addicted

A couple of weeks ago I casually said while messing with my IPhone, "I think something is wrong with my phone, it's so slow" to which my sweet husband replied "Maybe it's because you are on it ALL THE TIME". I just look at him, but to myself I am thinking "Hmm...interesting point you have there." I pondered this for a bit and realized yes in fact I believe he is right, I have become addicted to my iPhone.

Part of this I blame on one of my best friends for introducing me to Words with Friends..you know who you are! The other part is all me, I don't know when or how it happened but I went from being a person who only wanted to make a phone call on her phone (just that...I didn't even like texting!) to a full blown annoying smartphoner (yes, a made up word) who can't leave a room without taking it with her.

This was proven to me just minutes ago. My lock button has somehow gotten stuck (maybe from excessive use?) and I haven't been able to turn off my phone for over a week now. So today when my phone flashes 20% battery remaing while I am in the grocery store, I think ok I'll just let it die (hopefully, restart and be faster) and once I get home I'll charge it back up.
Flashforward to 10 minutes ago when I am still letting the battery die and I realize to my horror..if it dies how will I turn it back on?! This prompts me to race to my phone and charge it.
Hi, I'm Jamie and I am addicted to my iPhone. Anyone else?

Just around the Corner

We just came from Molly's first friend birthday party and I am already planning Molly's, which is two months away. Never to early to start right? At the moment I think we will just do a family and super close friends thing, since I already made the family list and its about 25 people. We have a small house here people. Anyway I have started the search for Molly's birthday outfit and I'm loving this one from Etsy...

It's not your traditional cupcake birthday shirt, but ever since I decorated Molly's room I have a thing for cute owls. And birds...

photos: My Emmy Baby

Fall Must Have #3

It has been a long time since I was into belts, maybe middle school?? I know the belt look has been back for awhile I just haven't embraced it yet. I believe I will this year.

Photo: J.Crew

On my mind...

On my mind today...

*how lucky B and I are to have a healthy little girl

* anyone who is in the midst of hurricane irene

*Facebook. B and I finally watched The Social Network. I kind of don't want to use it as much now..even though I am sure it isn't completely accurate.

*Girls Night. My cousin and I are finally going to see The Help tonight. Timed perfectly that I still get to put Molly to bed and get myself in bed by 11:00. Yes, I'm wild.

*Fall clothes. Molly and I went to the mall (which included Target, see below) today with my aunt and granny. All I want to do is buy boots and cardigans.
*a hot pink skinny belt. Debating on going back to the bullseye for this one.

*my little peanut partying it up in her crib when she should be exhausted from our outing. Can we say second wind?

What's on your mind today??

Growing up

Today Molly had her 9 month check up, a couple weeks late, but at least before she is ten months. Little bit weighs 18 lbs. and is 28 inchese long. She babbled the whole time the Doctor and I were talking and loved the paper on the exam table.

Sweet Treats

Yesterday I posted these tasty little treats from Pinterest. I made them last night. SO EASY!

Ingredients:

Pretzels

Hershey Kisses

M&Ms or Reese Pieces

Place one hershey kiss on each pretzel (could be a bit time consuming dependin on how many kisses you have to unwrap)

Place in oven for 3 minutes on 275. Take out and immediatley press one bite sized candy of choice on top. Set in refrigerator for about 10 minutes (or however long you can wait!) to harden. I promise you won't eat just a couple...sometime I forget how much I love sweet and salty together. This also coming from someone who is not a big chocolate person.

Enjoy!

Lunch with Dad

Today Molly and I had lunch with my dad. Behind us sat a man by himself with what looked like twin babies...and a pitcher of beer. I found myself thinking two things immediately. I totally can relate and What a man. When the babies got upset, we saw him take a deep breath and carry on.
I love to see men being good dads.

Note: I know some people may thinking right now " Um good dad? He probably shouldn't be drinking a pitcher of beer while taking care of babies", and I kind of agree, BUT any man who has ever had children alone for an extended period of time and didn't need a picther of beer needs a freakin medal. At least in my book :) Also, he looked to me to be doing a fine job.

Morning Pins

Photos: Food Gawker, Esty, klovettvans.tumblr.com, ShopBop,com all via Pinterest

Absolutely.

stumbleupon.com via pinterest

Just can't get enough of Mommyland

Re-post from Mommyland for all you True Blood fans. If you don't watch I suggest you get caught up, fast. AND they announced last week they signed on for Season 5 :)

Ruffle Butt

One of my Zulily purchases finally came in! I just couldn't resist this very necessary outfit for Molly.

Note: Please ignore baby girl's drool..it's a constant in her life to which I always hear "Oh she must be teething, look at the drool!"

9-12 months

We discovered recently that baby girl doesn't have many 9-12 month old clothes. She has alot of younger than 9 months and a little bit older, but about 4 onsies inbetween. So we went shopping yesterday and I think this is may favorite :)

New use for everyday item

I suppose a curtain rod would be considered an everyday item right? Anyway, you get the point. I saw this on Pinterest and just thought it was the neatest item. I just may be trying it out in my shop this fall.

Photo: By your Hands via Pinterest

What a wonderful day!!

One of my best friends had her baby girl this morning at 4:11!!! This by the way is a significant time, because we plus 3 of our best friends lived @ 411 Patrick Henry Dr. our last year of college. She's already a 411 girl and ofcourse Molly's best friend. Cannot wait to meet her...soon hopefully :)

Fall Must Have #2..for little bit :)

Picked this precious little hat up at BabyGap last week and can't wait for Molly to wear it. Note: I actually just bought a dress at Walmart (for $3.00!!!) that matches perfectly...it's white at the top with the bottom the same pink color as the hat with white polka dots. While B or I is making dinner the other is usually playing with Molly in her room and we like to play hat dress up. I'll post some later, as you can tell the pictures aren't great because we can't get her to sit still anymore!

Fall Must Have #1

I am trying to control myself and not buy the amazing Zoe Hobo Wristlet. This will hold all the my essentials and can be easily moved from my Molly bag to my adult bag or just by itself for date night. Also, I am loving this mulberry color for fall.

Photo: Hobo International

Green Onion and Cheddar Popovers

I told I would post this ridiculously easy recipe and here it is...

1 Cup All Purpose Flour
1 Cup Milk
3 Green onions diced
1 Cup cheddar cheese shredded
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In mediums size bowl, whisk Flour and Salt together. (Just a heads up that the milk/egg mixture will be added to this bowl. I hate when I use a too small bowl and then read that something has to be added!)
2. In another bowl, mix 2 eggs and milk. Add mixture to flour bowl until just combined.
3. Add in green onions and Cheddar cheese and stir gently.
4. Scoop out the mixture into a greased muffin tin about 3/4 of each cup full. If you do not use all spaces, fill with a little water to prevent burning.
5. Cook in oven 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Turn oven down to 350 and cook an additional 10-15 minutes. DO NOT OPEN OVER DOOR! Which I said exactly like this when B tried to open it to take a peek. He did not open the door :) This is so that that popovers won't collapse.
6. Remove from oven and muffin tin immediately.

I will definitely be making these again and I almost debated on giving the recipe away because they would be a great signature item :) The other thing that B and I thought is they would be so good with different variations..blueberries and hot butter...yes please!

I love notepads!

Such a simple little thing, but I just love me some notepads. Check out these cute styles, and don't miss the last one!

From Katie Dyd Designs on Etsy. Love the personalized look of this one!

Oh Louise Designs also on Etsy. Gotta love that website!


Paper-Source. I just love bird and owl things, which is actually the "theme" for Molly's room. Except I use the T word loosely, beacuse I didn't really want it to have a theme. I was afraid it would bore me and I'd be changing it before her first birthday.

And for the DIYers our there this creative idea from the September issue of Country Living. I think this would make such a unique and personal Christmas gift idea. Hmm...maybe I'll give it a whirl.

Five Faves

The Elle Necklace by Stella Jewelry. Purchased this little number at the Bella Women's Luncheon. I am hoping to get these girls to sell their beautiful jewelry in my shop soon!

Latest purchase..Lady Like by Essie..love it!




Isn't this amazing?? Done by Corsair in Roanoke for the Bella Women's Luncheon.

New Blog: A Diary of Lovely..check it out!
Recipe: Green onion and chedder popovers, super easy and delicious. I'll post recipe later.

Time flies

I know I say it all the time, but I can't get over how fast Molly is growing! This weekend two of my cousins left for college and I found myself a wee bit jealous of that time in my life. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade what I have for a second, but do you ever find yourself reminiscent of times past? I also thought to myself, I've done the big things...graduated college, got married, had a baby...what's left?? Not a positive thought, but if we are being honest here. Then I caught myself and remembered life isn't about those big things, it's about the little things. Like my little peanut having her first tooth coming through (pictures to come..if she will let me take one!) and this picture of her standing up. The other amazing thing about having a child is you get to experience all those things again in a different way. Just to name a few I am especially looking forward to.
*her first day of kindergarten (I absolutely cannot wait to shop for school supplies)
*teaching her how to use makeup. I was very eager for this when I was little
*driving a car. Get off the road if she is anything like her mother
*Moving her into college...how weird is it that I look forward to that? I don't really have a reason why, just that I remember how exciting a time it was for me and I want her to have that feeling. So I guess that is a reason.
*sharing her first glass of wine. B bought me a bottle of wine that was made the year Molly was born for Molly and I to share when she turns 21. Isn't that a neat idea? And of course that will be her first alcoholic drink EVER...right?
*Helping her plan her dream wedding
This list is awfully lengthy so I will stop there and leave you with this...

Photo: happythings.tumblr.com via Pinterest

Date Night

Happy Friday everyone!

It has been a long week for us here and my husband and I are finally getting a date night! That's not even the best part, we also get to sleep in tomorrow! My amazing mother and father in law are taking the little one for a sleepover. We tried to go on a date last weekend, but it just didn't work out. Tonight we are going to one of our favorite Mediterranean restaurants in this adorable neighborhood and then maybe a movie or some late night swimming. We don't usually get to swim at night since Molly's monitor doesn't get a signal out there, so I think we should take advantage of a night without the monitor.

When I was reading Parents magazine last night it talked about how to keep the "spark" in your relationship and I loved this idea.

The ABCs of dating: Each weekend (or once a month, however often you get date night) plan your date around which letter of the alphabet you are on. I thought this was so cute, because it added the fun of planning your outing together and then getting to do something different. For example, for B you could take in beer and a baseball game on one of the last few summer nights. Since I came across this one a little late, we will be starting with I... The Isaacs restaurant and maybe if I can hold my eyes open Inception (this has been on our DVR forever!).

Add a little fun to your next date night :)

What goes around comes around...

Then

Now
Then

NowMy post today is inspired by the new movie The Help, which came out on Wednesday. I read the book and I can't wait to see the movie. It is set in the 60's and it got me thinking about that time period. Originally my post was more of a 60's inspired flashback, but then as I looked at pictures I notice how almost all of the fashion are back in!

Photos: Pinterest

Creamy Corn Chowder

The original recipe for this came from Better Homes and Gardens Garden Fresh Recipe edition, but I changed and substitute things that we had at the house. My husband is not a huge fan of soups and he gobbled it up, especially once we added the last ingredient. My brother doesn't experiement too much in the food department and he devoured this last night. So it was a hit in my house, try it in yours tonight!

Corn Chowder Recipe

6 Ears of fresh corn (shave corn off, or you could use about 2-3 cups frozen)

1 medium potato diced

1 medium onion diced

1 medium green/red pepper diced

14.5 oz chicken stock

1 cup half and half

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

salt and pepper

EVOO

Fresh Basil*

Franks Hot Sauce

1. Start with stock pot on medium heat with and line bottom of the pot with EVOO. Once hot, add onions and green peppers.

2. Once they are tender (not brown), add the corn, potatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes covered.

3. In small bowl, add half and half, flour, salt and pepper, and basil. Whisk together.

4. Add half and half mixture to pot. Stir until it returns to a boil and has thickened. Let sit one minute more.

5. Serve with basil as garnish. Add as much hot sauce as your mouth can take :)

* The recipe called for thyme, but we used our fresh basil out back instead and it was delicious.

Other variations of this include adding chicken and bacon, but it makes a excellent vegetarian dish (if you are strict vegetarian, you could use vegetable stock, I just haven't found one I like at the grocery). Enjoy!

Five Faves...animal edition

First let me say I found all of these on Pinterest. If you aren't a member yet, I don't suggest you become one unless you have an endless amount of time to search for amazing pictures like these. Did I mention I don't have this endless amount of time that I somehow find to spend time on Pinterest?

1. For me this is such a statement piece. It's very whimsical, but still a very adult piece. I think it would look fabulous with other black and white photos in simple black frames, on a gallery wall, and mixed with family photos and other prints.

2. This little number is from 20X200. I wish I had found it sooner, along with the other matching animals, they would have been great for a nursery. All the prints are gone now! Another website you should check out.

3. There is not much to say about this one except if you don't think this is adorable, you are CRAZY. I mean, what is cuter than babies and puppies? Well actually, I do think men being amazing fathers in pretty cute..but that's for another post.

4. Every time this pops up on my Pinterest page I laugh out loud. She just looks so utterly happy, I love it.

5. Elephants amaze me. This would be one to add to the gallery wall along with number 1.

Mommyland

I think we are in stage 2..mixed with a little 3.

The Six Stages of Tantrums

Hilarious.

Final days of summer

As the days of summer wind down I already have that fall feeling. When I woke up this morning (@ 7:45, because some little one was quietly playing in her crib!) it already felt like a fall morning. I thought the same thing yesterday afternoon even though it is still ninety degrees here. It never fails for me to be done with summer after the fourth of July. B and I were just talking last night about how fickle I can be, because as soon as the New Year hits I am ready for warm weather. This got me thinking this morning about all the things I should savor about the final days of summer...

1. Barefeet...I think I get this from my mom, because I always remember her loving to not have to wear shoes. It's just so easy to slip on a pair of flip flops and run out the door. Also, I just love the way things feel on your bare toes.

2. Fresh Herbs...One of my first posts I mention my favorite thing. Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella. Soon I will be back to the store bought variety instead of my fresh basil and tomatoes. Not as pretty and costs more..sad face.

3. Walking out in the fresh air. Ok, I'd admit I didn't do as much walking because it was WAY to hot, but it's the fact that I can do it..if I wanted. This one will really work out until early November.

4.Pool time with Molly. Molly loves the pool(so does our other four legged baby)! My parents said I was such a water baby and I had hoped to have one myself. I never wanted her to be afraid of the water, especially since we have a pool. Some people say that if you blow in a baby's face they hold there breath and you can dunk them underwater. Seems a little traumatic for me and I am scared to do anything that might make her not like the pool. So for now we just float :)

5. Longer days..this year I am loving the long days. Last year was a different story. About this time I was in the last trimester of my pregnancy and I can remember saying to B "If it wasn't light out I would be in bed right now". Did I mention this was at oh, about 6:00?? As I right this, I am realizing that it's a little harder to take advantage of daylight until 9:00 when my daughter goes to bed at 7:15. Oh well, it's still something to enjoy!

Everyone enjoy the last of summer, because it is definitely flying by!

Breakfast pizza take two

Notice how my post says take two? Well you may be confused, because I never posted about take one since it was a FLOP. As you can tell, I didn't use the homemade crust the recipe calls for and I cooked it in the oven. That wasn't even the part that made it a flop, that would be me forgetting to spray the baking sheet! I couldn't get those pitas off to save my life. I made another attempt yesterday morning..SUCCESS. They are super easy and delicious! Next time I am definitely trying pizza crust on our new charcoal grill.






In case your wondering, I did make these twice this week because I was so mad about the failed first attmept. It was such a tease and not a very filling dinner the first time.

i could definitely live in these rooms...

Photo from Better Homes and Gardens

photo by Franceso Lagnese via House Beautiful

photo by Simon Upton via House Beautiful

photo by Julian Wass via House Beautiful

Nine Months

My sweet little girl was 9 months old yesterday, I cannot believe she is almost a year old. She has been in the world the same amount of time I had to patiently wait to meet her. It seems like so long ago that I found out she was going to be a girl and began thinking about what life would be like once she was here. One of my summer reads (Milk Glass Moon) is about an Italian woman living in Big Stone Gap with her husband and daughter. The woman's daughter is growing up before her eyes and this passage made me tear up.

"...the bottle of Mr. Bubble that has been a staple in our bathroom since she was a girl has been replaced by vanilla bath beads; and the cupcake tins that used to hold her pebbles, fishhooks, and spare change are filled with different colors of eye shadow and lip gloss. What other road signs do we need to direct us toward womanhood?"

Sometimes I cannot wait to introduce M to all the things that are amazing about being a woman and then other times (like when I read things like the above) I think about how that will mean she isn't a baby anymore. B and I looked through some of her pictures last night and I am shocked at how much she has changed since the day we brought her home. I know you are thinking, duh babies grow up, but it's so unbelivable when you it's your baby. Now to prove my point I have put a picture of M from 6 months, and her picture today. I think the biggest change is that she is getting more hair..FINALLY! :)

Ok I know it's not a lot of hair, but it's trying to grow!

So Creative

These are pictures from a new vendor in my shop. How cool are the newspaper wreaths??? She also has this really cool calendar board, I'll have to get a better picture when I am in the shop next week.

Wish I had this idea

Just saw this picture on A Cup of Jo and I really really wish I had this idea 4 years ago. This definitely makes for a beautiful picture. I love pictures like this because they are real moments, not poses or created moments. You can tell they were genuine emotions and not camera faces. Love, love, love it.

P.S. loving her dress!

Photos: Gina Leigh Photography via A Cup of Jo and Peanut Butter Fingers