B and Blogging

Benj is happily napping on me after nursing...and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Boy, have my days changed since becoming a mother. What's one thing that I will forever be impressed by now? Single parents! I couldn't give B the attention he deserves without all the work that James does for us. I am a very lucky woman. I am also proud to still be breastfeeding. It's a truly wonderful feeling.

Next step? I've been amassing design / crafts / art ideas that I really want to accomplish (and blog about)...so I need to work on more B naps in his crib and more me time in the studio. When I get something done for my personal future on top of being a stay-at-home-mom, I feel like Superwoman! We just went to England and Lake Sunapee, NH to visit family and friends and I actually got some art time in! So I'll be posting those photos today, hopefully. (I've also learned that plans may change and often...and that is okay! I am loving my more spontaneous and giggle-filled days.) My other current goal is to meet other parents with children B's age in my area. I'm doing a "Boot Camp" workout on an upcoming Tuesday at one Mama's house and I recently bought a pass for "Mommy and Me" Yoga on Wednesdays in Montclair, NJ. I'd also love to get back in to horseback riding, book a few appointments (hair for a much-needed cut, dermatologist for a suspect mole, eye Doctor for my blurry left eye as of late, and maybe lactation consultant to check B's latch before teething starts...which I'm a little nervous for, OH!, and paddle-boarding and surfing lessons), and start swimming lessons with B! He absolutely loved "swimming" in Lake Sunapee and I loved paddle boarding again...new inspiration, that's for sure.

 (I painted this tortoise-shell onesie for Benji in NH this past week. I was totally inspired whilst wandering the annual League of N.H. Craftsmen's Fair...)

Life should be filled with the things you love. B has certainly helped me realize my priorities: family, friends, art (sewing and sketching), outdoor activities, slow food, and globetrotting.

Cheers to laughter, love, and splashing in the lake.

(Camp Carter Porch View, Great Island, Lake Sunapee, NH, USA)

<3 alex

Life - What an Adventure!

This post is inspired by a friend of mine named Lauren.  She just said the other day "Oh Life, what an Adventure you are" and she is just so completely right.  Every time I'm with her time flies and I feel like I am truly living every moment (as I should) of my life!  If I haven't said it enough, you should go out and buy "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Timothy Ferriss.  She told me to get this book and it has changed my life - just wait and see!

I just wanted to list the amazing things that happened to me/I learned this weekend.  I apologize, dear readers, but as this is truly my diary I feel that I can be somewhat liberal, if a little selfish, at some points.

1. Had a few to many cocktails and was literally saved by Lauren.  (Thank you!)  Only amazing because it really made me realize what an amazing friend I have!

2. Learned what it feels like to work for something you truly believe in and what a rush it can be to work hard for "yourself."  (Or Lauren - who feels like part of me at this point.)

3. S'Mores make EVERYTHING better.  Thank you Ness, I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer - I can't wait to buy some glitter now too!

4. My husband loves me unconditionally.

5. Everyone has an interesting story and you can never judge a book by it's cover.  I suppose I already knew this.  But, when a 16 year old girl came up to our HopeClips booth at the Expo. this weekend and told us that three years ago she saved a young girl from a brothel in Mumbai - I learned it all again.  What an experience.  What an inspiration that she had that strength at 13.  She told us this because my friend Lauren just recently started HopeClips in an effort to profit share with Hopes and Dreams International, a non-profit currently trying to raise money to build a healing center in California for victims of child sex trafficking.  When I was 13, I worried what to wear to school - I'm glad I have my priorities straight now.

6. Eating at Carbone's changes everything.

7. Thai cooking class at ICE - sign-up now.  What fun with Sarah and Erin last night!

8. Joe's coffee makes my whole day better.

And I'll leave you with a photo my dad sent me last night.  Apparently my mom found it in an old box and I think it's the first time I've ever seen it.  I've always loved food...  (By the way, Mom - look how organized you were before you had two teenagers reck havoc on your life in the '90's and '00's!  We're sorry.)  I love you both very much.

Have a great day and enjoy this adventure you're on!

xoxo,

Alex