natalie's sentiments

6 years old

2012-01-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

Happy 6th Birthday Liddy Jane

I've found it! The Key to Staying Sane As a Stay At Home Mother!

2012-01-26T00:03:00.001-05:00

I've discovered something pretty amazing. The key to staying sane as a stay at home mother. I've been testing this two part technique out for a year now and I'm pretty sure it's a winner.

Part one:

SUPERMOM DAY

"Oh my, I wasn't expecting company! Please, have one of my famous sugar cookies just out of the oven! Would you like to stay for beef bourgogne?"

******

The Supermom day is a happening that can't be planned. It happens organically. You just have to be ready for it. You wake up one day and just feel good. You feel motivated. You feel rested. On a morning like that, you decide then and there that this will be a Supermom day and you make it happen. You get up and get dressed in clothes that are a combination of, "I'm a mom so I'm comfy, but it's a Supermom day, so I look awesome too". Make-up is required. Then you get to work. You tap into that extra energy as long as it lasts. I have a list of Supermom Day chores that just wait for these days. Organize the pantry, clean the baseboards, clean the light fixtures. I might organize the toys with the kids, tickling and playing while we clean. Also, I do a lot of baking and cooking on Supermom days. Almost always, I make cookies or muffins with the kids and a big pot of homemade soup. (Made this soup on a recent Supermom day.) During the whole day I try to include them and play as much as I can. The key to a Supermom day is being able to realize when you have the right attitude and energy to have one, and then to make it last all day. I can't tell you how much I get done on these days. Usually Shane comes home to a spotless home with a beautiful dinner and very happy kids.

Of course, the caveat is that you will be totally and utterly exhausted at the end of the day and you will probably be asleep at 9pm. So your husband won't be getting any action that night. I said Supermom day, not Superwife day.

Supermom days should not be attempted too often. I have one about twice a month. Of course, I'm doing a lot of these things on every other day of my life, but Supermom days are special. They are a positive day of exhaustive constant work to catch up on all of the things that you just can't get to on normal days. At the end of the day I feel happy and satisfied.

Part 2:

THE "I NO WORK TODAY" DAY

"What do you mean? I am dressed for the day."

The "I no work today" day is crucial to a stay at home mother's sanity. See, stay at home moms don't get Saturdays in the conventional sense. Remember how when you worked and Saturday was a day that was different from every other day? A break from the routine? Maybe even a day to yourself? Well, that isn't the case for stay at home moms. Everyday is the same. Everyday you make 3 meals, wipe bums, clean up toys, wash dishes, deal with tantrums.....every single day of your existence. And of course its wonderful. But sometimes you just need to rest. Every once in a while you have to have a "Saturday" when your day focuses on something other than the routine.

This is when you have a ""I no work today" day. You don't plan it. It just happens. You wake up and feel crappy. You are tired, unmotivated or on your period. What you want is a day off. The "I no work today" day is the closest you are going to get. First of all, to really be a "I no work today" day, you must announce it to your family.

And you have to do it in an old Chinese lady accent.

"Hey! I no work today!"

It's the only way it's official. I don't know why, but that's how it works. I don't question.

Now the key to a "I no work today" day is make a goal to do no more than is totally essential. Normally if you just laid around, you would see it as a failure of a day. But making a it a goal to do so? Well then you have set yourself up for success. My my, what a wonderfully successful day of unwinding. Getting dressed? Who needs it? Breakfast? Emergency pop tarts of course! Spending time with the kids? Well, I'll be reading on the couch, so you guys enjoy some serious cartoon time. Lunch...the gas station has a drive thru! Diet coke for me, corn dogs, popcorn and slurpees for the kids! Dinner? Well, luckily I froze some soup from my last Supermom day, so I will drop that in a pot.

Usually I will make myself spend 30 minutes quickly cleaning up before Shane gets home so that he will be able to walk through the door without breaking his leg. (I always let him know when a "I no work today" day is in the works.) He comes home to a lack luster dinner, messy home and very happy kids. They LOVE an occasional day of TV and junk food. At the end of the day I feel happy and rested. So rested, I'm usually able to be a very good wife later on.

For me, "I no work today" days usually happen about twice a month. You can also claim several weeks of "I no work today" days during your first trimester of pregnancy, your 9th month of pregnancy and any time when you had nights dealing with colic or puke. Click here for a recent post from a "I no work today" day.

It seems simple, but adding these two days into your routine just might save you. Try it out and let me know if it works for you too...

By the way.... "I NO WORK TODAY!"

*********

Don't forget to link up your favorite post from last year to win a very fun surprise package.

Remember, the winner is chosen randomly, so pick anything you like!

Also, a few more days to enter to win some Minted valentines! (low entries)

Best of the Year Blog Link-Up Party and (very very cool surprise) Giveaway!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.023-05:00

Ooo, I have a fun little treat for you. For the last few months I've been looking for unique trinkets to put together for a giveaway. The package has turned out quite darling I must say. Just some pretties I think every woman would like....some tasty treats, a pair of homemade earrings, a gift from Etsy, something vintage, one treat from Hobby Lobby, one lovely from Nordstrom. Perhaps something to read by the fire. It would be the perfect mid-winter surprise. I'm sure you will find some yellow in there as well. But I figured you would assume that. :)

Usually you just have to leave a comment to enter to win a giveaway, but this time I thought I would make it a bit more fun.

I want you to think about all the posts you wrote in the last year and pick your favorite. It can be anything from a great photo, outfit, vlog, recipe, craft idea or just talking about your day. Link them up to this post and leave a comment. Of those links, I will feature my favorite five here on natalie's sentiments, along with a little write up about you. The winner of the giveaway will be randomly selected from all the links.

You can enter up to 3 links if you can't decide on your favorite, but you will only have one entry to win the surprise giveaway.

I'll start by linking up my favorite post from 2011 first. (Though "My Fifty Year Old Self" is my favorite "wordy" post.)

I'll pick my five favorite on February 6th. Good luck! I can't wait to see what your year was like.

(Don't forget to enter to win some cute Minted Valentines while you're at it. )

Minted Classroom Valentine Giveaway - Two winners

2012-01-21T00:00:00.005-05:00

Minted came out with classroom Valentine's cards! YAY! They are just so stinking cute I just spent the last hour trying to pick my favorite.

Of course, I was supposed to be doing a movie and take out with my husband right now (Friday night 9:00PM), but he got called into work with an emergency, so instead I'm watching a chick flick and writing up a giveaway. My loss is your gain!

Some of my top picks:

Our Friendship Grows

And look at all the darling backer options

Alien Classroom

And the backers.

Chatter Boy

Of course my favorite is the yellow, you make me smile

So cute!

Two lucky natalie's sentiments will be receiving 25 Classroom Valentines!

Oh yeah. For once you will be the mom who sends the coolest thing to the class party.

(I'm never that mom by the way. Ok. I was once.)

To enter:

Head over to Minted and them come back here and tell me which classroom valentines you like best.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on January 30th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Holly Marie Jewelry

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

I so wanted to showcase Holly Marie Jewelry early last November, but by that time they were totally booked with Christmas orders. I thought I would share some of their lovelies now for those of you looking for a Valentines or Mother's Day gift. It would be just the thing to go in together on with your siblings for a very deserving mom. (I know it's early, but again, the slots to create a one of a kind piece fill up fast!)

For my 10 anniversary this year I wanted a souvenir. But I had a particular idea for this item. I wanted an heirloom. Something that would last for years. See, as I thought about the 10 years of marriage I was celebrating, I kept having the same thought. More than anything, I wanted my daughter to have the same joy in marriage that I have. I wanted her to remember the love she witnessed as a child, and not to settle for anything less. I wanted to give her something, when she went out into the world, to remind her of this. To wait until she finds what she wants.

When I saw the Holly Marie Petal Ring, I knew right away it was what I wanted. With a vintage, rustic feel, I knew this jewelry would stand the test of time. I picked out a photo from my wedding day I loved and sent it to Holly. Soon after I received this gorgeous ring. It's perfect. Light enough for me to wear every day, beautiful enough to receive compliments on it just as often. Classic enough that one day when I give it to my daughter, it will be just as lovely. It's stunning.

Holly crafts each piece of her jewelry by hand. She uses precious metals – primarily sterling & 18k gold layered sterling – mixing it with crystals, leather, & gemstones. Precious photos are permanently sealed and metal marked with whimsical personalized inscriptions of names, words & poetry. Each piece a commissioned work of art unique to the wearer. They are waterproof to showers and rain. (Not chlorinated pools.)

Holly Marie Jewelry has beautiful necklaces and bracelets as well. I have my eye on the Heart of Gold necklace for Valentine's day this year. And for my next baby, I think I may just have to ask Shane for the Bohemian bracelet.

If you are looking for a breathtaking gift to last for generations, make sure to check out the rest of the wares over at Holly Marie Jewelry.

Yellow and Gray Lovelies

2012-01-16T00:00:00.003-05:00

Some more yellow and gray to delight and enthrall....

(make sure to look at this post on my actual blog. It matches my background!)

You can't fault me for including my little boy.

I mean, his middle name is Grey for goodness sake.

Happy Bleak Mid-Winter. May your gray days be golden.

Leave a comment below and I'll enter you to win some yellow and gray earrings, compliments of me. I'll announce the winner next week.

Cause January is a great time for a little sunny pick me up, don't you think?

Couch to 5K, New Years Resolutions and decorating indecisions.

2012-01-12T00:00:00.003-05:00

Remember that Couch to 5K goal? Well, I know that I should be done with that by now, but I hit a little hiccup. I really thought that I would be able to keep running the week we moved. However, I wasn't anticipating catching a nasty little cold. Along with Shane. Does anyone know what happens when you get sick and you aren't able to rest at all? Well, you stay sick. During the entire pack, move out, unpack two weeks, Shane and I were sick and I didn't run once.

By the time I felt better I was itching to hit the treadmill. The first time back I thought it was going to be awful, but the most amazing thing happened. I was running! Like, I didn't feel the need to stop and walk. I just keep running and it felt amazing. I ran longer than I ever have in my entire life.

The next day I felt so good, I went to a Zumba class.

The day after that I woke up to a pulled groin and I had thrown out my shoulder. Sweet.

I had to put the running on hold for a couple weeks. By then it was Christmas and I was on vacation. My only exercise was lifting snacks to my face while playing cards.

I did take the kids hiking around my parents home, so that's something right??

Anyway. I decided to start again at week four. This will be a gentler transition back hopefully.

I want to run a 5K this summer. That's goal number one.

My other new year's goal for the year is pretty simple. Actually, that is my new year's goal.

Simplify.

I have a master list of things that I want to get done everyday:

Pray.
Read my scriptures.
Spend quality one on one time with each child.
Kiss and talk with Shane.
Make healthy meals.
Exercise.

There are lots of other nice things in my life I want to spend time on too, but these are essentials. I have noticed that when any of these things fall by the wayside, I start feeling like a failure. That is a horrible feeling that I would really like to shake. If I can get these things taken care of, I know that all the other necessary obligations will be easier for me to do. I sure feel better about cleaning when I know I've spent time with my kids. I don't mind blogging for a bit at night when I've spend time with Shane. I don't feel quite so alone when I have prayed for help each morning. Exercise makes everything better. (You can find this cute simplify sign here.)

So those are my two goals for 2012. Run and Simplify. I have lots of small goals in place to make those two goals manageable.

One thing I'm starting to do to add a little healthy is making green smoothies for breakfast.

Thanks to Santa (i.e. my Dad), I've sent my crap blender to the shelves of Goodwill and I'm reigning in the pure power of the Blendtec.

Wow. This thing is a beast! Love it!!! I can't believe how well it works.

The best green smoothie recipe I've found is my friend Melanie's. If you haven't tried this on your kids yet, you're missing out. Tastes wonderful and you don't notice the greens at all.

We also canceled our cable. It was mostly a financial decision to offset the higher energy bills in this bigger home. But bonus, the kids now love to go to the gym daycare to watch the Disney Channel

and I don't mind the treadmill TV either. Seriously, watching Toddlers and Tiaras makes me feel so much better about my parenting.

In other news...

I've taken down Christmas and just left out "Winter" decor.

Though, I never take down Christmas cards until January is over. They just make me happy whenever I see them. (I took the photos in a few of these cards. Look whose figuring out how to use her camera!)

Our home is almost totally unpacked and we've started painting. I still have no idea what to do on this mantle. I know it needs a big statement piece, but I'm not sure what.

(Love the bird plate mom!)

Then immediately after taking that photo I changed my mind and put the winter stuff on the hutch.

So then I stuck up some painted canvases and a piece from Modern Bird Studios. Maybe a trifle too "loftish" for this particular fireplace, but it will work for the week. I already have a Valentine themed display in mind....

And here's what the kids were doing while I was taking that mantle photo.

Tug of war with the sash to my robe.

I was wearing said robe at 3pm. My kids were still in jammies.

Getting dressed everyday is not an necessity. Simplify People.

******

P.S. Thank you for all your wonderful comments on my last post! They were fabulous!

"No wait! I'm just like you!" (Alternate title, "Come on kids, let's go to court!")

2012-01-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

Just reading through my journal and I decided this entry needed to be shared. I'm thankful I experienced it, and that it's over. Enjoy. I promise, it will make you feel better about today. I know it did me. Happy New Year.

June 22nd, 2009

Yesterday was my first outing with one month old Collin. I wish I could say it was to a Le Leche League meeting or Mommy and me outing. No, it was to court. I got that ticket for an expired registration on my way back from the hospital last month. (Worst day ever. Until today.) Well, Shane was called out on town on with a work emergency, so I had no choice but to go to court myself. With registration infractions, there is no option just to pay a fine. You have to be in court. Court started at 8. To drop the kids off somewhere would have been waking up a friend at 6. And Collin doesn't take a bottle.

So there I was. One month after my c-section (and yes, my incision is still infected), dragging my 3 year old and 1 month old out the door at 6:30 am to get to court on time. Getting dressed was a minor exercise in humiliation. I stood in my closet for 20 minutes, trying to figure out anything that I could possibly fit into that would be "court appropriate". I finally discovered a pair of khakis that I dubbed my "fat pants" after Lydia was born. I grabbed flip-flops and a black v-neck that was stretched out enough at the neckline to allow for easy nursing. I pulled my greasy hair into a knot, grabbed some earrings and called it good. My mistake was looking into the mirror. Everything about me is "swollen". My breasts, my ankles, the bags under my eyes. My body looks like I should have a black line superimposed over my face as they show me on the news as being an example of the rise of American obesity. I am hideous.

It's June, but it feels like August. We had to park several blocks from the courthouse and 2 minutes after leaving the car all three of us were dripping. Poor little Collin. The extra pain medication I took was doing nothing to stop the searing pain radiating through my abdomen. I'm not supposed to be out of bed. I'm definitely not supposed to be rushing down the sidewalk with a double jogging stroller. By the time we reached the courthouse entrance, I was hiding my tears with my oversized sunglasses. My tears continued when I saw a sign across the door stating "Entrance Closed".

I called the info line listed on my ticket to find out where I needed to go. I knew I was not going to be happy the moment I heard that bored southern drawl of a bitter women who hates her job and most likely was left by her husband for a striper.

"Ma'am. (Long annoyed pause). That entrance has been closed for a year. You have to enter through the parking garage."

"Where is the parking garage? Can I walk there? This is the address it gave me on my ticket."

Longer annoyed pause.

"No ma'am. Everyone has been entering the garage for over a year. You have to drive."

I look at the clock and start rushing back towards the car. My c-section incision feels like it is about to burst and both kids are crying.

After returning both kids to their seats, gingerly shoving the enormous stroller in the car without straining myself, I finally find the parking garage after circumventing the construction and one way streets. I want a GPS for Christmas. And possibly a minivan. No. I take that back. No minivan.

I pull the stroller back out, unbuckle both kids, buckle them back into the stroller, and ran. Well, I hobbled quickly.

I make it to the security check five minutes before I'm supposed to appear before the judge.

"Miss?"

I look up as I'm piling my baby paraphernalia on the the belt.

"You can't take a stroller into the courthouse"

No. That can't be right. I didn't prepare for this. I'm not supposed to pick up anything over 10 pounds. I have a 8 pound baby and a 15 pound diaper bag. My diaper bag isn't big enough to carry everything I have. It's spilled it's contents into the bottom of the stroller. I don't even have my baby sling.

"Is there anyway? I just had a baby and he's asleep in the stroller. I'm not supposed to carry him for more than a few minutes."

"Sorry, no."

He was a nice enough guy, but I kind of wanted to punch him in the face.

I picked up Collin, dumped out everything from my diaper bag except the bare necessities, grabbed Lydia's hand and took two steps. I thought I was going to pass out. I kept going because there was really nothing else to do.

I made it to the courtroom 5 minutes late.

The bailiff stopped me at the door.

"I know, I'm late, I'm so sorry!"

"No. That's not the problem. You can't take children into the courtroom."

This time I just stared. For an uncomfortably long time. I could see in the bailiffs eyes he was scared. He knew I was about to have a total breakdown.

"Ma'am. Just go sit over on that bench. I will come and get you when it's your turn. I will try and get you to the top of the list. We'll figure out what to do then. You probably will still have about 15 minutes."

I just about kissed him. Then I started to cry again when I realized he was being nice to me because I was pathetic.

I walked to the bench and decided to nurse Collin. I kept talking to Lydia about what was going on around her.

Did I mention that I told her we were on a field trip to the court? She was having a blast.

I was in mid-sentence of explaining to her what the judge does when I saw something incredible.

I saw me.

No, not in a mirror or reflection. I saw me, 5 years ago.

Five years ago I was working for a law firm. Shane and I had been married for a couple years. I was in fantastic shape and a great place in my career. Every Friday I donned my black suit, heels and pearl earrings to head to court. I meet with clients and defendants, assisted the attorney in the court room. I loved it. I felt successful, attractive and in control of my life.

There I was. Only 5 years before. A woman in the same place in her life as I had been. Same suit, same heals, same pearl earrings. And then she turned and looked at me.

I could see the look. I knew it because I had given it. She was wondering behind those smokey eyes, how does a women get to this point? Dripping in children and breast milk. What is she wearing? How hard is it to take a shower and get yourself ready for the day? She probably thinks of nothing but Elmo and coupons.

I wanted to scream at her. No! I'm just like you. Really! Underneath this extra 30 pounds and unhighlighted hair and disgusting clothes with snot and spit up. I can be pretty! Just not right now. I have style. I just can't fit into anything except sweats and this handmade nursing blanket. I am interesting! But not since the baby was born and my mind is mush and I couldn't remember the word for "Walnut" yesterday. I am successful! Though wait. I have given up any semblance of a career.

Her gaze wandered lazily away and the bailiff appeared, looking embarrassed. I noticed then that my nursing pad had worked it's way out of my bra and was attached to my neck.

The judge allowed Lydia to sit with all the bailiffs while I spoke to him. If I hadn't been in total humiliation of standing in front of dozens of people in my current state, I might have thought it was cute. There she was, all smiles as she sat surrounded by ten men in uniform. To her, this was the best field trip ever.

The judge looked at me and started laughing. Collin responded by shooting spit up down my back.

Loudly for the entire court to hear he chuckled, "You know. Technically I can send you to the work yard for a few days for an expired registration. Do you think I should send her to the work yard?"

I glanced at the court full of people waiting to be seen. They did not look happy. In fact, they looked really annoyed.

"I'd rather just pay a fine if it's all the same"

"Do you have proof of a renewed registration?"

"Yes."

"Then you can go. But next time its the work yard."

Somehow I managed a smile and by the look the judge gave me, I knew without a doubt, he was a grandfather.

Lydia was hungry so I let her pick out a drink and a snack out of the vending machines.

She took a photo with a policeman.

She said it was the best day ever.

Then she had to go potty.

I thought I had experienced low points in my life. But this topped them all.

There were no women anywhere to help me. There was no stroller to put my newborn. Lydia was too small for the toilets. She had to be held up so she didn't fall in. Kids weren't allowed in the courtroom so there was no changing table to strap Collin in.

There I was. My new baby laying on my diaper bag next to the toilet. I was crouched with my knee supporting him so he didn't fall off, and both arms holding Lydia as she did her business. My pants were too tight for that position. I had to unzip them. The stall was so shallow, half my butt was hanging out below the door. I was in some of the most excruciating pain I can imagine, trying to smile as Lydia retold the days exciting events. I prayed, please don't let the "me from 5 years ago" walk in.

Oh my. What have I become?

However, as I drove home, I felt such relief I found myself smiling. I did it. If I could be a mom of two on this day, I could totally hack it.

My thoughts strayed to the woman I had seen. I wondered if I could ever be her again.

Probably not. I could be attractive again. I will have my mind back most likely. I guess I could have a career at some point. Though that sounds so exhausting at the moment I won't even dwell.

But I will always be different. There is a world you pass into when you have kids. A world you cannot understand beforehand. I don't care how much you've babysat or how many nieces and nephew you have.

All the opinions you had of life after kids are merely misunderstood perceptions. Having children changes you in ways you can't control. The way I used to think about young mothers was wrong. I just couldn't see it because they were literally in a different dimension from me.

Still. I want to be that way again. I want to be me, just with children. I want to have style and hobbies and sex and normalcy.

I instinctively reached up to pull a stray piece of greasy hair from my face and I noticed something. The earrings I had chosen to wear in my exhausted 5:45 Am stupor.

Pearls.

Hum. Maybe, be it ever so slowly, I'm already on my way back.

*****

2012-01-01T00:30:00.029-05:00

2012. The last year. You know, cause the world is supposed to end on December 23rd, 2012.

I'm kind of doubting that personally, but what do I know. I did take a Mayan Studies course my senior year of college and they seemed pretty smart. Except for that whole human sacrifice thing.

That was a little creepy.

Any who, Happy New Year!

Someday I will get around to making some resolutions, but right now I'm still on vaca and I'm eating chocolate, watching TV and drinking soda. Cause that's what New Years Day is all about.

My pants are tighter this week than they were two weeks ago. Yours too?

Our Winter Wonderland

2011-12-29T17:00:00.001-05:00

Pin It

We spent Christmas weekend in Spokane with my family. I was pretty bummed to see no snow anywhere in the forecast. Even so, the frost was beautiful.

To our great joy, a surprise snow storm hit on Christmas eve.

It was a spectacular white Christmas.

The kids were almost as overjoyed as me. Almost.

Mommy! My hands are cold!

That's better.

And yummy!

Ice skating on the frozen "pond"

Christmas Sunday and a pretty new coat from grandma.

My handsome men.

Nothing quite as sweet as a white Christmas.

Hope yours was wonderful too.

(See more of our Christmas here, here and here.)

At this most wonderful time of the year...

2011-12-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

photos by moments that count

Prepare the night before - Christmas Breakfast

2011-12-21T00:00:00.002-05:00

Holiday dinners are always daunting and stressful for me. Holiday breakfasts on the other hand are my favorite. Probably since they are so easy. Just a few minutes of prep time the night before, pop some food in the oven while the kids rush the tree and you can have a delicious breakfast or brunch ready for after the gifts are opened. Since I didn't make Thanksgiving dinner this year and we went out, I made my usual Christmas brunch that morning:

On the menu:

Hot Chocolate with whipped cream, sprinkled with cinnamon
I use the Starbucks brand because it's just so yummy. Put the milk in the crockpot on high and everyone can make their own. Use the spray can whipping cream for convenience. Whipped cream that sits over night isn't the best. Crockpot Wassail would be great too and adds a great Christmas smell to the air.

Fruit
Usually we have a clementine in our stockings, but some thing else to add just a hint of healthy is refreshing. I like using a couple melon halves as bowl. Get persimmons if you can find them. My kids call them Per-cinnamons since they taste (and look) like they have been sprinkled with cinnamon.

Christmas Morning Casserole

A co-worker gave me this recipe shortly after I moved to the South. I was served it many times while I lived there. So easy, very filling and everyone likes it. You prepare the entire dish the night before. I think this is the same dish that the chick in the Family Stone spills all over the kitchen floor. Minus the mushrooms.

9 eggs

1 pound grated cheddar

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked drained and crumbled

3 cups milk

1 tsp salt

6 slices of white bread (crusts removed and cut into cubes. I like Grandma Sycamore Bread)

1 1/2 tsp dry mustard

Mix eggs. milk, salt and mustard. Stir in other ingredients and pout into 9x13 baking dish or 3 quart casserole dish. Refrigerate over night. Bake one hour at 325 degrees. Let set 5 minutes before serving.

******

Cinnamon Rolls or Sticky buns.
Ina Garten has a really great recipe using puff pastry for sticky buns. I like to make them the night before and pop them in the oven the next morning. Though I recommend lowering the temperature to 350 and checking them after 20 minutes. If you cook them as long and as high as she suggests, they will burn. Oh, and only use 1/2 cup of butter instead of 2/3.

(Honestly though, I think the Rhodes Roll Cinnamon rolls you can get in the freezer section are awesome. We had them last Christmas and they were a hit. Just get up a little before everyone else to sit them on the pan to raise.)

Another fantastic idea is Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Phemomenon gives a great tutorial on how to make this super easy breakfast treat.

If you want something more special than cinnamon rolls, I always recommend Mace Bundt cake. We've made it twice already this season. Just as good for brunch as for dessert.

********

Any other Christmas breakfast traditions out there? Growing up, we always found one of those mini cereal boxes in our stockings.

Signs of a very simple Christmas

2011-12-19T00:02:00.020-05:00

Christmas is a big deal at our house. Tons of decorations. We have hundreds of ornaments. Really. Hundreds.

Who the crap knows where all that stuff is. I opened the one Christmas box I could get to in the garage and decorated with whatever was in it. This house will be amazing all decked out. This year we just worked with one box. You can see our sad tiny little tree in our home pics.

That's okay. I seriously needed a break.

Taking Christmas down this year will take 30 minutes instead of an entire day.

Though I do wish I would have been able to find the nativity scene.

Someday I'll make this mantel a Christmas masterpiece.

But this year we will have to make due with sticks and ornaments.

Directions here.

And a couple pretty topiaries.

Paper mache meets snowman. Totally bril. Wish I could take credit.

Directions on how to make one of your own here.

No tree topper to be found, I made due.

I did get us a new ornament this year. Something to remind me of my two babies.

I love Tai Pan. This was like $3.

Our first Christmas together will remain forever in my memory as one of the most romantic times of my life. I want to have this photo out every Christmas. Instructions on how to make a wrapping paper frame here.

This Christmas has been pretty romantic too.

Since we've moved we're trying to pair down the clutter.

However, to my utter shock I realized we didn't have a clementine holder!

No clementine holder?? What on earth would the neighbors say! I rushed right out and found one from Anchor Hocking. That was a close one.

(I actually got this in a Christmas gift exchange with some girl friends. Love it.)

Christmas is less than a week away. Time to watch The Holiday, bake cookies, pull out the guitar to

sing carols, drive to see lights and hold my family close together. The best week of the year is here. Enjoy it.

Modest Holiday Wares

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

I wore the most incredible dress to Shane's work party last week. Sadly the only photo we got was a snap of at the table. Maybe I'll have a reason to wear it again and I will get a shot.

So hard to find great modest dresses with sleeves. But I'm seeing it more and more lately. Yay!

Leave it to Alive and Olive to make the perfect sparkle dress.

If I could get this in gray, would it be too much for the opera? Cause I'm in love. Just imagine it with a yellow belt and yellow heals. From Fancy NY

How about this little lovely? Sure it costs more than my car, but I really think I need to pull out all the stops this New Years Eve party. Either this dress or jeans and a hoodie. Not sure yet. From Eli Saab

Don't tell Shane, but this Shabby Apple number should be arriving at my house any day now. I wanted something extra pretty for our romantic Christmas date we have next week. Isn't winter white dreamy?

I think I need a spray tan.

Hope you have big plans for celebrating this year!

Make sure at least one event includes some dressing up!

photo source

New Tradition - Gingerbread Playdough

2011-12-15T00:00:00.005-05:00

Usually this time of year I spend a lot of my evenings looking at all the the amazing holiday ideas out in the Blogosphere. However, the last three weeks have been overloaded with packing, cleaning, moving and unpacking. We even had our first guests come to stay with us last weekend. The only Christmas blogging I've kept up with is Sweet Paul and My Sister's Suitcase. I'm just glad I had my gifts done last month or I would be so behind. It's going to be a low key Christmas season this year.

I did come across one idea I wanted to try with my kids during these cold days. Sugerbella posted about Gingerbread Playdough and it looked perfect. My kids love playdough, especially when I sit down with them to play. The dough isn't edible, but it smells amazing and works great. I think we will make this a new tradition. Very Christmasy.
Some of my humble efforts to entertain the children:

Collin requested a Santa. He thought the mustache looked like two birds kissing.

Lydia wanted a surprise, so I told her I would make my favorite things in the world.

I think I did a pretty good job on Collin's curly hair. :)

Sweetbella shows how to make them into gifts. I'm not that motivated. Maybe next year....

House Pics

2011-12-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Finally! We're settled into our new house and life is gaining a little normalcy. We're having so much fun! Shopping for furniture, figuring out paint colors.

Who knew how great a date night at Home Depot could be.

Now remember we are just starting to decorate the house and make it the way we want it. Someday these will be the "before pics". But it gives you an idea. Love any advice you have. I'm not a designer by any stretch.

Main Floor.

Shane is planning on adding a lot of trim to this space and we will be painting soon. We are also shopping for living room furniture but haven't found just what we want.

It's a little bare right now as you can see. That huge built in mirror is a little intense. Looking at mantel decor ideas.

The kitchen looks into the living room though a pass though. Gives it a nice open feel.

And it really is this clean ALL the time.

Or at least until 7:30AM.

I really like the kitchen, though it needs to be updated with granite. We bought a new stainless steel fridge and eventually will match the rest of the appliances.

A couple yellow pops.

I won't tell you how huge that pantry is.

Well, okay I will.

It's gynormous. :)

I found a black hutch at a vintage furniture store that was just the right match for our tiny table.

We've since replaced the stainless hardware on the hutch with black.

Off of the living room is the study. Lydia calls it the library.

It's my favorite room in the house.

We always knew we wanted a study with a masculine, dark wood look. I wanted a place to showcase my Pendleton blankets, and I thought they looked kind of cool on the bookcases.

Now what color should the walls be?

The other side of the study. Love this little desk. Just bought it last week. Merry Christmas to me!

So there's the main floor. I'll post photos of the upstairs when we finish unpacking.

So sometime in the Spring. :)

I really love this house.

One sitting gifts

2011-12-10T18:16:00.001-05:00

Once on an Episode of Barefoot Contessa, Ina talked about her friend's gift giving policy. For the holidays they give a gift that can be enjoyed in one sitting. Something to eat or something like theater tickets. A gift to enjoy, but not to hang around. Now, granted, these nice folks live in the Hamptons and they probably don't need a whole lot. But now that I just finished moving, something to enjoy and then it be gone sounds kind of nice.

Some of my favorite one sitting gifts:

Massage Gift Certificate.

Facial would be nice too.

Or mani pedi.

Okay, any spa gift certificate would be great.

Movie Tickets.

Love the bargain you can get on Regal Tickets at Costco.

These are great since so many people go to the movies on Christmas anyway.

Car Wash Gift Cards.

Cars are gross in the winter! Buy a $25 car wash card and you'll be giving a clean car for the season.

Perfect if you have a guy to buy for.

Gift Baskets.

These are more than one sitting obviously, but they are perfect for this time of year.

Last Christmas I just couldn't bring myself to give my Grandma yet another bath set, so I sent her a basket from Gourmetgiftbaskets.com. She LOVED it. I won best grandchild of the year I'm pretty sure. She said she was able to share it with everyone who came to visit her. This year I'm giving her the Christmas Gift Basket Classic. (Don't tell her please) Everything in it looks so fancy :) The Christmas Gift Basket Deluxe would be awesome to treat an entire family.

Hot Air Ballon Ride.

Okay, this is a little extravagant, but totally worth it. My mom took me on one for my 21st birthday and it was a blast. Take a camera and make some wonderful memories.

Day after Christmas Freezer Meal.

Christmas is wonderful, but by the end of it, I'm pretty wasted. (Tired, not drunk.) Imagine receiving a full handmade meal, ready for the freezer with a tag saying "to enjoy on December 26th, or whenever you need a break from the kitchen". This would be a great gift if you want to stock your own freezer at the same time. Spend a weekend in the kitchen and get all your gift done.

This would also work with frozen cookie dough, especially for busy moms.

Ticket to a cooking class.

I love this idea as a great best friend gift. What a fun way to enjoy each other, learn something new and eat! That sounds about perfect to me.

Do you have any good one sitting gift ideas?

Eek! Are we really just two weeks from Christmas???

Photos via pinterest

Christmas gift idea....boudoir shoot

2011-12-08T00:00:00.007-05:00

Thanks for those of you on facebook who encouraged my anniversary "bourdoir shoot". It was really fun. I highly recommend it for a cool and unexpected gift for your honey. To give in private of course. Maybe Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. I decided I wanted to keep my photos photos PG-13 so there wouldn't be any traumatizing of my children in case they got ahold of them. But they won't. They are nice and locked up. The photos, not the kids.

Good advice I followed:

Wear something that you feel really sexy in. Not something you think you should feel sexy in.
Highlight your best features.
Pick the time of day where the light will be best inside. I shot in my bedroom and afternoon was perfect for our exposure.
Heavy eye make up is good. Heavy face make up is not. I liked seeing the small lines and freckles on my face and opted not to airbrush them out. Real is sexiest.
Tousled hair is better than perfectly styled.

A great article on how to get the most from your shoot can be found over at Wedding Bee.

You really couldn't pay me enough to post any of the full photos. (Again, for Shane's eyes only!) But here are a few close ups.

Who knew I was such a fox!

(As I type this I'm in sweats with my hair in a scrunchy. HOT.)

Have you ever done a boudoir shoot? Would you be up to it?

****

Speaking of great Christmas gifts, anyone else totally in love with the She and Him Christmas Album?

My tummy hurts from laughing

2011-12-06T16:03:00.001-05:00

So this week has kind of blown. Moving in general is awful, but Shane and I had the incredible luck to both get sick. That has been unpleasant. At least the kids avoided it.

But on the bright side, the internets are streaming into our new home and I have hulu to keep me company while I try to figure out where to store all our crap.

I also have 300 new emails to attend to.

My BIL Rusty sent me this link today, and maybe it's the fact I'm drunk on DayQuil, but I laughed until I almost peed. Especially the "Mormon" part. Enjoy.

Stocking 101

2011-12-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

Since we have just bought a new home and have gads of expenses, Shane and I are just doing stockings for each other this year. I'm totally good with that. For me, the stocking is the penultimate Christmas morning experience. I probably feel that way since my mom was totally fantastic with her stocking stuffing. It's hard to measure up, but I try.

LOVE this post from Modern Eve listing the 7 items all stocking should contain. Genius. To quote:

Something practical: a to do list pad, a Starbucks gift card, stamps or gum.
A personal care item: Lip gloss, Oral B Brush Ups, cute bandaids or tweezers.
Their favorite movie theater candy: Haribo gummy bears, Milk Duds or Twizzlers.
A new favorite food/candy: Chili infused chocolates, a bacon bar or flavored peanuts.
A fun twist on something they need: Flashy socks, sexy underwear, collar stays or Goody spin pins.
Something related to a hobby: A craft punch, a new spice, ear plugs for hunting or golf tees.
A toy/game: A deck of cards, a sudoku book, an IQ test or TableTopics To Go.

Any good suggestions or stocking traditions you have to recommend?

Winners!

The winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway is Stacey B.

The winner of the Baby's Bundle Giveaway is erika.

Congrats ladies! Leave a comment on this post and email me and I will get you your prizes!

New House!

2011-11-29T04:45:00.003-05:00

We bought a new house this week! SO excited! After touring over 70 houses in person over the last 8 months, I walked into this one, called Shane and said I found our new home. I found it the day after it listed, and there were a few offers on it already, but in the end, we got it. {sinister laugh here} We picked up the keys last night and started moving in. I only got a few pics, but I'm sure there will be lots more in the coming months.

It isn't perfect. The kitchen needs to be upgraded, the backyard needs some attention and there is an extreme lack of crown molding and color - but all can be fixed. And Shane is chomping at the bit to get to all his new projects. The floor plan is great. Lots of closet space. Lots of light. Great neighborhood. And there is the most amazing playroom. A lot better than what we are using now :) Imagine, not having toys in the living room.

Of course there is the issue that Shane and I will be sharing a closet for the first time in 8 years. I'm worried about that. We're both clothes addicts. But Shane gets his shirts pressed and has them organized in color. His shoes are lined up military fashion. My closet looks like the hours after a Filene's Basement Wedding Dress sale. Only a lot more yellow.

But all those little things aside, we have a new house! Now, any suggestions on design blogs? Cause I need help.

These aren't the best, but I only had my camera phone at night.

YAY! I'm going to paint everything yellow!

(Just kidding)

Mom - Click on the photos to make them bigger.

WINNERS!

Winner of the Minted Journal is Elle Sees.

Winner of the Petunia Blooms giveaway is Jessica.

Winner of the Sound + Sleep Therapy System is Lesli.

NEW winner of the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 is Jennae.

Congrats! Leave a comment here, then email me and I will get you your prizes!

Don't forget to enter to win the Baby's Bundle Giveaway and the Shabby Apple giveaway!

(Petunia Blooms finally got some more of the yo-yo hair clips in stock! FYI)

Minted Cyber Monday Alert! And Flash giveaway!!!

2011-11-27T00:00:00.007-05:00

I finally got my photos back from the photographer and am working on ordering my holiday cards from Minted. Just found out that Minted is having a fantastic Cyber Monday deal!:

Minted will be offering free backers + shipping on all holiday cards for the entire day—an amazing deal!

They will also randomly pick one holiday card order per hour and make it free for that customer – to qualify, a customer must place a holiday card order on 11/28.

They will also randomly pick one holiday card order per hour and buy a classroom’s worth of children new Minted notebooks for that customer – to qualify for this, a customer must place a holiday card order on 11/28 and post a link to the:

http://www.minted.com/holiday-photo-cards page on your Facebook wall.

WOW! Get those Thanksgiving photos uploaded and get your cards ordered on Monday!

Some of the versions I'm playing around with:

(They will look a little strange since they haven't been finalized yet. A designer does that.)

Citrus Snowflake Holiday cards

Float + Cheers to you Holiday cards

Retro Holiday Tree Holiday cards

Etched Holiday Cards

Peace Van photo cards.

Who says you have to have a photo card?

These yellow and gray peace van non photo cards are darling!!!

Need a fast gift? Check out the personalized journals!

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving a free personalized journal from Minted! Ends Monday at Midnight.

To enter: Tell me in a comment below your favorite Christmas tradition, or who you would make this cool journal for. You know there's someone on your list who would love this!

US addresses only please.

Don't forget to enter to win:

$30 gift certificate to The Baby's Bundle

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

$30 to Etsy Shop Petunia Blooms

Sound + Sleep Sound Therapy System Giveaway

Wishing you...

2011-11-24T00:01:00.015-05:00

photos via moments that count photography

The Baby's Bundle Giveaway

2011-11-22T00:00:00.005-05:00

I first discovered The Baby's Bundle back in 2009 when I was preparing for the birth of my second baby. Someone gave me a darling gift that I traced back to this delightful online shop. I then placed another order of my own. The Baby's Bundle is a baby shower mecca. Everything you need to pamper a baby and mom- to-be is at your finger tips. The selection reminds me very much of some of the great baby boutiques you can find in NYC. But here, you don't have to deal with snobby store clerks and the prices are better :)

Some of my favorite items:

Chenille Gift Sets

All wrapped up and ready to go.

You could just ship straight from the site to a friend for Christmas.

Baby Nightgowns.

Can never get too many of these!

Lots of Soft Soled Baby Slippers.

Diaper Cakes

I don't know how I would have the heart to pull this apart!

Diaper and Wipes Carry Bags

Perfect to have on hand for that unexpected baby shower.

Tiffany Collection Hair Clips

Lydia would never take this off.

Pink and Brown Dot Custom Canopy Cover for Bugaboo Cameleon

Minky Blanket Luxury Line

The jewel of the Baby's Bundle gifts, the softest blanket imaginable. It will be the blanket you always reach for.

Now they have them in adult sizes too! This would be the perfect gift for a stylish college girl, or nice mommy blogger....(hint hint)

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving a $30 gift certificate to spend at The Baby's Bundle!

To enter:

Head over to The Baby's Bundle and them come back here and tell me what you love!

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on December 2nd. Good luck!

US addresses only

Shabby Apple Giveaway

2011-11-21T00:12:00.000-05:00

It's time again for a Shabby Apple Giveaway! Shabby Apple has the most stylish and modest women's dresses on the web. This round, Shabby Apple wants to supply one of you something perfect for your holiday vacation. If your plans include a beachy trip, head over to the South Pacific line. (I have the North Shore dress and I love it!) Heading to the desert? Try the Inca Trail line. New York City? (Or a big Christmas party?) I love the Tinsel Town line. Off to Europe? Check out the Roamin Holiday line. Since I'm in the mood for a little European traveling, I decided to pick a dress from that line to giveaway. I have a photo of myself in this same spot in Italy. And if you saw what I was wearing you would shutter. Just think...men's jeans, boots and baggie hoodie. I have since then reformed my ways.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving the Bacciami dress from Shabby Apple!

To enter:

Become a Shabby Apple Facebook Fan and let me know in a comment you've done so.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 30th. Good luck!

US addresses only

A Very Simple Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T00:00:00.006-05:00

I was supposed to have an Etsy giveaway today, but the store owner had to postpone when she suddenly sold out of her entire inventory. Don't you feel bad for her? :) Anyway, it gives me a chance to post a Thanksgiving post. Man, the holidays are almost here!

By the way, if you're new to my blog I don't usually post this often. Only in November. And since Halo Anniversary came out this week, I'm a Halo Widow anyway.

****

So getting back to Thanksgiving. There is a time to really go all out on a Thanksgiving dish. That time is when you're invited to a big dinner and you've been asked to bring one or two items. Then there's the time when easy and simple is the rule, and that's when you are cooking everything yourself. Of the ten years Shane and I have been married, I've made the entire Thanksgiving feast entirely myself probably half the time. That's about 5 years we've had Thanksgiving with just the two of us, or with the kids when they came along. Shane would help if I asked him, but I never do. I just have him keep the kids out of the kitchen. I've learned that when you're cooking that many dishes in one day, you have to keep expectations in check and keep it simple.

We don't have plans to spend Thanksgiving with family this year, so when my Mother-in-law, Mary, decided to come visit last week, I decided we would celebrate a little early. We just picked a random Tuesday, she watched the kids and I cooked. Shane came home from work to a full Thanksgiving feast.

My first suggestion for keeping Thanksgiving easy is using a turkey breast instead of a whole bird. Saves time and room in the fridge. We prefer the white meat anyway. This year I went with a turkey breast roast from costco and it was delicious and moist. (It's bigger than this photo makes it seem. We had leftovers for several days.) I used this Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast recipe from Ina Garten and it was amazing. This won't make gravy, but remember, I'm keeping this easy. Buy the gravy in the jar and add some of the juice thats left in the pan.

Next, roast a veggie. Carrots are one of my favorites since they are always on hand and get sweet and caramelized. And it's so fast. I threw in some fennel in this dish too. You can use Ina's recipe here, but watch the time. I think she cooks them too long.

Yum. Mashed potatoes. No simplifying this dish, (i.e. no freeze dried potatoes).

I like Paula Dean's recipe for this. Though instead of sour cream, I replaced the milk with cream.

BEST Thanksgiving day investment? The Potato Ricer. You will never have lumps in your potatoes again. I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for $20.

Oh, and add lots of extra butter to the top of your hot potatoes.

I always make a Green Bean Casserole for Shane. It's tasty and takes like 2 minutes to prepare. This is the only time I actually prefer a canned veggie.

For the stuffing (which is the best part of Thanksgiving in my opinion), I never use a recipe anymore.

Last year I showed you how I put mine together. This year, I had the foresight to double a cornbread recipe a month before so I had the cornbread in the freezer ready to go. And I also changed it up by adding two eggs to the dish. It made it much more "dressing" like. It was actually delicious that way, and much more Southern.

Easy sweet potato casserole.

Boil 7 or 8 unpeeled sweet potatos until soft. Let cool until able to handle, and take off peels. Mash together and add a cube of butter. Add about a 1/2 cup brown sugar and a handful of chopped walnuts. You may want more sugar depending on your taste. Maybe a bit of cinnamon. Stir until butter melts. Spread in a pan and cover with marshmallows. Cook at whatever temp the turkey is cooking on until the marshmallows are brown.

Collin gets a nice dairy free version of everything in case you were wondering.

Nothing about food allergies is simple. :(

There we go. Instead of cranberry compote, we use the canned stuff. No homemade rolls, we got the pull apart ones in the freezer. Homemade pumpkin pie? Why, when you can get a great one at Costco for $6!

Lydia took care of place cards.

She and grammy set the table.

Collin keep singing the happy birthday song and trying to blow out the candles.

Yum.

An entire Thanksgiving dinner in about three hours and we had leftovers for days.

Thanks Grammy for making our early Thanksgiving wonderful.

Winners!

The winner of the La Vie Celeste Giveaway is Jenny

The EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 Giveaway winner is Heather

The Autumn Ray Threads Giveaway winner is Erin

The Lullabies for Getty CD giveaway winner is Mel

Congrats ladies! Leave a comment here, and then email me!

Don't forget to enter to win the Petunia Blooms Giveaway and the Sound + Sleep Sound Therapy System Giveaway. More giveaways next week too!

And then I'm taking some time off....

Petunia Blooms Giveaway

2011-11-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

There is something so nice about receiving a gift that is just plain pretty. Maybe that's just me, but I love gifts from friends that are feminine and sweet. Something that I want to have on display, even when I'm not using it. Etsy Shop Petunia Blooms is full of just that kind of thing. Something for the best friend, sister, mother, teacher or daughter on your Christmas list. Everything from Petunia Bloom is hand-stitched and the owner can even customize for you.

Some of my favorites:

The Bloom Brooch

Lots of cool fabric options available.

Yes Mom, this is where I got you that Mother's Day pin last year. The one I like to borrow :)

Ruffles and Bows Gift Set

I want the ruffled pouch for me and the bow for Lydia

(And I'm thinking that bow could be a pretty cool bowtie for Collin too.....)

Pretty Petals Hair Clip

How darling would this be to clip on a wrapped winter gift this year?

Pretty Little Bows

A pair on bobby pins or....

Pretty Little Bow Headband

I told you. Sweet.

Ruffles and Blooms Gift Set

Whether you are shopping for someone 4 or 94, every girl needs a place to put her treasures.

Did I mention the owner, Jacky, is a brand new bride? Of course everything she makes is happy :)

I promise, any gift from Petunia Blooms will insight a smile.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving a $30 gift certificate to Petunia Blooms!

To enter:

Head over to Petunia Blooms, then come back here and let me know your favorite item.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 28th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Lullabies for Getty - Flash Giveaway!

2011-11-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd throw in a flash giveaway just for fun. This one ends in 48 hours, Thursday at midnight. And this giveaway supports a great cause.

Lullabies for Getty - Sweet Water Child is an amazing album created by Angela and Alex Dezen of The Damnwells in order to raise money for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. All proceeds from the sale of this album go to the Getty Owl Foundation.

The Getty Owl Foundation was formed to raise money with the purpose of helping families and finding a cure for SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy.) SMA is currently the #1 genetic killer of young children, but is also the closest neurological disorder to a cure. For more information please visit www.gettyowl.org.

If you have a new mom on your Christmas list, this would be a wonderful stocking stuffer. These lullabies are beautiful and something you will find yourself listening to long after baby is asleep. Listen to some of the songs and you'll be hooked. Remember, all the proceeds go to a great cause! Who is Getty? She's just one of the many children fighting SMA. She recently celebrated her first birthday, click here to learn more.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving the CD Lullabies for Getty, or a free download of the album.

To enter: Leave me a comment below telling me something wonderful about today.

Giveaway ends Thursday at midnight.

And don't forget to enter:

Sound + Sleep Sound Therapy System Giveaway

La Vie Celeste Giveaway

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 Giveaway

Autumn Ray Threads Giveaway

More giveaways coming up....

SOUND+SLEEP Adaptive Sound Therapy System Giveaway (YAY!!!)

2011-11-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

If you have ever had problems sleeping, or know someone that does, this is for you.

You may remember that I suffer from insomnia. Probably because I mention it a lot. Lack of sleep is kind of like chronic pain. You never get used to it. It never gets easier. My doctor gave me sleeping pills with strict orders I had to sleep for 8 hours straight while under their influence. No interruptions. Um, that wasn't going to happen. I have little kids who throw up in the night and have bad dreams. And the side effects of sleeping pills worried me.

A friend recommend the SOUND + SLEEP Adaptive Therapy System a while back, so I thought I would try it out. Oh, I just wish I had discovered this system years ago. SOUND+SLEEP Adaptive Sound™ Therapy System is a drug-free treatment for sleep disorders that boasts sleep as its only side-effect. SOUND+SLEEP is a sound machine designed to help you sleep naturally. A leading consumer magazine found “Sound machines … worked almost as well as (prescription) drugs.” They also concluded that sound machines were more effective than over-the-counter drugs or supplements.

This system has 10 different "SoundStories" to choose from. Click here to hear them all. The sounds are unbelievable crisp and calming. But that is just the beginning. Each SoundStory has three levels of "richness". Each level increases the diversity of sounds you hear. When sleeping to the sounds of rainfall, you keep it to the minimum richness, a simple rain. But increase the richness to add occasional wind and lighting.

Not only that, but you can change the SoundStories to be adaptive. Its built-in computer and microphone continuously “listen” for intruding noises such as barking dogs, automobiles, overhead airplanes, or loud roommates. In Adaptive Mode, SOUND+SLEEP dynamically adds sounds to the SoundStory and automatically adjusts volume to offer superior sound masking or neutralizing capabilities.

Think sleeping next to a snorer! Your sweetie starts snoring, the sound masking gets stronger.

I'm sleeping better than I have in years. I have a little routine. First I settle into bed and put on the "Fireplace" SoundStory. It sounds exactly like I'm resting next to a crackling wood fire. Even Shane comes to bed earlier to enjoy it. Sometimes I listen to the rainfall or ocean when the mood hits. After about 30 minutes of reading or just listening, I can feel my body moving into sleep mode and I change the SoundStory to white noise (I use the lower pitch "brown noise" to be specific). Usually I'm asleep within minutes. It used to take me hours. When I do wake up in the night, I fall right back to sleep. It's amazing.

I've used lots of white noise machines in the past, but nothing gave me the results as this system. I could not be more thrilled with it.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving their own SOUND + SLEEP Adaptive Therapy System!!!

To enter:

Head over to Sound + Sleep Adaptive Therapy System site and them come back here and tell me which SoundStory you prefer and who you would win this system for.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 28th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Winner!

The winner of the Karen Kane Giveaway is Stacy. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize!

Couch to 5K - first three weeks

2011-11-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

Well, I've completed weeks 1-3 in the Couch to 5K program. I'm so excited that some of you are doing it with me! When I'm running, sometimes I imagine we're all running together and talking about our hopes and dreams. I mean, no I don't. That would be weird.

Week one was pretty good. It is a very gradual program and the first week is pretty easy. My regular Zumba classes have helped with my endurance. It wasn't fun though. Running feels jolting and I was gasping by the end of each minute long jog. I did it though.

Week two was really hard. On the first run of the week, I was only 1 minute into my warmup walk and I developed the most intense side cramp I've ever felt. When I actually started to run, it was excruciating. It felt like a vic was crushing my rib cage. It lasted the entire run. The next run it happened again. I thought maybe it was the cold weather, but I developed the same cramp when rushing in the grocery store. Oo, not great. Shane said he thought it was just my body getting used to running. It happened again on my last run of the week, but not quite as intense.

When I started week three I was nervous. I had to run for 3 minute blocks and that seemed a big jump. I was happy to discover that I was able to do it and the pain was gone. In fact, to my surprise, I actually found myself wanting to get to the running part. I mean, don't get me wrong, by the end of the three minutes I was panting, but it's something.

This last week I decided to repeat week three. That's allowed if you feel like it. Mostly I'm just a little nervous for week four. There's a couple segments of 5 minutes of straight running. I don't think I've done that since I was 17. Oh wait, maybe not even then. I was supposed to run the mile in high school, but I got out of it by claiming "jet lag". And I'd been back from my international trip for well over a week. I honestly don't think my P.E. teacher knew what jet lag was....

Anyway. I'm running! Who would have thought? It kind of sucks, but I'm getting stronger and that's exciting.

Any words of wisdom to keep me going?

photo via pinterest

Missing

2011-11-12T22:26:00.001-05:00

Tonight I'm sitting by the fire with the smell of pumpkin muffins and mulling cider. It's perfect and chill outside. Still, when I saw this photo that my friend in Chattanooga took of the mountains where I used to live, I teared up a bit. I hear the South has had some of the most gorgeous leaves ever this season. Oh, I miss it. More than I thought possible.

Don't forget to enter last weeks giveaways!

La Vie Celeste $75 Gift Certificate

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12

Autumn Ray Threads $40 Gift Certificate

Karen Kane $100 Gift Certificate (Ends Monday!)

La Vie Celeste Giveaway - $75 gift certificate

2011-11-11T00:02:00.005-05:00

If you know me well, you know I'm very aware of my skin. I figure the better I treat it, the better it will look for the long run. My new obsession is the La Vie Celeste line. My skin hasn't looked this good in ten years. I'm really not kidding. The entire line was developed by Dr. Teri Dourmashkin, who holds a Doctorate in Health Education from Columbia University. Additionally, Dr. Dourmashkin is a certified Reiki Master. Her interest and research in natural, non-toxic skin care spans over 15 years. With a commitment to health and healing, Dr. Dourmashkin believes that healthy skin care is vitally important.

My first love is the La Vie Celeste Day & Night Restorative Face Cream. It's incredibly thick and luxurious. I've known with this dry climate I needed to move to a thick cream, but I've always shied away from creams like that. I don't like the greasy feeling of creams laying on top of my skin. The La Vie Celeste Face Cream disappears into my skin like magic. It leaves my face unbelievably soft. I don't know how it works, but I'm hoping Dr. Dourmashkin is working on thick hand cream next. Lydia keeps on telling my cheeks are as soft as Collin's. That is a huge compliment :) My smile lines are smaller and my skin feels tighter too. I have never loved a skin product so much.

I first started using La Vie Celeste when I decided to keep the products on my face natural and gentle. The La Vie Celeste Restorative Mother Of Pearl Exfoliating Cleanser is wonderfully gentle and perfect for any skin type. It's a little spa moment in my routine. Reading the ingredients kind of makes me want to eat it :) Leaves my skin clean, but doesn't strip it of the good oils. Add the La Vie Celeste Eye Cream and you're on your way to brighter, softer, younger looking skin. Seriously. I'm not just saying that. My skin looks awesome.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving $75 in La Vie Celeste product!

To enter:

Head over to La Vie Celeste and then come back here and let me know what products interest you the most.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 18th. Good luck!

US addresses only

By the way, happy 11/11/11!

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 Giveaway

2011-11-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

Yay! I'm giving away something for the man in your life. You asked for it, so here you go. The newest in the Madden franchise, Madden NFL 12 from EA SPORTS!!!

Let's be honest. I haven't played this game. Not planning on it. I don't do football. But from what I hear, it's pretty rad. And I know my husband wants a copy. Doubt he will wait until Christmas to buy it though. :)

"This is the Madden NFL that the hardcore football fans thought only existed in their dreams."
- Planet Xbox 360

I have a feeling this would be a huge hit on Christmas morning. What guy doesn't want the one of the coolest video games of the year in his stocking. "Dude, you'll never guess what my wife/mom/grandma got me!" Check out some of the features here.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving a copy of EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 in either Xbox 360 or PS3!

To enter:

Leave a comment letting me know who you would love to surprise with a copy of Madden NFL 12 and if you want Xbox or PS3.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 18th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Autumn Ray Threads Giveaway

2011-11-07T00:00:00.005-05:00

For my second giveaway I thought I would share a little Chattanooga treasure I fell in love with while I lived there, Autumn Ray Threads. (Formally known as Sew Cute Designs.) The designer, Brandy, has a huge Southern following and you can see her goods all over my old hometown. Autumn Ray Threads uses only the trendiest fabrics deisgned by Westminster Fabrics including Amy Butler, Jennifer Paganelli and Alexander Henry. Now, she has started a new Etsy shop for the rest of the world to explore. And you find an even larger selection on the Autumn Ray Threads Website. You choose the fabric on each piece!!! Free shipping on tons of items. You can even buy fabric!

Some of my favorites:

The signature item, The Auty Top.

There have been 500+ Auty Tops sold throughout the United States and even Paris, Australia, Japan and Hawaii.

I have a yellow one :)

There is a little girl dress version too.

iPad case and sleeve.

Large enough that you won't have to remove the hard shell or back cover.

I guess I need an iPad before I pick one of these up.

I've blogged about these Owl Magnet Clips before. I think they would be the perfect teacher gift.

They can be bookmarks too.

The Penny Tunic. (To the other bloggy Natalie, this is SOOO you!)

The Lily Apron is so fantastic. Darling and comfy. With pockets!

I would never take this thing off around the house.

And lastly, the Girl Auty Dress with Matching American Girl Dress.

How cute would it be to have your little girl's Doll all dressed on Christmas morning, with a matching full size dress lying beside it?! Lydia would freak out.

Of course, I would freak out if I got the Mother-Daughter matching set.

Just noticed! 30% off everything for a limited time!

Use ART33. WOW!!!

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving a $40 Gift Certificate to Autumn Ray Threads!

To enter:

Head over to Autumn Ray Threads, then come back here and let me know your favorite item.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 18th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Dear Santa.

2011-11-05T14:36:00.002-04:00

I want this purse so much. I've been really really good. Please please please...

(if the elves can't make it, just make it easy on yourself and pick it at Anthropologie.)

Karen Kane - $100 Giveaway!

2011-11-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

My first holiday giveaway is a fantastic one for all you ladies wanting something new for the season. I've been a fan of Karen Kane for a few years now. It's sold at Nordstrom, Blommingdales and Dillards, places that I spend way too much time wandering. I would probably describe Karen Kane clothing as comfortable sophisticate. Most of the pieces are in a basic color scheme of blacks and neutrals to allow for a very classic look. There is a wide assortment of sizes for any shape.

Some of my favorites:

Rib-Sleeve Fur Jacket

I would wear this everyday. Don't you just want to pet it?

This drape top would be so flattering! Maybe with some yellow earrings?

Pair it with the panel pencil skirt and you're set for work or church.

This may be the perfect black skirt. Love the length.

Scallop Lace Dress

Add a little cardigan for a holiday dinner party or date night.

Or for the girls night out, grab a Sequin Drape Top....

...and the Pull On Flare Jean. Perfect.

I was so lucky to get to review the Fur Collar Sweater. I LOVE it! The faux fur is luxurious and the sweater is thick and so cozy. Not often do you find something nice enough for a dinner out, yet you want to take a nap in it too. Unfortunately they were out of my size, so to be safe I went a size larger to be safe. I should have gone a size smaller since I think it would look more flattering if it hugged my curves more. Even so, it is one of my very favorite cold weather choices now. Now I just need to get some of those jeans to complete the outfit. Update! Looks like it's sold out!

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving $100 to spend on anything at Karen Kane!

Guarantee there's someone on your list who would love a nice sweater for Christmas.
But I say, keep it for yourself :)

To enter:

Head over to Karen Kane and then come back here and let me know your favorite piece.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on November 14th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Get Excited

2011-11-02T00:00:00.008-04:00

I have space for one more giveaway. Possibly an Etsy shop. Interested? Email me.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited for today. We've visited the pumpkin patch in the evening as a family. The kids and I headed back for more during the day. We have our jack-o lanterns carved and cookies made. We've been mulling cider and jumping in leave piles. Autumn is here and it's time to celebrate.

I was very happy when Lydia announced she wanted to be a princess this year and wear her birthday dress. No complaints from me! Easy peasy.

Lydia has no problem in front of the camera.

Collin on the other hand...

Isn't this the most pitiful thing you've ever seen?

Oh dear.

"Come on Collin! Let's dance!"

(I also gave him some candy. The key to all good family photos FYI)

That's better. I don't know why this cow has horns and utters. One of life's little mysteries.

Just a year or two left before he's dressing up as spiderman or something.

But for now, I still get to make him adorable.

I went all out with my costume, as you can see.

Now we just wait for that first little knock on the door.

Have a wonderful All Hallows Eve ya'll! Come to my house...we have York Peppermint Patties!

Embracing the "all good"

2011-10-28T00:15:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been doing a little self reflection of my life. Thinking about the day to day, my progress on goals, my marriage, my kids. I had a startling realization. Everything is great. Really. Everything is going wonderfully right now.

I can easily tell you the hardest parts of my life. 13 was a bad year for me. 7th grade. I really don't even want to talk about it. I was just not prepared to deal with any of it. Age 21 for exactly 3 months I was a train wreck. Age 28, for the year after Lydia was born, I never sleep more than 3 hours at a time and never went a day without crying. In fact, the only reason I started this blog was because I was trying to pull myself out of the misery and depression of having a baby who never slept and never stopped crying. If you read my first post, it wasn't exactly chipper.

I think we can all look back on our lives and think of the really hard times. We allow for that. But sometimes I wonder if we allow ourselves to see the moments of goodness as they are happening. The times when everything is right. As I write this my house is really messy and I have no idea what to make for dinner because I'm sick to death of cooking. Lydia is dealing with some teenage angst that is driving me a little bit crazy. Things aren't perfect. But things are really, really good.

My vacation did exactly what I hoped. I feel refreshed and able to look at things with a clearer head. I'm married to an amazing man who I'm crazy about. My kids are darling, smart and healthy. My home is comfortable and my new friends are sweet. Boise is a great place to raise a family.

Right now my life is wonderful. There is always a chance that in tomorrow lies our greatest trial. You never know when sickness or unemployment will hit. I might have another sleepless year. But right now, today, all is good. I need to embrace it for the small moment that it exists.

My goal for the year has been to "Develop a passionate joy in the present". This goal has been life changing for me. I had the above pendant made so I could be reminded daily of my mantra. I've hung it next to my bathroom sink so as I start my day, I am reminded how precious those fleeting hours are.

A couple months ago, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a leader in the Mormon church gave a powerful talk I recommend to all women of any faith. One thing he said coincided perfectly with my goal this year:

Forget not to be happy now. Recalling the children's story “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” President Uchtdorf said people were looking for a golden ticket in a candy bar. Unfortunately, the candy bar itself became an utter disappointment if it did not contain a gold ticket, he explained.

"So many people today are waiting for their own golden ticket — the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage; for others, a magazine-cover home; or perhaps, freedom from stress and worry. There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings."

The problem, he added, comes when a person puts their happiness on hold as they wait for some future event — or gold ticket — to appear.

"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in the pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments."

Focusing on the joys of the everyday and my other goal to "find poetry in the prosaic" has made me a better wife, mother and happier person. Even with 8 loads of laundry to do, dishes piled up and constant noise. I'm just happy I have my little family in my home who wear those clothes, eat my cooking (sometimes), and fill my life with laughter.

Today I close my eyes to enjoy the crisp air of fall, the smell of leaves and the crunch of them below my child's feet. Today will be a fleeting memory soon enough, but if I hold it close, embrace it and let it be part of me, I will have it always. Today, all is well.

Harvest Soup - Tomato

2011-10-26T00:04:00.028-04:00

After my latest Bountiful Baskets acquisition and a delivery from a nice neighbor, I had a ton of tomatoes. Couldn't let all these beauties go to waste, so I thought to myself, "What would Ina Garten do?" And you know what Ina would say? Get some of that chicken stock out of the freezer and make some SOUP! I remembered there was one of her soup recipes I hadn't tried. Sacrilege!

We also picked up the children's book Soup Day at the library and the kids and I have made soup three times already this week.

But this soup tops them all. Oh my. It was incredible. I photographed my culinary journey.

Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup.

3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice
4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 quart chicken stock ~~or water~~

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes. I used parchment paper for easier clean up.

Poor basil plant. I picked it clean.

In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown.

Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet.

Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. (I used a food processor.) Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold. I ended up thinning it with extra stock. It was just a tad too thick for me.

In the spirit of Ina, I made some homemade croutons, but I always think they get too soggy in soup. I recommend crusty bread instead.

And, just for fun, I added sauteed zucchini, yellow squash and grilled chicken to a batch.

Made it much more "man" hearty.

I can't wait for tomorrow's leftovers. Ooo, Fall is my favorite time cook. And eat.

Shane made his famous hot chocolate for the family tonight. (Collin's was dairy free of course.)

We drank it in our jammies. And then we had to change the kids into new jammies before bed.

*****

Winner!

The winner of the Minted Giveaway is Emily. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize!

Which color???

2011-10-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

I'm rethinking my hair. I want to keep it long, but maybe switching up the color.

What do you think?

Should I go really blond again? (Seen here this summer.)

Red? (Seen here with one year old Lydia)

Auburn? (Taken a bit after Lydia was born)

Or keep it more natural.

(Taken last week)

Of course, I could always go black.

Taken when I was 22, the night I met Shane.

Don't worry, I won't really go black. And it was a wig.

So what do you think?

Saturday night answers....

2011-10-22T22:44:00.018-04:00

I get asked the same question all the time.

"How do you find so much time to blog?"

Sometimes it's asked nicely, and sometimes it's asked as in "how are you able to spend anytime with your kids when you blog so much?"

I usually don't respond to the latter.

Anyway, here's the answer to that.

I do 95% of my blogging on Saturday Movie night with Shane. We get take-out and watch a movie together. But unless it is a really really great movie that I've never seen, I have a hard time focusing. So after we get done eating, I pull the laptop out. I edit photos, read blog posts and finish up "lovely lists". By the end of the night I usually have 4 or 5 posts done. It's an amazing detox for me.

At the moment, Shane and I are watching Thor.

Now, for that other 5%, sometimes a moment hits when I feel like I really need to get some thoughts out. In that occasion, I might write something when Collin is napping, or when the kids are in the bath. But that's rare. I try not to blog during the day.

***Side note. Thor is super dumb. Only about 3% of my attention is sticking with it.

********

Other questions I've been meaning to answer.

"Just curious, if you don't mind, could you elaborate on some of the things that are cultural to Mormonism that drive you crazy? I've heard this from a few people lately and it's really made me think."

I was trying to think how to answer this, when Shannon made a great comment.

"There are a few cultural things... I call them "isms", but they tend to disappear when you get out of the western states. I live in New England and the culture of being a Mormon here is SO different. We tend to get down to doctrine, love people for who they are, and leave the fancy stuff at the door. Very different than where I grew up in AZ, but it is great."

******** Love that answer! Couldn't have said it better. And lastly :

"Natalie, I've been wanting to get more readers to my blog. What do you recommend?"

Well - first of all, don't have a blog like mine :) My blog is niche free, as in I really don't focus on anything in particular. Well, except for the color yellow. To get a large readership, you want to pick something you're passionate about and write about it. People with that same passion will find you. My blog is mostly a place for me to talk about whatever floats my boat. I'll never have a huge blog, but that's okay. I sure like writing it. Way better than Thor.

(Also, make sure to comment on other's blogs. I don't get to do this near as often as I would like, but commenting leads people back to you. If they like what they see, they will probably stick around. )

Have any other questions? Feel free to email me nataliessentiments@gmail.com.

Back to the movie. Shane brought home chocolate. :)

Minted Giveaway ends Monday at midnight, don't forget to enter!

Couch to 5K

2011-10-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

I mentioned a couple months ago that we had a little weight loss competition in my family. Whoever lost the biggest percentage of weight won the pot. Shane decided he wanted that pot so he started training for a half-marathon. He did win the pot, and he did finish the race.

He is a much happier guy when he is consistently running.

I didn't win, but I lost a little weight by upping my Zumba classes and getting white flour out of the house. Still, I've plateaued big time. I need to start doing something new.

This week I started Couch to 5K. I keep hearing from people it's a great way to get the beginner runner started gently.

Have any of you tried it?

My first run was good. I did it first thing in the morning and it kind of exhausted me for the rest of the day, but I think that was because I was up at 6. And I have insomnia, so that means I only got a few hours of sleep. I am going to try for later runs from now on.

It's a 9 week plan so I would be done a couple weeks before Christmas. I have a treadmill if it snows. I have an Enell bra which is a lifesaver for well endowed ladies. I have good running shoes.

Running just seems hard to me. But too many people say it's a game changer for them. I'm going to figure out what all the fuss is about.

I've included the first three weeks of the running schedule in case anyone wants to join in the ~~pain~~ fun.

Wish me luck!

Aw Love.

2011-10-18T00:00:00.007-04:00

Lately I've been thinking how incredible it is to be in love. Probably because Autumn is the most romantic season in my option. I've been thinking mostly about being in love after marriage. It's totally different from the "beginning love" of falling in love. Which is an experience all it's own and not to be diminished. But something about being deeply and utterly in love with the person who has been by your side for many years is beautiful. It's comforting in a way that makes trial bearable and gray days brighter. To know that every Christmas, birthday, anniversary and Tuesday will be with a person who you adore and who adores you is a joy unlike any other. I'm pretty much crazy about my husband. We shared a frosty from Wendys on our date night this weekend and I got all flustered just sitting next to him in the car. With car seats in the backseat. We had frostys on our first date too.

Newlyweds on a trip to Guatemala. The days when our passports actually got some use.

My goodness, we were young.

For 5 years I thought there was no way I could love him more.

And then I had his baby.

It really does change everything.

I love being around couples who are crazy about each other too.

My best friend Carrie married Xander, the sweetest guy in the world. I loved this guy as soon as I saw how much he loved my friend. We are planning to buy a private Island between the four of us and only invite really really cool people.

I love that Shane's sister is married to one of my best friends.

(You two are invited to the private island of coolness. FYI)

My cousin Lindsay and her husband Josh took part in the most incredible photo shoot.

Aren't they the most beautiful couple?

I know. I kind of hate them too.

My friend Mara, who I only run into on the rare times I visit NYC, just started a lovely blog called
A Blog About Love, exploring marriage, infertility, and loving after divorce. It's very inspirational.

I love this wedding so much. I don't know the couple, but they seem crazy about each other. I'm thinking about having a vow renewal party just to copy it. A party about love. Weddings are the best!

Speaking of which, Shane's brother Neal is recently engaged. They are the cutest couple ever!

New love is pretty incredible too.

Aw love.

It's super.

Don't forget to enter to win over $100 in Minted Holiday cards!

Cutest little ragamuffin

2011-10-16T11:53:00.003-04:00

Oh my word, this boy is darling. Even on days like this when I've completely failed him, like this day. We had to take Lydia to school and we were late. So instead of getting him dressed, I left him in his mismatched jammies, grabbed a pair of baby legs to keep him warm, "cat in the hat" socks and a hair rubber band as a bracelet. Actually, Collin accessorized the bracelet himself.

And I think I need to get his hair cut. It looks like he has bangs.

Even so, he's so cute, he totally owns this look. (SOOO happy he's holding on to those baby cheeks. I get to kiss them everyday!)

Today is the most glorious rainy fall day. We are eating leftover lentil soup and the most scrumptious pumpkin cookies. As I've mentioned before, rainy Autumn days fall second only to a winter blizzard in my book. Getting excited for those winter days. Just bought out plane tickets to Washington state for Christmas. Already praying for snow. (Though not as hard as I did in years past.)

Speaking of Christmas, don't forget to enter the Minted giveaway!!!!

Minted - Holiday Cards Giveaway- Over $100 Value!

2011-10-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

Most of my holiday giveaways won't start until after Halloween, but I had to get this one in now. If you are like me, you are already booking your Christmas photo shoot this month. (If you don't book ASAP all the good photographers will be full!) I wanted to make sure you got this fabulous prize pack in plenty of time.

(Scroll to the bottom of this post for some of my photographer recommendations.)

I am a bit of a stationary guru. I really really love stationary. I have the worlds worst handwriting, but I still love to send snail mail. And the very best stationary?

Minted.

I can honestly say I have tried out almost every major card company out there. Last year I ordered Christmas cards from three different companies. I wanted to see the difference. Minted is light years beyond anyone out there. First of all, their paper is gorgeous. Incredible quality and feel. You can upgrade to pearlescent paper or even recycled. The ink is crisp and rich. Second, the designs are darling. Always the most updated looks, because it is a community design team. They take designs from upcoming artists, let fans vote, and they sell the most popular. So you alway know that your design is a winner.

And the best part? A designer personally makes sure the card is just how you want it, and even sends you a digital proof! No way to goof that up.

Some of my favorites from this year.....

family year in review

notch

kraft ribbon

Rustic frame (almost all the photo cards have a non-photo version)

all the stops

we give thanks thanksgiving cards

Vintage Christmas Striped

fresh flurries

I am sooo tempted by the varsity holiday card. Yellow!!! Hard to find this color for Christmas time.

Yellow not your thing, no big, you can pick from several colors for each different card.

How about red? or blue or green?

Pick the color that best matches your photo.

And then you have all the backers for your card to choose from.

Or if you wanted it to be a folded card, you can design your interior.

Slip in envelope liner, so very posh.

And don't forget the skinny wrap address labels. Not only do they add that extra something, they keep your card protected.

Want something totally over the top this year? Try the Minibooks.

Last year I ordered some holiday nostalgia minibooks and they turned out amazing.

Like a little gift. These would be great to order for family members to hang on their tree every year.

Pretty much I'm obsessed with Minted. Can you tell?

As soon as you order from them, you will be too.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving 50 holiday flat cards along with backers and skinny wrap address labels.

Oh yeah!

Everyone gets 15% off when you enter EARLYBIRD15 by Oct 17th!

To enter:

Head over to Minted and then come back here and let me know what holiday card you would choose if you won.

For additional entries, let me know in a separate comment if:

Are a public follower
Like natalie's sentiments on Facebook.
You have my button on your blog
Tweet or Facebook or blog about this giveaway.

I'll announce the winner on October 25th. Good luck!

US addresses only

Some of my favorite photographers:

For Spokane Washington Area: m photo

For Boise, ID: Amber Fischer Photography

Chattanooga, TN: Pleasant Vonnoh

Pumpkins and Puke.

2011-10-12T00:00:00.020-04:00

Saturday: Shane ran his first half marathon. YAY!!!!!

That night our little family found ourselves skipping though the most sincere

pumpkin patch we could find.

Splurged on fair food and stayed up late. See our fun Saturday outing here.

It was a perfect day.

And then...

Sunday Morning: Shane kissed me goodbye at 6:30am. I feel back asleep knowing I had at least another blissful hour of slumber. Ten minutes later I heard that tell-tale urgent cry on the monitor that only means one thing. I found a sobbing Collin in a huge puddle of vomit. The smell made me retch. I pulled him out, brushed his teeth and gave him a bath. Lydia was awake by then and decided she wanted an early morning bath too.

I cleaned up the puke.

Is there any worse chore than cleaning up vomit?

I quickly showered to get all the puke off me. I was just getting dressed when I heard Lydia scream.

Crap.

Literally.

Collin filled the bathtub with bright blue poop. Cotton candy apparently turns your poop blue. Good to know. Kids transfered to new bath.

I cleaned up the poop.

I had to shower again. The smell of my home was not pleasant. I went through a bottle of 409 and lit four candles.

No church for us. Collin was not a well boy. And I feel really bad about that because it probably had a lot to do with the food we "treated" the kids to the night before. We had a Sunday at home with lots of cuddle and naps. And more puking and baths.

And that was my weekend.

I really do love being a mother. But sometimes it stinks.

R U LDS 2?

2011-10-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

When I'm traveling though the blogosphere, I'm always amazed at how many bloggers are Mormon. I usually have a suspicion, once I hap upon a blog, that it's a woman of my faith. They just have a kind of Mormon feel to them. Then I see a little Mormon button and I know for sure. Not sure if I have a Mormon feel to mine. Hope so. I like being Mormon. It's a big part of who I am. (Though the actual name of our church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" in case you didn't know.) I've mentioned before I have a deep respect for Mormon women. Though I openly admit some of the Mormon culture particular to this area drives me a little bonkers. But I guess every place has its issues. I've definitely learned this in the myriad of places I've lived.

So just wondering....

R U LDS 2?

Winner!

The winner of my 4th Anniversary Giveaway is My Kids Recipes.

Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize.

SOOO many great giveaways in the works. Stay tuned....

Autumn Lovelies

2011-10-07T00:00:00.041-04:00

You guys are so nice. Thanks for all the love during my sick day. Feeling much better.

As a little thank you, a few Autumn lovelies to warm your (hopefully) chilly day.

Love this sequin pumpkin tutorial over at Making Lemonade.

Perfect Autumn Cake from phemomenon.

One of my favorite pumpkin creations from my very talented husband.

(Seriously, he really is as cool as he sounds.)

Downloadable Fall Bucket list from Funky PolkaDot

Giraffe (free!)

Heirloom Pumpkin Cookies from Everyday Occasions

Someone please make me these ricotta pumpkin fritters.

or Pumpkin and Brown Sugar Crème Brûlées.

You choose. Really, I'll be happy with either. Or both. Whatever.

Adorable Free Downloads from My Sister's Suitcase.

(Brand new blog from two very talented sisters. Check it out.)

I can almost feel my tooth fillings trembling at the site of these.

Goodness. This is such a nice little hall table spread.

Oh wait! This is my house!

(Thanks Molly for the bird and plate. You always know what I like.)

Can't tell if I like my shelf this way. Too crowded?

Maybe branches in the jar instead of berries?

I do really like the new branch from Lisa Leonard.

Fall Pizza Party. Oh my perfect. From the Party Dress.

Snippet and Ink. The inventors of blog eye candy?

Found this photo from a past blog post and it made me miss Tennessee

so much it made my heart ache.

May you be lucky enough to spend an Autumn in the South.

*******

It's everyone's favorite season for a reason.

(But deep down, I don't think anyone loves Fall as much as me.)

What's your favorite thing about Fall?

The "4th Anniversary Giveaway" ends tonight at Midnight!

The mice will play

2011-10-05T11:43:00.012-04:00

The very very worst thing about being a stay at home mom?

Sick days.

Sick days when your husband is out of town.

Yesterday and today have not been great.

Though, can I say how proud I am of my little girl? She has been taking full care of Collin while I lay on the couch and try not to move.

Except for this play doh moment when she was distracted and I had to intervene.

And all the times I had to move to offer substance and clean diapers, give bathes and wipe noses, and all the essential mom duties that don't go away even when you feel terrible.

But only the essentials are getting done.

The house has NEVER been this messy.

Ever.

There is not one toy that has not been pulled out.

I haven't opened Lydia bedroom door today. I'm afraid.

Collin hurt his hand on a toy and I actually heard him cry "Woe Is ME!"

That was kind of awesome. Not him getting hurt of course. Just him being darling.

(My kids really are darling.)

The kids didn't like the chicken, veggies and rice I reheated from the other night.

Collin actually threw zucchini at Lydia.

(Okay, maybe not all that darling.)

Too tired to put up a fight.

They had the "treat" cereal for lunch.

The treat cereal spilled all over the floor.

It's still there and I'm not cleaning it up anytime soon.

I screamed at my doctor on the phone. There may have been some light swearing.

That was inappropriate. I feel bad about that. Lightly.

(Two DAYS before I can have an antibiotic!!! Are you freaking insane? Have you ever had a UTI???)

How's your day?

Halloween Pancakes

2011-10-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Shane has had to take a break from making pancakes lately. He's training for a half-marathon, so Saturday mornings have been dedicated to running. Our church now starts at 9, so there isn't time on Sundays. This weekend was our church's General Conference, where we stay at home and watch talks from our leaders. We always make pancakes on conference weekend.

Shane and Lydia were up early drawing out what Halloween pancakes they wanted to make.

Collin wanted a happy face pumpkin.

Om nom nom nom....

Lydia wanted a scary face pumpkin...

and daddy wanted ghosts.

Candy corns for Mommy.

Best Daddy ever!

No better way to get ready to run a huge race than load up on pancakes!

4th Anniversary!

2011-09-30T00:00:00.002-04:00

Hey! It's my blog's 4th anniversary this week! I just can't let it pass without doing something now can I? That really isn't my style. If you're a public follower (or a regular reader) leave a comment below and enter to win this little yellow and gray bundle. (Yep, still my favorite color combo.) A bit of yellow candy, along with a pair of yellow earrings, made by yours truly. I'll be throwing in a couple fun surprises too :) And isn't the sticker I used on the bag cute? It's from Peartree Greetings, and I'll send a few different ones to the winner!

I'll choose the winner on October 8th. Thanks for reading. And thanks to you who leave comments. Really. They make my day. (They make every bloggers day. And if they say they don't care about comments, they're lying.)

On the shopping list, a little humble pie.

2011-09-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

Shane and I have boycotted Walmart since moving to Boise. For lots of reasons, I won't go into. I do my shopping at Fred Meyer with their large health section, lots of dairy free and nut free products and free babysitting. Unfortunately we were totally out of humidifier filters and Walmart is the only place in the area that carries the size we need. I decided it was time to temporarily end the boycott.

As soon as I got there I saw this beautiful girl (I'm talking beautiful) wearing the shortest shorts I've ever seen. Part of her butt was showing. The shortest shorts with the highest heals. I'm sure you know exactly what stereotype flashed through my mind. I felt horrible as I then watched her help an old lady put groceries in her truck.

I walked back to the photo lab (while I was there I might as well get some pics for the grandparents.) The guy there was so helpful and nice, commenting on my cute kids in the photos and talking about his 6 grandkids.

The checkout lady and I laughed with the women behind me in line - poking fun of her insane amount of candy on the belt and me buying every humidifier filter in the county. The women told me her plans for her son's birthday party (Marshmallow themed! Cute Cute!) I left with a smile.

I won't be shopping at Wal-mart regularly, for all those unnamed reasons. But I was reminded again how much being around kind people changes everything. I did wear sweat pants. If you were wondering. And not everyone thinks Wal-mart is a bad place to visit. (Seriously. Click the link. It's awesome.)

photo source