December 31, 2009

Happy Birthday Brooks.

Today is Brooks' 5th Birthday. We took him out for a fun day at the Biltmore. He is such a sweet dog. He has never thought about harming Harrison, and the two get along famously. Harrison now hugs and kisses him. I was a little worried how Brooks would handle taking second fiddle, but he has adjusted perfectly.

Of course in true Brooks form, as a family came over to say hello, he preceded to throw up right in front of them. I heard the dad say, "and that is why we are not getting a dog...".

He makes my life a little more complicated, but Brooks is the best foot warmer, floor cleaner and alarm system I could ever ask for.

Happy Birthday Brooks {oh yeah...and Happy New Years!}.

December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to All...

Today is the day to eat whatever you want, take a nap if you prefer, don't answer the phone, go for a bike ride, see a movie, hang out with family you like, giggle with children and end the day watching Elf.

{Harrison's first encounter with Santa and he was only interested in this furry sleeves. Bummer we didn't get a family picture where everyone was looking at the same time}.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours...

December 24, 2009

Favorites All Around...

Here are my all around favorite things that I wouldn't want to live without....



1. My family - Wouldn't want to do this life without them.


2. Personalized Stationery - I love how classic this is. I have a few different sets that I use constantly. I also have a set for Harrison that we use as thank you notes and birthday cards for little friends. The best deal I have found is here.



3. A good throw blanket - We have this in heather gray and it's what I'm wrapped up in every night on the couch.


4. Bathtub - After 5 years of living in our house, I finally have this tub installed in my bathroom. It is heaven.



5. Diptyque candles - Hands down, the best candles ever. This smell is divine and will permeate every crevice of your home. Made in Paris and never a synthetic ingredient added.

6. Pike Place coffee - What gets me going every morning with 2 tablespoons of cream.

7. Clorox wipes - These are an essential in our house. They quickly clean bathrooms, kitchens, doorknobs and disinfect after someone was sick.



8. Flip Flops - Growing up in Arizona, flip flops quickly become a part of your life. These are on my feet March through September.

9. L.L. Bean Tote Bags - My friend Carla gave one of these in navy to Harrison a while ago. It serves as everything from a diaper bag, beach bag to overnight bag.

10. Table Lamps - My favorite time of the day is dusk when all my table lamps start turning on {I have them on timers}. The light is soft and comforting.

11. Burts Bees lip balm - I end my day slathering this all over my lips. It feels amazing, is all natural and smells minty and fresh.

e

Merry Christmas Eve.

December 22, 2009

Favorite Songs.

I love hearing other people's favorite songs. It usually leads me to iTunes to add a few to my collection. New songs on my ipod can make a mundane trip to the grocery store seem like the best car ride ever. These are songs that I can listen to over and over and usually have some significance in my life. I usually like songs that I can really feel on the inside. Here are just some of my favorites.




Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones

1. Australia - The Shins: This song is so upbeat and happy that I love it over and over every time I hear it. It's the ultimate feel good song.

2. Nothing In My Way - Keane: My friend Tricia's husband always makes a mix CD for events in our lives {new car, baby, vacation}. A couple of summers ago he made a CD for us when we were all meeting up in Laguna for a few days. This song was on it and we would listen to it while driving along the PCH with the windows down. Every time I hear it, I think of the utter bliss I felt in those moments.

3. Three Little Birds - Bob Marley: I would sing this to Harrison when he was first born and had colic. I love the words and everything it says. Ultimately everything is always alright, and I like this reminder to just trust the process.

4. Central Reservation - Beth Orton: This song has been a part of me since my days of living in New York City. I was lonely, scared and pining for the attention of someone who had other priorities. It's weird that I would hold such a song dear to my heart, but I still hear it and think of that time in my life fondly.

5. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon: This has quickly become one of my favorites this year. I love the lyrics, I love the band and I love the melody. I usually have this on repeat.

6. Wonderwall - Oasis: I've shared the significance of this song before. It will always remind me of my son and the time I spent carrying him for 9 months. I hope he grows to love it one day too.

7. We Walk the Same Line - Everything but the Girl: This was J.'s and my song at our wedding and what played while we danced for the first time as husband and wife. The lyrics are incredible about being there for each other and taking care of one another. It always reminds me to be his best friend.

8. Long Way Around - Dixie Chicks: I love them and this song reminds me that doing things your own way...always turns out to be the best in the end.

9. When You Were Young - The Killers: This song makes me feel young and happy. I can't explain more than that.

10. You Are My Sunshine - Elizabeth Mitchell: My mom sang this song to me when I was little. Now that I have my own little sunshine, I totally get. I love this version of the song and have it on all of Harrison's playlists.

Enjoy and Happy December 22nd {one of my favorite numbers}!

December 21, 2009

My Favorites.

Everywhere I look lately there are lists of favorites, so it got me thinking about my own favorites. This week I'm going to be sharing my lists of favorite things. Today I'm starting with my top 10 beauty musts. Please note that I don't take myself too seriously, and I'm far from a beauty connoisseur. These are just the things that help me feel somewhat put together....



1. Shu uemera eyelash curler. I've tried going days without curling my lashes and people usually comment on how tired I look. Now I never forget to take a quick 30 seconds to curl my lashes. It brightens your whole face.



2. Aviator sunglasses. Besides the fact that the AZ sun is beyond intense, I like to wear these like a hair accessory. Especially when I've thrown my hair in a ponytail...and I can plant them on top of my head. I have a pair of Kate Spades, but my next pair will be these classic Ray Bans.



3. "Diamond" stud earrings. The fact that diamond is in quotes should tell you that you can find a quality pair of cubic zirconia and wear them with pride. People always ask me if my pair are real and I just laugh and say, "it's a long story..." that usually confuses them and they stop asking. I put these on almost every day while wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt, or just running to the grocery store. It keeps your look polished without having to do much. Nordstrom has a good line of cz studs.



4. I have hereditary dark circles under my eyes, then add sleep deprivation into the mix...I can look downright scary. I NEVER leave the house, let anyone come over or show my face to anyone outside this house, without putting concealer under my eyes. It changes my whole look. The few times I haven't put it on because I was too lazy or caught off guard, I was constantly told that I looked like I wasn't feeling well. My favorite is Bobbi Brown beige.



5. Lancome definicils mascara is the only mascara that can make my lashes look practically fake. I've spent years trying a million different brands to try and avoid paying $25 on mascara, but I always come up short and go back to my old faithful.



6. I've shared before how much I love hair accessories. When I haven't washed my hair in a few days and I want to look presentable, I throw a jeweled hair clip on with anything I'm wearing and feel better. I just treated myself to a few of these lovelies at anthropologie.




7. My new favorite lotion is Yes to Carrots body butter. I've seen it for years and wondered what it was, but didn't try it until it was on sale at Target. Now I'm hooked! It has no parabens, phthalates, or animal products, does not test of animals and uses all organic fruits and vegetables in their products. I've also used the yes to tomatoes and yes to cucumbers lotion and they all smell incredible. It doesn't have that bath and body works strong fruity smell {which if I had to wear all day would put me in the nut house}, it's subtle, natural and fresh. I'm obsessed.




8. My husband bought me this Serge Lutens perfume for our recent anniversary. I saw it at Barneys and declared it just had to be my signature scent. It reminds me of French women and has a deep amber smell that I absolutely love. I mix it with some lighter notes of orange and vanilla to create a different smell as well. I will wear this for the rest of my life and my children will think of me whenever they smell it.




9. This 1 1/2 inch curling iron has been the best thing to happen to me since Baby Einstein videos. I can let me hair dry however, and then use this to curl my top layer. It looks like I've blown out my hair with a round brush and it's taken me a 1/3 of the time. I use the 1 inch smaller one sometimes for a dramatic look.



10. This bobbi brown lip gloss is always close at hand to throw on before I get out of my car. It has the perfect texture and the color is strong without being overbearing. I use the color brown which is like a brownish pink and mimics my natural lip color. I feel so confident when I'm wearing it.


Come back tomorrow for more favorites...

December 15, 2009

Back in the Swing...

We are all finally done being sick. The past week may be one of my least favorite stints, while being a mother. I never could have imagined how hard it is when everyone gets sick at the same time. Thank God for family members who were willing to come over and watch Harrison so I could feel miserable in peace.

Now that we're better, Harrison and I loaded up gifts in the red wagon and delivered goodies to our neighbors today. He was so happy to be outside and was practically screaming with glee on the ride as he pretended to talk on my cell phone.

Yesterday he was on my every last nerve. Then today I can't get enough of him.

I guess that's how this job goes...

December 12, 2009

Birthday Gratitude.

Today marks my 34th year and I have a lot to be grateful for. Unfortunately, this week the stomach bug has passed through our house and I'm just now on the mend. Luckily I still have much to be happy about...

  • Friends that have reached out to wish me a happy day. It's so simple, but it means a lot when it's your birthday.


  • White twinkling Christmas lights everywhere right now.


  • Parents who are willing to get sick by coming over and helping me with Harrison.


  • A sick husband who is still trying to make my birthday special.


  • Brooks, my french bulldog. He doesn't get a lot of credit these days, but he is the best foot warmer when I'm sick in bed.


  • Being happy and healthy {in general} at 34.

December 6, 2009

I ♥ December.

This weekend was spent doing Christmas activities. We went to a x-mas party, where there was a light parade. We ate cookies and sipped hot chocolate. It was really cold out {45 degrees} and it was fun to finally feel Winter here in the desert. We only listened to x-mas music and even turned the heat on for a little while.

Today we bought our tree. I never thought I'd do it, but we decided that it made more sense to buy an artificial tree this year. We just couldn't imagine life with a one year old tipping the tree over or spilling water all over the wood floors. I could just see him picking up the fallen needles and putting them in his mouth. It came down to convenience.

Luckily we spent money on getting a good one, so now I just have to buy this and I can pretend it's real.


Happy December....this is my favorite month of the year.