Urban Domestic

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!

2011-10-12T09:56:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for so many things that I almost don't know where to begin!

First, and always foremost, is my amazing family. Without the love and support of both my immediate and extended family, I'd be lost.

My husband, who weathers the storm with quiet strength and allows me to be exactly who I want and need to be, even when I demand the opposite from him. He's my best friend and sometimes I simply don't deserve him.

My amazing little Beaner. She's changed my world in a bazillion ways and every day she teaches me something new. You are my sunshine.

My friends... I love you. I don't even have the words to describe how I feel or what you bring to my life. Without all of you, there would certainly be no me.

My cats! Because cats are awesome.

And last, but most certainly not least, Pumpkin Spice Lattes. May your flavor come to pass more than once a year ;)

So, dear reader, what are you thankful for?

A Change Is Gonna Come

2011-10-06T12:52:00.000-06:00

Beaner turned 3 two weeks ago.

Really? 3? Already? Damn!

We had her party at Chuck E Cheese so that my house didn't get trashed again this year and I didn't have to break up fights over new toys. It was bliss!

I've hired someone to watch Beaner 3 days a week for a few hours a day. This is so I can hit the gym, do some work (I work from home, still) or run errands. I am very much looking forward to this. I had tried to get Beaner into a preschool but apparently they fill the fall session early in March so I came WAY too late to the party. Ugh.

Here's a fun idea to get your toddlers (and older kids) to eat leafy greens they wouldn't otherwise; make homemade popsicles. Blend up kale, spinach, whatever you like really, and use blackberries and blueberries to mask the color. I call them sneaky pops and they are a huge hit in our house.

Until next time, stay awesome.

It's Been Awhile!

2011-08-26T14:22:00.001-06:00

We've been SO busy around here, it's really not funny.

Hubby and I hit Sin City for my birthday/our wedding anniversary, then we had a visit from my Mom as soon as we returned. Top that off with babysitting for friends, and normal summer activities with Beaner and holy hannah I've been one crazybusy turkey!

I know, what's with my descriptions today? Crazy!

Some big going ons with Beaner. We've finally transitioned her out of her crib and into a bed. I was so worried but she's really all about "big girl" stuff these days, so there's been little to no issues. Yay! Her vocabulary has had another explosion (as has her swearing. Bad Mommy. BAD!) and she's obsessed with reading and going to the library. I couldn't be happier, as I'm hoping to incorporate reading hour, where Mommy gets to read a novel as Beaner reads her books beside me. I miss reading novels SO much!

I finished the 365 Project, save for the captions. I am SUCH a slacker when it comes to my free time. I rarely do productive things, like I have on my lists, and instead I watch reality tv. Oops!

What non-productive things do you do once the kid(s) is asleep?

2011-07-14T08:32:00.000-06:00

I'm alive!

It's summertime so we've been super busy doing all the fun things one is supposed to do once it's warm out.

Swimming, picnics, parks, museums, blowing bubbles, long walks, making gourmet popsicles, and more!

I made some crayons recently. I never remember to take pictures for y'all so nothing this time. I have some cell phone pictures of the after product though! They turned out great so I will make a conscious effort to make a tutorial for next time.

I can't believe summer is half over! It's going too fast, boooooo!

The hubby and I are headed to Vegas in two weeks and Beaner is staying here with my Dad. It's our first time away from her for more than a night, so I'm only a little apprehensive. It's my birthday and our anniversary so we're taking our honeymoon in the place where we got married....Vegas baby! To say I am excited is an understatement. 4 blissful days with no 6am wakeups, 3am calls for water, no Treehouse tv, and no censoring my swearing.

I hope everyone is having as much fun as we are!!

Let Me Sleep On It, Baby Baby

2011-06-09T21:59:00.002-06:00

My paperwork stack isn't quite that bad, but it's not great either. I NEED MORE SPACE!

The terrible twos are in full swing here.

This crap is hard.

Procrastination Champion, 3 Years Running

2011-06-05T10:02:00.000-06:00

I'm going to just stop apologizing for updating infrequently, or announcing what I will be posting next. I am not good with deadlines for things that don't involve work I get paid for. I am also a world class procrastinator. If it was an olympic sport, I'd win and at the last possible moment, too.

Also, it's my blog, so neener neener booboo, I get to be a lazy butt about this shit.

Goings on in my life right now: weight gain, weight loss, terrible twos, gogo gadget fashionista (suck it spell check, that's a word), roots/no roots, bye bye toenail.

There's less than 2 months until our Vegas vacation. 4 glorious days of no beaner, no work, no diet, no plans. This will be our honeymoon, anniversary, and my birthday all rolled into one. I am quite excited. If I didn't love Canada so much, I'd live in Vegas.

I made a tutu for myself last weekend in support of the Great Strides Walk for CF that I do every year. I am a part of team Reddy for a Cure in honor of the late Eva Markvoort. I looked ridiculous, but I was proud of it.

Pic, because it totally happened.

I had a local boutique wanting to commission me for infant and toddler tutus, but I had to turn them down. I hate deadlines, especially for my creativity. I tend to balk at them.

Put Your Tiny Hand In Mine

2011-05-08T13:10:00.000-06:00

George Michael, how I adore thee.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I was spoiled with flowers, a new water bottle (seems like a weird gift, but given I work out every day, it was a great gift) and I got to sleep until I had my fill today. I sit here sipping my coffee, catching up on my fellow bloggers and their sites, and enjoying the peace and quiet that is only achieved through Beaner and the hubby napping. What a great day thus far!

Weaning is complete. She asks to breastfeed very rarely and when I remind her that my milk is all gone, she's accepting of that and moves on to something else. It's bittersweet, for sure. Gone is the easy fix for sickness, scrapes, nightmares, and comfort. I have to say though, I am relieved that I can close that chapter. I was going to sell our breastfeeding pillow, but I think I will restuff it and make a new cover for it so we can use it in the living room for movie nights. Also, that's something that can stick around forever and she can draw comfort from.

My battle with depression and side effects has become manageable. I have been struggling with insomnia for a few weeks but I think I've figured that out as well. Fingers crossed!

I am still going strong on my weight loss journey. I have lost a total of 26 lbs and it's showing no signs of slowing down. I wish I had some magic secret to share with you all but really, it's simply the hard work of diet and exercise. My only advise is to count calories. It made a world of difference for me, since I had no idea what I was consuming and I was rather shocked once I found out.

I hope everyone is doing well! Stay tuned, as this week I am beginning a series on spring cleaning and purging your home of unneeded thingies and baubles.

Adventures In Weaning

2011-04-19T08:31:00.001-06:00

I haven't breastfed Beaner in about two weeks. She still asks for it if she wakes up from a nightmare, or hurts herself, or is generally in a bad mood. I offer a substitute of dried fruit, or a cheesestick (her favorite) and breastfeeding is forgotten. Her nursing sessions were already down to before nap and before bed. Months ago we replaced the nap nursing with "napsnack" which is some crackers and a bit of milk. We replaced the evening nursing with "milksnack" which is usually milk and some banana, or turkey breast.

It makes me sad that our breastfeeding journey has come to an end, simply for the fact that it was an easy fix for comfort and made middle of the night wakings much easier. The upside is that the comfort can now come from my husband, instead of my breasts. They are creating a stronger bond and I am not always the first one she runs to if she has an owie, or has a question. I am also glad that I will no longer have to deal with the gasps of incredulity when people find out Beaner is 2.5 years old. "You're still breastfeeding?" I definitely won't miss those conversations.

Next up, weaning her off television. If I have to watch Team Umizoomi one more time...

A Change Is Gonna Come

2011-04-18T08:19:00.000-06:00

I generally don't like to announce things when I start doing them, or think of them, because I have had issues in the past with following through. Be it because I am a Mom, have ADHD, or am just too scatterbrained sometimes, my list of things to do gets larger by the day.

8 weeks ago I entered into a "biggest loser" type challenge with some of my girlfriends. None of us live in the same city, so it was all done online as far as supporting each other, sharing triumphs and setbacks, weigh-ins, etc. We weighed in every week, we held ourselves accountable, and we made it a monetary based challenge. Great motivator, yes?

I starting tracking my calories (I highly recommend the MyPlate feature over at LIVESTRONG) and was stunned by the amount of garbage I was putting in to my body. I don't tend to overeat but what I DO find time to eat was no good for me. I decided then and there to make a complete lifestyle change. I started working out every day, eating healthy, and generally kicking butt!

On Friday we did our final weigh-in to determine the challenge winner. Lo and behold, I won! In 8 weeks I have lost 24 lbs and countless inches off my body. I am now completely and utterly addicted to going to the gym. I get alone time, I work out and get those lovely endorphins, and the feeling from losing weight carries over into every day confidence. That and losing weight is a fantastic reason to buy new clothes!

I have miles to go, and probably won't complete my ultimate goal until summer 2012, but I'm making progress, and that's more than enough to keep me motivated.

What's your motivation this Monday?

The Tenderness of a Toddler

2011-03-29T13:29:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I am simply blown away by how tender, gentle, and understanding children can be. Amidst the tantrums and the "BUT I WANT IT, IT'S MINE!" moments are the instances that are forever etched in my heart. I am so grateful for these etchings.

I have been dealing with some wicked side effects from the Cipralex my doctor just put me on. I am also dealing with a sinus & tonsil infection, which I have been put on antibiotics for and may also be throwing some side effects at me. For the past 3 days I have been vomiting, dizzy, weak, and constantly dripping from the nose. Last night was the worst because I couldn't get any long stretches of sleep. It's been rough, I'm not going to pretend to be superwoman. I'm barely managing to stay upright long enough to feed and clothe my child, and everything else is pretty much on the back burner.

Beaner is well aware of how sick I am. She's vomited before, she knows how much it sucks to "have the puke-ies", as she called them. So, when I went running for the bathroom this morning, she was hot on my heels. "Mommy! You puke-ies in the toilet please! I'm here Mommy. It's ok, I got you, you're safe". She patted my head and back, handed me a towel and my water bottle and gave me hugs when I was done. Here is my 2 year old daughter comforting me as I sobbed between heaves, telling me that it was ok and would be over soon.

Maybe I'm not doing such a bad job with her, after all.

ShoeDazzle Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-28T21:32:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for your comments! I hope you had as much fun as I did, perusing the goodies over at ShoeDazzle!

Without further ado, the winner of the free month of ShoeDazzle is:

Enjoy your new shoes, jewelry, or handbag Allyy! (please email me your account info!)

Stay tuned for more giveaways!!

Learning With Hip Hop

2011-03-22T10:29:00.000-06:00

Music is a big thing in our house. When I say big, I mean B-I-G.

I am a singer/songwriter and hubby is an audiophile. Between the two of us, it was no surprise when Beaner started asking for Lady GaGa by name when she was about 8 months old. We've tried to expose her to a variety of our music, as well as so-called "kid music". She's a big fan of stuff from Sesame Street, and equally fond of Snack Time by the Barenaked Ladies.

I let her review Mark D Pencil's "Learning With Hip Hop" and I must say, it was a fairly big success. How do I know it was a success? Because she started to dance. That's pretty much the ultimate seal of Beaner approval. That, and if she doesn't like something, she flat out tells me to turn it off and puts her hands over her ears.

I liked the repetition within the songs, the way the entire CD is appropriate for all ages, and how it combines some good beats. One of my biggest pet peeves as a Mom is having to listen or watch something that annoys me AND gets stuck in my head. When I found myself humming "Do You Know Your ABC's?" at the grocery store, I didn't mind.

Verdict: Beaner and Mom approved!

You can listen to some of the tracks on Myspace (HERE) as well as LastFM (HERE).
You can purchase the CD from Mark's website: http://learningwithhiphop.com/

Win a Month of ShoeDazzle!

2011-03-18T08:59:00.005-06:00

A few months ago I gushed about my absolutely favorite obsession, ShoeDazzle! If it's possible, I'm even more obsessed now. I have an amazing collection of handbags and shoes and I get compliments on them all the time. They also have jewelry sets, as well as special "dazzledeals" twice a week.

What's the point of this new post? Well, I've decided to share my obsession with you, my awesome readers!

Simply become a follower of Urban Domestic, then head on over to ShoeDazzle's Facebook fan page and "like" them. Once that's done, come back here and leave me a comment about what shoe, handbag, or jewelry item you think is a "must have" for spring.

To see the goods you can either check out the fan page photos tab, or sign up for ShoeDazzle using my invite code and check out your showroom when it's ready. That invite code will also give you 20% off your first item. Don't forget to read the FAQ!

On March 28th I will select one lucky winner (using a random number generator) to receive a free month of ShoeDazzle!

Happy dazzling!

This post is participating in Made by You Mondays at Skip To My Lou

Tantrums, Thy Name Be Beaner

2011-02-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today's post was supposed to be a cd review (Hi Mike!) but I had to put it on hold so I could unload about what a hellacious week I'm having here.

Beaner has decided that this is the week where she's going to be a total wanker to her Dad and I. Every simple request, every established routine, every favorite, is all being rejected, or thrown at us. Our sweet, easy going toddler is nowhere to be found and in her place is this raging beast who is prone to melt down if the cat dares to look in her general direction.

As a first time Mom, I'm flying blind here. Is this a phase? Am I oversensitive because I'm tired and I'm making too much of it? Is she feeding off my crap mood? Am I a horrible mother? Was she switched out with robobitchbaby and we are just noticing now?

So many questions, zero answers.

She had me up all night and was then awake for the day at 5am this morning. Of course, meltdowns are rampant today so she's been put down for an unprecedented early nap. She's currently screaming at me from her crib about the pillow she just threw across the room in anger. I'm sorry kiddo, but maybe you shouldn't have thrown your pillow?

I adore my daughter, and she's generally a joy to be around, but this week, let me tell ya, if I was offered an opportunity to run away and join the circus, you can bet your butt I'd take it.

To quote one of my favorite Simpsons lines; Pray....for....Mojo....

The Weaning Journey

2011-02-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have officially started on my weaning journey with Beaner. For the past 29 months I have breastfed her on demand, exclusively for the first 6 months, much to my discomfort.

I have never been a fan of breastfeeding, despite how much I advocate for it. I have always known that breast is best, and no matter how much I hated it, the idea of not breastfeeding just didn't enter my mind. We worked through bad latch, thrush, nursing strikes, pumping failures, and much frustration and tears, but we did it. I've put in my time, as they say.

Beaner is extremely verbal, and quite rational, as much as a 2 year old can be, so I was able to tell her that Mommy's "booboos" hurt and were broken and as such, we weren't going to be able to breastfeed before naptime. Instead, we created a special "napsnack" of cheese, veggie crackers, and cow's milk. She thought that was just marvelous and had no issues.

When nighttime came there was a slight resistance and a crease in the brow as she asked about my owies and if I'd seen a Dr. yet. When I told her no, I still had owies, she accepted it with no issue. Last night she whined some in her sleep, a first for her, and cried out for me, without ever really waking up. I had a long night checking on her, listening for her, waiting to cave on the breastfeeding. It didn't happen.

Today there was no issue because she didn't nap here, as she was with her grandpa for the afternoon, and at nighttime she didn't even ask. We're only on day two and I have no illusions that this is far too good and easy to be true, but I do know that the end of our breastfeeding experience is coming soon and that makes me relieved but it also makes me a little sad. Breastfeeding was the one connection her and I had that no one else in the world shared with us. Once that's gone...well, I just don't know. Gone will be the last shred of my sweet, dependent baby, and in her place will be the confident, little girl aching to spread her wings in this world.

Fly high, my dear, fly high.

Let Me Count The Ways...Part Two

2011-02-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone! I am sitting here, sipping my coffee and killing time before we head out to a birthday party, so I thought I'd get my 2nd part of my V-day post up! Feel free to comment with any links you think I should see, or any ideas you think I should be aware of!


Heart Sachet - The Mother Huddle


Valentine's Lacing Cards - The Mother Huddle

Eye Chart Heart Art - She Wears Flowers

Treats For Daddy - Nap Time Journal

Message In A Bottle - The Mother Huddle

Owl Heart Printables - Ready, Set, Create

Heart Bubbles - Crafting And Creativity

Heart Garland - The Mother Huddle

Happy crafting everyone!

Let Me Count The Ways...

2011-02-12T21:06:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the first part of my Valentines Day link extravaganza. I am bringing you a lovely bunch of ideas, tutorials, and recipes for you and your sweeties. Settle in and prepare get your creative love juices (um...?) flowing with these great links:


Button Art Tutorial - I Really Should Be Sleeping


Heart Shaped Cake Pops - Tip Junkie


22 Valentines Day Wreath Ideas - Tip Junkie


Classroom Valentine Ideas - Skip To My Lou


Rice Krispie Hearts - Skip To My Lou


10 Minute Valentines Day Ideas - Rookie Moms


Sweet Swirl Cookies - Prudent Baby

Time-Out For Love

2011-02-12T09:10:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I am posting a few things for the most important people in our lives; our kids. In the face of the commercial frenzy over pre-bought valentines for the kids, generic chocolates in a heart shaped box, and the ridiculously overpriced roses that are the standard, we rebelled. Since we love each other every day, we don't feel the need to express it on one single day simply because we're told we should. Ok, that's not ENTIRELY true, as we celebrate our wedding anniversary every year with romance and nostalgia, but you get the idea.

So, instead, we focus on our daughter, the real proof of our love. In that vein, I want to share with you a list that I stumbled across from The Mother Huddle. Here are 40 simple ways to show your child that you love them, and that you are thinking of them. The beauty is that you can use any of these tips at any time of the year, and combine them in any manner you wish.

Here's a few to get you interested:

o1. Take them to a movie they want to see.

o2. Go on a treasure hunt (collect all the loose change around the house/car) together and then make a trip to the arcade with your findings.

o3. Take a long nature walk together, at their pace. Let them lead the conversation.

o4. Find qualities about them that you genuinely love, and compliment them in front of others.

o5. Frame a photo of the two of you, and display it in their room.

...click to see the rest.

And what of doubt and fear?

2011-02-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder if you're making the right choices as a mother? Do you compare yourself to other mothers, to your own mother? Am I completely alone in wondering if I'm failing in a spectacular manner at this very important role?

How do we overcome the injustices and the hurts that were dealt to us as children? More importantly, how do we make sure that we don't make those same mistakes with our children?

I've shed some tears on the subject while frantically grabbing my husband by the shirt and demanding he tell me right then and there if I was a good mother. "You'd tell me if I was messing this up, right?" I'm sure he enjoys those little chats just as much as I do.

So, dear readers, what do you do when you're overwhelmed by feelings of doubt? Do we ever just accept that we're probably doing ok?

Link Love!

2011-02-03T16:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Thursday!

I thought I'd share with you the blogs I read on a daily basis. I have a list of about a dozen more that I need to check out and see if they offer something I'm interested in. I swear, just checking out my favorites can be a full-time job all on it's own!

I'm trying to think up ways to increase my followers/readers. Maybe a giveaway? Maybe some kind of contest? Working on it....!

: Rookie Moms; How Does She...; The Pursuit of Happiness; Baby Jayne's; Living with Punks; The Mother Huddle; Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh; Chasing Cheerios; Wee Wonderfuls

Down With The Sickness

2011-01-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

When my husband calls in sick and hides in bed, I sometimes whisper to myself "it must be nice to call in sick. I wish I had that luxury."

As a Mom, when you're here by yourself, there is no "out". The kid needs to eat, needs to be tended to, and the option to just check out mentally, lay in bed and recover isn't available to me.

There is, I'm learning, a middle ground. A place where Mommy sits on the couch like a sack of mucusy garbage and allows her daughter to do anything she'd like, as long as no one's being hurt and nothing of real value is being destroyed. As I type, snot bubbling from my nose, my head foggy, and my non-existant energy being drained, my dear daughter is TP'ing the kitchen. She's quiet and it's costing me almost nothing. Normally, of course, I'd tell her that it's wasteful and toilet paper is not a toy. I, however, feel far from normal, and desperate times call for desperate measures. At this point, I'd let her paint with ketchup if it meant just 5 more minutes of nursing my swollen sinuses in relative quiet.

Of course, the real relief comes in those two very special words... "Daddy's Home!"

What was I thinking??

2011-01-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

For the last two years I've allowed my OCD to dictate how I put away beaner's toys. Blocks get put away with other blocks, jewelry goes in it's case, food in the play kitchen, Little People in their bin....and so on, and neverendingly so forth. It was getting so time consuming and yet, I kept doing it. Until this week, that is. Something snapped in my brain and I had a moment. I literally said out loud "if no one else cares how they're sorted, why do I?"
Let me tell you folks, it was a frigging epiphany or something equally as awesome and rare. I giggled with maniacal glee as Little People were thrown in with the tea set, blocks started cavorting with dinky cars, and, GASP!, puzzle pieces were thrown haphazardly in a bucket instead of being put back in the puzzle. Once I get more bins for the Expedit, there will be more toy mingling happening as everything gets thrown in together.

It may not seem like much to some people, but to break that little compulsion of mine is a HUGE deal and really a massive time saver. It only took 2 years of meticulous toy separating for me to finally say enough is enough.

Now, if only I could convince Beaner that she really doesn't need to sleep with her entire book and toy collection....

No Sew Blanket & Pillow Tutorial

2010-12-27T14:15:00.001-07:00

Stephanie from Stephanie At Home shows us how to make this super gorgeous blanket and, my favorite part, there's absolutely ZERO sewing involved! As a bonus, she's showing us how to make a matching no sew pillow as well. Not gonna lie, I'm a sucker for an animal print.

Click here for the full tutorial!

...and to all, a good night.

2010-12-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

Boy, have I been busy!

I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to make gift baskets of baked goods and give them as gifts this Christmas. I'm not a baker, and I don't claim to be but I can follow a recipe and I know what tastes good, so off I went. I asked my husband what he liked and he decided that he wanted butter tarts, sugar cookies, and short bread. To that I added some recipes I wanted to try; chocolate butter cookies, peppermint bark, molasses cookies, white chocolate candy cane popcorn, and peanut butter blossoms. It nearly killed me, but I got it all done.

This was 5 baskets worth of goodies.

I finished everything the night of the 23rd because I started giving them out on the 24th. Sadly, I had none for me. *sadface*

Beaner attended the children's Christmas party put on by my husband's work and was enthralled by it all. She was so very excited to see Santa. That is, until she ran into the life sized version of her favorite bear. The company mascot was there, greeting people and walking around the facility. Beaner adores her small stuffed version, and sleeps with it and basically carts it around the house all day. She spent the entire party following this bear around, getting hugs and telling it that she loved him. Reindeer, crafts, bouncy house, petting zoo, Santa! treats...none of it compared to meeting her favorite teddy bear. She was a little confused at to how he got out of her crib, but she quickly accepted my explanation that this was her bear's big brother.

She was so proud of her snowman.

Many crafts were completed, zoolights were seen, and Beaner enjoyed her very first cup of hot chocolate. She's hooked for life! She was introduced to the Grinch, Rudolph, Curious George, and Charlie Brown. I got all the gifts on my list, did it all on time, and without an ounce of energy to spare. Was it worth it? You bet! Will I do baking as gifts again? Not a chance, and if I suggest otherwise, I give you permission to give me a virtual slap or 6.

I hope you all had an incredible holiday and I'll talk to you again soon!

Of Firsts and Lasts

2010-11-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's been quite an exciting time since I updated last! First, and most importantly, Beaner has finally shaken her respiratory infection. Huzzah! No more cough, no more inhaler, no more worrying and sleepless nights for me! I am so overly thrilled, mere words can't convey what I feel. I'm hoping we get at least a month before the next illness hits, but really I'd settle for a week or two.

Beaner went tobogganing yesterday with her Grandpa and some other family members. It was her first time and I'm told that she loved it! She's not a fan of snow on bare skin, or of the inevitable crash that happens when kids go sledding, but many "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"s were had. I am sad that I wasn't able to be there for pictures (Saturdays are NO MOMS ALLOWED!!), but I'm thrilled she had so much fun. I can't wait to take her myself.

Another first happened yesterday when she got home from sledding; we had taken the side off her crib and converted it into her temporary Big Girl Bed. For ages now she's been able to nap on the couch at my Dad's without falling off, and she's slept on a twin bed without getting up, so we (ok, I) decided it was time to make the transition at home. I am happy to report that she did great, and didn't get out once. She's currently napping right now with no escape attempts.

It's going to be funny as hell once she realizes there's nothing stopping her from getting up in the morning and helping herself to the contents of the fridge.

Almost all traces of my baby are gone. Instead, I have a Big Girl emerging in all kinds of ways. I couldn't be prouder, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my sweet smelling baby, with her big blue eyes and her enthusiastic grin. Not that I'd trade hazel eyed, mischievous grinning Beaner for the world.

And Then There Was Thunderdome

2010-11-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

At some point between the coughing and the fever subsiding, thieves made off with my sweet, easygoing Beaner. Now, I'm left with a short fused, contrary fiend who has an epic meltdown at even the slightest perception of not getting her own way. Of course, with a meltdown comes flailing, and with flailing comes smacking the head on whatever object tends to be in the way. Namely, the floor.

This coincides with us weaning her off television. Not only was I tired of watching Dora and Wiggles for hours on end, but it was getting far too easy to turn the tv on and let her watch while I got some work done, or cleaned the house, or just tried to catch a breather. While her mood might not be caused by the lack of her favorite shows, it sure isn't endearing us to the little drama queen.

It's a rough go of it as she screams for Dora, but it's worth it to break the habit now, instead of battling her on it later. Good thing I have lots of craft ideas and art supplies! I may not be Dora, but there's lots of awesome things in my backpack.

Childhood: The Neverending Illness

2010-11-18T08:15:00.001-07:00

My apologies for the lack of updates! I hope all is well with you folks, as we transition from fall to winter. To my American readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

The reason for my absence is little bean has been quite sick. In August she caught a cold, which turned into bronchitis. We were then hit with 4 colds back to back. It culminated this past weekend with a breathing episode that required an ambulance ride to the Children's Hospital. Top that off with a high fever to start this week and what we have now is the tired, semi-incoherent Mom you see before you.

Beaner is doing better, fever is down, cough seems to be getting better. We'll know more next week when we see our doctor. Here's hoping she doesn't catch anything else before then! Not that I expect her to, since we're stuck in hibernation mode. Mother Nature decided that it was time for Alberta to experience some winter. It's been snowing for 3 days, blowing winds, and is just downright cold. I was looking forward to beaner's first real "play-in-the-snow-day" but with it being so cold, and her being sick, it will have to wait a little while longer.

It seems kids are sick constantly. It makes me wonder how any of us made it out of our childhoods in one piece!. If nothing else, it's given her and I an opportunity to be creative inside, and get into the feel of holiday crafts. I'll post some craft ideas later today that we've tested out with varying degrees of success.

'Tis The Season

2010-11-09T07:53:00.002-07:00

As a child, my little brother and I would look forward to the annual Santa Claus Parade. It didn't matter how cold it was, we'd be out there on the route freezing our little behinds off. Mom sure was a good sport about the whole thing, given how much she dislikes the cold. I have many fond memories of warm hot chocolate and candy canes at the end of the parade while we excitedly discussed our favorite parts, and whether or not Santa wore a good jacket while making his deliveries on Christmas Eve.

For the last 3 years we have not had a parade due to construction of the new Encana building downtown. I was disappointed last year, but understood the reasons behind it. This year, however, I am not so forgiving. Why is it that the Stampede Parade can go through, with no restrictions, but the Santa Claus Parade can't? They both follow the same route! If we had more oil & gas sponsors, would that make a difference? I'm betting it would.

Bean is at the age where we're teaching her about Christmas and all it's traditions and it really bothers me that we're going to have to watch the Toronto parade on TV, instead of being at one live. It's a tradition I want to start with her and I'm frustrated that I can't right now.

Now that I've had my say about it, I can move on to traditions that I can control, like stringing popcorn, baking holiday treats, and making reindeer out of candy canes.

What traditions are you going to be passing on to your children?

A Flat Forehead Moment

2010-11-08T09:44:00.003-07:00

There are some days when the light bulb burns brightly above my head. There are some days when the light bulb is not only dark, I can't remember where I put the damn thing. Today, thankfully, started off with a shining bulb, courtesy of the little bean.

I work from home, as I have for the past 6 years, maintaining client accounts for an oil & gas company. My schedule is completely set by me, aside from having to answer the phone when calls come in, or responding to a client's email. The gift of not putting our bean in daycare or preschool is something I am thankful for every day.

Working from home can present unique roadblocks, however. Trying to remain professional and deal with a client call can be difficult when your child is screeching at the top of her lungs and pulling your shirt off in an effort to get in your lap to slam on your keyboard or take the phone out of your hand so she can call Daddy (let me tell you, that is only cute once, tops).

Today bean decided to teach me how to get work done and keep her happy. Imagine my surprise when she pushed her chair up beside mine, plopped her favorite bear in it, and proceeded to feed him cheerios. She then went one step further and climbed in and starting having a pretend breakfast with him while I dealt with a particularly weird IT issue with my company's website.

My moment of luminary brilliance came when I put her v-tech laptop in front of her and told her she can work beside me while I work. We've been sitting side by side happily for the last hour, working on our respective projects in peace. Me with clients, her with the balloon blast game.

She's just packed her laptop up and informed me that she has to go to work now. Have a good day honey!

Blog Promo

2010-11-04T19:18:00.002-06:00

Just stumbled upon Erica, over at Mommy's Alright, via Reddit., (which is my absolute favorite way to waste time). Check out Erica's fun take on parenting, plus, she clearly loves Yo Gabba Gabba as much as I do.

My other favorite way to waste time is to read Allie Brosch, over at Hyperbole And A Half. I spend much of my "free" time yelling PARP! PARP! because of Allie.

When you're mindlessly surfing the 'net, where do you usually end up?

Around The House

2010-10-25T23:55:00.001-06:00

While thinking of things to do with jelly bean on a cold, wet, Sunday afternoon, I remembered a bag of makeup sponges in various geometric shapes.

Shapes are all the rage in our house these days. "Mommy! That's a circle" "I has triangle!"

I poured a few different bowls of paint, threw down a dropcloth, handed her the sponges and some paper and I let her go to town.

And to town she went!

At some point, she forgot about the sponges altogether.

For half a bag of dollar store sponges and some paint, I had a very happy toddler and some new art for our walls. I can see us running out of space soon!

Birthday Update & Something For You

2010-10-05T10:01:00.001-06:00

Despite many last minute cancellations, jelly bean had a stellar birthday party. I could rant about how much food I bought that never got used, or how the cleanup took forever, or how the damn cake stained us all blue for days... but no, that won't be happening.

Instead, let's focus on the positive! My beautiful girl was surrounded by people who love her, which is better than any gift anyone could have bestowed upon her. As she gets older, she starts to form stronger attachments to family, but also to my friends. It's the people who don't have to be in her life, but choose to be, that mean the most to me.

And, so this isn't simply an indulgent mama post, here's a treat for you accessory hounds!

Use the following link to sign up at my favorite accessory haunt, ShoeDazzle, and receive 20% off your first item! Kim Kardashian's monthly styling service is amazing and I have been hooked since June (much to my husband's dismay). Simply take their quick style survey and wait for them to put together a showroom for you to peruse. Footwear, jewelry and handbags await! And the best part, aside from their amazing customer service? Everything is just 39.95$ USD!

Click here to sign up and get started

Happy dazzling, fellow divas!

One of those days...

2010-09-21T20:10:00.000-06:00

It's not that I don't want to update this here lil' blog o' awesome, just that I get discouraged and overwhelmed sometimes. Really, who cares what *I* have to say, right? Who has time for making crap, anyways?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I have tons of ideas that get added to a list. I promptly lose said list, but IT'S ON A LIST!

I am gearing up for jelly bean's 2nd birthday. Her birthday is Friday but we're having the party on Saturday. I had originally planned on doing the Mad Hatter's tea party but, for reasons that infuriated me, I opted out of a theme and went with inviting all the other parents who annoy the hell out of me, so that my kid has others to play with. Fortunately, 99% of said parents aren't able to make it.

*fistpump*

What was I talking about? Oh yeah, the party. I strongly dislike socializing. It means I have to clean and cook and talk to people I wouldn't otherwise and then, AND THEN!! I have to clean up after they all leave. Of course, instead of sitting here whining and blogging I could be preparing for said party by cleaning, planning and organizing. Or at the very least, folding the mountain of laundry my beautiful daughter left for me.

Clearly, I am doing nothing productive at this moment in time. It's my blog and I'll whine if I want to.

Here's some fun posts for toddler birthday party games you might enjoy, so as not to waste an entire post...

Kids Party Cabin
Kids Fun & Games
Amazing Moms
Kaboose
Little Kids Games Online

Menu Planning

2010-08-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

Since I had jelly bean I've found myself to be overwhelmed with what to make for dinners and lunches every day. Ok, I've really be overwhelmed by my hatred of dishes, but we'll just include that in the broad spectrum of meal planning. Anyone want to recommend a decent counter-top dishwasher?

Digression, thy name be Tera!

Seriously though, meal planning was an issue for the first year because I had really nasty post-partum and the hubby simply can't cook to save his life. Thankfully, I have the internet and a local craft store that carried a magnetic menu planning book I stuck to my freezer. I am usually pretty good about figuring meals out now, but I've been lazy and slacking this summer, what with all the spur of the moment farmer's market visits and random produce I seem to come home with.

All that being said (rambled? I need a coffee!) I bring you a great basic menu planning "tutorial", so to speak. Tsh from Simple Mom details menu planning, grocery shopping for it and just about everything you need to know for both. Check out the links at the bottom of her post for even more helpful links!

Get all the details HERE.

DIY Pin Cushion

2010-08-23T22:43:00.000-06:00

How many dozen baby food jars did you have when your baby started eating solids? Well here's a cute way to put some to good use!

Jaime over at Prudent Baby bring us this great tutorial on making your own pin cushion out of a leftover baby food jar!

Check out the full tutorial HERE.

Rice Bag Feet Warmer

2010-08-22T21:53:00.000-06:00

Vanessa at Skip To My Lou brings us this easy peasy tutorial for a cute little feet warmer.

Step by step instructions are available HERE.

MakeYour Own Diaper Cake

2010-08-21T23:57:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to receive a diaper cake before my jelly bean was born and it was just ridiculously cute and most importantly, useful.

Michelle at Home Based Parties shows us how to create our own for all of our expecting friends. Or for ourselves!

Get the full tutorial HERE.

DIY Nap Mat/Bed Roll

2010-08-21T23:51:00.001-06:00

Jacinda from Prudent Baby, one of my all-time favorite websites, brings us a fabulous tutorial for a nap mat any kid will love.

Get the full tutorial HERE.

Simple Book Storage Solutions

2010-08-21T23:46:00.002-06:00

Sarah from Ohdeedoh gives us 5 great book storage solutions we can create ourselves in a flash!

Check it out HERE.

365 Photography Project

2010-08-21T23:16:00.000-06:00

I've been hard at work on a 365 project of my daughter. I moved all the photos from Facebook to blogger last night and thought you folks might be interested in giving them a look!

Taryn 365

Picaboo: Free Photo Book

2010-08-02T23:44:00.000-06:00

Sign up with Picaboo and design a photo book by August 31st and you will geit free! Simply design your book using Picaboo’s free software and use coupon code "FREEBK" when you order a Large Classic, Classic Leather, or Classic Custom book. The total cost of your book (up to 20 pages) will be deducted from your order total (up to a $39 value!). This offer is for first time Picaboo customers only. Click HERE for your free photo book.

They make amazing books and have stellar customer service. I'm in the middle of designing yet another book for myself!

2010-07-31T22:20:00.000-06:00

Tish from Simple Mom rounded up a great list of tips
for cooking from scratch. Check them all out HERE

(image from stock.xchng)

DIY Baby Legwarmers

2010-07-31T22:00:00.000-06:00

Stephanie from Cut and Keep posted this adorable tutorial on how to make your very own baby legwarmers.

Check out the full tutorial HERE.

Free Printable ABC Art

2010-07-31T20:49:00.000-06:00

Aimee over at Sprik Space has designed and uploaded these adorable ABC and 123 pieces of wall art.

Just click here to get the download instructions and see her other cute, free, printables!

Summer Fun

2010-07-21T14:43:00.000-06:00

As summer is upon us, I'm left wondering how many more times I can take Jelly Bean to the local wading pools before I try and drown myself out of boredom. She's 22 months and extremely active, curious and intelligent and we both hate being cooped up in the house.

Wading pools and splash parks are great but they are a lot of work to prepare for and clean up after, especially when you rely on public transit to get around.

It is my mission this summer to come up with unique, fun, educational activities and outings for us as a family.

On a semi-related note, we tried camping over the weekend and we were completely rained out. Score 1 for Mother Nature.

Code Name: Mama

2010-07-07T08:29:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the July 2010 Carnival of Nursing in Public

This post was written for inclusion in the Carnival of Nursing in Public hosted by Dionna and Paige at NursingFreedom.org. All week, July 5-9, we will be featuring articles and posts about nursing in public ("NIP"). See the bottom of this post for more information.

As a new mother there was a lot I didn't know about being a mother. Ok, there was more than a lot, there was a ton. Why didn't anyone tell me that I'd feel like a failure while giggling like a maniac?

But I digress.

I made the choice, long before the jelly bean was born, to breastfeed. Actually, it wasn't really much of a choice at all. I was raised around people in the medical profession and as such, was privy to scads of medical textbooks. Being a voracious reader as a child, I took advantage of all the knowledge I could absorb. I knew at a very early age that breastfeeding was a good thing, even if I didn't quite understand why.

I am lucky enough to live in Canada, where we are free to make medical decisions based on need and preference, rather than money and availability. As such, I had the privilege to give birth in a teaching hospital that is very pro-breastfeeding, with lactation consultants just dying to show you anything you need or want to know. I am also blessed to have an amazing doctor who is also our jelly bean's pediatrician. He is pro-breastfeeding and, thankfully, his ideas and expertise jive beautifully with us practicing Attachment Parenting.

While my relatives and family haven't been around a newborn in about 40 years, they were eager to be part of the experience and did research along with me. They encouraged my nursing, and tried their very best to make me feel comfortable with nursing in public (NIP) as well as nursing around loved ones.

For the record, I've never had an issue with NIP if I had my nursing cover (I swear by the bebe au lait style of cover) and the bean was being cooperative and not ripping the cover off. Had I not been so extremely well endowed, I might have been comfortable without a cover. Unfortunately, my breasts are very large and nursing discreetly is impossible. There is no way for me to latch beaner on without holding my breast up for her as well as holding her.

It's not a matter of me feeling like everyone is staring, they ARE staring. I know my child has to eat, but having that much breast exposed is embarrassing for me. It's why I nursed my child in bathroom stalls and private rooms until I got the advice about the nursing covers. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to be discreet and these puppies demand attention.

What I am trying to say is that it's my right as a mother to NIP and it's my right as an ample chested woman to want to keep a little dignity and privacy about myself. My name is Tera and I NIP and I use a cover. Unless I forgot the cover or it's in the wash, then it's all boobies on deck. Shame and modesty take a backseat to your child. Just ask anyone who has given birth!

Someday, maybe society will be more accepting and women less sexualized, so that instead of seeing me as the woman with her tits hanging out, I will be seen as the woman feeding her daughter.

Welcome to the Carnival of Nursing in Public

Please join us all week, July 5-9, as we celebrate and support breastfeeding mothers. And visit NursingFreedom.org any time to connect with other breastfeeding supporters, learn more about your legal right to nurse in public, and read (and contribute!) articles about breastfeeding and N.I.P.

Do you support breastfeeding in public? Grab this badge for your blog or website to show your support and encourage others to educate themselves about the benefits of breastfeeding and the rights of breastfeeding mothers and children.

This post is just one of many being featured as part of the Carnival of Nursing in Public. Please visit our other writers each day of the Carnival. Click on the links below to see each day’s posts - new articles will be posted on the following days:

July 5 - Making Breastfeeding the Norm: Creating a Culture of Breastfeeding in a Hyper-Sexualized World

July 6 – Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers: the New, the Experienced, and the Mothers of More Than One Nursing Child

July 7 – Creating a Supportive Network: Your Stories and Celebrations of N.I.P.

July 8 – Breastfeeding: International and Religious Perspectives

July 9 – Your Legal Right to Nurse in Public, and How to Respond to Anyone Who Questions It

Cool iPhone Apps for Parents

2010-06-30T15:49:00.000-06:00

The fine folks at Ohdeedoh brought us a list of 5 handy iPhone apps for parents

See the full list

Cupcakes in a Jar

2010-06-30T13:58:00.000-06:00

Rubyellen from My Cakies shows us how to make these adorable gifts using cupcakes and mason jars!

"It really is easy and makes for such a visually appealing way to dress up cupcakes, not that cupcakes need to be dressed up as the name itself is cute and enticing".

Get the recipe & tutorial

Design Edits

2010-06-13T15:44:00.001-06:00

Hi Folks,

Playing with design templates. Bear with me.

Let's Get This Party Started

2010-06-10T07:57:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah, I has a blog

2010-05-06T20:20:00.001-06:00

I took the death of Eva extremely hard and completely withdrew from the internet so I could process everything I was feeling. I'm not all the way there, but I'm to the point where I can take the good from her life and run with it.

Love. Always love. Love often, love fiercely, love love love.

I hope everyone has a stellar Mother's Day and if I am not posting before that, I will see you all Monday!

FollowMe Friday

2010-04-16T10:38:00.000-06:00

Morning folks! I hope everyone had as great a week as we did!

V and Co.
Ucreate
Tip Junkie
Simple Mom
Skip to my Lou
Rookie Moms
Petite Planet
Prudent Baby
Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh
Make It Do
Make It and Love It
Living With Lindsay
luvinthemommyhood
Little Miss Heirlooms
Lil Blue Boo
Finding Fabulous
Design Dazzle
Domestically Speaking
Elle Michelle and Eliza Belle
The DIY Show Off
How Does She?
Kathryn Crafts
Executive Homemaker
Handmade Charlotte
The Pursuit of Happiness
A Girl and a Glue Gun
Sweet Mama
My Sweet Baby
I Am Momma
Black Kats Design - NEW
Somewhat Simple - NEW

Bon Weekend!

Dry Erase Activity Book

2010-04-15T14:58:00.000-06:00

Stephanie over at Somewhat Simple came up with this awesome dry erase activity book!

Get the tutorial here

This is such an amazing idea, I can't wait to make my own!

Spring Fling!

2010-04-12T12:06:00.001-06:00

Tip Junkie, one of the awesome sites I mention every Friday, is doing their Spring Fling mega-super-awesometastic giveaway starting tomorrow!

Make sure you enter/watch/follow/tweet!!

DIY Spa Products

2010-04-11T22:24:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love a great facial? But really, as a busy woman with a full-time job and an even more hectic Mommy schedule, who has the time for the spa? Now you don't have to sacrifice time you don't have!

Here's a few products I plan on whipping up to pamper myself:

Strawberry Foot Scrub

8 - 10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Sea Salt or Rock Salt

Mix everything in the food processor or mash it by hand. Massage into feet, about 5 minutes, then let it sit for another 5. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite lotion and finish with a clean pair of cotton socks to retain the moisture.

Cucumber Hair Drench

1 Egg
Half Eggshell of Olive Oil
1/4 of a peeled Cucumber

Blend ingredients in food processor until smooth. Spread evenly over your hair and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Coffee Facial Scrub

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
3/4 Cup Coffee Beans
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tsp Ground Cloves

Grind coffee, cloves and brown sugar together into a coarse grind. Place into an empty container and add the vanilla and olive oil and mix. Adjust more or less olive oil to make a coarser or smooth scrub. This scrub can be used on your entire body, not just your face!

Avocado Foot & Hand Mask

1/4 - 1/2 Fresh Mashed Avocado
1 Egg Yolk
1 Tsp Honey
1 Tsp Rice Bran
10 Drops Oil of Evening Primrose

Blend ingredients and apply to hands and feet. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse.

Happy Belated Friday

2010-04-11T11:11:00.000-06:00

So, clearly I missed doing FollowMe Friday. We had doctor appointments and they ended up running all day due to a vicious backlog at the office. So annoying.

Better later than never, right?!

V and Co.
Ucreate
Tip Junkie
Simple Mom
Skip to my Lou
Rookie Moms
Petite Planet
Prudent Baby
Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh
Make It Do
Make It and Love It
Living With Lindsay
luvinthemommyhood
Little Miss Heirlooms
Lil Blue Boo
Finding Fabulous
Design Dazzle
Domestically Speaking
Elle Michelle and Eliza Belle
The DIY Show Off
How Does She?
Kathryn Crafts
Executive Homemaker
Handmade Charlotte
The Pursuit of Happiness
A Girl and a Glue Gun
Sweet Mama
My Sweet Baby
I Am Momma - NEW

I'll be back later today with some amazing DIY spa products

Bon Weekend!

Twitter!

2010-04-09T09:06:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I'll have my FollowMe Friday list up later today along with some awesome recipes I've come across.

For now, we're on twitter!

Urban Domestic goes to twitter!

You can also see our tweets in the sidebar of our layout here.

I Believe

2010-04-06T00:09:00.000-06:00

Quote by Audrey Hepburn

Life's Little Obsessions

2010-04-04T21:29:00.000-06:00

When I was pregnant with my daughter all I did was shop. I barely gained weight because I did so much walking (while I shopped). Seriously, I shopped.

I decided early on in the pregnancy that I wanted to keep my skin is as good of shape as possible, so I tried a bunch of different products over the course of my first trimester. These three are the best of the bunch that I tried

Buffy (the backside slayer) - LUSH

This body butter is a great exfoliator on top of moisturizing your skin. I highly recommend getting the tin to keep your body butter from melting away in your soap dish. Also, make sure your rinse off really well or you'll be a greaseball and feel gross for the rest of the day

$10.75/95g

Gloomaway™ Grapefruit Body-Buffing Cleanser - Origins

This stuff smells so good that my pregnant self spent a good 20 minutes trying to talk my rational self into tasting it (rational self won). A great scrub to use first thing in the morning or after a long day of work, play or being an uncomfortable mama-to-be.

$21.00/150ml

Gloomaway™ Grapefruit Body Souffle - Origins

Smells just as good as the scrub! Use this amazingly rich moisturizer all over your body for a glow that has nothing to do with being pregnant!! I haven't tried any of the other products from the Gloomaway™ line, but judging from the two I have, the rest of the line is worth getting!

$27.50/200ml

What skin care products are you folks loving right now?

DIY Household Cleaners

2010-04-03T10:34:00.000-06:00

In a time where more people are going green, I thought I'd share some "recipes" for making your own cleaners.

These mix-it-yourself cleaners use environmentally friendly ingredients — like baking soda and vinegar — and are cheap, cheap, cheap! So if you've run out of your favorite cleaning solution, don't run to the store — try one of these standbys instead. If you're not sure it's right for the surface, test it on a small area first.

Glass cleaner

2 cups water
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70 percent concentration)
1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, (optional)

Great for: Windows and mirrors
How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray some solution on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. To get smudge-free glass, rub vertically on one side and horizontally on the other. Hint: Don't clean windows on a hot, sunny day, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

Read more

FollowMe Friday

2010-04-01T21:37:00.001-06:00

For your viewing pleasure, here's all the blogs and websites I currently follow that are craft or parenting related.

V and Co.
Ucreate
Tip Junkie
Simple Mom
Skip to my Lou
Rookie Moms
Petite Planet
Prudent Baby
Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh
Make It Do
Make It and Love It
Living With Lindsay
luvinthemommyhood
Little Miss Heirlooms
Lil Blue Boo
Finding Fabulous
Design Dazzle
Domestically Speaking
Elle Michelle and Eliza Belle
The DIY Show Off
How Does She?
Kathryn Crafts
Executive Homemaker
Handmade Charlotte
The Pursuit of Happiness
A Girl and a Glue Gun
Sweet Mama
My Sweet Baby

Say goodbye to the rest of your day!!

Martha Strikes Again

2010-04-01T18:34:00.000-06:00

Martha Stewart, via OhDeeDoh, brings us yet another fabulous idea. Use an embroidery hoop to keep laundry bags open!

Read more

love love love love

2010-03-31T08:02:00.000-06:00

Every so often we are graced with a spirit so pure, so unselfish, that to lose it, humanity should weep as a whole.

Eva Markvoort died this week after a lifetime battle with cystic fibrosis. Eva was the subject of a documentary called 65_RedRoses (airing this Friday on CBC) that followed her wait for a double lung transplant. She also maintained a blog of the same name over at livejournal, which is where I had the privilege of reading Eva's trials and triumphs in life. Her family is graciously still updating the blog as more news of Eva's triumphs are posthumously reported.

Even to her last (literally) breath Eva encouraged us all to have hope, to be generous with ourselves and, most importantly, to love. Love fully, love completely, love often, LOVE. She has inspired me to try and not focus so much on the negative, to appreciate what I have, and to feel the love.

Eva was an organ donor, and I am too. Are you?

Don't you think you should be?

Happy Birthday Eva. I hope there's just as much love where you are now

And so it begins

2010-03-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

As some of you may know, I'm no stranger to blogging. I've been keeping a journal over at livejournal since 2005 as well as having various websites dedicated to poetry and photography over the years.

With a toddler of 18 months, I no longer consider myself a stranger to mommyhood either. There's been some definite progress made in the last year and a half! So, I thought to myself, why not start a blog and share tips, crafts, sanity savers, and commiserate with other internet folks?!

We (hubby, babby, 3 cats, 2 fish) live in the downtown core of Calgary, Alberta in a high rise apartment. We've lived downtown for the last 5 years and have no plans anytime soon for moving to the suburbs. Being an urban dweller presents some unique challenges, especially since we've chosen to rely solely on public transportation (parking prices are INSANE down here!) or walking to our destinations.

And there you have it, my first post in my sparkly new bloggy. I hope you find something interesting in the posts to come. Stay tuned as I get the layout done the way I like it and start filling this sucker up with random bits of awesomeness.