New obsession

This is an amazing blog---It's called The Glow, and it's by a photographer named Kelly Stuart.

The photos are amazing, the kiddos are adorable, and the women look like people I would love to hang out with.

One of my favorites....

I have a few favorite rooms in our home. My daughter's nursery is one of them. This room used to to be her brother's nursery. We kept everything the same--furniture (yes, he had a hot pink dresser), wallpaper, etc. The only things we changed was adding a pink bumper to the existing bedding that my mom SLAVED over, and a few more girly touches.

I'm already designing her "big girl room" in my head--that won't happen for another couple of years, which is fine, because I really do love this sweet place.

This crib is the "Mercedes" of the room. I went back and forth on wanting something more modern, like the Oeuf, but decided on this one from Bratt Decor. This picture doesn't so it justice--it's really beautiful, and way over priced. Sort of like my handbags.

The rocker is Amy Coe for Babies R' Us. My husband and I drove ourselves MAD to find a rocker that wasn't completely heinous, and didn't cost thousands of dollars since we paid a pretty penny for the crib. I wasn't too sure about this one in the store, but once we got it home it worked great. The chandelier is something I had in my apartment in L.A.

I wish I could remember the site that we got this wallpaper from....it was super cheap. It's an "infant toile" that has lambs, bunnies, and angels on it. The doorknob is from Anthropologie.

The fabric flowers were all handmade by my mom. She made several dozen for the centerpieces at my baby shower, and I am obsessed with them. The woman has skills, and patience! The cute, "this little piggy went to Prada" book was given to Frankie by my sweet friend Beth.

This little armoire holds little Frankie's shoe collection. I LOVE this piece. We got it on Craigslist for $40 dollars.

This dresser was a FIND, let me tell you. We found it as is at a yard sale for $17.

Little birds found at a thrift store. The art work is something we put together..The little lion card was part of a set found at a local printing press, and we used several of them that we framed over decorative paper. The little pink card to the right reads, "Metal Head"...of course, I had to have that.

Overall, this room is much "sweeter" than I normally design things, but I am glad we went this route. I'll be sad when it changes.

On the hunt....

First of all, Drew looks inCREDible. Her side kick is pretty foxy as well. However, what I am most focused on in this picture are those flipping earrings. I have a wedding to go to this summer, and these would be perfect with the dress I am wearing.

Let the hunting begin......

What's going on.....

Spring is seriously kicking my rear. I'm not talking about allergies or anything of the sort...I'm talking projects/tasks/commitments galore. I have really been scaling back on blog reading, and obviously blog posting, and to be honest, it's been nice. I've actually been reading-BOOKS for the first time in forever.

Aside from having the exterior of our house painted, having a new kitchen back splash put in, new windows on the house, freelance jobs, teething, an unbelievably sad death in the family, and, well, life's normal day to day tasks, here's what else has been going on:

Lovely peonies from our front yard.......

A special date--mom and dad took our boy to first Friday's .

These yummy cupcakes--cayenne spiced chocolate that we served with Ethiopian Coffee Ice cream

This chicks margarita's have been consumed around these parts as of late.

As has this woman's fish tacos (the salted cabbage is SOOO good with them).

More peonies.

Also, I have NO idea why my blog's format looks so horrible----I don't have the patience to mess with it-my apologies!!!

Yum Yum gimmie some....

I may not be blogging, but I sure am cooking.

Made these cupcakes last night for a birthday get together, and they were insane. I REALLY want to make these next, but there are 43947209 steps, and one of them requires a kitchen torch. Gee whiz, Martha, chill OUT.

If you like cauliflower, you HAVE to try my girl Ina's garlic roasted cauliflower. I was sad when I ate my last bite.

I also made Bethenney's Sun dried tomato stuffed chicken breasts, and they did not disappoint.

On a side note, I think I am having issues with gluten. I was talking to a friend who said that a trauma to the body can bring it on. My issues began occurring after c-section number 2 (pardon the pun). I am going to see a holistic doctor who will hopefully be able to shed some light on the situation.....this is HORRENDOUS timing, as my husband and I just found a pizza crust recipe that we're in love with.

Any of you have issues with Mr. Gluten?

WoW!!

I'm obsessed.

Head to toe----ah-mazing!

8 is great.

My sweet little lady.

Eight months. EIGHT MONTHS!! We've been having so much fun-enjoying some nicer weather (when we have it), rolling over, trying to get up on all fours, and.....and....A NEW TOOTH!!! You got your first little chomper the day after you turned 8 months, and let me tell you, it's been a tough one. You have been in a lot of pain, feverish and uncomfortable. For 2 days all you wanted was to be held, and sleep on your dad or I. You woke this morning so smiley and happy--finally back to normal and a bit of relief for you.

It's so hard to believe that in just a few months you will be one year old! I try not to go there--I know that will be a tough one for me, so for now, I am just going to focus on how amazing 8 months is...sleepless nights and all. I love, love, love you my sweet little red head.

What it all means.....

Luke 24:46-47 and Jesus said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

Two thumbs up.

How adorable is this couple? I am ALL over Mr. Z's new 'long' hair.

Not a huge Beyonce' fan (I leave that to my husband), but I am pretty sure these two would make fabulous dinner guests.

Where do I even begin?

This is frightening. Beyond, really. I don't understand this woman at all. She is so pretty, but I think she's having a major identity crisis. Like, I think ol' girl tries to channel Sharon Stone every time she walks out of the house.

Not only does she dress WAY too old for her age, but she puts all of the wrong things together times 100. I know, I know, if you can't say something nice, blah, blah, blah....but she asked for it!!

I have to stop looking at this, it's putting me in a bad mood.

HEY! Look at me!!

Some of my babies.

More babies.

Boots ready to go into hibernation for the spring.

I'm conflicted about these outfit posts on my blog. I used to do them more often, but sometimes it just feels so narcissistic. It's no secret that I am clothing (and purses, and jewelry, and shoes) obsessed, and I love putting outfits together. Since becoming a mom, I don't get the chance to dress completely the way that I'd like on a day to day basis, but I try to keep it fun and true to who I am. Here are some photos of my "dressing room" (almost completed), and a recent get-up.

Outfit 4-1-1:

Shirt: Standard Style (KC boutique)

Jeans: Gap from literally 10 years ago.

Blazer: Vintage De La Renta

Bag: Boutique in L.A.

Boots hidden by ancient jeans: Vintage

Jewelry: Vintage and J.Crew

A slacker.

I have been b-u-s-y. Insanely busy as a matter of fact. As a result, my poor 'lil blog has suffered.

I have managed to keep up with Idol a bit, and this season is blowing my mind. I am beyond obsessed with Mr. James Durbin. BEYOND! He is so talented, sticks to his guns, and is an incredible performer. This week when he said, "give metal a chance", I almost peed myself. And the week he sang Iron Maiden, well, I did pee myself.

He totally deserves to win...or Jacob....or Casey. As long as it isn't Stefano.....good grief.

Have you all been watching?

What's cookin.....

I've been a bad blogger. Honestly, the tragedy in Japan makes me feel guilty about discussing purses, lipstick and the rest of it all. I know "life goes on", but situations like this really help you put things in perspective. Don't get me wrong, I still love all things beautiful and pretty and horribly expensive....I just felt it was good to take some time off. I have, however, kept things going in the kitchen. Here's what has kept me motivated to get on my treadmill:

Ms. Big boobs Pea Pesto Crostini. Don't just put this on crostini-a.k.a. bread that you could lose a tooth on---we have had it on salmon and tilapia. Yum. I also may have eaten it by the spoon full.

Chocolate Mint Pixies. Stupid good. And ridiculously easy to make. Not a fan of mint? Leave it out. I should be a life coach.

A very tasty THIN crust pizza dough recipe. My husband made this the other night and added fresh cracked pepper in the dough. Insane.

This BLEW my mind. I subbed spicy chicken sausage, and added more crushed red pepper.

Smitten Kitchen Toasted Coconut shortbreads. Just try to stop at two. Try.

NIfty Thrifty

I have been coveting a blouse by Equipment for quite some time. They can go casual or dressy, and the cut is super flattering. What's not so flattering is the almost $200 price tag. I just can't justify it--even with the versatility of the blouse. So, I began my hunt, and found these two gems at some local thrift stores. I am obsessed with them...just goes to show, when there's a will, there's a way.

7

Really, red?? 7 months? Why are you doing this to me? It's all happening way too fast.

I am trying not to be sad about how big you're getting, so let's focus on the positive:

You are STILL a dream baby....you sleep like a champion, and are so, so happy. Thank you, GOD!

Your hair is getting longer, and brighter. Get ready pigtails, here we come.

You are rolling over! Right on schedule!

I am able to get sweet potatoes in your mouth for 30 seconds before they fall right out.

You love to go for walks, which works out great with your tree loving brother.

I love you so so so very much. Happy 7 months my fair skinned little lady.