Crafty Inspiration

Lately I've been in this crafty, decorative groove. It's contagious, I tell ya. There are SO many beautiful things I get inspired by. How do you narrow it down? You can't! But I tried, and here are a few projects that I plan on working on in the next few months. But first...

GUESS WHO started to sit in her Bumbo chair?
Yep, this little cutie!

Sure, her head is still bobbling all over the place at times,
BUT!
Doesn't she look like such a big girl?
Love this kiddo!

So now that you got you some eye candy, lets get back to my original post, shall we?

Love this framed fabric. I've already found some patterns that I really like, and I think they will look great in my new craft room. Especially after it gets a nice coat of paint on it's very boring walls.

Time stopped and I fell in love the moment I saw this DIY tea-cup clock.
I already have the perfect place for it on my dining room wall.

I really like the antique look those buttons bring. An "L" for our last name will soon be mimicking this framed beauty.

How gorgeous is this twig mirror!?!
My hallway would be so honored to wear you, you green gorgeous thing!

SO... What'cha thinking? Do you love? Most of those came from the DIY magazine and website, and some I honestly don't remember. So hopefully sometime in between poopy diapers, keeping this house clean, and a crying baby, I'll fit in some "crafty time." I promise to share my final creations with you lovelies.

Till then, embrace your creativity and have wonderful Tuesday.

7 Facts about me

First of all I would like to thank you guys so much for all your encouraging words on last week's post about Giada's tummy virus. Your kind comments mean so much! She's doing much better!

Now, onto today's post. The beautiful Renae from "Oliver's inspired mama" has passed on to me the "7 Facts" as well as the "Stylish Blogger Award." Thank you Renae!

So here are the rules:

1. Link the person who awarded you

2. Share 7 random facts about yourself

3. Share the love, and pass the award along to other bloggers

1. I wasn't born in US, and English is my second language. I even have an accent. haha
2. When I go traveling, it's mostly about the food! I like to eat what locals eat, and know the culture around.
3. I was a vegetarian for six years before I started craving meat again. Brandon (who's been a vegetarian his entire life) always jokes that I've tricked him into marriage by being a vegetarian when we got married.
4. My favorite desert is tiramisu, and the best one that I've had by FAR was, where else but in Italy! You just can't compare it to anything else!
5. My biggest dream in life was to be a mommy. I'm living my dream peps!
6. I hate watching movies and shows more than once, but I've watched "Friends" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" reruns about billion times.
7. I love having people over and planing parties all the time. It has to do a lot with good company AND great food.

Since those awards have been around a bit, I won't pass them on to any specific person, but just let you guys grab them. So please, go ahead! I would love to know 7 random things about you.

Winter Wonderland

One of the things I love most about Idaho is how beautiful the mountains look all year round. However, there is something totally magical about the scenery around here in the winter time. Everything is so white and breathtaking. This weekend we were able to enjoy a little bit of that magic at one of the skiing resorts up in the mountains.

There was a lot of laughter...

...and good times spent with friends;

...beautiful surroundings...

... and astounding mountains all around us.

Oh, and of course, love was in the air!

I hope all of you ladies have a lovely and magical Monday!

The week I considered becoming an alcoholic

So here's something some of you may not know about me: I don't drink. It just never suited me. I simply hate the taste of alcohol (unless it's those chocolates that have some fragrant liquor or rum in them. I can easily eat a dozen of them.) That, and the fact that I've cleaned up so much puke and s@#$ after detoxing alcoholics in the hospital, made me pretty much want to join the prohibition. Until last week when I would have picked the biggest bottle of booze and guzzled it down without ever looking back. God knows I needed it, too. What, you may ask, would drive me to do such an outrageous thing? A two month old. Oh yeah, and a teenage brother who acts like a two month old. At times I feel like some teenagers are God's punishment to society. But that's a different story for a different time.

So back to my potential alcoholism and the two month old who was going to lead me there. It started last Tuesday night. She was just so fussy, and crabby, and no matter what we did, we couldn't stop her from whining. I thought we were going insane. And then came Wednesday, or the day that I felt like I had to be put in a straight jacket and taken to the loony bin. OH MY GAHHH! Saying that that day was insane, is an understatement. The child whined ALL.DAY.LONG!!! I was not allowed to sit down for even a full minute without her busting my eardrums out. I pretty much had to walk around the house nonstop, just to get her to settle down for a couple of minutes at a time. She would only stop crying when she was sleeping, and as soon as she was awake, the cursed, vicious cycle would start all over again. Nothing I did could console her. By the time Brandon came home around 5:30pm, I had long passed the verge of tears, and was ready to go in a corner and cry myself to sleep, preferably with a spiked cup of um, anything. But I didn't. So I took option "B" and put my big girl pants on, and keep on moving. Why? Because I love my little girl more than I love myself or my sanity. And because I'm her mommy, and she needs me, and even if she drained every ounce of me, I had to squeeze some more and keep on giving. I have to admit that during those not-so- shining hours I asked myself a lot "How the heck do some of those super moms handle their kids, a job, and have time for a social life when I couldn't even find time to pee today?"

Anywayyyyy. Next day we went to see the pediatrician, and sure enough, my little Giada-bear had a stomach virus. As much as it sucked finding out that she was sick, I was relieved to know that there was a cause to all that craziness. And all of a sudden, I felt guilty for breaking down a day earlier, but also I felt stronger in my ability to take care of her. So yeah, the rest of the week was no fun at all. It actually pretty much sucked big times. But we made it through. She is mostly over it I think. She might still have a bit of the virus lingering on, but it's mostly gone because she's back to her smily self... at least during daytime.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering about my sobriety... Fear not, this is still an alcohol free house. Why? Because I knew, that this too shall pass.

I hope you ladies have a wonderful weekend, alcohol free or not.

Wednesday Loves

Today, I'm joining in the fun once again, by linking up with "What I love Wednesdays" over at Jaime's.

I really LOVE my iphone 4! I can be a bit of a cheapo at times, so I really didn't want us to spend the money on this phone. I mean, we were going to have a baby, for crying out loud, so I was thinking we would need to spend that money on more important things like, um, diapers. However, after a bit of convincing from the hubby (I know! Can you believe he had to try to convince me?!?!), I agreed to it. And now? I have found my soul mate! But seriously! It's a bit sad that this thing is like my BFF! I can read my emails, all your blogs, do some shopping, listen to music, do my devotional, organize my grocery list, my house, my LIFE! It even keeps me company in the middle of the night when I'm breastfeeding! Yes, I'm a bit of an addict when it comes to the darn thing, but it's one thing I refuse to give up!

Have you ever had those Alo drinks? I've discovered them this week and can I say that I've found my new favorite drink?! It's all natural and SO yummy! My favorite one is the "Allure" one. IN LOVE!

I've been just loving this little taste of spring we had going on around here lately. It's been in the high 50s to low 60s here for the past few days, and I've been in heaven! However, since all good things must come to an end, it's supposed to be bitter cold and snowy today. Don't you just love how bipolar weather can be?

And of course, I had to share my two biggest loves. They make life worth living. Love our little family and the times we get to spend together.

So, what are you loving on this Wednesday?

On Valentine's Day

So I'm not one of those Valentine's day crazies who expects diamond rings, or expensive things (even though I have never been known to turn down any bling. It's actually quite welcomed around here...), but I'm also not a hater when it comes to the "holiday." I find myself somewhere in the middle.

So my favorite flowers and lots of chocolate definitely hit the spot this year.

... that and spending lots of time with this snow bunny who has been pretty sick lately and driving me insano!

And for the first time ever, this year I had not one but TWO Valentines!

Those two make my life complete!

I hope you all had a wonderful Love Day!

I've got a two month old!

Dear Giada-Joliet,

You’re already two months old. Those last two months have sneaked up on me, and I barely noticed them passing by. I’m so glad to say that your mommy is doing so much better this month than she was doing when you first came home. I think we both got a better handle on things, and are adjusting pretty well. Wouldn’t you say? Ok, glad we’re on the same page.

You’ve been so much more fun to be around, too. We just won’t count the last couple of days when you decided to be SO cranky and mommy thought she would have to be taken to the psych ward. You are turning your head and follow everyone around. You also smile a whole lot, and each time you do it, mommy’s heart melts a bit. A couple of times you’ve even chuckled out loud. That sound just brightens out the whole room. You’ve started cooing and love to talk especially when you’re on your changing table. It’s almost like that table is your “zen place;” you’re always really happy on it unless you are hungry, and then all bets are off. Speaking of being hungry, I’m so glad that you decided to give mommy a break and start breastfeeding regularly without any tantrums. You now are done eating in about 10 min. That’s a looongggg way from your 1 hour feeds, with lots of crying and screaming in between.

One of your favorite things is when your daddy holds you tummy-down on one of his arms and flies you allover the house. Many times, that’s the only thing that stops you from crying. You love hanging out with your daddy.

You used to LOVE tummy time, but now you’re liking it less and less. Still, last week you rolled over and made mommy so proud! You also started noticing the toys on your play mat, and love kicking your arms and legs to reach them. I’m still not sure how deliberate your attempts are, but it still makes you smile when you do it.

You are also sleeping better than you did last month. Either that, or I got used to waking up throughout the night. You’ve developed somewhat of a schedule, and I’m pretty happy with that. Right now you usually go to sleep around 11pm (we’re working on an earlier time, but it’s still better than your previous 1am time) and wake up between 3-4am, and then again between 6 and 8am. You would sleep longer in the morning if your tummy didn’t bother you so much. Thankfully, after you have your bowel movement, you can go back to sleep.

You’re the best snuggle bunny, and sleep best when mommy cuddles up with you, which I REALLY love to do. I thank God everyday for you, and I feel so blessed to call you my baby girl. You’re amazing in every way, my sweet Little Love. Your daddy and I are beyond excited to see you grow and witness all your new milestones, and I have a feeling you’re going to be hitting lots of them very, very soon. So here’s to many, many more beautiful months and milestones together!

Love you to the stars and back. Forever yours,

~Mommy

The result of our photo experience

Remember our crazy photo-shoot experience? Well here are the results. They are not great, but after two hrs of chaos, and screaming, I was not willing to stay there any longer, even if they would have turned out better.

Our little family

Love this one. Seeing the two of them bond really melts my heart!

We only got one pose of her alone, and even that was like pulling teeth with no anesthesia . I so wish she would have cooperated 'cause she's so stinking cute!

I'm so glad that my grandparents were still at our house when we took those.

I will cherish those for ever.

Friday Loves

Hello Lovelies!

Aren't you glad it's finally Friday?!!?! I hope you all had an excellent week! Mine was a wee bit busy taking care of a little girl who wants to be held just ALL THE FREAKING TIME! When did peeing become such a privilege? Anyhow...

So to celebrate the end of a long week, here are some Friday Loves... or just Loves. Enjoy!

Love this dress from Gap. So gorgeous!

My fingers are just begging to wear this beauty from Anthro!

Every time I go to Pier One, I pick this pillow up and drool... I mean, stare at it for a few minutes. I'm just waiting to have the perfect chair to keep it company.

How cute are those measuring cups from Antrho? Love them, and so would my kitchen!

What's not to love about this bedroom? So bright, clean and peaceful! It's like a breath of fresh air!

And of course, my biggest love of all time! Love this baby Doll who needs to have little gloves on or else she'll claw those bright, beautiful eyes right out!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

On Breastfeeding

Oh, breastfeeding. This subject alone makes me want to pull my hair out and eat it! NO joke! Have you seen my hair?!? It's naturally so darn thin; I can't afford losing anymore of it! I digress... So back to my curse, ummm, I mean breastfeeding. For it being such a natural thing to do, it sure is a lot of work. I mean, it's been almost 8 weeks, and we're still struggling.

Let me tell ya, I've got one strong willed, stubborn girl! Giada and I have been fighting over breastfeeding since the day she was born. I think that most of it has to do with the fact that from the get-go she was taken away from me and tube/bottle fed. For the first week and a half she wanted nothing to do with my girls, and there was a whole lot of crying and frustration on both of our parts. However, the day I decided to give up on it, I tried it one last time. And? She latched on. Just like that. It was a true miracle! Or so I though, until a couple days later, when she would absolutely refuse to breastfeed, and would scream and cry until I would finally have to give in and give her the bottle. Her poor breastfeeding further led to multiple, extremely painful, plugged ducts, sore nipples, and just a very tired and frustrated me.

And then again we would have a few days of great breastfeeding, after which the process would repeat itself. Seriously?

this kid is such a monkey...

...a very cute one, thank goodness!

I tried to avoid bottle feeding as much as I could, leaving it only for when we go out or to church. So, I would bottle feed only about once a week or so. However, this is all girlfriend here needs to make my life miserable for the next three/four days until I get her to breastfeed again. And honestly, I would bottle feed when we go out because it's so much more convenient and less of a hassle for me. Which brings me to my next issue: breastfeeding in public. When I was pregnant, I thought I would have absolutely NO problem breastfeeding in public, as long as I'm nicely covered up. However, once I had Giada, I found out that FOR ME, it's not as comfortable or natural as I thought it would be. Every time I attempt doing it I feel SO strange and exposed. Plus, this may sound very silly, but my wardrobe becomes very limited and there has to be a lot more planing involved, as far as what I ware goes. I told you it was silly.

But I've decided that I would just suck it up and get over it. Starting this week, no more bottles when we go out. Hopefully. I just can't take the craziness that comes after. So when my SIL offered to make me a "hooter-hider," I jumped with excitement.

I just picked the fabric and she did the rest... Love it!

So I'm just curious, how do you ladies feel about breastfeeding in public? Is it something you find just very "natural", struggle with, or ever planning on doing (if you don't have kiddos yet)?And, do/would you do it anywhere (Focus. Still talking about breastfeeding here. Haha), like coffee shops, the mall, bookstores, etc? Or would you just confine it to places like bathrooms and church nursery?

Hope you all are having a wonderful week!