LaLoo's

Laloo's - The name itself is just fun to say! I was recently introduced (visually) to this amazing small ice cream business based in Sonoma County, CA via the Cooking Channel.  They use goats milk instead of cows milk and apparently it makes a wonderful and healthy ice cream. Each pint is handcrafted and made the old-fashioned way. (They are part of the SlowFood movement - hurrah!) The flavors sound heavenly and I'm thinking it may be time to order some. I recognize I am pregnant and crave all sorts of things, but I've always had a sweet tooth and NEED this. NOW would be even better. So, I encourage you to look through their website and locate some too! That Strawberry Darling looks soooooo delicious :)

Craft Project: Baby Mobile

I've totally got that 'nesting' bug these days. Being just 1.5 months away from delivery day, I've got a boat load to do!  I decided I should get crafty and make something for the future baby's room :) Hence, my baby mobile...

Overall, it cost me $18 to make, which was important as our budget is tight. I liked the idea of the picture mobile (you can change the images out and it can grow with the child). I also love owls and made the decision to create a subtle 'owl' theme in nursery.  I googled 'free owl template' and found this one. I cropped it to the right size and traced the images onto some lovely papers. After an hour of tracing and cutting, I glued these bad boys together and laminated them for durability. I am quite fond of these little birds :) Let's hope the baby is just as enthralled! haha.

Figuring it out...

I know our first baby will be here come July and life will most likely speed up and she will keep my days busy. I am so looking forward to her arrival and this new chapter in my life. However, in the meantime, I want some direction.

I've been trying to figure out exactly what I should be doing with my life right now.  I had my small business going last year, but had to take a bow when my pregnancy woes were just too much to handle. I hated that, for several reasons, and the long winter months didn't help AT ALL.  And, honestly, I'm still dealing with many of those lingering emotions. I just feel stuck. I stepped foot in my studio space awhile ago, looked around at my creations and materials, and I just felt uninspired. This made me sad. Where to go now? What to do? These are the questions that drift back-and-forth in my head every single day.

I thought I was on a clear path: start up my small business, grow it slowly, all while focusing on the main goal: taking private lessons in furniture design and upholstery (this is the direction I want to take my business). I was able to earn enough money to make this a reality and I did - at least I tried. I had signed up for a fabulous 2 month course in 'old-world upholstery technique' over in Wales. The day after I had sent my payment I was overcome with sickness. Turns out I was pregnant. And, not just the usual nausea, but 24/7 vomiting with trips to the ER. I honestly felt like I was dying. After two weeks of this persistent sickness I withdrew from the class. It wouldn't have worked, as my pregnancy woes lasted for months.

I have been wrestling with anger (unable to focus on my creative passions) and joy (getting pregnant). It is an odd state to be in. I am left with the ever-present question 'what now'? I simply don't know. This will be remembered as a year of struggle and uncertainty. We all have them. Isn't that part of living? Looking back on my past hardships, I do recall that these struggles do eventually melt away and clarity is restored. This is what I am leaning on right now to get me through each week. I do have faith that God has a plan for me. And this baby is a huge part of His plan, for which I am blessed.  Just wish I knew what I'm supposed to be doing in the meantime...

Fawn & Forest...

...this is the cutest shop for little ones. I was introduced to these adorable decals the other week on Bliss and I traced them to this shop in Portland.

However, now besides wanting these sweet designs for the nursery, I also want these adorable outfits! I think these are the sweetest girl outfits. A bit out of our price range, but I will dream...maybe one piece? I am loving the photography :)

It's a Girl!!!

 

I've already been blabbing this fun news to friends and family, so I figure it's time to post it! Yes, we are having a baby girl come July!! We were for SURE it was a boy - guess my gut instincts are off. She is healthy and moving like mad in there - a HUGE relief. So many things to get anxious about as a pregnant lady! I had no idea. It was so amazing to see her spinning and drinking fluid - like she knew we were watching :) Still thinking of names - it will be a surprise!

Pinch...

Can we say...LOVE!!! I will take one, well, make that two of each , please :)

 

  

  

  

  

This last sofa looks like a great napping station :)

Which one would you like??

Check out Pinch for their entire collection of loveliness...

Hemingway's cats...

 

My cousins are on a road trip of sorts down in Florida - I am soooo jealous. They rented a convertible and drove down the coast to Key West (aka home of Mr. Hemingway). I believe this was one of the perks for driving so far south, besides the warmth, as one of them is a huge fan of the man (like myself). I sometimes find myself craving a Hemingway book - I think I was the only one in 9th grade that devoured 'Old Man and the Sea' - hahaha.

There is magic and mystery that surrounds his books and the man himself. He is just plain fascinating. And, Key West, FL was lucky enough to have him for part of his life. The house remains intact and open to the public - it's got southern charm. According to my cousin, the house houses over 60 cats! Several even have 6 toes. $30,000/year is set aside to provide for these pampered felines. They are loved. If I were a cat, this would be my heaven...ready for a trip, anyone?

Photos taken by Scott Finley (my cousin)