Music

You know that music that just brings you back? The Wallflowers, Vertical Horizon, Matchbox 20, Alanis Morrisette, Third Eye Blind. Those do it for me.

I was just listening to the 90s Pop station on Pandora, and after quickly giving a "thumbs down" to the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys, I was able to mold this type of 90s alternative theme music that defined much of my adolescence. And let me add, there were so many one.hit.wonders (although very credible one hits!). But it's amazing how listening to a music album could be like looking at a picture album, you know? Music can bring back so many memories and feelings, like those decades ago aren't actually that far away.

What music does that for you?

Cut a rug!

We bought a rug!

The Snow Peak Wool Rug from West Elm to be exact.

It took (literally) months of deliberation, planning, justifying, receiving donations, and being neurotic, but it's official- it's on it's way now!

I know it seems ridiculous. I mean at least to me. Seriously, how much thought can go into one.freaking.thing. I like white, but what sane mother of a two year old buys a white rug? I like shag, but Zac says shag will be too hard to clean. I even got a free design consultation from West Elm. (did you know that exists!? Kind of overrated, I have to admit). Although, it did help steer me in the right direction. I can't wait to show you an "after" picture of it in our living room once it arrives.

Next up is a coffee table! Any suggestions? At this rate, we'll buy one by 2015! ;)

What I do without cable:

I buy more books than I probably should:

In this case, polar opposite type books. I used to have a goal of reading all the classics (i.e., Invisible Man) that I never read growing up. Although I was always a good student, I was never much of a reader as a kid, so I had lots of catching up to do. So, in college I read things like The Fountainhead (loved it) and Anna Karenina (never finished it) for "fun".

But in recent years, I've been more into fiction and books that require less thinking. I suppose this genre change has been partially in response to all of the stressors I deal with in my life as a social worker. When I'm reading fiction now, I often want to wind down, not get stirred up. So when I bought Invisible Man yesterday, I figured I should temper it with something that might make me laugh a bit. And so far, Mindy Kaling does not disappoint. I recommend it already!

What are you reading lately? I also bought James this book since it features a little boy named Sam who likes to dance.. just like his dancing Uncle Sam! ;)

Before He Turns Two (in a month!)

The many faces of James: 

Imitating (what I think looks like) a tourist with that cap:

Making funny faces at ourselves to the camera:

Being his sweet self at the bagel shop: 

I wanted to use this space to help me log James' growth and help me remember some of his milestones. At this point, he's talking up a storm (as my mom would say:). Today, he started saying "open/ close" when playing with his legs and opening and closing them (which I consider impressive, unprompted correlations-- but you know, I'm biased). He says "chocolate milk "A LOT. haha. This morning, when I opened the door at 6:15 in response to his "MA MA" calls, he greeted me with "Morning!" just like I usually greet him. It's pretty amazing, and I can actually feel my heart warm and my lips turn into a smile as I write this and reflect on all the loveliness that is watching a human being grow up. It's very easy (for me, and I'm sure many of us) to focus on the challenges of the every day.. and there are challenges every day don't get me wrong, but it makes taking the time to stop and reflect on all the glorious goodness that is also in that every day that much more important.

I hope you're all doing well. I know I haven't been in a blog writing mood lately. I think in response to coping with the many changes that have recently gone on in my little family's lives (moving to the bay area, finding an apartment, a job, child care, turning 30 (!), missing my friends and family, and adjusting to all of that..), lately all I want to do is either straighten up our house (challenging with a 1.75 year old), or veg out and watch Felicity after a long day (I'm on Season 4!). As the summer nears its final stage though, I see myself doing more yoga and hopefully writing a bit more.

So here's to lofty goals! :)

Because Fridays Are For Dancing

Oh man. Things have been busy. I swear before having James I had no idea what I would do all day with him. But now I understand, and it can be exhausting! And wonderful of course. :) But between finding an apartment, moving in, finding a job, finding a child care, hanging out with my little man, going to beautiful weddings, and seeing wonderful friends and family, so far this summer has been jam packed. And that's okay. I just don't want to forget to stop and smell the roses. You know? So here's to a fun and laid back weekend. Do you have any plans?

(image found via JCrew on Pinterest)

Green Lemonade

Do you have a juicer? I FINALLY used mine since moving in to our new place, and made this green lemonade that I read about in Raw Detox Diet. It's delicious, and pretty simple:

- 1 head romaine or celery
- 5 or 6 stalks kale (any type)
- 1 to 2 apples (as needed for sweetness- the author recommends organic Fuji)
- 1 whole organic lemon
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (optional)

I didn't have celery/ romaine, so I used spinach instead. And I plan to stock up on ginger for next time. But the apples make it sweet and the lemon makes it tart, so it's a great way to get all the nutrients from the kale and spinach if you don't otherwise get enough greens (like me).

Will you try it? I know I plan to make it all the time!

What's your interior decorating style?

Do you even have one? I'm not sure I do. But since we got the apartment we were soo hoping for (yay!), I have a week to brainstorm how to arrange and update our furniture to make it as beautiful as some of the pins I see on Pinterest ;) (or at least attempt!).

I've found that I'm drawn to mid-century modern. There's something about the old mixed with the new that I love. Comfort of course is an important factor in any home, so I also like cozy, rustic looks as well. I wish I was better at this whole interior design thing! As for now, I'm just browsing through apartment therapy articles to try and get some easy tips on how to make the new place shine. Please let me know if you have any advice!

(photos all found via pinterest)