My New Ride

Tee hee hee. OK, so maybe this isn't my new ride, but I had fun on it this afternoon, at our friends Susan and Jerry's house! Emma had fun too...

See all 82 pictures of the day here!

Travel Bunny

Joe and I came back to VA for 2 days (I had a bunch of work to do) and now we are headed back to NC. I'm sure I'll post soon...

Everyone having a great summer?!

Millstone 4-H Camp Visit (2009 Edition!)

Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe, NC, is where Joe and I met in 2001 and we try to go back each year to visit.

The place has changed since we were there (air conditioned cabins, hello!), but it still holds many happy memories and I hope it'll do the same for Emma when she gets older.

If you've been reading my blog for a while. you'll know this is about the 8th version I have of this picture! I try to have one done each year.


Add a bunch of horses and it would be me when I worked at camp 8 years ago (I was the horse riding instructor)


Doesn't she just look at home here?!


Emma with Daddy


Emma with snake!


The Docks.

2/3 more years and Emma will be there for Cloverbud camp. Crazy!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I turned 27 and the best gift was spending time with my beautiful friends and family (I know, I know - blurgh, pass the bucket!) but it's true. I spent the morning with B in SC (she's got the baby bump I've been dying to see!) and then drove back up to Fayetteville, NC to be with the family. Tomorrow we head down to visit the folks at camp (where Joe and I met in 2001), then drive home to VA, where I'll be taking a little trip to J.Crew to buy myself some goodies! Perfect.

One year older, one beautiful year wiser.

I'm down in Fayetteville with the family at the moment. I'll try to do a post with some pics tonight - Emma is having a great time in the pool and I'm enjoying the 97 degrees weather! Perfect. Oh and I get to see B on Sunday. Woo Woo.

Lunch Date

Today I had lunch with an old pal from camp, who also lives in Richmond. We went to Cafe Caturra, which is this delicious coffee and wine bar. Had a veggie panini - which was amazing. Not that you needed to know what I had for lunch, but if you are ever in Richmond, be sure to check out the place. It's on Rt 60- a little before Westchester and 288. I think it's a chain though, so they're probably all over the place!

It's so freaking hot here today (beginning of some heat wave) so I wore shorty shorts and a cami. Stuck a cardi on, cos you know, air conditioning in restaurants can be ice cold sometimes.

Once again, I'm off to the gym and then the pool. Emma is such a fishy now, she loves the water. She burnt her little footies yesterday though, as she was more interested in running around the pool. That'll teach her. (kidding)

Streaky mirror alert...

Cardi: Marshalls, I think (nope, not J.Crew!)
Cami: American Eagle
Shorts: NY&Co
Sandals: Forever 21
Necklace: J.Crew

Man, I love when cheap items come together to make a pretty decent outfit!

How to NOT show off your shape:

Ask husband to take a photo of you. Yes, that is the ultimate way to make sure you come out looking like crap in a photo. All hunchback and boob-less. Lovely.

Well, this is Emma and I running some errands today. Totally need to shave my legs, it's beyond gross. Think I'm going to hit the gym, then jump in the pool. Ahhhh.

It's nice having hubby home for the summer - shame he can't take a decent photograph!

At least you know I'm not too vain...

Dress: J.Crew (love love love the Trastevere pattern)
Bag: really old Banana Republic
Shoes: the infamous Forever 21 sandals!

That's My Girl: Little Fishy

Emma swam on her own yesterday!

OK, so she does have a big float around her belly, inside of her swimsuit, but still, she freaking swam as far as baby swimming goes! I'm so proud!

We've been taking her to the pool every day it's been hot and she's really become quite the water baby - so yesterday, I let go of her and off she went! Splish Splash Swimming!

Go Emma, GO!

English Tea Paperie: Birthday Special

This year, to celebrate turning 27, I'm giving everyone:

2 x 7% off (14%!) any order
2 free sets for every 7 purchased

These offers are only valid for ONE WEEK (22 - 29th June) clicking through HERE or using the link: http://englishteapaperie.com?code=27BDAY

Happy shopping and Happy Birthday to me! (my birthday isn't until the 29th, but I thinking I may do something special for ETP that day - check back on the 29th to see if I went big or not!)

p.s - Feel free to post the link on your blogs!!

If choosing to purchase 7 or more sets, simply let us know on checkout, which 2 sets you'd liked doubled, or if no choices are made, we'll pick 2 from your order to double up. Gift sets act as 1 set.

Love you Nan!

I've held off from mentioning this on my blog (for those on facebook, you'll already know), because I try to keep things light and comedic here. But, I came across this picture and I wanted to share...

My Nan has a brain tumor. She had most of the tumor removed last week and luckily, survived the operation. However, the Doctors have now said she has 32 weeks to live. 50 at most. The tumor will grow back and they can't operate again.

My Nan has not met Emma, nor Joe, so we went to get their passports the other day and we'll be flying out to England in August. It's my first time back since Joe and I got married and although it'll be a wonderful trip, the reason for going simply sucks.

If she ever saw this picture (of us on my 15th birthday) she would totally cringe, but I think it best describes her personality before she fell ill. She was always so funny and the face she is making will always remind me of that. Gosh, she is far to young to go. But I'm really looking forward to her meeting Emma - the 4th generation of only girls. Taking a picture of the 4 of us will be something I'll treasure and no doubt make me cry each time I see it.

Certainly makes me question why things happen the way they do. What's fair, what's not. Am I taking enough care of myself and my family? Am I teaching Emma all that I can? Do I love enough?

One thing I do know, is that I certainly love my Nan and she'll be incredibly missed.

Steal of the Season

I picked up these fab sandals in Forever 21 for only $7.50.

$7.50 - can you believe it?!

They are flipping fabulous and totally comfortable. I'll no doubt wear them with everything. I have no plans today, but I'm thinking of doing something, just so I can wear them. Man, I love a bargain!

Now, I think I need a pair in silver too...

p.s - they totally make your legs look browner than they really are! Cheaper than a bottle of fake tan - woo woo.

Cinch It

Bridget told me off the other day. OK, not quite told me off, but gave me a few words of advice:

"Stop wearing baggy crap - it makes you look bigger than you really are"

Hmmmm...I think I get what she's saying:

vs

Uncinched vs Cinched.

I am now thinking of belting everything. I'm on a cinch quest. Stacy and Clinton would be so proud!

Gosh, isn't it amazing how clothes can make you look a whole size bigger (if not more) than you actually are. Scary. No wonder there are so many "fashion rules" shows on TV! They can't expect us to learn it by ourselves, can they?!

Paparazzi Shot or What?!

I think Emma thinks she's Suri or someone. Cracks me up! Oh and can I just tell you how E has her Tinkerbell cellphone inside her purse. What am I teaching her?!

CHOMP!

Some kid took a chomp out of Emma's chin yesterday in the mall (she was in the playground area). Now don't get me wrong, I know kids are innocent and don't get the whole "no biting" thing, but I was mad. I mean, look at her poor little battle wound:

Still has a smile on her face though, that's my girl! Poor pickle.

Saturday Shopping: I Scored Big!

I found this dress today, on clearance, in TJ Maxx and it was the only one left. It's the most amazing quality (some heavy textile) and was marked down to $20! I love the feeling of picking up something you love the second you see it, realizing it's your size and then realizing even better, that's it's dirt cheap. Best feeling in the world!

Please excuse the excessive amounts of tiny finger smudges on the mirror, that would be Emma's doing!!

So there you go, another under $20 score from Cloggsy's closet! The shoes are J.Crew, but those were cheap too - something like $30 from a JCA. You really can look great without spending a lot of money!

I now know what I'll be wearing to the wedding Joe and I are attending in October. Woo Woo.

Emma does DQ!

Emma does not like milk. Seriously. So her Doctor said it was OK to just bulk her up on other diary and that ice cream wasn't a bad idea. Joe, he's an ice cream whore and this is now becoming his new excuse for a trip to DQ!

Emma doesn't seem to be complaining. My ass is though.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

I didn't take many pictures at the park yesterday, mainly because I was dealing with not melting. You know, from the blanket of humidity that curses the South. Urgh. White dress + dusty park = BAD idea!

It was a nice afternoon though and Emma had fun with her new buddy Drew. Such cuties! Oh and I think E likes her some seesaw! Oh yeah.

Today is Joe's 34th (oops, I mean 25th) birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Hubby. Love you.

Not much to report today - taking Emma down to the pool this afternoon. Feel the need for some ice-cream - what do you think Joe?...

Picnic in the Park

Today is Joe's school picnic, where the staff and families get together and celebrate the end of the year. I wanted something breezy to wear and what's better than a white cotton eyelet dress? I personally think this outfit looks better in person - the camera is not doing the whole thing justice. Or is it telling the truth?! Who knows. I'm comfortable and in my opinion, that's all that matters sometimes.

If my husband wouldn't laugh at me, I'd totally be "hippying" the dress up - you know, headband around the front of my head, a few long necklaces etc. But in the presence of his coworkers, I'm toning it down a little and opting for a J.Crew rip-off cardigan from Stein Mart! Plus, the outfit fits the "respectable Mom" title too.

Must make good impression!

Dress: Old Navy, Cardigan: Stein Mart, Bangle: J.Crew

Emma wanted in on the photo fun, so here's her outfit! She'll no doubt change because I can guarantee, before we leave for the park, her clothes will be ruined with food and juice stains!

Ruffle Tee: Good old Wal-Mart, Pants: Carters, Juice Cup: Dora the Explorer

Park pics to come tomorrow...

The Beautiful Blue House...

...is still available! I'm setting up to go see it Friday or early next week and I can't wait. Fingers crossed!

Update: Seems my husband now thinks we'll "just end up staying where we are for a few more years"

WHAT? Are you fucking kidding me? Hell no. I'll just go see the place by myself then, screw it. I know it seems like a big step, but isn't that what it's all about?

Auburny Reddie Head

It's been a looooooong time since I put red in my hair, but the other evening, I felt the need. I didn't leave the color on too long (Joe thinks I should have left it longer, as it's not red enough) but I'm quite happy with the result. Emma likes it too - now we both sport some rouge hues!!

Nothing quite like having your face splattered all over your blog!

Now, how long do you think it'll be before I dye it again?!! I have to say, before this, it was a personal record. Maybe 6-8 months without dye? Bravo!

Who am I kidding though, I'm the daughter of a hair stylist - do you really expect any less than frequent color changes?!

Hmmm, looking at these pics - does it even look at all red?! Get me out in the sunlight, then you'll see it!

A Little Quizzie about Moi...

Drewablank tagged me (and then Summerilla did too) so here goes:

What is your current obsession? - Finding a rental house!

What is your weirdest obsession? - Plucking my eyebrows. Will not go anywhere without tweezers, I'm telling you.

What are you wearing today? - J.Crew hudson fresco shell, NY&Co shorts, Avon (yes Avon) shoes.

What's for dinner? -Salmon, rice and broccoli. Healthy and yummy.

What would you eat for your last meal? - Panera broccoli cheddar soup and Olive Garden molten chocolate cake.

What's the last thing you bought? -$100 of Old Navy clothes as I had a $75 off of $100 coupon.

What are you listening to right now? - Handy Manny on the Disney channel - Emma is obsessed and I'm not complaining!

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? - Coffee or Mint Choc Chip. Or sometimes, just plain old vanilla bean.

What do you think of the person who tagged you? - Funny, VERY stylish and a complete doll.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? -Richmond, VA. Yes, that is where I live now. I've travelled quite a bit in my life and I have to say, I've never been happier than where I am today.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? - back to Tahiti. The beaches were amazing and I'd love to see the sunset again.

Which language do you want to learn? - French. I got quite good at one point, but now it's pretty much completely gone.

What's your favorite quote (for now)? - "Hope, seeing who you are at your highest, is who you will become" and "God led you to it, God will lead you through it"

What is your favorite color? - Pink - that real pale vintage pink. A pale robins egg blue is slowly catching up.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe? - I love everything in my closet, I don't think there is a favorite.

What is your dream job? - The one's I have now: Stationery designer and Mother. It's the ultimate combination.

What is your worst habit? - I am SO hard on myself and I don't know when to quit things. I'm always staying up late, even when exhausted. Trying to lose yet another pound, even though I've lost 15. I never think I'm good enough.

If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on? - I'd buy Emma all of the cute sandals they have in Target right now.

Do you admire any one's style? - My buddy B is one of the most stylish people I know and she's completely unaware of it. Oh and Lauren Conrad, Nicole Richie and Rachel Bilson forever have me a little jealous!

Describe your personal style? - Preppy Boho

What are you going to do after this? - Getting Emma a snack and probably playing some "block building" with E

What are your favorite movies? - Where the Heart Is and American History X

What is your favorite fruit? - Raspberries and lemon. Oh man, lemon.

What inspires you? - My baby girl, my husband, my blog readers. Myself.

Your favorite book? - To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it in school and it's just so raw and still relevant today.

Do you collect something? - Do shoes count?! I collect teacups and birdy things.

What is your favorite smell? - Rose and Violets combined. Man, I want to eat the smell.

What is your fave HGTV show? - HG what? What the fuck is HGTV?!

And there you have it. Don't you feel better knowing just that little more about me?!

Cloggsy's Cheapo Closet!

I totally forgot the new "Cloggsy's Cheapo Closet" Friday post, so here is something a little along those lines....

I like to think that I'm a pretty good bargain shopper. I carry coupons everywhere. I know how to find a deal. I've only ever purchased full price J.Crew maybe 2 or 3 times and I'm sure you'd never know! Well, the other week when I was down at B's, I wanted to find a nice new dress for church. We were in Ann Taylor Loft and I found this little beauty. The only one of it's kind left and luckily, in my size.

The tag said $19.97 (I think), but I noticed a teeny tear on the shoulder that I could totally sew up in seconds when home. So I asked for a discount and got the dress for $14.97.

SCORE.

Personally, I think it's really flattering on my still to shrink post pregnancy figure (and just a tad boho/earth mother). The perfect Sunday morning outfit and I couldn't be happier.

Did I mention it was $14.97?!

Fingers Crossed

I found a house.

But I'm not sure if it's still for rent (the sign had been taken down).

It's gorgeous. It's blue. It's the beautiful blue house. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. I want it. I need it. It has to be mine.

I should hear from the Real Estate Agent tomorrow, if it's still available. Oh please, oh please, oh please.

Here's a pic. It's a little overgrown, but that can be fixed in no time. Snooped around in the backyard and up on the porch yesterday (peeked through the windows too!) and it's dreamy.

Has. To. Be. Mine.

Now, to afford a house like this, Joe and I have switched up our situation a little...we are going to rent with our friend Karyn. She's looking for a year or so share and mentioned how neat it would be to get a place together. Means we can get a bigger place together. A nicer place together. Joe and I can get out of debt (we would in fact save money) and when Karyn moves on, we'll hopefully be able to afford to keep it by ourselves. And Emma just LOVES Karyn, so really, it's the perfect situation.

The Beautiful Blue House: I think it's going to work.

(Joe is a little worried I'm getting my hopes up. I'm fully aware this may not work out, but dammit, I can dream for a few days right?! As the title says "Fingers Crossed" Dammit, I've got my toes bloody crossed!)

Hopeful House Hunting

Monday, hubby and I are going to view a house. A rental house, but still, a house.

I'm really excited about it. We drove down the street it's on last weekend and while it's not in the neighborhood we live right now (which we love), it's not half bad and closer to Joe's school. Fingers crossed we like the inside.

While this may not seem like a huge deal to most people, I'm giddy. Hopeful. Joe and I will probably never be in a position to actually buy a house we like, in the neighborhood we like (Chesterfield, VA is not so cheap!), we can at least get out of apartment living.

Amen to that.

...sort of thing I'd like

...sort of thing in our neighborhood!

(actual houses in Chesterfield,VA currently on the market).

Now, I know some of you live in houses like the bottom two and I will probably always be a tad jealous. But I'll never hold it against you. I just may ask if I can one day run around in it (kidding. sort of!). Can I?!

Sneaky Sneaky Snotface!

Emma has a few issues with me using the computer in the day (so 90% of my work gets done once she's gone to bed, which isn't ideal) and she usually sits under my desk fussing and trying to push me off of the chair. It's not cool. Recently though, she's been going off and doing sneaky little things. Yesterday and today, I was lucky enough to catch her on camera...

Yesterday I caught her emptying my bag. This morning I caught her with a packet of cheetos, watching TV. I did not give her the cheetos, she just managed to dig them out of the diaper bag - I had picked them up on the way to the park yesterday and had forgotten about them. She clearly had not!

Now these things are way better than drawing on walls, putting stuff down the toilet and smearing poop into the carpet, but I'm sure that's all to come. And worse.

Lord help me, I have a toddler!

Ballet Slippers and Dainty Dreams

Each time I look at this picture of us, I think about taking Emma to ballet lessons. There is a studio right behind where we live and I often wonder what age little ones can start (I should really go in and ask!) She's forever twirling around, I think she'd be into it. Joe and I have always said we think she'll grow up to be a cheerleader. That or a gymnast (2024 baby!). Ballet lessons would be a great place to start.

Plus, her tutu totally cracks me up. I wish I could find her some mini ballet slippers. Hell, I wish I could find myself a pair. You know, to look cute sitting in my closet...

I got to looking online and I found these. Ah, they make me smile!

Found here at Zappos. I would totally wear these all the time, in place of ballet flats, but I think my husband would just laugh at me! Plus, I don't think you are meant to wear them ALL the time!

They even have itty bitty ones! They don't come in Emma's size, but when she's big enough...

Now, who else wants ballet slippers sitting on their closet shelf, or is it just me?! They just scream dainty and if there is one thing I aspire to be, it's dainty. Dainty is not a word to describe me, but damn it, if ballet slippers can give off just a smidgen of dainty, I'll bloody well take it!

Twirling tutu's, la la la.

Now, don't get me started on the jazz and latin shoes on the site too...maybe I'm the one who needs to take up a few lessons at the studio out back?!

Since we all love the above picture of Emma, I had to post this one too (it's one of my faves!)

DOUCHE BAG

Spencer Pratt is a douche bag, we all know this, I mean, did you see how much of a damn idiot he was on I'm a Celebrity last night?. He truly believes he some sort of major superstar. Well, apparently, he thinks he's a a rap star too...

Don't laugh too much and please, for the sake of your time, don't watch the whole thing!

Poor Heidi (or is she just as much a douche?!)



Comments?!

I've gotta say, I think I'm loving the word "douche" - so retro 90's - the hubby will love it (not actually douching, but the 90's part - the poor dude has a little bit of an obsession with 1993!) - he's now arguing "we didn't use douche in the 90's...." WHATEVER, you're still stuck in 1993, douching or not!