tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64302387923205675012024-03-13T18:17:54.201-07:00Oh Darling LovesDEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-35641573006835142152012-05-28T20:26:00.001-07:002012-05-28T20:29:19.929-07:00Come Join Me...at my new location <a href="http://ohdarlinglove.wordpress.com/">Oh Darling Love</a>. I have decided to shift my focus to areas that truly and continually inspire me. I want to focus on how I move closer and closer to living naturally, family stories and family profiles - what are other families doing to inject love and adventure into their lives. I will be writing up profiles of families that inspire me as well as what my own family is up to, lifestyle changes that we embark on and the thrills that ensue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-RRqsiCDvM/T8RCWj1BrcI/AAAAAAAACqs/8FoA1YCPIEs/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-RRqsiCDvM/T8RCWj1BrcI/AAAAAAAACqs/8FoA1YCPIEs/s640/IMG_0425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A little bit about the purpose of Oh Darling Love:</strong> I have always loved the feel of co-ops and natural food shops. I thoroughly enjoy looking over all the original products and smelling the essential oils that line the register counter. It is a warm and comforting feeling. Living a life close to nature seems like a perfect fit for me albeit one little snag…it turns out I like people. I like living in the city where the energy is always bursting and there are surprises around every corner. So how does one marry this love of natural things and city life? Well, this is my documentation of attempting to do so. I live in a relatively small city where neighborhoods still reign and small little communities are alive and well. I also live in an area where farms, bays and mountains are all within a two hour drive which makes living off the land a viable option even though I reside in a bustling metropolis. Despite my desire for more warmth and sun, I am coming to the conclusion that this may be the best possible spot to sort of have it all (this theory is still being tested out however.)</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I also have a family – a daughter and a son. My husband and I were avid travelers before said children and strived to be just as adventurous after but the trials and tribulations of having small children (they are 3 and 1 years old) are proving to be more restrictive than we had anticipated. Well, let me rephrase that, we <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">knew</em> it was going to be restrictive, we just didn’t know how much we would miss our travels. So in addition to documenting how we strive to be gentle to mother earth, I am deeply interested in those who are living a life of purpose and adventure. How are other families making their dreams a reality?</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
So please join me over at <a href="http://ohdarlinglove.wordpress.com/"><b>Oh Darling Love</b></a>!!!</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
If you are still interested in what inspired me to write Sidewalks and Sunshine (primarily kids stuff, design stuff, house stuff and recipes) please follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/dey/">Pinterest</a>. </div>
<div style="color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-4911175250979677582012-05-14T21:22:00.001-07:002012-05-14T21:22:09.449-07:00Monday Memo: The Latest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvKBt6u-GcU/T7F2MlehysI/AAAAAAAACpU/iPI5To-IUVA/s1600/DSC_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvKBt6u-GcU/T7F2MlehysI/AAAAAAAACpU/iPI5To-IUVA/s640/DSC_0263.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Greenhouse Goodness</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7v_QZ88Eso/T7F2XZGBEdI/AAAAAAAACpc/iGu0acWnrP4/s1600/DSC_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7v_QZ88Eso/T7F2XZGBEdI/AAAAAAAACpc/iGu0acWnrP4/s640/DSC_0273.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Strawberries</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-6Bxngl5mY/T7F2fDGHqPI/AAAAAAAACpk/20CIJj8WSkM/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-6Bxngl5mY/T7F2fDGHqPI/AAAAAAAACpk/20CIJj8WSkM/s640/DSC_0328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boating</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZVR3V1_FIY/T7F2pioEvnI/AAAAAAAACps/WUcW_TWJctY/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZVR3V1_FIY/T7F2pioEvnI/AAAAAAAACps/WUcW_TWJctY/s640/DSC_0346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So Green!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yy5ErFXWuaA/T7F2zfYA6aI/AAAAAAAACp0/CRAji1h_I-g/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yy5ErFXWuaA/T7F2zfYA6aI/AAAAAAAACp0/CRAji1h_I-g/s640/DSC_0367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shrimping</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMweQaAiv44/T7F2-a3oKhI/AAAAAAAACp8/FOMzEIZpRFY/s1600/DSC_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMweQaAiv44/T7F2-a3oKhI/AAAAAAAACp8/FOMzEIZpRFY/s640/DSC_0377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dImvQArN63c/T7F3IfvA8BI/AAAAAAAACqE/fvnUrETATVA/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dImvQArN63c/T7F3IfvA8BI/AAAAAAAACqE/fvnUrETATVA/s640/DSC_0404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMbVsr3Rik8/T7F3UPjG45I/AAAAAAAACqM/T0ak2DD-AXo/s1600/DSC_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMbVsr3Rik8/T7F3UPjG45I/AAAAAAAACqM/T0ak2DD-AXo/s640/DSC_0410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQk1GkYv2xI/T7F3eanR37I/AAAAAAAACqU/ius3bJM1mwo/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQk1GkYv2xI/T7F3eanR37I/AAAAAAAACqU/ius3bJM1mwo/s640/DSC_0453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful Dinner</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is what I have been up to lately - farm life. I don't get much down time to play around online as we spend most of our time doing things - gardening, fishing, shrimping, exploring...my kids are in heaven out there and when it is super nice out, frankly, so am I. So when my posts slow down, you can picture me here...</div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-84373988343881182252012-05-08T20:45:00.000-07:002012-05-08T20:45:26.105-07:00Edible Wednesdays: Allergy-Free Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6QTB3uquio/T6nk4tz-tzI/AAAAAAAACo8/XbHuCB6VhuQ/s1600/flying71lXS6Wh6fL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6QTB3uquio/T6nk4tz-tzI/AAAAAAAACo8/XbHuCB6VhuQ/s640/flying71lXS6Wh6fL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So it came to my attention (thank you <a href="https://www.theayurvedicdoctor.com/main/">Dr. Sodhi</a>) that my lack of energy and near constant stuffed-up-ness was not due to a combination of a lagging cold and sheer exhaustion from raising two toddlers,,,it was actually an intolerance to those oh-so-common food allergies. Say goodbye to wheat, dairy and others my friends. I have had these reactions in the past but for some reason (again, perhaps from the sheer exhaustion) I did not put two and two together. Thankfully, I finally drove by ass over the bridge to visit Dr. Sodhi who it seems may solve all of my life's problems.<br />
<br />
Just to test out the theory (ok, so I was still skeptical..maybe not skeptical but afraid) I decided to eat a very delicious cupcake 4 days after starting my new "diet"...and BAM BAM Thank You Ma'am, I was stuffed up and paying the price for it all night. I am actually STILL stuffed up from it. Damn wheat.<br />
<br />
So hello garbonzo bean flour and arrowroot. Yuck, right? Well, again, thankfully I live in a city that is home to the BEST gluten-nut-free-vegan-organic bakery, The Flying Apron. In you are ever in Seattle, a stop here is a must even if you aren't allergic. The goods are just that good.<br />
<br />
To top it off, she wrote a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flying-Aprons-Gluten-Free-Vegan-Baking/dp/1570616299">cookbook</a> - bless her heart! So now I can enjoy her marvelous creations from the comfort of my own home. If you are curious, here is one of my favorites:<br />
<br />
Berry Tea Biscuits<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="section_title" style="color: #c1272d; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-indent: 12px;">
<h3 style="color: #636363; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="dots" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cookstr.com/images/dotted_line-trans.gif); background-origin: initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #555555; height: 4px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px; width: 543px;">
</div>
<span class="recipe_structure_ingredients" style="color: #555555; display: block; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><ul class="recipe_attr_text" style="display: block; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 27px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2¾ cups <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">brown rice flour</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1½ cups plus 1 tablespoon <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">garbanzo bean flour</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">baking powder</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">½ teaspoon <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">baking soda</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">¾ teaspoon <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">sea salt</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">canola oil</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup organic whole cane <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">sugar</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">rice milk</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup <span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">berries</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f7931e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Turbinado</span> sugar, for sprinkling on top of the biscuits</span></li>
</ul>
</span><div class="section_title" style="color: #c1272d; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-indent: 12px;">
<h3 style="color: #636363; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Directions</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="dots" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cookstr.com/images/dotted_line-trans.gif); background-origin: initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #555555; height: 4px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px; width: 543px;">
</div>
<div class="recipe_structure_directions recipe_attr_text" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="color: #555555; display: block; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Combine the brown rice flour, garbanzo bean flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the canol a oil and organic whole cane sugar until well mixed. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture and rice milk alternately, a little at a time, until well mixed, about 3 minutes. Chill the dough for at least 3 hours or overnight.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Place baseball-sized balls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten the balls with the palm of your hand.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Place 4 berries on top of each disc of dough, pressing them in gently. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top. Bake until golden and firm to the touch, about 30 minutes</span></div>
</div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-81400682801985999652012-05-08T20:28:00.001-07:002012-05-08T20:28:54.743-07:00Interior Tuesdays: Play Areas Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhoiSopsAS8/Tt5IOzLoTBI/AAAAAAAAB64/ot-vSWcAV6c/s1600/kid273382639849751194_KxRnS2TD_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhoiSopsAS8/Tt5IOzLoTBI/AAAAAAAAB64/ot-vSWcAV6c/s400/kid273382639849751194_KxRnS2TD_c.jpg" width="323" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://unhappyhipsters.com/post/3924504518/someday-shed-draw-herself-out-of-the-glass-walled"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">dwell</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L2kxeoAVBQ/Tt5IPuAbi3I/AAAAAAAAB7A/42TG2AvQ5nw/s1600/kid273382639849791887_0LhYk6CS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L2kxeoAVBQ/Tt5IPuAbi3I/AAAAAAAAB7A/42TG2AvQ5nw/s400/kid273382639849791887_0LhYk6CS_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/outdoors/evelyn-and-lucias-tea-house-playhousemy-great-outdoors-129957"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCYCQaHO8cg/Tt5IP9nPyUI/AAAAAAAAB7I/wpQumAaRu5U/s1600/kid273382639849823185_vKPENMCT_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCYCQaHO8cg/Tt5IP9nPyUI/AAAAAAAAB7I/wpQumAaRu5U/s400/kid273382639849823185_vKPENMCT_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://babyology.com.au/miscellaneous/salubrious-cubby-houses-by-modern-cabana.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">babyology</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuBYEZHUn5w/Tt5IQqvURtI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/K35Iszt5d14/s1600/kid273382639849823195_67h9LCjQ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuBYEZHUn5w/Tt5IQqvURtI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/K35Iszt5d14/s400/kid273382639849823195_67h9LCjQ_c.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.dwell.com/articles/dreams-happen-this-weekend.html">dwell</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvDIxHMqJRw/Tt5IRGOt8WI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/QGKw504vrEc/s1600/kid273382639849835089_BiF7Wfro_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvDIxHMqJRw/Tt5IRGOt8WI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/QGKw504vrEc/s400/kid273382639849835089_BiF7Wfro_c.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.projectdenneler.com/2011/05/plein-air-artists.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
Some fun outdoor chalkboard ideas and one crazy playhouse...I mean seriously, that is cooler than my house.DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-72907974354144487182012-05-03T06:35:00.000-07:002012-05-03T06:35:40.934-07:00DIy Thursday: The Pirate Ship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VUTGG0FKxU/T6FS1DXKFgI/AAAAAAAACoo/lZnSEgnqnrA/s1600/ship132152570285848720_vSm5rJX1_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VUTGG0FKxU/T6FS1DXKFgI/AAAAAAAACoo/lZnSEgnqnrA/s640/ship132152570285848720_vSm5rJX1_f.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://parisbourke.com/2011/08/14/pirate-party-part-2-decoration/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is too cool. A pallet (although this looks to be the sturdiest pallet I have ever seen) board with a wind sail on it. This could look very cool in our backyard. </div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-37784290950927357482012-05-02T08:27:00.002-07:002012-05-02T08:27:30.261-07:00Edible Wednesdays: The Colors of Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbohyi_mfGg/T6FRqLmg9uI/AAAAAAAACoI/Otis7-z8H2k/s1600/food232990980692418701_sDrf3BuM_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbohyi_mfGg/T6FRqLmg9uI/AAAAAAAACoI/Otis7-z8H2k/s640/food232990980692418701_sDrf3BuM_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjdDfEpkDZM/T6FRqx15vaI/AAAAAAAACoQ/dRPkYeGmjgw/s1600/food232990980692418706_26hklzJH_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjdDfEpkDZM/T6FRqx15vaI/AAAAAAAACoQ/dRPkYeGmjgw/s640/food232990980692418706_26hklzJH_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHp_NnRFIiE/T6FRs44zZgI/AAAAAAAACoY/IOvuE_el9L0/s1600/food232990980692418716_71snmhi1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHp_NnRFIiE/T6FRs44zZgI/AAAAAAAACoY/IOvuE_el9L0/s640/food232990980692418716_71snmhi1_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdWwaX0pYVg/T6FRtj-s-TI/AAAAAAAACog/0R5PjAR4RyY/s1600/food232990980692418722_3FuwGoKE_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdWwaX0pYVg/T6FRtj-s-TI/AAAAAAAACog/0R5PjAR4RyY/s640/food232990980692418722_3FuwGoKE_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/173430/eat-rainbow#/156422">here</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The posts are random and spaced out these days - trying to spend some time gathering and healing my health and sanity instead of online. I am also developing a new project which I hope you will like but more on that a bit later...still working out the details. Happy Wednesday! </div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-71825857303733017262012-04-23T08:24:00.001-07:002012-04-23T08:24:38.528-07:00A Few of My Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWrN4H6gADQ/T5Vyy8WUcdI/AAAAAAAACnY/pB5Ia0LE-A8/s1600/fav124763852146907654_3GVYjp8q_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWrN4H6gADQ/T5Vyy8WUcdI/AAAAAAAACnY/pB5Ia0LE-A8/s640/fav124763852146907654_3GVYjp8q_c.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://everythingyouaskme.tumblr.com/post/17731736152">here</a></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Breadmaking</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojFiC-xeowQ/T5VyzWl922I/AAAAAAAACng/e44UKL9rhbM/s1600/fav189362359302250903_2aXUDgq4_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojFiC-xeowQ/T5VyzWl922I/AAAAAAAACng/e44UKL9rhbM/s640/fav189362359302250903_2aXUDgq4_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://thevintageseason.tumblr.com/post/16131607402">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Road Trip!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DK1qwAlS6Y/T5Vyz3rNAFI/AAAAAAAACno/fcw83tCapss/s1600/fav255508978829173533_RT58STdk_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DK1qwAlS6Y/T5Vyz3rNAFI/AAAAAAAACno/fcw83tCapss/s640/fav255508978829173533_RT58STdk_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://rosencrown.blogspot.com/">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hanging out on the back porch</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aycpk2ZCwGE/T5Vy0trCRWI/AAAAAAAACnw/6InxS1QqqII/s1600/fav269582727664135143_VB4u5fgZ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aycpk2ZCwGE/T5Vy0trCRWI/AAAAAAAACnw/6InxS1QqqII/s640/fav269582727664135143_VB4u5fgZ_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://bohemiadesign.tumblr.com/post/7544090814/desert-dreamer-hmong-tribe-vietnam">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wonderful Colors!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_V046WGRIBM/T5Vy1FhMLeI/AAAAAAAACn4/p2AaD7IC9eY/s1600/fav273382639849970719_SPSkNiFI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_V046WGRIBM/T5Vy1FhMLeI/AAAAAAAACn4/p2AaD7IC9eY/s640/fav273382639849970719_SPSkNiFI_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://bonparisien.tumblr.com/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
France</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEVolHURius/T5Vy1jCHgGI/AAAAAAAACoA/8ZnQod-wbTw/s1600/fav58828338852233482_jyavftc3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEVolHURius/T5Vy1jCHgGI/AAAAAAAACoA/8ZnQod-wbTw/s640/fav58828338852233482_jyavftc3_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://wishflowers.tumblr.com/page/7">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Flips & VW</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post is on the summery side as it has been a beautifully warm weekend here and it is inspiring all sorts of warm images...too bad it is supposed to rain again in a couple of days. Living it up while I can!</div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-25253294458492552802012-04-13T21:14:00.002-07:002012-04-13T21:14:26.835-07:00Book Review: Cinderella Ate My Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jt8RMOcDde4/T4j5e-NxdlI/AAAAAAAACnI/mzEf8CwCOxI/s1600/princess273382639850151733_1hIFyYIY_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jt8RMOcDde4/T4j5e-NxdlI/AAAAAAAACnI/mzEf8CwCOxI/s640/princess273382639850151733_1hIFyYIY_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://inspiremebaby.com/2011/04/20/inspire-photographing-your-own-children-by-chubby-cheek-photography/">here</a></span></div>
<a href="http://peggyorenstein.com/">Peggy Orenstein</a>, of <i>Schoolgirls</i> fame, recently wrote a thoroughly thought-provoking book about raising a daughter amid our grossly overly-pink girlie culture titled <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cinderella-Ate-Daughter-Dispatches-Girlie-Girl/dp/0061711535/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334374827&sr=8-1">Cinderella Ate My Daughter</a></i>. If you have a daughter, I would say that this is a must-read although reading it may make you more terrified than when you began it. You know from the onset of meeting your daughter that it may be a hard road ahead but this book really nails that idea on its head. The world is such a different place than the now-so-seemingly-innocent one that you and I grew up in (that statement alone should give you worry). She concludes, albeit a bit skeptically, that there is hope. You<i> can</i> raise an independent and lovable girl - it just takes some mindful choices in the beginning and following through to the bitter end (supposedly around 13 when they just stop listening to you).<br />
<br />
Here is a oh-so brief summary (seriously, go get this book - at the store or at the library - it is worth your time):<br />
<br />
Peggy is a journalist who has spent much of her career writing about issues that face adolescent girls so when she is expecting a child of her own she prays for the boy that wasn't to be. Of course, she has a girl, how silly of her to think otherwise. So when her toddler girl becomes infatuated by princesses (despite never have read princess stories) she decides to dive head first in to this crazy pinkalicious world of baby/toddler/tween girls and what this could mean for her future.<br />
<br />
"According to the American Psychological Association, the girlie-girl culture's emphasis on beauty and play-sexiness can increase girls' vulnerability to the pitfalls that most concern parents: depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, risky sexual behavior. Even brief exposures to the typical, idealized images of women that we all see every day has been shown to lower girls' opinion of themselves, both physically and academically...The pursuit of physical perfection was recast as a source of young women's "empowerment." Even as new educational and profession opportunities unfurl before my daughter and her peers, so does the path that encourages them to equate identity with image, self-expression with appearance, femininity with performance, pleasure with pleasing, and sexuality with sexualization. I didn't know whether Disney Princesses would be the first salvo in a Hundred Years' War of dieting, plucking and painting. But for me they became a trigger for the larger question of how to help our daughters with the contradictions they will inevitably face as girls."<br />
<br />
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-75592710098620202012-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:002012-04-13T08:16:59.616-07:00Family Fridays: Monkey See, Monkey Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fWPxagJTGQ/T3_O-gn-8SI/AAAAAAAACkM/Wklt1RVd7_k/s1600/feet149744756330028039_wfISu5Vq_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fWPxagJTGQ/T3_O-gn-8SI/AAAAAAAACkM/Wklt1RVd7_k/s640/feet149744756330028039_wfISu5Vq_f.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/post/16773462339/little-big-by-selyfriday-on-flickr">here</a></span></div>
My daughter has always had a knack for eavesdropping and repeating anything and everything she hears. Toddlers are good at eavesdropping. They are quite stealth actually - there they sit, minding their own business, deep in play but all the while listening for any new word or catch phase they can use as their own. You go along with your conversation, taking note that the kids are minding you no attention what-so-ever - so you may drop a few swear words to make your point clear or describe the "idiot" who didn't help you one bit at work. Needless to say, my daughter has been heard saying "did Sebastien shit his diapers again?" or "damn it" while dropping something not just once but several times. These are not phrases I am proud of but they are phrases of life so be it. I don't think they will offend anyone too terribly.<br />
<br />
Alas, there <i>is </i>one phrase that has stuck that I <i>am </i>afraid will offend someone and indeed it already has. My husband is always calling the tigers at the zoo "stuffed" as they rarely ever move and seem to be in the same lounging position no matter what season or time of day you go to view them. Maya picked up on this quite quickly and recently came home to say that the stuffed tigers were sleeping...again. Apparently she mentioned this aloud while watching said sleeping tigers and made the boy next to her cry. He apparently knew what "stuffed" meant and didn't seem to find the humor in my husband's animal description.<br />
<br />
But there are good things that come from paying attention to the words swirling around you - they pick up on the good ones too. You will hear my daughter say "please" and "thank you" appropriately and willingly which makes my heart burst every time. Having good manners and respecting other people is on the top of my "to teach my children" list and I am happy to say that it is a lot easier than I had anticipated. Monkey see, monkey do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-10353307524698059012012-04-11T21:07:00.001-07:002012-04-11T21:07:39.977-07:00DIY: NecklacesHere are some fun necklaces that are ridiculously expensive but may be worth giving it a DIY try...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfRZ6eJTcBk/T3_G1RRt4NI/AAAAAAAACj0/3rKzgQByw6I/s1600/diy107804984800303868_YVRrbL29_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfRZ6eJTcBk/T3_G1RRt4NI/AAAAAAAACj0/3rKzgQByw6I/s640/diy107804984800303868_YVRrbL29_c.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/item/isabel-marant-netaporter-earrings-the-who-brass-hoop-earrings/321239264?image=f25190061921df77ea8d0a56a50a1d35&utm_medium=Pinterest&utm_source=ShareProduct">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isabel Marant</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es1QPrWD7dg/T3_G12KR4ZI/AAAAAAAACj8/UuLoZY4aD9Q/s1600/diy246220304597777260_Xmv1TWhW_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es1QPrWD7dg/T3_G12KR4ZI/AAAAAAAACj8/UuLoZY4aD9Q/s640/diy246220304597777260_Xmv1TWhW_c.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="https://svpply.com/item/343027/Pol_necklace__Spartan">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Erin Considine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-WVxpcc-pM/T3_G2SBR1QI/AAAAAAAACkE/Cvk9Q3Hmh2k/s1600/diy273382639849814688_uBfPk7QK_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-WVxpcc-pM/T3_G2SBR1QI/AAAAAAAACkE/Cvk9Q3Hmh2k/s640/diy273382639849814688_uBfPk7QK_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23296262&catId=JEWELRY-NECKLACES&pushId=JEWELRY-NECKLACES&popId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES&navCount=258&color=000&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=JEWELRY-NECKLACES-STATEMENTS">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anthropologie</div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-77008962796841013602012-04-11T21:07:00.000-07:002012-04-11T21:07:23.913-07:00Happy Birthday Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0w8GFhL3mM/T4ZUqIQH_pI/AAAAAAAAClU/7R7o4DCfDsk/s1600/SJG+1YR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0w8GFhL3mM/T4ZUqIQH_pI/AAAAAAAAClU/7R7o4DCfDsk/s640/SJG+1YR.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLkunEqZXW8/T4ZUsw8wxMI/AAAAAAAAClc/C5HWtImba2M/s1600/Seb1Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLkunEqZXW8/T4ZUsw8wxMI/AAAAAAAAClc/C5HWtImba2M/s640/Seb1Year.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-68977142065807313462012-04-10T18:54:00.004-07:002012-04-10T18:54:55.209-07:00Edible Wednesdays: Fried Green Tomato<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7nJepbpqIs/T4Tjy86E1cI/AAAAAAAAClM/jrcIY60E39Y/s1600/tomatIMG_0788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7nJepbpqIs/T4Tjy86E1cI/AAAAAAAAClM/jrcIY60E39Y/s640/tomatIMG_0788.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://eatgood4life.blogspot.com/2010/11/easy-fried-green-tomatoes.html">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am excited to try a fried green tomato BLT this summer...sounds so delicious. Here is how you would do the Tomato part: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">green tomatoes</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">eggs</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">fresh mint and chives</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">lemon</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">panko (Japanese bread crumbs)</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">flour</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">paprika</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">garlic powder</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">salt & pepper</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Method</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Whisk 2 eggs. Season with pepper and finely chopped mint and chives.<br />2. Pour flour into a bowl, season flour with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder and set aside.<br />3. Pour panko bread crumbs into a bowl and set aside.<br />4. Cut green, un-ripe tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices. Pat dry.<br />5. Dredge in flour, shake off excess.<br />6. Coat both sides with egg mixture then into the panko!<br />7. Fry in very hot oil until crispy and golden on both sides. Drain on paper towel.<br />8. Salt generously with kosher salt.<br />9. Serve with lemon wedges.<br />10. You can hold the fried tomatoes in a 200 degree oven on a rack for about 30 minutes.</span></div>
<br />
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-83579179982682912192012-04-10T07:30:00.000-07:002012-04-10T07:30:21.088-07:00Exterior Tuesdays: Yard Ideas Take TwoI have a problem. I like to rearrange my yard too much. As I have mentioned before, due to a large falling cedar tree, the yard HAS to be rearranged this year whether I like it or not so might as well so a little itty bitty more than required to make it perfectly lovely. I am hoping this will be the last time...here are my inspirations:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HLBwyRQOJw/T3_Dilo3JiI/AAAAAAAACjM/5u3rjBBg5FA/s1600/yes114982596706185709_itYSHQqN_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HLBwyRQOJw/T3_Dilo3JiI/AAAAAAAACjM/5u3rjBBg5FA/s640/yes114982596706185709_itYSHQqN_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dwell.com/slideshows/plays-the-thing.html?slide=5&c=y&paused=true"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> here</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pE3X37mmXUI/T3_DjXxmouI/AAAAAAAACjU/THK9Opay63E/s1600/yes135108057541141634_4yU4Ir8z_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pE3X37mmXUI/T3_DjXxmouI/AAAAAAAACjU/THK9Opay63E/s640/yes135108057541141634_4yU4Ir8z_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://plastolux.com/modern-landscaping-bernard-trainor.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+plastolux+%28PLASTOLUX%29">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thinking instead of gravel, patches of grass</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqrUMdBLbvk/T3_DjyvIH0I/AAAAAAAACjc/qAIjg-C-YxI/s1600/yes162200024049586801_njfoBFmP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqrUMdBLbvk/T3_DjyvIH0I/AAAAAAAACjc/qAIjg-C-YxI/s640/yes162200024049586801_njfoBFmP_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://plastolux.com/modern-landscaping-bernard-trainor.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+plastolux+%28PLASTOLUX%29">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWm7hcByVo4/T3_DkTopMlI/AAAAAAAACjk/J1nk4AXKffU/s1600/yes286893438732514829_gBwzjxE9_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWm7hcByVo4/T3_DkTopMlI/AAAAAAAACjk/J1nk4AXKffU/s640/yes286893438732514829_gBwzjxE9_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2012/4/4/illico-design.html"> here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZftY9smxUI/T3_DkzlfYFI/AAAAAAAACjs/Vm62CL7z1sw/s1600/yes38913984249773108_fqfyJcfU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZftY9smxUI/T3_DkzlfYFI/AAAAAAAACjs/Vm62CL7z1sw/s640/yes38913984249773108_fqfyJcfU_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2010/6/9/warren-heath.html#">here</a></span></div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-33970089858001122972012-04-09T09:15:00.000-07:002012-04-09T09:15:40.943-07:00Monday Memo: Blow Ups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made a huge collage-y/painting of a llama for my daughter's room when she was a baby and she loved looking at it - still does. So I am thinking of making another one for Sebastien's room...here are some options. Scary or cool?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DulVGAHUa0/T3_SDY-KuhI/AAAAAAAACkU/a4hg0jvD3EU/s1600/blow125186064611593924_8cCgXbTv_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DulVGAHUa0/T3_SDY-KuhI/AAAAAAAACkU/a4hg0jvD3EU/s640/blow125186064611593924_8cCgXbTv_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinkmakesart.com/"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnTue4n_YV0/T3_SD55sUCI/AAAAAAAACkc/0n-rM0brsgk/s1600/blow132152570285253777_QWFwsnfW_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnTue4n_YV0/T3_SD55sUCI/AAAAAAAACkc/0n-rM0brsgk/s640/blow132152570285253777_QWFwsnfW_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.reddit.com/toolbar/toolbar?id=t3_m8ocp">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8J2cf_llI0/T3_SEYBlUJI/AAAAAAAACkk/F3212vBj77Q/s1600/blow224687468878873037_IDOqvMOY_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8J2cf_llI0/T3_SEYBlUJI/AAAAAAAACkk/F3212vBj77Q/s640/blow224687468878873037_IDOqvMOY_c.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/3771642732/in/photostream">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ysu6YdXVds/T3_SE1vJ2MI/AAAAAAAACks/g_y-5Y6EzZk/s1600/blow273382639849817489_JsRxle3n_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ysu6YdXVds/T3_SE1vJ2MI/AAAAAAAACks/g_y-5Y6EzZk/s640/blow273382639849817489_JsRxle3n_c.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tkaikaina.tumblr.com/post/10499384679/http-b-r-o-n-z-e-tumblr-com"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FL1iHnxg_qw/T3_SFdqnywI/AAAAAAAACk0/AeLiDmNBfVo/s1600/blow68328119316312743_wYLjFaYS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FL1iHnxg_qw/T3_SFdqnywI/AAAAAAAACk0/AeLiDmNBfVo/s640/blow68328119316312743_wYLjFaYS_c.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://bohemiadesign.tumblr.com/page/34">here</a></span></div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-52793297726970797042012-04-07T08:19:00.003-07:002012-04-07T08:19:44.459-07:00Happy Easter Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Su3Xs80gZp4/T4Ba0ii1MxI/AAAAAAAAClE/f_oyAjq8flg/s1600/song161285230375201108_8HRiRhFC_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Su3Xs80gZp4/T4Ba0ii1MxI/AAAAAAAAClE/f_oyAjq8flg/s640/song161285230375201108_8HRiRhFC_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/page_graphics_myspace_random/thing?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3270056&id=12842322.jpg">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are off to the mountain to search for eggs in the snow and celebrate Sebastien turning ONE! </div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-33919609463337675542012-04-06T21:09:00.001-07:002012-04-06T21:09:09.932-07:00Book Review: Bringing up Bebe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIwrb-pI6l0/T3-8umVB_XI/AAAAAAAACi0/jrjZb66PLHA/s1600/paris0146_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIwrb-pI6l0/T3-8umVB_XI/AAAAAAAACi0/jrjZb66PLHA/s640/paris0146_011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.restlesstoroam.com/2011/05/16/kid-friendly-fun-in-luxembourg-gardens/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
So the library finally released the much anticipated and talked about book by Pamela Druckerman, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Bebe-Discovers-Parenting/dp/1594203334">Bringing up Bebe</a>. I must say, it did not disappoint. I was a little wary because some of the reviews I read were not that favorable but it truly was a good read. It may be because I have a soft spot for the French, but all their practices made perfect sense to me. This lady moved to Paris to be with her love, ended up staying and raising a family in the city of light. She quickly realized there was a huge difference in the way the French were raising their families versus back home in America. Coming from a journalistic background, she set out to find out why. She is careful throughout the book to not <i>side </i>with the French per se but to simply acknowledge what they were doing differently.<br />
<br />
Here I tried my best to summarize her points:<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PREGNANCY, BABIES:</span></b><br />
<br />
Pregnancy in the States is billed as neurotic - all the books, magazines,
movies tell us to worry about every little thing that could harm the baby – don’t
eat feta cheese! Don’t drink coffee! Don’t exercise too much! If your baby
sneezes too much it may be autoimmune! Don’t let your baby sleep on her
stomach! Don’t let your baby sleep on her back! It is all TOO much sometimes.<br />
<br />
Also, it seems, given the large amounts of space magazines set aside for
it, you need to pick a parenting philosophy - of which there are a dozen and
stick to it heart and soul. Don’t even think about having a change of heart
when you try the cry-it-out method or switch from Montessori to Waldorf. How
confusing and ultimately detrimental to your child! Lastly, looking around it
feels as though there is an unspoken competition to see who can sacrifice the
most for their children.<br />
<br />
This is all at stark contrast to what is advertised in France - the press
doesn’t dwell on unlikely, worse case scenarios leaving most mothers-to-be
calm and uninterested in renouncing pleasures. They believe that the 40-week
metamorphosis into motherhood shouldn’t make you any less of a woman (no baggy
sweatpants!).<br />
<br />
The baby is treated as an adult. Babies are human beings and have rational
thoughts right out of the womb. Respect them and they will respect you. Explain
to them all that you are doing, much as you would to an adult – we are going to
the store now, we are eating apples…They allow children to “awaken” and
“discover” their surroundings on their own (vs America’s jump to speed up the
stages of development – think advancement, meeting milestones on “time,” Baby
Einstein.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children are allowed to
explore life’s little pleasures in a sunny field or experience pain when getting
hurt if you fall on the pavement. Allowing your child to feel these emotions
will prepare them to deal with them later in life as well.<br />
<br />
From the beginning, French parents practice “Le Pause” – that is, they
observe first, then act. THIS WAS A BIG POINT IN THE BOOK. Allowing your child
to cry for a few seconds as you determine why she is crying and how she is
crying. Does she need to be fed? Does she need attention? Is she just
frustrated and needs a few seconds to figure out the solution? Giving your
child the space to discern their feelings is giving them the tools to do so
later in life as well. A great example of this is when it comes to sleep. It
seem in America, we need to pick a sleep philosophy (cry-it-out, family bed,
nurse to sleep…) whereas in France they concentrate of the science of
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sleep cycle for most
babies is about two hours – they may wake up completely and need food or they
may just wake up briefly and fall right back to sleep (you will earn the difference
in cries). You won’t know the latter if you are constantly going in every time
the baby cries. They need to figure out a way to fall back asleep on their own
accord and by giving them a minute or two, they will learn this invaluable tool.<br />
<br />
The same goes for toddler and kid play. They do not have their children
signed up for activity after activity. This is too much – kids must learn to
play on their own, be bored…later in life there will be so much pressure to
succeed that they allow their kids to find the pleasures on their own first.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jC11J9_VaI/T3-9N6oc_LI/AAAAAAAACi8/Uxm1BWZnPDE/s1600/paris+manege+child+by+natacha+colmez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jC11J9_VaI/T3-9N6oc_LI/AAAAAAAACi8/Uxm1BWZnPDE/s640/paris+manege+child+by+natacha+colmez.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.williamchua.com/blog/family-shoot-in-paris/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Around 3 months, life is back to
normal. Mother’s get their identity back (body, schedule, pleasures)</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>They take physical and mental time
off (vacations away from kids every year, cafes and whatnot during the day) No
guilt for taking time for oneself.</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Sacrificing your sex life for your
kids is considered wildly unhealthy and out of balance.</li>
<li>The couple comes before the children.
The child understands that he is not the center of the world and this is
essential for his development</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>J’adore cette baguette! Appreciating
each other on a daily basis.</li>
</ul>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">FOOD:</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FTda7rUeJw/T3-9tXKKCpI/AAAAAAAACjE/Ca0lz5MfD5I/s1600/parisfamily+meal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FTda7rUeJw/T3-9tXKKCpI/AAAAAAAACjE/Ca0lz5MfD5I/s640/parisfamily+meal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://frogsmoke.com/page/350/?q=AccidentLawy"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
Meals in France are all about the pleasure
of eating - sitting at the table with others, taking one’s time and not doing
other things at the same time (vs the idea that meals are for your health not
necessarily for your pleasure). If you eat for pleasure and allow yourself to
eat delicious food no matter the fat content of what-have-you, you will find
you are more satisfied earlier and you won’t have to eat so much. You won’t be
denying yourself pleasure!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Eating for pleasure starts as soon as
a baby eats solid foods. They introduce all sorts of veggies first (not rice
cereal) and then fruits and so on. Experimenting with textures and flavors.
Some kids will be finicky, but if you keep trying things, you will eventually
come to like them. So try, try and try again.</li>
<li>Eating a meal means sitting down at
the table – not on the go, not standing up, not in the car. To truly enjoy your
food, you need to take the time to eat it.</li>
<li>“I’m not forcing her to finish, just
to taste everything and sit with us.</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Four meals are served in a given day
and served in courses:</li>
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Breakfast (around 8ish) Fruit first then
your toast or cereal or eggs.</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Lunch <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(around noon/1)– Veggies first then main course (protein
heavy). For the veggies think sliced avo, tomato in a vinaigrette or steamed
broccoli with a dash of soy sauce or carottes rapees.</li>
<li>Le Gouter (snack for children) This
is usually sweet – hot mug of cocoa with a baguette to dip, croissant, cookie.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dinner – same as lunch but more carbs/veggies
and less protein.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">THE
CADRE:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Very firm limits but within the
limits, the kids have a lot of freedom</li>
<li>C’est moi qui decide – be confident
in your decision and it will come out in your voice. It is you who decides, not
your child. So when saying ‘no’ your child will know you mean it.</li>
<li>Instead of “Don’t hit Jules” say “You
don’t have the right to hit Jules” or “I don’t agree with you throwing your
food” Instead of dramatic punishments, focus on making lots of small, polite,
preventative adjustments based on well-established rules. This gives the child
a sense of responsibility regarding their actions, they have the authority to
decide whether to hit Jules or not, but if you don’t agree with it, their
decision is not the right one. But at least you allow them the opportunity to
have a decision.</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Speaking with eye contact – just as
you would any other person.</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Explain the reason behind it being
forbidden</li>
<li>The Musts:</li>
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>4 magic words: bonjour, au revoir,
merci and s’il vous plait (hello, goodbye, thank you and please)</li>
<li>speaking respectfully to people</li>
<li>no physical aggression</li>
<li>bedtime = adult time</li>
<li>saying 1,2,3 – respectful to the
child, gives them a moment to process what is being asked of them</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">IMPORTANT
LESSONS:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Teaching kids to wait – to delay
gratification. Kids bake early on – by 3 you should be able to bake on your own
(aside from using the hot stove). This gives the kid a sense of responsibility,
accomplishment, confidence and how to control their urges. Instead of tasting
the whole way through, they must concentrate on the act of baking and wait
until it is all ready and time for gouter to eat.</li>
<li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Family’s daily rituals are an ongoing
apprenticeship in how to delay gratification.</li>
<li>Learning to play by themselves. Have to believe that a baby
is a person who is capable of learning things and coping with some frustration.
It’s a crucial first lesson for children – self-reliance and enjoying one’s own
company.</li>
<li>Pain and disappointment is
inevitable, learn to deal with it early one. “Making kids face up to
limitations and deal with frustration turns them into happier, more resilient
people. And one of the main ways to gently induce frustration, on a daily
basis, is to make children wait a bit. They treat waiting not just as one
important skill among many but as a cornerstone of raising kids.” In the French
view, having the self-control to be calmly present, rather than anxious,
irritable and demanding, is what allows kids to have fun. Developed internal
resources to cope with frustration. They don’t expect to get what they want instantly.
The way to wait is to self-distract but you don’t have to teach distraction
techniques just give opportunities to practice waiting. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-76585226339681678272012-03-27T21:20:00.001-07:002012-03-27T21:20:29.114-07:00Edible Wednesdays: Champagne Cocktails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Y09qZ0QFv0/T3DwnQ2NHNI/AAAAAAAAChs/TGF3R-G358w/s1600/AGuideToChampagneCocktails_4f2c49131c845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Y09qZ0QFv0/T3DwnQ2NHNI/AAAAAAAAChs/TGF3R-G358w/s1600/AGuideToChampagneCocktails_4f2c49131c845.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://visual.ly/guide-champagne-cocktails">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have died and gone to heaven. This may be the best thing I have come across lately - a guide to champagne cocktails. I am a HUGE champagne fan. It is one of the only alcoholic drinks I enjoy. Just in time for summer sippin'...(I am in a fantasy world thinking that summer is close but a girl can dream)</div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-79773014065084803132012-03-26T21:15:00.000-07:002012-03-26T21:15:12.319-07:00Exterior Tuesday: The Yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBjg2TFSNcs/T3E9M1cGAhI/AAAAAAAACh0/DCRyTxc2Z1g/s1600/yard206039751672289660_Hxy2ZZP7_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBjg2TFSNcs/T3E9M1cGAhI/AAAAAAAACh0/DCRyTxc2Z1g/s640/yard206039751672289660_Hxy2ZZP7_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.dwell.com/slideshows/seven-great-outdoor-spaces.html?slide=2&c=y&paused=true">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apybY6Ztl-E/T3E9OdhzxII/AAAAAAAACh8/cxudx9TVYtg/s1600/yard273382639849765040_hENO5V29_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apybY6Ztl-E/T3E9OdhzxII/AAAAAAAACh8/cxudx9TVYtg/s640/yard273382639849765040_hENO5V29_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://lainbloom.blogspot.com/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rmiZ5VMRXM/T3E9O2jQeVI/AAAAAAAACiE/yDsCT3tTzzY/s1600/yard273382639849794032_XbRySaik_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rmiZ5VMRXM/T3E9O2jQeVI/AAAAAAAACiE/yDsCT3tTzzY/s640/yard273382639849794032_XbRySaik_c.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wishflowers.tumblr.com/post/7455064833"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfLP_zYNBLY/T3E9PhudrCI/AAAAAAAACiM/TjA3ZH3WkFo/s1600/yard277464027012509082_LxA6mDEK_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfLP_zYNBLY/T3E9PhudrCI/AAAAAAAACiM/TjA3ZH3WkFo/s640/yard277464027012509082_LxA6mDEK_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://design-mind.blogspot.com/search/label/outdoors">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMpq-Da82lY/T3E9QEG7MuI/AAAAAAAACiU/65ajvXIhIM8/s1600/yard277464027012605520_CPCmW1Gj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMpq-Da82lY/T3E9QEG7MuI/AAAAAAAACiU/65ajvXIhIM8/s640/yard277464027012605520_CPCmW1Gj_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.studiogblog.com/garden-inspirations/daily-garden/daily-garden-mid-century/"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yi3bxu6q4ZY/T3E9Q_8p67I/AAAAAAAACic/PUC8R0Zj-44/s1600/yard285978645057540533_boCKTLZZ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yi3bxu6q4ZY/T3E9Q_8p67I/AAAAAAAACic/PUC8R0Zj-44/s640/yard285978645057540533_boCKTLZZ_c.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.sweetiepiepumpkinnoodle.com/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5u9EqPFtSc/T3E9Rhq6-qI/AAAAAAAACik/w8IBp6pSNa4/s1600/yard33354853459689524_8lLUoNWk_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5u9EqPFtSc/T3E9Rhq6-qI/AAAAAAAACik/w8IBp6pSNa4/s640/yard33354853459689524_8lLUoNWk_c.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://remodelista.com/posts/outdoors-townhouse-garden-round-up#">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I did it. I started to tear up the yard tonight. It was sunny, I had the energy and so I just went for it. We still have to grind the large cedar stump out of the way but until then I moved the stuff that I could. I have a really big problem when it comes to the backyard. I am constantly rearranging it which means a lot of work and aggravation for my dear plants. Someday I will get it just right...? In any event, this photos are inspiring despite the fact that most of them take place in climates very different from the one I reside in. Sigh. </div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-67057218008459217472012-03-26T11:43:00.000-07:002012-03-26T11:43:02.829-07:00Monday Memo: Toys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9B4cMnQnhzU/T3C4R36U0iI/AAAAAAAAChU/miZ4H2qKXGk/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9B4cMnQnhzU/T3C4R36U0iI/AAAAAAAAChU/miZ4H2qKXGk/s640/IMG_1803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XphwMV5EC2w/T3C4TFEPq8I/AAAAAAAAChc/CgGugtkcK8c/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XphwMV5EC2w/T3C4TFEPq8I/AAAAAAAAChc/CgGugtkcK8c/s640/IMG_1814.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTelA6-nVCc/T3Cz2PNgp7I/AAAAAAAACgs/pyn-GXeqes8/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTelA6-nVCc/T3Cz2PNgp7I/AAAAAAAACgs/pyn-GXeqes8/s640/IMG_1856.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0qsFqhIOwc/T3Cz3LXF-tI/AAAAAAAACg0/KhUnHp4YoDA/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0qsFqhIOwc/T3Cz3LXF-tI/AAAAAAAACg0/KhUnHp4YoDA/s640/IMG_1858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5dI7nIEDDY/T3Cz4OEiCkI/AAAAAAAACg8/DIqsrE0w0Oc/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5dI7nIEDDY/T3Cz4OEiCkI/AAAAAAAACg8/DIqsrE0w0Oc/s640/IMG_1859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbjRpifXfA8/T3Cz5kXzt4I/AAAAAAAAChE/izfPYrOAK4c/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbjRpifXfA8/T3Cz5kXzt4I/AAAAAAAAChE/izfPYrOAK4c/s640/IMG_1860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aty2L5ydM6s/T3C0SOx0fEI/AAAAAAAAChM/4BfSL-RgNyM/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aty2L5ydM6s/T3C0SOx0fEI/AAAAAAAAChM/4BfSL-RgNyM/s640/IMG_0770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Toys can kind of take over if you are not careful. It took a few years for me to nail down exactly what worked best in our home. I generally prefer wooden toys but here are some plastic ones that are pretty crucial to our play.<br />
<br />
Duplos - My mother-in-law saved a bunch from when my husband was a kid so we have a fair amount of old school-squarish duplo people around along with the more modern shapely ones. My daughter can play with these for hours - building zoos and pools and houses. The people that come with the various sets now have a nice wooden home to live in and pairs of skis to play on (thanks to my handy cardboard cutting skills). They go in the shower, in the bath and sometime eat with us. They are true friends.<br />
<br />
Babies - We have a collection now. One that stays up at the mountain, one at Nana's, one at the farm and a few that reside with us full-time. This is Joovy. She is the current favorite.<br />
<br />
Trucks and Cars - Both my kids love these trucks, bulldozers, tractors and cars. Sebastien likes to "drive" his all over the house. They have created ramps and hills and garages for them.<br />
<br />
All these toys spark a certain amount of imagination that's for sure...and that is always the goal.DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-46719050447417046502012-03-22T21:04:00.001-07:002012-03-22T21:04:19.562-07:00Family Fridays: Clarifying my Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EefWfpa_MxE/T2qYRrKtqHI/AAAAAAAACgg/ZWytjcUGvpU/s1600/mom123497214751824091_HLi6r5uO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EefWfpa_MxE/T2qYRrKtqHI/AAAAAAAACgg/ZWytjcUGvpU/s640/mom123497214751824091_HLi6r5uO_f.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.brittangoetzphotography.com/">here</a></span></div>
It came to my attention that maybe I wasn't as clear as I needed to be in <a href="http://sidewalksandsunshine.blogspot.com/2012/03/ordinary-vs-extraordinary.html">my response</a> to the lady at SAQ. It is obvious that she struck a nerve in me, on a few different levels, but perhaps I need to clarify a few things.<br />
<br />
The staying-at-home vs working is a constant battle for every family and especially women. No matter what we choose to do we will get flack from just about anyone. You stay at home? Yikes, doesn't your mind go to mush? You go to work? Yikes, don't you feel guilty? Well, actually, yes and yes. There is no right solution. There is no right answer. Mothers go back to work after giving birth out of necessity and/or desire. I was one of the lucky few who had a choice and I decided that I was going to be get more satisfaction and be of more use at home than I was going to be working outside the home. Now, was this the right decision? Some days it is and some days it is not.<br />
<br />
If I had a job to go to every day where I was passionate about what I was accomplishing, I would feel that the benefit of me being happy and one hundred percent present when I was home would grossly outweigh the benefit of staying home just to stay home. Unfortunately, I did not work in a job that I felt good about. So I believed (and still do) that I would be happiest at home. This doesn't mean I am happy<i> everyday</i> just as those who go to work have their good days and their bad days. There are plenty of days when my kids would probably be more entertained and taken care of at daycare but I like to think that the majority of our days we are thoroughly enjoying our time together. And that is the most important point - when the parents are happy, the family is happy.<br />
<br />
<div>
The benefit of going to a nice college is that your resume looks good from the start. I learned early on in my short-lived career in the investment banking industry that pedigree is everything. I was one of the lucky ones (there I am again, happily in that bubble) who went to such a college so getting an interview at any firm I wanted was not an issue. I am actually pretty sure that I was hired at Goldman Sachs simply because I went to Smith. I was thereafter introduced to clients and prospects as "the girl who went to Smith." This naturally meant that I was smart and capable and would not screw your accounts up. This is the downside of going to a nice college - in a sense you are pegged by the outside world for life. So when said "girl from Smith" decides to leave the solid resume, the promising future and stay at home with her kids, a lot of critics and judgements step in. I mean, who would trade pantsuits for making cardboard troll homes? I didn't need to go to Smith to accomplish <i>that</i> did I? Well, yes and no. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I gained an incredible experience from attending that school and am an educated woman because of it. This will transfer quite nicely to my children. But what I also gained was a sense of deciding what is right and best for me. I knew that the finance world was not the place where I wanted to be (did you read the recent <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/opinion/why-i-am-leaving-goldman-sachs.html">NYTimes article</a> about the executive that left Goldman? So right on.) Coincidentally I got pregnant shortly after making this decision so the natural transition would be to stay at home, raise my kids and figure out what <i>DID</i> make me happy and pursue that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It ends up I like to work with my hands (I am the daughter of two artists after all) so I get a lot of satisfaction from building things, making things and cleaning things. I actually enjoy getting down on my hands and knees and scrubbing the heck out of my floor - because, look, now there is a nice, clean floor to admire. But that doesn't mean I don't also enjoy a brilliant novel or that I can't argue my way through the latest piece in the New Yorker. There is such a thing as balance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If there is one thing that Smith taught me, it is that I have the capability to be anything and to do anything if I put the work in. I have the final say in what makes me happy and what doesn't. I have the power to manifest my own destiny. The reason I was so upset over the lady's words was that I felt like she was belittling my choice to stay home and that I didn't understand what would <i>really</i> make me happy. Well, it turns out that we all have different roles to play and different passions. So please excuse me for a few years while I find inspiration and joy from two little munchkins...we'll see where that leads me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-87576758493375680522012-03-20T09:17:00.001-07:002012-03-20T09:17:58.632-07:00Interior Tuesdays: Patios<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pG2YMzX7M2Q/Tt2XhyAdHLI/AAAAAAAAB4w/vUVvrZ1ivEE/s1600/outdoor273382639849747080_Lv8aCQ0l_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pG2YMzX7M2Q/Tt2XhyAdHLI/AAAAAAAAB4w/vUVvrZ1ivEE/s640/outdoor273382639849747080_Lv8aCQ0l_c.jpg" width="425" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiiUiDxiC6w/Tt2Xjo-iZGI/AAAAAAAAB5I/sIJxS2HsSi0/s1600/outdoor273382639849765041_SNBvEeUR_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiiUiDxiC6w/Tt2Xjo-iZGI/AAAAAAAAB5I/sIJxS2HsSi0/s640/outdoor273382639849765041_SNBvEeUR_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lainbloom.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">lainbloom</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Koj9pTOu-U/Tt2XkAtdo-I/AAAAAAAAB5Q/5kz0pTdwPQk/s1600/outdoor273382639849767941_JZw4IJ3D_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Koj9pTOu-U/Tt2XkAtdo-I/AAAAAAAAB5Q/5kz0pTdwPQk/s640/outdoor273382639849767941_JZw4IJ3D_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wikstenmade.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7cuYRPouLg/Tt2XkjwUahI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/waGLaC8CTvw/s1600/outdoor273382639849771366_47oZxWC9_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7cuYRPouLg/Tt2XkjwUahI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/waGLaC8CTvw/s640/outdoor273382639849771366_47oZxWC9_c.jpg" width="412" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://awesomespaces.tumblr.com/page/11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></div>
Should we do it? Should we start dreaming about outdoor spaces yet? I know it is still frigid outside where I am, but I cannot help but feel the pull of Spring. The cherry blossom trees are blooming and there is talk of temps in the 70's on the east coast so I thought, why not? Let's dive right in. Let's start getting excited about our patios.<br />
We had to take a huge cedar tree off of our property this past month due to a very dangerous crack it was developing. We still need to schedule the stump grinding but after that it is Operation Yard Redo. We have to move some of the fences to make up for the loss of the tree so that our kiddos don't escape and obviously a whole yard revamp is in order. So bring on the daydreaming...<br />
These pictures are more patio-centric but next week I'll start compiling some yard ideas.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBZxefQmWUA/Tt2XlPZL7JI/AAAAAAAAB5g/Bxh2jVw1XFw/s1600/outdoor273382639849771377_ReIdqWsQ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBZxefQmWUA/Tt2XlPZL7JI/AAAAAAAAB5g/Bxh2jVw1XFw/s640/outdoor273382639849771377_ReIdqWsQ_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzA7hMdk64I/Tt2XlURf_iI/AAAAAAAAB5o/ER8p2-MFVfU/s1600/outdoor273382639849781572_5kFYNjIK_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzA7hMdk64I/Tt2XlURf_iI/AAAAAAAAB5o/ER8p2-MFVfU/s640/outdoor273382639849781572_5kFYNjIK_c.jpg" width="417" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mybluecanoe.tumblr.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">bluecanoe</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F14pYnLzq4w/Tt2Xl9JMrOI/AAAAAAAAB5w/vqyICTCtqlo/s1600/outdoor273382639849781639_CskQa3Rg_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F14pYnLzq4w/Tt2Xl9JMrOI/AAAAAAAAB5w/vqyICTCtqlo/s640/outdoor273382639849781639_CskQa3Rg_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mybluecanoe.tumblr.com/post/9292189122/whimsicalraindropcottage-via-79-ideas"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">BlueCanoe</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PrKqGfBX-E/Tt2XmV_YVZI/AAAAAAAAB54/vGgHnTBr6Qo/s1600/outdoor273382639849784265_0bF7Ayo4_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PrKqGfBX-E/Tt2XmV_YVZI/AAAAAAAAB54/vGgHnTBr6Qo/s640/outdoor273382639849784265_0bF7Ayo4_c.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/252728">StyleMePretty</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0V3cL4kjWv8/Tt2XpzwsVVI/AAAAAAAAB6w/k43Dt43tSfs/s1600/outdoor273382639849852537_TGPWDIYT_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0V3cL4kjWv8/Tt2XpzwsVVI/AAAAAAAAB6w/k43Dt43tSfs/s640/outdoor273382639849852537_TGPWDIYT_c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-tour-little-house-111810,0,308342.photogallery"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">LATimes</span></a></div>
<br />DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-83624634019107397242012-03-19T07:54:00.001-07:002012-03-19T07:54:58.679-07:00Monday Memo: The Skinny Jean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlYncQdHfyg/T2YP1GXxKNI/AAAAAAAACgI/cvU3Nuwqods/s1600/jean106538347404480618_OPUKdvZQ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlYncQdHfyg/T2YP1GXxKNI/AAAAAAAACgI/cvU3Nuwqods/s640/jean106538347404480618_OPUKdvZQ_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://missmossblog.tumblr.com/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRQdDMHwmfU/T2YP1YFVhJI/AAAAAAAACgQ/CRw5c_uWCQM/s1600/jean273382639849774099_SiaL2tmB_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRQdDMHwmfU/T2YP1YFVhJI/AAAAAAAACgQ/CRw5c_uWCQM/s640/jean273382639849774099_SiaL2tmB_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://shop.emersonmade.com/gunmetal-pins">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You guys, I think I did something I said I would never ever in a million years do. I bought a pair of jeans that may or may not highly resemble the dreaded "jeggings." I am telling you, from an avid bootcut jeans wearer, the skinny jean road is a very slippery slope. It started with a pair of Levis skinny boot cuts (which now feel like bell bottoms compared to this latest purchase), then it moved on to a more stretchy skinnier leg, then the classic skinny and now this, the ultimate end of the spectrum...the tightest jeans made to man. I mean you can hardly even call them jeans anymore. And they are so damn comfortable. </div>DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-40605250261265755732012-03-16T14:08:00.004-07:002012-03-16T14:08:59.014-07:00Ce que Disent les Parisiens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eUKTxrLf5b4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I love listening to the French language. I haven't spoken it myself in about ten years (gasp! really? yikes.) so this video is a nice reminder of why I should practice again...the fluidity is so beautiful even if this is a video making fun of Parisiens.DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-15923766203271206012012-03-16T09:01:00.000-07:002012-03-16T09:01:01.196-07:00Family Fridays: Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHrX1TfreSk/T2Kyi4L66fI/AAAAAAAACgA/KErI7BnvoYM/s1600/community285908276313616615_l1ncxps2_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHrX1TfreSk/T2Kyi4L66fI/AAAAAAAACgA/KErI7BnvoYM/s640/community285908276313616615_l1ncxps2_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://blog.jelanieshop.com/">here</a></span></div>
Where did our sense of community go?<br />
<br />
I check outside my window before grabbing my mail to make sure my next-door neighbor isn't sitting in her car smoking for fear of getting sucked into a converstaion. How bad is that? I know only a handful of our neighbors (our favorite ones sadly moved to another part of the city) and for some reason, I don't mind it. This is weird considering I loved growing up in a tight-knit community. We lived on an island where everyone knew everyone - you knew the lady at the grocery store, your best friend's mom knew that Sally got her hair cut yesterday (ok, that part was a little annoying) and you always ran in to someone you knew on the ferry or in town. I really liked that sense of belonging to something greater than yourself.<br />
<br />
Now I live in the city where, yes, I run into people I know quite frequently, but obviously there isn't a sense of shared community like there was on the island. And I'm not certain that if I moved to the country I'd find that same oneness - times have changed. People seem to be more interested in their own self-interests more than ever. Being a stay at home mom has made this more obvious - it is a lonely profession. You really need to put yourself out there to make new friends and new connections. Just because you are a mom doesn't assure your automatic inclusion into some mom club or what have you. You have to work for those connections lady.<br />
<br />
In Judith Warner's Perfect Madness, she touches on how our society has delved inwards and stepped away from the help of community. She went from raising her children in France, where the community took care of new moms to Washington DC, where you took care of yourself. She says, "I put my elder daughter in DC public school and watched the light in her eyes go dim. I did not have a pediatrician available for human contact in an emergency. I felt like all the responsibility for my daughter's care, health, and education resided within our family. Often enough, it seemed to rest on my shoulders alone. I knew what had worked for me in France. It wasn't just that I had access to a slew of government-run or -subsidized support services; it was also that I'd had a whole unofficial network of people to help and support me - materially and emotionally - as I navigated the new world of motherhood."<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To make matters worse, Dr. Spock released studies in the 1990's that stated "we have learned from psychoanalytic studies that the influence that makes a very few individuals become extraordinarily productive or creative in their fields is, most often, the inspiration they received from a particularly strong relationship with a mother who had especially high aspirations for her children." Yikes.<br />
<br />
So, the supermoms of the nation, being ignored by their community, delved inward and put all their energy into raising perfect children - by themselves. Judith summarizes: "For instead of using whatever tools of self-empowerment we had to gain control of our surroundings and change our world, we turned them inward and used them to police ourselves. Rather than becoming rebels or pioneers like our baby boomer predecssors, we became a generation of control freaks. the signs were everywhere - eating disorders, lactose intolerence, food allergies aplenty. How surprising is it, then, that when we became mothers, we took to purifying and regulating our chilren's environments. Motherhood could, after all, have been profoundly destabilizing. Pregnancy, childbirth, lactation - they all meant a temporary loss of control - of our bodies and of our careers. American women tend to believe that what we've got is, for better or worse, as good as it can get. Whatever doesn't work is our problem, and it's up to us to find a solution. It is the essense of the Mess. It is the basic reason why our generation has turned all the energy that we might be directing outward - to say, making the world a better place - inward instead where it has been put to the questionable purpose of our own self-perfection. We have taken it upon ourselves as supermothers to be everything to our children that society refuses to be: not just loving nuturers but educators, entertainers, guardians of environmental purity, protectors of a stable and prosperous future."<br />
<br />
How frightening is that? Instead of developing a nurturing and adequate community to take care of our families, we concentrated solely on our immediate needs - raising perfect children. "Control of the body, of something, by young women coming out of their you-can-do-anything girlhoods into you-can't-do-it-all womanhood, in which so many things suddenly seemed out of control. You CAN control your body, your home, your household. We fixate on those things that we can control - how our child holds a pencil, whether or not she gets gluten- rather than worry about what we can't control: our economic futures, kid's education, health care costs, whether or not we'll ever be able to afford to retire. The perversity in all this, of course, is that what we're trying to control is precisely what one cannot control; you can't shape and perfect human beings, pre-program and prepare them to that you can predict the course of their lives and protect them along the way. But you can ostensibly exert some control over what kind of society you live in. You have the power to elect politcians who can offer to deliver goods on the things like education, public services, and suppoer for your family. Unless, of course, no one's listening."<br />
<br />
It is time for us to band together, to create a sense of community that helps one another. Can we stop comparing your child to mine? Can we stop obsessing over building the perfect swing set in our backyard (Judith has a great story about that one too...I'll include it at the end)? Let's all just work together to get our city to build a fantastic play area where we can all congregate and socialize together. Let's build schools we believe in, let's support each other as we bump through parenthood, let's create a community together.<br />
<br />
"I was reminded of the way a friend in Paris had laughed at me when I'd expressed guilt about sending my toddler off to six hours a week of preschool. "Do you have a mini arts studio in your home?" she'd asked. "Do you have a playhouse and a variety of tricycles? Can you provide new sources of fun and stimulation every day?" The answers were, obviously, no on all counts. The mere idea of having all that equipment at home had seemed absurd. But in Washington, everything was different. The homes around me were equipped like mini art studios. Many people had backyard equipment that rivaled public parks. And there was a sense that whatever was done at home was best. Anything "institutional," as people put it, was far lesser - a sad replacement for the at-home loving care a good mother could provide by herself. "<br />
<br />
All quotes are from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Madness-Motherhood-Age-Anxiety/dp/1573223042">Judith Warner's Perfect Madness</a>. A must read.DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430238792320567501.post-17457335051141239932012-03-15T14:23:00.000-07:002012-03-15T14:23:34.296-07:00Thursday DIY: Toy Chest/Kid Seat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcUrvRSeigU/T195imHD2gI/AAAAAAAACfg/79DS2Dxyxso/s1600/stool99571841731446751_netzjuyL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcUrvRSeigU/T195imHD2gI/AAAAAAAACfg/79DS2Dxyxso/s400/stool99571841731446751_netzjuyL_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=556">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sieRON5PF10/T198Emv1noI/AAAAAAAACfo/u5UZWbzbeaI/s1600/chest5df2a84e6d2c11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sieRON5PF10/T198Emv1noI/AAAAAAAACfo/u5UZWbzbeaI/s400/chest5df2a84e6d2c11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This <a href="http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=556">IoLine Changing Trunk</a> is an ingenious design. It is one part toy chest, one part changing table and one part reading bench. And it <i>looks </i>great. We have something similar in our living room although by no means as chic. Many years ago, my Dad built a cabinet for under their television to hold videos and such. Once they upgraded their television, he built a wall hanging cabinet instead so the old one was shoved in the garage to be, probably, never used again. Until I had kids. I thought it would make a great toy chest - the key is that it has two drawers so you can "hide" the toys when they are not in use. And it was free. I added a roll of drawing paper on top to act as the art center. The top now has one-of-a-kind child masterpieces drawn all over it but that's ok. It adds character.DEYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666292933888817155noreply@blogger.com0