tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35218315593009362982011-11-21T14:16:25.007-06:00Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.comBlogger1731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-91910494948410053042011-04-17T21:37:00.000-05:002011-04-17T21:37:41.079-05:00

  We've been sick around here lately.  Rather, we've been sick for the past 2 months (or so it seems!)  A nasty cold that takes you out at the knees and keeps you down for at least a week.  We keep sharing, too, so Ella and I are generally miserable together.  I haven't been feeling very bloggy - actually I haven't been feeling a lot of anything recently!  Not inspired, not finishing (or

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-63968747239710217852011-04-11T22:35:00.000-05:002011-04-11T22:35:27.037-05:00

Houndstooth - it's a pattern that's been around for awhile, but has some serious staying power either blown up SUPER big and mod or really small as an unobtrusive background pattern.  On a recent trip to New Hampshire I picked up a great black and white 60s houndstooth swing coat - I have big plans to shorten it up a bit and add some buttons (and I haven't taken a picture yet...I know I know...

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-70612162052827742242011-04-09T23:26:00.001-05:002011-04-09T23:27:28.053-05:00

Well, the month of March has been updated in 365 Days of Ella.  As it turns out, it's hard to remember to take a picture per day - I wasn't expecting that when taking on this project!  So thank you to Ben, who also takes lots of pictures of our daughter and helped me fill in some gaps!!  And now, on to uploading April...

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-23187451765078191962011-04-05T23:39:00.002-05:002011-04-05T23:47:17.751-05:00

Last winter I decided not to throw out or compost our mums (and a random sage plant) after the weather turned permanently cold. Instead, I decided to try my hand at over-wintering the plants. So throughout the cold days and months my four sad plants sat under our porch eve looking cold...and dead. Well, today was beautiful with a warm morning sun. Ella and I had already been out an about early,

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-56336633498915768032011-04-03T16:16:00.000-05:002011-04-03T16:22:06.454-05:00

This is what it's like in Chicago: (pretty source) This is what it's like in New Hampshire (where I've been hiding out visiting the past few weeks!) Clearly, New Hampshire has not yet received the message that it is, indeed, spring and the weather should act accordingly!!  We're happy to be home to our warmer weather (no snow!) and familiar routines...and a new project, hooray!!! (more on that

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-67375663257577392632011-03-27T00:12:00.001-05:002011-03-27T00:12:00.262-05:00

As you may remember, since Ella turned one I've decided to dress her only in vintage, second-hand, hand-me-downs, and gifts.  So far, so good!  Ella is one well-dressed little lady, thanks to our kind family and friends!!  But, like any little girl, she's growing!!!  She's still a pretty petite little thing, but her growth spurts always entice me into doing a bit of window shopping.  Here's what

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-26658996952620355862011-03-23T00:09:00.001-05:002011-03-23T00:09:00.176-05:00

Red has always been my very favorite color - there is even a picture of me as a toddler dressed head-to-toe in red with a red balloon - I admit, it's pretty cute (and probably why I was so very happy when Ella got her own pair of pretty red shoes!)  Here are a few other bits of red that also make me smile!!  (pomegranate seeds)  (tomatoes...)  (letters and numbers)  (hello?)  (lace 'em up!)  (

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-69240413027652963362011-03-20T14:11:00.000-05:002011-03-20T15:03:37.494-05:00

Spring is officially here - hooray!!!  I have already spent a few days with the heat off and our windows open.  We went to the park at least five times this past week and we are all sleeping better due to the fresh air and exercise.  I don't think Ella has stopped running since we've gone outside - we didn't realize how cooped up we were this winter until now!!  Since spring is here, I thought

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-62500347086042953682011-03-16T20:36:00.000-05:002011-03-16T20:36:19.794-05:00

Spring is days away and today it finally felt like it!  We had a nice (slow) walk to the park, which includes looking for a small dog that lives in the basement apartment of a building we pass and likes to sit in the window and watch the street.  Ella likes to stand outside the window and watch the dog.  We talk about, and wonder where this dog has gone, often (mainly Ella, I know where the dog

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-14121791128581659512011-03-14T22:47:00.000-05:002011-03-14T22:47:23.504-05:00

According to my latest research, it is still cold season!  Being sick is the pits - you feel bad, you look bad...or do you?  Here are a few steps that will help you feel less crummy and pretty things to help you out, too!  (note: many of these things can be used when not sick as well, which is what I suggest because, well, as I said before, being sick is the pits!!)  Step 1: Grab a fun, big mug.

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-84974523909577874682011-03-13T20:53:00.002-05:002011-03-13T20:55:00.933-05:00

Dear Tissue Box, I'm sick :( My brain is full, but not with fun creative thoughts. I was convinced I had avoided the cold that was sauntering around our little house - first to Ben, then to Miss Ella-Bean...I thought I was in the clear! No such luck (yuck!) So off to bed for a couple of days - I'll be back soon with more musings, DIYs, and anything else that makes me smile. (Now go take your

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-91425042866188968642011-03-10T22:21:00.000-06:002011-03-10T22:21:15.088-06:00

It happened yesterday while on a run, I looked down and saw them pushing up...crocuses!  A sure sign of spring, I started looking a bit closer - new branches coming out, buds appearing and temperatures in the 40s - there is light at the end of the tunnel!  These fun realizations (that spring really is right around the corner) inspired me to put together this fun spring outfit inspired by the

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-14208332137428683442011-03-08T00:26:00.011-06:002011-03-09T21:49:06.220-06:00

Welcome to the March Carnival of Natural Parenting: Natural Parenting Top 10 Lists This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared Top 10 lists on a wide variety of aspects of attachment parenting and natural living. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-90530990945236833902011-03-06T23:03:00.000-06:002011-03-06T23:03:05.949-06:00

(pretty house) It was a quiet weekend, with Miss Ella-Bean getting over a cold, we were mostly house-bound.  One can only read so many board books, however, so both Saturday and Sunday evening we ventured out for a walk in one of our favorite neighborhoods.  The houses are large and old, and at dusk many blinds hadn't yet been pulled so we got little glimpses of life indoors.  There is something

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-15844831331319642452011-03-03T22:22:00.000-06:002011-03-03T22:22:47.827-06:00

This. I'm wishing for this...like now (please?) Spring is almost here (I hope, I hope!!)  Peeks of blue have finally been showing through the otherwise gray sky and the sun is starting to feel warm again.  I love seeing the sky and can hardly wait for days and days of blue skies with lovely (and small) cream clouds.  For now, however, I'll have to be content with other beautiful teal and cream

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-42976852577547144412011-03-01T22:47:00.000-06:002011-03-01T22:47:25.998-06:00

(tasty source) Today we drove two hours round-trip for lactose-free ice cream, and sadly, it was a fail.  Why did we drive for so long for this specific ice cream?  Well, Ben had a $10 gift card that was about to expire, so we picked him up from work and then got caught in horrendous rush-hour traffic...ick.  We finally made it to the rather nondescript location and was greeted by a line of three

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-88868155180057617372011-02-28T23:44:00.000-06:002011-02-28T23:44:45.742-06:00

Here it is folks, my day today, every hour, in pictures!!! 8am - Ella's breakfast 9am - playing with stickers before getting dressed 10am - ready for our playdate! 11am - playing with the sit-n-spin  12pm - wiping her mouth after a yummy lunch  1pm - our little Mardi Gras parade!!! 2pm - heading home for nap 3pm - folding laundry while Ella sleeps 4pm - sad because the dog bumped her 5pm -

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-7685579440983719162011-02-27T23:46:00.001-06:002011-02-27T23:50:20.101-06:00

Or I should say, making for baby (but I got your attention, didn't I?!)  Last week I finished my second dress for Ella and I must say, it was much better than the first - I guess practice really does work!  It was exciting seeing it come together and has inspired me to try to make a sweatshirt for her next (we shall see how that goes!)  Honestly, though, it's never hard for me to find things I'd

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-33824395530974491082011-02-25T21:46:00.000-06:002011-02-25T21:46:42.201-06:00

Have I told you about dolly?  Ella's dolly - I got it for her for Christmas from The Rice Babies, a wonderful Etsy seller (hooray handmade!)  I got to chose her skin, hair and eye color as well as the general color scheme of her clothes.  When she came, I was beyond happy, and even more excited at Ella's response to her... But after the initial opening, Ella went back to her in-the-moment love

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-65072138273335358742011-02-24T23:03:00.000-06:002011-02-24T23:03:47.480-06:00

(source) This morning was busy busy - two back-to-back playdates and we were down for the count!  Ella took a lovely long nap and I pretended to be productive.  OK, I didn't pretend, in fact, I didn't do anything!  I rested, which always feels like a bit of a luxury since I don't do it as often now that Ella is older and not waking up at night (usually...knock on wood...I just jinxed myself,

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-58747379718527197482011-02-22T22:19:00.000-06:002011-02-22T22:19:45.359-06:00

(graffiti with a message) (you don't have to dress up to do it!)  (elephant? donkey?)  (this just in - vote!)  (it's your choice) Can you guess what I did today? 

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-18531243110254037482011-02-22T00:22:00.003-06:002011-02-22T16:28:55.553-06:00

(grey+yellow+white=pretty!) A few months ago we made some big moves in the house - switching bedrooms with Miss Ella-Bean, painting, and setting up my craft/dressing room.  The dust has settled...but today I noticed our bathroom...which has already been painted (by me) three times.  It was cream, then brown (which my dad described as looking like poo), then to a light yellow and back to a

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-82120409791360907492011-02-19T23:02:00.000-06:002011-02-19T23:02:57.940-06:00

A story or a dream... (lovely little girls...) (may grow up and wear a white dress) (or perhaps not so traditional) (or no white dress at all) (they will still be lovely) (they will pull on their boots) (and fix their hair) (and face the world...) (the way only they know how) sweet dreams - I hope you smiled!!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-79296446064145710712011-02-18T00:01:00.008-06:002011-02-18T00:01:02.542-06:00

Though the temperature has been unseasonably warm over the past few days (melting the snow - hooray!) the skies have not exactly been sunny and blue.  A pretty day here or there, but otherwise it's gray skies all the way.  A few weeks ago I posted about making an ice bunting, and I was amazed at what a difference it made!  I hung it out our back window - a window I look through dozens of times a

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-18385919358712382762011-02-17T00:48:00.019-06:002011-02-17T08:31:58.081-06:00

When I was pregnant, I thought that I'd have time to read once the baby came...and while I did have time (when she was younger and non-mobile), the reading bug never bit, at least not for books.  I do well with short stories, but anything longer just hasn't held my interest, so these days I read a lot of magazines.  And here's the big secret...I love it.  I love that I can read just a little,

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-72434041815445195302011-02-15T23:29:00.000-06:002011-02-17T21:04:21.395-06:00

I had wanted to jazz up Ella's burp rags for awhile now, especially when she was an infant and I seemed to have one over my shoulder or stuffed in my back pocket at all times!  We didn't get any fancy rags because, well, they are rags after all, made for wiping and cleaning (though used for much more, including stand-in diaper when I was caught without a spare diaper liner...a common casualty of

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-30590984526504022732011-02-13T23:03:00.000-06:002011-02-14T09:20:48.273-06:00

 Happy Valentine's Day To You!!!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-77194094246978465302011-02-10T23:23:00.000-06:002011-02-12T17:47:25.835-06:00

(welcome to my world...)Our back room has served a few purposes since we've lived here - an office at first, then a "dump and run room," and most recently a dressing room and studio space. I would say craft space, but I feel that more than just crafting happens here - sewing, creating, painting - the term "craft space" just doesn't seem to carry the appropriate weight, but anyhow, I digress. In

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-74942640929282922792011-02-08T00:28:00.020-06:002011-02-08T14:33:04.712-06:00

Welcome to the February Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting Essentials!This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared the parenting essentials that they could not live without. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants. *** There are

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-29353573371298172362011-02-05T18:38:00.009-06:002011-02-05T22:12:39.452-06:00

We used to live here and are back for a visit to my sister in college. I still love this city - it's been fun visiting our old haunts... Coffee at the Highland Grill The Highland Theater, steps away from our first apartment. Eating out in our old neighborhood! Pretty fabric that is coming home with me. A warm visit to the Como Conservatory on a chilly day.

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-72849559429350607262011-02-02T22:22:00.000-06:002011-02-02T22:22:17.091-06:00

Here in Chicago we had a bit of snow and, well, I won't be able to get my car out of the alley for awhile yet.  Thank goodness for public transportation!  Our poor dog nearly got lost in the snow drifts this morning and I'm a little achy after hours of shoveling.  The best part about snow days like today are snuggling in with a good book or movie and a warm blanket.  Speaking of, here are a few

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-68039773174242822912011-01-30T22:39:00.000-06:002011-01-30T22:39:37.965-06:00

Finally having a sewing space has led to a rash of sewing...strange, I know!  I am finishing up one project (a sewing machine cover) and have three more projects waiting in the wings, including a robe for Miss Ella-Bean who routinely has icicles for hands and toes in the morning when she is running around.  But even though there is much to do, I cannot help but be inspired to do more!  Here are

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-44963205255622027312011-01-29T19:43:00.003-06:002011-01-30T22:41:50.259-06:00

Sleeping has been the name of the game around here this weekend (well, that and a trip to the zoo!)  Lucky me, I got to take one too - isn't it funny that as a child I would fight naps, now a nap seems like a luxury! Even Bader got in on the action...   Hope your weekend has been restful too!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-29677736560852061312011-01-26T19:00:00.002-06:002011-02-17T21:04:21.396-06:00

(my happy tape) Ella's room is a bright place.  Before she was born, I tried to pull together fun things we already had and re-purpose them in her room.  I knew it was a place that she and I would both be spending a chunk of time in, so I wanted to make sure it appealed to us both.  We recently switched rooms (so that she would be warmer at night) and the decorating bug has bitten again!  Now

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-61225357372678796592011-01-25T22:56:00.001-06:002011-01-25T22:58:10.954-06:00

What is (or was) the most important or special item from your childhood?  Was it a special doll, a lovie, a bike?   This question came up recently at my parent's house and my sister and I agreed, the most special item for us both were the quilts my mom made when we were about five (me) and three (my sister).  I was about to enter into kindergarten and was not going to be able to bring my blankie

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-77717273564496858032011-01-24T21:55:00.001-06:002011-01-25T08:15:10.300-06:00

Last Friday the high temperature in Chicago was 9F degrees.  If you ask me, that's not a temperature, that's a child's age!  Needless to say, we were not spending a lot of time outside last week.  To make things worse it was gray, gray, gray out!  So when I came across Two Chick's and a Hen's awesome idea for a colorful ice bunting, I thought, "Frozen fingers be you-know-what, I'm making it!" 

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-1000045258972040422011-01-19T23:55:00.021-06:002011-01-20T00:13:32.279-06:00

 (pretty source) ...requires pillows! Lots and lot of luxurious pillows that you can just sink back into and rest...now that's my kind of pillow fight! We do not have a lot of pillows around here, and those that we do have I often am tossing aside so that I can sit more comfortably on the couch (because hey, as a mama of an active little one, sitting is a small luxury at times!) I have been

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-25944408001306457572011-01-17T21:49:00.001-06:002011-01-17T21:53:14.905-06:00

(source) Winter is here and if you participate in CSA or choose to buy only seasonal fruits and vegetables, the food doldrums are starting to set in.  There is only so much one can do with oranges...or root vegetables...or worst of all, kale.  But fear not!  I have a tasty, if not all together sexy looking, recipe for you that is relatively fast, very easy, and certifiably delicious!!  So brush

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-33356057082548752072011-01-15T17:00:00.004-06:002011-02-21T20:48:54.165-06:00

(source) ...window tinting. Unless you are a vampire, or allergic to the sun, I simply do not see the point. Maybe I'm just not cool enough!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-58763807866672481982011-01-11T21:44:00.000-06:002011-01-11T21:44:19.063-06:00

Today it snowed and snowed - quiet and light - transforming the cold, brown ground into a white dreamworld.  I taught Ella how to catch snowflakes on her tongue, which is apparently hilarious!  The snow is supposed to continue tomorrow and we have an outdoor playdate to attend.  Ella loves the snow as much as she loves water (which is to say, a lot), but her little fingers freeze being outdoors

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-64802391265561855462011-01-09T22:39:00.002-06:002011-01-09T22:41:59.111-06:00

(at the Western stop looking down Western Ave) Last week we had a couple of car-less days, which is inevitable when two busy adults share one car.  Lucky for us, we live in a city with pretty great public transportation - sure, not perfect, and people will gripe about the delays, the smells, the routes - but at the end of the day, I could still go about my business because of my easy access to

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-43436507810571698422011-01-06T21:47:00.000-06:002011-01-06T22:30:53.126-06:00

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and it's time to (theoretically) hunker down for the cold winter months...but what's a girl to do with all this extra energy?  As it turns out, there is lots that can be done!  I know some people who, in the winter, turn to knitting - it's a good "hunkering" activity, and if you are knitting a blanket you are soon able to stay extra cozy while you

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-47481755380282830482011-01-02T18:43:00.001-06:002011-01-06T22:36:23.747-06:00

Well hello again!It's been awhile - holiday travel, good tidings and joy, time with family - but we are back now and already moving and shaking! Over the next several weeks you may notice a few changes around here as Ella-Bean & Co. gets a bit of a facelift! There are a few fun surprises in store, too! To start with, I'm doing a 365 of Ella this year - you should see a link to it up above.

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-51784117772591556842010-12-25T01:43:00.001-06:002011-01-06T22:37:31.122-06:00

 (lobster trap tree - fitting for a New England Christmas) To those of you who celebrate Christmas (and those of you who don't) I hope you are having a very merry day!!! Ho! Ho! Ho!Andrea

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-19910711627768688912010-12-17T13:38:00.000-06:002011-01-06T22:36:42.005-06:00

(source) I have a confession - I love Michael Jackson's music.  Say what you will about his character and the various reasons he was in the media spotlight over the years, but boy did he make some good music!  I finally watched "This is It" today and let me tell you - had he lived to see it through, that would have been one heck of a show!  At 50+ years he still danced and moved like a man 30

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-25714826709891313582010-12-14T23:42:00.000-06:002011-01-06T22:37:14.745-06:00

(playing among the drying playsilks) It's been quiet around here, but only on my blog, in my home it's been busy (very busy!)  We've had playdates and visits to friends and family, holiday shopping and holiday sewing...  In fact, there may have been a bit too much...of everything.  By last Sunday we were done, beat, tired and sick.  So Monday, we cleared the calendar and stayed home.  It was

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-8340036962040963302010-12-07T22:23:00.000-06:002010-12-07T22:25:30.392-06:00

A few months ago I decided to make a bold promise to myself...from the time Ella turned one to sometime in the future (at least a year), I am going to dress my daughter only in clothes that are: - handmade- vintage- second hand or hand-me-down- a gift There are so many darling clothes on the market, especially for little girls, but I feel it's important to support individual artisans and give

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-59012928488552164642010-12-01T17:12:00.001-06:002011-01-06T22:38:29.588-06:00

Today is December 1st and baby, it's cold outside!  The first sprinkling of snow dusted our porch for a few hours and we had to make a blustery trip to the store for basic goods.  Before having a little one, I loved shopping, perusing the aisles, musing over items, browsing...now I have about 10 minutes to get in, get what I need, and get out!  Thank goodness for online shopping, I'm still able

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-25625088482171307712010-11-28T21:26:00.000-06:002010-12-01T17:14:37.411-06:00

Things that have gone down in the past week-and-a-half: - painted the bathroom (all by myself) in a night while Ella-bean slept - wasted an afternoon stuck in bad traffic - painted both of our bedrooms shades of grey in two short days (Thanks Lexi!) - switched bedrooms with Ella in the same two days as the painting (a daunting task!) - ate Thai food two nights in a row (YUM!!) - visited with

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-291580601568857122010-11-18T22:25:00.000-06:002011-01-06T22:38:29.588-06:00

 (source) The holidays...are right around the corner.  They sort of snuck up on me this year - what with a little munchkin running around and turning one, I could barely think past the beginning of November!  But now we're here.  Thanksgiving is staring me in the face and right after that, Christmas!!  I've got shopping to do, pies to bake, and traveling to, well, travel.  But what will I do

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-25293994181370341732010-11-16T22:02:00.001-06:002011-02-17T21:04:31.682-06:00

Last week was the last of our "nice" days (as in warm days).  One afternoon, during Ella's nap, I decided to throw open the windows and redo a step-stool for Ella.  She is getting to the point where she wants to be where I am...all.the.time.  Which will be a bit easier once she's at counter height, rather than knee height!! (Before - ick!) Here's the step-stool before.  Lexi and I picked it up

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-57044900266228112092010-11-14T22:14:00.000-06:002011-01-06T22:38:29.589-06:00

A few snippets of happiness after a long and wonderful weekend... Wabi-sabi style decor (beautiful concept that peeks through in our home as well!) Embellish Knits Month (this is a new favorite site - so very inspirational, look out sweaters!!) Patagonia photos (I perused the catalog during dinner...it made me want to go winter camping *sigh*) Smile and Wave (I think Rachel is my online kindred

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-23615384087700807792010-11-11T21:07:00.000-06:002010-11-11T21:07:32.511-06:00

We are so proud of all you do - we all miss you very much and can't wait for you to come home!!!       (Miss Ella was so very excited she could barely sit still!!) xoxo,A,B&E

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-44116014377519924802010-11-09T09:42:00.001-06:002010-11-09T15:34:54.610-06:00

Welcome to the November Carnival of Natural Parenting: What is natural parenting? This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama. This month our Carnival coincides with the launch of Natural Parents Network, a community of parents and parents-to-be who practice or are interested in attachment parenting and natural family

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-71826356263236744222010-11-06T20:56:00.000-05:002010-12-01T17:15:11.929-06:00

Love love love.  Happy Birthday my little girl - you're growing so fast!!!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-48691290028050021132010-11-03T22:27:00.000-05:002010-11-04T09:06:13.212-05:00

I have only a few more days of an 11 month old.  Of a baby.  Someone who cannot yet count her age in years, but rather months.  Last year at this time I was very very pregnant.  I was "overdue."  I was convinced that I was going to be the only woman in the world where the baby just never came...I would be pregnant forever (luckily, this turned out to not be the case!)  It seems so long ago, and

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-22871807998761999002010-11-01T06:16:00.002-05:002010-11-01T08:57:10.660-05:00

Hope your Halloween was a fun one - I put the (sewing machine) pedal to the metal and whipped up Ella's costume last week.  The hat could be a bit better, but I think the cockeyed-ears-in-the-air add to the cute and quirky factor!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-59396960416260981602010-10-31T21:49:00.000-05:002010-11-01T08:57:24.285-05:00

Boy am I glad the Halloween season is almost over - it seems everywhere I turn there are new scary ads for the latest thrasher movie that I have no desire to see.  But it got me thinking, what scares me?  Nothing too deep or serious, since the spirit of Halloween scares seem to be surface-level (think fear of clowns versus contemplating one's own mortality!)  My impromptu list... 1. Balloons. 

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-38325645809676412062010-10-25T21:26:00.000-05:002010-10-25T21:28:03.093-05:00

 (I took a quick snapshot before the performance began!) On Saturday we went to the Joffrey ballet and we agreed - we dearly missed these types of events!  It was a beautiful night, warm(ish) and clear.  Ella was home sleeping and we were out on the town!!  The performance we saw was called All Stars and was beyond wonderful. (The opening act of After the Rain) As a child, I remembered the

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-979372125656912902010-10-21T21:34:00.003-05:002010-10-21T21:41:55.428-05:00

Monday was Ben's birthday and to celebrate I made him his current favorite dessert, tres leches!  Instead of the standard cake, however, I decided to go with cupcakes (easier to bring to work the next day!!)  After lots of looking, I decided to go with a recipe by one of my favorite chefs and TV personalities - Alton Brown (he has a great, cheesy show called "Good Eats," that combines science,

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-65017461340638571312010-10-20T21:48:00.001-05:002010-10-20T21:50:17.939-05:00

I've been seeing some really interesting pictures of bursting bubbles and water balloons lately.  I think they are magical!  Why is it that things breaking are so pretty sometimes? BUBBLES!!!  sources: (bubble) (closer) (popping) (gone) BALLOONS...  (yellow)  (teal)  (blue) (white)

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-4116843021331677952010-10-19T21:03:00.001-05:002010-10-20T21:50:44.310-05:00

When I was little, my Dad called me Pumpkin, because I had a round head (oh yeah, and because I was really cute!)  Our little Ella-Bean has a different family nickname, but for today, she was an honorary Pumpkin baby.  It was a lovely day with a bonus - we drove out to the pumpkin farm with friends Danielle and little Ewan - it is a rarity that two moms can sit and talk uninterrupted for 45

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-33901593410158726302010-10-18T15:29:00.000-05:002010-10-18T15:30:31.744-05:00

I've completed a couple of fun projects recently - the best one being the curtains I made for Ella's room (we had been hanging dark sheets over her windows, but it made her room feel so closed, which I didn't like).  I found some pretty linen that I lined with muslin - it's dark enough to keep the room dim during Ella's day time naps, but light enough to let the sun in (especially when

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-84126360667763648392010-10-14T21:25:00.000-05:002010-10-14T21:26:37.580-05:00

(yummy source) It's been getting consistently cooler around here - piles of leaves are on the ground and Halloween costumes have been purchased (or, in my case, planned...though not started).  Wednesday evenings I go running with some friends (me, the non-runner, now runs...now THAT'S something to write home about!)  We don't go too far, but by the time we've run and returned home it is late

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-66069443411174625182010-10-13T23:01:00.014-05:002010-10-14T20:37:18.731-05:00

...to help the week along! Sometimes I don't know what inspires me, or at least I cannot articulate what inspires me...generally, if it makes me smile, I'm inspired! (source) (source) (source)  (source)  (source)  (source)

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-6736129719997646302010-10-12T22:06:00.001-05:002010-10-12T22:08:09.851-05:00

It's the second Tuesday of the month - usually right now I would be participating in the natural parenting blog carnival, but this month the topic was "balance" and my life was decidedly not balanced when the blog submission deadline rolled around.  I know this sounds terribly dramatic, like I had some great life upheaval that got in the way, but reality is just not that glamorous.  There had

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-45289601688484399682010-10-10T10:10:00.061-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.590-06:00

A post in honor of 10.10.10. Ten Things I Love...  My favorite color (red), whimsical and practical...love!!!  Such a pretty addition to a front door Those boots really are for walking! Extend the life (aka heat) of your tea while protecting your palms Learning made beautiful  The leaping gazelle print is magical  I see you! This autumnal print is divine!  One of my favorite color-combinations

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-50136280064620496332010-10-06T23:43:00.001-05:002010-10-06T23:45:43.590-05:00

Recently I saw an inspiring post on photojojo on using a long exposure while flipping through a Facebook album (though I think this could be done in any photo book medium such as iPhoto or flikr).  This creates a dreamy double-exposure that can tell it's own story.  Phillip Maisel did a beautiful series using this technique, so I decided to try my hand at it as well.  I was only able to do two

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-25703942639625024682010-10-04T21:51:00.000-05:002010-10-04T21:51:03.259-05:00

...For this cold that has swept in - temperatures in the 40s?!  Blasphemy!  Going to the dog beach proved to be a brief affair both Saturday and Sunday, though our anxious dog was happy to stretch her legs and get out a bit of energy.  The lake seemed to be angry that it was so cold, but the windsurfers could not be happier.  Most of the weekend was spent among friends - brunch on Saturday

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-2811985258921822562010-09-28T21:50:00.000-05:002010-09-28T21:50:15.947-05:00

See that flash go by?  No?  Well that was Miss Ella-Bean.  This girl is on. the. go.  So much so that she's not showing up in as many pictures because, quite frankly, she won't stay still long enough.  My digital camera is now permanently set to the "kids & pets" setting in a (futile) effort to catch a shot of my little lightning bug!!  That's ok, though, she's off to bigger and better things now

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-70301453172642590502010-09-27T08:06:00.003-05:002010-09-27T08:39:38.407-05:00

(source) We've been on a hiatus, unplugged, away. It was a long time coming, but passed too quickly. We loved our little family time, our new routines, our slower pace. But we've returned and are back to work. I've got some catching up to do and a new (!) blog schedule to employ, things to stitch, a little girl to play with (ok, that hasn't changed), and a new season to welcome.  Bye bye

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-22393649105517907202010-09-20T02:30:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.591-06:00

There were so many great artists at Renegade that I couldn't fit them all into one OR two posts, so here's a third with a few more fabulous loves!!! gerbera designsThey have the most fabulous fabrics!  At the fair, they also sported fun reversible bags with really interesting pockets, think circles - (note to self: when you find something awesome, don't let go!)An apple a day... A little pocket

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-4113991411571829822010-09-18T04:00:00.002-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.591-06:00

Here are more of the great artists I visited with at the Renegade Craft Fair! White NestI love the idea of embroidered canvases, I think they would look lovely in a child's room (too bad Ella's room has little-to-no wall space left - gulp!) Blue bird Yellow birds Pink birds on the go********************************************************* Felix & JayneBoth of my sisters have clutches by Felix &

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-83036183815108647152010-09-16T09:22:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.592-06:00

Last weekend I went to my favorite fair of the year - The Renegade Craft Fair!!!  I went with two great girls, Elissa and Stacy (and little Gus too!) and we had such a very fun time.  The highlight for me was meeting Elsie, I read her blog (A Beautiful Mess) pretty much every day - it's very inspirational, fun and creative - so I was super excited to meet her.  So excited, in fact, that I pretty

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-13564178151610058112010-09-14T00:38:00.005-05:002010-09-14T21:54:44.285-05:00

Welcome to the September Carnival of Natural Parenting: We're all home schoolers This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama. This month our participants have shared how their children learn at home as a natural part of their day. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants. ***

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-88805937152733796282010-09-10T21:06:00.000-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.593-06:00

It's finally happened, the weather has slipped beneath the 80s and I'm afraid it's not going to return until next year.  We are back to that wonderful and awful transition part of the year (just like spring) where we are too cold or too hot, the layers getting put on and peeled off seemingly non-stop.  I'm restocking Ella's long sleeve onesies, since they can be paired under pretty much anything!

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-17077285649541892402010-09-06T23:01:00.000-05:002010-09-06T23:06:37.856-05:00

 (Sad, my machine pre-fix, with my broken needle off to the left...it's a much happier machine now!) With my sewing machine finally fixed, I've been able to finish up a couple of projects recently.  I'm especially happy with the library bag and know that Ella-Bean and I will put it to good use shortly (she's already a little bookworm - hooray!) For the napkins, I used two packs of fat quarters

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-90363285692798664812010-09-05T22:07:00.000-05:002010-09-05T22:10:25.092-05:00

We adopted our pretty dog when she was one-and-a-half and she has been high needs from the beginning.  Unfortunately, she was so abused by her first owners (she was rescued first by Animal Control in southern Illinois where she was chained up behind a house, she was then rescued by the agency we adopted her from after she was placed in a kill-shelter) that she has remained incredibly anxious. 

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-55695821451432204692010-09-01T22:42:00.000-05:002010-09-05T22:10:34.924-05:00

(source)I have been at the rodeo all week, complete with a bucking bronco!  OK, ok, perhaps not an actual rodeo, but if you saw the way my sewing machine has been screaming at me while jumping all around, you'd be confused too! (Mine is a bit more contemporary...source!) Yes, I have been fighting with my sewing machine for the past several days - it was (seemingly) possessed!  I broke a needle

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-67821876288735350142010-08-30T21:35:00.000-05:002010-09-05T22:10:54.696-05:00

There is a little boy (and other little ones) who have a genetic disorder called Smith Magenis Syndrome.  It is very rare and they do not know much about it.  This little boy is adorable and has inspired many people (myself included).  This little boy's (step)dad (aka Best Friend) writes an amazing blog called Pacing the Panic Room and he sent out an SOS to other mamas, papas, and humans

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-34659478489929402642010-08-28T21:21:00.000-05:002010-09-05T22:10:00.364-05:00

After a killer morning exercise (in a good way) followed by a fun afternoon at the pool with friends, I'm just plum tuckered out!  Even Miss Ella-Bean went to sleep without so much as a peep or protest.  As August draws to a close we can relish in the fact that we have really loved the heck out of this summer!!  My kiddo has a little farmer's tan and we all have a lot of good memories and

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-83919681391400236072010-08-25T22:52:00.003-05:002010-09-05T22:36:35.023-05:00

...then it tried to say something to me today through these two pieces... This made me laugh - ousted ex-governor Blago going all Michael Jordan on us apparently!  When his shenanigans first came to light, there were a bunch of graffiti pics of Blago running (with the caption, "Run Blago Run").  Now apparently it's "Jump Blago Jump!" It reads, "They won't notice us if we stay quiet.  Be quiet.

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-91448236964895450582010-08-24T19:29:00.002-05:002010-08-25T23:00:47.885-05:00

A new friend followed us home the other day...OK, he was really a gift to miss Ella-Bean from my wonderful aunt.  I'm not sure what he is - part bull (the horns) part octopus (the arms) and part duck (the mouth)?  I do know one thing, though - he's full on cute!!!  He is made by the adorable Little Miss Matched and in our house, we're obsessed.  My very favorite are the socks...because they

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-13661651264299249442010-08-20T22:00:00.000-05:002010-08-25T22:59:47.374-05:00

My youngest sister, Elise has graduated high school and is soon of to college.  For her graduation gift, I initially purchased some cups, bowls and plates from Target (the oh-so pretty Liberty of London line)...but when I actually got my purchases I was completely underwhelmed.  I felt that I could do better.  So during one of Ella's naps this week I whipped out my spray paint and created some

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-66403928861963588372010-08-17T23:28:00.000-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.593-06:00

Today I bought fresh flowers at the farmer's market and felt very fancy (and indulgent!)  Tonight I had two glasses of wine while out to dinner with Ben and a friend (and the Bean).  In between I did a lot of vacuuming (it's all about balance, I suppose.)  So now, at the end of the evening, I bring you fake shopping, my favorite kind of shopping - as indulgent as buying flowers on a Tuesday, but

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-23555137683989829982010-08-16T23:08:00.000-05:002010-08-25T22:59:38.592-05:00

To make up for the recent silence around here (hey, I was traveling) I offer up this easy and tasty recipe.  Since getting back to Chicago, I have yet to go to the grocery store for any real shopping, and our produce doesn't get delivered until Thursday (we have no milk or chocolate, for shame!)  After a bit of non-napping this afternoon, the thought of any shopping with Miss Ella-Bean was less

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-1027992294627109962010-08-11T08:44:00.000-05:002010-08-25T23:00:20.597-05:00

Not Georgia, though I'm sure it's nice (and I'd like to visit some day), but rather my sister's Japanese Mastiff.  She is the sweetest dog known to man - a big love through and through - she has been one (of many) highlights of this visit.  Lexi has had Savannah since she was a puppy all floppy ears and big feet.  She loves people (even if they are a little afraid of her) and has the cutest

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-13751593215424807532010-08-08T21:24:00.001-05:002010-08-25T23:00:32.548-05:00

We are having such a nice time relaxing here - it's been nice not being "plugged in" though I did have a bit of a heart palpitation this afternoon when my iphone ran out of batteries (not that I get service, but still...) On Saturday we went to Hospital Days - essentially it's a small town carnival complete with rides that make you dizzy and carnival games aimed at children (and their parents'

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-8365058329988319772010-08-06T21:48:00.000-05:002010-08-25T22:59:26.656-05:00

Goodness - it's been almost a week (A WEEK!!!) since I last posted!  We have been busy busy again (play dates, visiting family, and a baby that just doesn't want to sleep.)  Summer seems to be revving up and winding down all at the same time...and I cannot entirely say I mind.  It is like not enjoying being happy without knowing what it is to feel sad...you cannot enjoy fall without really

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-41256681367417579152010-08-02T22:23:00.000-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.594-06:00

I think many vintage dresses are beautiful.  My Abuela was a seamstress and has sewn hundreds upon hundreds of dresses for herself, my mom and her two sisters...many were beautiful...others, well, no one is perfect!  Vintage dresses, however, do not generally like me - they don't fit right or I just look silly.  This is not as sad as it seems, because it saves me lots of money in the end, and it

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-49226371007115369582010-08-01T21:53:00.000-05:002010-08-01T21:57:05.540-05:00

(source) Even though I'm home with Miss Ella-Bean during the week, I still love and look forward to the weekend as much as I did when I worked out of the home.  Granted, I no longer get to sleep in (ever.) but I do get to enjoy cooler early mornings at the dog beach and late-night movies that aren't too late!  We sang songs, went on walks and stopped by a coffee shop.   But the BEST part of this

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-39766473059599845342010-07-29T23:05:00.001-05:002010-07-29T23:07:38.907-05:00

Hopefully your garden is growing along just as well as mine.  I have really kept up with the watering this year...it was a bit of a weakness in the past...and as it turns out, plants don't so much thrive without water! I have been using my herbs in a lot of dishes throughout the summer, but most exciting, today I finally had my first big veggie harvest! (it's a container garden...so "big" is

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-77378625412648092502010-07-28T22:32:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:33:39.987-05:00

I have been on an oatmeal cookie kick the past couple of months.  Oatmeal is known to be good for nursing mamas...and, well, I just think it's tasty!  Last week I went healthy with oatmeal, walnut, cranberry-raisin cookies.  This week is another story - nothing but chocolate chips and oatmeal here!  I have found, through trial and error, that the best oatmeal recipe is (surprise!) on the

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-62613627564243887722010-07-27T22:16:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:34:24.637-05:00

We've been busy around here - soaking up the sun and warm months, even though the summer seems to be flying by!  I know that soon enough we will be spending long days indoors (boo.)  Here's a glimpse at what we have been up to lately... Reading... Singing and shaking... Drinking iced coffee (only me, not her!) Eating... And sleeping (at the beach with her Daddy)... I still have several projects

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-8152260443953935142010-07-25T22:16:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:35:10.919-05:00

It's a wonderful movie about a boy, some bullies and a balloon.  It was shot in 1956 and has very little dialogue.  It was the first movie I ever saw in a foreign language (it's in French).  And above all, it has stayed with me unlike any other movie.. I can't wait for Ella-Bean to experience this quietly perfect short film!  (And how precious, the little boy, the star of the film, is the

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-15905606805289159002010-07-22T21:05:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:34:37.596-05:00

(The band shell on a cloudy, muggy morning) We don't get downtown as often as we'd like to.  Somehow, riding the El with a bunch of tourists doesn't appeal to me most days...and yet strangely, I miss it.  I miss the sights, the sounds (they are filming the next Transformers movie right where I used to walk to work each morning!)  I miss the architecture and the way the city is always changing.  

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-71826463486506411262010-07-20T21:44:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:35:50.197-05:00

We have no less than six paint swatch cards taped to our bedroom wall (and we may or may not have four more paint blocks on the walls that I covered with pictures!)  As it turns out, finding the perfect gray for your bedroom is easier said than done.  Some tip too far into light blue, others come across as being more taupe than gray.  I think I have it narrowed down to two, but we are still

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-20325826344432278882010-07-18T22:43:00.000-05:002011-01-06T22:38:29.595-06:00

Today I was talking with my friend Stacy about an upcoming craft show she will be in (how cool is she?!) and I admitted the sad truth that I have been on a crafting hiatus.  There have just been bright sunny days where it would be a crime to stay in, and developmental milestones, and play dates...the list goes on!  The danger of being on a crafting break is that inspiration and ideas don't stop (

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-45305265366689089352010-07-15T22:47:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:33:59.723-05:00

Ella and I enjoyed some fish...and jazz...at the aquarium on Wednesday.  I had not been to the aquarium in ages, and forgot how much I enjoyed seeing all of the coral and fish - it reminded me of all the times with my family and Ben that I've been snorkeling.  Those have been during some of the best trips of my life! These moon jellyfish really are lunar!  They all floated gracefully in a

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521831559300936298.post-58774100323224060152010-07-13T06:23:00.004-05:002010-07-13T16:35:05.369-05:00

Welcome to the July Carnival of Natural Parenting: Let's Talk About Food This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have written about their struggles and successes with healthy eating. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants. *** I love food!  I

Andrea!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08992756315636193722noreply@blogger.com15