Five Favorites

This amazing cat painting that was on the wall in the hotel we were snowed in at in Richmond. It was pretty awesome all the way until the third day we were stuck there when I started to think the octopus was staring at me in a creepy way.

1. Yogurt covered almonds. I can't stop eating them.

2. This candle. Thanks to a chance encounter in Richmond, I now have a full supply of candles to keep my spirits up for the rest of the tour!

3. High Maintenance. It's a web series about a guy who delivers weed by bicycle in New York.

4. Fingerless gloves. I have 5 pairs of varying styles in my suitcase. I love them. Your hands are warm, but you can still use your phone.

5. CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion. I've always been a bit of a snob when it came to skincare and cosmetics, sticking to department store brands. But this drugstore staple is getting me through the winter. 

52 Lists Journal

I am FINALLY healthy again after being knocked out for nearly a month by that nasty cold. It's amazing how feeling healthy and getting to the second trimester of this pregnancy has me feeling like a whole new person. I actually cleaned my house this weekend. And I might open a book and read for once. I'm getting into the "nesting" mood and motivated to get organized, both on a mental level and a physical one. I've been thinking about trying to adopt some meditation and journaling to be a bit more centered for the second half of this pregnancy.

One of our favorite local stores, Morea Seal, has created an awesome new journal called 52 Lists: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration which I'm dying to get my hands on. It's meant to not only inspire "self exploration" but also inspire creativity and progress toward personal goals. Not to mention it's filled with gorgeous photos from Seattle photographer Julia Manchik. I think I need it.

Return of the Tanners

Who else grew up on Full House? I just watched the new preview, and I'm trying to figure out if I'm excited for Fuller House or not. Are sequels ever as good as the original? Is ANYTHING ever as good as the things you obsessed over as a child?

PS. This moment was a childhood dream come true :)

Friday Roundup

Happy Friday! Looks like it's going to be a snowy one on the East Coast! I'm attempting to get to Washington DC on Sunday so wish me luck!

Here are some links to get us started:

This gorgeous braid makes me want to grow my hair long again (also, I hope my daughter is a red head!!)

Have you heard of maximalism? I'm not there yet but on my way.

Healthy and delicious. 

Inspiration for my baby girls walls (if she ever gets a room, ha).

Would you ever toss out your shampoo?

Best places to travel in 2016 -- and Mexico City is at the top of the list! I am dying to go.

Gorgeous Valentine's Cards.

Netflix secret movie categories (!) and 16 of the best British shows you aren't watching.

(photo)

Cozy Reads for a Snow Day

As I'm on the east coast in a winter wonderland, I thought a post about books to curl up with would be applicable. I hope you're staying warm wherever you are. Here are a variety of things for you to curl up with under a quilt with a cup of tea.

The Interestings- If you liked A Visit from the Goon Squad, you'll like this one by Meg Wolitzer. It follows a group of friends who meet at summer camp from high school through adulthood.

Why Not Me?- Mindy Kaling's newest book. If you liked the last one, you'll like this one too!

The Thorn Birds- If you'r in need of a epic romance, this one, set in the Australian Outback, falls somewhere between Anne of Green Gables and Outlander (incidentally, two other books I'd recommend if you haven't read them yet). 

Room- You might know of the movie, for which Brie Larson is nominated for a best actress for her portraial of mother and son held captive for years in a single room. But before it was a movie, it was a book and a really gripping one at that.

What Alice Forgot- If you want to escape winter, tryout this book that takes place in sunny Sydney.

Anna Karenina- If you're REALLY looking for a bleak wintery classic, might I suggest this one. If you can get into Tolstoy's writing, this reads like a soap opera about the upper classes of Russia.

Marilyn reading image found here. 

Myles: Two and A Half

Today my little baby is two and half years old!!

It's so fun to see his personality developing the older he gets. He is a chatterbox and has even started to make his own little jokes. He'll debate or negotiate EVERYTHING until he gets what he wants. He wants to name his little sister "Starla," after the girl monster truck in his favorite show Blaze. He loves all of our family and is constantly making lists that include everyone by name  He still sleeps with his favorite stuffed animal, Cowy, and his pacifier every night. He is a big boy and still my baby all at once. I LOVE THIS AGE!

More about Mylo at 2.5 years old:

He loves eating olives, pickles, blueberries, raspberries (which he calls gras-berries), bananas (which he calls two-nanas), shrimp, cheese, yogurt and granola, and of course ice cream.

He loves playing with his monster trucks, trains, planes, play-doh, Etch-a-Sketch, puzzles, legos, stickers, and balls.

He loves reading books about animals, construction, Blaze, counting, and anything with sound effects.

He loves watching the TV shows Blaze & The Monster Machines, Winnie the Pooh, Curious George, Mickey Mouse, Little Einsteins, and Paw Patrol.

He loves being with his cousins, outdoors, cuddling with mommy and daddy, "playing" with Rafa, the snow, laughing, stomping, and generally being silly.

Seattle Spotlight: Yoga By The Falls

For my friend Alicia's birthday she invited us to join her for a yoga class, spa soak and lunch at Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls, about 45 minutes east of Seattle. I've stayed at the lodge before but the new yoga studio with views of the falls is a welcome addition! We had a blast at the yoga class (which even the beginners in the group enjoyed), soaking in the sea salt spa, and eating a delicious lunch in The Attic (this pregnant lady indulged in the Beecher's Grilled Cheese, TO DIE FOR). Overall, I left the day feeling refreshed and pampered, what a great way to spend a birthday. Cheers to you, Alicia!

PS. Remember these AMAZING photos Jenny and Jason took at Snoqualmie Falls?