Savoring the Small Moments

One morning last week, I was puzting around my kitchen assembling lunches and doing dishes after breakfast.  The sun shone in through the one window in my kitchen (always an exciting moment here in Seattle!) and as I was enjoying the moment, my thoughts turned to my children.  One was belting out Coldplay while trying to play the piano, another was running around with his latest Lego creation, and another was doing her best to avoid brushing her teeth :)  My baby, Gray, was simply trying to keep up with his siblings as he darted from room to room doing his darnedest to make his presence known :).

I closed my eyes for several seconds in attempt to take it all in...

I thought about these short, fleeting, tender moments when everything feels just right.  I wish I could say I felt this way all the time--or even often--but I don't.  I'm not sure if that's normal or not, but I do know that for me, savoring the brief experience is of the utmost importance to my overall sense of balance and one of my greatest pleasures in life.  So today, and in the future, try a little more savoring and enjoying; when you too feel the stars aligning, even for a few minutes.  Look for the silver linings.  Relish in the good kind of chaos.  And do your best to memorize every nuance because someday, when life feels more complicated, you'll give anything to relive these sweet moments over and over.  

image by Shannon Wight Photography

An Easter Egg Hunt

I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow I managed to move three, large bins of Easter decor here to Seattle--all full of baskets accumulated over the years.  I decided a little egg hunt was definitely in order this year...something had to be done to justify the square footage in the moving van :)  When I found out Rachel was going to pay a visit the week prior to Easter, I thought it would be fun to host the hunt during her visit so that our kids could enjoy the little event together. Although rain was on the forecast, a miracle took place and the afternoon was filled with sunshine and blue skies.  Such a blessing.

I wanted to keep things simple so I had ample time to play hostess to Rachel and her kids during their stay. I used dishes and party supplies I had on hand and a banner I made from a recycled Snow and Graham calendar (I love recycling pretty paperie).  All flowers and buds were from local trees and bushes, which aligned nicely with my goal and was yet another reminder that using what you already have is the best way to go when planning any kind of get together.  Parties don't have to be expensive--just thoughtful!

A happy surprise: the yummy Mighty-O donuts ended up being free thanks to a little mixup on their end, which they graciously made right.  I was more than happy to save my coupon for another time :)  The homemade limeade that filled the "milk bottles" (Starbucks Frappucino bottles emptied, washed and treated with Goo Gone) was made by my youngest daughter and I the day before; large bottles of water were added at last minute, which I was later glad about (love those Italian-made Ikea bottles); I couldn't believe how many kids came back for water!

A Liberty of London for Target chair...in case a pregnant friend needed a seat for a bit.  The chair is one of my fun Craigslist finds since being here in Seattle.  

All the kiddos lined up after the hunt and enjoying their treats.  

Simple invitations made from the previously-mentioned calendar paired with envelopes from Paper Source.  I bought them years ago and have saved them for just the right thing :)  It was fun to finally use them!  I love the string and button detail, but they are really only ideal for hand delivering.  

I bought some coordinating fabric at Joanns that was on sale; it made for an inexpensive tablecloth in a pinch.  The vase I had on hand and the blooms were picked from a bush in the yard.  I can't believe how many plants grow here in Seattle...the rain really makes for some interesting and beautiful plants!  

This was India and Gray's first Easter Egg Hunt...they had so much fun discovering how it all worked.  We allowed them their own area for "hunting" and filled their eggs with goldfish and mini pretzels instead of candy.  It was so sweet watching them bound here and there in anticipation of another snack-filled egg.  So cute.  

p.s. if you would like the banners for your own egg hunt, I'd be happy to mail them to the first person that asks :)  Since Easter is just a few days away, ideally that person would live in the Western US.  Drop me a line if you're interested...UPDATE: banners spoken for--thanks!

all images by me

Gaugin + a Slight Change in Plans

Perhaps an ambitious move--taking 4 kids to an acclaimed art exhibition; but Rachel and I were determined to do something interesting and adventurous on this rainy, Seattle afternoon.  After all, it isn't everyday that a good friend pays a visit!   A little jaunt through the galleries (even with a double stroller), sounded like bliss.  I imagined the kids, enamored with people-watching and bright colors, would be as quiet as little mouses.

Ha!

Not five minutes into our jaunt, the museum attendant asked us politely to take our disruptive children to the sitting room next to the exit.  Not about to waste our $23 entrance fee (yikes!), we tag teamed while our little ones bounced, danced, pushed and climbed from chair to chair with a box of raisins.  Looking back, we should have charged admission...we were, in fact, our own petite circus :)

Aaah, but we survived and have some sweet, little pictures as a result.

p.s. did I mention these two are birthday buddies?  90210 baby.

Styling Ideas for Family Pictures

I am loving these recent images from Australia-based Seed Heritage--they are the perfect inspiration for styling that next family photo...

Links to Love + Happy Weekend!

A few links to take you into the weekend...
 
These dipped wooden spoons are crazy beautiful.  I don't consider myself super crafty, but I'm ready to get my diy game on now (via two ellie).

For Downton Abbey fans (I've only seen one episode but I can see why y'all are crazy about it!). Thanks Catherine!

Oh my goodness, is Easter really just a couple weeks away?  Time for a little reminder about my favorite children's book for Easter--a great read, even if it isn't April.

Did you hear?  Australia-based child photographer extraordinaire Barb of Jinky Art is paying it forward and offering a free session and prints (a $2000 value) to a handful of folks this year in select cities.  Such a cool idea...you can read more about it here. 

See you Monday!  Wish me lucky making that darn cake again :)

image by Jinky Art - used with permission

Snippets

How was your weekend?  I spent Saturday morning making my creme fraiche chocolate bundt cake for an auction at my children's school.  First, I hit two different grocerty stores to pick up ingredients (wanted specific brands of things and the best price on each), then made the cake, decorated it and finally placed it on a nice serving tray ready for bidding.

And then I found out the auction is NEXT Saturday.

Boy, sometimes you try to be so organized only to be humbled by your own disorganization :) Funny how that works!  I decided to grab a stack of paper plates and started filling them with slabs of cake and ganache for the neighbors.  I think they like it when I make mistakes like this.

After consoling myself with a wedge of chocolate decadence, I enjoyed some afternoon rays coming through the windows and looked around my space.  I thought about how much I appreciate the little things here and there.  Life doesn't have to be fancy in order to find enjoyment and satisfaction with one's environment.  We can always find pieces or things that evoke a mood, a memory or that simply uplift us on days when life feels anything but efficient, organized, fun, or glamorous.  I hope you'll humor me as I make this record and attempt to document the small things that offer up daily doses of inspiration--things for which I am truly grateful.

Things like...bowls of fruit (or in this case, a trifle dish full of bananas!) or a tiny painting...

...or the plant that I've somehow managed to keep alive (and its pot, which I love)...and the toy I found on the back of the couch.  #lifewithkids

Books lined up in a row...

I also love this little air plant from West Elm (glass "vase" too)...and of course the ranoculus from the other day.  Such a pretty flower.

Last, the solitary piece of plastic food I found on the window sill in the living room...I hate to be redundant, but I do love finding things like this around my home.  Evidence that the toys have expanded outside the playroom boundaries :)  I know that someday, I'll be wishing for more moments like these; so until then I'll enjoy 'em when I can.  

Pregnancy in Pictures

When pregnant with my last child, my husband sent me a link to this site and said, "hey, let's do this tomorrow after church!" (the logical day for such a photo shoot as it was the only day I donned anything but leggings or sweats).  However, all the complications surrounding the HG I was experiencing more or less squelched that idea and alas, they were never taken.  Although let's be honest, our version wouldn't have been nearly as cute!  But, thank heavens for those pregnancy photos I asked Justin to take a little later on, because although one doesn't feel photogenic when pregnant, it's such an important stage in life and should be documented at some point, in some way.

Besides the great series "Walking for Two" on Pacing the Panic Room (above image), I've also enjoyed viewing these other series and ideas other bloggers have put forth.  Check out Ali's (of Ali Loves Curtis) photo collage of the different stages of her pregnancy.  I love how she included a picture of her holding her baby there at the end.  Given the fact that there is one blank spot at the end, I'm guessing the babe arrived a wee bit early :)

We cannot forget this clever series appropriately entitled Project Baby (photographed by Emily Kunz).  I love Miranda's enthusiasm throughout it all and the way she writes to her future child.  No doubt he will feel immense love for all the time and effort she put into this...well, someday anyway.  Maybe in 20 years? :)  I just noticed she now sells the t-shirts in her shop for those who want to create a similar series during their own pregnancy. 

Another great series from Pacing the Panic Room, this time the blog author features his own wife!  Totally fun and personal.  I might add she has a killer pregnancy body...I never, ever, ever looked like that, but I know people who do!  All y'all are lucky. 

And last, but not least, this original idea from Carolee Beckham totally made me smile.  She documented the different stages of her pregnancy by comparing her unborn child to a different fruit or vegetable--typically one that correlated in weight. Super clever.  Would've never thought of it on my own! 

If you have any other ideas you've seen (or done yourself!), please share!

Welcome 41 Orchard from Australia

I'm happy to introduce you to this darling, Australian shop called 41 Orchard. They specialize in eco-friendly wall stickers and decals and as you can see from the above images, they are simply adorable!  I'm particuarly fond of the toadstool--it would've been such a fun addition to E.'s Woodland Fairy Party way back when.  But truly, there is so much to love on the site and you could easily plan an entire nursery, bedroom or playroom around any one of their modern, fresh designs.

Take a peek for yourself and see!  Oh, and they ship all over the world for a very reasonable price (i.e. the same as an order from J.Crew), so don't let geography get in the way :)

Babar Birthday Party

It started with a stack of books and a lucky find in Target's $1 section last year...and soon an idea was born for a sweet, little birthday party that would be appealing to both lads and ladies. Babar bien sur!

I popped onto etsy and lo and behold there was a shop selling Babar envelopes and cards--made from vintage books.  I couldn't believe my luck...hello invitations!  With the addition of some labels from Martha's fabulous, new label collection at Staples, we were good to go (all sources listed at the bottom by the way :)).

p.s. did anyone else used to make envelopes like this as a teenager like I did?  Total flashback.  




We set Babar at the head of the table and allowed him to provide the inspiration for the tabletop.  I couldn't believe how lucky I was to find a craft store with a crown die-cut that looked just like Babar's crown.  They made for the perfect bowls and held all sorts of snacks and treats during the party.

Accompanying the crowns were extra loud party horns (the kids looooved these) and wooden forks.



One of our vintage, French Babar books was in poor condition and so I decided to recycle its pages into a simply party banner.  It felt like a fun way to celebrate how loved that book truly was.  The beautiful French cursive made it even more charming. 



My daughter requested turkey/cheese and ham/cheese sandwiches for her party.  I opted for a daintier, easier-to-eat-version by making them into sliders.  Sara Lee's mini buns to the rescue! Little flags fashioned from toothpicks and Japanese washi and masking tape made lunch a lot more celebratory.  You might think kids don't notice and/or appreciate details, but they really ate it all up, both literally and figuratively.

My oldest daughter, who assisted me with this party, suggested to the little guests to place the flag into the top of their party hats.  Such a festive addition!  I'll definitely recycle that idea again :)

I had to show you the inside of a Babar book, in case you hadn't seen one before.  Even though ours are all in French (we purchased them on amazon.ca and at vide-greniers), they are just as readily available in English.  Your local library probably has a copy or two on its shelves.  They are really sweet little books and I love the illustrations too--very reminiscent of one of my favorite childhood books.

One of my daughter's few requests for the party was a "big, chocolate cake", which she later tried to talk me out of because she didn't want me to have to "work too hard to make it".  I was so touched by her concern and sensitivity that all I wanted to make for her was a big chocolate cake!  I made sure it was chocolatey, but not overly rich (wanting to cater to the 4/5-year-old crowd).  As it turns out though, adults were big fans too (I sent home each parent with a slice) and now I'm thinking this is more versatile than I originally thought. The addition of chocolate ganache (or "frosting" as the kids called it) really hit the spot and now I'm looking for another excuse to make it again.  In case you're curious, I'll be posting the recipe tomorrow...

Inspiration for the cake's mini banner came from Danyelle...she posted something similar on her blog months ago and I've never forgotten how sweet it looked. 

 

Case in point...you never know what you'll find in that $1 at Target!  These over-sized Babar pencils made for the perfect game prizes. 

Since it was the stack of Babar books that partially contributed to the inspiration behind this party, I thought it apropos to gift each child with his/her own vintage Babar book (in English).  I found them for a reasonable price on etsy, but you can also find them on ebay too.  Wrapped up in good, ol' fashioned kraft brown paper, red cording and an upcycled label, they made for great, little party favors.

On a side note: while this wasn't my motivation when planning the party favors, but I like the idea of gifting children something meaningful--something that won't end up at Goodwill or in the trash by next month.  You just can't go wrong with a new or used book...in any language! 



1, 2, 3...make a wish!

 

p.s. I still can't believe my youngest daughter turned 5 last week.  Crazy!  I started this blog a couple of weeks before she was born, per the encouragement of my sister, and thought maybe two people would view it regularly--my sister and my mom.  Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing.  It's so fun to interact with you all and I am so grateful for all the wonderful people I now know because of this blog.  xo

Party Supply Sources:

crown die-cuts  /  party horns  /  party hats  /  "milk" bottles  /  striped straws /  ribbon  /  toy   / tape

giant balloon  /  pencils (mine were from Target)  /  vintage books  /  tablecloth  /  invitations  /  labels 

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

I've written this post ten times in my head over the past year and a half.  Why it's taken me until now to actually post it, I don't exactly know.  But, what I do know is that I feel compelled to share my experience with hyperemesis gravidarum here with you...in hopes that something shared here helps the few of you out there that experience this condition (p.s. I'll be referring to it as "HG" going forward). A couple of you have written to me over the years when pregnant and we've consoled each other via email, but I feel like it's important to reach more of you and offer up support in the form of this post...chock full of advice, tips and validation.  I guess you could say I've learned a few things over the course of four pregnancies with this condition. If something I share helps you in the smallest way, it will have been more than worth my time. 

Described by WebMD as "a rare disorder characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may necessitate hospitalization", hyperemesis gravidarum affects less than 3% of all pregnant women; so chances are you don't know a lot of women who experience HG.  But if you do, it's important you understand what she is experiencing, as best as you can. She will always remember how you stuck by her side during a horrific period and hold you dear for the rest of her life (I know this because I feel that way about those who helped me!).  Or, more importantly, if you have HG, it's important you have as much helpful, positive information on hand about this disorder as possible.

If you're interested in reading more on the subject of hyperemesis gravidarum, please click "read more" below.  As always, please chime in on the comments if you'd like to add to the conversation and share your own thoughts/tips/advice.  I realize every woman's experience is slightly different than that of another so the more information presented, the better :)  Also, if you have any questions for me, please comment on this post so we can all learn from each other.  Thanks!

update: dear friends, those who suffer from infertility may read these words and think, "well, at least you were able to get pregnant...I'd endure anything, including HG, just to have a baby", and I want to say that those are valid feelings.  My heart goes out to you if you are experiencing this challenge.  Pregnancy, in all forms, is a sensitive issue indeed; all we can do is try to support one another and show empathy for each other's different trials in life. 

The Differences Between American and French Parenting Styles

A couple of days ago I received a surprise package in the mail from Amazon.  Inside was a book called "Bringing Up Bébé--a book written by an American mother raising her children in Paris.  Upon giving birth in France, the former Wall Street Journal reporter immediately began noticing that the French raise their children quite differently than American parents.  Fascinated by the differences, she began taking notes, that eventually led to the making of this book; which looks very interesting (and controversial) by the way.

Now there was no invoice inside the package...or a note...or any indication as to who sent this book to me.  I can only infer that someone thoughtfully gifted it because they thought I'd be genuinely interested in the subject (which I am) or that I need a little help in the parenting department (a likely scenario!).  Regardless though, I am touched by someone's thoughtfulness...if you were the one that send this to me out of the blue, thank you! 

Back to the subject of French and American parenting styles...there has been much talk of this subject lately, mostly due to the release of this book (you can brush up on all the hullabaloo here and here).  Clearly a fascination is emerging and questions are being raised as to what is best.  I must confess that when we lived there, not a week went by when my husband and I didn't discuss this very subject.  We couldn't figure out why our children didn't behave quite the same (i.e. not as well) as their French counterparts.  We tried to put our finger on what exactly led to these differences, but never quite figured it out.  Let me share a few stories that will help you understand the subtle differences between our two cultures: 

One Saturday our family took a break from working on the house and we all went to the local market together.  As usual, we didn't get out of the house as soon as we planned for and ended up being at the market right during lunch time.  Our youngest child at the time was 2 and obviously not old enough to entirely reason with (at least in my mind--a French parent may disagree).  She began to get fussy and a bit fiesty (we blame the then red hair), so I bought her a little basket of wild strawberries and placed them on her lap for her to munch on while I finished up my shopping.  Interestingly enough, she and I began to receive a lot of stares, looks, chuckles, even finger pointing.  Initially I was confused, but then realized that we were doing something considered very American--snacking.  Apparently allowing my daughter to eat outside the borders of a kitchen table during the designated lunch hour was considered very entertaining!  A French parent would've made her child wait...I, however, did not. 

On another occasion I took my two youngest to the nearest IKEA, which was about 3 hours away.  If you've ever been in the car with young children, you understand how stressful this can be at times.  When we pulled up to the big, blue building, all I could think about was how nice it was going to be to drop my kids off at the little childcare center and allow them to play and release some energy after being in the car for awhile.  Plus, I was in the mood for a little break admittedly.  But as luck would have it, the playland was full and so my disappointed children would have to squeeze into a itsy bitsy cart for a couple of hours while I navigated the packed aisles trying to make good buying decisions.  Feeling a little stressed out by the crowds and my tired, whiny children, I did what any American mother would do...I whipped out a little iPod and headphones for my kids.  And even though the cartoons were in French (Petit Ours Brun), I again received lots of looks, pointing fingers, laughs, etc.  The fact that I was trying to keep my children entertained (vs. them entertaining themselves) was what set me apart from my French friends. 

Based on experience, I believe there are positive things about each culture, and the secret is to glean the best from both worlds to create your own personal parenting style.  I would love to hear any of your own thoughts, observations, experiences, etc.  It's truly a fascinating issue to think about! 

images by Stephanie Brubaker

Tolix Kids

A couple of years ago, when we were living in France, I spotted a little red Tolix chair underneath the staircase at Merci.  It was so cute I would've pinched its cheeks, had it cheeks to pinch.  I'm not sure there is anything more precious than a pint-size Tolix chair!  I toyed with the idea of figuring out how to bring a few home, as there was no need/room for them at La Maisonnette; but quickly wisened up once I started thinking through the logistics for a few seconds (this was definitely another I-wish-I-had-access-to-a-container moments). 

Aaah, but I have some good news for fellow Tolix fans!  I just noticed that Chicago-based Antiquaire is now carrying the entire Tolix Kids line, well beyond the red chair.  I'm dying over every little thing and now know what my daydreams will be made of for the next little while...

images via Antiquaire and Tolix

A Darling Children's Book about Paris

My preschool-aged daughter chose this book for her bedtime read last week and I was reminded how much I love this little book for its gorgeous illustrations of Paris and for the sweet storyline.  Set in the City of Lights about a hundred years ago, we follow a girl named Adèle and her little brother Simon as they try to make their way home after school.  The siblings stop at many famous Parisian landmarks along the way, weaving a beautiful path through the city.  While not a vintage book, it certainly has that feel, and is a darling read for little boys and girls--especially one who dreams of Paris like my kids do.

Also, happy to report that Adèle and Simon is on sale now too...ten bucks for an award-winning hardcover is not too shabby!  I should probably stock up on a few for birthday gifts myself...

Have a great weekend!




images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo