ruffling feathers

park (not a) party

2012-03-15T10:00:00.001-06:00

as previously stated we agreed on no formal party for Hayes' 2nd birthday.

and up until a few days before, i was still on board.

then i saw the weather forecast... 60 degrees & not a cloud in the sky!

i quickly sent an email to the parents of Hayes' friends (so, ahem, my friends.)

i told them it was the world's most informal get together and that it would just be playing at the park in the sunshine. no gifts, no games, no hassle.

we had a few pizzas delivered to the park, brought a few bevies and let the kids go to town.

you can't even call it a party, it wasn't one.

but, it was perfect for us.

party people - at least who i could snap up:

Hazel, Goldie and Shelly

Kayti and Bri's Collier, Lindsay and Rune, and a couple hubbies in the background.

Dane and Dash, Lindsay and Poppy

a prancing Quinner, Collin & Lola

Cal and Jude - 3 weeks apart!

the nursing brigade. it's like this everywhere we go.

Jenna, Nicole and brand new Sunny boy!

Hayes & Gus... these boys are Trouble.

post b-day cupcake // Frame fam

just so we're all on the same page here, we'll probably be throwing not parties until the end of time.

UNFOLLOW! ;)

DIY polka-dot pants

2012-03-14T16:00:00.001-06:00

gotta a super fun & easy DIY today for you!

seriously easy, i mean it.

if you're the type that loves to announce how "not crafty" you are, these are for you.

Pin It

here are the steps:

1. you'll need a pair of pants. or a shirt, dress, skirt, really whatever you want to be polka-dotted.

2. acrylic or fabric paint in the color of your choice. i did white.

Rashelle did a a mix of metallic silver and white.

3. a pencil with a new eraser. this is of course, if you want your polka-dots to be about 1 mm in diameter.

4. decide what pattern you want. we did a diamond/brick-layer method.

note: you don't need to mark it beforehand. in fact, if i made these again i'd probably eye-ball it. since the marker dot isn't really to scale, it ends up looking a lot different. if you went straight at it with the pencil eraser, it would probably end up more accurate anyway!

but, if you like to have a place mark, read on...

diamond pattern: if you marked your first row of dots on a ruler, they'd be at the 1 inch, 2 inch, and 3 inch marks. the next row would then be at the 1.5 inch, 2.5 inch, and 3.5 inch mark.

the row below that would go back to 1, 2, 3 inch mark.

when you're done you'll see a diamond pattern with in your polka-dots.

5. using a pencil with a new eraser, dip it eraser side down into fabric or acrylic paint. make sure the eraser is evenly coated, then lightly press down into the pants. you'll need to re-dip for each polka-dot.

wearing a baby during this process is not necessary, but all the cool kids are doing it, wink wink.

6. because we were on a time crunch, we just blew the dots dry.

again, not necessary.

and you're done!

because we already had the jeans and the supplies around the house,

pretty sure we just saved ourselves $218!

i'll let Rashelle show you hers, but here's a teeny peek:

we love, love, love the gray, yes?

it's going to take some serious restraint to not polka-dot my whole wardrobe.

pin real life / 5

2012-03-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

this week's inspiration is far less refined and a little scattered, bear with me.

one of my very first pins was of Sienna Miller wearing the Chloe Susanna boot (top left.) the girl can do no wrong in my mind, and with the recent re-release of these boots they've been popping up everywhere. i can't shake them. i think they're pre--tty cool.

credits:: Sienna Miller / Kate Lanphear / Kate Bosworth / Isabel Marant FW2012

Isabel Marant recently showed her own version (bottom 3 looks) and then it was over. i looked for knock-offs, seriously contemplating the math in my mind on how i might be able to swing these Jeffrey Campbell pair. but at $248 they might as well have been the $2200 (that's right, i said $2200!) Chloes. just isn't going to happen right now.

so i employed my own mantra and shopped my closet... and spotted these.

i haven't worn them since December '09 at a baby shower for Hayes.

time for an overhaul, boots!

basically, i hemmed them the way you would hem a pair of jeans.

cut out the middle, reattached the top to the bottom

and then added some metallic paint.

less than an hour later:

now, they're not going to win me any awards, but after staring at them for an hour,

i never want to see them or the Chloes again, so mission accomplished!

interpreting all of these things into an outfit ended up like this:

blantant western or blatant grunge is just too much blatancy.

somehow mixing the two works for me.

in real life:

necklace [c/0 Made by Jewls] head & the heart tee* [subpoprecords.com] gingham button-down [F21] denim button-down [H&M] faded black denim & cut-off black hoodie [Gap] boots [originally gojane.com]

i backdated a post with more detailed instructions on the boots, if you're into it - click here.

hayes' second birthday

2012-03-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

we decided a few months ago that we weren't going to do a big party this year for Hayes. every time i started thinking about planning a party for him, it stopped being about him.

it was making huge guest lists so no one would feel left out, it was party favors, games,

on and on. so not Hayes at all.

beautiful cake

at two years old the last thing Hayes wants to do is be ushered through a line-up of games and activities. the last thing he wants to do have 20 kids in his face while he opens presents. he's just a mellow, quiet, intimate little guy.

anyway, i was determined to keep his birthday about him, and we did just that. Hayes woke up to waffles and a basketball hoop and we gave him a present every couple hours all day. after we had a quiet morning together,

we headed to the park for a beautiful 60! degree play date with his friends

(more on that later.)

after the park, Hayes hit the sack until the evening, all the while Russ blew up balloons with his air compressor (45 balloons in 5 minutes!) and i got some work done.

after naptime we went to his favorite, favorite 5 Guys Burgers and Fries, where he ate his own patty, a giant fistful of fries and all my pickles... all dipped in fry sauce, of course.

when we got home my family was waiting for us to sing to Hayes!

after i took the cake away to cut him a piece. there's always one birthday meltdown, right? i know i have one every year to this day.

Avery trying to console him...

all better with a pooh bear at his side (and cake and ice cream, too.)

we did bubbles:

drew our best renditions of Hayesie... where i finally saw my dad draw something for the first time in my life! (seriously, never even seen a doodle.) i am kicking myself because all the drawings except one got thrown away!! that's what you get when you draw on the same plates you're using for cake.

all of us in our Hayes masks - creepy?

sweet Callum getting passed around all night.

opening presents!

and the only plate that survived, Collin's.

pretty darn good, right?

"I Guck!" is Hayes' favorite phrase. he says he's stuck whenever he can't get off, in, out of something, can't reach something off the counter, when i give him hugs, etc. etc. etc.

i loved finding this candle in the rubble this morning.

not everything on the cake was edible, darling Hayes.

a word about the fantastic cake:

my friend Amanda was so incredibly sweet to offer up her talents

to make Hayes' from-scratch funfetti cake.

it was the most delicious thing and so darling.

if you're local and needing to take a huge burden of your shoulders (it certainly did mine!) for your next party, get a hold of Amanda. she is superb.

March 10, 2012

2012-03-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

To My Hayes,

Tonight, long after you've gone to bed you will officially turn two years old. 730 days ago at 11:12 p.m. you made me a mother. It feel like two years flew by, but so much life exists between March 10, 2010 and today. I wanted to write down what you were like at two years old, and where to begin?

I asked you're dad what his favorite thing about you is, and he said, "How loving he is." You really are the most sweet, tender, gentle, caring, thoughtful, and angelic boy. You are so good. And you came that way. I can only hope as your parents, we don't interfere with the good heart and soul you have had all your life.

I feel so lucky to be your mama, for infinitely many reasons, the list has length and breadth. You are so full of life and joy fills every room as you enter it. You make little friends in seconds, dancing (you do a mean Pony step) and laughing with them, invading their personal space and they love it. When it comes to grown-ups you are quite a bit more careful. You're a tough nut to crack for most adults, they have to work hard and put in the time if they want to catch a glimpse of the Hayes we know and love. Once they've earned it and get the Hayesie seal of approval, it's the best place to be.

For the last few months your vocabulary is expanding exponetially. Each day you pick up handfuls of new words, your memory is so sharp and we've started having more complex conversations.

Some of my favorite one-liners as of late:

*I asked you to bring me my shoes so we could go out,

you obediently brought them to my feet and said to me, "Hee go big guy."

*Every time I leave the room and come back, even if it's only seconds,

I am greeted with the most sweet "Hi mama!" If I am gone for awhile I'll get a "hi mama, whay go?"
When you are trying to get your dad's attention and he's in a different room you yell "Whuss!!!" He does not like it, I think it's hilarious.

*"I poot." - before/while you're doing your business.

*when we were *Cal loves to grab at all your toys, and you are so nice to share.

Except for when it's your stuffed Winnie the Pooh... "My Pooh! No baby Tao (Cal)."
*You love to have your back tickled, you come plop your back over my lap and say "Teek!" (so polite!) if I try to do it over your shirt you, reach your arm back and pull up your shirt and say "Teek!" again.

You are such an intelligent boy, Hayes. You know the names and sounds of every animal in all your books. You count "One two tee!" and "Eight Nigh Ten!" If I ask you to spell your name you say "A Y E S!" but never H. You love to pick out letters and you are good at finding O's and S'es just about anywhere. You love to color and will ask for any color in the rainbow by name and black, brown, gray and white. Lets not even go into how vocal and word-filled your food requests have become. You love to do puzzles, build legos, play with play-doh and anything with wheels. You ask to go outside and "pay" every day all day.

You love to play with friends, but only a few at a time. We had a huge play date at our house with lots of kids, and you watched a movie by yourself in my bed. I love that about you, and as I learned to respect that about you, I also learned much about parenting. Parenting seems to be navigating your way through what's important and what's not. Picking battles, and letting things work themselves out. My goal as a parent is to love and respect you for who you are, and I promise to do my very best!

While I am nursing and putting Cal to sleep you get to watch your favorite shows, Sesame Street and Peppa Pig. You will name just about all the main characters on the street - "Al-mo, Abby, Osc, Cook, Bih-Beh (Big Bird), Beet (Bert), Eaw (Ernie.) You say the whole intro of Peppa Pig "Peppa Pig, brother Do-jge (George) Mama Pig and Daddy Pig."

You love to wrestle, take bubble baths, and anything and everything if your dad is around. Lately you cry and cry for him while he's at work.

When I found out I was pregnant, you were only 8 months old. Not even crawling yet. I spent most mornings, sometimes all day near the bathroom, and you were always patiently waiting for me. At 16 months old your brother Cal was born, and I fell in love with you all over again watching you be a big brother, even though you were just a baby. Never a moment of jealousy. No one would have blamed you, you definitely got jipped when it comes to one-on-one time with your parents. and I don't think it bothered you for one second. A handful of curious hitting episodes that always followed by heartbreaking sobs from you, I always have to console you after you get too rough, you feel so bad for making Cal cry. You love when Cal is laughing and happy and will do anything, repeatedly, to make him laugh. You share your toys, bring him anything you think he might like. You're always wanting to feed him whatever you're eating that you enjoy. I always said you should've been a youngest sibling because you enjoy older kids so much, but the way you treat your baby brother has over-filled my heart with pride. Sometimes I have to be reminded that you're still a baby yourself, that my expectations are too high, but really, you always exceed them anyway.

These last two years have been everything to me. They have intensified my every emotion, refined every flaw, pushed me to reprioritize my life and go after our family dreams. If I ever wonder if God loves me, I need only look at you Hayes. He must love me very much to let me spend the rest of my life as your mama.

Happy happy birthday, baby boy. I love you, and the world is yours!

Love,

Mom.

i would like to extend to you an invitation to the pants party

2012-03-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

i remember last spring, sitting at a softball game gushing with Liz about our love for brightly colored skinnies.

since then we've amassed quite the collection.

(it's not a shared collection,

are you kidding?

i could fit my right arm in her jeans. (first thing in the morning, after a 2-day juice fast.))

and when you add my boys and her girls in... taste the rainbow, people! taste it.

Hayes and Quincey killll me.

this morning i showed him these and he said:

"A-wee! Kiki! Wowa! Pay? Otay!"

(Avery? Quincey? Lola? Play? Okay!)

maybe i started tearing up? maybe.

also:

for the sake of thorough research, i took a quick peek through my insta-feed.

in one week's time...

i am the Mel to the colored skinnies Bret & Jemaine.

pants party via Brick Tamland.

photos by Collin & Liz.

pin real life / 4

2012-03-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

utah is such a tricky little bird, we've been waiting for a "real" winter for months and now, here it is March, and the snow is coming.

there's something about a white-out skyline that makes me go for the winter whites.

i wore a version last year (and man am i missing that hair right about now!)

this year, my winter-white-loving-heart has made room for pretty much any other neutral in addition. grays and greiges. off white and cream. blush and ballet pink.
the point of these combinations, like with wearing all black, is to have a way to mix several textures without it being busy or loud.

i think these below looks are even more successful than an all black outfit
because all black tends to create a unbroken column (which is why it's so slimming)
while each of these neutral pieces stay separated to the eye.

sartorialist / they all hate us / park & cube / elle.com / atlantic-pacific / trendy crew

in real life:

secretary blouse [thrifted] blazer* & skirt [H&M] heels [Missoni for Target]

lips: fuschia fever by Maybelline, the perfect barbie pink!

i usually try to keep it just one pic of myself, you know, just trying to keep my self-absorption in check...

(says the girl taking pictures of herself and posting them to the internet.)

but, i loved how something so simple as pushing blazer sleeves up

makes the look so much less stuffy.

it is definitely not a wear-anywhere-all-day look if you have babies.

but for a few hours at church with little to no run-ins with spaghetti sauce fingers?

perfect.

chloe susanna DIY

2012-03-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

the inspiration:

Chloe Susanna $2200.00

the middle ground option:

Jeffrey Campbell (Free People) $248.00

or the cheapest knock-off ever:

HOW-TO:

i started with these boots from GoJane.com

that i hadn't worn in 2 years, ha!

(this is why i never throw anything out, you never know! (hoarder))

$25

i cut off the boot shaft, removed the bucked strap

and separated the front and back piece - ripping worked just fine.

i trimmed the pieces down as far as i could

they need to be pretty short otherwise you can't fit your foot back in the boot later.

now that the pieces are separated and no longer hemmed, they need to be glued down.

hot glue works fine.

once they're dry, glue the pieces back into the boot.

i also added the buckle from the cut part of the shaft to the base.

for this part, i used hot glue. it worked great because it was connecting a fiber to the pleather.

once that is dry, you can fold the pieces back over the boot, hiding the cuts you made.

for gluing pleather on pleather, use gorilla glue or a good super glue.

otherwise hot glue just peels right off.

to add the stud effect i bought metallic

fabric paint at Hobby Lobby.

they had one that is specially made to dry raised and rounded, so i went with that.

it comes in packs of silver, chrome, copper, and gold.

while i adore the gold on the Chloe boot, i decided to match the buckle on this boot.

let it dry for a couple hours and you're done!

outfit inspiration

february 2012

2012-03-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

To My Cal,

When Hayes was a baby I used to write letters like these to him, too. They were all about my wonder and awe being a first time mom, chronicling every milestone, every new trick, calculating and comparing hoping he was on the right track. Writing my pride-filled moments down, knowing that one day he'd read them and know just how much I love him.

For some reason for you Cal, I just want to remember moments and gazes, your nuances and quirks. Things that make you the one and only spitfire, sharp as tack, sweet as honey, Cally-baby. I don't much care for those milestones this time around. If you must know you're ahead of schedule on every gosh-darn thing a pediatrician might check off a list. You've got two teeth and twenty pounds. From what we know of each other, so far, I think we both agree there are more important matters.

Like how you stroked your brother's hair for a good three minutes the other day, soft and delicately. Your determination to catch your dad's eye, you never demand it, you just watch him with an open-mouthed smile until he looks your way. How you sit in your bumbo chair and drop your head back, hold your arms out to your sides and smile at light-bulbs. How you lay on your back and grab your toes and sway side to side, tracing circles with your feet. When you're sitting up (all by yourself!) and your cheeks are so heavy and fat-filled they look like they might drip right off your face like beads of sweat. But, then you smile and your dimples pull them right back in. Those dimples are deep and so so sweet. Your skin soft and smooth and I can help but tickle it even though you bring your shoulders to your ears and shudder.

When I look around day after day I often find myself whispering to myself just one word: brothers! I am in awe of your rapidly developing closeness. I always say Hayes was more ready for you then I was (although now I can't hardly think what kind of life would be worth living without you in it.) Somehow, just saying "brothers!" encapsulates everything I wish and hope for you and Hayes. Brothers! means a life-long buddy. Playing catch in the yard, sharing a bed when you're too scared to sleep alone. Playing tic-tac-toe on a wooden pew in your white shirts and ties while I keep nudging you to pay attention at church. Running to sit by one another on the bus on the way home from school. Encouraging each other to try out for the team, sing the solo, interview for the job, ask her on a date. Writing each other letters while you're serving for our church, knowing that only the other one understands.

When I say brothers! it's a flood of these moments passing over my eyes. The only other person in this world whose experience in it resembles yours so closely. What it's like to be a boy on this street, a son in this family. I have so many hopes for your future together and so many joys at what I get to see each day.

I thank God all day in my heart, but every night out loud for sending you to me, for your sweet spirit and your happiness to just be near us. I hope you find happiness in the simple things for the rest of you life the way you do today. What a great life that would be!

The world is yours, Cal.

Love,
Mom.

friday business

2012-03-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

i've got a few exciting things i've been involved with recently to share!
(so basically self-promotion at its worst, and for that i apologize,
but i'll make it quick!)

first:

Lime Ricki's Spring line came out yesterday and it is looking so so good.

last weekend i had the pleasure of styling a photoshoot that will be used for all kinds of marketing for Lime Ricki, including... wait for it... a billboard!

it should be popping up sometime next month, and i'll be sure to get a pic & share some of the photoshoot with you when it does! but, for now, check out some of my favorite suits they released yesterday:

second:

i've been working a Project Runway casting director to find Utah-based designers! with so much talent around these parts it wasn't hard to drop some names, if you were one of them, don't be mad at me :) if you (or someone you know) thinks you've got what it takes what can it hurt, right? email me for a direct contact!

third:

A Handful of Peanuts interviewed me about mine and Russ' lo---ng history together. it was so fun, and i'd love for you all to go read & say hi to Janine.

this pic was taken august 2005, hello youths!

(anyone else just LOVING Schmidt on New Girl? he kills me.)

and finally, here's wishing you a happy weekend!
thanks for humoring me.

one of my very best friends had a baby last night and i can't wait to nuzzle him.

mix that with a fun project with my sister Liz

and lots of family time... our weekend is shaping up real nice.

abstract art DIY

2012-03-01T10:57:00.003-07:00

we have a considerable amount more wall space in these new digs! (unfortunately, every wall and most ceilings! are painted tan. while we have free reign to paint, it's sort of the last thing i want to do.)

so one by one, project by project, we're filling these tan walls up with fun art!

you've probably noticed already, but i'm all about abstract art.

while i love and respect literal art like: food, flowers, landscapes, people or animals, when it's art i look at everyday, in my home, i prefer it to be abstract.

i can look at the same piece of abstract art 1,000 times and see something new about it. depending on my mood, the lighting, how it's incorporated into the decor, the angle, the way it makes me feel can change. i like that.

luckily Rashelle and i agree on this and decided to try our hand at it.

we both used a dragging technique, but our images couldn't be more different.

i like that, too!

she opted for a pre-stretched canvas

i needed mine to be quite large, so i needed to stretch mine with Russ' help later.

if you can use pre-stretched, it's a lot less hassle!

*just start with a hefty helping of paint

*use cardboard, a plastic placemat (what we used) or any wide surface.

i hate to tell anyone how to do it, because the beauty of it is that you can do what you want!

*you just keep layering on the paint colors until you get the desired effect.

the harder you drag, the more the existing colors mix,

while dragging lightly will usually keep them separate.

this is when it took a turn for the worse.

my lifelong downfall with art is that i have a hard time stopping.

i could torture that canvas for hours.

Rashelle's turned out really cool!

while i don't love mine, i am happy with the brightness it brings to the basement!

i'm not down there very often so i think it will grow on me since i won't be staring at it all day.

$3 for canvas

$4 for wood

$10 for paint - i bought three large bottles of tempera paint and used the whole blue one, half the red, and 1/4 of the white.
the rest of the color we had lying around.

it's pretty hard to beat that!

pin real life / 3

2012-02-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

the pipes are getting backed up on this series... i took this picture 2 mondays ago!

hopefully it's still relevant. ☺

knits: derek lam / jak & jil / rebecca taylor / club monaco

pleats: chloe / christian siriano / elie tahari / celine (all runway is SS2012 via style.com)

in real life:

mesh knit sweater* and bangles [H&M] pleated skirt [thrifted] lace-up cheetah oxfords [gojane.com] timex easy-reader watch [karmaloop.com] wedding ring [c/o mah boo.] (good one, em.)

here's what i mean when i say mesh knit:

and i discovered that when shopbop.com or urban outfitters say mesh knit,
apparently it means a black bikini top under every. single. one.

really? that's all we can come up with, team of stylists?

#whileiwasnursing

2012-02-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Cal takes his morning nap at 10 and during that time things have known to get pretty
cray-see around here. i've learned from my many mistakes, and now during the 10 minutes or so that i am nursing and putting Cal down, i have to shut Hayes into my bedroom with Elmo's World cued up, shut the door to the master bathroom, and keep all valuables, and mess-making tools out of reach.

each morning after putting Cal down, i walk down the stairs, open the door to my room apprehensively and still, after all the precautions are taken, a couple days a week some incredible mess has been made. it is like Hayes saves up all his mischief making for that 10 minutes (Cal's afternoon nap is after Hayes takes his own nap, so we're in the clear on that one.)

at least there's comfort in knowing that across the world other people's kids are saving their mischief making for nursing time, too. enough times to warrant an Instagram hash tag: #whileiwasnursing.

my e-friend and yours, Courtney, is collecting them for your enjoyment here.

this is one of the early ones, before i realized for his safety, he must be locked up.

he's naked, and as he would say, "gu----ck!"

pulled his yogurt from his highchair and the video monitor into the bed to relax

ate the frosting out of 22 oreos.

and then just the other morning:

pretty proud:

winter waterland

2012-02-24T10:25:00.002-07:00

just looking at these darling pics from Hayes' friend Rilo's 2nd birthday party

when my stomach dropped... Hayes turns 2 in 2 weeks. i can hardly believe it!

i'm a sort of linear compartmentalizer - how's that for a made up phrase?

i have to take things in the order they come. if i have a daunting project this week, i don't even think about the daunting project next week until this week's is done. make sense?

so while i've been gearing up for the selection process for Bijou Market's April line-up

(we're still accepting applications for a few more days until February 28th - get yours in!)

Hayes' birthday is knocking our door down.

while i'm over here deep-breathing, check out this perfect little party.

i've said it before, babies this age don't need much to have a good time.

4 walls (with no way out, perfect for when your kid likes to explore like Hayes does), a floor full of balloons and some tasty treats is heaven on earth.

Hayes and the birthday girl, Rilo.

it was a pretty successful outing just me and the boys. sometimes i come home, feeling/looking like i just ran a marathon, wondering why i do it to myself, but this time i came home feeling like i accomplished a good thing.

but, of course i always push my luck. can't i just get a pic with you Hayes, forpetessake?

and then of course when you've given up, they come sniffing around.

bless this honeybaby for obliging.

thanks Bri and Rilo!

also, it should be noted Bri threw this party 38 weeks pregnant, and had her little boy Collier the next week. his birth story is so amazing, read it here.

city creek center tour

2012-02-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Blue. Trademarked and custom swatched by Pantone.

for my February with Tiffany and Co. post, i had the amazing opportunity of touring City Creek Center with the center's management and PR team. it was a dream! we even got to peek into several stores, and i had my very own Breakfast at Tiffany's moment. just peeking in at their SHELVING gave me goosebumps. #nerd. i'm so excited to party with them next month INSIDE the store like a normal person. sorry, Audrey.

movie stills via Tumblr.

click through to see and hear some exclusives about City Creek! also, yours truly in a hard hat. schwing!

before we start, i should probably invest in a hard hat, safety goggles and neon construction vest, yes?

not the cutest look, but i was giddy all the same.

while we toured these brave gentlemen were putting up one of

City Creek's newly unveiled marketing campaign. they're all over the freeway and downtown

and i'm a big fan!

i learned so much about the Center

and was proud to hear that it was the only shopping center of it's kind to open this year in the country.

the recession is such a downer, but it sparked some hope in me to see that Utah's economy is flourishing despite.

one thing that was incredibly impressive to me was that they recycled

materials, and even melted down steel for re-bar from the old ZCMI Center and Crossroads Mall

and used it for City Creek.

(The ZCMI Center's facade remains intact and it's the only cast iron facade like it in the country.)

have you heard about the retractable roof yet? it's a stunner. 15,000 square feet of roof that just slides right open in 4 MINUTES like your garage door. combine that with the heated walk-ways... shopping year round is no biggie at City Creek.

image courtesy of City Creek

*light and fire shows choreographed by the designer of the Bellagio water show (my favorite thing on Earth)

* 50+ pieces of art and sculpture

*outdoor dining right on Main Street.

*trout ponds, a running creek, and indigenous animal tracks for the kiddies to hunt.

the architecture is incredibly detailed and beautiful. Ron Loch was the lead architect and nothing short of a genius.

*a flagship Macy's and Nordstrom. meaning Nordstrom will have in-house boutiques like Gucci and plenty of other designers to drool over. woot woot!

image courtesy of City Creek

the Grand Opening is only 28 days away and if you'd like to be involved there is an amazing Gala on March 21st. tickets are only $50 and 100% of proceeds go to a charity of your choice (choosing between Ballet West, Junior League, Hogle Zoo, or the Road Home.) on top of that City Creek is giving everyone in attendance a $20 gift card, food and drinks and a shopping preview. amazing right?

click here for Gala details.

pin real life / 2

2012-02-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

i'm loving the never-ending supply of inspiration

when it comes to printed pants.

they are on track to be a pretty hot ticket this spring!

one two three four five six

i'm looking forward to hunting down a bright & bold pair, whether it's thrifted or a knock-off, but in the mean time

i reworked my plaid pair into a winter-ready outfit.

jacket [H&M] blouse [Soel Boutique (local)*] pants [H&M] wellies [Hunter]

perfect for running errands on a cold, wet day.

once it warms up, trade the jacket and boots & with bright strappy sandals like these

or these. and it is easily transformed!

while we're talking about Soel, you locals... will i see you at this party?:

sort of funny: i once got a load of referral traffic from a forum that was bashing utah/LDS bloggers,

and basically saying that we all know each other and it's some sort of conspiracy.

besides the conspiracy part, it is true! it's a tight-knit community and it's amazing because everyone is so supportive of one another. the people i've met, and opportunities and experiences that have come my way running Bijou and this blog have been such a blessing.

i hope to meet even more of you tomorrow night!

* still in stock

muffin's birthday : 3/3

2012-02-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

children of broken homes everywhere can agree with me when i say, if your parents are going to split up, at least you get double the tasty food on holidays. amiright?

the third and final birthday celebration was with my mom and she served up her famous

chicken ciabatta sandwiches.

this is not the actual sandwich but it was the closest i could find.

listen to this sandwich...

chicken breast, caramelized onions (sautee for 45 minutes), havarti cheese, roasted red peppers (from the jar) and pesto spread (from the jar) on a warm ciabatta roll. top it off with a reduced balsamic vinegar glaze and you have the world's most tasty sandwich.

more cousin love:

playing pretend

wrestling

and proof i wasn't freaking kidding about the braid thing:

and my darling husband.

he asked for peanut butter cookies with reese's on top.

so, if you're keeping track that's 3 batches in a week and a half.

24 cookies per batch x's 3 equals...

let's just stop there, shall we?

happiest birthday Russ, i love you so much!

muffin's birthday : 2/3

2012-02-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Carraba's & Yogurtland

to celebrate with my dad.

could also be titled:

Hayes worships Avery.

their conversations are so toothache-ingly sweet.

"Hayesie do you like your apple juice?"

"Yay-ss. (yes)"

"Hayesie let's sound like lions!"

in unison "RAWRRR!"

thank heavens for the Carabba's banquet room,

i like rolling around on the ground in privacy, too.

and dessert:

Hayes has also grown quite attached to Papa.

and finally... i couldn't help but share these, because let's get real...

Russ rarely wants to take picture.

he was totally exasperated with my request & said we could have ONE FRAME EACH.

talk about high-pressure!!

Russ, the blink-master himself. he who has had his eyes closed in 8 out of every 10 pictures i've taken of him over the last 10+ years. nails it!

and i.... choke.

muffin's birthday : 1/3

2012-02-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

this series could also be called

the weekend Emily just kept re-braiding the same braid 3 days in a row

a study of how loved our kids are by their family and friends...

read on...

first party, with the buddies.

80 wings for 7 people at Rocky Mountain Wing Shak

"gotta love its" at Coldstone.

still full.

this is what i mean about the boys being well-loved:

Hayes with his new found obsession:

and Cal with his - his dagger fingernails.

so, i have this friend who has these pleated shorts... they're pretty hideous, though she loves them.

she insisted on pairing them with tights and they got all static-y up in here, up in here. what should i tell my friend to do???

good timber

2012-02-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

loving this poem today.

read it in its entirety here: "good timber" by douglas malloch

happy weekend!
we'll be celebrating Russ' birthday all weekend, which is certainly happy indeed.

(tree illustration by Sarah K. Bracewell)

vd / lunch

2012-02-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

my dad is the sweetest.

he insisted he was coming over to watch the boys so Russ and i could go to lunch.
(definitely don't have to twist my arm, dad.)

his only requirement was that it was a nice lunch & not another Febru-any-any, because you know we love a good $5 foot-lo----ng. (are you singing the jingle yet?)

russ came straight from work to meet me and i'm not sure what i was expecting, certainly not a suit & tie, but i died laughing:

yakisoba for him and the rockstar roll for me. (highly reccomended. we've tried just about every roll at happy sumo, and this is my favorite.)

our good friend Lisa served us

and even brought us a plate of baked goods

R: "isn't that against the health code, Lisa."

L: "aren't your overalls against the health code, Russ."

love her.

she obliged us in this ultra cheesy pic.

i came home to the napping house.

cutest grandpa, ever.

vd / dinner

2012-02-16T10:56:00.002-07:00

we stuck to our tradition of making dinner together at home

:: sinful mashed potatoes which is one part actual potato and the rest fattening accoutrements.

:: grilled sirloin steaks

:: peanut butter cookies (i made another batch, because i am a glutton for punishment. which way to the stair stepper?)

Hayes loves to help, and help he did.

we exchanged valentines

this one was as dicated by Hayes.

he drew on it, placed the sticky hearts

and then asked me to draw daddy pig "oink!"

mama pick "oink oink!"

and baby pigs. he is having a Peppa Pig moment and it is maj.

russ bought me my first strand of real pearls!

i got him a little reminder, with the boys' birthdays on it, that he can carry with him.
nothing depresses russ more than missing out on anything related to the boys. whether it's mundane or magnificent it makes no difference to him, he just wants to be there.
you know how i love a good ID bracelet.

Cal had a high-chair tray full of snacks, which is his heaven on earth.

he's getting pretty darn good with his little pinchers.

proof found all over my chest, as he loves to pinch my skin while he eats.

mama's little piggy!

2011 v-day

2010

2009

pin real life / 1

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

i am lacking in pin-follow-through.

lotta of pinning going on, not a lot of doing.

so many projects, and beautiful pictures, and recipes.

have i cooked a single one?

i'm 1 for 45.

[rachael ray's mexican chicken lime soup.

i was lazy and didn't de-seed the chipotles, and it was so so spicy.

i drained the chicken from the broth and put it into cheese quesadillas (redundant?) with sour cream, avocado & plenty of fresh lime juice and it was delicious. the perfect amount of warm-your-whole body heat.

Russ approved! (pickiest eater alive.)] holy digression...

anyway, i'm going to be running with a weekly "(P)in Real Life" post,

which is my attempt at taking what inspires me online and recreating it

with what i already have.

first up... the quickest way to look chic & put together:

we already know i love it, but do you?

photo credits 1 2 3 4

a messy, straight out of the shower top-knot, swipe of MAC RED lipstick, rosy cheeks, nude powdered lids with a thin cat-eye liquid line.

Russ' cardigan [Gap] waxed trousers* [c/o Zara] and snakeskin printed pumps* [H&M.]

i wore this outfit all day around the house with furry slippers.

it is nursing Cal approved, wrestling with Hayes approved,

and when we were ready to go out for an evening with friends slippers came off and pumps came on.

*still in stock

the best sound in the world part II

2012-02-13T11:21:00.001-07:00

because who doesn't need a chunky laughing baby to brighten their Monday morning?
i know i certainly do.
(not sure what's amiss with the sizing, but iMovie inhabits the 7th circle of my personal hell
so... not going to worry about it.)

the best sound in the world part II from emily frame on Vimeo.

having a really rough Monday?

here's another one: The Best Sound in the World Part I

make way for love day

2012-02-10T10:17:00.002-07:00

our last night in vegas, Russ' mom watched the boys and we went out on a real live date. i couldn't tell you for certain, but it has been a----while. the combination of valet parking, max brenner desserts, shopping to my heart's content & Russ leaving the tables a black jack winner was invigorating. and walking through crowds of club-goers in too much cologne and body-con dresses galore, hand in hand, and really grateful i don't have to look for love. it's in every square inch of my life.

it got me all sorts of excited to celebrate love day next week. cheesiest day of the year? sure. this time around for some reason, i can't help myself.

here's how we're showing the love:

a doily/washi/paper garland railing. aka the trendiest v-day decor ever?

also, just keeping a tally of how many times i've told Russ how to say je t'aime... 16.

peanut butter kiss cookies, traded in for dove chocolate and reese's hearts.

upgrade!

just don't leave your photo-op on the table while you take a phone call..

pretty sure this one got his brother's left overs, judging by his crumb mustache.

lastly:

planning on using up my extra studs for this tutorial

for our love day date.

i have a couple detachable collars and

they're the perfect way to spruce up a simple outfit.

i have a slight obsession with peter pan collars lately.

also, while you're there check out Alison's Share the Love

7 Days of DIY! such good DIYs.

happy love day, lovers.

zip + bowl

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

besides the obvious highlights of shopping & eating while in vegas,

we tried out the zipline on Fremont Street:

we've heard it's a must-do at night when the dome is all lit up,

but with the cold temps and babies, we decided daylight was just fine too.

that's Russ - sprawled out and enjoying life.

and his sister McKenzie, in the fetal position, screaming the whole way, ha!

one night after eating at our favorite! Yardhouse at Red Rock Casino,

we were happy to see they had cosmic bowling night.

someone must have slipped Hayes a mountain dew or something

because he. was. wired.

a talented little bowler, like his dad.

(definitely didn't get it from me, i'm proudly the worst bowler known to man.)

somehow Cal slept through the seizure inducing light show & blaring top 40 hits.

and half way into the game, Hayes pooped right out.

we had such a great time down in Vegas. definitely ready for springtime up north!

roadtripsters

2012-02-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

we just got back last night for the world's most last minute trip.

Russ' mom and sister just moved from Northern California to a suburb of Las Vegas called Summerlin.

his brother was in town helping her move, and having everyone all together happens never,

so we decided thursday morning and were out by 12 pm.

major perk to being self-employed!

we pulled out at noon and grabbed a quick bite to eat before hitting the highway.

we had already said our prayer for safe travel.

car was packed, one of the two babies was already asleep.

when i went to take a sip of my drink, turns out the lid was only haphazardly secured.

12 ounces of soda alllll over my lap. i was soaked through.

i was laughing, Russ however was not.

back to the house for a shower and a new outfit.

nothing's worse than not being on the road when you're supposed to be!

that's the name of the game when you travel with babies.

flexibility is everything.

and snacks. and movies.

for those of you who've asked for baby traveling tips

here's a few// have the things you need at arms-reach.

toys, treats, movies.

this time around we packed Hayes his own backpack and

he could pull whatever he wanted out of it.

he loved that.

we like to bring snacks that take a while to eat.

a bag of chips, a sucker (a mess but so great.) for Cal

it was mum-mums.

but, you guessed it, #1 priority is to be flexible.

make the traveling to your destination part of the fun.

we usually stop at a play place part way through

hit up a roadside market, or a thrift store.

when i nurse Cal, Russ takes Hayes on a walk.

i've found if you're thinking about making great time,

it makes for a stressful trip.

i have so many pics, but here are a few of the real reason for the trip.

so nice to spend time with family!

(Russ' mom Ingrid, older brother Mitch, and little sister McKenzie.)

and so nice to have sixty+ degree sunshine on my legs // Hayes prefers dirt on his, but whatev.

more to come!

the last of the bertday, i swear.

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

utahan's have such an interesting accent. i am not exempt from this list, i catch myself talking sometimes and it's not pretty. the city we just moved from seemed to have a few accented words i'd never heard, one being "bert-day" instead of birthday. i heard it all. the. time. sort of cute slash sort of awful.

anyway, all that to say this is the last of my birthday posts. the physical celebrations carried on for a solid week. i loved it, and then hated it. spending time with loved ones is great, but when it's muss & fuss in your honor - ehyuck.

hayes wearing my birthday presents

working in SLC the morning of

happy birthday mail

hawaiian haystacks spread.

dinner with a load of friends at sundance.

cherice, nicole, and jenna

ashleigh & lindsay

me & rashelle

lindsay, shelly & me

what happened to kayti, i have no idea?!

this was taken at chuck-a-rama an hour before sundance.

yes, i ate two full dinners. i'd do anything for Pip & Pop (Russ' grandparents) and lets face it chuck-a-rama's cinnamon pull a parts are bomb.

my little sister is such a little magician. she came over to hang out

and before i knew i was rocking the most beautiful braided up-do.

sunday after games:

my sons look like they are in an old-tyme western portrait.

why so serious, boys?

and even though this pic is garbage, i couldn't resist Hayes smiling face.

the best pic is ALWAYS the first we take, always!

my 26th birthday was one for the books. the cherry on top was hearing that i was included in

Alt Summit's up & coming blog list.
what an incredible honor. i could not top this birthday if i tried!

what i got that i love

2012-01-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

the Frames are on a strict save-only budget.

there hasn't been much room for new, but of course birthdays are the exception.

my family and friends, on top of very thoughtful lovely gifts,

have all made special time for me for lunches, dinners, game nights and sweet treats.

it may appear that i am trying to drag this out until doomsday, but i swear there's only one more post!

here's a peek at what i got that i love:

1>> a new address stamp! i first got ours in 2008 and used it for everything. before i even had a moment to think about getting one made for our new home, Rashelle (the most thoughtful gift giver) already did!
2>> a pleated maxi from my brother
3>> an Ina cookbook is always thoughtful around here. love her!
4>> a Lark Press birthday calendar so i can be a more thoughtful gift giver.
5>> "Mink Muffs" by Essie, the perfect feminine brown! Silvia never forgets my birthday, anniversary, my boys' birthdays and big life moments. she's the best.
6>> Head and the Heart tee & vinyl set.
7>> Joe's Jeans "The Skinny" to celebrate a post-baby bod that i've been working hard on. if you thought that Rosie was me bless your sweet, sweet heart.
8>> Voluspa's Sake Lemon Flower candle. delicious.

january with tiffany & co.

2012-01-27T08:45:00.002-07:00

first of all, thank you so much for the kind birthday wishes!

i have had a week's worth of celebrating with family & friends

and once we finish, i'll post all about my birthday in one neat post!

you all know how i love award's season. it's all about the fashion for me.

and sappy acceptance speeches.

partnering with Tiffany & Co. for their grand opening at

City Creek Center, i've been keeping my eyes peeled for their jewelry and

it hasn't been hard, as it is everywhere.

here are some of my favorite looks - from everyday to the red carpet.

from what i gather, Jessica Biel is their number one fan.

followed closely by Kate Winslet & Anne Hathaway.

images via Instyle

this one is from the most recent Golden Globes. she's a stunner!

(wearing their opera length necklace.)

Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

we only have a couple more months until City Creek and Tiffany & Co. open on March 22nd! Tiffany's is also celebrating their 175th anniversary and a brand new Spring line.

i recently attended a meeting for City Creek & the virtual tour was breath-taking.

a retractable roof, waterfalls, trout ponds, heated walk-ways, their food court is filled with

high-end favorites tailored down in cost for the general public.

i just can't wait to see downtown SLC revamped!

it's been 10+ years of construction and parts of downtown

were pretty much decrepit. it's a long awaited upgrade and i can't wait!

happy weekend!

twenty + six

2012-01-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

the weeks leading up to my birthday i kept cringing at the thought of twenty-six. that seemed so old.

but, now that i've had a minute to soak it up, i'm into it! when i look back and see how much has changed, how i've grown, this life of mine couldn't be what is it today without those 9,490 days to stretch it's legs. twenty-six sounds just right.

1.24.2012

wearing the shirt the boys got me for my birthday
&
gap cardigan
h&m pants & beanie
steve madden boots
michael kors (rose gold) watch

8.24.2011

just five months ago. everything has changed!

but change is good. i live for it, in fact.

bathing us out of house + home

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

my boy would spend all day in this tub if we let him.

our water bill is astronomical, but who can resist this face

and his high pitched "buh-bool!"screams of joy?

sometimes he is deep in bath-time thought. stirring, examining, patting.

most times though, it's a full blown party in his tubby.

you gotta stay on your toes though, because before you know it,

he's ready to pounce

gosh i love you, Hayes.

january 2012

2012-01-22T22:26:00.001-07:00

To My Cal:

I understand now why moms & dads keep having babies. It's because the ones we have grow like little sprouted beans and no matter how we try to slow time, onesies stop snapping, jammies burst at the seams, gums bulge under the pressure of little white teeth. We lean in to get a smell of your sweet cream breath but the pureed peas overtake it. The world spins madly on, and with it little babies grow up. Moms and dads have more babies thinking 'next time around I'll make time slow, I'll savor every single moment' , but that's silly because we savored all the moments anyway, they just whoosh by like a train, leaving only the wind in our hair.

So I suppose all I can do is clack clack clack the keys on this slim silver board and hope that the letters form the words, and the words make the pictures come back to my head. For when I'm old and gray, of when you were small and swaddled. Pictures like when I nurse you before bed time, and I know you're drifting off because you start to swipe your little fingers across my sternum. Like your playing the slots, swiping a credit card, or giving the runner on second the cue to steal. Back and forth. After you've eaten, your stretch both arms out like you're flying. Now we're ready for bed. I rock you side to side and you tuck your face into my ribs, letting the weight of your face fall deep into the bend of my elbow. I lay you down on your tummy, because no matter what else I try, that's how you sleep best, so I stopped arguing with you. I see your little legs pump up and down, a sign that I didn't get that last air bubble out. I rock you one more time - singing this time. I usually can't sing to you when I'm trying to get you to sleep because you like to watch my face and you could watch it for hours when I'm singing a song or reading a book. So our bedtime is quiet and it's all about cradling your heavy head in my arm, and patting your back. Those are the sounds of your nighttime.

Tonight you were fidgeting between half and fully asleep. I quietly sang "Sea of Love" and when I finished I waited a moment or two to see if you had fallen any deeper. In seconds you were filling the silence with your own humming, as you often do. Did you want to sing now? I listened to your soft notes, smiling, and before I knew it you were reaching your little fingers up my neck, searching for my chin. Then you dropped your hand down and swung it back, in a tight baby fist, clocking me in the chin three times. Urging me to keep the songs coming. "Buckets of Rain" was next, sometimes I can't think of any baby lullabies off the top of my head, so I just sing what I know.

Buckets of rain

Buckets of tears

Got all them buckets coming out of my ears

Buckets of moonbeams in my hand

You got all the love, honeybaby I can stand.

The world is yours, Cal.

Love,

Mom.

plans

2012-01-20T09:55:00.001-07:00

man, i love the weekend. i think even more than the weekend i love the anticipation of it. as soon as it actually begins, it feels like it'll soon be over, and then before we know it it's sunday night. AA Milne said it best, so i'll just leave it to him.

this weekend one of my favorite friends is in town from florida, and one of Russ' is moving to texas with his wife. so we'll be doing a bit of celebrating and some bittersweet well-wishing. and as always, wrangling these two babysprouts.

when i say wrangling, i mean it. Cal is covering some serious ground with his rolling & has even been known to army crawl an inch or two. i keep telling him to just be a little baby gosh-darnit, but he won't listen. he's taking after his brother in that way, maybe a bit more politely so. Hayes just laughs in my face when i sternly ask him to do/not do something. which usually ends in me laughing as well. note to self: work on poker face.

this weekend also marks the last before Bijou Market season begins again. it was a good month off, but we're ready to get back in the swing of work. Russ has been working on his first-ever booth (unless you count his water and fruit stand a few years ago, which pulled in an astounding $13, ha!)

he'll be selling a wi---de variety of steel letters, symbols, numbers, arrows etc. that you can commission and customize with different sizes & stains, patinas & paint. pretty exciting! we had a few neighbors over and his welding schedule is quickly filling up already which is exciting! if you'd like to commission him, he's at russbframe at gmail dot com.

here's the piece we put up in our house:

it's 8 feet long, and 70 pounds so let's all pray we never see an earthquake around here.

also, if you are a crafty lady or gent and want to apply for April, head to Bijou Market for info! Happy weekend!!

family art canvas

2012-01-19T10:07:00.001-07:00

we've been working on a fun little (if you call 8 by 3 feet little) family art project

for the toy loft. i wanted it to be colorful and inspire creativity where my boys play most often.

want to take a peek?

we got 4 colors of Crayola's non-toxic washable finger paints

and we all picked our own.

Hayes started first, with his favorite color, blue!

we're not sure if it's really his favorite, but anytime you ask him the color of something he says

"bwoo!"

at first our clean little guy was unsure of it all, so we gave him a whisk to keep himself a little clean.

after a few minutes he dove right in, and of course had to take a little taste of the paint.

Russ was next with yellow.

then me, with red.

then Cal with green

(i tested the paint out on his little leg beforehand, even if it's non-toxic i wanted to be sure it wouldn't irritate his skin, which thankfully, it didn't.

he enjoyed himself immensely

after we were done painting, Russ built a simple frame.

stapled the canvas to the frame, with his assistant of course.

done!

and hung!

this was so much fun for all of us. being the over-analytical woman that i am i could explicate on and on about how the colors ended up fitting our personalities perfectly, how our methods represented ourselves at the core, and all that the canvas represents. but, i'll spare you. we love it, it brightened up the toy loft in a hurry and i hope it reminds us to just be ourselves, to be creative, and think outside of the box.

the details:

canvas : $8.00

wood : $4.00

fingerpaints : $6.72

sundance

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

last week we caravanned with friends to their most gorgeous cabin right off the slopes at Sundance Ski Resort for a night away.
after a la---te night of games, junk food & the best burger i've had maybe ever
(the Foundry Grill at Sundance.)
i couldn't help but bask in the peace & quiet that you can't find anywhere but the mountains:

and as always, an instagram or two:

the awesome "peace to this home" tiles throughout the cabin (also: heated floors!)
//
Hayes & his buddy Blake enjoying a giant bowl of kid's pasta.

studly do-right

2012-01-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

here's a peek at a small project i worked on last week.

i bought these cobalt loafers along with a matching pair in cheetah at the end of the summer.

while the cheetah pair were immediately incorporated as wardrobe regulars

i hardly ever wore the cobalt pair.

something about them screamed Hugh Hefner & also my kindergarten teacher Miss Bolen simulataneously. so, in short, they were really messing with me.

i figured i could edge them up a little bit & turned to Studs & Spikes for inspiration.

i picked out the 3/8" gold pyramid studs and they had them shipped that same day.

awesome!

here's what i did:

*using a box-cutter or exacto knife, whichever you have that is sharp! measure the length

of the stud prongs. also measuring the distance between the prongs, make your first cuts.

full disclosure: i eyeballed all my cuts & you can tell.

when you're happy with the design and cuts then you can start closing the prongs.

i used my fingers and then used the pliers to really flatten them out.

if the flattened prongs bother your feet like they did me, i cut out a piece of felt and hot glued it over the underside of the studded section.

details:

less than an hour from start to finish - maybe more if you want to be precise, which i was not.

$4 for 100 studs

$13 for the loafers

and how pumped am i to be in on the same craft track as Alison?

check out her studded peter pan collar tutorial.

day thirteen

2012-01-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

are you playing along with Fat Mum Slim's photo a day challenge for January?

it's all the rage on Instagram and today's prompt is "in your bag."

i love this, it's a micro view into your life, and it feels voyeuristic and indulgent, just like blogging i suppose.

i did a similar blog post back in - ahem - 2007. i'm old, man.

here is what's in my bag today, january 13, 2012.

my work notebook

my wallet complete with a driver's license picture taken when i was 36 effing weeks pregnant. so mean UDOT, so mean.

bum cream

baby toys

antibacterial

baby moccs

wayfarers

marc jacob's lola roller

all time favorite bobbi brown lip gloss

my life's MVP - aquaphor

where is my phone, Siri?

binkies

goldfish

barrette

pooh bear bandaid to brighten any boo-boo
a fresh Moleskin planner which is my brain substitute

diapers

current read - wow i was late to that party, but i love it all the same

my favorite favorite pens

my old current read, until i got my hands on the help

keys

noshing

2012-01-12T12:41:00.002-07:00

lately we've been noticing a trend whenever we're eating:

Cal's gaze locked on each and every bite.

here he is eyeballing our morning drink routine - freshly juiced carrot, apple & spinach.

maybe i wasn't ready to start solids, but he was!

so we gave him a try:

after the first couple confused bites, he kung-fu gripped the spoon right out of my hand.

decided his plan of action, looking pretty suspicious all the while.

made his move

and reveled in his slimy victory

Hayes cheered him on from the little bucket of honey he dragged from the pantry over to the counter so he could have a better view.

needless to say, Cal is a fan of the solids.

LINKS IN THIS POST:

our Breville juicer

so no one told you life was gonna be this way

2012-01-09T15:12:00.003-07:00

*clap clap clap clap*
ooof our weekend was packed! it's not always so crammed with social engagements, but when friends & buddies are in town, we try to soak it up as much as possible.

here's the cliff's notes:
>lunch with mah girls. i left Cal for a few hours for the first time ever. in nearly 6 months he's gone EVERYWHERE with me. he's easy like that, and i like that Russ & Hayes can have their quality time. but it was time. he's a fan of the bottle, which is good to know for future reference. but, lunch all by myself with free-hands and no responsibilities was sure nice.
>penta-date. we grabbed dinner with some more friends & husbands. my friends are really good at planning fun things to do while husbands are otherwise occupied, so it's nice to get everyone together! Hayes had a blast with my mom as always.
>pho at Rice King Noodle. not to be confused with the just plain Rice King across the street, also incredibly delicious. also, our sweet Hayes was the grumpiest i've ever seen him. (apologies to the buddies!) i feel for him, this stage of life has to be hard. his desire to be understood far surpasses his ability, and it makes him so frustrated. surely, not understanding why you can't squirt Sriracha directly in your mouth would be frustrating. eye-roll.
>sunday game night. we got the buddies together for brownie & salted caramel sundaes and a three hour long game of Loaded Questions. the beeds have to know just about everything about each other, but this game brought even more goods to the table. hilarious. also, i'm still snacking on the amazing treats Annie brought & unselfishly left at our house. ta----sty.

LINKS IN THIS POST:

Rice King Noodle - local pho restaurant

Loaded Questions - best game ever.

Ruffling Feathers - the Buddies.

NYE

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

went like this:

a belated birthday brunch for Nicole.

COMMUNAL!

frittatas, spinach pancakes, brunch burgers, and the world's best biscuits & jam.

they named them that because it's true.

i know i said before that their portion sizes were on the small side.

when it comes to brunch i was more than stuffed. i ordered the brunch burger + biscuits + plus apple crumb cake. ($20 for all.)

that night we met up with my dad & sister for pre-dinner and my second burger of the day at 5 Guys. oof! and then actual dinner & a fondue party with a couple of my oldest friends & their families. now you see why i wore leggings (cheetah ones, that i got made fun of all day for), i needed some elasticity for this marathon eat-fest.

we kept up Hayes to his latest ever hour of 10:30, and he actually did pretty well. then got home tucked the boys in, ate treats in bed, & finally watched Crazy, Stupid, Love.

oh man, we both loved it! is the general consensus that it could have been two more hours of Ryan & Emma? agreed.

a little kiss at midnight and we were the happiest of campers.

it was definitely our kind of night. unbelievably, we actually had a babysitter lined up, but we canceled the last minute. we both just like doing things with the whole crew. is that weird?

maybe it won't always be like that, but for now...all or nothing.

LINKS IN THIS POST:

CommunalRestaurant.com

Ruffling Feathers: Communal (2009)

warm fronts + flashbacks

2012-01-05T08:58:00.002-07:00

when Christmas came & went and there was not a flake of snow to be found, i was a little disappointed.

but, then we went to the park in the middle of winter. and it was sunny & beautiful & 60 degrees.

i'd say that's a fair trade, winter.

Cal lo---ved the swings.

Hayes loved the tunnels & slides.

and put his hands in his front hoodie pouch & all the sudden looked really old.

this park is basically in my mom's back yard, and i grew up going to this park all the time.

sledding down the hills.

candy stands. [my mom would take me to costco & buy some bulk candy and then i'd sell it at the park. such an entrepreneur for that summer when i was 10.]

Yriding bikes or rollerblading the track.

playing kickball & volleyball.

loving the playgrounds. i have such great memories here & i was so happy to watch the boys love it too.

january, we love you.

station 22

2012-01-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

we were johnny-come-latelys to the station 22 scene. i hadn't had a sandwich of their's until one was brought to me during Bijou Market. let it be known i made up for it & had a station 22 sandwich for every meal the rest of the market...

anyway, Russ still hadn't tried it, so we finally made our way downtown.

their sandwiches are made from local or sustainable ingredients, their menu is seasonal and either all of this impresses you (Em.) or makes you roll your eyes (Russ.)

whether you're impressed or rolling your eyes, it doesn't matter, go & enjoy their thoughtful & unique menu! i have yet to have anything less than delicious.

Russ with the German Bratwurst sandwich (all the way up his alley.) // Me with their Club.

I've also had the Indian Summer (ham & brie, and almost like dessert.) The Memphis (spicy fried chicken & cabbage. it almost taste pickled. MOUTH WATERING.)

also they have a surprisingly tasty assortment of baked goods.

the ghiardelli brownie & the butterscotch rice krispie were our faves.

Hayes gives it his seal of approval double fisting a chunk of mine & Russ's sandwiches.

he didn't eat ALL those fries, but he came pretty close.

the kid can pound.

Cal enjoying his usual pairing of binky + play ring. excellent choice, Cal.

he tops off most meals with a cat-nap.

finally... do you read the man repeller?

she's outrageous. i loved her new year's eve outfit idea.

not so much the sequins, because nothing has been done more than sequins on NYE,

but the sweatshirt under the blazer?

loved it! (copied it!)

LINKS IN THIS POST:

Station 22

Man Repeller

the brothers frame

2012-01-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

Callum is nearing his 6 month mark in a few weeks and for the last year+ it's been

a sort of mile marker for me. so many mothers with siblings close in age told me a version of:

the first 6 months are hard, and then you'll love it.

while we have loved every single hour of it, it really is hard work.

so i've kept my eye on that 6 month moment in time, and i can't believe it's nearly here! like i was told, it really is getting easier each day.

these boys without a doubt, with Russ as my witness, are the best of friends.

they want to be where the other one is.

they laugh and laugh at one another's antics.

they cheer each other on in their accomplishments.

(and freak-OUT when the other has their toy.)

cuddles and slobbery gummy kisses and wide-eyed grins are exchanged all day long.

i'm sure any siblings have these experiences, but for me it is the greatest reward for all the moments i feel like i'm just terrible at this.

his "Marla Hooch" face // giving stones (which i have confused many a-time for punching, and Hayes has had many a confused "time-out" for it as well.)

sweetie Cal

Hayes showing him the ropes:

au revoir twenty eleven

2011-12-30T14:24:00.002-07:00

i say it at the end of every week, month & year. time is flying!

2011 was a year of surprises & growth. my shortcomings are glaring, but i know i gave a darn good fight & i feel the ignition to do better. that's what i love about the new year & all it represents.

in 2012 i resolve to read more books, eat healthier & exercise, speak kindly of everyone, be a more loving wife, to always keep doing and avoid paralyzing discouragement. to reach for my scriptures, for my Heavenly Father, for the atonement. to be purified in it.

to be a reliable friend, an ever-present mother. the kind who shows her boys how to enjoy life.

the kind of woman who loves fiercely and lets the unimportant settle where it may.

photography by Danyelle

while i already wrote my resolutions down with a twistable crayon, #classy, i'm excited to print off this Resolution Kit designed by Run Lucas Run to make it extra official!

hello 2012, happy to have you!

minute to win it

2011-12-29T15:02:00.003-07:00

for this year's annual johansson holiday party,

they put together a slew of "minute to win it" games in addition to the usual

white elephant. (we got the mole back, ew.)

perfect for those with a short attention span,

those who hate all games in general, due to some weird emotional scarring contracted from monopoly, kevin. (hi erika!☺)

those who are weirdly competitive in battles of no importance.

if you just want to make a fool of yourself & laugh until you cry, may i suggest

games like:

dropping coins into a shot glass at the bottom of a big bucket of water.

pulling as many tissues out of the box as you can.

scooping cotton balls into a bowl.

scooting an oreo from your forehead to your mouth.

sucking jello from it's little cup using only your mouth and no force from your hands.

(so much harder than it looks & the world's most iron-clad blackmail. thankfully, the video was shot on my own phone.)

parties from yesteryear:

2010

not the party just Russ' unbeatable ugly sweater.

2009

2008

2007

instamas

2011-12-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

christmas '11

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

the quiet moments with just Russ and the boys this Christmas were so sweet and i'll never forget them.

there weren't that many unfortunately because we were hopping all around town celebrating!

i kept thinking to myself that i would love to just hole up in a cabin somewhere just us & when i said it aloud, Russ fervently agreed. maybe next year!

here's a little peek from our weekend:

Christmas Eve:

Christmas PJs!

Christmas Day:

we finally opened our own presents at about 3 p.m.

nobody seemed to mind & Cal loved every second.

in fact he played with these little velcro balls for the entirety.

a pile of puzzles

some saggy long-johns. sex-sayyy

lining cars up in Hayes' little OCD way.

Christmas Dinner:

on the twelfth day [christmas card]

2011-12-24T10:49:00.003-07:00

of Christmas my new digs gave to me:

a sense of beginning, endless possibilities, discovery & change.

another adventure to bind us together as a family.

a place for us to grow and laugh and connect.

warm beds, full cupboards & beautiful views at every turn.

our hearts truly are bursting at the seams, not just for the things we have

but the people we love, and sweet babies entrusted to us by a loving Heavenly Father.

for our Savior's birth and sacrifice for His grace and compassion

because we have still have a long way to go in becoming more like Him

Merry Christmas!

Love,

The Frames

2008-2010 cards

on the eleventh day

2011-12-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

of Christmas my new digs gave to me:

primetime TV!

with the TV being on the bottom floor we've found that our TV

watching has skid to a complete halt. we just don't watch it anymore, which is so great.

but, we haven't stopped watching the silver screen altogether.

with the boys on the top floor (and us on the main) we felt that a better baby monitoring system (then just using the ears God gave us) was in order.

little did we know that the dual video monitor would be our favorite sit-com.

Hayes is such a crack-up when he sleeps.

he is constantly re-situating himself, flip flopping to all corners of the crib.

limbs hanging through bars.

pooh bear's little head sticks up a few inches higher than Hayes all night & is a dead giveaway when we're trying to figure out where Hayes actually is in his crib.

he looks directly into the monitor for minutes. like he knows that we're watching him.

the last few naps he's put up a blanket over his rails so we can't see him at all.

smart little turkey.

Cal's show is pretty much a nightly re-run and only good if you're in the studio audience.