Hiatus

Struggling with the time constraints of a full-time job / full-time mom workload.

(Read:  Kinda hating the former right now.)

Taking a much-needed break to focus on what's really  important.

That so happens to be Biscuit and making a happy, well-fed, clean home and not necessarily focusing on my own hobbies (eg this blog) or my own appearance, for that matter.  (Bushy eyebrows, bad skin, frizzy hair, chipped nails - I'm lookin' at you!) There will be room for a little "me time" someday soon!  Or, at least I'm hoping.

Because after all, there really are only so many hours in any given day!

I hope to be back sooner than later

with more creative ideas and a fresher take on life!

In the meantime, there are loads (and loads ...) of laundry to be done,

baby food to be made,

dinners to be prepped,

rooms to clean,

lives to be saved

and babies (big and small) to be loved on!

xoxo,

b

~photos by b / images via pinterest~

Homemade infant activities

Sometimes, I feel like I run out of creative ideas to keep Biscuit entertained (and exercised!) that do NOT involve flipping on the TV. (Yuck!)

Here are a couple great, easy ideas I came across

over at the blog "I Can Teach My Child".

Here are two of my favorites for an 11-month-old...

Peek-a-boo - a felt flap house!

Biscuit is obsessed with flaps.

Not to mention I just purchased a bunch of felt on sale at Michael's.

He could open and close them for hours on end.

Too cute with personal photos on the inside!

And what a great way to up-cycle wipes bags. :)

{HERE}

A crawling obstacle course!

The more pillows and tunnels, the better.

{HERE}

Fun, no?

What are some of your favorite ways to keep mobile babies entertained?

~images via i can teach my child~



Round coffee tables

Now that the little Biscuit is full-on crawling and climbing and standing,

it's time to swap out the sharp edges for a rounded coffee table.

The problem?  I'm not in love with round coffee tables.

Here are some that I find "okay"...

(sigh)

Let the searching continue.

P.S. Where's your favorite place to shop for coffee tables?

~images via the urban decor, haute look, home depot, amazon.com & crate and barrel~

Layers

Tis the season to layer it up!

Here are some of my favorite ways to layer:

From bold...

To warm and neutral...

To fun and glamorous...

Never too hot or too cold,

and always  fashionable!

~images via smilininsideandout.tumblr & pinterest x 3~

Stuffed avocadoes

I haven't posted a recipe in awhile,

mostly because I haven't had time to whip out the good camera.

We have been eating, really, we have.

So {HERE} is one of my favorite, easy, clean-eating lunches-on-the-go...

Perfect for meatless Lenten Fridays!

(And impending bikini season.)

Enjoy.

~image via bullfrogs & bulldogs~

The Friday Five

I don't know why, but this week was especially exhausting for me.

Sooooo happy it's finally Friday!

(Even if it's snowing.)

1.

Fun.

Loving their latest...

2.

Make an ordinary supermarket floral arrangement extraordinary.

Easy, no?

3.

Colored skinny jeans

ala Target.

Cute and cheap.

(Because who really wants/needs to spend big bucks on such bold pants?!)

4.

Fab kitchen islands

The bigger, the better.

5.

Lullabies

Which ones do you sing to your child?

For whatever reason, Biscuit seems partial to Edelweiss, This Little Light of Mine, and You are My Sunshine. 

Here are some more lovely ideas, ala Cup of Jo.

And a few more links, just because...

Pretty necklace.

I think this might be the next new mascara I try.

I think I need some of this massage soap.

Darling idea for new mamas.

Ha!  This is exactly how I feel this week.

...TGIF, m'loves!

~images via Cup of Jo, Target, the hunted interior / photo by b~

Keyed up

What a cute way to commemorate your first home together!

Which is your favorite?

I want the ornament.

~images via kimbo crafts & in my own style~

A touch of fur

It's still winter.

Which means it's still freezing.

Why not embrace it with a touch of fur?

Two of my favorite looks...

Paired with red lips, b+w stripes, & baubles:

Paired with navy nails, a soul-warming cocktail, and colored jeans:

Don't worry.

You can go the faux route.

No animals harmed!

And way easier on the wallet.

Win-win.

~images via pinterest & a piece of toast~

A weekend re-cap

I'm still in denial that the lovely long weekend is over.
Instead of jumping right into reality, I will take a moment to reflect...
:)
One of my bestie's came into town on Friday.

Red wine, chit chat, and Thai takeout!

On Saturday, we got our nails did with these in tow.
Trashy in the can?  Perhaps.  But oh so delicious.

Saturday perfection continued with paninis from The Green Kitchen

and a wine flight from Thief!

I left with an amazing French rose and California pinot in and.

Then we did some antiquing, of course.

Remember this and this?

LOVE.

Here were some of my favorites...

Blue-toned art...

A brown leather clutch...

Vintage plaid luggage for a purse corral!...

Mid-mod accent chairs...
(I could do without some of the fabric choices, however.)

Next up, sushi and cocktails at Kanpai.

Can you believe that was my first post-pregnancy sushi??!

YUM.

What the hell was I waiting for?

Sunday was a day of R&R and cleaning,
and a trip to Whole Foods for organic fruits, veg, and meats for a LOT of baby food making.

The Biscuit is into advancing his textures,

so here's what we made this time:

Cinnamon Apple Raisin - to mix with oatmeal

Chicken and Veggie Stew

Spaghetti with Chicken Bolognese

 Butternut Squash Risotto with Tomatoes & Cheese

Stellina with Veggie Sauce - that's little Italian pasta stars!

Carrot + Butternut

Broccoli + Spinach + Cauliflower

Blueberry + Pear + Banana

Lucky little boy, I know.

Yesterday, I took a "continuing education" day.

Among other thigns, I learned about pediatric nutrition
(which inspired the above).

The huzz also so happened to be off for Pres's Day.

Bonus!

Now it's back to the grind.
A rude early a.m. awakening,
followed by a blustery walk into work.

But it's already Tuesday - date night! - 

so there's lots to look forward to!

:)

~photos by b~

The Friday Five

1.

I have said this time and time again,

I am pretty sure I am  still 22.

Best age ever.

Thank you, Taylor Swift, for recognizing so.

2.

Cute date night ideas

(In case you're celebrating with your Valentine this weekend.)

DIY date night cupid arrows

{HERE}

And a hot chocolate + cookie picnic!

3.
Surprise!
Keeping in line with the Valentine's theme...

Every man should do this once.



4.
DIY anthro hair tie knock-offs
I'm sold.
{HERE}
Possibly a cute V-day gift for your girlies, no?

5.
Valentine's crafts for kids!
Can't forget the kids.
{HERE}

A few more links...

Inspiring.

Oooh, glitter sleeves.  I can dig.

Swedish real estate, ala Elle Decor.  Yum.

I want a giant Valentine's poster.

Arugula pizza - first meatless Lenten Friday dinner?

Have a good one!


~ pinterest x 2, theresakistal, & growing a jewel~