School started up again. You should have guessed that, based on my absence here. I've got to get my head above water at school before I can start treading water over here. Sorry! But I was inspired today, after reading on of my favorite blogs. The Pioneer Woman has it all. I want to be her, really, but not in Oklahoma so much. She's not pregnant, but listed her favorite baby names. I am also not pregnant, but I wish to do the same.
Oh baby names. I remember writing you down when my mind drifted during sermons when I was a teenager. There's just something about names I've always loved. When I'd try to write a story that I would inevitably never finish, I spent the most time carefully constructing character names. It was the same way when I played Barbies.
And names are so subjective! People have violent reactions to names they dislike, and find themselves enraptured with names they enjoy. Weird, the power names have. Maybe that's why in the Bible, names were so significant.
So here are the names I love. Follwing that are the names Hband and I have actually agreed upon (it's a much shorter list). But sometimes I wonder, when I actually do have a child... will they fit one of these names or need something entirely different?
GIRLS:
Genevieve-- I've loved this name for years. It was my great-grandmother's name on my Mom's side, and my great-aunt's name on my dad's side. I've always thought it was so feminine and beautiful. I wouldn't shorten it to Gen, but definitely Eve or Evie.
Isabel-- I don't like Isabella as much, though it is pretty. I'd never want anyone calling my daughter Bella, that dim-witted psycho/stalker/clingy chick from Twilight. But Izzy is cute. Isabel makes me think of a dark beauty from the Mediterranean. Which, if my daughter has my husband's swarthiness, could be accurate.
Lena (Lee-nuh), or maybe Evangelina-- My dad's grandmother, I think, was Lena, and I think it's sweet and simple and lovely. Plus, it's a hint of his name: Len.
Gray-- I could never use this name now. Not since Fifty Shades of Gray came out. Gross. But otherwise, it was a strong, pretty name that made me think of autumn and everything cozy.
Liberty-- I'm an all-American girl. I think this is a cute and unique name.
Tzipporah-- I love how exotic this Old Testament names is. It rolls of your tongue, and I guess I picture another dark beauty.
Gioia (Jzoy-uh)-- This word is Italian for joy (Hband is Italian), which is adorable, but also my Nana's name.
BOYS:
Israel-- I just love this name. It's so meaningful, but it's also strong and interesting, and unlike most common names.
Judah-- I always thought it would be kind of funny/mean to name two sons Israel and Judah, but Judah is so nice, and I've loved it for years and years, before lots of my friends started naming their sons Judah. :( haha. Plus, I could shorten it to Jude and have an excuse to sing him a Beatles song.
Eli-- This one is short and sweet, but strong and just, well, cool-sounding.
Justice-- OK, a kid name Justice is going to be legend... wait for it... dary.
Gray-- I like this for a boy, too. It's strong and cozy.
AGREED UPON:
Joseph Michael Len-- I like the two middle names idea. It can pack more punch. Joseph is Hband's dad's name, Michael is Hband's name, and Len is my dad's name.
Isabel something something-- hahaha, we like Isabel. Well, he likes Isabella, but gross-- no BELLA!
Genevieve something something-- Hband said, "Can I call her Evie?" Hahaha cute.
Eli something something-- he'll have to have some long middle names to round it all out.
So, call me silly if you want to, but I still love names. What names do you like, even if you're done having kids? And hey... don't steal my names. ;-) Kidding. Sort of.
xoxo, A
8.22.2012
8.18.2012
Fall Fashion Ideas
I love the colors: purple, rust, mustard, navy.
I love the textures: linen, sweaters, silky blouses.
I love the patterns: polka dots!
Have fun picking out your clothes this fall!
PS... after I took these pictures, I did get nude heels. They would have made all the difference. Haha.
xoxo, A
8.11.2012
Photography Saturday: One Last Glimpse of Summer
But now the summer has ended, and I'm giddy as always for fall to begin. More on that later... :)
xoxo, A
xoxo, A
8.10.2012
DIY Friday: Bunting
Who doesn't love bunting? Really, can you not love it? Alright, so maybe my husband doesn't like it. I wanted it at our wedding, but he said it would look like a circus. So I got doily bunting instead. ;-)
Bunting could not be more easy to make. You can use any number of supplies, but here is what I used to make this bunting for Bestie Jr.'s baby shower:
{P.S.: it now hangs in my classroom!}
Twine (mine was thin. Ribbon or yarn work just as well)
A glue gun and refill sticks (quickest, in my opinion)
Cardboard
Scissors
Fabric Scissors
Pen
Assorted fabric
You could get those cheap fat quarters of fabric at the fabric store; they usually go on sale for 40% off, or use a weekly coupon. I find that if you get a yard or a half a yard for each fabric, you'll have way more than enough, because keep in mind: if you have four different fabrics, you're going to have a total of about two to four yards of fabric. That's a lot. Technically you could use paper instead of fabric, but there are so many fun patterns out there! I usually head to the quilting fabrics. There are tons of designs and they are grouped by color.
I started by simply cutting a triangle out of cardboard. I found the size I wanted my bunting to be, and I cut it out. Be sure to use a ruler or something with a straight edge to help you. Or, if you want to do semi-circle bunting, trace a bowl and cut it in half. That cardboard is now your template.
Now flip your fabric upside-down and trace the template on it over and over.
Then tediously cut them all out, preferably while gabbing with friends or watching "How I Met Your Mother," "The Walking Dead," or "Supernatural." Just saying.
Once you have all your triangles cut out (be sure to use extra-sharp fabric scissors), place them in a pleasing order.
Now simply squirt a line of hot glue along the top and carefully press it into the twine. I'd suggest the opposite, actually-- press the twine into the fabric. Might be easier on your fingers. Leave about an inch or two between triangles, and keep going until you're done!
Then you'll have delightful bunting for your next soiree!
xoxo, A
Bunting could not be more easy to make. You can use any number of supplies, but here is what I used to make this bunting for Bestie Jr.'s baby shower:
{P.S.: it now hangs in my classroom!}
Twine (mine was thin. Ribbon or yarn work just as well)
A glue gun and refill sticks (quickest, in my opinion)
Cardboard
Scissors
Fabric Scissors
Pen
Assorted fabric
You could get those cheap fat quarters of fabric at the fabric store; they usually go on sale for 40% off, or use a weekly coupon. I find that if you get a yard or a half a yard for each fabric, you'll have way more than enough, because keep in mind: if you have four different fabrics, you're going to have a total of about two to four yards of fabric. That's a lot. Technically you could use paper instead of fabric, but there are so many fun patterns out there! I usually head to the quilting fabrics. There are tons of designs and they are grouped by color.
I started by simply cutting a triangle out of cardboard. I found the size I wanted my bunting to be, and I cut it out. Be sure to use a ruler or something with a straight edge to help you. Or, if you want to do semi-circle bunting, trace a bowl and cut it in half. That cardboard is now your template.
Now flip your fabric upside-down and trace the template on it over and over.
Then tediously cut them all out, preferably while gabbing with friends or watching "How I Met Your Mother," "The Walking Dead," or "Supernatural." Just saying.
Once you have all your triangles cut out (be sure to use extra-sharp fabric scissors), place them in a pleasing order.
Now simply squirt a line of hot glue along the top and carefully press it into the twine. I'd suggest the opposite, actually-- press the twine into the fabric. Might be easier on your fingers. Leave about an inch or two between triangles, and keep going until you're done!
Then you'll have delightful bunting for your next soiree!
xoxo, A
8.09.2012
Thoughts for Thursday: Essential Awkward Years
Well, I'm a little late in the game, but better late than never, I sometimes or hardly ever say.
These thoughts have been brewing for a while now. As a teacher of 6th-12th grade students, I feel that I am especially aware of this issue.
I want you to think back to your awkward years. That is, of course, unless you are still experiencing them; in which case you have my sympathy. Think back. My awkward years were from about age 9 until age 18, and then kind of again sporadically in college, but not quite as extreme. If you're like most people, your awkward years were somewhere around those ages too, and they were terrible. Maybe you didn't even feel that awkward at the time, but when you look back in your parents' photo albums, you cringe. And not just because of the fashion. We have to set fashion aside here, folks. Awkwardness is enhanced by fashion, but it is ultimately intrinsic, because you could stick an un-awkward teen in ugly clothes and they could work those rags like nobody's business.
Let us examine this photo. I'm pretty sure this was around my freshman year of college. Ignore the horrible wash of baggy jeans, the baggy GAP sweatshirt with the TURTLENECK underneath (*shudder*). My face has not become set in its bone structure and therefore has little shape but a very pointy chin. There is uneven redness throughout the face, the eyebrows have never been plucked and lack shape, and the eyelashes have not discovered Maybelline Colossal mascara yet. Also, the "bangs" are wavy, out of control with the cowlick, and there is zero volume. Plus, what a nerd-- two cats on my lap. Hahaha.
I'm not obsessed with outward appearance, but by pretty much anybody's standards, this girl looks awkward (and these are the later years... you should see around age 10!). Yet I will say without a doubt, I wouldn't have it any other way. If I could go back and completely change my looks and habits and erase the awkwardness from my past, I wouldn't do it. Why, you ask?
Because I am a firm believer that the awkward years are essential for positive character development.
Not sure what I mean? Let me illustrate with the opposite. As a teacher, I see lots of adolescents each day. There are still many who are awkward and grow out of it, and some who stay awkward forever. But far and wide, I've noticed something today that's different from when I grew up. Most adolescent girls don't go through the awkward years anymore.
I sometimes see 6th graders who are more gorgeous and glamorous than I am at 28 (maybe that's not hard to do...). Most of the tween and teen girls I see are. They're beautiful, and obviously spend a lot of time on their hair, makeup, and clothing. I don't necessarily think they're bred prettier these days; I just think more is influencing them and more tools are available to them. There isn't anything wrong with a 6th grader dressing nicely and putting on some lip gloss and doing her hair nicely. I'm not saying that adolescent girls should ignore their physical appearance. I'm just noting a marked change in adolescent girls today from back in my day. Because I certainly was not the only awkward girl in my classes.
What I see in many of the girls today who haven't had to go through the awkward years is they begin dating early and attract a lot of male attention from the get-go, and that only increases as the years go by. They never have to rely on anything besides their looks to get attention, and therefore they learn that their looks alone will get the attention they crave. Their minds and souls sometimes atrophy as their physical appearance is doted upon.
I was usually too shy to actually do this, but if I wanted to get a guy's attention during my awkward years, the way I'd do it was to be really funny, or really smart, or really nice; those things got me noticed-- maybe only as a friend, but it was better than nothing! And being awkward didn't hurt my self-esteem or give me some kind of complex. Rather, it developed my mind, my sense of humor, and my relationship with God. I couldn't count on my looks; I had to trust in God and use the gifts he gave me. I think that's something that girls who skip their awkward years miss. And I kind of wish they wouldn't.
I believe every girl needs some span of awkward years before their beauty "unfolds." I pray that if I ever have a daughter, her awkward years last just long enough that she develops her mind and soul, and when she becomes beautiful on the outside, that it would just be a tiny sliver of how beautiful her insides are.
Just a thought.
xoxo, A
These thoughts have been brewing for a while now. As a teacher of 6th-12th grade students, I feel that I am especially aware of this issue.
I want you to think back to your awkward years. That is, of course, unless you are still experiencing them; in which case you have my sympathy. Think back. My awkward years were from about age 9 until age 18, and then kind of again sporadically in college, but not quite as extreme. If you're like most people, your awkward years were somewhere around those ages too, and they were terrible. Maybe you didn't even feel that awkward at the time, but when you look back in your parents' photo albums, you cringe. And not just because of the fashion. We have to set fashion aside here, folks. Awkwardness is enhanced by fashion, but it is ultimately intrinsic, because you could stick an un-awkward teen in ugly clothes and they could work those rags like nobody's business.
I'm not obsessed with outward appearance, but by pretty much anybody's standards, this girl looks awkward (and these are the later years... you should see around age 10!). Yet I will say without a doubt, I wouldn't have it any other way. If I could go back and completely change my looks and habits and erase the awkwardness from my past, I wouldn't do it. Why, you ask?
Because I am a firm believer that the awkward years are essential for positive character development.
Not sure what I mean? Let me illustrate with the opposite. As a teacher, I see lots of adolescents each day. There are still many who are awkward and grow out of it, and some who stay awkward forever. But far and wide, I've noticed something today that's different from when I grew up. Most adolescent girls don't go through the awkward years anymore.
{source}
I sometimes see 6th graders who are more gorgeous and glamorous than I am at 28 (maybe that's not hard to do...). Most of the tween and teen girls I see are. They're beautiful, and obviously spend a lot of time on their hair, makeup, and clothing. I don't necessarily think they're bred prettier these days; I just think more is influencing them and more tools are available to them. There isn't anything wrong with a 6th grader dressing nicely and putting on some lip gloss and doing her hair nicely. I'm not saying that adolescent girls should ignore their physical appearance. I'm just noting a marked change in adolescent girls today from back in my day. Because I certainly was not the only awkward girl in my classes.
What I see in many of the girls today who haven't had to go through the awkward years is they begin dating early and attract a lot of male attention from the get-go, and that only increases as the years go by. They never have to rely on anything besides their looks to get attention, and therefore they learn that their looks alone will get the attention they crave. Their minds and souls sometimes atrophy as their physical appearance is doted upon.
I was usually too shy to actually do this, but if I wanted to get a guy's attention during my awkward years, the way I'd do it was to be really funny, or really smart, or really nice; those things got me noticed-- maybe only as a friend, but it was better than nothing! And being awkward didn't hurt my self-esteem or give me some kind of complex. Rather, it developed my mind, my sense of humor, and my relationship with God. I couldn't count on my looks; I had to trust in God and use the gifts he gave me. I think that's something that girls who skip their awkward years miss. And I kind of wish they wouldn't.
I believe every girl needs some span of awkward years before their beauty "unfolds." I pray that if I ever have a daughter, her awkward years last just long enough that she develops her mind and soul, and when she becomes beautiful on the outside, that it would just be a tiny sliver of how beautiful her insides are.
Just a thought.
xoxo, A
8.08.2012
Recipe Wednesday: Homemade Pesto and What to Do With It
I have a thing about wasting basil. I hate to do it, but somehow it used to happen ALL. THE. TIME. I used to buy the packaged basil they sell at the grocery store, but I could never use it all before it went bad, which happened surprisingly quickly. Then I got wise and for even cheaper, I'd buy a basil plant to keep in my window-- perfect, right? Just pluck off the leaves when I need them? Well, you're assuming I can actually keep plants alive. So that failed. Then Bestie Jr.'s husband showed up at the door with a big sprig of home-grown basil, as big as the plants I used to buy. They were my ride, and in my haste to get out the door, I stuck it in a glass of water. And it lasted over a week, allowing me to make bruschetta and flatbread pizza. However, we were about to leave on our three-week vacation, and I still had several good leaves of basil that I just couldn't waste.
I decided to try my hand at pesto, and then freeze it for a later use.
It was a success! It was easy to throw together and when I wanted it, I broke it up in a pan on medium heat and let it melt, mixing it with an Alfredo sauce. It made an absolutely delicious sauce for our pasta and chicken!
I didn't really follow a recipe. I took out my food processor, and after rinsing the basil and spinning it in the salad spinner, I tossed the leaves in. I didn't have any pine nuts, but I did have slivered almonds hanging out in my freezer. So I tossed some of those in. I didn't add too many, because I knew I could always add more. This is how I cook-- I experiment and don't measure. It's annoying for those who need specific measurements, but it's freeing and fun and builds your cooking instincts, so I recommend it!
I added lots of freshly crushed garlic (I use my glorious Pampered Chef garlic press)-- about three cloves, and then of course, olive oil. Next was some salt and pepper. I was light handed with everything, because I only had so much basil, and I knew if I over-did it, it would be ruined. I ran those things around in the processor until the almonds were in really little pieces and it had formed a green paste. It was fairly thick, and smelled wonderful! I put the mix in an airtight container, and a few weeks later, it was perfect!
If you really need a pesto recipe, they're not hard to find. But I encourage you to experiment, and don't let those basil leaves go bad again!
One recipe that looks similar (although this includes cheese) can be found here.
Well anyway, happy basil-ing. From one sprig, we had bruschetta chicken, Margherita flatbread, and chicken pesto pasta. All healthy, all flavorful, and all easy!
xoxo, A
I decided to try my hand at pesto, and then freeze it for a later use.
It was a success! It was easy to throw together and when I wanted it, I broke it up in a pan on medium heat and let it melt, mixing it with an Alfredo sauce. It made an absolutely delicious sauce for our pasta and chicken!
I didn't really follow a recipe. I took out my food processor, and after rinsing the basil and spinning it in the salad spinner, I tossed the leaves in. I didn't have any pine nuts, but I did have slivered almonds hanging out in my freezer. So I tossed some of those in. I didn't add too many, because I knew I could always add more. This is how I cook-- I experiment and don't measure. It's annoying for those who need specific measurements, but it's freeing and fun and builds your cooking instincts, so I recommend it!
I added lots of freshly crushed garlic (I use my glorious Pampered Chef garlic press)-- about three cloves, and then of course, olive oil. Next was some salt and pepper. I was light handed with everything, because I only had so much basil, and I knew if I over-did it, it would be ruined. I ran those things around in the processor until the almonds were in really little pieces and it had formed a green paste. It was fairly thick, and smelled wonderful! I put the mix in an airtight container, and a few weeks later, it was perfect!
If you really need a pesto recipe, they're not hard to find. But I encourage you to experiment, and don't let those basil leaves go bad again!
One recipe that looks similar (although this includes cheese) can be found here.
Well anyway, happy basil-ing. From one sprig, we had bruschetta chicken, Margherita flatbread, and chicken pesto pasta. All healthy, all flavorful, and all easy!
xoxo, A
8.07.2012
Tip for Tuesday: Make Room for Fall!
If you're like me, your one walk-in closet is shared with your husband. And your husband gets exactly 1/4 of that closet. Also, you wish this was your closet:
Are you like me?
If you're like me, you love clothes. You have your classic wardrobe staples and summer clothes out in the open, and maybe your entire king-size bed's underbelly is full of sweaters and other such winter wear.
And in an effort to make your closet seem a little bit more glamorous, you hang your clothes on wooden hangers, which means you're squeezing everything close-- so close they can smell each other's breath.
So there's no room for the new clothes you want when a new season begins... such as fall.
Unless you do what I'm about to do!
I heard of a place nearish to me that will give you some cash for your gently used, current clothes. It's like Plato's Closet, but for women, not girls. It's called the Clothes Mentor, and after two unsuccessful attempts to find it last Friday, I'm going again this weekend. My goal is to clear some space in the closet and maybe make a little cash to cushion the new-wardrobe blow.
Maybe they'll only give me like, $3, but that's $3 more than I would have had. I definitely overbought for the cruise... who would have guessed? ;-)
You could give the clothes to charity, too, which I've definitely done in the past. But this year I had lots of barely-worn clothes, and I knew we didn't have a lot of money for new clothes.
So this season, resist the urge to keep everything you own. If you haven't worn an item for a full season, you need to toss it. Well, with the exception of that ONE item that inspires you to lose weight, and that ONE item that feels really comfy if you pack on just a few more pounds. Let's be real here, ladies.
I have a couple other suggestions for making some space in your closet for new clothes, and acquiring them for very little cost:
1. Have a clothes recycling party with your friends. At one point, about four of my friends and I wore the same size, so we brought out bags of clothes we hadn't worn in a long time, or fit just a little funny, and we went wild swapping! It cost nothing and was fun, too!
2. If you donate to a local thrift store, shop there, too-- it's a double-gift to charity! I decided to stop into the local Salvation Army thrift store the other day, and it was the best shopping I've done for a while (more to come on those outfits, later)! I got three blouses, one sweater, and a pencil skirt, all for $19.95! And no one ever needs to know. ;-)
What are you waiting for? Go rifle through your closet and rip out all you don't need or want, and make some room for fall! It will be here before you know it!
xoxo, A
{source}
If you're like me, you love clothes. You have your classic wardrobe staples and summer clothes out in the open, and maybe your entire king-size bed's underbelly is full of sweaters and other such winter wear.
And in an effort to make your closet seem a little bit more glamorous, you hang your clothes on wooden hangers, which means you're squeezing everything close-- so close they can smell each other's breath.
So there's no room for the new clothes you want when a new season begins... such as fall.
Unless you do what I'm about to do!
I heard of a place nearish to me that will give you some cash for your gently used, current clothes. It's like Plato's Closet, but for women, not girls. It's called the Clothes Mentor, and after two unsuccessful attempts to find it last Friday, I'm going again this weekend. My goal is to clear some space in the closet and maybe make a little cash to cushion the new-wardrobe blow.
Maybe they'll only give me like, $3, but that's $3 more than I would have had. I definitely overbought for the cruise... who would have guessed? ;-)
You could give the clothes to charity, too, which I've definitely done in the past. But this year I had lots of barely-worn clothes, and I knew we didn't have a lot of money for new clothes.
So this season, resist the urge to keep everything you own. If you haven't worn an item for a full season, you need to toss it. Well, with the exception of that ONE item that inspires you to lose weight, and that ONE item that feels really comfy if you pack on just a few more pounds. Let's be real here, ladies.
I have a couple other suggestions for making some space in your closet for new clothes, and acquiring them for very little cost:
1. Have a clothes recycling party with your friends. At one point, about four of my friends and I wore the same size, so we brought out bags of clothes we hadn't worn in a long time, or fit just a little funny, and we went wild swapping! It cost nothing and was fun, too!
2. If you donate to a local thrift store, shop there, too-- it's a double-gift to charity! I decided to stop into the local Salvation Army thrift store the other day, and it was the best shopping I've done for a while (more to come on those outfits, later)! I got three blouses, one sweater, and a pencil skirt, all for $19.95! And no one ever needs to know. ;-)
What are you waiting for? Go rifle through your closet and rip out all you don't need or want, and make some room for fall! It will be here before you know it!
xoxo, A
8.06.2012
Inspiration Monday: Fall Wardrobe
I'm a fashion girl. I think I always have been and I know I always will be. It's not that I always dress well. If you were to visit me at home after work or were to attend an evening meeting with me, I'd be wearing sweatpants or knit gauchos with a baggy t-shirt. Really. But I have an eye for it, a love for it, and honestly, an obsession with it. There is just something about fashion that I find so beautiful and inspiring. It's an art form-- using clothing to make people look their best.
So when each season comes around, I have an overwhelming desire to create a new color palette and pick out fabric swatches... and go searching for new pieces for my seasonal wardrobe!
Autumn especially inspires me, even though it doesn't exist in Florida. Let's play a game of word association: a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils (name that movie); pencil skirts; skirt steak... ? OK maybe that game failed. But seriously folks, this fall, I was inspired by rich hues with surprising brights, blousy shirts with little cardis, pencil skirts, belts, and polka dots. Can you catch my vision?
xoxo,
A
So when each season comes around, I have an overwhelming desire to create a new color palette and pick out fabric swatches... and go searching for new pieces for my seasonal wardrobe!
Autumn especially inspires me, even though it doesn't exist in Florida. Let's play a game of word association: a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils (name that movie); pencil skirts; skirt steak... ? OK maybe that game failed. But seriously folks, this fall, I was inspired by rich hues with surprising brights, blousy shirts with little cardis, pencil skirts, belts, and polka dots. Can you catch my vision?
I love the colors: mustard and PURPLE! And I love the layering on top, and the POLKA DOTS!
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I love the rust color and pencil skirt, and POLKA DOTS! I wouldn't do that with my hair though.
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Below, a blogger to the above look and made it her own. Love it! Note the nude heels.
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Again with the mustard and polka-kinda-dot, and layers!
{source}
I've wanted nude heels for a long time. Now's the season!
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Polka dot sweaters! I want the upper right and bottom left!
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Polka dot blouse. :)
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LOVE this look: the blouse layered with the cardi, and the colors!!
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Look at this lovely, professional look. I like the pencil skirt and belt.
{source}
8.03.2012
Photo Saturday: Baby Photography
I had the privilege of taking another baby photo shoot-- this time at 3.5 months. It's a little harder when they're older; they move more! Even so, it was a joy to take pictures of little Emma and watch her many faces. Enjoy!
xoxo, A
Is there anything more lovely than a mama and her baby? Nope. :)
xoxo, A
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