Recipe: Poop Sandwiches

A few weeks ago I shared a parenting tool: Make Liam laugh. Sometimes, on the verge of a meltdown I tell him I'm going to feed him a poop sandwich and he immediately cracks a smile and calms down so I can talk to him. A few weeks later and he's saying "poop san-wech" ALL. DAY. LONG.  He says it to strangers, he shouts it in the car and he asks for it at every meal. Always with a big, hearty laugh. I mostly ignore the craziness and occasionally ask him to stop. The obsession has gotten out of hand...so, I decided to make him a poop sandwich. If you can't beat 'em join 'em, right? 

POOP SANDWICHES

A loaf of pound cake

Chocolate Mousse

Whipped Cream and Chocolate shavings for garnish

I used Bobby Flay's recipe for the chocolate mouse, found here on Foodnetwork.com. The pound cake was from a local bakery (make sure you get vanilla or butter cake, not lemon). Whip some extra cream and make your own chocolate shavings for the top and enjoy with a cup of coffee. 

I was concerned that Liam wouldn't get the joke and my efforts would go unappreciated but he laughed the whole time. Plus, it was so yummy.

Mmmmm. Poop sandwiches!

Dear Son

February 2014

May 2012

Dear son,

Writing "Dear son" just blew me away. I'm wiping a few tears off my face, reflecting on the miracle of your adoption. Sometimes I take for granted how special you are. We get into our rhythm of snacktime, playtime, running errands, the sometimes sweet and mostly torturous bedtime routine -- and I forget that I'm not your biological mother. We are so much alike. We even have the same seasonal allergies, same intense temperament, same sensory quirks (I do not like touching sticky things, either!). You're in the middle of a huge growth spurt, seeking more independence but still displaying babylike behavior every day. I know that in a few years you'll be more independent and I'll miss your snuggles, headbutts and "Sit, mom!" more than I can ever imagine. No matter how good or bad our days are I spend every evening reflecting on how awesome you are. I pray for you and dream for you and wonder what type of young man you'll be. Maybe you'll be a drummer or the world's shortest basketball player? No matter your profession or hobbies I know that your kindness, joy and passion will change the world. Son, don't ever lose your tenacity, frustrating as it may be to a tired mother on her third day with very little sleep.

I'll sign this one off like I did on our one year anniversary: You are safe, you are loved, you are so incredible. 

Love forever, 
Your mama

Nirvanda Lambert

What do you get when you pair a huge Nirvana T-shirt (that you got on vacation in Italy for 2 euro), a lace underthing and a floral skirt: Nirvanda Lambert, my friends. If there was ever an outfit to embody "Nirvana" and "Miranda Lambert" I think this is it.  I confess that I did not come up with "Nirvanda Lambert". When I was trying to think about what to write with this outfit, I got a Facebook invite to 'like' our friend Micah's band: Nirvanda Lambert. Check them out if you're in Nashville. I've tried to see them twice and both times had trouble finding a babysitter. But, someday, Nirvanda Lambert, I'll be head-banging in the front row. I promise

Dan, who took these photos, challenged me to try and be a little more daring with my wardrobe. Due to my new job as an event planner I cant really justify buying more "street clothes" (because I need to buy more "cocktail attire") so I'm going to get a little more creative with what I've got. I got this skirt at a thrift store here in Nashville. I love it. It's multicolored so it can go with anything. It's long enough to wear to a picnic and do mom-things, too. Tuck in a tank, throw on a belt and heels. Done.

Shirt: H&M. Lace tank: Target. Skirt/Shoes/Belt: thrifted. Earrings: Carlsbad Caverns gift shop. Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe.

To go with our [insane?] theme here's my favorite Nirvana video and the only Miranda Lambert song I know...

Happy Easter, You Guys

We had a picnic and an egg hunt today at Shelby Park in East Nash! Tomorrow we're BBQing with new friends. The weather is absolute perfection. It's a happy time. But this day, Easter, means everything ... or it means nothing. I will not get caught up in the pastels and the eggs and the sun. Even if it's pouring rain, snowing or flooding where you are, know that this day is full of light.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

Happy Easter!

Coffee + Home

Ankle boots: Gap. Jeans: BDG, Urban Outfitters. T-shirt: H&M. Plaid: Target. Necklaces: Forever 21. Hat: Florence, Italy. Photos of me by: Blair, Wild-and-Precious.

You know when you meet someone and you cant stop talking? That's been happening to me a lot lately. Maybe it's because everyone I talk to is new to me or maybe it's because my husband travels a lot and I have a lot of words stored up. But, really, I think it's because I just keep meeting such interesting people. I have ended many conversations with the phrase, "I'm sure we could keep talking for hours". I have many unfinished conversations, most of them put on pause because of a screaming child or some because we run out of time.

It's nice making new friends. Friends are what make a place feel like home.

Blair and I got together on a sunny (and, again, cold) afternoon for some more delicious coffee and style photos. She and I could definitely talk for hours but I like that we get to pop in and hang out and then we're both off to our regularly scheduled, far-too-busy lives. During our conversation, pre-photos, she told me about the Influence Conference which is September 25 - 27 in Indianapolis. Then I told Dan about it and he really wants me to go. I am going to think of a creative way to raise the funds because I don't want to Dan to have to sell a guitar for me to go! Because he would, God bless him. 

Barista Parlor was the setting for these photos and the conversation. Some Stumptown Coffee (Portland, OR) and the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shop in all of Nashville. I just wish there was one on every corner. Then I would truly feel at home.

Face Products

A few weeks ago, on Instagram, I asked for anti-aging recommendations. I got some great tips and many of these products are on my Amazon wishlist. I had been seeing a dermatologist and he recommended Cerave. It's supposed to restore your skin's protective barrier with ceramides...whatever that means. What it lacks is exfoliation and after 2 years of using Cerave I have decided that it's not cutting it. For my current budget and imminent need I went to Target. 

I read once that many of the acne products marketed to teens are too harsh for young skin. Since I'm 30 I bore that in mind in my quest. With some stress acne poorly concealed, I walked down the overwhelming aisles of skin care products. I found a Blackhead Facial Scrub with Salicylic Acid, an Eye Lifting Serum (both by Target's up & up brand) and, since I'm using Pond's BB+ Cream I opted for Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream.

Photo of me by Blair McLeod.

THE RESULTS: My skin is soft to the touch and I think the fine lines are smoothing out quite a bit. I may not stick with the particular brands that I'm using now but I think I've found a combination of products that will work for me and tackle my "issues." Cheers to smoother skin!

[A quick side note for those of you who are scared of the generic or off-brands: According to my dad, whose company packages things, most of the generic stuff isn't generic. Target doesn't have a factory to make their own aspirin or whatever. They're just borrowing from whomever makes Asprin. At least I think that's what's going on. Ask my dad. Anyway, generic brands are fine when it comes to stuff like this. This rule does not apply to shoes and purses.]

What do you use on your face?

This post was inspired by Dollar Shave Club. The members-only Club that ships amazing razors and other cool bathroom stuff for a few bucks a month.  

On "Giving Up" on my "Dreams"

Last night was my first night at my new job. It was a simple, easy wedding. The bride was laid back. Her parents were awesome. They just wanted to dance and drink. 

But there's an ugly little voice that's telling me I gave up on my dreams. It's like a little dark cloud on my party, telling me that I've failed. The truth is, Dan and I talked for hours discussing what our life in Nashville would be like. What I really wanted was a flexible job in which I could work really hard 1 or 2 days a week and have plenty of free time with Liam. I also didn't want to have to work on these few, precious days that Dan is home since he'll be touring so much. I wanted to plan events but didn't know where to start or how to get the clientele. I have the camera gear, I have the website, I have the experience, I had the drive. Thus, the dream of being a wedding photographer was born. It just seemed like a good fit.

I went for it as best as I could but this place is a "who you know" type of town and with a toddler at home there isn't a lot of opportunity to get out and rub elbows with... anyone, really. So, I signed a contract for a job that I think I'm going to love. And they're supportive of my photography, too! I've found something I'm good at, that fits my criteria of flexibility. So, my only regret is that I didn't wear heels on my first day. I believe it's an unwritten requirement. I think I need to buy new shoes and buying shoes is one of my favorite things to do so I guess... technically... I have no regrets! I loved it and I can't wait for the next event.

Peace and Chaos

My life seems to be an ebb and flow of peace and chaos. There is truly little of the in-between. While I dream of lackadaisical mornings I know that our family thrives in extremes. We love a quiet night in just as much we love, for example, running errands/getting coffee/having meetings/going out for lunch in a span of 2 hours. It's a wonder how I'm not having a constant panic attack. (To this day, the only panic attack I've had was from stupid Gibson. Who, as a result, failed his 30 day challenge and has a new home - and I am 100% at peace about it!) 

Dan is still very busy and doesn't have a break until next week.  In the 6 or 7 weeks since we moved into our new home he's been here about 8 or 9 days. So, we cram as much into those days as possible. It's a strange life, cramming a weeks worth of family-time into 24 hours. But, we do. Just as we are getting our rhythm, it all goes out the window. I'm starting my job as an event coordinator on Saturday and it's going to be a big change. The biggest change will be my wardrobe. I am to wear conservative cocktail to events and client meetings. Oh man, my closet full of PNW-WAHM style (jeans and sweaters) is not gonna fly! Expect more dresses and heels, blazers and skirts and lots more hairspray! 

This skirt stood out to me at Forever 21. I am drawn to anything in that color. My cell phone case, winter jacket and my eyes are this color so let's just say it's my favorite. Although it's spring, the mornings can be chilly here so I put on a lightweight sweater in a bold color and popped on some gold jewelry. Later in the day I swapped the sweater for a tank-top and took off the boots and tights for simple flats but this particular outfit suited the 55° morning in downtown Nashville. I met up with Blair and had a blast shooting photos of her and drinking some of Nashville's best coffee at Crema! She's a native Tennesseean so I hope to get some Southern Style tips from her - especially in the summer. 

Skirt and Boots: Forever 21. Sweater: hand-me-down from Grandma Marge. Tights: Assets / Nordstrom. Necklace: Enya. Watch: Marc Jacobs/ Nordstrom. Ring: Fred Meyer Jewelers. Earrings: World Market. Sunglasses: borrowed. Polish: OPI You Dont Know Jacques!

Photos by Blair, Wild-and-Precious.com.

A Blank Canvas

I'm not just navigating Nashville. I'm navigating a whole new culture, new parenting dynamic, new financial status, new friendships. I could go on. Everything in my life is new and while I love a blank canvas I dont necessarily want my life to be one. 

I've always had a problem with the big decision-making in my life. Most of the time the decisions were made for me after I procrastinated long enough. For example, my second year of college I lamented over what to major in and I looked at my transcript to see that most of my credits already were English credits. Done. English Lit major. When it comes to small stuff, I tend to take the reigns with no problem. I know that I want to paint a wall green or I know that I want Mexican food for dinner. But the big stuff is daunting. 

I feel constantly pulled by my two sides: the go-for-dreams-and-work-your-butt-off side and the relax-everything-is-going-to-be-okay-whatever-will-be-will-be side. It feels like a tug of war but what ends up happening is that I try really hard at something, get frustrated and impatient when it doesn't produce the way I want it to, change my focus and it's back to square one. Everything does end up working out.

When Dan and I were figuring out what life would be like in Nashville, and what I'd do after the move, we settled on wedding photography because I could work very few hours (all day, one day a week) and edit during Liam's naps. The schedule seemed like a great fit.

Well, I've only been here 6 weeks but it's SO.HARD. to start a new business in a new city while taking care of a child. So, I started to look for part-time work and stumbled upon a great opportunity which combines my creativity with my administrative side. I will still be working limited hours throughout the week and long shifts on weekends. I am so excited for this opportunity - for myself and for our family. When I told Dan about it he said, jokingly, "So we're super rich again?!"... Yes, dear. Rich in love, rich in hope.

Looking forward to painting our blank canvas with beautiful colors.