A fun little discovery

I might be the last to know about these. I'm not sure. I kind of quit looking at blogs there for about 5 months but a fran of  mine shared the wonder that is Subscription Boxes...

Yup!

I'm always mesmerized by all the fun and fancy things at the Sephora or Ulta check out lines. (the whole 2 times a year I am there to buy my Bare Minerals)

And I always kind of hope that I have a little extra to spend at the salon to get fun hair products. Which professional hair products are more than a "little extra" anyway.  I'm convinced if I had the money for either, I would be a walking advertisement for name brand cosmetics and high end stuff. And that's not my bag, baby.I'm cheap. And on a budget. And kind of in love with more natural things anyway.

OH! And I like free things. Man, do I love free things! But I'm still pretty girly when it comes to fun things like this. Unfortunately Fortunately, buying a full size anything professional or high end usually leaves me with a huge case of buyers remorse anyway. So when my fran shared this marvelous wonder, voila! A happy compromise was reached

I recently signed up for Birchbox which is the best idea I've heard of in quite sometime.

You get lots of little samples, save lots of money and feel like you get a present every month.

I like all of these things! It's not free but it's pretty close.

Yes, you pay. $10 to be exact but shipping is free.

When/ if the budget permits and Dahlia is a bit older, I want to sign up for BabbaBox too!

Looks so fun!

and quite affordable for most, I'd say.

Anyway. I'm excited for my next month's box to arrive.

My sample of perfume broke en route and scented the box and my sample of granola quite heavily but that's ok..Hoping it was just the super cold weather that day that made the glass super breakable. I didn't care enough about the scent to call them and complain. If it happens again, though, watch out BirchBox human resource people because I'm sort of obsessed with perfume ;)

I think there were 5 items in all in my box and I've used all but the granola and obviously the samply of Juicy, which I already had anyway.  Love them all so far! 

My favorite

(since I love having my nails painted)

Zoya brand polish in

"Kendal"

its a lavenderish gray color. LOVE.

(it's the second one in from the left)

here is a little somethin' somethin' about it too which makes me like it even more:

Zoya pioneered the “Three Free” movement, creating colors without formaldehyde, tuolene, or dibutyl phthalate. Their shades are so safe that even pregnant women can wear them. Recently, they’ve taken it one step further by also removing camphor from their polishes. Best of all, their polishes last about 50 percent longer than other brands, which means you can sport a chip-free manicure for days and days.

Ooh, this means Dahlia can wear it too!!

(once her hands are OUT of her mouth on a consistent basis..which will be like in 4th grade, maybe?)

Thought I'd share. I'm not one to keep fun things to myself or hoard a good idea!

I'm hardly on top of trends these days either but I thought if you were like me and you like a taste of the fancy stuff but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get a taste, this is the way to do it!

New blog alert!

Quick post today!

Check out this new blog by Melissa Garner..

I follow her on THE facebook (as my grandpa in-law calls it) and she's always a.) encouraging and b.) making handy-dandy things that are the healthier, holistic option of everyday items.

I .heart. vinegar for cleaning and so does she. Melissas know where it's at. 

If you are interested in 

"... learning about how to make your home and your body a better place for your Spirit to live"

then check her out and show her love!

Go here  =======> http://melgarner.blogspot.com/

Being unreachable

I think sometimes I could be a pioneer woman. Not the fabulous cook and rancherita but like a for real Laura Ingalls type person. Minus I really like air conditioning and heat.  Most other modern conveniences I think I could do without. 

I think..

You know your life is ruled by technology when :

~ People just start in on conversations with you based off their facebook status's, whether you read them or not. Or the phrase "did you see on facebook..."  Then when you are clueless about what they are talking about it's like unheard of .. hmmm. I'm a fan of face to face information giving. 

~  people can't put their cell phones away during serious times. Face to face talks, church, car rides with kids present, funerals... I know it's hard enough at the dinner table for some.  I've started turning mine off at mealtimes or leaving it at home when we go somewhere as a family. I don't carry it on my person at all times and I'm even getting to the point where I forget where I put it! 

I guess it won't kill me to be unreachable for a minute, hour, day or two.  It sure didn't kill my mom and Laura Ingalls was an awesome teacher and author. Oh, the things I could possibly do without my technology present at all times..

So, I am not bashing technology. That would be stupid of me.  I'm pretty sure I love TV also, cars and Skyping. BUT I am sort of bashing it's effect it has on my relationships. The choice to use it or abuse it. Fine line, that one. It's so handy and man, texting is where it's at and also where all hell can break loose.  I love a quick question and answer as opposed to all of the phone preludes involved with a call. I do like a great phone conversation though.. BUT have you ever texted someone and then got a reply where the punctuation or lack thereof leaves you wondering.."oh, man. are they mad??" "did I say something wrong".  OR maybe you didn't get a reply at all. Uggh! Reply time. That's another thing that can leave one wondering..."why no answer?" and if you are a super analyzer also known as a woman, you can get yourself into a tizzy or think yourself an outcast because you've texted the other person  a 5/5 text (which should be a phone conversation not a text!) and there is no reply. 

I guess we all kind of think others should drop what they are doing and pay attention to us when we barge into their daily lives via text or call. Sounds kind of like my baby. She yells or coughs to get attention. And if I don't respond ...well, you know what happens when you don't respond with kids.

 And some people do drop everything, even a face to face conversation to respond. Love it when others are saying "uh-huh" to you as they paw at their phones with glazed eyes. I'm guilty of this..

So. What's my point in all of this. The "rag on technology card" has been overplayed, I am well aware. What my smart phone, computer owning self is trying to say is this: use your time wisely. When you are with your family. Be all there. Facebook, on your phone, can wait. When you are folding laundry, close the computer and count your blessings instead. That 5 part text can wait. It was probably received all out of order anyway and you'll surely have to decode it. Use your technology to encourage, not creep. Facebook and phones, computers and tablets are all fun and very useful inventions. They aren't replacements for real conversations, real relationships or real creativity.  

I'm going to use the trump card here: 

“One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.” 
― John Piper

:) Oh, John. You are correct yet again.

So, yes, I took the time to write this (while my daughter napped) but I think it needed to be written. I am writing to remind myself. To set it in stone in my brain.

I could be drastic and say that I am giving up my phone, closing my facebook account or never blogging again while Dahlia is awake but that would simply be for show on my part. And I'd probably creep using John's account or just hide all my blog posts. Sneaky me. But I won't do any of those things.

The Jist: Take the important calls, reply within a reasonable time to someone but all while being wise. 

As precious as time is especially now that I have a child, I should view it as such  no matter what. There are bigger chickens to fry (that sounds so good right now!) and large mountains to be moved by way of diligent prayerfulness.

Priorities. AGH! why are they so hard to get straight sometimes?

It's a challenge to be unreachable and see how God reaches me. I don't think he'll do it through a text message or on facebook..

Time. It was given to me for a purpose. And while I may not always get that purpose right, I can be mindful of it.

So Dahlia is stirring and my phone has dinged several times in the past few minutes...

Which to chose.

HA! Just kidding.

Or am I...

By the way. I really enjoy indoor plumbing too. I just remembered.

2012 will be challenging

That's not as negative as it sounds. Promise. Read on.


I usually don't do resolutions. Though I do resolve to do things every new year, the word resolution scares me a little. 
But I do enjoy a good challenge.
So this is what I am doing for 2012 I issued myself some "challenges".
Some are light-hearted. Some are heavy.
Either way, I feel like they are doable. Challenging but doable.


Challenge #1 Be better to my skin


with skin cancer running in our family and a skin tone that tans exceedingly fast the pretty tans I get in the summer could (hopefully not) cause a not-so-pretty problem later in life..
So. I will start washing my face more often, spf- ing everyday, wear hats in  the summer and just be kinder in general to the shell I was given. Seems easy enough, yes? Ask me in June when I am desperate for color and warmth!


Challenge #2 Use my fondue pot more often.


I like dipping things. It's fun. Why don't I do it more often? Who knows!?


Challenge #3 Spending more time in prayer for my friends and family.


 I want to be faithful and consistent in this. 


Challenge #4 To not say anything negative about myself.


This may prove to be most challenging. I have a theory. What is it? So glad you asked.. it's that when we speak negative things (true or not) about ourselves, we believe it. When we believe it, we act it. And thus the vicious cycle starts. Part B of my theory is this: when you speak negatively of yourself even if it's just in your mind (this counts too!!) you tend to do it more so about others. Yuck. 
I hope to not have to keep restarting this challenge over and over. 


Challenge #5  View "Do with what you have" differently


Usually we say "oh I'll just do with what I have" as a result of missing out on the bigger, better, seemingly more promising option. I have ANOTHER theory. What is it?? Again, so glad you are asking these good questions.. "what you have" is all you are supposed to have. Not saying you aren't supposed to be able to buy things, receive things, take opportunities. Of course, that's normal and good (needs) but always wanting more and then thinking what you have currently is second rate only develops an insatiable hunger for things. Entitlement. A pretty negative thing these days. 
God's best is perhaps a very tangible thing for everyone and not an unattainable mysterious jackpot of bigger and better possessions and opportunities.  Part B of this theory : this ends the "keeping up with the Jones' attitude and also, leaves more time for other Challenges.  ENOUGH. This is the key word for this challenge.


I might have some challenging times with my challenges but I hope I have more victories this year than not.


DO you have any resolutions? Challenges? Giving anything up or are you incorporating anything new?
I'd like to hear about it!
I love ideas <3

Adored

"They say that from the instant he lays eyes on her, a father adores his daughter. Whoever she grows up to be, she is always to him that little girl ... She makes him feel like Christmas...."

Our flower is growing..

4 months?! 

Yep.

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

And we are just a barrel of monkies over here!

We have fashion shoots like this:

We play, we nap, we visit with friends.

To say the least, it's good to be Dahlia Jane!

In her 4th month not only has she done a ton of new stuff, she's also been quite the traveler.

Adding up to a little over 26 hours in the car and 1240 miles traveled, she has officially earned her title of "Best Baby Ever".  With only a couple of crying fits (John and I had  4 or 5 I think), she took some of her best naps on these road trips.  Although she is pretty good at traveling, we are ready to stay put and rest!

Enough packing of baby stuff!! Are you kidding?!  Even for this minimalist packer, our luggage count went up exponentially since having a baby. Not to mention, if we need the swing, the playmat, the boppy...yikes.

But John, being the "Best Car Packer Ever",  always leaves me shocked at how much we can actually pack into our vehicle!

Anywho...this post is not about road trips it's about our baby.

She's 4 months old.

She's grown physically -everyone tells me how BIG she is. Finally, I asked someone this weekend after she acted like I was putting Steroids in my breastmilk, if her being "big" was all that bad.  She replied with, "she's still cute for a big baby".. Aye, aye, aye. The things people say when you are pregnant and have children. Although, for a brassy Northerner, that reply was better than I expected.  So yeah, I guess I produce 12% milk or something. I'm not worried.

I was praying for a healthy baby and that's what I got! Exceedingly and abundantly above, right??

It's funny how women compare babies like they compare themselves.

By funny I mean, not cool.

Whoa. Ok , she's biggER than she was. Point made. 

But her personality is what has really developed this month, I think.

She's funny!

A smiley, happy girl who grunts when she wants your attention, lets you know by hollering when the mobile stops turning,  gets frustrated when you take her chewing rings away...

 In short, she's a doll!

Dahlia Likes:

*gagging herself with those ring link thingies 

*grunting and talking (lottts of talking!)

*Leg warmers and boots (she has 7 pairs of boots, all gifts, of course!)

*kicking (high-yah!)

*sucking on her fingers mostly her thumb (and she's left-side dominant like her dad. Maybe we will have a artsy fartsy on our hands?? I hope so!)

*napping regularly and sleeping through the night. YES, SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT. Praise be! (I was fully expecting this not to happen for a while and was fine with it. But I must say, sleeping for more than 4 hours at a time is a blessing!)

*  to take little breaks during nursing to lay back and look me in the eye and talk A LOT. She likes a good conversation over a meal, it seems.

Dahlia Dislikes:

*being over-tired

*the bottle (still...)

*having ring links taken away

*loud overwhelming noises/ people  in her face. She's her mother's child on this one.

She likes to smile a lot. Although when I get the camera out, she stares at it like it's a shifty person that she has to keep an eye on.. she's playing it cool, I suppose.

See?

this face is what I get for trying to take these when she was on the verge of sleep.

Again, shifty starer at the camera

She got this Jumperoo for Christmas. Note the pillow under her sweet little feet. 

I wish this was in focus! We were cracking up at Daddy :)

My mom has this high chair and DJC loved it! She loved sitting up!

She experienced a bath by the fire at Nana's house. Cozy!

I think this one is funny. This is how I spent most of Thanksgiving weekend. Nursing my baby with two dogs wanting to be near her at all times.

Sleeping in the car. I feel like she slept here more than anywhere this past month!

She's still in love with the bath and her daddy (that's who she's gazing so lovingly at!)

What a lovely girl she is.

I'm cherishing these baby moments.

The rocking her to sleep (which her need for is decreasing already :(  )

The coo's.

The diapers (it's hard not to love cloth diapers)

The rolls she is getting. Love that pudge! 

Her need for mommy. That's me!

The way she loves to snuggle when she's tired. 

A year ago at this time I had no idea that the little miracle I was carrying was going to be so beautiful, happy and sweet.

Two years in a row, best Christmas present ever.  

Guess who's inconsistent? and other random thoughts

Me, that's who.

I would venture to say, it's completely justified too, this inconsistency in blogging but I'm not one for excuses.

Instead of a play by play of our rather tumultuous past months, I will do a rapid fire of random thoughts.The thoughts will serve no real reason except to get them out of my head and to fulfill a blog post.

Here we go:
Babies grow exceedingly fast. I now fully understand this principle.


2011 was fair with an awesome event or two. 2012 will be better


I  didn't do a Christmas card this year.


I've cried more these past 4 months than I have in the past 4 years combined.


 Dahlia is one of the sweetest, most cuddly babies ever.


I didn't care about decorating my Christmas tree this year. In fact, it looks a bit forlorn and weird.

On death and dying:
Things you shouldn't say to someone who has lost a loved one:
anything that starts with "well, atleast..."


Being present, available, and a question-asker goes a long way with someone who is grieving. It makes know they are not alone in their sadness and grief. 


Grieving last more than the visitation and burial process. Normal is not just around the corner.




Christmas is a difficult time of year. I don't know why since it is the time to celebrate Jesus being born and all. I suppose it's priorities and focus.


Watching your child get gifts is way more fun than getting gifts yourself.


I don't see my family near as much as I should...I do most of the traveling usually and with an infant, it's not that easy.  


Consistency is usually one of my strong suits. Not lately.


Encouraging is usually one of my strong suits. Not lately


Being a mom is my strong suit lately.


Eating is a strong suit.


My husbnad looked strong in his suit this weekend.


Time is a precious comodity.
I wish I had more of it.


I want to learn how to make artisan breads this year.


I think of going back to school at least once a week.  That's where it begins and ends.


I miss being pregnant.


I miss the summer.


Dahia's laugh is hilarious.


I'm making chicken and dumplings for dinner.


It think I'm becoming a hugger.




I'm all out of thoughts for now.
But as you can see, my brain is a  confused melange of thoughts.
Inconsistent, yes. Is that a bad thing?  Not really. Atleast that's what I keep telling myself.

I need to go hang diapers up to dry and feed a tired baby...
..and obviously think of a funner blog post for next time.