July 3rd Holiday

No Favorite Things Friday post today.  Paul is off work for the July 4th Holiday and we are headed to the BeachComber in Wellfleet, MA for the day with friends (one town over from Truro).  The girls, Roswelle & Madelyn, will be staying with Paul's parents for the day.  Tomorrow we will all be together on Longnook beach for the 4th.  The best news about this weekend is that it will actually be hot this weekend on the Cape!  Happy 4th y'all.  Hope everyone is safe and happy this weekend.

Live from Happy Camper!

Good Morning! Roswelle, Paul, and I made it to the Cape late last night for the Holiday weekend. We woke up early this morning and headed straight to Provincetown to our new favorite coffee/donut/ice cream shop, Happy Camper, which opened up just a few weeks ago.  When we first walked in I knew it was something special and worth sharing.  The owners, Loic and Rob also own our favorite dinner spot, The Canteen (which happens to be right next door).  

Happy Camper prides itself in serving Stumptown brewed coffee, fresh, daily made donuts, and home-made ice cream and popsicles.  Some of their donut flavors:  Boozy Boston Cream, Raspberry Hibiscus, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Maple Bacon, and Blueberry Crumble to name a few.  I love their retro, happy, hipster vibe.  It is our favorite!! 

I took pictures this very morning to share with you. This blog is coming live from Happy Camper! Have a great Thursday. 

Paleo Lemon Bars

While trying to decide what festive item to bake for the 4th of July, I googled paleo lemon bars only half expecting to find something worthwhile.  However much to my surprise, I found a recipe that looked very promising on foodfaithfitness.com.  The author/blogger/chef, Taylor, does a wonderful job of making simple recipes with few ingredients.  I felt really good about this one, and my instincts were right.

You can read all about her struggle to create a delicious paleo lemon bar (she attempted 12 times! #dedication) and finally the perfected recipe, here.

{I left the powdered sugar off half of the squares for Paul :)}

A Dual-Purpose Centerpiece

{a table setting for 6 - your kids have everything to help set the table}

A centerpiece can be anything you want it to be; by definition it is a decorative piece or display in the middle of a dining or serving table. Living in the city with a toddler means we have little space for storage or display, causing me to get creative. I recently had to move our stemmed wine glasses from the wine buffet (/tvconsole/toyholder) in our living room to get them out of reach from curious little hands. I wanted to keep them out because I do use them often - everything tastes better in a stemmed glass, even pelligrino - but I had few options in our kitchen. I stuck them on a tray on our kitchen table and left them there until I could find a better place. Well, it's been 2 months and they are still there, and I have actually grown to love it!

It got me thinking, designing a centerpiece on your kitchen table can have dual purpose: storage and style! I came up with 4 other displays of items that you would otherwise have to store in a cabinet or on a shelf.  I hope you feel inspired!

{this is what our kitchen table looks like now, looks like I'm always ready to celebrate!}

{pull those pretty bottle stoppers out of a drawer and display them instead}

{a summer refresher tray, you can literally pick up and take straight to your back patio}

{maybe you are a newlywed with tons of pretty serving items...if you have them out, you'll probably use them more}

{and finally, to show it really can be anything, I gathered up a few of my new favorite things without specific homes and made it a "collection" (date is totally wrong - I may just be a little excited about my upcoming birthday)} 

p.s. I'm in LOVE with this clock! I spotted it in my mom's storage closet this past week and asked her if I could have it for my house.  It was a wedding gift from one of my dad's best-friends.  I love that it has sentimental value and completely goes with my style!

The Many Faces of Teething

The many phases faces of teething.  Maybe it's because once a parent gets through 1st year molars they are too exhausted to talk about it.  Or maybe it's because it really wasn't that painful for your toddler.  Or maybe it's because I told myself the lie that teething can't be that bad.  But I never realized how baddd it can be!  Your sweet, giggly, little angel will be running around waving her favorite toy in the air only to stop suddenly and let out the most heart breaking wail. An eyes shut, mouth open, muscles tense cry.  It breaks your heart!  

In an effort to log this for my own memory, this was our experience: Roswelle ran fever (low and high) all last week.  She would go from happy to sad to content to devastated in 20 minute cycles.  I tried my best to distract her from the pain factory behind her pouty little lips, but it didn't help and honestly just wore us both out.  In the future, when teething symptoms start to show, I'll be rescheduling all plans (if I have the option).  Speaking of schedules, Roswelle's went out the window this past week.  I gave her a bottle when she seemed thirsty, she napped when she seemed tired, and she woke up in the middle of the night. 

What is actually amazing is those tears and long days actually do produce something.  She has four teeth up top and I can see the white of her molars peeking through in the back! I get oddly excited to see the progress.  I cheer her (and myself) on..."we're almost there!!" 

Pictures of her (our) week of teething are below:

Normally her mouth is wide open! This week it was clamped shut.

Look at those swollen lips!! :(

Like I said earlier, I tried to distract her later in the week with a fun lunch date...

I attempted a play-date with my high school best friend's baby...she was not amused.

These two pictures were taken in sequence - seconds apart! I was just excited to see a quick laugh!

Roswelle, show me how you really feel.

And finally, on our last night we took her for a 30 minute ride on the boat...she didn't cry which was progress! 

Being at home with my family this week helped so much.

 And I think they enjoyed the extra cuddling she allowed.

Favorite Things Friday

Roswelle and I managed to have a great week at home, in Georgia, even though she is getting in her 4 front teeth and 1st year molars, at the same time.  Teething is tough on mom and baby, these days are long, but I'm thankful I'm here day and night to hold her whenever they hurt most.

//personal//

New, pretty clothing for some upcoming summer events from my favorite local GA boutique's DressUP and Lavender.  Both stores have stylish and affordable dresses and never let me down. Bonus, you can order online!

//food//

I bought these wheat & gluten free WOW Chocolate Chip cookies yesterday at Whole Foods, on a whim.  OOHHHH MYYY GOODNESSS GRACIOUS...so good!!  Gluten-free usually means dry and hard in baked goods, but these cookies are soft, chewy, pillowy clouds of goodness in your mouth.  I already ate half the bag, literally. 

//home//

If you like your coffee before you get out of bed, this Mr. Coffee Wifi brewer is about as close as you will get - unless you have a very generous partner or hired help.  My brother loves coffee, maybe even more than I do (impressive), so his girlfriend, Lucy, bought him this special brewer that he can start from his phone in bed! You still have to set it up the night before...life can be tough. Added bonus, I was impressed with how nice it looks on the counter.

//baby//

This table and bench set was mine when I was little, my grandfather, Poo, built it for me!! Roswelle has loved sitting in it this week for snack time (aka feeding the dogs time). I wish SOOOO much I could pack it in my suitcase and take back to Boston, but it will have to be a special item at Mia's house in GA.  Or, I could maybe buy a pair of this similar bench on Etsy!

Tnee's Tpees

For Roswelle's first birthday, my mom gifted her a beautiful teepee from Tnee's Tpees! I'm sure you have seen teepees from sources like Pottery Barn and Land of Nod, but they are huge and outrageously expensive.  Tnee's Tpees are small enough for almost any nursery or play room and they easily collapse if needed. The company was started by a Mom of two who made a teepee after getting tired of building and tearing down forts.  She started making them for friends, and soon a business was built! 

I love that these teepee's are American made, especially as we gear up to celebrate July 4th!  The self proclaimed mom&pop shop is made up of 4 seamstresses, and 2 wood cutters out of their home basement!  I love knowing who made items in my home and where they came from.

We opted for the Minted Arrow Teepee and love the color it brings to Roswelle's neutral nursery. I've shared some of my other favorites (below) from their site, but honestly all of their options are adorable!

 {These pictures were taken the day before her 1st birthday, hence her short hair. Oh my, how she has grown!}

{sail with me teepee}

{Arizona Teepee}

{natural gray arrow teepee}

{safari teepee}

{BONUS! you can purchase matching play-mats!!}

kale+quinoa+shrimp salad

It's no secret that I spend most of my Friday nights at Canteen in the summer (see last year's post here). I have recently been loving their Baby Kale & Quinoa salad.  Like anything I love, I try to make my own version.  I changed it up a bit by adding sautéed shrimp and replacing the tahini dressing with my own lemon infused greek yogurt dressing.  It's light, healthy and yet still filling which makes it another wonderful summer salad.  The detailed recipe is at the end of the post!

//recipe//

4 cups of baby kale
1/2 cup of half-sliced grape tomatoes
4-5 thinly sliced radishes
3/4 cup of cooked quinoa
1 cup of sautéed shrimp
red onion is optional
2 tbsp of sunflower seeds

dressing: 2tbsp of nonfat plain greek yogurt (I use fagé), a dash of EVOO, and juice from 1 lemon.

While the quinoa is cooking, slice grape tomatoes (halves) and radishes (thinly). Wash baby kale and place peeled, de-veined shrimp in sauté pan with evoo. Mix kale, quinoa, tomatoes, radishes, sunflower seeds in a medium salad bowl.  After cooking shrimp 3-4 minutes on each side at a medium-high heat, add to bowl.  Dress, mix well, and serve!

Inspired by Scarlet&Gold

Scarlet & Gold is an online shop that offers beautiful gifts in prints, stationary and even some apparel. The company was "born from the idea that life is too short not to adorn your walls with pretty things."  Not only are their items pretty, they are heart-felt & inspirational.  

The owner, Megan Smalley (a fellow Auburn grad as well), recently shared her personal and emotion-filled journey through the inability to get pregnant. You can read her inspiring blog post here.  She and her husband are about to start their second round of IVF and her coworkers are rallying around her, launching the #GiveGrace Campaign.  The proceeds of the specific #GiveGrace prints will go towards Megan's next step in the fertility process, but once her IVF-related financial needs are met, any future proceeds will go towards other moms and their journey to start a family.  

If you haven't personally struggled with infertility, chances are that you have a friend who has, is currently, or will.  I love what these prints and this campaign represents: women supporting other women through one of the hardest struggles in life. This campaign is wonderful, because you not only are able to buy your girlfriend an uplifting gift during a dark time, but you can tell her that the proceeds are helping other women going through the same thing.  I haven't personally experienced this struggle, but I have close friends who have/are and the one thing they all say is that the support from others means so much.   

As mentioned before, Scarlet&Gold also sells other beautiful items including pretty Auburn & Alabama college football prints and fun stationary.  I've shared some of my favorite items from their collection below. 

{I think this would be a beautiful wedding/anniversary gift as well}

{I want this in my home! Gold+Auburn}

If you want to support Megan in her journey, you can purchase a gift or simply donate here: http://www.scarletandgoldshop.com/givegrace/

Roswelle Gray: Life at 15 months!

I post a lot of pictures of Roswelle, but I have haven't done a "Roswelle Gray" post in a few months. Here are some of her favorites and some recent updates:

Favorites: Strawberries, feeding treats to Izzie (Paul's parent's dog), doing laps around the cottage, watching the "T" (train) go by over breakfast, actually wearing her sunglasses, wanting any toy her cousin Maddie is holding, showing us where her nose is (and dadda's), and climbing up slides and stairs.

The OCEAN...gets it's own blurb.  I've never seen her happier than while at the beach.  We set her down on the sand and she darts for the water. No fear! She falls and slips and trips and laughs and giggles and squeals for more. 

She is a great sleeper - I'm still managing to get her down for two naps a day!! She loves to be rocked and coddled to sleep - and I'm fine with that. 

She eats well but doesn't love meat - and she sticks out her tongue to investigate every time I give her something new.  

She's not saying too many words beyond "Momma" and "Dadda" quite yet, but we think she's close.  

She surprisingly gives me no trouble when I fix her hair - I just have to manage while chasing her around.  

She is constantly moving, but occasionally gives us little kisses when we ask, but there's usually "no time for that Mom!!"  

Most of the clothes she is wearing this summer were mine from the 80's! I love their classic look and simple colors and designs.  

This age is the BEST.  Maybe it's because I'm in the window of not breast feeding and not being pregnant and I get unlimited amounts of coffee, but days are GOOD.  She just toddles around while I get things done around the house and she isn't talking back...yet.  I'm loving every minute of this phase while it lasts. 

Below are some pictures I took over the last few days :)  Belated Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

Favorite Things Friday

This week's Favorite Things Friday post is all about the simple & FREE things in life. A lot of times I write about "go here" "try this" "buy this" but in all honestly I spend most of my days trying to find ways to NOT spend money! I truly believe to have less is to have more...unless we are talking about having kids... ;)

//food//

My friend Erin brought me something good & green from her backyard garden.  I was treated with broccoli and fresh lettuce - both things we love and eat every week.  She was excited to share because when broccoli is picked, more will sprout and grow.  She bought 5 plants for $10 at home depot and now has homegrown veggies for her family of four.  

//home//

In an effort to avoid binge-watching Bravo during Roswelle's naps, I have been organizing our house little by little >> drawer by drawer.  I haven't personally read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo but I have absorbed bits and tips from friends who have, and I'm reaping the benefits.  Search #MarieKondoMethod on Instagram and you will find thousands of pictures of organized drawers, cabinets, and spaces.  Her approach is to keep only the things and materials that bring you joy.  I still need to edit this drawer but her method of folding upright (filing cabinet style, if you will) allows you to see everything.  I'm hoping now I will either a) wear things I love but had simply forgotten or b) realize I never wear certain items (and then give them away).

//personal//

If you know my husband Paul, you know he's a bit "energetic".  He's always got some new thing that he's doing, usually related to fitness, and he'll be persistent (/annoying) in his attempt to include me (symptoms of his twin complex).  He has recently convinced me to try what is called "Lunge U" - and I must admit, I kind of like it!  The goal is to do a walking lunge for 400 meters as quickly as possible. On a typical day, I only get up to 200/250 lunges - its alot harder than it sounds. I feel really strong after and I think it has helped me shave a minute off my mile pace.   I love that it can be done anywhere, at any time, and at any fitness level.

//baby//

The windows in our living room are low and unblocked.  It's a perfect perch for Roswelle to watch people hustle to the T stop, not to mention her favorite: the neighborhood dog owners taking a morning stroll with their pups.  Some of the best moments with Roswelle are the simplest, her curiosity is unlimited - I love this age!

Strawberry Pickin'

Yesterday, Roswelle and I traveled out to Tougas Family Farm in Northboro, MA.   Our day included strawberry picking, a picnic, lots of swing-set swinging, feeding the pet goats, and iced coffee's + farm-made donuts for the moms! The Farm is great for families and has everything: picnic tables, wide open spaces, 6 or 7 playground sets and even large bathrooms with space for strollers and little hands.  

This was our first time strawberry picking.  It's such a fun experience and I'm glad my friend Erin invited us to join her and her two daughters, Neive (3yr) and Jane (6mo).

I'm planning to freeze the strawberries for smoothies and make a sugar-free jam, stay tuned!

 

{Roswelle holding court}

{proof Jane WAS there!}

honest moment: before we left for the farm (which I had timed perfectly with her nap schedule) she kicked my full cup of coffee ALL OVER the rug in her nursery (totally my fault for placing it near her).  Then, she stayed awake the entire hour drive and fell asleep 6 minutes before we arrived.  And when we got home, while sitting in the living room, she brought me a handful of poop that I'm assuming she pulled out of her diaper.  

Inspired by @amberfillerup

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?  Well good, because I'd prefer that to plain ol' copying.  

I've recently been copying imitating a favorite hair/mom blogger, Amber Fillerup (she's Danish!). Her life is seemingly perfect, so much so that sometimes I have to take a break from looking at her instagram feed  and follow @womenIRL instead, for a healthy reality check.  BUT what is great about following her is that she tells you everything you need to know on how to get her look - down to her hair coloring formulas, extensions, and hair braiding tutorial videos.

Instead of being envious of her life, I am inspired! (still slightly envious if I'm being 100% honest)

Check out her photos below:

^^^^ same thing right? ;) ;)

{what I wish my "rainy day" hair looked like}

{adorable+beautiful}

{the "dutch" braid makes a big different for a front braid}

{just a simple gym look :P }

{gonna attempt this look soon!!}

Gift Guide: Father's Day by Amazon.com

If you are like me, you might have waited until now to think about Father's day gifts.  

Have no fear - Amazon Prime to the rescue!! 

(if you don't have an amazon prime account don't worry - you can do a 30day free trial starting now) 

With next-day or even free shipping on most of these items, you will be prepared on Sunday with a gift he is sure to love.  I've rounded up 9 items that Paul either personally owns and loves or would be excited to receive as a gift.

1. Paul just bought these Adidas Golf shorts (father's day gift to himself) and he loves them - $75

2. There is something so classic about buying a guy a power tool like this Dewalt Drill - $99

3. We love our bluetooth bose speaker similar to this one, we bring it everywhere! - $129

4. Every man needs a good grooming kit one is organized and compact - less than $7

5. Jimmy's Fallon new "baby" book is sure to make dad and baby laugh - $10

6. Paul was gifted JBL over-ear head phones and loves that they actually stay on during workouts -  only $99 (on sale!)

7. Paul's personal masseuse - the Theracane.  Full Dislocure: it's somewhat embarrassing when he brings this (and uses it) on our flights to Georgia - $28

8. No more "where's the grill stuff from last summer?" This set&thermometer has your grill-master ready - $30

9. The Google Chromecast is a very inexpensive but a cool gift idea for the tech guy - $32

A Much Needed Stay-cation

When I was young, I always wondered why my Mom and Dad made it a point to get away every couple months. I never understood the need (and challenge) until we had Roswelle.  Routine is so important as a parent, and that can leave little room for spontaneity. We are *trying* to make it a point to get away every 3 months (at a minimum). No baby, just us, and plenty of time to remember what it was like...to date each other...eeek! I would highly suggest it! 

Paul and I spent Saturday night in Boston, and we really enjoyed it. There was little pressure or planning required. Below are the details. 

(All pictures are from the websites as I decided to not lug my camera around town. Hopefully I'll be writing a similar post in a couple months!)

//stay//

We used hoteltonight.com to book our hotel.  The site offers highly discounted hotel rooms at some of the best hotels in the city.  The idea is to wait until the last minute to get the best price. On Saturday afternoon, we booked a suite at the Eliot Hotel, a boutique hotel on the corner of Commonwealth Ave and Mass Ave (great location!).  

{the entire staff was professional, polite, and extremely helpful}

{our suite was very similar to this one, I loved the french doors}

//eats//

We went to the Seaport District for dinner.  The area is packed on a Saturday night in the summer with some of the best restaurants and rooftops in the city, including Legal Harborside.  

One of our favorite things to do is eat dinner at the bar of a really nice restaurant.  The wait is short, you can sit close, and the people watching is always entertaining.  We had a 9:30 reservation but opted for the bar this time instead.

After dinner, we popped up to the Legal Harborside Rooftop.  It's so much fun and full of energy! 

Next, we went to Clio which is attached to Eliot Hotel for a late night cappuccinos and some amazing desserts (well, three desserts to be exact).  We ordered the dark chocolate pudding,  a molten-filled peanut butter biscuit with "jelly" flavored ice cream, and a side of hazelnut sorbet.  Sooooo delicious.

After all that food, you'd think we'd be done.  But as we left Clio to head to our room, we were told by the hostess that the attached sushi bar, Uni Sashimi Bar, transforms into a late-night Ramen noodle spot around midnight.  We put our name on the list, came back 30 minutes later to a packed house, and we devoured a large bowl of pork ramen noodles and a plate of scallion pancakes.  This may have been the highlight of the night.  YUM!

//our pics//

{this is my fav pic from the weekend - so wild ;) }

{sittin' close at dinner}

{I love getting ready in a hotel - especially with a coffee in hand!}

{sunday morning coffee + grapefruit juice on ice}

{calm, well rested, and reconnected}

Favorite Things Friday

//home//

This week I loved this casual and simple arrangement on my mantel.  I went to Trader Joe's planning to buy hydrangeas and roses per usual.  They were out of both so I bought sunflowers and tulips on a whim.  I really love the change-up and the unexpected pairing! 

//personal//

The J.Crew Factory racerback camisole is a wardrobe staple of mine.  The lightweight polyester material holds form, isn't clingy, and is the perfect length.  So many of my cami's look worn out after a few months of wear or even get those annoying little holes in the front from rubbing against my pants.  This camisole has stood the test of time considering I wear it multiple times a week.  The racerback adds a touch of fun as well! It's on sale now for $24.99!

//food&drink//

It's summer, which mean watermelons for all!  I'm still trying to get Roswelle to love it as much as Paul and I do.  Cutting into a watermelon to find it perfectly ripe is a sweet summer success.

//baby//

This danish designed, Moover toy stroller is right up my alley when it comes to having classic toys for Roswelle. The natural wood, simple red details and sweet heart detail adds style to the nursery while keeping your baby happy and busy! I couldn't post just one picture of her with her stroller <3

Our go-to Salad

Y'all really seemed to like the fajita in a bowl and requested more simple, healthy, home-cooked meals.  I love the feedback and will always try to meet your requests.  I also love to read how you put your own spin on something I've shared.  

Today I'm sharing our kale "salad" we eat weekly.  I put quotations around salad because it has bacon, avocado and chicken which satisfies even the hungriest of humans >> Paul.  He won't eat a "salad" but he gladly eats this every week.  Other ingredients like sliced apple, bell peppers, almonds, lemon juice, or goat cheese are optional but the bones of the salad are baby kale, bacon, chicken, avocado and a simple dressing of evoo & white balsamic vinegar.  (detailed recipe is at the end of the post for easy reference)

I've found that using baby kale is the easiest because you don't have to pick out the stems.  You detail oriented readers out there will notice that this picture above is different from the others.  I started this post last week but finished it this week, and this week we had regular thick kale and a red pepper not orange.  :D

Pull out your pans, toss your chicken and bacon on them, salt&pepper the chicken.  Place chicken in oven at 350degrees for 45 minutes, add bacon to oven with 15/20 left.  I love baking chicken for recipes because I can toss it in and walk away. 

Chopping the peppers or apple is the hardest step. You will get better and faster with practice. 

This is why I don't buy regular Kale for salad, picking out the stems is too time consuming!

Best way to prep avocado is in the shell, then just scoop out with a spoon.

sliced almonds are optional

As shown above, bacon will get crispy in the oven, which is how I prefer it!

EVOO and white balsamic vinegar is the only dressing I use.  You can add lemon juice if you have it.

A healthy, satisfying, fairly quick and home-made dinner!

//recipe//

1 bag of baby Kale

1lb chicken strips

1lb bacon

2 sliced bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow)

1 sliced green apple

2 avocados

handful of sliced almonds

goat cheese

evoo & white balsamic vinegar to taste

Bake Chicken (45min and Bacon (15-20min) in oven at 350degrees. Slice peppers, avocado, apple. Toss kale, veggies, chopped chicken & bacon, and additional toppings together. Dress and serve. Great options for a salad the next day as well!