Favorite Things Friday

//at home//

While at Ikea this past week, I picked up this water carafe and simple glasses. I love the cork stopper and the sleek, simplistic look of the carafe.  You can dress it up with a candle, tray (also both from ikea), and some simple flowers.  I love having it out on our kitchen which makes me feel ready for guests anytime – so y’all come on over! 

//food//

I listed Avocado oil as an ingredient in my chicken dish last week but I didn’t go into detail about how we now use it as a staple in our cooking.  We have been long time users of EVOO and still do in salads, but unfortunately it looses all of it’s nutritional value when used in cooking, sometimes in heat as low as 220°.  Avocado oil on the other hand, has a “smoke point” of up to 520°. There is a ton of research out there on why to make the switch and I encourage you to look into it!  It can sometimes be difficult to find but I scored this pretty bottle at TJmaxx for only $9.99.

//personal//

Sometimes manicured nails makes you feel put together even when everything else is a mess. I’ve been using Sally Hanson’s Miracle Gel on my nails for several months now and it can really be a life saver. It is such a treat to go get pampered by my neighborhood professional manicurist but my schedule doesn’t always allow it. When I have a dinner in the middle of the week, a big event on the upcoming weekend or just want have 30 minutes of some self care when I get the chance – this polish is what I pull out of the drawer. It has a super thick brush that helps my shaky hand apply smooth coats and it actually stays on well with minimal chipping. I highly recommend!

//baby//

Roswelle is officially off the bottle and the transition to a sippy cup wasn’t all that bad! She has been watching me drink out of the same water bottle since she was born, so it made sense that she preferred just a smaller version of mine.  I buy these spill-proof, fun, water bottles at Target. 

Home-made Cold Brew

Cold brew is brand new to some of us and old news to others - I'm in the middle.  This is the first summer I've been enjoying an afternoon iced-coffee on a regular basis so I decided it was time I learn how to make my own batch.  Yesterday was the first time I have ever made cold brew coffee so of course I documented it for the blog! My Northern friends drink iced coffee year round (?!?!?!?!?!??!) and have been making their own batches for some time now.  But for the rest of us, this new coffee option is quite life changing in the hot summer!

The recipe is super simple: find a coffee bean/brand that you love, grind it on the coarsest setting (to avoid grounds getting in your cup), pour grounds and coffee in one large mason jar or container that can be secured tightly (1 cup of grounds for every 3 cups of cold water - I doubled this to be 2 cups coffee & 6 cups water). Now you will let the brew steep/soak, which is the most important part of a cold-brew, the longer it soaks the stronger and more concentrated your brew. I left this batch in the fridge for 14hours but some people recommend 24-36 hours for an extra powerful batch! Once steeping time is done, secure a fine cloth or sieve over a second pitcher, and pour (do not pour the grinds in, just the liquid). Voila! - You have your very own batch of cold-brew coffee waiting to be enjoyed :) Do you have any other tips for an extra special batch of cold brew?

Inspired by Runkeeper

Runkeeper practices what it preaches: "Everyone. Every Run." In preparation to launch their new brand, my good friend Erin (Director of Marketing there - yeah, she's big time) reached out to facebook for volunteers for some running photos (and Paul volunteered me...!).  She wasn't looking for models posing as runners, but instead real people to represent Runkeeper's brand in an effort to be accessible rather than aspirational.  I totally see her in their new message of being approachable, supportive, and real - because that's the kind of friend she is! Basically she made this all happen and I'm so proud of her and excited for Runkeeper! 

As a real runner, I personally love it because it is a healthy way to compete with myself, it is always available, and it clears my head (...after the first 10 minutes of thinking how much I hate running - let's be honest). And I love the Runkeeper app because it kinda does it all!  It knows to pause when you are at a traffic light, it tracks exercises other than running like spinning and hiking, and it encourages you to be social by tagging your friends so they can like your workouts (I personally love knowing my friends ran while I was binge-watching netflix - ha!). And my personal favorite, you can control the audio cues. Is it one of those days you need to know when you've made it a quarter of a mile? There's an option for that! ;)

Anyways, I was very excited when they chose some of my pictures so I just had to share! You can download the app here and if you do, send me a friend request!

{don't you love their new logo? The shoelace is fun and the colors are energetic}

I met Mikhail for some shots for Runkeeper in the middle of the week.  Roswelle was actually in the BoB watching him take the pictures!  It was a very casual shoot along Carson Beach in South Boston after a long day.  

Kitchen Banquette Design Board

I have not worked on a house project since Roswelle was born - I think it's time! I was planning to wait until Fall but I quickly became impatient.  My mom arrives later this morning (Hallelujah!!) and Paul's mom generously let me borrow her SUV for the week.  What does that mean?  A baby-free trip to Ikea to find pieces for a Kitchen banquette!

I started out just looking for a bench that might fit as a banquette (because I just don't have the bandwidth for a real DIY). Then I kept finding pieces that could possibly work for the entire space. However, like anything in design, I'll make a final decision once the items are together and in the actual space. I really want this to work, but I really want it to be right as well.  The bench may not be long enough for corner, the table may be the wrong dimensions, the chairs may not all fit under the table...but I have to try and I want to get started now!  Ikea actually does have a great return policy, so I have time to spend the hours to build the furniture (I really do enjoy that) and feel it out.  

Below are the links and sources:

>> Liatorp Bench: This is intended to be a TV stand, but like anything in Ikea, it can be repurposed (I hope...!).  I plan to replace the knobs and I think the white version will brighten up our kitchen corner.

>> Nandor Rope Chair: This is a great (and much cheaper) option for a rope chair, which have suddenly become popular in the design world.

>> Stockholm Wooden Chair: I love this chair! If it isn't a fit for the kitchen table, I think it will have a home in our guest bedroom.

>> JR Chair 3 (how cute?!): I love this as a transition chair for Roswelle! The seat height is just a little higher than a regular chair and I can fasten her in until she is sturdy while sitting (this chair is not as tall as it appears).

>> Table: I love the thin trestle, especially since the space in our kitchen is small.  I plan to paint them gold - obviously! ;) I'm not 100% sold on the table top, I think I would prefer to make a more rustic version, and based on what I am reading, it actually wouldn't be that hard.  This could be a future post.

>> Caitlin Wilson Pillow Shams I absolutely love everything (pillows, rugs, furniture, fabric) made by Caitlin Wilson! I actually have this mint pillow and I have used it all over my house.  I love that all of her fabrics coordinate without obviously matching.

>> Glitter Guide Rug: LuLu and Georgia launched the sale of Glitter Guide's Elodie Rug and it was love at first sight for me! The designers wanted the rug to be "fun, versatile, and pretty (without being overly feminine)" which matches perfectly with my style.  However, I'm worried that the 5x8 size will be to snug in our small space.

A Balanced Monday Morning

For Monday morning posts, I usually spend Sunday night going through pictures from the weekend, selecting the photos that are "blog worthy" and then spend the next 45 minutes to an hour editing/enhancing them and then writing the post. That did not happen last night.  Paul and I were in bed by 8:30pm because I was just wiped and he had to be up really early this morning.

I'm finding that balance is one of the most important things in life. Too little, too much, too extreme, too tame, just isn't a way to live. And this can be applied to all arenas of life: Faith, Health, Family, Friends, Work...it all needs a healthy balance.  In this blog I like to show you pretty pictures that have wonderful lighting, appealing arrangements and inspire you to try something new in your own life.  But those pictures aren't always real life! At least not for me. More days than not, I go makeup-free, my hair is in a bun, and Roswelle is in food stained pjs (or just a diaper).  Especially when we are in the country setting of North Truro.

So in an effort to keep things balanced here on the blog, I'm sharing a few pictures that are not staged or edited.  This morning when Roswelle woke up, I changed her diaper, put on a sports bra, tossed her in her stroller, and we set off to get a coffee and some bananas for breakfast at the local market a half mile down the road.  It was a quiet, slightly humid, and casual morning which is what we both seem to prefer.

{this picture is not from this morning but it's a good one of them one afternoon in the yard!}

Favorite Things Friday

//personal//

I picked myself up a new spiral notebook this past weekend and it makes me inexplicably happy.  I will forever be a pen and paper list maker, much to Paul’s disliking.  He is always suggesting for me to send myself an email or make a list on my iPhone but the last thing I want to do is create another reason to look at my phone.  Plus, I find something so satisfying about writing out the items I need to remember or accomplish and then going back and crossing through them. Are you a list maker? My mom is NOT, so I must have inherited the love for it from my Dad. I picked up this gold, flamingo inspired notebook at Target, but I also saw these adorable ones on shopwaitingonmartha.com! 

//home//

Speaking of Target, Nate Berkus released a stylish office line just in time for back to school (if only had a home office to furnish!).  Gold Stapler, extra-large gold paper clips, Mint and Gold hanging files - it’s all just fabulous. I’ll definitely be buying myself the large, gold pair of scissors for my craft box.

//food&drink//

Speaking of fabulous, Rosè is the way to celebrate as of late! Have y’all tried this “Brangelina” Miraval Rosè?  The famous couple, Angelina and Brad Pitt, bought a French winery in 2012 and teamed up with winemaker Marc Perrin to bring a new, well-received sparkling wine to the table.  I love the fatter bottle – it is sure to add some diversity to your liquor cabinet. 

//baby//

I was on Honest.com the other night updating our diaper order and noticed their 4-in-1 organic cotton baby carrier.  Stylish, versatile, and organic!! (I'm laughing at myself, but kinda serious...) 

I personally love the pink option but would most likely buy the gray to keep things neutral.  If you are in the market for a clip-and-go carrier, I would recommend this one as the baby can face so many directions which is important as they get older. 

My Version of Shake'nBake Chicken

Last night, I made my own version of "shake'nbake" chicken for dinner.  It's super easy to make, bake, and cleanup --> winner, winner, chicken dinner!! Doing my own shake'nbake allows me to use all wholesome, organic, fresh ingredients ('cuz you know this won't fly in our house). The idea is simple: pound, season, and bread your chicken all in one bag and then move chicken to the cooking surface.  Last night, I fried one piece on the stove-top and baked the other in the oven, just to see which I like better.  Personally, I lovedddd the fried version! It fell apart just a smidge but it was packed with so much flavor and did not dry out.  

The full recipe and instructions are at the bottom of the post.  Let me know if you try it!

{While I was making dinner, she was eating hers! she still won't touch chicken}

{the very home-made, fried version - don't judge by the looks of it, it was so good}

{These are currently on my kitchen island and I just love them}

//Recipe//

1 Large Ziplock Bag

2 Chicken Breast

1 Lemon

1 tbsp of Avocado Oil 

1 cup Almond Flour

Dash of Salt & Pepper

If baking:

Turn oven to 350 degrees.  Place chicken breast into bag and close.  Pound chicken using flat side of tool.  Add lemon juice from 1 lemon and avocado oil.  Close bag and shake so that chicken is evenly covered.  Add almond flour and salt & pepper. Close bag and shake so that chicken is evenly covered.  Take chicken out of bag and place directly onto baking dish.  Add a slice of lemon on top of chicken for garnish.

If frying:

Pour 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil to large frying pan.  Add chicken and cover, leaving a small opening from lid.  Carefully flip chicken every 3-4 minutes until chicken is well cooked (12-14 minutes).

DIY: Repurpose Your Vases for Organization

I want so bad to be that organized person that puts everything back in the same place, and for everything actually to have a place.  I always know where an item may be, however its usually in 1 of 4+ places. For instance this past weekend, I literally had 6 bags for Roswelle and I, and there was no method to the madness.  Diapers were in 3 different bags, my jewelry bag was in Roswelle's diaper bag, the pack'nplay crib sheets were in the bag with the speaker, the "in case of emergency" thermometer was lost in the bottom of my purse?...it's all there, it's just a disaster. My mother-in-law was in the back of our car this weekend and exclaimed "oh Lauren here is an earring!" ... so typical of me!

SO, in an effort to be the person I want to be, I plan to organize small spaces, starting with my bathroom cabinet. I can't believe I'm sharing photos of underneath our bathroom sink!! Anyways, I love reusing candle vases and flower vases and I thought underneath my cabinet would be a good place for them.  They come in all shapes and sizes, as do my toiletries.  

It only took about 20/25 minutes to clean everything out and put it all back together in a prettier, more organized fashion.  Roswelle actually had a lot of fun helping me! She loves taking things out and putting them back in, over and over. I doubt my cabinet will stay like this for more than 48hrs, but here's to hoping! My purse will just forever be a lost cause...

{as soon as a candle is used up, it goes straight to the freezer for a future use}

{run through the dishwasher or under some really hot water to get rid of the wax}

{the awful before}

{helpful little hands}

{I was having trouble storing my large DIY rope vase, so it became a storage place itself!}

{a jar for all those samples}

Wequassett Resort & Golf Club

{Don't you want to be sitting here this Tuesday morning, having your morning coffee? I do!}

This past weekend I experienced a part of the Cape that I did not know existed - Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, MA.  Impeccably manicured landscape, plush pillowy chairs everywhere you turn (in shade or direct sun, your choice), Ice-cream socials at the pool, Lobster claw hors d'oeuvres, iced coffee by the pool, and brunch overlooking the bay - this is just some of the fabulousness that I experienced while visiting, and I didn't even stay there!! Paul's beautiful cousin, Cristina, and her new husband Patrick were married there this past weekend and we were so happy to attend!

A few pictures of the beautiful couple... <3

{LOVED her anemones bouquet!!}

So, like so many things that I experience, I thought I would share with you! I downloaded a few pictures from the resort's website...if you are in the area, you should take a peak, or even stay for a celebratory weekend (birthday/anniversary/stay-cation), you won't be disappointed!

{not into the crowded pool full of kiddos? enjoy sun bathing in private outside of your room}

{The Resort offers many areas to enjoy your friends' and family's company}

{I would love to snuggle up on this with a turkish throw and glass of something refreshing}

My Mom is visiting next week (thank the Heavens above!!!) and I'm hoping we can find time to visit Chatham for the day with Roswelle and possibly have lunch on the grounds of Wequassett.  She must see their landscaping and all the hydrangeas!  I literally saw every color of the rainbow in hydrangea form while there this past weekend.

I'm still dreaming about those extra large lounge chairs.  At one point, Paul+Roswelle+myself were all happily sitting on one chair eating lunch together.  They were extra large, extra puffy, and just extra perfect.  

{plenty to go around}

{look at that puffiness in that cushion!!!}

And one final thought....Roswelle, can you please ask your dad to be married there? ;) 

Posing for Pictures

A simple post this Monday morning, just some candid pictures of us from this past weekend.  We went to a family wedding on the Cape at Wequasset (I'll post more on that tomorrow!). I was looking through the pictures on my computer last night and thought they told a funny little story.

We got the girls all dressed up for quick pictures, only to dart out the door to catch the bus to the wedding, barely giving them kisses goodbye! Y'all have done that right?

Roswelle ate dinner, after we left, in the pretty, white, smocked dress.  And then she scraped her knee adding blood to the avocado and peanut butter on the dress.  The dress's salvage status is TBD, but it was worth it for the picture, I think :)

{Maddie clearly loves a bow}

On Sunday we did it again... They ate their eggs and got berries all over their new little Lilly Pulitzer dresses (Thanks, Gigi!).  

{trying to get a family picture....}

Weekend was a blast...but so exhausting!!  We rallied after an afternoon nap and went to the beach and out for a casual dinner and ice-cream.  Another great weekend, but as usual, I'm planning to somehow use the week to recover.  

Favorite Things Friday

I had a super busy first of the week, but things slowed way down the second half, which is how I prefer it. We are headed to a family wedding this weekend in Chatham, MA. Chatham beaches are known for Great White shark infested waters...one literally washed up on shore this past week. Locals kept the 7ft teenage great white alive and got it safely back into the water.  yay! A life goal of mine is to see a Great White fin (safely from the shore), so I'll be packing my binoculars this weekend. Have a great weekend, y'all!

//personal//

I have been finding it nearly impossibly to find fun, bright dresses with thin straps lately. Which is why I was soooo surprised and thrilled to find this Kate Spade Saturday at TJ Maxx for only $25!?! It's probably because the line has been discontinued, but either way I'm looking forward to wearing it this weekend! I tried to find something similar online to share with y'all but again, had no luck. Have any of you been able to find pretty, thin-strap dresses?

//food&drink//

Boxed water came of out no where and now it seems to be everywhere!? The first time I had ever seen it was in the @chalkfulloflove picture I shared on Instagram on Wednesday. Then it was at Sunbird Kitchen. and now I feel like it is the bottled water to be drinking. The company sets themselves apart with 76% of their water boxes composed of a renewable resource, trees. Their trees are from well managed forests, constantly growing new trees to replaced the harvested ones. I'm not necessarily a "tree hugger" but I'll be buying this water when I see it from now on.

//baby//

The perk of being the first grand-daughter...grandmothers send you very special and sweet gifts. I love these Janie and Jack sandals on Roswelle, as does she! Thanks, Mia! It looks like this specific pair is no longer available but Roswelle was also gifted these blue sandals which are equally adorable. My only questions is: "Can I have a pair in my size?"

//home//

I would love so much to paint a bold pink and white striped wall in Roswelle's room, similar to this one.  But in effort to keep the room neutral for now, I will be added hints of pink and white stripes, including this extra large turkish towel.

Sunbird Kitchen // Orleans, MA

On my drive back on to the Cape yesterday (long wknd for us!), I stopped in Orleans at Sunbird Kitchen. It's in the corner of an unassuming parking lot, but once you walk in you are taken to a very chill, retro cafe full of fun energy. Sunbird serves a new menu each day with fresh, creative "bird bites" (I'm devastated I didn't order the grilled cantaloupe salad and then they ran out), Counter Culture coffee, and a variety of beer + wine (including a new local cape brew Farmer Willie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer!!).  My friends recommended this place to me, knowing I would love it, and I'm so glad they know me so well. I hope you stop in this summer and have as good of a time as I did! They also have a food truck in Wellfleet, MA if you are in the area.

**Important to note there are no highchairs but Roswelle did pretty well on the bench bird perch

{how I get half of my photos!! #humancamel }

Inspired by @chalkfulloflove

{this picture is everything}

I really, really love Instagram!!  It has introduced me to so many inspiring entrepreneurs/bloggers/talented people that I never would have found on my own.  One in particular that I'm loving lately, @chalkfulloflove!  A graphic designer by day and an stationary artist by night, the owner, Sarah Klein, runs an Etsy shop which is chalked full of love...and beautiful things! What sets her shop apart is the uplifting vibe her products and quotes promote. Sayings like "you got this" "hustle" "stay sassy" and "girl you are a boss" to name a few.  Another personal fave, "top knots + coffee" because let's face it, that is my life on a day to day basis.

Then I found her iphone case shop. Each case made me think of a specific girlfriend which was really fun.

I've included some of favorite items here, hope you love it as much as I do!

{so many of my us...hate the grocery store}

{ALL of this could make the grocery store trip so much better }

BONUS! Do you live in Austin?? well she shares her knowledge by offering hand lettering workshops!! I wanna goooooo.

Three Summertime Mocktails

I've mentioned before that I no longer drink alcohol.  I made the personal decision when I was pregnant with Roswelle to cut it out of my life entirely.  The reasons why? Thats a long conversation for another time.  In short, I struggle with serious anxiety at times, and if I'm being honest - sometimes self-control (resisting the 4th/5th/6th drink), and alcohol was not having a positive impact on my life. When something is no longer improving your life, but making things messier or harder, it's time to reevaluate why it's in your life at all. It took a long time to come to the conclusion that drinking wasn't right for me and it is still hard to not have just one drink. But the peace I have with this decision, that I will not be drinking, is an extremely rewarding feeling. It also helps that my husband, Paul, was never a big drinker to start with and agreed to no longer drink with me going forward. 

I don't miss the next day anxiety, the occasional regret, or overall unhealthy feeling. However, I definitely miss the fancy glass of wine at dinner, a refreshing beer on the back porch and the excitement of a fun summer cocktail!

In an effort to recreate the feeling of having an fancy drink in hand at the end of summer day, I made three mocktails that are healthy, refreshing, and exciting.  Pellegrino has become a staple in my life since cutting out wine, and I was excited to find other ways to enjoy it.  And of course, wine or liquor could be added to all of these if you choose to do so! Just let me know how it tastes as I'll be jealous ;)  

//Watermelon Infused Sparkler//

There was watermelon in the refrigerator and fresh mint in the garden which led me to find this recipe on food network.  It doesn't get much more refreshing than this, or simpler for that matter.

//Rosemary Limeade Mocktail//

I made @mangiapaleo's Rosemary Limeade mocktail.  My favorite feature of this drink...it doesn't used frozen limeade from a can! All fresh, simple ingredients; including a simple syrup of honey and water.

//Peach Fuzz Fizzler//

 My personal favorite is one that I concocted on my own!  Recipe is below:

Recipe//

2 cups of frozen sliced peaches

1 cups of ice

1/2 cup of greek yogurt

splash of water if needed

blueberries for garnish

Weekend Re-cap via iPhone

{His: Bonobos Pants/Shirt/Blazer, Allen Edmonds Shoes; Hers: Lavender Boutique Dress, White Aldo Shoes (2 seasons ago)}

Roswelle and I are having a slow Monday morning (reason for super late post) at the cottage after another busy and exciting weekend.  Paul and I attended our friends' wedding at Ocean Edge in Brewster on Cape Cod.  It was a beautiful weekend with friends while Roswelle and her cousin, Madelyn, stayed with Gigi & Pops at the cottage.  Yesterday we were all reunited and had a late day on the beach.  

Most of these photos are from my iPhone and are repeats on Instagram.  Enjoy your Monday, folks!

{Jenny and I heading to the sweet little chapel!}

{I wore my mom's gold serpentine necklace - it is my favorite piece of jewelry at the moment!}

{my talented friend, Mikhail Glabets, was the wedding photographer! This is a preview he posted of Tara & Todd}

{stunning!}

{meanwhile, Maddie and Roswelle were having story-time with Pops!!}

{Sunday on the Bay with friends!}

{Paul and I on Mikhail's inflatable paddle board}

{Mikhail can't help but capture moments - including this one!}

{photo cred: Mikhail Glabets; skill cred: Paul!}

Favorite Things Friday

What a week!  Thank you all for the birthday love.  This week flew by but it was a great one.  Paul and I are headed to a friends wedding on the cape for the weekend while Roswelle is with Gigi & Pops! :)

//home//

To have wrinkle free linens on your bed, all you need is a simple spray bottle of water. I watched "how to make the perfect bed" by Pottery Barn and learned the trick from them. You just spray and smooth. That specific video is no longer available but there are many other tutorials here.  If you want to go the extra step for freshness, infuse the water with a sprig of lavender.  

//personal//

One of the first things I did when I moved to Boston almost 5 years ago was find a good hairstylist for my blonde southern hair. Recommended by a coworker, I found CeCe in the city and I have been going to her since the beginning. She is a stylish, sweet, italian woman that shows me love in the form of caring conversation and a great blowout. She also manages to give me a color, wash, cut and blowdry in exactly two hours. This is an important factor when trying to fit in a hair appointment with your busy schedule. I can arrange a sitter for Roswelle during the week and avoid anxiously wondering if I will be at the hair salon for 5+ hours!! If you are a fellow blonde in Boston, or just someone looking for a good hairstylist in general, she is the one I recommend! Her info: cece2323@gmail.com or (617) 877-8288.

//food&drink//

Have you ever looked up a recipe based on what you have on hand already? I did yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  I had shrimp in the freezer and feta cheese in the fridge which lead me to this recipe.  It wound up being a great last minute appetizer to take over to a girlfriend's last night!

//baby//

My girlfriend, Meredith, is in the trenches with a teething baby. After 2 weeks of sleepless night and lots of tears for both baby and mom, her pediatrician recommended Gripe Water.  Thankfully, it actually worked and they are headed into their second day of good sleeping and more giggles.  She is also using Hyland's Baby teething tablets.  I thought I would share the good news!

Banquette Bench

{the detailed slant in the bench is small but makes a dramatic difference}

Since we travel so much in the summer, I have very little time for projects in the home (not complaining).  However, that doesn't mean the idea wheels aren't spinning... This Fall, one of the projects on the drawing board is a banquette bench in our kitchen.  We have the perfect little nook for a bench; it's actually something I've pictured well before I even moved in.  At the moment, we have a high top bar that I think we will move to storage.  I really want Roswelle to start sitting at a table, and I don't know that tall chairs make sense while she is learning.  

In my head it is the simplest project, it's just a bench?! Doesn't even need to be attached to the wall. Plus added storage - I mean no brainer!  We'll see how "easy" it is once we get serious about building it...aka calling my father-in-law Ross! ;) In the meantime, I've shared some pictures of banquets that are both lovely and functional.  Do you have one already?  If so, please share your experience!

{The bench plus shelves is so fun & friendly & smart}

{the is super simplistic but is sometimes all you need}

{benches don't have to be a cozy, cottage look...this one brings the drama}

{I love everything about this little galley kitchen - serious inspiration for me right here}

{a highchair or learning chair slides up so well - confirming my decision that a change needs to be made}

This is our current situation...pretty, just not practical.

29.

{I love that my flowers match my calendar this month but I hate that the hydrangeas wilted on the car ride home}

Today I turn 29! :D Or as Paul likes to remind me, I'm entering into my 30th year of being alive.  Thanks for the reminder, babe...

Late 20's as a female, wife, and new mother is an interesting place to be.  I honestly compare it to puberty. Stay with me...

First, I'm unsure and insecure of my decisions - which diaper rash cream is the safest for Roswelle? How in the world do I figure out Roswelle's shoe size?  Is she sleeping too much? Why didn't she sleep well today? Is she too hot? Is she too cold? Am I helping create a sense of security? Am I creating OCD characteristics in my child?  Is she happy? Ahhhhh. I second guess my decisions all the time. I know I will get better and be a more confident mother as time goes on, but the struggle as a first time mom is real.  Even though I'm trying my best, I still feel like I fall short. But like anything else, I will eventually "get it" and be a calm, confident mother and woman (I hope). 

Secondly, I feel awkward in my own skin or even clothes.  I'm in a weird transition between still wanting to be young, care-free, and cool and feeling the pull of being appropriate, put-together, and classic.  I don't shop at Forever 21 or trendy boutiques as much but I'm not ready to only shop at Ann Taylor and Banana Republic.  I'm somewhere in between.  As soon as I put on a classic, mono-tone outfit for a night with girlfriends, I feel boring.  But then I put on a trendy dress with boots and chunky jewelry and I feel ridiculous.  Cleaning out my closet a few months ago helped me realize I have certain trends I navigate towards but I still don't have a effortless "uniform."  Oh, and 29 is also great for stretch marks... and breakouts. amazing. I also can'ttttt lose the last 10 pounds...but do I really care?  I go back and forth....

Finally, and I'm trying to navigate how to become the authentic "woman" I want to be.  I can picture the organized, confident, punctual, happy woman (without stains on her clothes) that I strive to be but sometimes I see the messy, scattered, "late-but-she-made-it", belly-laughing, also confident, woman too.  I like both versions. And both versions get on my nerves. I don't have to figure out exactly who I am by the time I am 30, but it sure would be nice.  "This is me, take it or leave it, I am me. I am authentically me."  At 29, I am on time but I have sweet potato on my shirt.  I'll have checked off my to-do list but my credit-cards and phone are shoved in the back pocket of my jeans.  

Feels all too familiar of being an insecure, awkward, complex 14 year old. My mom will tell me how she wishes I could know what she knows after 50 years of living, 4 kids, and a 25yr marriage. But she also knows that just like puberty, it's a transition that we all must go through and I will eventually get to the other side.  And much like I did when I was in 8th grade, I cry and laugh about this "journey" on a daily basis.  

Just for fun, I made two lists below: things I love, and things I hate at 29.  I think I'll like reading this years from now! 

Things I love: 

Iced coffee in the afternoon; getting intentional kisses from Roswelle; that "Cheerleader" song; when Paul comes home early; Pellegrino with lemon; getting up early; thin, gold fashion rings; the Real Housewives shows; hair appointments!; FaceTime with my Mom; funky sunglasses; Real Simple magazine; @fatjewish on Instagram; our huge, comfy, all white-linen bed; the backyard at the cottage; organic anything; embracing that I am totally "basic". 

Things I hate: 

Wrinkles on my forehead, going to bed early because I'll be up early; not drinking (why can't non-alcoholic beverage bottles be as pretty?); always losing one earring; no longer being able to lose weight on a cereal-only diet; how quickly our car get trashed; gossip magazines; when Roswelle soaks through her diaper; when Paul points out spelling errors in my posts a day late; March in Boston.

Today I'm heading into the city to meet Paul at Kane's Donuts downtown for a birthday donut with Roswelle (I will let her have some!)  Later tonight, Paul and I are going to dinner at Assembly Row and then seeing Jurassic World - I'm sooo excited!!

Breakfast for Two at McKenna's Cafe

This morning we woke up late, with no food in the house. This happens after a weekend away on vacation. Paul headed off to work, planning to get breakfast in the city, so I stuck a bow on Roswelle and we walked across the street to McKenna's Cafe. It's a local restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch to friends in the neighborhood or traveling tourists. And also its claim to fame is that the small corner spot is a favorite of Mark Wahlberg's, a native of Dorchester!  I snapped a few pics of our breakfast to share!

Celebrating July 4th, 2015

I hope you are having a big cup of strong coffee this Monday morning after a safe and happy holiday weekend!  We celebrated the 4th with friends at the Wellfleet Beachcomber, fireworks in Provincetown and just a lot of time on the back patio and at the beach. I was able to snap some pretty pictures (some repeats from Instagram -->follow me @laurenlashway!) amidst all of the chaos - packing for the beach, babies waking up at 5am, and endless amount of picking up (the cottage can get tight real quick with 8 of us!) I wouldn't say it was the most relaxing weekend but it was one for the books blog! ;)