Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Control is an illusion

Surrender. Let go. Accept that control is simply an illusion, a waste of time, energy and effort.  Love more.  Believe in yourself.  Trust your own process.  Listen to your intuition.  Be on good terms with others.  Don't apologize for being you.  Focus your effort on creating the life of your dreams......~**

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Monday, July 30, 2012

23.5

"See the world through the same eyes you hope your child does when he arrives...."  Beautiful.  He goes where I go, and his little heart is powered by the strength of my own heart.  The miracle of it all can just sit you down and humble you beyond anything that can be articulated.

Second trimester has been treating me really well.  I feel good, strong, healthy, happy and energized.  I know the rhythm's of my son's day.   I can anticipate when he'll start his morning exercises and evening "cool down" - as I like to call it.  He already has the power to make us laugh and warm our hearts. You are so loved, sweet boy.    

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Friday, July 27, 2012

Coming Along...

Our nursery is coming along.   We were able to rip out the old, terrible carpet and about 3 layers of subflooring before reframing the room and laying down a new hardwood floor.   We also had to paint all of the existing trim, which was a "natural" wood color.   We built a new entrance to the room by adding an extension to the kitchen and making the flow of the space a little more practical.  

All in all, it's been a really fantastic project and we're psyched with the results thus far.   I think it's been extra special for my husband because he really bonded with the room and doing something so special for his son.  I carry this boy with me and get to feel him move around and grow everyday but building the room I think really allowed for some "bonding" between father and son.   Little guy, I hope you like it.  It was certainly a labor of love from your Dad who thought about you the entire time!

Sneak Peak Photo.  More work still to come:
Previous Owners (before)

During

Sneak Preview of the After... 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

My Symphony via Simple Lovely

Thank you to the always relevant Joslyn, of Simple Lovely, for sharing these beautiful words.

To live content with small means -- to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich -- to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart -- to bear all cheerfully -- do all bravely, await occasions -- never hurry; in a word, to let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.  --- William Ellery Channing.  My Symphony

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Reality of Life

In the wake of the Colorado movie theater shootings, it seemed difficult to write a blog post about nursery design.  To think of a theater full of movie-goers, just excited to see a summer premier, becoming victims of such senseless tragedy and violence is hard to comprehend.  It's hard to understand why and how people become so desperate...  It's hard to make sense of someone's life being cut so abruptly.

There is no way to grasp what it means.  Hopefully, the victims of the shooting that lost their lives, are in a place more extraordinary than anything we can ever humanely imagine.   Hopefully, the victims of the shooting that did survive can recover and reclaim some sense of peace in their lives.  Hopefully those of us that just read the news articles are reminded, yet again, of the fragility and preciousness of our life here on Earth.  To make the moments count.  To love those around us, to love the days, the hours, the minutes...  The grandness as well as the details.  May the victims of this horrid and senseless tragedy rest in eternal peace.

“Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled---to cast aside the weight of facts and maybe even to float a little above this difficult world. ”  --- Mary Oliver

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Play Kitchen

Can we just pause for a moment and check out this play kitchen Kate made from a salvaged dresser top.  I'm in awe of her creativity.   Old CD's for the "burners", lasagna dish for the "sink" and on and on...   She also made a faux-grill and has a whole bunch of other stuff to inspire even the least crafty among us!   Check out her site!



(images via her website)



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Hot in the City!!

It's a blistering hot summer week here in Boston.  So today I'm feeling extra grateful for my air conditioned car and office, refreshing summer fruit and four seasons.   I most certainly know that a summer any warmer, or for any longer, would not suit me.   But it's nice to sweat it out for 2 months and be happy when those first delicious days of fall swing on in....   Until then... 

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Ice Breaker

There should be a non-awkward ice breaker for pregnant people.  Now that I'm 5 months along, my little baby bump seems obvious but I guess not quite so obvious that the acquaintance you bump into in the lobby of your building is going to say, "Hey, Congratulations!"    So as I rode up the elevator this morning with a someone I'd known for 5 years, but don't know well, I didn't quite know how to break the ice....   "Did you know I'm pregnant?" --- seemed a little self-absorbed.   "It's a boy" ---- rather abrupt.   Instead we just talked about the weather and I'm sure when he got off at his floor, he was glad to be out....

Cute maternity style via ASOS:




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Monday, July 16, 2012

Zucchini, Fennel and Leek Bake

This summer, a friend and I split a CSA (farm share) membership through Farmer Dave's.   I've really enjoyed getting a weekly box of farm fresh veggies...  Not only do they taste delicious but it's been convenient (the pickup location is around the corner so no need to trek to a Farmer's Market on a weekend morning), it's incredibly affordable (we each paid $200 and have 20 pickups --- only $10/week for a boat-load of fresh vegetables!) and it feels right to be supporting a local community farm.   All in all, it's been a fun and healthy way to embrace the summer season.

The contents of the box vary from week to week.  It adds a fun surprise element, as well as forcing us to try some things we may not have normally purchased.  This week's box included some gigantic zucchini, leeks and fennel.  In a search for the best way to use them, I came across this recipe.   I'm hoping to try it out tonight.  Sounds delicious!

Italian Gratin with Fennel, Leek and Zucchini
  • 1/2 bulb of fennel sliced thin
  • 1 red potato sliced thin
  • 1 zucchini sliced in thin rounds
  • 1/2 large leek sliced thin
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • olive oil
  • dry seasonings (FOODalogue blend: coarse salt mixed with ground chili flakes, fennel seed, oregano, star anise)
  • panko breadcrumbs toasted with crushed almonds
  • 2/3 cup part-skim ricotta
  • 2 tbs parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Saute vegetables with dry seasonings in a little olive oil.
  2. Drizzle a little olive oil in casserole pan and sprinkle crumbs.
  3. Layer half of vegetables.
  4. Cover with ricotta which has been lightly sprinkled with dry seasonings.
  5. Add second layer of vegetables.
  6. Cover lightly with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
  7. Bake at 375 about 20-30 minutes.
  8. Finish under broiler.
Notes
Serves 2 healthy portions or 3-4 smaller ones.

 (image and recipe via foodalogue)


Friday, July 13, 2012

KristyBee

KristyBee's Etsy shop is so peaceful, feminine and serene.   Have a great weekend!



 


Thursday, July 12, 2012

twentyone

21 weeks today.  You are growing so much.  I feel you move all the time and last night when your dad came home and was talking to you, like he always does, he swore he felt you move too.   He immediately had tears in his eyes.  We are so excited to meet you, little one.  Someday we'll re-watch a whole bunch of classic movies that you will love - The Goonies, Stand By Me, Robin Hood....  We'll have costume parties just because they are fun.  We hope you always know what it means to be loved and secure.  Keep growing, our son.  We'll be here getting things ready for your arrival.

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Watermelon for growing bellies!

I love the fresh fruit that summer brings along, but this summer in particular I cannot get enough of Watermelon!   Refreshing, light, hydrating --- just what I've wanted.   Coincidentally, I came across these Watermelon factoids yesterday on Fit Pregnancy.   Good to know!

*Ounce for ounce, watermelon is richer than tomatoes in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against cancer and cardiovascular disease, boosts the body's immunity to infections and naturally raises the skin's SPF.

*Scientists have discovered that watermelon is packed with vitamins A, C and B6, as well as potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for the development of your baby's vision, brain, nervous and immune systems, and more. For you, potassium regulates water balance in the blood and body tissues during pregnancy. And you get all these benefits for less than 50 calories per cup.

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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Post Vacation...

Feeling completely refreshed and renewed from a perfect week in Maine.   It was casual...  we sat at the pool, we played cards, we took naps, we laughed with our friends, we ate lots and lots of ice cream. 

Sometimes I want to vacation and explore a new and foreign place but when it comes to summertime, I like just kicking back in a familiar place where living is easy.   And that's just what we did...

My mind and body are recharged from a great trip!
 
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