Life Is Busy:

(8 inches of hair. Gone.)

Life lately has been extra busy, there doesn't seem to be much time for anything which I wouldn't exactly say is a good thing! I find it really important to make sure we have family time, Rowan and I time and Erik and I time. Relationships need a solid foundation, communication and spending good quality time together to grow. 

My mind has been going crazy trying to figure out plans, things to buy for Rowan that are needed, sewing like a mad woman during nap times and late at night and trying to figure out family dinners that aren't the same ol' same ol'. If anyone has excellent suggestions on recipes for dinner and jogging strollers- please please comment below or send me an email! I might be a little bit obsessive but I'm trying so hard to find a really good jogging stroller at a really good price. Warm weather cannot seem to come soon enough, I'm ready for the sun on my face and long walks as a family, getting back into running and showing Rowan so many new things like swimming in lakes, playing in the sand, picnics and parks. 

I haven't forgotten about Rowan's 52 Weeks Portraits- I have them all stored on my camera but just haven't had time to go through them!

As a family, we have a lot going on right now, but as Erik and I remind each other, we have a good life. And are very thankful.

Homemade Hot Cocoa:

Anything homemade usually tastes better than store bought, or at least in my opinion! We were craving a hot, sweet drink the other day and did not want to go out to the local coffee shop, so I decided to make some hot cocoa. It turned out really well and had a rich, pure taste. It took a lengthy time to heat over the stove, but worth it in the end. Enjoy!

Hot Cocoa:

For one mug full-

mix together:

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons cocoa

1/4 cup cold water

(if using unsweetened cocoa- then add 1/4 cup sugar instead of 1 teaspoon)

cook over low heat- boil approximately 4 minutes

add 1 cup milk (2% or whole works best)

heat until scalded but do not boil

add a pinch of salt and drop of vanilla

Add marshmallows or homemade whipped cream as desired! For a cool treat, chill the cocoa in the refrigerator and pour over ice cubes. 

The 52 Project: 11/52

"A portrait of my son every week in 2014."

When all else fails, taking a walk around the house with papa soothes and washes away all of his little troubles. 

f. 3.5 / 1/64 / ISO 800 / 50mm lens

Oh The Things We Like: Blue & Peach

Lego Storage Brick • La Sardina Wally Watcher • Dopp Kit • Oui Ring • Bobbi Set • 'The Mini' satchel 

Right now I'm loving the peach/ cerulean combination- especially for spring. Here's a selection of my top picks. I'm loving the mini satchel from Cambridge Satchel, perfect for date nights or quick trips. That La Sardina Where's Waldo camera- swoon! I love it! Where's Waldo is so much my childhood. I have a La Sardina camera and I love how the photographs turn out, light leaks and all. Another childhood memory- Lego bricks! The storage is so fun and I love the new bright colors. 

Family Dates:

As a family, we love to go out at least once a week to somewhere special, a town we do not frequent as much or take a nice drive and enjoy each others company. Lately we’ve been going out for coffee and a walk every Friday afternoon. I am so loving this time spent with my husband and son and look forward to it every week. Good conversations are always had and Rowan gets to experience new places, new people and best of all- get out of the house!

My husband and I do love our dates being just us, but family dates are just as special no matter the age of your children. It’s very apparent that extra time with the entire family together doing something special makes Rowan happy. He is so intently listening to our conversations, loves the interactions and is constantly full of smiles and giggles. The older he gets I’m sure he’ll appreciate these days even more and being part of the decision process of where we go. I encourage everyone to take time out each week for family and doing something special together.

The 52 Project: 10/52

“A portrait of my son every week in 2014.”

This week Rowan decided he could sit up all by himself without our protective hand nearby in case he happened to fall over- although on the bed there’s no danger of the mattress hurting him! He was quite proud.

1.4 / 1/80 / ISO 800 / 50mm lens

Minted Lemonade:

Let's be honest, who doesn't love lemonade? Such a great summer drink (or all year according to my husband!) and nothing is better than freshly squeezed. This recipe is straight out of Betty Crocker's 1950 cookbook. I've professed my love for it and shared recipes here and here. This minty lemonade is so wonderful and is just the right amount of mint. Enjoy!

Minted Lemonade Recipe:

Combine in saucepan:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Rind of two lemons cut into pieces 

Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Boil about 7 minutes and then cool. 

Add:

1 cup lemon juice (5-6 lemons)

4 cups ice water

Place bruised mint leaves in bottom of glasses

Add ice, pour lemonade over and garnish with a mint leaf 

Glimpses from the Past Week:

1. a little stuffed Rowan

2. past winter Olympic games Dale of Norway patches

3. writing letters

4. his Valentine gift

5. painting a family portrait

6. our mornings

7. too much snow

The 52 Project: 9/52

“A portrait of my son every week in 2014.”

All snuggled up and ready for bed. This little boy knows just the right looks to melt his mamas heart. 

f 2.5 / 1/100 / ISO 800 / 50mm lens

Real Life:

When I first started out this blog, I knew I didn’t want to fall into that trap of comparing yourself to other bloggers, other moms and families. Let me tell you, it’s hard! There is so much pressure to be perfect, have a perfect life, well groomed family and a home straight out of Kinfolk. Sorry to all those who strive for that, but I love my not so perfect life. Perfect sounds boring. I have no desire to be like everyone else out there, to dress my son in modern black and white clothes, have the same furnishings, paint choices, etc. Or even dress identical to every other blogger out there. I like being different, I like being myself and doing what I want, not following the masses. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going out of my way to be different and I’m ok if I also happen to like the same things as a mass amount of people. Trust me, there’s things I want that many other people have! Like this, this and this. 

I have a framed photograph of Bing Crosby, I design and sew most of my dresses, I love bright colors, a happy home filled with photographs, art, books and toys. In the winter I’m usually wearing floral Dr. Martens and in the summer I constantly wear my favorite Frye t-strap flats that I have purchased three times already and I cannot give into the fact that they look pretty nasty and I probably should have stopped wearing them long ago. (Hey Frye, please please make them again!) And you know what, I’m happy. Truly happy. I went out by myself a few weeks back and I really missed my boys, to the point I didn’t want to be gone from them any longer. The sometime sleepless nights, constant care, love and attention for my son, good meals for my husband, running errands and sewing all of the time has made me happy. We should strive for our own happiness rather than look at what others are portraying their lives to be and trying to constantly be like them. Be happy in your own way, enjoy the little moments- good or bad- they make you who you are.

This guy:

This week he's been extra comical- compared me giving a haircut like Mike Tyson with scissors, called my period the "monstraul cycle" and made me fall more and more in love with him by simply being himself. Life is a lot funnier with him around, I often am laughing to myself throughout the day by something he said or something he did. Usually he isn't being funny on purpose, it's just him. He is super ticklish to the point of crying, which means I know exactly where to get him. (sorry babe, I can't help it) I'm pretty sure he is a whole lot more fun than I am to Rowan, I'm all business and he's fun daddy. I usually find them with Rowan's pants on his head, under a pile of pillows and I even found them under a chair the other day. Literally, under a chair. But you know what, this guy is the most patient, loving man. When I don't have patience, he does and vice versa. If I'm panicked or need to just breathe, he's the rock. It works both ways. All you single ladies out there- wait for the right man. You'll know it when he comes along, there won't be a shadow of a doubt. We knew each other for a few months, he proposed two weeks after our first date and I won't even tell you how soon after that we got married. But I'm telling you, literally if you listen to your gut you'll know when it's the right guy. Yeah everyone around you will think your crazy for rushing but as my favorite movie line of all time says, "when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

He posts over at Fatherhood a Blog if you want to read more on his take of being a first time dad. Hey babe, I love you!

The 52 Project: 8/52

This weeks photograph is actually from my iPhone rather than my camera, edited with the VSCO app. I had another photograph for this week, but this moment was so special and he didn't know that I was in the room. I'm so happy I had my phone on me to capture these sweet embrace he had with his Lion. My husband describes it perfectly as a 'Calvin and Hobbs' moment, which it was. Such a sweet little embrace that perfectly describes his personality at this moment.

Glimpses From the Past Week:

1. maryjane moccs

2. stars

3. sunday donut run

4. a few favorites

5. it’s cold outside

6. primary colors

Six Months Already:

This past half a year has gone by so so quickly. My heart is so full and I can’t believe my little guy is now not so little and growing by leaps and bounds. (We’re getting to toddler clothing already...) Right now Rowan’s favorite things are to rotate his body clockwise in complete circles laying down, roll under the coffee table, play peek-a-boo, wrap swaddle blankets around his upper body, watch me cook, listen and watch very intently to my husband and I interact with one another, explore through touch and drink out of a cup. 

When I look back on the past six months, it has been such a whirlwind of ups and downs. It may look easy and wonderful and every day is smiles and laughter, but we’re all human. Yes, there are lots and lots of smiles, more love than I ever knew my heart could contain and moments where I just want to keep holding him in my arms and not put him back to bed because in that moment I want to remember it forever. Feeling his little heartbeat, fingers wrapped around mine, heavy breathing and oh so soft hair resting under my chin. Then there are other moments when we have tears and crying out when all he really needs is a good nap but is more interested in playing with his papa or even yet the worst is when he cries for a good solid hour because papa left for work. He truly is a lover and loves it the most when all three of us are together. I love this sweet little boy of mine with all my being. Happy six months Rowan.

The 52 Project: 7/52

“A portrait of my son every week in 2014.”

Six months old and I’m so in love with this little boy. Two little teeth popping through in that smile is an image I want to never forget.

f 1.6 / 1/125 / ISO 800 / 50 mm lens

What I Wore:

Peacock dress made by me • Anthropologie cardigan • Clarks boots • Target tights

I made this dress for my 26th birthday and the silhouette is still one of my favorites. 

Happy Valentines day to all, my love and I will stay at home, eat a good meal, sip good coffee, watch an old movie and cuddle all night. A perfect night. In my opinion, celebrating your love should happen every day, not just once a year on a holiday everyone celebrates. Come home with flowers on a Monday for no reason at all? Perfect. Lay in each others arms and talk by candlelight Tuesday? Even better. So forth and so forth. Celebrate love every day my friends!

Zesty Lemon Bars:

The taste of lemons are such a summery treat and are always nice to have in the doldrums of winter. This past weekend I made us lemon bars and adopted the recipe from here. With the full cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, these are zesty at their best! If you’re short on time, make the crust the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator covered with saran wrap. 

Lemon Bars Recipe:

Crust Ingredients:

2 sticks salted butter- room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

6 extra large eggs- room temperature

3 cups sugar

2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

1 cup flour

confectioners sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Combine the flour and salt, with mixer on low, gradually add to the butter and sugar until just mixed.

Scoop the dough into a 9x13 baking dish and flatten crust leaving a 1/2 inch edge on all sides. Chill in the refrigerator.

Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned, cool on wire rack. Whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Pour over the crust and bake 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and does not have a jello appearance. Let the bars cool to room temperature and lightly dust with confectioners sugar.

The bars are excellent when cooled in the refrigerator, we enjoyed these with coffee after dinner. Happy baking!

The 52 Project: 6/52

“A portrait of my son every week in 2014.”

That little front wisp of hair melts me every time I look at him.

f. 1.6 / 1/160 / ISO 800 / 50 mm lens

Oh The Things We like: Overseas Baby

Milk & Masuki bear tee • Beau Loves raglan romper • Caramel Baby & Child Naddle Baby Dungarees • Lucky Boy Sunday Favourite Place • Ferm Living bear blanket

Right now I am loving each and every one of these pieces. All great graphics and designs for baby. I'm always interested in european and australian goods, I love how usually it is very different from our American designs, dare I say more unique? Part of me thinks that with American baby goods, they're a bit too much alike, too plain and more of the norm. Give me bright, playful, energetic and imaginative any day!

What I Wore: Pieces

Sweater c/o Odd Molly, Jeans Miss Me, Shoes 80%20

It's funny how 20 degrees can feel so warm when it's been so cold! Been a busy few days running errands throughout the cities and sewing lots of goods. A day of rest with my husband and son is always welcome!

Today for the first time in five and a half months, I went out by myself. I mean entirely by myself. I actually got to wear a purse, not a diaper bag. It was a much needed rest, gather my thoughts, reflect and wander Anthropologie while sipping a latte from Starbucks. I missed my boys, but I think we all need time to ourselves especially if we want to be well rested and focused enough to take good care of and love those we surround ourselves with. 

Glimpses From The Past Week:

1. Miss Allbright

2. resting place

3. stars for Rowan

4. us

5. early morning cuddles

6. blue pine

7. leaves in the snow

8. playtime

9. sunset