Sometimes it's fun just to "window shop" online and put together some frivilous wants. I keep saying I'm going to make my first official Asos purchase one of these days (soon!) but I haven't yet. They've got such pretty stuff (for ladies of all shapes and sizes) and decent prices: bonus, they usually have some great sale items! One of these days, one of these days...

All items from Asos

Five Little Things

Just an incomplete, rambling little list of things I'd like to enjoy before the big baby day gets here late January: 

1. A haircut - I've let my hair just grow this entire pregnancy with no trims, no changes, nothing. I don't necessarily want to cut any length off (because I have a wedding to partake in come June!), but I feel like I need/deserve a little vavavoom in the hair department sometime soon. 

2. New bras - I'm the kind of gal who wears her bras 'til they're hanging on by strings and not much else. The straps can shred, the underwire can pop out - I'm still wearing 'em. I realize this is probably the least flattering thing I can do style-wise, and it's probably not very beneficial to my back to haul around these girls with such minimal support, but hey! what's a girl to do? (Hint: go buy some new bras, dammit!) 

3. Mani/pedi - Let me go ahead and admit, I've never had a pedicure. My poor, pitiful, abused little feet. They've never been treated with the same regard as my hands; which isn't saying a whole lot, because my hands are just about as abused as my feet. Still, I'd like to have one or both of these pamperings before the boy gets here. 

4. Movie date - I'll go with my husband, my Mom, my best friends, anyone! I haven't been to the theaters since March, I believe, and I probably won't go for awhile next year either. It'd be nice to sit down and enjoy a pound of popcorn and a gallon of soda in front of the big screen! One last movie theater hurrah! 

5. Weekend getaway - I realize this one is far-fetched, and I really don't see it happening for me and Justin at this point; still, this is my highly fantasized list of wants and desires, so I'm going to go all-out. I'd love it if Justin and I could escape for a weekend, just the two of us. Somewhere close, somewhere without the kids, somewhere for two days away from home. Between his work schedule, the girls and my restricted traveling (plus that thing called a "family budget") I can't foresee this happening, but a pregnant girl can dream! 

And there you have it, five little things I'd like to have happen before baby boy makes his arrival in just two short months! I'm not asking for a lot here (at least I don't think so), and hint hint most of these items can totally be gift-cards -> Christmas gifts for me, if anyone in my family/friends circle would be so inclined! 

push presents, baby

I am not the kind of woman that demands or expects the whole idea of a "push present", although I think it is a sweet sentiment in an odd little way. I don't feel like I need to get lavish gifts (or any gifts, for that matter) for having this sweet baby. She is the gift, the best thing about this entire journey - I can't imagine trying to eclipse her with some monetary thing.

Still, if her dear old Dad (or anyone else who loves me) wanted to splurge on some push presents, I wouldn't totally object. The spoiled, selfish side of me has no trouble saying "heck yes I deserve something!", though honestly I think it's probably more along the lines of a medal than a pair of cute shoes. But I digress. Here are some items I wouldn't scoff at if they turned up somewhere post-pushing.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

 1 - I love Toms, and I really want my own pair. I found a pair of similar-looking Old Navy crochet shoes at a second hand store last summer, and I've worn them out! Momma needs a new pair...

2 - I love hand-stamped jewelry (specifically Lisa Leonard designs), but I'd be happy with any cute piece showcasing my sweet babes.

3 - Rhealen is totally screwing up my summer lake plans, but I still intend to find some time to park my behind on a boat on the lake (maybe even swim?!?!). I definitely need a new swimsuit - I've been wearing the same one now for close to five years. Wow, I feel embarassed to even admit that.

4 - I'm still pining over this Proenza Schouler wallet, same as I have been for over a year now. It's just so damned pretty!

If you love me, you can send me any (or all) of the goodies above. I promise to love you back - and maybe even name the next baby after you!

(Just kidding, honey, I know we're not having any more babies! Or are we?)

pumped

I feel like a bit of an asshat for talking about induction and epidurals and sounding overly whiny, like I'm really dreading the pain of this whole childbirth process thing. Watching documentaries about natural childbirth will do that to a girl, I guess.

Yesterday I watched most of The Business of Being Born - I say "most" because Justin walked in somewhere around the 90% mark and was all, "TURN IT OFF, NOW". He has this thing about childbith, mainly he doesn't want to think about it, don't talk about it, don't think about talking about it, etc. Seeing childbirth on our 55-inch glory of a TV at 3:00PM in the afternoon was just a bit too much for him, I guess.

So, yeah, it's an amazing film. Here's my official recommendation, if you want it. I felt empowered and excited and a little apprehensive about our healthcare system, but overall - it just made me excited to give birth again. I wasn't in control the first time around; I say that, because I never really took control. I just went with the flow of things, which is good, but I didn't lead at any point in the process. I never had that moment of "surrendering to the pain" because I surrendered from the start. It may sound crazy, but I want that moment. I want to know that I out-lasted Mother Nature as long as I could, and whether or not I seek medical intervention, I want to know that I embraced this process and I gave it 110% of my heart and soul and body.

Justin may hate thinking about talking about childbirth, but I love it. It consumes me daily (as it should at this point, I guess). I'm just ready, the anticipation is building - much like the anticipation before the "big game" or prom or something cheesy like that. My emotions feel complicated, equal parts corny and sincere.

This is an amazing thing to do, such a woman thing to do - yet, I still feel very girl about it. I'm ready, 36 weeks ready and it's time. I wish she were ready, too. Four more weeks (at the ohmigod most) and I'll be a heavyweight champion of birthing once more. Two time defending champ. Let's do it.

damaged film

One of my goals this summer (besides having this baby) is to get outside with my trusty old Canon Rebel 35mm and experiment with film photography. I'm also thinking about investing in some Lomography cameras to play with, but we'll see.

Before I buy the camera that is made to manipulate the film, I thought it'd be fun to learn how to "damage" the film myself to create some really amazing shots. I've been browsing around on flickr (god bless flickr) and some of the photos people have been able to create are simply amazing. I think damaged film is my new favorite obsession!

Here are some of my absolute favorites:








It's pretty amazing what some people can do - I've always wanted to learn how to process and develop my own film. Most people probably dream of having their own in-home theater or six-car garage - I just want a darkroom in the basement!

If you'd like to learn how to do more creative things with your film, read up on this fun article here. Hopefully you'll see some creative shots from me this summer, especially seeing as how I'll have an adorable new little face to practice on!

eek! so cute!

Organic Teething Wood Toy from Little Alouette

I just bought Nugget this adorable teether & I couldn't be more excited about it - I love Amy's work (almost as much as I love her blog) and I've loved this particular little piece for what feels like two years!

Now, after spending way too much time staring at it on her etsy page, I am finally the proud owner of one. I'll be frantically checking the mail 'til this little sweetheart arrives. I'm already thinking about maybe buying another one so I'll have a pair of "birdie teethers"! They're so stinking cute, who could blame me?

musings of a wannabe SAHM

Somedays SidMo does really good at letting me go. I drop her off to the baby-sitter and she's smiling and happy and just a perfect little angel. Somedays she crys and whines and pouts when I go.

And then some mornings, like this morning, she clings to me, crying and begging me not to go. It's hard on mornings like today, when all I want to do is stay home with her and play. I want to be a SAHM so bad sometimes it aches. And I know Justin wishes he could provide that for all of us, but at this point in our lives, it's just not possible. Too many bills, too much going on - we're young and dumb and we're working towards our future.

It's another consequence of having our babe a little too early on in life; she doesn't get the same luxuries other kids do sometimes having older, more stable parents.

But that doesn't mean we love her any less. In fact, I like to think it means we love her more. We're both out there working hard, doing our best to give her everything she deserves. And what we can't provide in material things, we make up for with hugs and kisses and late night play sessions. The three of us piled in bed together, laughing and loving each other - this little family we've made and created and continue to be.

Just the three of us. We can make it if we try.

birthday wish list

No, not for Sidney! For yours truly...

I know my birthday is after hers, but I still felt like putting together a little birthday wish-list of pretty things I wouldn't mind getting this September 28th!

Diana F+ CMYK camera kit

happy birthday nail polish

double pocket Julie bag

Penguin Couple Mary Jane Shoes

Striped Knit Cardigan

Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipe Book

honorable mention (the best one yet)

Holy sex in shoe form!!!!

Go ahead and pick your jaws back off the desk - I'm dying here in front of my computer screen. Have you ever seen a sexier, more amazing, more beautiful shoe?

I'm known for my love of shoes, usually of the flat or wedge kind because I *suck* at walking in heels. But for these Christian Louboutin's, I could take some classes or something! Oh my god, I'm dying.

I was going to spend all weekend cleaning house taking pictures - but now I think I'll be glued to my laptop drooling over these unbelievably beautiful stilettos. Woof.

honorable mention

Holy wow. Spanx now has swimwear.

(here)

(here)

It's a little expensive, but if they do anything compared to what Spanx can do - it'd be worth it. Check out the entire collection here...

Dear Snow

GO THE HELL AWAY!

I, for once, am not looking forward to this weekend's snow. I, for once, am hoping that this just blows over and we don't get anything near what they're predicting. I, for once, am not excited about the idea of it coming a freaking winter blizzard when we're inching closer to spring every day. I, for once, am not happy with this season and it's constant teasing; just the other day it was warm and sunny and completely pleasant. Now? We're supposed to get up to 14 inches in the high elevations. I, for once, don't want to see this crap; it's one thing when you're in school and the possibility of getting to stay home and play in the snow excites you - not so fun when you have a job and responsibilites and a full month's worth of meat in the freezer at home.

I, for once, am hoping that the weathermen are wrong and this snow isn't at bad as they're predicting. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, snow - I politely ask you to go the hell away already!

P.S. I've got the VDAY gift guides scheduled just in case we lose power again; they'll still get posted regularly. Look for another one on Saturday morning!

honorable mention

I *heart* espadrilles - nothing says summer fashion to me like a cute pair of them! They come in all sorts of sizes, colors, fabrics, heights - from daytime to nighttime, they're perfect for summer!

(Loles)

I love them so much, I wore them at least three times a week during the summer of 2006. I wore them to my HS graduation - did all that walking and standing and picture-posing, and never got tired. My feet never hurt. I think that's the major reason I love them; so many heels make my legs and ass hurt ridiculous amounts (because I never wear heels).

(Genoveva)

Who wouldn't want a cute pair of these to slip on during those warm summer months? They're seriously perfect for everything - any time day or night, any location casual or fancy.

(Fabiola)

(Mariposa)

(Phoebe)

Seriously, summer cannot get here fast enough.

is this reason enough to have another baby?

Because I'm thinking YES...except I've promised myself to do the next nursery in penguins, so I don't think counting sheep will work :(  Oh, well. I guess this means we have to have two more kids (or two different nurseries)

AND

I must call you people out; no one has fussed at me for not putting up some recent SidMo pictures. All I've done is talk about how sick she's been - when I know we'd all rather talk about how cute she is..

 

Because she's kind of totally adorable, you know.

look! cute penguins!

You know.............Valentine's Day is just around the corner. And we all know how much I adore penguins.

Well, look at this:

Is that not THE cutest penguin display you've ever seen? I'm squeeeing all over the place here. It's too cute - too too too too too too too cute!!!!!!

Heaven help me - I'm in love with clay penguins again.

(our cake toppers that I still love just as much as the day I bought them)

I'M LOOKING AT YOU, MOTHER TERESA

HEY, MOM

WHY DON'T YOU BUY THIS FOR ME FOR SIDNEY????

*Side Story: When I was little this was my favorite book. I used to call every piece of big equipment I saw a "nort" (in the book the little birdie asks a crane if it is his mother, but all it says is 'snort') - when I was taking Teacher Cadet class in 12th grade this is the book I re-created to read to the kindergarten classes (the paper I cut out for the pages was the exact shape/outline of that plush birdie)!!!! So yeah, this book is a HUGE deal for me and I think this is just the cutest. I know Christmas has come and gone, but COME ON - this is too perfect!**

Here's the link

poladroid-crazy

So, it's official. I need want my own Polaroid camera IMMEDIATELY.

Damn that layoff and our lack of money!

Oh well, guess this one will just have to wait, too.

oh, dear

Whilest searching for all things CUPCAKE for my cupcake tumblr (Et Tu Cupcake) I came across this beauty! It's so cute and simple and adorable - and I'm really into necklaces at the moment. I've been playing with mine all-day, non-stop! So this is just perfection bottled up in a heart-shaped pendant (and for only $10 it's really affordable too)!

Super cute, right?

P.S. Sorry for the lack of words and the over abundance of pictures - I promise to do better in the new year!

someone please talk some reason into me

I posted this wallet on my other blog, None So Pretty as You:

And I can't stop thinking about it!!! It's way too expensive ($165) but I just cannot get it out of my head. That blue is the most electrifying blue I think I've ever seen. Proenza Schouler sure knew what they were doing when they made this little lady - I'm in love with a wallet, dear god help me.

And the crazy thing is, I really want it - I'm pining for a wallet. I've never done this before. I've never seen a fashion-y item like a purse or a coat or a pair of shoes and just instantly knew 'I have to have it'! What's even crazier is the fact that this wallet is Out of Stock on the website, so I sit and think of other ways to find and buy it. Read my lips: I CANNOT AFFORD THIS WALLET.

Normally, I would never justify spending so much on something so little. But I just can't get this thing out of my head. I want it. I want you so bad, it's driving me mad.  Someone please say something to reason with my brain - help me get this damned luxe leather wallet out of my head. Or else my bank account, my marriage and my Christmas might suffer.

Oh, jeez.

Christmas Wish-List (1st Edition)

I'll take one of these adorable keyboard covers; who wouldn't want one of these?!

Honestly, how amazingly awesome is this?!?! I think I spent a good ten minutes chuckling over this thing; it's so neat! Great colors, great little graphics - just pure genius! I want one for my laptop at home and for my computer here at work.

Christmas present? Yes, please!

(GO HERE for more information...)

I WANT! I WANT! I WANT!

THIS CAMERA....

So I can take some AMAZING pictures like this:

Oh, and I'll need a pack of this, too:

What'dya think? I think this is the perfect Christmas gift for ME! But I have the distinct feeling I'll be buying it for myself way before then! I'm in love with fredflare - how did I not know about this site?!?!?!

(Thanks to Mrs. Julie Tew for linking to fredflare on Twitter yesterday!)