Moving On (My Own)

I am thrilled to announce the new

location of my blog

WALKING WITH CAKE
(same blog, different site)

Beginning August 1, 2012.

(This site will remain online for reference purposes.) 

A Momentous Occasion (Or Two!)

When I became pregnant with Rhys just nine months after James was born, everyone I knew reminded me that I would soon have two babies in diapers.  Yes, that was true for quite a long time, but I'm thrilled to report that those days are over!

Though he will probably hate me one day for announcing this to the world, James is now 100% potty trained, and life could not be better!  To be completely honest, he's been using his training potty successfully for months, but simply refused to sit upon the "big boy" toilet.  This past week, something clicked (there might have been a small bribe involved), and our days of dumping out and wiping up the plastic potty basin are a thing of the past, at least for a little while.

To mark this wonderful milestone, we celebrated in true boy fashion, with a new truck and a power tool.  What could be more exciting!

(James enjoying the fruits of his, um, triumph.)

Next up on my To-Do List: getting this little guy to follow in his big brother's footsteps.

But before I embark on that journey, there's something new I'm undertaking that you need to know about.  This Wednesday, August 1st, I'm moving over to my own, self-hosted blog here!

It's been a long time coming, and though I've been intimidated by the idea, I finally decided to take the plunge.  Or, to be totally honest, I was pushed off the edge by Ryan, when he purchased my own site without my knowledge, as a birthday surprise.  That little nudge was enough to set the wheels in motion, and I truly hope that you will follow me on this next part of my blogging journey.

I won't be moving posts over from this site, but will continue to write in the same style, about the same topics.  I'm also working to make sure things look and feel as familiar as possible, and I will be linking back to posts here for reference, especially in the early days.

You will be able to follow me via all the standard avenues, so don't forget to update your subscriptions on Wednesday.  I'm also learning as I go, so please feel free to offer suggestions and advice.  Goodness knows I can use them.

I'm so excited about this big move and I hope you will join me at my new address on Wednesday.

See you over there!

Light Summer Reading

My light summer reading list.  Can you tell I took this picture with a borrowed camera?

My all-time favorite pastime is reading, but since I began my blogging class, I've been neglecting the stack of books on my bedside table and spending too much time in front of the monitor and keyboard.  That isn't necessarily a bad thing, since I'm writing my heart out, but if I'm not constantly reading, then what will I blog about?  As I'm getting into a writing routine, I'm working to find a balance between writing and reading that is still fun and inspiring.

Lately, I've been enjoying a new subscription to Lucky Magazine, a free gift with purchase from Sephora.  I've noticed that several online beauty stores are offering free magazine subscriptions lately, so I always choose that option instead of a small sample product, since it's definitely more bang for your buck.  When I stocked up on some facial wash recently, I also scored subscriptions to More Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens, all of which will keep me busy for at least a year.

 
I'm also finding inspiration in The French-Inspired Home by Texas designer, Carolyn Westbrook.  Her work is beautiful, and it's fun to stare at such gorgeous rooms before falling asleep at night.  And just this week, I received my copy of Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman, based on her elegant blog of the same name.  It's truly inspiring to see a blogger I admire publishing her first book, and the work is literally filled with stunning pictures and helpful hints on every subject from seasonal beauty to vintage shopping.

But the icing on the cake this summer has got to be the precious copy of Cinderella, illustrated by Roberto Innocenti, that I bought to read to the boys.  But really, who am I kidding?  They haven't even seen it yet, because I am enjoying it too much to share.

I was not previously familiar with Innocenti's work, but his 1920s-style illustrations are truly captivating and add a new sense of glamour to my favorite fairy tale.  In this edition, Cinderella wears a sleek black bob and, with the dapper prince on her arm, bears a striking resemblance to a certain American woman who stole the heart of the future King of England.  It's a fun take on an age-old love story, and the pictures are nothing short of spectacular.  Here are a few to inspire you.

Roberto Innocenti's Cinderella.

The stunning title page.

At the ball.

After the wedding.

What's on your reading list this summer?  I'd love to hear!

We Are Young, Kind Of

I really like this song.  The video is kind of bizarre.



But it ALWAYS make me think of this song, and the videos are kind of similar.



This is the kind of stuff I think about when I'm not blogging.

What do you think about? 

Blogging My Way

My month-long blogging class ends this week, and I am positively amazed at the difference it has made in my life.  I know that might sound silly, but please just keep reading.  When I first ran across the class on Making It Lovely, one of my favorite blogs, I thought it sounded like a fun and challenging way for me to fill some time this summer.  Little did I know that it would change the way I look at myself, my blog, the internet, and life in general.

This spring, I found myself in a bit of a slump, so to speak.  For the first time in many years, I'm not looking forward to a major life event like college graduation, getting married, buying a house, or having a baby.  I'm at that point in life where things are starting to settle down and stay the same, for years and years, if I let them.  I love caring for my husband, my boys, and our home, but I found myself needing something more, something just for me.  I dabbled in crafts and I'm constantly reading, but I just needed a little something else, all mine, to look forward to each day.  Essentially, I was bored.

And then I read about Blogging Your Way 2.0 by Holly Becker of decor8, thought, "What the heck?" and signed up.  Even before the class began, I found myself excited to write again, in a way I haven't felt in a very long time.  I have lots of writing training and have written a blog since January of 2008 (can't believe it's been almost five years!), but my blog had become sort of hum-drum and mediocre.  Here was a chance to take something I already had, using one of my greatest skills, and elevate it to something new that, hopefully, will entertain and inspire other people, too.  I don't have aspirations of greatness (well, not really), and I realize that my blog is one of millions out there, waiting to be read.  But now, I understand that I HAVE a voice, you CAN hear it, and what I say really DOES matter.

Two weeks before the class started, I ran across a paid writing opportunity that seemed too good to pass up, so I jumped at the chance and threw myself into preparations to submit my ideas.  I'm still waiting to hear if I actually get the job (though I'm not holding my breath), but even if I don't, it was an AMAZING experience and I learned so much as I prepared.  Plus, if things don't work out there, I have three really awesome blog posts that I get to share here.  The point is, I was excited about something again, and that felt good.

And then BYW 2.0 began, and I was instantly connected with bloggers from all across the world.  I made some fast friendships, learned about things I've never been exposed to (photography? me?), found inspiration in faraway lands, and mustered up the courage to contact people I admire (which scored me a place on an actual press list!).  All of this happened because I finally decided to take a chance on myself, me, the person I most often forget to remember.

I will always be a wife and a mother, and I am honoured to wear those hats, but now I know that I'm also a writer and a blogger, and it feels really good to say so.  I've actually thought about getting business cards, just to make things official, and I'm totally comfortable promoting myself, something I struggled with when I sold Mary Kay that season.  I'm doing something I love, just like being a wife and a mother, and in the same way, it just feels right.  After Nora Ephron died last week, I heard part of an old interview with her on NPR, and one thing really stayed with me.  She said something to the effect of, "Know what it is you love to do, and do it often."  I love to write, and now I'm doing it every single day.

So thank you, Holly, Thorsten, Jeanette, Nicole, and Katrina, for your incredible knowledge, inspiration, and support.  Thank you, Elly, for becoming such a loyal friend.  Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story with me and letting me share mine, too.  Thank you, Tami, for taking a chance on me.  And thank you, Sandra, for sharing a love of good television with me.

I'm sad that our class is ending, but I know that this is really the beginning.  

Bloglovin'

by fashionchalet

I finally claimed my blog at Bloglovin' and now you can follow me there!  Just click the link over in the sidebar to add me to your list.  If you aren't on Bloglovin' yet, it's easy to join and they don't require any information from you besides your email, so you know I like that.

Bloglovin' is great because it gathers all of your favorite blogs in one spot and emails you when there are new posts; plus, you are following blogs anonymously, so there's still an element of privacy left.  If you're a blogger, just make sure your blog has an RSS feed, and it will show up on Bloglovin'.

Have a wonderful weekend!

September Willow

My blogging class is quickly coming to an end, and while I've learned so many valuable new tools, my absolute favorite part of the experience has been meeting wonderful writers and artists from all across the world.  Tami, of September Willow, is a fellow Blogging Your Way student with a gorgeous Etsy shop filled with her own unique jewelry designs.

When I first discovered September Willow and its accompanying blog, I knew I had stumbled upon a kindred spirit who shares my love of classic, vintage-inspired jewelry and home decor.  Tami's jewelry reflects past eras of elegance and strikes me as very Downton Abbey-meets-Anthropologie in style.  Most of the pieces would look as charming on Lady Mary Crawley as they do on a busy mom running errands around town in her car.  There are also more modern earrings and necklaces, made with natural gemstones, that possess a very organic quality.

I wanted to treat myself to a necklace from Tami's store, but it took me several weeks to decide which one to buy.  I finally decided on the Romantic Rose Necklace, and it arrived Friday, as a nice anniversary surprise.  Tami also included a pair of gorgeous earrings and a precious hair pin as little extras, and I am so excited to wear all of my new pieces.

My beautifully wrapped package from September Willow.  The little key charm can be strung from a chain to make a simple necklace.

The piece I finally chose: September Willow's Romantic Rose Necklace.

Gorgeous earrings from September Willow.

A sweet rose hair pin from September Willow.

All of Tami's jewelry can be found at her Etsy shop, September Willow, and also
at her second shop, Paige and Penelope, which features flower hair pins and wedding accessories.  Please visit Tami on Facebook here and also at her blog, September Willow.

Tami is graciously offering my readers 30% off with a purchase, and just enter BLOG30 at checkout.  I know you will love her jewelry as much as I do! 

Photographing Fairies

Just a few more shots from my practice photography session this week.  Can you tell how much I'm in love with my new vase?  According to Wik & Walsøe, "the elfin symbolizes dreams, hope and the belief in making the impossible come true."  Words to inspire me as I begin a new pursuit.

I like that the shadows of the leaves mimic the dark images upon the vase.

Here, I was trying to capture the different textures of the wood table, the fabric runner, the curtains, and the plant behind the vase.

I took this one while lying on the floor, and you can see my reflection a bit in the vase.  Is that a good thing or not?

I also took this photo from the floor, and I like the tree in the background and the symmetry of the window lines, but the picture itself is too dark.

This is the view from my back door, and it is so lovely this time of year with everything in bloom. 

I was able to share my previous blog post with the designers, thanks to Lise at Nordic Galleri.  She contacted me to check on the status of my order, and I sent her a link to my blog, which she kindly passed along to Wik & Walsøe, who were happy to hear that Americans love their work. And all of this stems directly from my online class, which features Jeanette Lunde as a teacher.  We truly live in an amazingly small world!

I wish you a magical weekend!

A Joy Forever (With apologies to Keats)

John Keats' poem, "A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever," begins with these lines:

                 
                    A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
                    Its loveliness increases; it will never
                    Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
                    A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
                    Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

I am reminded of his words now while our house is wide awake, and not sleeping.  James, our eccentric three-year-old, recently found new freedom in his big boy bed, and though he has never needed much sleep to function well, he is currently testing the limits by waking at ungodly hours, turning on all the lights in the house, harassing his baby brother, throwing epic tantrums, and disrupting our early-morning routine.  I am running on empty lately, and we are working to set new patterns for him to follow.  

In the few quiet moments that I muster, I am thoroughly enjoying my online blogging class and learning new things daily.  One of our teachers, Jeanette Lund of FRYD + DESIGN, is a Norwegian graphic artist recently named Interior Talent of the Year by Elle Decoration Norway.  Jeanette's work is truly inspiring, and she is well-known for her lovely online magazine, currently in its third edition.  Her creativity is evident in the pages of her work; and to me, the fact that she has cultivated and self-published a series of beautiful journals, available to everyone, for free, adds her to the ranks of greats like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, both writers who also self-published their works during their lifetimes.  To do so shows great strength and dedication to their art, in my opinion, and I admire all three artists immensely. 

While perusing Lund's piece, I fell in love with the work of another Norwegian pair, Wik & Walsøe, creators of gorgeous porcelain tableware collections.  I was drawn to the beauty and simplicity of their ALV series, and I hope to own the entire set someday.  I'm typically not the type to swoon over dishes, but these pieces are truly stunning in their art and design.  Only one retailer in the United States carries their work, Nordic Galleri in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and I decided to purchase a piece immediately, as an early birthday present to myself, using the money I've been saving to buy my much-coveted rose ottoman.  Some things are simply worth having immediately.

The vase arrived today, just as naptime began, and, in absolute quiet and heavenly peace, I was able to open and admire the beauty of my own little "Grecian Urn."  I also spent a while tinkering with my camera, attempting to capture its beauty myself. 

The Alv vase by Wik & Walsøe.

As I take this class, I am truly beginning to understand the need for some basic photography skills, which I do not currently possess, and I'm excited at the prospect of learning something new that will challenge and, hopefully, inspire my creativity.  As my boys grow older, I find myself searching for new ways to expand my horizons, away from them a little, as they are growing up and away from me.

It's definitely a complicated path, this time of self-discovery, but I feel so inspired by the work of others, and their creations are fueling my desire to keep moving forward in search of "truth [and] beauty."

Pieces of June

June is finally here and it's gearing up to be a wonderful month.  We even had a small cold front blow through last night, so it's not incredibly hot yet.  I'm anxiously awaiting a Sephora delivery that should be here any minute (Where are you, UPS man!?!), and I hope to share my goodies with you next week.

The class I'm taking officially starts today, so I'm excited to delve into that, and I've been hard at work this past week on a new project that I will write more about soon.

Later this month, Ryan and I will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary, and I can hardly believe it.  We've actually been together a lot longer, since we met in high school, but ten years of marriage is a huge milestone.

There's lots to look forward to in June, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

My Whole World

Since I'm changing things up around here, I decided to switch to a more personal header photo that captures a bit of my personality.  I love this picture more for what it represents than what it actually shows, and it was taken back in 2010 by Ryan while we were at Emma Long Park for his company picnic.

The scenery, with the flowing river, lush trees and grass, and hidden house, is lovely, and I really like how small James and I appear in the midst of it all.  He is so tiny, in his little hat, and I am leading him along as we gaze at the view together.  It's a sweet glimpse at a quiet moment between a mother and a son, and if you were there that day, you would have seen this, too.

That unmistakable bump is Rhys, who made his appearance two months later and completed our little family of four, in many wonderful ways.  Recently, we went back to this same location for another picnic, and it was fun to reflect on how much our lives have changed in just two short years.  And so I treasure the picture in the header, of my two sweet boys and me, taken by Ryan, since it represents my family and the promise of our future together.

Stepping Out

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm trying to take a bit of a different approach with my blog by trying new things outside my comfort zone.  I ran across this class the other day, and decided that it might be a fun challenge for me this summer.  Since the topics are published online and only require about three hours of time a week, I can easily work in my spare time when the boys are sleeping, or on weekends, when Ryan takes them off my hands for a while.

I'm looking forward to learning new things (like how to take better pictures) and stepping out of my shell a little.