The Help

I have another book recommendation for y'all. My mom brought this book down for me to read way back in October. With the holidays and whatnot, I didn't get around to reading it until just a couple weeks ago. And I looooved it.



The Help is set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi and is about the relationship between white women and their black maids. The story is so engaging and compelling. There are funny parts but, like most great books, it's pretty heartbreaking.

I hope the author writes more novels (I want a sequel to The Help -- I love the characters and want to find out what happened to them all); I really enjoyed her writing. The Help is her first and only book so far. Everyone should most definitely read it!

Must Read

My brain will not stop thinking about these books I just read. My friend Ruth lent them to me on New Years Eve and I spent the next two days doing nothing but reading. I'm horrible at writing book reviews or synopsises (synopsii?) so please just go read the summary on Amazon and then order them and then read them. You will be glad you did. Either that or be annoyed that you can't drag yourself out of the world in the books and back into reality. Regardless, it'll be worth it.



The third book in the series comes out in August and I may go nuts in anticipation!

Two Simple Totes for Two Little Girls

These little book bags were made for two little girls I know who love books. They seemed so tiny when I made them, but after seeing them on little ones, they were just the right size.

The pattern came from Amy Karol's (aka The Angry Chicken) Bend-the-Rules Sewing, which I've made several projects from now. The directions were soooo confusing for me, but once I actually just followed them -- instead of trying to think ahead -- it was easy and it worked!

This project uses so little fabric, is so quick and it's so fun to mix and match fabrics. I'm definitely going to make one for Will and probably will make a larger one for myself. Heaven knows I need yet another bag in my life.

Bah-bots!

I know a certain little boy. This little boy has a book. It's a book about airplanes. He loves this book so much that he is currently on his 3rd copy. He takes it with him everywhere and reads it all day everyday. And wants it read to him all day everyday.


He loves airplanes so much that we bought him a toy airplane. It is his favorite thing and it's dangerously adorable when he plays with it and makes airplane sounds. He runs the risk of being squeezed into bits.


He calls them bah-bots! and you've never heard anything so cute as when he spots one flying in the sky and yells "bah-bots!"



We found this airplane at this incredible toy store in Santa Monica called The Acorn Store (they don't have a website, so I've linked to their Yelp! page). If you are anywhere in the tri-county area you MUST go check it out. It's filled -- almost too full -- of the most beautiful wooden and natural and Waldorf toys. Many of the toys are made in Germany (like the airplane we got) and the quality is just not something you see in mass-marketed toys now days. Is it expensive? YES. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. If you're selectively buying a small number of toys that are going to last a life-time, it is completely worth the money. These toys spark the imagination and will eventually become heirlooms. And the lady who owns the store is too sweet.

Sorry that this post turned into an advertisement for The Acorn Store, but I'm just SO excited about it. It was like a dream come true when I walked inside. I can't wait to go back!

And...A Few More Favorites

I'm working on going through approximately one million photos so I can finally actually post about something crafty (did you know this is supposed to be a craft blog?) In the meantime, to keep this blog a-rollin', I'm going to share a few more favorites. I know you like it.

1) I just finished this book and I LOOOVED it. Read it. Did that convince you?

2) The summer heat is not a favorite. The summer produce is a favorite. The next many months are going to be a fiery furnace, but if it means we get delicious veggies out of the deal then it'll be worth the general misery.




3) My kickboxing and boot camp classes! I have never liked exercising. Actually, that's not accurate -- I've always DETESTED exercising. The feeling of my heart beating fast, being out of breath and sweating was my worst nightmare. But something has changed. Maybe it's the motivation I'm getting from seeing and feeling my body getting stronger. Maybe it's because I have so much more energy during the day. Maybe I've brainwashed myself. Whatever it is, I love it and I'm stoked. I actually look forward to my classes and that, my dears, is truly saying something.


4) Any and all news relating to this:




5) The Greek Style Fig Yogurt from Trader Joe's has been a passion of mine for about the past year. I had it for breakfast every single morning for months. And then when I got a little tired of that, I just had it for a snack or dessert at least a few times per week. It's been a good old stand-by and we had some really great times together.

Recently, however, I have not been able to find it in TJs. They had the honey and the apricot-mango but there was no sign of either the fig nor the strawberry (another favorite). I feared the worst.

Discontinuation.

I finally asked the dude at the desk and he confirmed that it has indeed been discontinued. I'm so distraught. How could TJ do this to me?

I feel so betrayed.

Some More Favorites

1) I don't know what is up with the maple theme around here lately, other than it is a delicious flavor and why not? We tried these cookies from Trader Joe's and all three of us are now addicted. They are INSANE. In fact, John just ate one and said it was "retarded" it was so good. And William cries and cries when I won't let him eat any more.




2) I knew it would happen, but didn't do anything to prevent it. I finished the entire Outlander series 4 months before the next (last?) book comes out. And now I'm going nuts. I guess the plus side is that I can now do other things. They've been a little all-consuming. But I'm definitely counting down the days to Sept 22 when the new book will be released!




3) We finally got rid of the ugly, stinky, giant couches that were in our living room and moved our pretty couch in. I'm soooo happy. I just stand here and look at it with a smile on my face. It's so lovely and proportional and not-stinky. I want to squeeze its guts out I'm so happy. And now all I need is the perfect armchair, which I will hunt tirelessly for and blog incessantly about.


One of these days that fireplace will be finished and will no longer be a huge, gaping black hole.


And one more thing...

4) The cosmos must really love me. For there to be a place that serves three completely random and unrelated things, which happen to be three of my very favorite things on the planet, is just too much of a coincidence. I think it's a sign that I'm loved by some higher power. There's really no other explanation for something like this. Which also means that I must go here and consume said goods as often as possible. So let's go!




This weekend we're off to San Diego to go to the zoo and the beach with my mom and youngest brother. Can't wait! Have a wonderful weekend!

I'm Hooked

All of my thoughts are now in a Scottish accent.





And this is why nothing crafty has been happening over here.

Currently Reading

Maybe I should actually finish one of these at some point. I keep just bouncing around.



William's favorite books at the moment.




And I have a list of to-read books a mile long. There's just not enough time in the day, is there?

What I've Been Up To...

Reading Everyone should read this book. Most people are completely oblivious to where their food is coming from. Which is sad and creepy.


Planting




Watching the rain



Lots of walks



Schemeing and shopping for felt



Lots of things in the works over here!

I'm a Winner!

That's right -- I won something! And it came in the mail yesterday which was a fantastic surprise. I'm always hoping to win a give-away from one of the lovely blogs I frequent (it seems like there have been a lot lately -- so many generous ladies!) and I finally did!



The give-away was held by Marné at hey lucy -- one of my favorite blogs! You can read about the give-way here and read about me winning it (and see a great list of recommended books), here.

I am almost half-way through the book already and I love it! It is really good. It's about a young girl growing up in Germany during WWII (as told by the Grim Reaper) -- a period that has always interested me. Ever since my grandparents took me to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. when I was twelve years old, I've felt a draw and a strong interest in the events during that time period. I have probably read 15-20 books -- fiction and non -- about the holocaust and surrounding events. It's just so fascinating and disturbing. It's hard to believe it happened. And that things like it still happen today. Humans are strange beings, to be sure.

Along with the book, Marné sent the following:



Isn't this pin cushion the sweetest?? It's super tiny -- perfect for my "take-along" sewing and knitting projects -- and in a tart pan! I've been using it while tie-ing my quilt to hold my needle.



She also sent a cute handmade notebook (how will I ever decide what's worthy to write on those pages?) and a nice note. It was so fun! I love getting mail (yeah, yeah, you've heard it before) and I especially love getting fun free stuff! And even more -- fun, free, CUTE stuff!

John is gone for most of the evening at a last-minute video shoot so William and I are at home alone -- listening to Lily Allen, working on the quilt and going on a walk. Thanks for all of the anniversary cheer yesterday -- it was a nice one, if much more low-key than previous years. So that's what happens when you have kids, huh? ;)

A is for Apron (Also, Happy September!)

This book is fantastic and I want to make nearly every apron.
I started with this one...




A bridal shower gift for my now-sister-in-law Christi.

The next pattern I'm going to make has 3 layers, a pom pom trim, satin ribbons and cupcake fabric! It's adorable.

This is the first September that I have greeted with slight trepidation. This September means it's only 2 weeks until I turn 27 -- which puts me most firmly into my "late 20s", it's a month and a half until my baby turns 1 (how in the?) and it means that my goal of being back to my pre-pregnancy weight by that 1 year mark is going to pass me by unfullfilled.

But, I do love autumn and am waiting with eager anticipation for it to cool down. I hate weather over 75 degrees with a passion and long for some overcast skies and rain. It's still probably 2+ months out but I'm going to keep on hoping. And my new weight loss goal is Christmas (good motivation is being able to prove to my younger brother that I am indeed not perpetually 5 months pregnant).

So, with that, Happy Labor Day and welcome September!!

Parlez-vous Français?

Here are a few books that I'm re-reading. They are just so fun, and totally put me in a state of mind that I love. After reading them I feel so motivated and fun and pretty and kicky. Haha. I can't explain it.









So, I guess that's it for the Post a Day in May! It was fun! Thanks for putting up with me. :) I'm going to try to keep up the posting more often...I will hopefully have plenty of content as I get things ready to open my etsy store! Pray for me. :D

Have You Read This Yet?

The first chapter of Breaking Dawn!! August 2nd can't come soon enough!

Cutting It Close

A bottle of berry flavored sparkling water just exploded all over me. It was extraordinarily annoying.

I finally joined Goodreads! But, as a warning to those of you who are also on there, I really suck at like, writing about books I read. First, because my brain like, can't translate information going in into information coming back out. Second, it's WAY too much like school and writing for school is the equivalent to flipping the off switch on my brain. Maybe I need a new brain.

How come when I feel especially fat I just want to eat more? It's incredibly annoying. I'm having to use every ounce of self-control I have to not just go eat myself to death right now.

Remember this little lemon? Well, I finally just picked it! It didn't get very yellow, but it is very yummy. Maybe I'll get another one by next summer! Haha. That poor tree has had a hard life...I'm not expecting much.



So bear with me here...I have three more blogs to do in order to have one for every day of May. Hehe.

Wow. This post has a lot of photos.

Well, uh, it's only May 6 and I've already run out of things to talk about. Nice. How about a list? I'm a lot better at lists than like...actual paragraphs with complete sentences and all that fancy stuff.

1. The Host by Stephenie Meyer (of Twilight Saga fame) came out today. Ruth picked up my copy along with tickets to the book signing that's happening in Torrance later this month. I can't wait to start reading it! Thanks Ruth! I'll let you folk know how it is in a couple days. =)



2. I'm currently reading Running With Scissors by Augusten Bourroughs. It's...weird. And disturbing. And R-rated. But also hilarious. I don't know if I recommend it necessarily, but it's entertaining. There was a movie made a few years ago based on the book that I saw and it was just as weird as the book. There are some messed up families out there, let me tell you. I also read Look Me In The Eye by John Elder Robison who is Augusten Bourroughs brother. So it was really interesting reading about their family from their separate perspectives.




3. John's mom has been here for a week and she leaves tomorrow. She hasn't seen William since he was 12 days old (she was here for his 6th-12th days) so it was fun. We did a lot of eating out, walking around malls and parks, and picture taking.

William with Nana Colleen and Mommy

4. I think I've already mentioned this, but I'm working on five (5) baby blankets right now. What is up with all these people having babies? I mean, really now. Five babies all due by mid-September. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have a photo of at least one completed blanket. And after I finish these I'll be officially burned-out on them. I've already made three of them (William, Q and Makayla). Do you think eight is enough times of doing the same project? I think I'll move on to something else when I'm done with these.

This is the one I made for Baby Makayla who was born at the end of January. I never did post this pic of the finished blanket after sending it to her.

5. Seriously. This is the best thing in the world.



6. I really liked this post by this Dooce.com lady (it's really long but it's good) about Mommy Bloggers.


7. Must I have such expensive taste? Everything I find that I want is way too expensive. Check out this $125 perfect pedestal bowl I need for the dining table. William Sonoma is killing me here.



8. Speaking of expensive -- I think I need to get into the gasoline business.



9. Apparently I didn't run out of things to say after all.

10. Just to have an even 10 points on the list...

What I've Been Doing

Uh, okay so last time I checked we were still in early October and now it's suddenly November 5. What the? Somehow having a baby, having a nearly constant stream of visitors and then leaving town made the entire month disappear. Yikes. I'm totally weirded out about it being November.

John, Will and I are currently out in the beautiful Inland Empire staying with our fantastic friends, Ryan and Kelly and their four kids, while John and Ryan work on a job. We've been here for about a week and a half. It's been interesting living out of a suitcase with a 2-3 week old baby but we've been having lots of fun and these guys are more than hospitable and accommodating. It's never been so easy to stay away from home! So thank you Kelly and family, for the room and the delicious dinners and not minding that I've been mostly laying around and reading and nursing the always-hungry baby.

So, needless to say, there have been no crafts going on around here besides the tiniest bit of knitting (this little fox) but lots of nursing the babe and reading and trying to sleep when Will is sleeping.


My friend Nellie sent me Twilight by Stephanie Meyer for my birthday last month and I didn't start reading it until last week. I had heard very mixed reviews about it so I was pretty unsure what to expect, but, after reading a few chapters I really got into it. I finished it in a day and a half and then had to venture to the Waldenbooks in the fabulous Hemet Valley Mall to get the two sequels -- which I then finished reading in a day each. Even though they're "Young Adult" books and the writing seemed a bit juvenile at first I ended up really liking them, obviously. And want more please. Who knew that I'd be a little bit obsessed with a book about vampires? Who am I?

Yesterday we took William on his first of many, many road trips. Since we're out here in the desert already, we decided to go to Joshua Tree National Park . It only took us an hour and a half to get out of town -- having to first stop at Walmart for a road atlas and some blank video tapes (while I nursed the baby in the back seat of the car), Walgreens for emergency diapers (I panicked when I realized I'd only packed 3 diapers. I'm still working on getting this whole packing for a newborn thing down), gas, changing William's diaper and clothes in the back seat of the car while in line for the car wash, Starbucks and McDonalds. William slept the entire drive, only waking up to eat once, and then again when we made him wake up to try to take pictures. He wasn't very happy about that. Oh yeah, and of course as soon as I went to eat dinner.

In true road-trip fashion our meals were unhealthy and weird. Breakfast: Egg McMuffin for John and a donut and tallnonfat4pumpnowater Chai Latte from Starbucks for me. Lunch: A $5 "Hot and Ready" pizza from Little Caesar's, eaten in the parking lot of Vons (who can resist the power of a sign twirler on the corner?) Dinner: Big Boy Original Hamburgers from Bob's Big Boy. Clearly, my post-baby diet plan was foiled once again.

Here's some pics for ya'll.






I'm desperately hoping November won't go as quickly by as October did. I'm so not ready. Not ready for birthdays this month, flying to Utah for Thanksgiving (though I am really looking forward to it), William turning a month old, Christmas, or deciding what the heck I'm going to do for employment. Time is going too fast!

Happy November anyway!