Red Otter Creative

Pale is interesting

2012-01-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

Pinterest is a marvelous thing! So many luscious, beautiful pictures right at your fingertips. I was wandering through my feed this morning and stumbled upon the website Pale and Interesting and fell in love. I have a fascination with white decor, white walls, white sofas and planters. Mostly due to the fact that I'm about a decade or two away from having anything white in my home, god bless those little dirty hands and faces. But also because white seems to be the perfect backdrop for splashes of color, hints of texture. To me, nothing is more charming than a blanket with ribbons of pink set upon a white sofa. It says "come, relax and enjoy the beauty of simple pleasures!" It also says "you're old enough to sip your Earl Grey tea in that pretty little mug without spilling... right?"

Sunshine

2012-01-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I needed some sunshine today. My nose is stuffed up and both William and I are nursing sore throats. Not good, not good. We're reading a ton of books, watching Tangled off Netflix, and trying to be good about taking long naps. And I'm drinking endless cups of decaf tea. *sighs* It's gotta get better, people. I can only handle being cooped up for so long.

XOXO,
Jewels

Image from Country Living

Language of Flowers

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Victorian age was filled with delicate details. Lace, gloves, manners, societal expectations. When pursuing a love interest you were very careful not to overstep the invisible lines of "proper behavior." A variety of secret messages, love notes, were used to express the interest's true feelings. Through the language of flowers a young man could present his love with a bouquet and have her marvel at his feelings for her. In the movie Age of Innocence, Newland Archer sends his fiance a bouquet of Lily of the Valley. They expressed his love of her sweetness and humility. When he sent her cousin yellow roses they were a for friendship. You could probably get yourself in a load of a trouble if you sent your mother a bouquet of Sweet Peas.

Over the past year I've been slowly illustrating flowers that hold special significance to me and those that I love. These illustrations are the start of my collection. It's one of my creative outlets--so needed in my life right now. If you're curious, here is a great link to explore more of the language of flowers!

Madeleine Bree

2012-01-12T04:39:00.000-08:00

When we were little my dad used to read to us before we went to bed. Snuggled under the covers my two younger sisters and I would listen to the adventures of Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund. We would solve Cooper Kids mysteries. And marvel, almost fearfully, at L'Engle's magical worlds. As I got older I kept coming back to Madeleine L'Engle's books. For some reason her mixture of science and mystery struck a cord in me. I gobbled up her young adult fiction, feeling particularly attached to the book A Ring of Endless Light. In college I read her book Walking on Water and pondered her questions of Christianity, of God, and nature--they were my questions, too. She created her fictional families full of children, music, water, woods and books! When Andrew and I first started thinking of names for our little ones I knew that I wanted my first little girl to be named Madeleine. Well, I am so tickled to tell you that we will meet our Madeleine Bree at the end of May!

Things I'm learning

2012-01-04T03:45:00.000-08:00

Things I'm learning about parenting:

1. There will always be tantrums. Even if you have the most chill child on the block he'll still have moments of near hysteria that make you scratch your head in bewilderment. Before William reached 16 months I quite literally thought that those upsetting children crying ridiculously in the supermarkets were simply a lack of parenting skills at work. Nope. It comes with immature emotional behavior and an inability to communicate. *ahem*

2. They take a half-step backwards to take a full step forward. One of my neighbors tipped me off to this one just last week. It was very timely wisdom as William has turned into a tyrant this week. I keep praying that there's some hidden developmental push coming after this mania.

3. They will skip naps, get up way too early, and protest the routine. As I approach the 20 week mark with baby #2, I count on William's naps. That's when I rest, put my feet up and actually eat something slowly (because, let's face it, with a toddler, I'm usually stuffing the snacks in before he pulls all the books off the shelf or before he grabs the snack and stuffs it into his mouth). You learn amazing coping techniques when the routine is bucked--and I don't have grandparents nearby to come save me, either! They usually involve lots of book-reading, impromptu playdates, trips to the coffee shop and visits to Bert, our beloved doorman.

4. Never underestimate the joy a baby's giggle can make you. My patience will be depleted and frustration creeping into my bones, and William will find something fascinating and give a huge "Ohhh!" followed by a giggle or two and everything seems to right itself again in my world. He'll share his toys, give hugs to his stuffed owl, dance to Elvis or gobble up blueberries in two-fisted style, and suddenly my world seems brighter. Better. Like nothing I could have expected.

XOXO,
Jewels

Quiet Post

2011-12-20T02:57:00.000-08:00

Quiet post ~

Image source unknown

The Closeted Minimalist

2011-12-14T03:01:00.000-08:00

Last week William and I--along with three adopted great-grandparents--traveled down town Philly to check out Reading Terminal's miniature train display. It was a fantastic trip filled with some of William's favorite things: trains, cookies, and Bert (his adopted grandpa)!

. . . .

Although I don't foresee us moving any time soon, the desire for a simpler life (as stated in my previous post) has propelled me to look at things that I can change about my situation right now. We can't move out of our apartment until after the baby is born, money is tight, and my need to purge and organize (nest) has become intense. So, what does all that mean: major perspective shift in how I view my space and our things! I once told a girlfriend of mine that I'm a "closeted minimalist." She laughed. I would love to be, but I'm not. Andrew and I have stuff. Lots of it. So, when you have a one bedroom apartment, too many books, a toddler and a baby on the way, you have to re-evaluate. I'm going to take it slow--and I've promised I wouldn't try and move the bookshelves, or couches, or the desk, again.

Here is my plan:
1. Starting with one section at a time I'm going to ask myself if I should "re-shelve it, store it, or pitch it." I'm trying to convince Andrew that I'm not going to pitch everything. I love throwing things out and the very idea makes him break out in a nervous sweat.
2. Finding spaces for the important things like my clothes--which presently have no home and are thus all over the place--our keys, William's toys, my camera *ahem*
3. Being mindful of how to best use our space. We have massive closets that are haphazardly filled with boxes, books, and clothes--but I can never find the things that I need and have no idea what's actually in there.

Living with a lawyer I've learned to add disclaimers of all sorts to any of my bold statements, so, I will say that I will try my best to take on these tasks of re-organization with the knowledge that 1) I have obvious limitations (a toddler and a horrid pregnancy), 2) I will never become a brilliant minimalist, and 3) we will probably always have too much stuff! I need the perspective shift right now and desire the feeling that I can make an impact on the quality of our life--even if it's a small one.

Dreaming of a simpler life

2011-12-06T03:49:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a lot of sitting lately. Quietly. Peacefully. Minding that my little one doesn't fall off the couch or upend the Christmas tree, again. I'm starting to re-read the Harry Potter books--magic is always appreciated at Christmas time. I'm feeling the growing pains of baby number two. He/she is so peaceful in the mornings but by the time dinner rolls around I feel like it's taking me out to dance the tango, on a rocking, rolling boat, during a storm (I'm green). Not pleasant. In January we find out if we're having a girl or a boy (I'm due at the end of May)! Sometimes I miss the productivity of my time pre-pregnancy, but my mother is so good about reminding me that I'm working very hard on something--growing a baby is hard work!

I hadn't realized how long it had been since I sat down to post here. Or how long it had been since I last journalled. Time slips away so quickly. And when you're not feeling well (pregnancy and I don't agree, it seems) all your energy is put towards simply functioning and not burning down the apartment. At the end of the day I look at my list of things to do and shudder. I'm trying not to make lists right now. But, we're still cooking, baking, walking, playing and singing Christmas carols galore. So, I guess that's a good sign.

I woke up this morning dreaming about Duluth. Sitting on the shoreline watching the waves quietly roll in. Lake Superior is beautiful in the winter. In the late afternoons, when the sky turns pinky-purple, and it's so cold your eye lashes freeze to your cheek, it's magic. I'm craving a simpler life right now--which is laughable as it's very simple right now. But I'm actually drawn to fewer options, places where your money can stretch further, the joys of home life more appreciated. Maybe that's why I'm dreaming of Duluth. Regardless, it's a beautiful image to tuck into my pocket this morning.

~Jewels

Images are re-posted from Oct. 9 2009

Intention

2011-10-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

Last night while Andrew was watching the Ireland/Wales Rugby match I was scrolling through my blogroll, catching up and looking at pretty pictures when I stumbled upon Joanna's interview over at Martha Stewarts blog. She was candid and funny and very, very sweet. And her response to the question Best Advice for Bloggers jarred me completely. Not because it was earth-shattering or something I've never heard before, but because I realized I had lost sight of who I was writing this blog for. I'm not sure I ever really knew. And how sad is that? It's like going into a yoga session just to be there, not necessarily to calm and reconnect with yourself. You go through the motions, but without heart, without true connection. Intention is powerful. And sorely lacking here in the Red Otter space. It's not as if I don't have things to say. I would just censor myself. Censor, censor, censor. Granted, I don't want to twit and chitter about nothing and everything, but I do long for a more "real" me here in this space.

Intention is powerful!

PS. The image is from one of William's Walks!

Ricketts Glen

2011-10-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

About three hours north of Philly is the rather smallish state park of Ricketts Glen. People come to hike the trails and explore the plethora of falls. I think there are over twenty, I can't remember. Each one is spectacular and very intense. I spent the weekend up there with a group--one of them being a close girlfriend who let me tag along! It was spectacular, the leaves had all started to change, it was chilly at night, sunny during the day and by the time I came home my hair smelled like campfire, I had had s'mores for breakfast and my legs were sore from four hours of hiking. It was my first night away from William and I think I fared well!

Quiet Post

2011-10-06T02:14:00.000-07:00

Quiet post ~

Betty Garlands

2011-10-05T02:55:00.000-07:00

One of my clients kindly sent me an image of my Betty Garlands in action! I love being able to see the fall leaves in the background. Everyone looks so happy!

October

2011-10-03T03:42:00.000-07:00

Happy October! For some reason, and I'm not quite sure why, I've never liked October. In the past, that is. I think it had to do with the "O" thing. I like certain letters over others. I love A, S, W, R, and M's. I don't like C, U, or O. I know--I'm strange that way. But, this year, I feel like I'm welcoming October with both arms. It helps that it dropped nearly 15 degrees from September 30th to October 1st. It feels officially fall. And I'm pulling out my sweaters, the pumpkin spice candles, doing Harry Potter marathons and trying out new squash recipes.

Images from here

Friday Favorites

2011-09-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

1. Japanese mums from mpressdesigns
2. Tea towel - Everyone Came to Tea from skinnylaminx
3. Kids Fantastic Fall Fox Coat by littlegoodall
4. Draco the soft dragon by contemori

I'm not sure if everyone had super bitter coffee with their breakfast, or wore their skinny jeans on a "fat" day, or if they just had their "Grumpy" panties on, but it seemed as if everyone at the grocery store this morning was in a bad mood. And we're talking a Philly style bad mood (i.e. it's your fault I'm this crabby, not mine). So, as I was leaving the parking lot I decided I need to think of some of my favorite bits from the week to bolster my courage and not speed (I have a tendency to do that when I'm feeling ornery). So, here are my Friday Favorites:

+ Listening to William and his new friend giggle in the kitchen. All over a paper bag no less!
+ Vynasa yoga last night at my new favorite studio.
+ Making spinach feta quiche without a recipe and have it turn into the best quiche I've ever made.
+ Catching up with my sister on the phone after a week of phone tag.
+ Putting socks on William this morning because the temperature has finally dropped!
+ Realizing that I have a friend who can call me out on the flaky things I do--because she loves me!

I'm already in a better mood! Tell me your favorites from the week!

XOXO,
Jewels

Breakfast

2011-09-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly discovering the art of preparation, or at least something akin to that. For me, this is a skill honed after much time. Much. Granted, I don't use this skill often enough, or in the areas of my life that I really should (i.e. laundry and book supplies, ahem), but, when it comes to William and breakfast, I'm getting there. I've been trying out different bread recipes and found a cinnamon raisin recipe that not only keeps itself together (no major crumbling) but also makes three loaves at a time! Brilliant. So, I made cinnamon raisin bread three weeks ago, sliced up the first loaf and stuck it in the fridge, the other two were wrapped in tin foil, zippered in a ziplock and stored in the freezer. When the bread got a little hard over the course of a few days I made French Toast for the little man. I made 5-6 slices of French Toast, wrapped each slice after cooling and stored them in the freezer. I pull one out when we're tired of the granola bar/blueberry/ego routine, toast it in the toaster and voila! Breakfast!

PS We're still in a blanket of misty, sticky humidity right now, but the foliage around Chestnut Hill is slowly turning--fall will come regardless if we're still in shorts! Will try and take a few photos once it stops raining... *groan*

Friday Favorites

2011-09-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

1. Turkish Bath Towel from bathstyle
2. Green Ivory Meito Tea Cup and Saucer from willowonthewater
3. The Wind and The Wheat by buckscountyframes
4. Mini Nutty Buttery Peanut Butter Cookies from miniMEbakery

We're just about to head out for our morning ramble around Chestnut Hill. I'm trying to get back into the habit of bringing my camera with me. My photography took a summer break as well it seems!

I hope you all have a marvelous weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

Happy Birthday

2011-09-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

We are curious beings, totally unique, comprised of extraordinary events, circumstances, experiences--each one molding us, shaping us. Each one giving us opportunities to shine and create. I know that we are made of layers, deep and varied. You, my dearest friend and partner, have so many layers--comic book wiz, lawyer, spiritualist, nurturer, baseball geek, soldier, traveler, explorer. You give our little family a sense of security and we flourish in your love.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Today

2011-09-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today I will see something new. Today I will give him an extra cuddle. Today I will actually read a chapter in my book. Today I will finish that straggling project. Today I will give Andrew his desk back and create a special place for me--somewhere else! Today I will embrace the Mondays that loom. Today I won't berate myself for not fitting into that pair of jeans. Today I will drink my latte with relish. Today I will put on lipstick before I leave the house. Today I will bake double chocolate chip cookies and give them all away!

Friday Favorites

2011-09-16T03:41:00.000-07:00

1. Vintage teacups from bluebirdandviolet
2. Simplicity print from CarolynCochrane
3. Pastel Pretties Buttercream Cookie-wiches from tookies
4. Raspberry fern sachets from lottahelleberg

I think of my day as a list of little things. Clean the bathroom. Make supper. Do laundry. Bake cookies. Although, I feel as if I've accomplished the biggest task if I can just get outside. The life of a stay-at-home-mom is a tricky one. You're not getting a paycheck, or benefits, or even vacation time. And you're the one who is determining whether you're doing a good job or not. The baby will love you regardless--he doesn't realize that lunch was a major flop or we were actually supposed to go to the zoo and didn't. So, I've been cultivating a system of "good job mom" tasks. Making supper from scratch, getting William outside at least for a short walk every day, exploring something new at least once a week. It sounds silly, really. But, if I do any of those things within the course of the week/day, I feel like I'm on track. Of course changing my underwear and actually kissing my husband hello is also on that list... but, well, you know!

Mums

2011-09-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

Although it's been a bit balmy here in Philly this past week there have been indicators of autumnal happenings--such as the Pumpkin Spice lattes at Starbucks, rows of mums at the farmers market and acorns littering our sidewalks! I love this time of year.

Quiet Post

2011-09-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

Quiet post ~

Baby of mine

2011-07-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

This baby of mine. He is changing so much. His big toes are slipping over the edge of his size three sandals--yes, those are itty bitty shoes. He's walking like a mime across the walls and furniture--hand to hand--crawling a limp-leg crawl, and talking about "-alls" and "ma ma ma ma" and smacking his lips when I feed him blueberries. He's throwing off his nap schedule because he can't wait to walk and because he hasn't figured out how to sit back down in his crib. He's exasperating his mother, changing up her routine and making her feel inadequate in so many ways. Oh, this baby of mine.

But, I know, that the time goes fast. And I'm drinking in this summer and this season of change and exploration and trying desperately to keep some semblance of perspective.

A new rhythm

2011-07-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

"... to evolve another rhythm with more creative pauses in it, more adjustment to [my] individual needs, and new and more alive relationships to [myself] as well as others."

- Anne Morrow Lindebergh

Bits from the shore

2011-06-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went "down the shore"--which is a Philly way of saying we went to see the ocean via the boardwalk. It's fun, festive, and a little too much. I loved it! The shells were mostly in bits by the time they reached the beach, but I found a small handful of small, smooth white stones on one of our morning strolls. They sounded quite nice jingling in my pocket on the walk home. They've found a home in one of Cindy's beautiful china dishes on my very messy work desk!

Processing

2011-06-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I catch myself wondering how I should phrase my Facebook status for the day. I eat something delicious or William does something funny and I try and word smith the status in my head even before I get to the keyboard. Or, I start pondering my blog post as I'm on my morning walk. It's satisfying. And strange at the same time. Four years ago I didn't have a Facebook page. I didn't have a blog. I didn't have an internet presence. And I was fine with that. I knew that when I started this blog post that I didn't want to express a strong opinion one way or the other on the subject of our internet footprint. I did, however, want to talk about the weird way we're learning how to process information and articulate our life happenings on the web. I used to journal frequently--scribbling my thoughts down in books of all shapes and sizes. And I still do to a degree, but there's a certain amount of transparency that I enjoy when I actually hit the "publish post" button and realize that my thoughts have been crystallized thanks to my blog space. Or when I bake something yummy I feel like I'm wafting the chocolaty deliciousness out my door an into your home. I'm sharing. In a way. We process things differently. I have a sister who needs to talk--needs to get her quota of words out per day. That's how she finds connection. I also have a friend who processes quietly, meekly, by herself and shares specific information with a select few trusted souls. We each have our way of making sense of our days and the world around us. I've been surprised at how my needs have changed over the year with William but also as I've grown more attached to things like texting, Facebook, and longer, rambling posts here on my blog (although infrequent). Being a stay-at-home mom has definitely changed the way I view my need to connect--I crave it like none other. I need to be seen and I need people to hear me--even if that means sitting in a playground chatting with a stranger about the benefits of sippy cups. I also have noticed that I need different ways of processing--mostly due to the lack of personal time. I don't have the time or space to sit down and write for hours in my journal. I have laundry to do, orders to fill, supper to cook and places to be. I feel like it takes me a little longer to discover new parts of myself or to actualize lessons I'm learning this way. Is it because our thoughts are fragmented to the basic of basic text messages? Or the brief statuses we write on our walls? I wonder... I really have no idea. It's just interesting! So, no real conclusions in the end... just a bit rambly.

Sending love,
Jewels

PS The hydrangeas are in full bloom here--lots and lots of blue!

Things I like

2011-06-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm lost under piles of beautiful paper right now--trying to keep my head above water. I'm a bit overwhelmed, frankly. But, it's the feeling of being overwhelmed by the busyness of things you like. It's good. And I think you'll agree that it's much better than being overwhelmed by the drudgery of things you don't.

To help keep perspective here is a picture of the boys on Memorial Day. William actually kept his bucket hat on for me. How very thoughtful of him!

Olive Loaf

2011-06-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

My sister gave me a bread book for my birthday and the first I tried was the olive loaf! There were three risings and a bunch of beautiful kalamata olives and sprigs of rosemary. William seemed to enjoy it, too! I slathered my slice with herb and garlic goat cheese!

Creative Space

2011-06-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Although a little dark--I took photos of my new creative space over the weekend. I scoured the internet for different storage/desk units for a few weeks. I had two things I desperately needed: 1) horizontal surface--lots of it and 2) open storage so I could have ready access to my tools. My tools that are now up off the floor and out of reach of little grabby hands, mind you. Although I would have loved this (in sage green) I ended up getting the IKEA desk and shelving unit in dark walnut. It's fun having one location for all my Red Otter stuff--I'm sure I appeared horribly unorganized with paper shoved under furniture, tools on night tables, and glue tubs stuck into our shelves like book ends. Yes, that was how I was living for nearly a year! I have a long way to go as far as organizing it all and I still think I'll need to find more shelves or drawers or something like that, but it's a start.

Relaxation

2011-06-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Either I'm suffering from a lack of creative coherency or I'm trying too hard--either way this post is taking forever for me to write. It's not like I don't know what I want to say. I do. Put it simply: relaxation is hard to do. You wouldn't think so. But, for a person who is driven by efficiency and productivity, it is. Very. I'm learning to take 15 minutes during my day to sit peacefully with a cup of tea. I'm relearning how to take belly breaths. I'm trying my hand at incorporating quiet moments into my life again. Who knew that this part of my life would take work?

All mine

2011-05-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

What a goon! He claims his stroller as his own--it's mine, allll mine!

Sisters

2011-05-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

My sisters are in town--thus the lack of posting over here. If you have sisters you'll understand. Even if you didn't like each other growing up, or haven't been the best at communication, or even live hundreds of miles apart--they're still some of the most important people in your life. And I feel so lucky to share this place I love with these people I love. William is totally soaking up all the attention too. And Andrew is being a saint for holding down the fort with the overload of estrogen--poor thing! I'll hopefully have more photos to share later. But, in the mean time, I hope you like the image of Baby William catching bubbles in the sunshine!

XOXO,
Jewels

The Poconos

2011-05-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

We spent Mother's Day weekend up in the Poconos with family! I actually felt my body relax. I left the computer, the book orders, didn't even realize I had cell phone coverage until mid-day on Sunday. It was bliss!

Letterpress Creations

2011-05-05T03:16:00.001-07:00

A few months ago Krissy from Paper Schmaper and I decided to combine forces and create a guest book that would showcase her amazing letterpress designs. I received a packet in the mail full of soft, silky paper brilliantly covered in elegant filigree. My job was to take those designs and give them a new format. It was exciting to see these abstract ideas of our take shape.

You can find these Letterpress Creations here and here!

To do today

2011-05-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

To do today:
+ pot my lavender, basil and white geraniums
+ bake shortbread
+ fill orders
+ research the Poconos for upcoming visit
+ plan menu for when my sisters arrive next week
+ explore the idea of peaches with William at lunch

Image from Country Living Magazine

William's Walk

2011-05-01T16:14:00.001-07:00

These vibrant beauties are all over Chestnut Hill! God bless the azalea!

Birthdays are like personal New Years to me--mine was yesterday. They are a time to reflect on the year gone by and dream about the year ahead. Because I'm feeling less than eloquent this morning, I will rely on my handy lists this morning!

Things I've learned this year:
1. I'm much stronger than I thought!
2. Having a baby has changed the very core of me--I can't describe it nor can I deny it.
3. Love must be cultivated, nurtured and respected.
4. We are fickle beings but there are things that are constant. Family being one of them.
5. I believe. I believe in myself, I believe in unconditional love, I believe in the power of kind words, a soft touch and forgiveness. I believe in a spiritual essence in all that is about me.

Dreams for the coming year:
1. I crave spiritual understanding and will try to cultivate that.
2. I want to make yoga more of daily practice.
3. I want to try and understand my quick temper and figure out a better way to vent.
4. I want to stretch my definition of love and "falling in love" and all that lies between.
5. I want to try and enjoy the moment, those precious moments, with William--for they are so fleeting!

Definitely more abstract in nature--but I'm really looking forward to the coming year and all that it holds. I'm almost positive that my therapist thinks I'm still in recovery from the major life changes I have survived this year--so I'm trying to be kind to myself. It's so hard for me to be present in my daily life as I'm perpetually thinking of what's next--it's that incessant "productive, productive, productive" nature of mine. But, it's good when I am present. It's a very sensual experience--the world interacting with me. And I understand more and more how important being nurtured that way is for me. I'm a sensual being. I mean that more in a "senses" way--not so much the "sexy" way--though I am that too. I never would have though that this past year would have held so much! Thank you for walking through it with me!

XOXO,
Jewels

Friday Favorites

2011-04-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

1. Hibiscus headband from flowerbucketboutique
2. Fabric Set from kalla
3. Loads of Ranunculus by SweetEventide
4. Sailor Boy Print by petitcollage

Good morning! Baby Otter wanted to be awake early, early this morning. So I'm a little bleary-eyed right now. We ended up watching the Royal Wedding--helped ease the pain of 4:30 wake-up call. This weekend I'll be taking little birthday moments, lunch with my boys, some shopping and long, long walks in our beautiful weather--there is something divine about 72 and sunny. I wish you a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

Quiet Post

2011-04-26T16:16:00.001-07:00

Quiet post ~

10 Months

2011-04-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

He has the most incredible eyes. I can say that, right? They aren't mine, they aren't Andrew's--they are without a doubt William's. At ten months he's quickly developing his personality. He loves bath time, especially if he can get both Larry and Mo, his rubber fishies, into his mouth at the same time. He loves chewing on my car keys--when Mama is too distracted to give him a more appropriate toy. He hates being on his belly. Still. He adores Andrew and will light up the moment he walks in door. He has the chubbiest thighs and is now known in Chestnut Hill as the "bouncer." The baby who bounces. Everywhere. If he could travel by jumping, he'd be everywhere. He has little feet, long toes, and fabulous toe jam. And he likes me. I mean, he really likes me. It's the coolest thing! Being that special someone to a little person is incredible--flaws, mistakes, and inadequacies, he loves me!

Soaking up the sunshine

2011-04-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Granted I don't have half a foot of snow to complain about, unlike some poor people this morning, I would love to be here on the sands of Siesta Key, listening to the waves, drinking icy cool beverages and doing nothing but soaking up the sunshine.

White

2011-04-18T16:36:00.001-07:00

Although not practical in the slightest--I adore white. I love the sense of order and cleanliness and freshness--it's divine. My couch is covered in formula milk rings, pen marks and graham crackers. These images go in my "Someday Folder." Till then I will accept the graham crackers sticking to our clothes, the neon colored toys tripping us up and my paper piles cluttering every other horizontal surface. Someday, we will be grown ups and actually buy white!

Images from Skona hem

Friday Favorites

2011-04-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

1. 15 Chocolate Truffles by thetrufflewithjoel
2. Warm flavors brooch from marlyscreations
3. Clouds by Jackierueda
4. Vintage Oval China Dish from QuaintCollector

A friend of mine mentioned recently how the "waking up" in the spring can be just as disorienting and difficult as the winter can be dark and long with seasonal depression. I've known for a few years that I suffer from some form of SADD. I take my vitamin D and go for long walks in the sunshine and very importantly I talk. This spring has been tricky for me, though. I'm trying to find my center again. That place where I feel safe and secure and most me. I've felt it and know it so I don't necessarily feel lost, just trying to be patient as I come back. When life gets full we naturally re-prioritize and I've found that my blog has been put on hold a number of times this spring. I'm sure it'll continue to be dodgy over here--but I'll try getting back when I can.

Much love,
Jewels

Quiet Post

2011-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Quiet post ~

I've missed you!

2011-04-02T04:02:00.001-07:00

Hello, hello! I realize that it's literally been weeks and weeks--I've been visiting family in the frozen tundra of Minnesota. We got back last Wednesday and I've been playing catch-up since then. This is my sister Megan, who recently recognized a dream and started up her catering business, Nutmeg Catering Co., at the start of the year. We got to taste some of her goodies--like the mini macarons with German Chocolate filling. Divine! She also let me use her beautiful camera to snap a few shots around her home. I'm already saving my pennies!

Hope you're well, I've missed you! Hoping to snag some time this week to catch up on your blogs!

XOXO,
Jewels

William's Walk

2011-03-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

On one of William's Walks last week we decided to snap a few pictures of spring. It's happening! After having spent most of my grown life in the northern reaches of the Midwest it feels incredible to have spring this early in the year. I'm used to having snow showers in April. And it nearly sleeted on our wedding in Duluth at the end of May. That's what I'm used to. Not warm sunshine and spring beauties peeking through mid-March! But I love it! Just love it!

XOXO,
Jewels

Friday Favorites

2011-03-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

1. Hand-cut fancy gumdrops by fahrenheitgoods
2. Sea foam Green Teddy Bear from seventytwostitches
3. Vintage Tea for Two from sushipotparts
4. Bridge Printed Canvas shoulder bag by aftershowershop

Oh, he's so happy this morning--all smiles and giggles. After a few days of "constipated hell" this is a welcome change! It's the little things, I assure you. We have a lunch date in Manayunk (manna-yunk) with good friends this afternoon--we're going to enjoy the sunshine and the ridiculously warm weather with our boys. I'm pulling out the skirts and ballet slippers. So excited!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

Granola Bars

2011-03-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's day! William and I are decked out in as much green as we can be without being "too much." And, yes, you know what "too much" looks like. It's garish and frightening. And although it has nothing to do with St. Patrick, I'm posting on these amazing granola bars--they're made with rolled oats and that's cousin to steel cut oats which you can get in a snazzy can with the label "Irish Steel Cut Oats"--so, maybe it could be related to St. Patty's Day. My friend up in Duluth sent me the recipe and I tried them out last weekend. Delicious! You'll never want to buy another box of store brand again. I wrapped them up in wax paper and put them in a ziplock bag for lunches. And snacks. And dessert after dinner.

Dry
3 C old fashioned oats
1 C crushed nuts
3/4 C seeds
1 C dried fruit

Wet
2/3 C brown sugar
1/2 C honey
1/2 t cinnamon
dash salt
4 T butter

Toast oats, nuts, and seeds in a 400 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. You'll need to stir a time or two! Move dry ingredients to a bowl and mix in dried fruit. Add wet ingredients to a small pot. Heat over medium heat until the mixture boils for 2 minutes. You'll have to keep stirring it to avoid burning. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp vanilla. Mix in sauce w/ dry ingredients. Coat a 9 x 13 pan w/ oil (I used a 8x8 pan and it worked just as well). Spread granola with spatula. Cover and let sit for one hour. Cut into bars and wrap in plastic wrap to keep soft.

PS. I really, really appreciated your thoughts on my blog Identity Crisis the other day. I can't tell you how affirming and encouraging it was. I have a few ideas up my sleeve--they just need a little more time! Thank you again!

XOXO,
Jewels

Identity Crisis

2011-03-14T05:53:00.001-07:00

Orange cranberry muffins--in an effort to add variety to Andrew's breakfast fare I'm trying out different muffin/scone recipes. These were tasty!

So, I'm in an interesting place right now creatively. In relation to my blog. I feel like I want to do something more with it--make it a vehicle for... something. What that something is, I'm not sure, but something more than it is right now. I know that one of my New Years resolutions was to use only my own photography--except for Friday Favorites of course--but another resolution was to give it a little more content. This is where you guys come in. I realize that one of the reasons I have a blog is so I can share the lovely bits of life. But, it's also a place for me to reach out and say hello to YOU! I've met so many wonderful friends through this blog and I want to nourish those relationships and potential relationships. How do I share? What do you like to see? What would you want more of? I think we all go through a "blog identity" crisis every once in a while. We want to give, but not sure what. We want to engage, but not sure how. We want to show our world, but not sure why. Yeah, a little heavy for a Monday morning, but I would really, really love to hear your thoughts. Any thoughts!

Okay, I'm going to go make a pot of tea and have a muffin. Sending you heaps of love!

XOXO,
Jewels

Friday Favorites

2011-03-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

1. Cream by SusannahTucker
2. Blue Feather Scarf from WhiteMoth
3. Kimono Style Robe from plumbprettysugar
4. Little Chickadee Earrings from lulubugjewelry

It's stopped raining so the little babe and I are off on our morning walk! Sending you guys love and hopes of a fabulous weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

Nursery

2011-03-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I wanted to give you a peak into William's nursery--forgive the poor photography--it's been a hard space to capture. We have a one bedroom apartment so his space is tucked away in a quiet corner of our living room. Trying to make it feel like a distinct space was tricky--but, thanks to the genius of IKEA and a little imagination I was able to cobble something together. The bottom right photo is my great grandmother's nursing chair covered in a sheep skin rug. I have all of his board books stacked on top of our mini suitcases and in my mother's magazine basket.

Quiet Post

2011-03-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Quiet post ~

Granola

2011-03-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Amy posted this scrumptious recipe on her blog! Wow--I've tried quite a few granola recipes and have had both extremes: soupy, buttery mess to drier than dust oatmeal. Yeah, it didn't matter how much honey I added or didn't. But, this one was simple and allowed for tweaks here and there without completely destroying it. It's fabulous with yogurt and dried cherries!

Friday Favorites

2011-03-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

1. Double Chocolate Cookie by LaCodaGlutenFree
2. Vintage Cutwork Linen Napkins from RedHenStudios
3. Ivory Flower and Pearl shoe clip from No114
4. Pale Pink by AmandaRaeK

I'm pulling all of my Golden Mum paper out into the living room, exacto knife, ruler and cutting mat, too. Time to make a mess. My job is to create pretty messes, though. I had a girlfriend walk into my studio the other day and marvel at how lovely it all looked. I saw heaps of paper scattered about, ribbon strewn across the table and in clumps in the corner, books stacked on top of books and thought "she's crazy--this isn't lovely, it's a disaster!" But, if you didn't actually observe how unorganized and inefficient the mess is, it could be pretty. Maybe.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Sending love,
Jewels

Spring has arrived

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

During our last ice storm the crab apple tree outside our window lost a large limb. My mother, ever the clever one, suggested cutting some of the smaller branches and forcing the blossoms. I really had no idea what I was doing and had no idea of the outcome--but I cut enough to fill three vases and waited. And waited. And waited some more. I honestly thought I had ugly branches stuck in water all over my apartment. Then last week the buds started to open and yesterday the blossoms appeared! Spring has arrived!

Weekend

2011-03-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! William is fussing behind me, we need to go out for our morning walk, but I wanted to post these pictures from our weekend really quick. We soaked up as much sunshine as we could. On the agenda today: shortbread, yoga, baby play date and a trip to the post office!

Sending love,
Jewels

Friday Favorites

2011-02-25T04:12:00.000-08:00

1. Teapots by lauraamiss
2. Riva Clutch from Appleandivy
3. Colorful Suzani Pillow from PillowThrowDecor
4. White Chocolate Raspberry Macaroons from TheWhimsicalSpoon

Trekking through the land of 10,000 puddles this morning I realized I'm in desperate need of a pair of wellies. Good lord, my pants were soaking wet up to the knee. Maybe a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, too? Maybe? If I find the right pair of wellies I promise to snap a picture. In the mean time, I'm going to bring back the high-waters--I think that's what they're called, right?

By the way, Baby Otter was dry and toasty strapped to my front and under the umbrella, which, was quite fascinating to him! God bless the simple things!

Have a wondrous weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

Organize

2011-02-24T07:09:00.001-08:00

I don't know if it's cabin fever but I have a monumentally huge desire to organize. Clear away the clutter. I think it'll help me breath easier, think clearer. I'm starting in the kitchen and working out! Wish me luck!

XOXO,
Jewels

PS the tulips were a sweet surprise from Andrew over the weekend!

Trolley Car Lunch

2011-02-22T04:18:00.000-08:00

President's Day found us three at the local diner, the Trolley Car, for lunch! Andrew had a thick burger, I had a delicious salad with humus, and William had peach mush. We've discovered that William has reached the stage of easy distraction--bliss!

Bright spot

2011-02-21T04:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! It's overcast, drizzly and chilly this morning. But, for some reason I don't mind. I have a soft spot for the cloudy, drizzly days. When we were growing up my parents would shove us out the door anytime there was sunshine or the hint of sunshine. "Play outside!" But, when it rained, we holed up, read, watched movies and baked. We loved those cloudy, rainy days!

Okay, even if it's super, duper cheesy, there's a "bright spot" to my cloudy day: The picture above is the Global Style section of Destination Wedding and Honeymoon magazine (Mar/April issue). I'm tickled pink--that's my Gilded Italian Guest Book with the apricot colored ribbon!

PS Last week was a bust--I wasn't able to catch up on your blogs or even tend to mine, much. But, I have plans to remedy that this week!

Baby Otter

2011-02-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

What do you do when he's protesting his morning nap and you need to take a shower? Bath time--together! Lots of splashing and bubbles. Honestly, he loves the water, almost as much as I do. A true baby otter!

What I'm loving

2011-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

What I'm loving today:
+ raspberry colored sunrises
+ double chocolate chip cookies right from the oven
+ William's ridiculous smattering of coo's and a-goo's
+ Ella Fitzgerald singing "Let's fall in love"
+ the promise of a new week, fresh, with no mistakes in it. Yet.

Sending you heaps of love from Baby Otter and I!

XOXO

Friday Favorites

2011-02-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

1. Yellow Sackcloth Handbag by CrazyBoy
2. Unforgettable Ruffled Shrug by reflectionsbyds
3. Girl leaning on a chair by IrenaSophia
4. Porcelain Lace Cup by Hideminy

I've been feeling strangely disjointed this week--like I can't quite get ahead. Miss Efficient has been anything but. I feel an incredible urge to do, do, do, and yet can't get organized to do anything but fumble around, wiling away my time, going from nap to nap. Sounds depressing. I'm not. But sometimes it's hard to relax and give myself a break. Ugh.

So, here's to chilling out, taking deep breaths, and putting on a stupid grin because it's going to be a good day. It's just going to be!

XOXO,
Jewels

Quiet Post

2011-02-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Quiet post ~

Friday Favorites

2011-02-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

1. Knitted infinity circular scarf by allmadewithlove
2. Ranunculus Blossom by dsbrennan
3. Aquarium - Hair pin set from CMVISIONjewelry
4. Ginger Shortbread by inkandpaperarts

The morning sun is streaming in--maybe not particularly warm, but beautiful. I'm relishing the quiet of this moment. The babe is sleeping and I'm still in my pj's. Time for tea and a little solitude.

Thinking of you,
Jewels

Coconut Carrot Cupcakes

2011-02-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day... indoors. I think there was an inch of ice over everything! And then it started raining. Nothing more lethal than rain on top of an inch of ice and nothing is more frustrating than two days indoors with a 7 month old. So I baked coconut carrot cupcakes--with baby food carrots--and cream cheese frosting.

And tried to remember that the ice will melt. Someday. Right?

Hello

2011-02-01T04:10:00.000-08:00

We're supposed to be glazed with ice by the afternoon, if we're not already. This is the part of winter I hate, when I can't walk outside for fear of slipping, sliding, falling and other disastrous dances with ice. It's a tango I can do without--especially with a baby in tow. He's swiftly becoming a well-padded, hefty-sort of baby, but still. So, I bake. Craft. Read. And climb the stairs of our 11-floor apartment building. I meet neighbors who spend the time gleefully checking out the babe strapped to my back, pinching his cheeks and marveling at his blue eyes. I look at these encounters as opportunities to speak a language that doesn't involve "A-goo"'s and raspberries--although I'm mastering the raspberries quite quickly. Amazingly, this blog is another outlet for me. When I can't escape the confines of my little apartment--at least I can say hello to you all here!

So, hello! Happy first day of February to you!

XOXO,
Jewels

Friday Favorites

2011-01-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

1. Vintage Pink Notions by dearmachine
2. With a Cherry on Top from SinnersSaintsSweets
3. Sweet Green earrings by PoleStar
4. red cream stripe toddler hat from sweetbabydolly

I can hear William fussing in his pack n play--slowly waking up from his morning nap--so this will be a short post! We're presently sitting pretty under a foot of white fluffy snow. I have two sticks of butter out on the counter ready to be made into cookies and a huge craving for really good hot chocolate. It's a good way to move into the weekend if you ask me!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Quiet Post

2011-01-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

Quiet post ~

Red Grapes

2011-01-26T04:33:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the snow fall heavily outside my window. It's coming down at a slant. And the weatherman tells me that there's ice underneath all the fluffy stuff. Not, I gather, the best day to do my massive mission of errands across town. Darn it! That's all I was thinking about last night, or rather, this morning, when I couldn't fall back asleep after his 2AM bottle. I was going to go to IKEA first, get a highchair and some rugs, stop over at Micheal's for some craft stuff I desperately need, then drop the car off at the corner repair shop for an oil change. I was then going to go over to the hardware store to get a lamp fixed and buy a toaster (our old one died over the weekend--amazing how often we used that thing!). But now, I'm going to watch the snow, listen to my Pink Martini station on Pandora and pray he's a good napper today!

Hope you're safe and warm and cozy this morning!

XOXO,
Jewels

PS The red grapes are from this weekend--the afternoon light hit the bowl of fruit and suddenly they seemed like jewels!

William's Walk

2011-01-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

Down Germantown Avenue, after you pass the antique store and before you make it to the school yard entrance are a set of blue doors--faded and pealing, but truly, a beautiful set of blue doors. I don't know what lies inside that small stone building, or whether the doors get regular use, but they seem magical to me!

Happy Monday, dearies!

XOXO,
Jewels

Friday Favorites

2011-01-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

1. Iced Tea 3 Pack by fallcreekfibers
2. Woodsmen by f2images
3. Queen Annes Lace Hand Embroidery from Waterrose
4. Ruffle necklace in plum by prettythingsbymeg

Finally--Friday! Wishing you all a marvelous weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

I love you

2011-01-20T01:28:00.000-08:00

I have to remember that these nights are rare--the nights when the sweet babe doesn't want to go back to sleep after his 2AM bottle. When he spends half the time crying for his nuk and the other half fussing because it's in his mouth. I'm sure I can blame it on Teething (yup, with a capital "T")--that second little bugger is about to burst onto the scene. Andrew is much better at keeping calm and loving in the middle of the night. I, on the other hand, have to keep reminding myself to take it slow, to be gentle and soothing, that he's not doing this to torture me, even though it feels like it after two and a half hours of bleary-eyed frustration. Crying and feeling sorry for myself, truly, has never helped the situation. So, instead of crawling back into my warm bed and sleeping till the sun rises, I'm reminding myself of a profound truth: I love you, sweet baby William. Even when you're being a royal pain, I love you!

The Trusty List

2011-01-17T05:24:00.000-08:00

So, lacking the skills to organize my thoughts in a coherent fashion this morning, I'm going to rely on the trusty List function! My Monday morning thoughts:

1. I went on a Me Date yesterday and saw The King's Speech--absolutely marvelous film. The humor, the dialog, the history, the cinematography were all beyond excellent.
2. I totally destroyed two old pillows from my bedroom and used the filling for two new tapestry cushions for my couch. Not sure if you're supposed to do that, but I did. They turned out... lumpy, but nice.
3. New Years resolution #37: try to take a photograph a day. Then use them in blog posts! See above.
4. Icebox Shortbread is delicious and versatile: 2 Cups flour, 1 Cup sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of vanilla, 2 sticks of butter. Combine with anything that sounds yummy (like orange zest and cranberries or cocoa powder and almonds--see above). Bake at 350 for approximately 12 minutes. Delicious!
5. Baby Otter has: two teeth, the ability to sit on his own, knack for giggling at his mama for absolutely no reason other than she looks funny.

Friday Favorites

2011-01-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

1. Lovebirds from AliciaBock
2. Little Box of Valentine's Day Cookies from whimsyandspice
3. Cotton Candy Rainbow fingerless mittens from RainbowMittens
4. Best Friend--Wool Bunny from bubyNoa

Because I can't help myself: a reintroduction to my Friday Favorites. There are too many delectable items out and there's no point in me hoarding them all in my Favorites folder on my Etsy account.

Today is my third day without a sinus headache. I think I was going on week number 3 of chronic sinus pressure before I got wise and started downing gallons of water and moving the humidifier into our bedroom. More than anything it was annoying. There's nothing more discouraging than waking up and wondering if you were going to have to drug yourself up to get through the day. I hate feeling crummy. Granted, no one likes feeling crummy, but what goes through my clogged, congested brain when I feel so awful I don't want to leave the couch? "I've got laundry to do, dishes to wash, and a baby to feed, gosh darn it!" Priorities get shifted very quickly and you press on, amazingly enough! So, I'm going to go fill up my Nalgeen bottle, again, contemplate an order to Whimsy and Spice and finish the laundry!

Have a wondrous weekend!
Jewels

Blog lovin'

2011-01-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Good evening! I rarely post this late in the day, but the little one just went down for a nap and my sinus-clearing tea is steeping (more on that tomorrow!) I recently received the i love your blog award from the ever lovely Cindy at quaint handmade. I haven't done one of these in ages! Here we go:

1. why did you create the blog?
It started out as a place to promote my shop but quickly evolved into a special spot where I collect pretty things, images of my life and little diddies about the happenings in my world.

2. what kind of blogs do you follow?
I'm smitten with pretty blogs. Simple ones, too. I find it inspiring to follow blogs where the authors are not only finding their own voice, but are also using their photography skills, meager or not, to show us their world. I love that!

3. favorite makeup brand?
Estee Lauder

4. favorite clothing brand?
Anything from Anthropologie

5. your indispensable makeup product?
God bless concealer. This mama needs it!

6. your favorite colour?
Magenta

7. your perfume?
I wore perfume everyday till I became pregnant last year--hello super-duper sense of smell. I can't figure out where I buried all my bottles of scent.

8. your favorite film?
Oh dear, just one? Persuasion or Sense and Sensibility.

9. what country would you like to visit and why?
I would love to go to Istanbul or Morocco.

10. make-up the last question and answer it yourself: what would you write on your wall so you could remember it every day?
"It's all about perspective. And kindness."

The rules require that I bestow this award of love unto 10 others, so if you want to play along, consider yourselves recipients - Joyce, Krissy, Emily, Erin, Kate, Courtney, Lotta, Barb, Caroline and You, too!

Monday

2011-01-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday to you all!

Good

2011-01-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

For any of you new to the Red Otter blog, the topic of motherhood has been a sensitive one. William arrived almost six and a half months ago. It wasn't an easy transition. Still isn't at times. But, it's getting better. Like with any relationship, the more time you invest, the better it gets. I feel this incredible surge of joy just looking at these photos. Remembering how I was feeling under the weather last weekend and he just snuggled up. It was better than any drug. I'm not sure I can describe it, but this little person, this adorable bundle of energy pulls me through the day. I want to be someone he's proud of. I want to show him the magic of the world--help him explore and discover. I still struggle with being a stay-at-home mom. It was never something I aspired to and finding validation for what I'm doing, what I'm sacrificing, is difficult. I realize it's about perspective, that some mothers would give anything to be at home with their babies, but I have to keep reminding myself how fortunate I am. Oh, the lessons I'm learning! I feel like I'm perpetually being stretched, that my ideas of what is successful, accomplished, productive are forever being refined. I have to say, though, I know it's good, I feel it in my bones. That what I'm learning, what we're learning together, what we have to explore ahead--it's good!

Happy New Years

2010-12-31T13:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give you a glimpse of 2010--snap shots of our year! Thank you for all your love. The support. The friendship. I got a little misty-eyed putting this together. The year has been so full. Science courses at the community college, horrible morning sickness, small creative endeavors, Andrew graduating from law school, packing up our apartment, giving birth to baby William, moving across country, exploring our new neighborhood, meeting new friends, rejoicing in the goodness, the wonder, the magic of a little boy! It's been so good. And next year? I can already tell--it's going to be spectacular. I'm going to sit down and finish my journal entry--making my New Years lists! Wishing you all a wondrous New Years!

Sending you heaps of love,
Jewels

. . . . . .
2010

January--Green Chrysanthemum

February -- 21 Weeks

March--the start of Baby William's Quilt

April--Duluth

May--Raspberries

June--Quiet Nook

July--Baby William (2 weeks old)

August--First walk in the Moby wrap

September--William's Walk series begins

October--Studio shot

November--Chestnut Hill Coffee Shop

December--Winter rose

. . . . .

New Years Tradition

2010-12-30T05:19:00.000-08:00

I'm already thinking about my New Years journal session--the one where I sit down with a steaming cup of tea, my blue ball point pen, a new journal and record some of my new year aspirations. Yes, I'm a sucker for this tradition. It's a list--right? And I love lists. Ridiculously so. It also helps me focus on the things that have been milling around my brain for the past couple of weeks. Things like new music, new explorations, creative endeavors, friendships. Sometimes, if the mood is right and the pen writes smoothly, things start unfolding on the pages of my journal. Dreams start taking shape--maybe a little fuzzy around the edges, but they're there. And the steps to accomplish them slowly appear. Slowly. It's good.

Image from this beautiful Etsy shop

William's Quilt

2010-12-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

The snow is swirling, piling, knocking over everything in its way. It's marvelous. Andrew has a snow day, William is napping sweetly and I'm contemplating making butternut squash soup or pesto perogies for lunch.

We had a wonderful Christmas! It was a blur. Lots of family, funny babies, one hyper Bernese Mountain dog and tons of crinkly wrapping paper (William's favorite). My Christmas gift to baby William was his quilt. I started it last spring, when I couldn't touch my toes, and never got around to finishing it. I did, however, find the time the day before Christmas. My first quilt--so don't look too close--but it's snuggly and full of bright colors!

I hope you all had a wondrous holiday! Thinking of you!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T04:15:00.001-08:00

Many, many Christmas blessings to you and yours!

With all our love,
Jewels, Andrew and Baby William

Solo Hike

2010-12-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

I went for a solo hike on Saturday--left the boys to hang out, play with monkeys and lions--you know, the usual. There are a number of trails on the Wissahickon that I haven't had the opportunity to explore, so I picked a route and set off! Sometimes I forget how vital the woods are to me. How rejuvenated I feel when I'm next to a bubbling creek. Or how comforted I am by the resin-like smell of pine needles drying in the sun. I don't ever talk about God here--mostly due to the fact that I wouldn't consider myself a religious person. But, when I'm standing beneath a huge beech tree, dwarfed by it height and girth, or feel the cool, crisp quiet of an empty wooded trail, I can't help but feel God. Whatever it is, however it moves and breaths--I feel it most keenly in the woods. By the water. In the quiet.

Candy Shop

2010-12-15T05:42:00.001-08:00

Good morning! Just a quick post today. I'm doing a little bit of research, could you help me out? What do you think of when you head "Candy Shop?" And if you say 50 Cent... ugh.

XOXO,
Jewels

Layers

2010-12-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

We are remarkably layered individuals. What you see on the surface is usually just one of many layers. It's fascinating--just think about the different kinds of friends you have, each one connecting with you in a special way. We have skills, talents, and gifts that are completely unique to us. I was struck this morning with a immense desire to divide this blog post up into Red Otter, Mama, Adventurer categories. Each one filled to the brim with the workings of that layer. I think it's easy to define ourselves solely by what we do--professionally or not. I'm a mother. I'm a student. I'm a designer/teacher/writer/architect. Not really understanding the power and the magnitude of all the other layers we're made up of. Thank God! Thank God I'm more than just one of these layers.

Sending you love this morning,
Jewels

To do today

2010-12-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

On my list of things to do today:

1. Buy Christmas candle--so our apartment smells balsamy--we're still boasting our "Law School" Christmas tree. Next year: real one, baby!
2. Bake sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, peanut butter blossoms and chocolate chocolate chip cookies with dear friend and her baby.
3. Wrap packages--oh you mysterious amazon boxes!
4. Drink egg nog. First time in years!
5. Write Christmas cards. I'm determined to get them out. Before Christmas, I promise!

Hopefully all serenaded by my plethora of Pandora Christmas stations. Yeah, I think we're up to our eyeballs in Christmas!

Images from here

Giant hello

2010-12-09T04:40:00.000-08:00

White pines are without a doubt my favorite conifer. I think. The blue spruce is right up there. Anyways, the softness of the white pine, the way the needles float, gently waving hello. That's what I love--they're very friendly. And the ones here in Chestnut Hill are massive, so the hello is giant!

NYC

2010-12-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! They're in chronological order by the way.

I had such an incredible time on my first adventure to New York City. Cindy kept laughing at me--every time we turned a corner I would gasp and say something like, "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" I'm sure she thought I was going to pee my pants. *sighs* Tourists! It was startling to see all of these things in person--all of these places I've only ever seen in movies or photographs. Of course, the whole experience was amplified by Cindy--sweet and ever dear, Cindy. She really made the trip for me. I can't tell you how amazing it is to finally meet a long distance friend for the first time--goosebumps! I nearly cried when we found each other at Penn Station! So many blog posts, emails, letters--and there she was in front of me. It was such a special day!

By the way, the boys did fabulously well at home while mama was off traveling. William wasn't too much of a crab and Andrew conquered the naps and applesauce. But, I think I was missed.

William's Walk

2010-12-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

On William's Walk last night I spotted this pale pink rose--still alive--untouched by our December frosts. So lovely and elegant. And surprisingly hearty.

Sorry I've been a little absent this week. Much going on! I am trying to stay on top of Red Otter orders, get our wee apartment Christmasy, and prep for my big trip tomorrow. I'm heading to New York City for the first time. Ever. Not only to see and partake in the delights of the season--New York style-- but to meet a long time blog friend, Cindy from Quaint Handmade. I can't tell you how excited I am. Positively giddy! I promise to take heaps of photos!

It Rolls

2010-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday--filled with tasty treats and plenty of relaxation. We had Thanksgiving over at Andrew's aunt and uncles here in Philly--a delicious feast and good company. And, big news: William rolled over. Five times! I realize that unless you have little ones or are close to people with little ones this might not seem like a big deal. It is! It's heralding a new stage of life: mobile stage. After five months of being able to set William down where ever, knowing full well that he wasn't going anywhere... well, those days are over. Just imagine your laptop suddenly able to roll over by itself, without provocation--terror of terrors! You'd have to watch it all. the. time. *sighs*

Images from here

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a joyous holiday ~

Can't you hear him, "Turkey? Where?" He's five months old this week--my mind reals. So much to be thankful for. So much. Thank you for visiting me here. For filling my life and sharing my life, sharing your lives!

All my love,
Jewels

Sea shore and free shipping

2010-11-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

I dumped the contents of my grandmother's button tin onto our bed this morning in search of the perfect bauble--had to be properly "vintagey"--and thought, hmm, all together like that, it looks like a beautiful shoreline. Each button a piece of sand. I'm sure there's something creative and brilliant in that thought--but it's beyond me. I thought it looked pretty.

In other news: I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on all Red Otter items from November 24th to the 27th. If you happen to mention that you're a Red Otter Blog follower in the note to seller *cough, cough* I will tuck a special little something in the package for you--with all my love! All international purchases are being offered free shipping with the purchase of 2 or more Red Otter items!

Time to start the holiday shopping!

XOXO,
Jewels

Today

2010-11-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

Ever have a lot to say but not the words to say it? Yeah, having one of those days. I'm off to go play Christmas music--without guilt--do laundry, make grilled cheese sandwiches, string up Christmas garlands and do copious amounts of snuggling with a blue-eyed boy who happens to like me. A lot.

Happy Monday~
Jewels

Oatmeal

2010-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Andrew came home two nights ago with a delicious bundle of autumnal beauties. Aren't they marvelous? I searched high and low for a vase that would hold them all when I spotted this empy canister of Irish Oatmeal sitting on my desk. I think I was going to use the canister for pens and pencils and the odd pair of scissors I can never find. I think it's found a better use. Right now, at least.

By the way--if you ever stumble upon your own canister of Irish Steel Cut Oats here is a recipe (tweaked from Dad's original) you will love:

1 Cup steel cut oats
2 Cups water
2 Cups apple cider
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 Tsp nutmeg
1 Tsp cloves
1/2 Tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 Cup dried cherries (or any dried fruit)

Bring water and cider to a boil in saucepan. In a separate bowl stir together oats, cherries and spices. Add oat mixture to boiling liquid and stir. Turn to low/simmer once the mixture starts to thicken (approximately 3-4 minutes). Stir occasionally for 30 minutes.

It's the most scrumptious oatmeal. Ever. And it makes your home smell divine. This will keep up to a week in a container in the fridge.

Quiet Post

2010-11-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Quiet Post ~

On Communication

2010-11-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

I feel like I'm forever in the process of learning how to communicate. William just yells. He yells when he's happy, when he's hungry and yells particularly loudly when he's tired. I have friends who can communicate on the spot--articulating their desires/fears/grievances with speed and efficiency. Others take days to process and come forward with their thoughts and feelings. Some don't. Period. And it takes great care and delicate diplomacy to draw out what's going on under the surface.

I feel like communicating with a baby added to the mix is tricky--they add a whole different level to the scenario. As a mother your first inclination to minister to the needs and wants of the baby. They agree. Next come the needs of your partner. Friends and family are often next. And last are your needs. Add sleep deprivation, hormonal upsets, limited time and energy and it's amazing what gets put on the back burner. Especially with new mothers, when you're still in the throes of self-discovery and your need for affirmation is immense, it's hard to address your needs because you still don't know what they are or you haven't had the time to figure out how to express them. And, there are those of us who have a difficult time even saying the words "I need" altogether.

We know it's important. We know that we need to keep talking. But it's hard. Hang in there with us. It's a process.

I know that there's a great treasure trove of wisdom out there. Any thoughts?

Image from this delicious Etsy shop

Evening Stroll

2010-11-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

On William's Walk this evening. The sun is setting so quickly nowadays. I'm not sure I like that very much. I like the idea of the holidays approaching, of family gathering, of good food smells and twinkle lights. But the waning sun is tough. Time for some serious vitamin D and evening strolls!

Charm

2010-11-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

Worked into the budget of this stay-at-home-mother is the "sanity-saver," otherwise known as the coffee shop visit. There's a Starbucks two blocks away and provides ample selection and ease with a stroller, but when I want a little charm with my latte I go to the Chestnut Hill coffee shop--two blocks away in the other direction. They have a huge stained glass window behind the bar, amber lighting and comfy leather couches wide enough for two little babies to nap on--William and his little girlfriend have tested it out twice with great success. I know you want to, but, please, let me extend the invitation again: come visit!

Wander

2010-11-08T04:28:00.000-08:00

The image is titled "My Greatest Adventures." I'll just let your mind wander.

Happy Monday morning!

Image found in this wondrous Etsy shop

Personal Emissary

2010-11-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

Babies do amazing things to your social life. For one thing the concept of a "night life" is laughable. I turn into a pumpkin at 8:30PM--whether I want to or not. And I walk around with spit up on my shirts and pants, binkies in my pockets, burp cloths swung over my shoulders like pretty muslin scarves. But, what's truly remarkable is the effect a baby has on the public around you. On our walks about town I typically have William strapped to the front of me in his baby bjorn, and, interestingly, that's usually all people see. The postal workers know us (him) and coo when we get in the door with our packages. The guys at the coffee shop always give us (him) a smile and tell us they would love to switch places with William. I was taking pictures of store fronts the other day and this kind woman with fabulous cranberry lipstick stopped me and wanted to know if I wanted a picture of the two of us--me and the beautiful baby. They don't see me--they don't see the spit up, or the disheveled clothes and no makeup. They see him. Kind of lovely, really. My own personal emissary!

Have a wonderful Friday, dear friends!
Jewels

PS. The yellow leaves are actually a shockingly beautiful Japanese Maple I found on St. Martin's Street. I thought they always turned a deep red. But no, golden yellow for this one!

Bumblebee

2010-11-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

As promised, our little bumblebee! He barely managed to fit in it--he's getting so big!

XOXO,
Jewels

Quiet Post

2010-11-02T05:23:00.001-07:00

Quiet post ~

Image from this delightful Etsy shop