It's so pinteresting...

My sissies and I are Pinterest addicts.  It's changed my life- I swear!  I cook, bake, craft, decorate and organize more than ever.  It's so darn inspiring!  So after seeing pictures of people's shelves, backed with pretty paper, I swore I would try it with our shelf.  I picked up a pack of pretty white and green damask contact paper from TJ Maxx (it was specifically called self adhesiveshelf paper) and got down to bidness.

Here is our cool shelf, i love the funky lines of it. i've never come accross a shelf like it before... sheesh maybe shelf-y and i should just get a room.  Anyway, here's a before pic, it desperately needs orgnization:

eeeeek, since it's near the front door, it seems to catch a LOT of junk.

And here it is after, ahhhhhhhh

oh.em.gee. i loveeee it. now you can really see the cool design of it!

yeehaw!

Project #2 complete!

Operation Lenten cleanup is well underway. :) 

Project Organization.

Sooo Lent crept up on me this year and instead of giving something up, I decided to try to do something positive everyday.  Like whipping our house into shape and getting rid of the crap simplifying.  After reading this blog post from Clover Lane, I was inspired!  So i wrote my list and got to it!  First up was organizing the front hall closet.  We have an itty bitty (ie crappy) one, so it fills up fast and looks eternally messy.  Luckily I had a 2 yr old helper.  (She was so very very helpful). 

*sadly, no before pic...... but here is the during pic...

*helper (rockin dad's snow hat)

                            

                                                  and after, ta daaaaaaa!

*see, i wasn't lying.  it's teeny.

*new blue bins from christmas tree shop: 3.99 each. green one: dolla tree!  

*shoe rack from target clearance 13.99 (p.s. it's terrible to put together)

  

So, job #1 is accomplished and didn't take too long!  And we accumulated an entire bag full of things to donate.  I feel more zen already ;)

scones and shoes. what a natural pairing.

hey there, long time no talk!  so i have been so happy basking in the summer sun and filling my days with as much gardening, playing with the little monster girl and farmer's market-ing as I can!  But here I have a few things I wanted to share on here...

1st off: i have a fever and the only perscription  is more scones.  Specifically these scones.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Scones/Detail.aspx

I made these cranberry scones yesterday with this simple recipe from Allrecipes.com and they came out all rustic looking and yummy!  Maybe a little too yummy because the hubs ate them all while he was sleep-eating.  Don't get me started on his ambient night grazing.  There is something really satisfying about making scones... maybe it's the fact that they aren't your everyday chocolate chip cookie (no offense cookies, i will always have a place for you in my heart).  With fewer steps than making cookie dough, you have a serious looking baked good on your hands.  I just added craisins instead of raisins and blam, rad scones.  I plan on using strawberries next time to use up the slightly squishy looking berries that we can't seem to get to fast enough. 
 

Secondly, I have been a bit of a shopping fanatic lately... sometimes I get really into a cycle of doing way too much "looking" on Amazon, Etsy, and the like.  And it gets me into trouble esecially when i find gems like these guys...

 

Amazon.com 

I just want to wrap them in a soft blanket, pet them and bring them home to live in my closet forever.  Could these Steve Madden wedges be any more perfect?  They seem so Michael Kors!  But in the way more budget friendly brand I adore, Steve Madden.  They feel very Jennifer Aniston to me, the queen of effortless, simple chic.  They are the perfect mix of strappy/sassy and simple/elegant.  Anyone else getting a little tired of these overly studded/grommeted/bedazzled sandles right now?  These lovelies seem so clean and refreshing and fun.  I have always been a huge fan of the wedge.  I find that they are easier to walk in and seem better on your feet by distributing your weight more evenly. I'm probably making that up... Either way, there is no denying that these are totes adorable and perfect for summer weddings.  The hubs is getting tired of my "it's really an investment opportunity" angle.  I need to get brainstorming on a new one ;) 

and the winner is......

After carefully counting out (and double checking) all of the entries and using random.org.....

The winner of the Baby Bond nursing wrap is....... #6 Erika Gottlieb!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Erika!!! I will be sending the lovely folks at Baby Bond your name and email address so they can contact you and work out the details!

Thank you to all who entered!!

And remember to use the 25% off discount code to get a Baby Bond nursing wrap for you or any new mama! Discount Code:  CLB
 http://www.babybondnursing.com/

Baby Bond Review & Giveaway

 

I have been seeing the Baby Bond nursing cover

  everywhere lately and thinking what is the big deal?

  i have a nursing cover or 2 and my lil one

  never liked them.... well what i discovered

  is that baby bond's nursing wrap is

  GENIOUS! 

There are 3 types of Baby Bond wraps to choose from, in multiple color choices, that mama wears like a sash that clings to the body with a little gap in just the right place for baby to latch onto.  This way mom is covered up and comfortable and baby is able to move around, see everything and most importantly gaze into mama's eyes adoringly.  I specifically remember those days when  I was nursing while at a family party and was forced to sit upstairs alone and nurse in order to make everyone feel comfortable.  Well not anymore.  This wrap makes nursing discreet and easy.  

The lovely folks at Baby Bond sent me a Flex style nursing wrap in charcoal to try out and review for you lovely readers and offered to give one away to one lucky winner!

Here is a picture of the package!  Includes nursing wrap, super soft burp rag and convenient carrying case/bag. 

Here is a pic of the Flex style nursing wrap on me feaux-feeding lil dolly here.  (Since I am not due for quite a while now with #2)  See how easy? and comfy!  I chose the flex because it seemed to be the simplest design and I liked the charcoal color to hide stains and go with anything I happen to be wearing that day.  Love it.  I have heard from a some blog-mommy friends that the couture wrap is awesome as well.   There is also a soft burp rag included that can be slipped through the loop up top or just used seperately.  What a great idea!  

Baby Bond also offered my lovely readers a special discount code to use on their website to recieve 25% off any purchase!  The 25% off code is CLB and can be entered at checkout!  Trust me this is a must have for any nursing mom or would be a great gift for any new mama!  http://www.babybondnursing.com/

click here to enter giveaway!

*winner will be randomly chosen Friday June 3rd! (and notified via email)
Opened to US residents only.

what i wore wednesday..

So i was reading a fellow WAHM's blog and came accross her what i wore wednesday?' challenge.  She took a pic of herself everyday for a week to post them and see what her everyday style is.  Love it.  I find it fascinating to see what other moms are wearing around the house/running errands/doing it all.  So, today I snapped a pic (don't you hate those creepy bathroom mirror pics hahaha) and this is what I was in:   WED.

dark gray and light gray tank tops-old navy

blue pullover sweater (that i cut into a cardigan!)-old navy

necklace-lia sophia, feaux diamond stud earrings-kohls

dark wash, bootcut jeans-TJ Maxx

belt (bought it in high school!)-American Eagle

funky purple argyle ankle socks-Target

black winter crocs (i know i know)

THURS:

see my face.  i'm a model lol.

Not an exciting day, clothes-wise.  busy morning,

gray and white striped shirt-Old Navy

same jeans, eek!

red heart necklace- H&M

my fave diamond stud earrings again.

hmmmm... snorefest.  I guess putting my hair in what my sister lovingly calls the "snooky poof" (i call it "the i'm growing my bangs out, kate, leave me alone") didn't sass it up like i thought it would.

ok, to be honest, i forgot/got sidetracked and missed a few days.  So here is me a few days later..

white longsleeve: old navy

gray short sleeved sweater: marshalls (love this esp. on fatty days)

skinny jeans: charlotte russe

necklace: hand made pendant from The Purple Box Jewelry

and the hair is up again, braided in front (yay for growing out the bangs)

ok after this, i completely forgot to take pics.  but i totally get the point that although i have a bajillion things in my closet, i wear the same couple outfits all the time.  i guess it's my mom uniform-and it is mostly gray, white, and navy with colorful add-ons here and there.  It would really be nice to get a few new pieces in some different colors to mix it up a bit.  or at least clean out my closet and get rid of the stuff gathering dust!  Another realization, i need to wear my hair down more.  it always seems to make it's way into a messy bun :)

Take the challenge. muahahahahhaahha

Let my love open the door.

So the hubs and i just had our 2nd anniversary this past Monday and it was an awesome day for us.  We decided that since we never really had a honeymoon or special vacation together (aside from a wkend away, or as my pals would say mini-break, here and there) that we would book a B&B in the finger lakes on the Sunday night before our anniversary.  It was called The Acorn Inn- it was the first and only place I liked when we were looking at B&Bs.  Hi, I'm Meg and I have a slight o.c.d about clean/nice hotels and inns.  We stayed in the Barn Suite which is the detached structure behind the Inn.  It was fab.u.lous.

Front of the Inn (better pic on website)     The Barn Suite, behind main house. 

The lady who owns and operates it was super nice and friendly and obviously has great taste.  Thanks Sheryl!  And sweet mama, breakfast was to die for- creme brulee, brioche french toast sprinkled with powdered sugar and strawberries.  I wish we had gotten a picture of it... it was a thing of beauty!  We had such a relaxing time- but as most parents know, we were itching to get back to our peanut!!  

While we were there we realized how much we are zooming through life and not really taking the time to appreciate all we have.  Some days we are so engrossed in the routine.. work, lunch, gym, home, errands, dinner, tub, bed... it's like we are going through the motions sometimes.  The time away made us realize that we need to be present in every moment and switch things up to keep us all feeling refreshed and aware of all we have to be so grateful for. And once you make a realization like that, the universe brings it home with all sorts of hints.  On the radio this morning I heard a psychic/author talking about the importance of appreciating.  If we aren't appreciating the wonderful things in our lives... they may not be yours for very long.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." 

-- Buddha   

Song of then day: Let my love open the door, Pete Townshend
dedicated to my awesome hubby, our song and our first dance together as a married couple.

i'm a regular paula freakin dean

It's taco night!! and i forgot the taco seasoning at the store today..(WAH WAH) so i used this recipe from allrecipes.com and it came out super yummy and i had most of the ingredients on hand!  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

(allrecipes.com)

couple of things, i did not have oregano, so i added a pinch of parsley instead.  i didn't add any salt (although i'd like to say it's because i'm so healthy, it's not, i just forgot. ha) and i didn't have paprika either.  Even with some missing ingredients, it came out really good!  And doesn't it just seem healthier/yummier when you make something from scratch?

needless to say, i was a happy lady on this delicious taco night!  Anyone else have a good taco seasoning recipe they want to share?

Song of the day:  Mumford & Sons, The Cave

and the video is so good! yea, i actually caught this video on tv the other day, someone must have sat on the remote and accidentally turned nick jr. off!

bring it on swim suit season!

So the hubs and i have been on a serious workout/eat better kick lately.... since January actually!  Time flies when you have a one and a half year old!    And we have really yet to weigh in!  So last night we got on the scale and what do you know- i have lost 8 lbs and he's lost an astonishing 27 lbs!!! WOW!  

Ok let me just preface this with the fact that when we met 3ish years ago, we were both in pretty good shape and have slowly slipped into fatty, happy comas together.  After the birth of our lil peanut, we also put exercising on the back burner (and i mean the WAY back burner haha) and after some health issues and a general feeling of yuckiness we decided to join the Y and get moving.  Best. Decision. Ever.  Not only are we getting in better shape and feeling healthier, but our lil one is having a blast in the child watch center with all her new friends.  

As for dieting, we are two people that enjoy good food.  We don't deprive ourselves of anything really.  Just getting moving at the gym has seemed to trigger the healthier eating thing subconsciously.  We seem to snack less and binge WAY less.  And my favorite thing from this whole experience is the protein shake i have after my afternoon workout.  I use Garden Greens Protein shake- toss in some banana and peanut butter and omg it's delicious!  (and it seems to curb my appetite until dinner time!)  

Organic and your daily amount of greens! 

Now, i'm no fancy trainer or anything.  Just an excited blogger mommy that feels like I need to share this with my pals :)

before and after pics to come!

tick this one off the bucket list..

is there anything more fun than making something happen that you have been thinking about for ages?  i am so excited that i have finally started making bottlecap bows!  you'd think that i have just run a marathon or became the first madam president, i'm so excited!  the process is surprisingly do-able and i had some really lovely sellers help me out.  i asked around on facebook for any tips to starting this process and i got ZERO response haha- too much competition i suppose.  well, thank you to the shop owner from fizzy pops on etsy!  i purchased the epoxy dots (clear, dome-y things that cover the image) from there and the owner was so nice and gave me some tips to help get started.  

so here are some of the abby (from sesame street) designs:

single abby bottlecap clip 3-

abby loopy bow 5-

abby twinkle think bow 7-

i am in love.  if it were legal in NY to marry a hairbow and i weren't already married, i'd be calling the caterers.  so my next project is making some pink yankee ones.  any other sports teams that you are looking for?  just give me a shout!

what i am is... tired

it's wednesday and i feel like it should be friday!  i feel like my life is so jam-packed right now that i couldn't possibly squeeze in another thing- so i am making a vow to try and take full advantage of the little chunks of downtime that i get.  like, in the morning before i head off to my part-time job, sometimes i turn on sesame street for the lil one while i go start the coffee, check my email, unload dish washer .... when i should just grab my coffee and plop on the couch with the babygirl and enjoy the moment.  *note how the coffee-making is non-negotiable ;)

so i did that this morning and what was i rewarded with? besides some cuddles from my favorite lil lady was an appearance of will.i.am. (from the black eyed peas) on sesame street!  how adorable this video is!  love it, but beware- it will get stuck in your head!

speaking of getting songs stuck in your head..

the hubs always seems to have Dr. Stringz in his head from nick jr's, jack's big music show.  does anyone ever get their kid's songs stuck in their head for an unreasonable amount of time?   which ones are the worst offenders?  

so i heard this amazing song on pandora today and i need to share it:

Heather's Song by Misty River 

so beautiful and such amazing lyrics, especially for the mamas <3