lately

I feel like I have neglecting this space lately.

Not a whole lot of posting and such.

Getting back into the swing of things and working on some fun posts, including a weekly series that I am really excited to share. 

This is life as of lately. The weather has been so nice (except for the unexpected rain this week, which I love and we need). The warmer weather has been drawing us outside and keeping us out there until sun down. My Husband is restoring a Land Cruiser right now, so he is out there tinkering around on it every chance he gets. And the kids love "helping". They "drive" on adventures all over and ask my husband a million and one questions about life. I am excited for them to learn how to drive in this vehicle, reminds me of when I was younger learning how to drive the back roads home- I look forward to those days.

 

"We do not remember days, we remember moments."

Cesare Pavese

taking stock

'Good Vibes Only' Mug // Mulberry Press Co

I was trying to come up with a weekly post idea that could keep me on track with blogging when I can't come up with a post. I have done a few Currently posts in the past, but was looking for something a little fresh. I came across the blog Meet Me at Mike's and love their 'Taking Stock' list. So I thought I would just go with it

Making : a photography floor-drop
Cooking : spaghetti (love adding my Young Living Oregano Oil to the sauce)
Drinking : kombucha
Reading: just picked up Happier at Home
Wanting: some salted caramel ice cream
Looking: inspiration
Playing: fruit ninja (I'm hooked)
Wasting: time on social media (instagram addict)
Sewing: I want to sew L a little sling for the chicks at my mom's house
Wishing: for an ICE COLD diet coke
Enjoying: using my essential oils
Waiting: for the arrival of both my nephew and niece
Liking: cooler weather (but praying for rain!)
Wondering: what to make for dinner tomorrow
Loving: love
Hoping: to find some energy
Marvelling: over DIY projects for around the house
Needing: more hours in the day
Smelling: essential oils // peppermint & orange diffusing
Wearing: workout clothes
Following: what's going on in the world, it's kind of scary
Noticing: the little things
Knowing: things happen for a reason
Thinking: ideas
Feeling: blessed
Bookmarking: more like pinning, does anyone even bookmark online anymore??
Opening: a mini IG shop soon
Giggling: with my littles
Feeling: happy

currently //

Reading // I am on a mission to finish reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Successfully made it to chapter 5... I am a such a sucker for sappy love stories and so far this one is good. Some great human as well to keep interesting. And of course there is a movie schedule for release, so I would like to be done before that comes out. *fingers crossed it flop like most book-movies do*.

Working on // There seems to be so much I am working on lately. A lot of it is around the house.

• Decorating the kids bedrooms- They now have their own rooms, so it's been fun personalizing each on for them. They both received "big kid beds" for Christmas with new sheets- they were pretty stoked on that. Finding fun prints from some of my favorite Etsy shops ( The Printed Palette & BC Prints ) Still have a ways to go, but they are turning out pretty cute.
• Master Bedroom-  Painted a giant accent wall that our bed is on in a charcoal grey. LOVE it! Lots of fun gold pieces up the night stands- mirrors, antlers, lamps. With moving the kids into their own rooms, I had to give up my Craft Room/Office. I moved my desk into our bedroom and made myself a cute little workspace that I love. Working on getting some things on a few walls, and then I think I can call it done in there.
• Guest Bathroom- When we moved into the house and started the remodel process, I wasn't sure what style I was going for really. So when it came to picking a color and theme for the guest bath I was totally stumped! I picked a random yellow and called it good. And that's about as far as I got with any sort of design in there. I couldn't find anything that I felt belong in there to mesh with the color. I finally decided I was going to paint it, WHITE- perfect blank canvas. My inspiration was Elsie's Bathroom // A Beautiful Mess. I LOVE it!
• Living room, kitchen, dining room- Not a whole lot of big changes going on in these rooms. Mainly filling up wall space with things that represent us. Have plans to make a coffee station in the dining room which I am completely giddy about! And maybe a shelf over the kitchen sink.

I should probable to a post on a home tour or something- seems there is a lot to be shared there (putting that down on the list of things to do)

Loving // I love being back in a salon. Even though it's one day a week, it's just enough to make me feel complete! I had been thinking of getting back into one for a while and things had a way of working out in my favor which I am so thankful for! Having all that creativity at the tips of fingers on a weekly basis is so awesome. Mixing color, new cuts, and fun blow outs! In Hairdresser Heaven ;)

Listening to // Ever since his epic Super Bowl performance, I have had Bruno Mars' album on repeat! It's so good... If you don't have it, go get it now and then you can thank me later! You're welcome in advance!

currently //

Reading. At the moment, nothing. I have so many books that I have started and none of them are finished. I get side tracked and then completely forget about them until months late- at that point I have no clue what happened in the first half of the book so I have to start over. And then I am back at square one again, a half read book. I have been investing in some photography books and I have been thumbing through those a lot finding inspiration or learning some new techniques.

Doing. We have been doing lots of play dates lately. I am usually such a homebody, but that's not really fair to the kids. So we try to get out at least once or twice a week to the park or a friend's house. They enjoy playing with their friends and I get some mommy talk with my friends. It's kind of a win/win for us all.

Working on. So if you have been following this blog for a bit, you know that it has been quite a long time since my last post. I had plans of just taking a mini blog break and that turned into an almost 5 month hiatus. I am trying to get back into the swing of things again and hoping I can stay committed to it. I really miss writing up these posts and interacting with this lovely blogging community. It will definitely be some baby steps, but I am working on getting back to it.

Watching. I am loving the new season of Grimm. We have been hooked since the first episode, and I look forward to Friday nights snuggling on the couch with my husband, zoned into Grimm. It was exciting to see Monroe finally propose to Rosalie- although should be interesting to see how his family adjusts to her but to the fact that his friend is a Grimm. Seriously this show is just too good. I wont say much more incase you haven't had a chance to start watching it, in which case you need to start.

Loving. So in the 5 months I have been gone from the blogging world, I actually got a part time job. Yay me! I finally got back to doing hair at my girlfriends new salon. I had been wanting to possibly get back into it and when she asked if I was interested, I knew I had too. It's only one day a week, but it's perfect. I get to get back into doing something that I love and have missed for so long. I miss my kids all dang day when I am there, but I think it was something I needed- kind of like some 'me' time. The best part is, I get to work with girls I had worked with in a previous salon. We are all together again doing what we love and laughing our butts off all day long!

 

I found this Currently prompt through Danielle at Sometimes Sweet Blog

currently

Reading. I have been reading It Starts with Food this past week. Not getting through it as fast as I would like, but I have enjoyed and learned a lot from what I have read. It has been a real eye opener too, explaining things you don't ever really think about when it comes to foods. Why we have cravings to certain foods instead of others and great tips to get your body to a healthy, functioning point that you can successfully maintain as a lifestyle. Actually, starting tomorrow I am doing their Whole30 Program in which I completely change the way I eat for 30 days. Kind of scary right??! At first when I said yes to a lovely Instagram friend, I was like "What the heck did I just commit too?!" But now after reading and talking with the "Support Group" she gathered, I know that I will have no problem completing the full 30 days- and maybe longer.

Listening to. Robin Thicke's new album Blurred Lines. This is the first album that I have listened to in a long time and have loved every single song!! Every song has a catchy beat and makes you want to boogie! If you don't have it, go get it!

Thinking about. What I am going to do with myself once my kids go to school. I know I still have a few years, but I know it will be here in a blink of an eye. I am eager to get back into a salon, an environment I have missed so much since having kids. Although I feel like I need to brush up on a lot of things, so many new techniques, color lines, cuts, etc. have come about in the past 4 or so years. I would definitely feel like a newbie fresh out of beauty school again! But then I also want to grow my photography "business". I truly love it and its something I know I will do forever. I just started rebranding it and gearing in a direction that I feel fully represents me as a photographer. And while I am fully aware that I can do both hair and the photography, I don't want to lose sight of my ultimate passion- being a mom. I guess that's why I am glad I still have a few years to think this all through.

Watching. One word- DEXTER!

Bummed out on. My poor little guy has been teething pretty bad this past week. I think it's those pesky molars. He hasn't been his happy-go-lucky-self and falls asleep at the drop of a hat. Yesterday was the calm in the "teething storm". He seemed to be feeling better and running 100 mph as usual. Teething is no fun!

Loving. A new clothing line that I found on Instagram. So Worth Loving. Their powerful message of love you who are, you are worth it, follow your dreams- truly inspiring. I have 2 of their shirts and love how they feel when I wear them and how I feel when I wear them. Can't wait to grab a few more.

This Currently prompt was inspired from Dani at Sometimes Sweet Blog

currently

Reading. I haven't been reading many books of my choosing. Just lots of books about, cars, adventures, and of course dinosaurs. I got Lil Miss a giant dinosaur encyclopedia full of pictures and loads of Dino facts. I don't know why, but she loves all things dinosaurs. We sit there and look at all the pictures and she asks me what the names if each dinosaur is, most of the time I have no clue. I will blurt out blah-blah-saurus, and she is quick to correct me "No mama, dats an Iguanadon!" And of course she is right every time. I need to brush up on my dino names!

Listening Too. So I finally uploaded some songs on to this iPod that I have had for months. I got it just so I wouldn't take up any space on my phone with music because I seem to run out of storage quickly with the bazzillion photos I take every day. Any who, so I finally downloaded some songs on to it and have it a test run while I was vacuuming. One of my favorite songs came on, The Story by Brandie Carlile, and I lost it. I have no clue why really, but the flood gates opened and the tears flowed. I think I have been needing a good cry to just release any tension that I might have had bottled up, or it could just be that time of the month (cause it is). I am sure my kids were wondering why mama was so emotional while vacuuming...

Thinking About. With out getting too political on hear (I think we are all entitled to our views and opinions) But I am so happy for the approval of Marriage Equality, something that should have been recognized a long time ago. LOVE is LOVE!

Watching. My hubby and I are hooked on a new show called Graceland (on USA). It's based of actual events of undercover FBI agents who live in this lavish beachfront home I believe in Malibu (or some where close to that area). One of the characters who is sent to live undercover is actually doing double duty undercover while there to investigate one of the head officers who doesn't like to play by the code book. It's pretty entertaining for what it is. Also still anticipating the season premiere of Dexter!

Bummed Out On. Nothing real major for this category. Kind of bummed that I can't get my daughter to eat what I make for dinner. I feel like it's an on going battle every night to get her to even attempt to taste what's on her plate. Most of which is stuff she has eaten before and likes. I don't know if it's because she isn't really hungry by dinner time or she's just been stubborn. Or probably the combination of both! Last night I made us some yummy berry smoothies, they were delicious! She wouldn't even taste it! Really?! No smoothie! Well my little guy was stoked on it cause he got to enjoy both his and hers. Maybe it's just a phase... I hope. (And just so you know I usually cave and make her something that she will eat so she doesn't go to bed starving, a habit that I need to break for sure!)

Loving. Going to sound like a sap for the next few sentences. I have been loving my Hubby. He's been so stressed at work lately- long hours and many miles to and from work. He has been so excited for this upcoming week because he was going to have it off because of the holiday. He just found out yesterday that they have a deadline they have to meet in just a few short days so he has to work. He takes it like a champ because it's his job, I just feel bad when he is stressing like that cause there is nothing I can do. I have been working hard at keeping up with all the household chores and making dinners every night so he can just come home and not have to worry about anything. I love him for all he does for us.

Using this Currently prompt from Danielle at Sometimes Sweet.

currently

Reading. At the moment I am not reading anything. I am finding it hard to pick up a book and finish it! I did start reading The Fault in Our Stars a few weeks back. I only made it through the first 3 (or maybe 4) chapters so far, but I am really enjoying it. Lately I feel like making time to read is another chore that I just don't want to make time for. I am hoping to wash away that thinking and pick it up so I can finish.

Listening To. So I decided the other day that my summer jam is Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. Every time it comes on I crank it and do that crazy dance you do when you're driving by yourself, and then you realize you aren't in the car by yourself and your hubby is shooting you that crazy "what the hell are you doing" glare. It happens quite often...

           

Feeling Thankful. I am really thankful for all that my husband does for our family. Sometimes I don't think I tell him that enough. He has to get up at the butt-crack of dawn every morning and doesn't get home until an hour before the kids bedtime. Sometimes it drives me nuts, but then I think I could totally have it worse and that I am so very thankful for the long hours he puts in to provide for our family. I am so grateful that I can stay home every day to raise our kids and tend to household duties. And also make sure that he comes home to a nice cooked meal everyday... Well most days at least.

Thinking About. Goals and dreams that I have for myself. This past week I have really become inspired to buckle down and make those goals come to life. I know that they might not all be successful in the long run, but I will never know if I don't pursue them and find out what they offer me. We will see how it goes...

Eating. I just scarfed down a peanut butter sandwich. NO SHAME!

Watching. At the moment my TV is black as I type this. But once I am done I will continue watching Million Dollar Listing New York. All those GORG apartments and lofts, make me so wish I was in New York! Also obsessed with The Real Housewives of Orange County and New Jersey, I am such a sucker for stupid reality shows. They are like never ending train wrecks that you just can't stop watching!! And on a side note since we are on the topic of Reality TV, am I the only one who is bored with this season of the Bachelorette??! I mean, where the heck is all the crazy drama?? I am giving it one more week before I delete it off my DVR. Oh and Dexter starts soon!! Cue giddy dance!

Bummed Out On. I am a little bummed at the lack of energy that I have. I can't seem to get myself going, especially since I am running after 2 munchkins all day. I just got some Instant Energy B-12 supplements that I am going to start taking to see if that helps. I had the B-12 shot a few weeks back and it really helped me for quite awhile. The supplement packs are a tad more affordable than the shot, if they work great and if not then I will just resort back to the shot.

Loving. The stage the kids are at right now. Everyday is a new adventure with them. Always coming up with new games, sayings, etc. I find myself laughing all day at my daughter's dialogue, and wonder how they heck she knows what she is saying. She tells me all about her dinosaurs and what they eat, then we talk about outer space and it's so far away, and then how she loves bugs because they are her best friends. Seriously my days are always filled with some sort of entertainment with these 2 goobers!

*Found this Currently Prompt from Danielle at Sometimes Sweet

this is me

 While surfing through this blogging world this morning, I stumbled upon a fun post/challenge created by The Paper Mama. I have been trying to come up with some fun more personal posts to share a little more about me here. Instead of my usual photo or "fashion" posts. Of course I can never seem to come up with anything that I feel is worthy enough to share.

 

 I get so nervous when I attempt to open up and share in depth parts of my life, somethings that I rarely talk about. Most of which because I am afraid of the reaction I might get from a certain few (not anyone in the blogging world, just certain people in my life or who don't play a role in my life I should say). I feel like this blog is a journal in a sense. A place to write down all my thoughts and creative ideas. But a journal that is open for others to freely read. I don't have crazy secrets that I want to reveal, or things that my friends and family don't already know. Just simple thoughts that weigh on my mind from time to time. Some of which, would feel so good to just share. 

 

When I read this post, I thought this would be a fun way to get back to opening up and sharing. Become more personable. Share my feelings, which was what I had intended to do when I started this blog.

Yep, this a the perfect picture to portray my self. Not so serious, goober-nerd.  Not an actual nerd, nerds can actually do math, I can't!

Currently:

Obsessing over.... getting my house decorated. We have lived/owned it for almost 3 years now and it's fully furnished. It lacks those finishing touches that complete our home. I only have a small area of wall space that actually has pictures on it. We just got a new couch, which then led to us rearranging the layout of the entire living room. Now I am on a mission to get some life up on the walls and finish some painting projects that I have planned. I am kind of excited to get things going, I was feeling a little blah about how the house was looking, a tad boring actually. While it has plenty of beautiful pieces of furniture that I love, the rest of the house seems to lack personality and charm. 

Working on.... planning my son's 2nd birthday party. It's the end of next month, so I am hoping I have enough time to get things made and ready to pull it all together. It's going to be a mustache theme of course. I ordered some fun invites from Just Us Three Design, and some fun mustache decorations. Lots more to do, but having fun working on it all!

Thinking about.... Family and friends going through some rough times. Life has thrown them challenges, yet the seem to know how to be so strong and rise above it all. They inspire me with their courage to overcome the obstacles they have encounter, and how to fight back with all they have.

Anticipating.... My sister's upcoming wedding. Actually she informed us it's only 65 days away! EEEKS! Need to get back on the workout bandwagon ASAP! 

Listening to.... little laughter and silly screams coming from the kiddos. Both have decided not to nap today, so we... they are watching Cars. And its just as funny as the first time they saw it.

Eating/Drinking.... just finished an ice cold Diet Coke, one which I said I wouldn't have because I need to drink more water. Because I am in my sister's wedding in 65 days!!!! I ate some tuna for lunch, which was actually quite yummy. I have been tossing around going back to eating Gluten Free. I did it for like 6 months last year and loved how I felt while doing so. And then the holidays rolled around and then that went out the window. But saying so and doing so are 2 completely different things! Okay, I am saying now, I AM GOING TO EAT HEALTHY!! (Note: I do eat on the healthy side, I just want to eat cleaner.)

Wishing.... time would slow down just a little. I feel like each day goes by faster than the last. You know those videos where the person is standing still, but everything around them is zooming in fast forward... I feel like that's how my life is sometimes, especially with my kids getting older! I blink and all of the sudden they aren't babies but little talking people!!

Linking up with The Paper Mama for her Self Photo Challenge!

Currently - Week 4

Currently I am...

Anticipating my sister's upcoming wedding in April. It will be here in no time! I am throwing her a Bridal Shower too, so I need to start getting things together for it! Calling on the craft gods for that! Plus I have about 10 lbs I would love to lose before then too!! I haven't been super motivated to start working out, which is really sad. I need to get my flabby tush in gear!! Don't want to look like a goob for wedding pictures!

Buying things to contribute to the household. Actually making a run to the store today! Needing just random things for the house that we have run out of at the same time. I am also wanting to buy a new computer, which I have been slowly saving for. Lots of random buying going on... In a good way.

Needing a lot of time to just sit and think. I have so much going on in my head I just want to get it all down on paper. Things I want to do for my blog, for my handmade business and for my home. I just need TIME!

Thinking about my family. I just recently lost my Uncle the other day so my heart is really heavy for my cousins. I am praying and thinking of them daily. I know he is smiling down on them and is so proud of them, but I am sure it isn't easy. Cancer takes to many too soon! I love you Uncle Rick!

Ignoring my thoughts, the sad ones at least. I have had a lot of random thoughts floating around in my little brain, that actually make me quite emotional. And they tend to randomly resurface and make me angry. I ignore those thoughts and memories as much as possible because they hurt...One day I will blog about it.

Note...I will no longer be doing the Thankful Thursday link up. It was becoming too over whelming (I know that sounds silly) But I needed to simplify my blogging so I decided to cut it out. Thank you all who linked up every week!!

Currently...Week 3

Currently I am...

Worrying about not getting the kids' Halloween costumes done in time for, well, Halloween. I think I finally settled on what each of them will be, now just a matter of getting them together. Heading out to pick up everything I will need and hoping I don't change my mind!

Listening nothing at the moment. TV going in the background and kids are in bed. Kind of a quiet house......

Wishing for a lot of things. But with out going in to much detail (because I don't like to get political), I am wishing that the country votes this upcoming election. Every vote counts. Who ever you vote for, just vote! (And vote smart!)

Observing life as it whizzes by me. I swear I can't seem to keep up with it. My kid are shooting up like bean poles, no longer babies! I was actually informed by my nearly 3 year old that she is no longer a baby! REALLY!!!!! She could have been easier on my, so blunt! Gaaash!

Considering...... Don't really know where to go with this one. Uhhh... Stuck.... Considering I probably should have thought about things I am considering for this part of the post....

Currently...Week 2

I am currently...

Feeling quite tired. I can't seem to catch up on sleep...or go to sleep for that matter. I go to bed around 9ish, but find myself laying in bed for 2 hours trying to fall asleep. Then by the time morning comes, I can't even wake up to my alarm...SNOOZE!! Considering trying something to help with sleeping, maybe a tea or something...

Drinking A LOT of coffee because I am so flippin' tired!! I don't know if I have ever drank so much coffee in my life!! I actually ran out of creamer the other morning, so the coffee freak that I am made a special trip to town to get some more!! Plus stuff for dinner, so I don't sound to cray cray!! I need to drink more water though. What I chug in coffee, I lack in water! Wait a minute....I use water to make coffee...Hmmmmmmm

Looking for my brain! I lost it about 3 or more years ago...I don't know if I will ever find it again!! That's why I carry a notebook around. But since I can't find my brain, I can never remember to actually write anything down in my notebook. So I just carry around a blank notebook for the heck of it!

Dreaming of sleep...I think there is a theme going on here...

Making time to spend with my Hubs this weekend! My mom is taking the kids, so we will have a whole 2 days to ourselves...Childless (Kinda). Haven't really made any official plans. Possibly a nice sit down dinner at an actual restaurant!! Maybe we will get wild and go see a movie!! Although I might just fall ALSEEP! HA!

Currently...

So I have been following Ashley over at Little Willow Tree blog for a little while now, and she is so awesome to link up with my every Thursday for {Thankful Thursday} Coffee Date with Mustache Mama. So when ever I hop over to read her post, I always see her Currently posts (every Thursdays also).

So I finally realized it was a Link Up! 

I have now discovered Harvesting Kale!! And I am super excited to do my first (of many I hope) 'Currently' posts!!!

I am Currently....

Watching a few different shows... When the kids are up we are watching something for them through out the day; Mickey Mouse,Yo Gabba Gabba (gag!), Pocoyo...But for normal adult type shows I have a few that I watch every week; Parenthood (always in tears), Modern Family (always in tears from laughing), Greys Anatomy (hoping it picks up soon, because the story line this season has been kinda BLAH!) and of course Dexter!(it's on every Sunday, but since my Hubs has to work early on Monday and the rest of the week we end up not watching it til Thursday nights..So lucky for me today is Thursday!!!)

Reading a lot of blogs at the moment. I haven't started new book...I am still trying to get over 50 Shades of Grey...(sigh!) Kind of hard to start reading a new book after those! Would it be weird if I said that I am kind anticipating the movie...Just saying!

Eating blue pancakes for breakfast this morning! Request from Lil Miss. I take that back, it was more of a DEMAND! 

Inspired by a lot of things lately. I have been finding so many new blogs to follow and everything they share has inspired me as a blogger! I am still a new blogger (a few months to be exact) so reading what others share motivates me to be true to myself and continue blogging!! Plus through all this I have 'met' so many awesome ladies!! 

Thinking of a million things. Like all the time! Sometimes I wish my brain would just shut off so I can sit for like 5 minutes and just be a blob! lol So many ideas running in my brain, things that need to get done, etc! If I am lucking enough I write it down before I forget what it is! That's easier said than done!