Earth tones have always been the colors I gravitate too ever since high school. I remember someone used to make fun of me because I always wore brown tones. Now, I don’t think I realized I wore it that often (and I think I just happened to be wearing brown every time I saw that person) because I liked pastels too (there was plenty of that mixed in), but maybe I did.
I’ve been getting better with the blacks and greys in recent years. I’m definitely much more comfortable in it now, but sometimes, I still do have trouble figuring out what to wear with black shoes. Is that weird or what? Brown shoes are typically my go-to. I feel like they go with more things than black, but that’s just me.
on me:dress, vintage from adored vintage (also worn here). bag, vintage from ms. tips. shoes, kohls (from about 4 years ago).
Many had questions and concerns on how giving out little toys, pencils and erasers might go with neighborhood kids. In our neighborhood there were more trick-or-treaters out than we’ve ever seen! It was a really nice surprise. Before we ventured out, we had fun passing out our own treats. All the kids that candidly responded to the receipt of the non-food treats had something positive to say…
“Cool! We get stuff!”
“Ooh! I like that game!”
After Ruby had given this one youngster a handful, he stood there waiting for more, asking, “Can I have that one too?” An older sister behind him said, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.”
The children appeared to be pleased with the treats we gave. If they were disappointed, they didn’t let it show and that was encouraging; children (and even adults like me!) should be thankful, no matter how we might be inclined to ungratefully perceive it.
So how did we let our kids indulge with their own treats that night? For about 45 minutes after getting back home, they bathed in their candy stash. Brave is always the first to cut herself off, while Glow and Soul can stuff themselves silly. True was somewhere in the middle. Because of our schedule on Saturday, we weren’t able to offer the leftover candy at snack, but instead offered it post-dinner. We plan to periodically offer unlimited sweets at future snack times as RD and therapist Ellyn Satter suggests.
This may seem like a completely careless approach, but there’s definitely a thoughtful strategy here. Taking a step backwards, Satter has a “Division of Responsibility in Feeding.” For toddlers on up, the parent is responsible for what, when and where… the child is responsible for how much and whether. So we as parents actually have a lot of control here in what foods are introduced, and when and where mealtimes take place. (I think one of the challenges for us parents is trusting children to do their part!) So, I want to emphasize that the free-for-all candy episodes are a part of a larger method that’s been well-thought out.
These principles may appear counter-intuitive. They take practice and patience. Ruby and I are NOT experts and do a good deal of failing as parents at mealtimes. But there is progress as we experiment and learn.
A related tangent I just thought of yesterday that I’d like to add. I plan to work with our girls on eating mindfully… inviting them to patiently engage all of their senses as they savor the food. So as we allow intermittent opportunities to go bonkers with candy, I will also be introducing mindful eating principles as they consume the sweet, lo-nu treats. (See, it’s a learning process!)
If you read this post, you know I wanted to just do nothing for my birthday. I’m happy to report that my mission was completed! The whole weekend was pretty much spent in bed reading a book, while Ben took care of everything. He was seriously doubting I could do it because I’m such a busy body. Plus, if I was doing nothing that means my to-do list was not getting done and that idea alone causes a little bit of stress, but I forgot about it for a couple days and did it!
I wanted to go to the library on Friday to check out some books, but never had time to make the trip. A friend lent me the Hunger Games series a year or so ago, so I figured I just would read that instead. While I was in bed, the girls were in and out of my room to tell me this or that, or put away laundry (oh the bliss!), and Ben took care of all the meals. I even requested my favorite, which is langostino sopes, and that was my special meal all weekend long. It really feels so good to just relax!
We took some trips out of the house to visit my grandma for her birthday, try a new dessert place, visit a new church, and pick up some plants, but really, I was mostly in bed from Saturday and even most of Monday (my real birthday)! I did manage to get out of bed long enough to sew myself a birthday dress, which felt good too because I had wanting to sew just for fun, so that scratched another itch of mine.
My birthday morning, they all came in to give me breakfast in bed and shower me with some special treats. It seemed the present theme this year was rings and Ben wrote a letter about it. The girls made me a couple rings, my BFF gave me a sweet initial ring (from here), and Ben got me this seed pearl and turquoise victorian ring. He knows my love for vintage jewelry!
Of course, now it’s back to life and to-do lists, but these past couple days off did my body, mind, and heart so much good. Even visiting my grandmother helped put things in perspective a little. Here she was celebrating her 88th birthday and it was quite evident how much her mind was slipping. She didn’t even realize it was her birthday, but all she wanted was to spend a little time with us. It just helped remind me that the many things I stress over (or think about) are really petty in comparison to what really matters in life. No offense, while I love this place and thankful for you guys when we are all 88, blogs will not really matter much. Maybe my grandchildren and great grandchildren will enjoy peeking into my life at this time (if internet is still around but who knows how technology will change!), but blogging will no doubt have its end. How I will make the most difference is how I love and invest in my children for God, and of course loving all those around me too. If I’m investing in them well, then hopefully that will cost a ripple effect, and they will eventually invest in others well too.
Anyway, I’m thankful for the many blessings this weekend. Besides, being spoiled by Ben and the girls, my parents came over last night and brought over some of my favorite food. I’ve always loved birthdays, and every year just gets sweeter (even if getting older scares me a little). Everything is really only by the grace of God, and I’m thankful to be able to celebrate my 33 year of life!
Crunchy Turkey Tacos. I know crunchy shell tacos aren’t authentic Mexican food, but I like it anyway. It’s how I grew up eating tacos, so it reminds me of my childhood. The first time Ben made me tacos, while we were dating, he made them with soft corn tortillas. I thought it was so strange. Well, I later learn that the crunchy shell isn’t authentic Mexican food at all. I’m used to soft corn tortillas now, but I love the crunchy shell from time to time.
Thankful for a new month. October brought a lot of surprises (good and bad), so excited to see the adventure life has for us this month.
I love this video Frances Chan did with his wife as a promo for their new book. I think it will be my next read.
Have any done any projects from my book, Let’s Sew Together? I would love to see pictures (and share it here) if you have!
It seems most of you enjoyed Ben’s first post here. I would love for him to write more family nutrition related ones in the future, but if there is a specific topic you’d like him to write about (or have questions on), do let us know via comment or email.
I love November because I love birthdays and mine is in a couple days. I told Ben and the girls my birthday starts today, so I have grand plans to do nothing. Seriously, I plan to stay and bed reading a good book and do nothing. That’s all I really want to do! I’ll report on how that goes later, but that’s the goal. Wish me luck!
I know. You probably still have that Halloween hangover, and I’m on to Christmas already. It seems I even skipped over Thanksgiving. Trust me, this doesn’t feel natural. This is part of the Michaels Makers Series though and today is the day we are all sharing our Christmas tree with you.
Growing up, my mom went all out for the holidays. I remember one year, I went with her to the day after Christmas sale at Bullocks (anyone remember that department store?!), and was helping her buy all the gold ornaments we could find. She bought lots of ornaments that day, but every year after that our Christmas tree lit up with a lot of sparkling gold. She had a theme and she was sticking with it. Twenty years later, that theme is still going strong every Christmas and her tree always looks like it belongs in a department store.
Here we are today, and I’m a more simple Christmas tree decorator. Usually, we just put up felt ball garland on the tree and that’s that. Though with Michaels Dream Tree Challenge, I had to work to get beyond the felt ball garland. I pinned some images, and this one was by far my favorite. Another simple tree, but I loved it so much. The girls and I set out to Michael’s to see what we could find to recreate it, and to my surprise, there were lots of wooden ornaments. I’m sure they are meant to be painted, but we aren’t doing any of that. We scooped up the ones we liked, as well as some wooden beads, and large wooden balls. We don’t have a star on top because I haven’t figured out one for that just yet.
So it’s November 1st, the turkey hasn’t even been bought yet, but we have a Christmas tree up in our home. I’m sure our neighbors noticed the twinkle lights in the front window when the girls and I are decorating it, and they probably think we’re crazy. Heck, I think it’s kind of crazy too, but my aunt and uncle get their Christmas tree up October 1st, and they have like 5 Christmas trees up in their home (each decorated to the nines), so I’m late if I’m going by their standards.
Don’t forget to stop by Michaels blog, The Glue String, to see all the trees that were out on November 1st by other Michaels Makers. If you’re in need of a tree, head into Michaels from November 2 through November 8 for the Make It Merry Event and get 50% off all trees 6ft. or taller. Then, you can join me in getting strange looks from your neighbors for having yours up so early too! We do have one neighbor who has had an artificial Christmas tree sitting on his front balcony for about 5 years straight now, so maybe we aren’t so strange after all. Happy November first friends!
Supplies for this project are provided by Michaels as part of the Michaels Makers series. No additional compensation was provided.
I have a large growing pile of fabric scraps. I refuse to throw them away because I am sure they can be used for something. I have been seeing different types of interesting necklaces made of buttons, beads, and fabric. Then, I figured why not make one out of my scraps...
I think it made my white shirt a little less boring. This was so quick and easy to make.
How to make a recycled scraps necklace (which is very similar to the straps on my braided tablecloth bag):
1. Take your scrap fabric, I cut a .5''-1'' snip and tear the rest of the fabric down for a nice frayed edge. Used 3 different fabrics for each strand.
2. Take 3 of the torn pieces and tie the ends together with a rubber band.
3. Braid the 3 pieces together and tie ends together with rubber band when done.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for more strands. Remember you can make the strands any length you want, if run out of fabric, just weave more into the braid.
5. Once all the strands you want are braided, gather one end of each strand together and straight stitch together with sewing machine. Repeat for the other ends of the strands. Snip off any excess.
6. Gather ends of the necklace and sew together (snip excess) or a ribbon can be sewn at the ends to be able to tie the necklace closed, but I just sewed both ends together.
7. Voila! A nice way to make use of all your lovely scraps.
Sorry if the directions get you a little lost, but it really is easy. I promise. Maybe I should put some in the shop. Please share any other good ideas you may have of things that can be made with scraps. I would love to hear (read) them!
Earth tones have always been the colors I gravitate too ever since high school. I remember someone used to make fun of me because I always wore brown tones. Now, I don’t think I realized I wore it that often (and I think I just happened to be wearing brown every time I saw that person) because I liked pastels too (there was plenty of that mixed in), but maybe I did.
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