Five on Friday!

{one}

Miss Adventure Episode Four

While this one isn't my favorite, I still really enjoy Anna Kendrick. I wish Zosia Mamet was more like Shoshanna on "Girls"...her real self isn't nearly as entertaining.

{two}

Family Room Club Chairs

I finally chose fabric for my club chairs...and I chose neither of the fabrics I talked about last week. Instead I chose this take on a classic herringbone pattern

{three}

New Simple Recipe

I found this recipe on Pinterest and absolutely loved it! It was crazy easy, and didn't look like it. My kind of meal.

Salmon Stuffed with Sun dried Tomatoes, Spinach, and Feta

To get the recipe, go here.

{four}

This fox hat.

My mother in law bought this in NYC, and I L-O-V-E it. I want Beckett to wear it everyday. For the rest of his life.

{five}

Open Studios

Last weekend in Greenville was Open Studios - essentially an 'art crawl' around the city. If you're ever in Greenville o this weekend, I highly recommend it. I am not much of an art conoissuer, however I really enjoyed going from gallery to gallery looking at the works of local artists. Not only can you find some amazing peices for your home, but also support local artists! One artist that I really enjoyed (of several) was Joseph Bradley.  I couldn't get many pictures, but I did get some of Bradley's  -- so here are some of my favorites. (Sorry these pictures aren't great, I didn't intend to use for the blog - just to send to my husband!)

 This weekend a college friend is staying with us and another is coming to visit on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to a weekend of storytelling, laughing, and of course some wine!

Have a great weekend!

Create a 'To Don't Do' List

You'd think being a stay at home mom would consist of 'lunching' and play dates, and shopping trips. You'd think the pressure  would be gone. No working 40 hours a week - no deadlines, no meetings, no managing staff. I thought so at least. Just take care of the kid, and keep the house clean, run the errands. No biggie. In some ways, I feel like I've felt more pressure than ever to be the best. "You didn't get the house clean? What did you DO all day?" I thought I'd have all this time. Time to sew baby clothes, make my own baby food, clean the house, cook a gourmet meal and be waiting at the back door when my husband got home with a smile and kiss. It's not the case. I don't know how my mother did it.

These days I would give anything for a night of uninterrupted sleep. Despite brand new mattress and pillows this week I think I've slept less than when Beckett was a newborn (ok that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it's my best comparison).

Last night the dog set off the house alarm at midnight. (This is the worst because you first have to decide if someone is breaking in, and then whether or not to disable the alarm. I did disable it, and saw that it was a motion sensor. That is, a dog.) The alarm again went off at 3. Then the baby woke up at 5 looking for his pacifier, and once again at 5:45 (this time he was just ready for breakfast, and still thinks it should be 6:45- this time change really throws him off).Suddenly it was 6:50: time to let the dogs out, and feed the baby.

I suppose this is my new normal. The normal of 'mom'. I feel just as busy as when I was working 40 hours a week, and just as tired. Except, I'm not 'working'. Part of me really misses those day of drinking as much wine as I wanted while watching hours of my favorite trash tv, followed by 12 hours of uninterrupted deep, refreshing sleep.

But then I see videos like the one below. And then I realize that my days of getting up at 5 am to give my baby his pacifier (because he has somehow managed to rotate himself 90 degrees around in his crib, leaving the wubanub at the opposite end). I realize that my days of his post nursing cat naps are quickly closing. Sure, I'm looking forward to not being what feels like the equivalent of a human food truck. But I realize that as much as I hate nursing (most of the time) its a special bonding time  - and one of the few times my active 7 month old is still and quiet. I realize that it's ok to have a never ending to do list..that you never seem to get around to completing.

This video was on facebook a few weeks back, and I wanted to share it but forgot. (Typical.) This video helps to remind me to love my sleepless nights, my cuddle sessions and the little smiles he gives you every time he sees you. It reminds me that I don't have to be the best at everything, all the time. It reminds me that just because I'm a stay at home mom that I don't have to be able to do it all. I wouldn't miss these days with Beckett for anything, or any job. While I really miss working some days, I remember that this is temporary, and these days are ones that I will never get back.

Every woman needs to see this!!
Posted by Shelly Carlene Brown on Sunday, September 27, 2015

Five on Friday

It's Mallory, here...your long lost blogger friend. I'm hoping one of these days I will learn to balance baby and blogging but for now...well, you can see how well its going.

{ONE}

Two Videos EVERYONE should watch. Chris Christie is stepping out - away from the pack - and speaking out on how America treats drug addiction.

{TWO}

The t-shirt you need to purchase.

I have bought 2 of these tops (black and white stripe and blue and white stripe) - both for $10 at Nordstrom (usually $18). If you need a workhorse-everyday t-shirt (but you still want to look cute) get this top.

The Nordstrom Clearance sale has the solid red on sale for $10...so yeah, I got a third. I've found that it's a great top for fall AND great for a nursing mother who doesn't want to wear ugly ill fitting nursing tanks every day. I might stay at home, but I can't be one of those moms that just wears yoga pants all day. Of course there are days when I do wear workout attire all day, but after a day or two of that, I can't handle it anymore. I just feel like a little piece of me dies when I don't wear real clothes.

So, as I find comfy mommy friendly and cute stuff, I'll be sure to share!

{THREE}

Pottery Barn Hack

My husband and I want to create a gallery wall in our family room. I found a box of frames on Pottery Barn - but they were over $200. So, I took a risk and ordered a set for about $43 off of Amazon. They may be total crap. Or, they might  be perfect. Stay tuned...if this works, I will probably be buying another set!

{FOUR}

Christmas Candle round up

Last year I posted about this AMAZING Christmas candle, and a few weeks back about this one. Now, I have a third. So I thought I'd put them all here for those of you who want you entire house to smell like a Christmas tree (me). 

I bought mine locally at Savvy in Greenville. If you're local, I'd encourage you to buy there! If not, you can find it online (link below).

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle $29

{FIVE}

Club Chairs for the family room. 

Now that we have a rug and a couch, we are looking for some swivel club chairs. We've narrowed it down to this chair  by Rowe. (The sample online is not so cute, but I promise its cute!) I'm trying to decide between 2 fabrics below. I love love love the plaid (prettier in person, the room was dark) but it could be busy on 2 chairs. Maybe it should be an accent? Which do you like?

Rug

Fabric options...

Friday Friday Friday!

1. Leonardo DiCarprio Doppleganger

Um, have y'all seen this kid? I didn't know it wasn't Leo...

Apparently there is a swedish bartender that looks just like 90s Leo. Crazy!

2. City Select Stroller

This week I FINALLY bought a stroller. After months of debating, I bit the bullet. (I've been using a car seat/frame stroller combo). I went with the City Select by Baby Jogger. I was down between the City Select and the City Mini but eventually opted to go with the Select because it has the option of becoming a double stroller. For a limited time, you can get the second seat for FREE. ($170 value) I bought mine on Amazon, but it's also on BuyBuyBaby. This stroller has SIXTEEN different configurations including double car seat, double bassinet, double toddler seat and any other combination therein. We aren't sure of our baby time table but we loved the flexibility of this stroller!

3. Baby Toys

Beckett is quickly getting tired of pretty much ALL of his toys. I'm lost on what to buy a 6 month old...any suggestions?

4. New Furniture!

We are finally starting to get somewhere with decorating our house! Our couch and rug came this week and I'm SO excited! Of course, now I just need to buy coordinating pillows, end tables, coffee table, artwork etc etc etc...but for now these brown pillows from the den will have to work, and these mismatched tables will be our end tables. I'm just thrilled to have a rug! This couch was made by Lee in High Point, NC which was a huge selling point for me. Also, I got to choose my fabric and I adore it. It has a twinge of grey in the weave and is in a herringbone pattern. Although from a distance, it's hard to notice. The cushions are down, so they will look a little fuller when they loosen up, and I can't wait to curl up on it and read a good book. Perhaps my favorite feature is the nail head bottom. I debated getting a style with nail heads across the back and sides, but opted for the simpler look. (Warning: I'm not a photographer, so these pics aren't great at showing just how pretty this couch is!)

Close up of the rug- LOVE this color palate.

Rug and Couch came from Carolina Furniture and Interiors - I had an amazing sales rep that has helped me choose paint colors for upstairs, and will help me finish this room!

5. Making Your Own Baby Food

Now that Beckett is on to solid foods, I've been thinking about making my own food. It can't be THAT hard, right?! (Famous last words.) I'm betting the hardest part will be finding the time...I've been researching different baby food making systems and this is the one I'm leaning towards. I have a ninja, a cuisinart, and a Vitamix, so I think I just need something that will help me transfer it into jars/squeeze packs. Have you had success in making your own baby food? Any tips? What systems do you use? Do I even need one??

Infantino Squeeze Station

I like the idea of using reusable packets for traveling, and so I'm also researching systems that work with those.

Best Wellies for Fall

I know I've been MIA as of late - sorry about that! I'm squeezing in a short post between feedings about a recent purchase that I'm IN LOVE with. Since leaving Florida, I have quickly learned what passed as a 'rain shoe' will no longer work. I lived in these sandals during the rainy season - and I tossed my galoshes in the trash (they were old anyway).

So, since its about -20 here in South Carolina, I decided to invest in some wellies. Immediately, I wanted to get the Hunter boots that I lusted after while living in too-hot-for-galoshes-Florida. Y'all. I get that they are natural rubber. But they are $160. For a plain pair of boots. You're literally just paying for the label on the front. For boots you'll wear every once in a while. Don't do it. (Unless you are a costco member and can get them for $80)

I recently came across the brand Joules - a brand that makes natural rubber wellies too. Now, they are also pricey, and make just plain solid boots. BUT, they also make fun prints, and best of all, they have boots with BOWS. If you're like me, you will scour the internet and find them discounted. I bought these at Sierra Trading Post for $75. It might be my best buy, EVER. (Well, almost.).

                        

Here are some of my favorite prints:

So, moral of the story, if you're going to spend a stupid amount of money on wellies, get ones with a fun print, or even better, a bow. To see all they have to offer, check out the Joules website! 

Presidential Series - Chris Christie

Slowly moving up in the pack, Chris Christie has proven that he is one candidate (in a field of many) that should not be forgotten so quickly. Once deemed a GOP front runner, Christie suffered massive political blows during "Bridge Gate" and never quite rebounded to previous favorability ratings.  Despite this, Christie forged ahead and has actively been pursuing his bid to become the nation's next president. Known for his gregarious, and sometimes brusque temperament, Christie touts his ability to be a Republican government in a highly Democratic state with a intensely liberal media.  Poised as the polar opposite of current President Obama, he might be exactly what voters are looking for. (Clearly, Americans are favoring loud and obnoxious these days...)

So, here's a little about Chris Christie.

Personal Life: Born in Newark in 1962, attended University of Delaware, obtained a J.D. from Seton Hall University.  He is married and has 4 children.

Work Experience: An attorney from 1987 to 2002. In 2002 he was appointed as a US Attorney for New Jersey by President George W. Bush. In 1995 he was elected to the County legislature, and held that position until 1998. He remained a US Attorney until 2008 when he ran for Governor of New Jersey. in 2009 he announced his run - and defeated an incumbent governor (HUGE! This rarely happens.). In 2013, he ran again, and won.

Strengths: No nonsense attitude. He is quick to dismiss politics and talk about 'what the people care about'. (Just look up the last debate...) Recently he was quoted as saying he didn't care who ran for Speaker of the House, because Americans don't. (True, they probably care more about jobs.)
He tells it like it is. When reporters ask dumb questions, he lets them have it. Personally - I like that about him. He's a strong personality, but he knows when to dial it down (unlike Donald Trump). He has experience, he understands the law, and is an administrator.
Administration Experience. This is one attribute that is often overlooked. Experience in the Senate or House gives one experience in making deals. Administration of a state is completely different - and provides a more well rounded experience. It is also more closely related to the Presidency.
He can work with those who belong to different party/think differently. Barack Obama's greatest downfall has been his inability to work with anyone conservative. Chris Christie has successfully done this for 2 terms as governor. He knows that ideas and principles are important, but that truly governing requires compromise. (Washington isn't currently aware of this concept.)

Weaknesses: He tells it like it is. Sometimes, he can be rude. and dismissive. This can really turn some people off...but hey, he's from New Jersey. It works there.
Bridgegate. A lot of people still think his hands are dirty from that, and that he threw staff to the wolves. No charges were ever filed and no wrongdoing on his part was ever found. Does that mean he had nothing to do with it? We may never know. You just have to decide if its worth nailing him to the wall for it.



Top Headlines/Videos:

Christie: "Obama a Weakling with Putin"

Washington Post:
Not the Race Christie Envisioned

CNN:
Chris Christie on Ben Carson's Budget
Christie confronted by teacher in N.H., and he agrees with him
So, there's Chris Christie in a nutshell! If you'd like to see his policy positions in detail visit: https://www.chrischristie.com/.

Five On Friday

Sooo how is it Friday again?! This week has flown by.

{ONE}
Swoon.

Some friends of mine are hosting a FABULOUS event today called Swoon. It is an in-home trunk show of sorts of local (SC based) vendors. I stopped by yesterday for a preview and scored some amazing things! Everything from custom monograms, art, jewelry, shoes, Beaufort Bonnet, Charme Silkiner...I could go on! I scored some great finds - mostly for my house but also some pretty jewelry! 

Earrings by Charme Silkiner

Long necklace by Charme Silkiner

Brass Riding Boot bookends

Brass Shrimp (or a FL Lobster??) because why not

Old Readers' Digest hardbacks

Ladies, if you're in Greenville, hit up this event! It lasts until Saturday at 2 pm!

{TWO}
Solid Food

I know this not terribly interesting, but the biggest thing happening in my world this week has been teaching this little guy to eat solid food. It's been hilarious and he LOVES it!

I didn't have any pics with real food on his face, only cereal. But you get the idea...

{THREE}
Fall Flowers

I've planted flowers, and they haven't died! (Mostly). My favorite mini snapdragons look a little rough (they are a gorgeous combo of colors, burgundy and yellow) but I think they are just rotating blooms? Anyway, In between traveling I've managed to plant a few things - nothing much, but I think it's done a lot to help make our patio and front porch look a little more homey. Excuse the poor photography - I did this in the few free seconds I have a day!

{FOUR}

As many of you know, South Carolina has had a TON of rain lately. Alot of Columbia is still underwater and we are continuing to pray for those families that have lost everything while also sending much needed supplies. If you want to help, you can go to the Red Cross or United Way. I do know that United Way is giving 100% of proceeds toward relief. If you'd like to register to volunteer click here. Please consider making a donation!

{FIVE}
Fall Wreath Disaster.

What I got...

What I thought I'd get...

I wanted to buy a wreath for my front door from Pottery Barn. I accidentally missed their 30% off sale, and the size (large) I wanted was sold out. So I ordered a small one. The "small wreath" measured about 18" (so they said) which made me believe it would still work. Apparently Pottery Barn measures the wreath by the decorations on it - not the actual wreath. So I have a tiny wreath covered in oversized pumpkins and leaves. For this year, I'm hanging it up. I mean was it awful? No. Worth driving to the mall to return? Not really. Is it what I thought I'd get? No way. Next year, it will probably get demoted the back door. My lesson? Beware, if its almost half the price of the other wreaths, there's a reason. 

Happy Weekend!!