a good while back, and I had just crawled into bed. I was being bestowed with kisses from my guy and my puppy love at the same time, each on their own respective cheek, and it just came out, "What's better than this?" So now we say it alot, and it makes us smile every time. Happy Monday.

I whine sometimes.

2009-07-26T23:55:00.003-04:00

At the risk of just plain old posting too many times in one day, here I go again. I'm tired. I'm tired, and I guess I'm just seeking a little wee bit of therapy in the blogging. The day was filled with driving, laundry, dinner, too much sewing, dishes, and company (not mine) who long overstayed their welcome, that is until I firmly offered a ride home at 11:17 p.m. But it's quiet now, and my furry little is curled up on the recliner, just where he belongs, the dishwasher is humming and tomorrow's shipment of orders are all packed up and ready for the post office. If you're wondering why all the sudden posts (yes, I'm totally pretending someone else might actually read this) it's because recently I've found myself being disappointed alot, in me. Disappointed for taking the regular day for granted, for not appreciating everly little puppy kiss (ok, that's a lie! ) for feeling like life sucks when the alarm goes off at 6am every morning, what a heinous hour, really. I don't quite know what it is, I think I get overwhelmed way too easily, but other people work full time, maintain a house, and have hobbies right? What the heck is my deal? Got off track again...so I was saying that I am attempting to use this forum to better myself, and my attitude a little bit. Just to take a few minutes at the end (or beginning or middle) of every day to remind myself about all the good love I have been blessed with ( see him down there in that pic??) . So wish me luck, here I go!

Sunday night blues...

2009-07-26T23:44:00.004-04:00

move over Bret Michaels, this is "Johnny G.'s Rock of Love Boat."

wedding day.....

at Pete & Jess' rehearsal dinner

So I'm ready to go back to Breckenridge. Just thinking back because I have a Sunday night case of the Monday morning blues. What fun we had on a long overdue trip to celebrate a friend's wedding. Lots of wine, laughs, reminiscing, and hugs. Couldn't get enough of any of it! Hopefully we do this again soon kids!

Bracing myself

2009-07-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

Just a quick Sunday morning note while I'm procrastinating getting a shower. It will be a long busy Sunday, that will go a bit too far into the night leading into a way-too-early-Monday morning. But I must steal just a minute with my cup of coffee, and 90210 (original!) reruns in the background to appreciate life. I will spend the day sewing away desperately trying to finish a wholesale order, which was much more exciting to me about a month ago, and my hubby will go to work for a few hours, and then off to football practice. First, however, we will sneak in a quick visit to Grandma's, and I can't put into words how much I am actually looking forward to the car ride, for no other reason to be held captive in a small space for a good 30 minutes with my guy. I love him so, and have just been feeling that the responsibilities of life are pushing us all over the place except towards each other. That is except for the few fabulous moments we spend saying "hello" again after a long work day, and then sweet goodnights before bed. I tell him often those are my favorite times of day, I am so unbelieveably happy that after almost ten years together, I still can't get enough of him, I still don't feel like my day starts until we talk for the first time, even if it is on the phone at work late in the morning, then, finally, I feel like me again.

An old friend, wine, and pumpkins.

2009-07-25T23:48:00.004-04:00

So I've had enough. Where is it? Where the hell is it?? Summer. This Pittsburgh summer has decided to be either sunny and too cold to enjoy the pool and your tiniest little tops, or hot and muggy with a side of gloom. I give up, and am totally ready for new skinny jeans and cute boot/shoes. Well, enough negativity I suppose. I was actually inspired to write tonight by a good and positive energy. My oldest high school friend (with whom I don't keep in touch with or make an effort to see enough all to my own fault) came to visit me. She is getting married, which is super-exciting, and we had a few hours of some good old-fashioned girl talk on the couch, accompanied by a delicious bottle of homemade sparkling wine (Kristen's new fabulous hobby!) which I proudly drank the majority of. Oh! I almost forgot Sweet Cinnamon Pumpking everything from Bath and Body Works! I want it all, and I'm ready for it right now-the hand soap, lotion, body spray, air freshener, car freshener, I have to go see if it's out yet. How I love the pumpkins! Pumpkin smell, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, punpkin pie coffee creamer, and possibly the best of all: Spiced Pumpkin candles from Yankee. Yumm.

This unexpected yet very welcomed visit put me in the best of moods. In the past few months I seem to have lost a bit of myself, I'm not sure where, perhaps in the afore mentioned side-business of making children's clothes. While having trouble keeping up with orders is certainly a good problem to have, I am currently more than bothered by the clutter on my tables, the laundry piling up, and the dust accumulating absolutely everywhere. I am beginning to miss anally cleaning my kitchen floors and counters, waking up early on Saturday mornings to stock the house with groceries, and reorganizing closests/shelves and such. And I'm not sure if it's the near approach of fall, but I miss cooking for my family with my heart. I don't know if you know what I mean, but I can feel the difference of throwing something together in the crock pot so you can get other stuff done, and actually planning something you know will make your stud smile, even if it takes you a little extra time. So being in the spirit, I cleaned the house and my man got a pot roast and pineapple upside-down cake tonight. HOLD UP. I swear to you, the instant that last sentence left my fingertips, doesn't he come in here with a bowl of stinkin' rice krispy's instead of a piece of my perfect cake?? Geez.

2009-06-24T12:58:00.002-04:00

It happens every summer, except for the one where I nannied for a family who had a pool (love and miss you Pollock family!) . I get absolutely miserable everytime I have to set foot in the office, and daydream about my little side-business taking off so that I have no choice but to leave my day job (shut up, it could happen!). A building with not one window on my floor I might add. I will torture myself by going outside as many times as I can, for a coffee, for a bite to eat, a quick run to the post office. Now I'm left at my desk dreaming of the gorgeous swimming pool at my mom's house that I know my lazy younger siblings are either floating in, or taking for granted. Little do they know how few the days of highschool summer vacation are. Dear lord, remember how much you had on summer vacations?? I can remember waiting for the 4th of July carnival to start every year, and everyone would bring in their porch furniture so that the "carnies" would't steal it! A few years later, we took delight in running into them in local bars, and told stories of girls who went to highschool with that we heard had run off with one of them! Now I wouldn't be caught dead at the "fireman's jubilee." Haven't been in probably 10 years actually. I figure I've seen plenty of skinny girls with dirty feet in their sandals who don't look a day over 15 pushing baby strollers around the trampled grass for a whole lifetime. (Add the longest cigarette you've ever seen in your life to that visual, ok now it's complete). I am actually pretty excited, we won't even be in town when the good old carnie pulls up this year. Yep, that's right, we're heading to Colorado for a friend's wedding that has "good times" written all over it. Hopefully when we get back I'll actually have some pics to post. Oh yeah, and up above is one of my favorite new dresses I'm making (Wonderland Tea Time in Pistachio !) for a new boutique in Columbus. So much fun, but I can't wait to finish this wholesale order!!

Welcome

2009-01-21T13:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my first blog. I have always made fun of people who did this, but what the hell right? I thought it might be fun to keep track of silly stuff that happens day to day and go back and read it later on. Like how this morning, Darrin stumbled downstairs half-asleep when I was on my way out the door. He came closer, (I assumed to admire the 4 different shades of black that looked great in our bedroom) but no..it was to borderline assault me with the lint-roller at 7 AM. Why not, right? Gotta love him.

Hmmm....it has just occurred to me however that when my profile pic is in thumbnail version it looks like a squished Barbie doll head that some kid hacked the hair off of. Nice.