Friday loves

this is a fraction of the junk that is in our food here in the U.S. 

- sad, but true. so happy to be a part of a company that bans these ingredients from our products. 

Russell Brand is a boss.

I hope that when Ronin is four, he's half as cool as this girl. 

some Etsy love: this necklace, a detailed to-do list, and this personalized journal. 

"behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she's screwing things up." 

- Jess' awesome take on this quote. 

a baby sea lion jumps on a boat and cuddles. aka my dream come true.

Friday loves

new research shows that an infant's heart rate slows in just 3 seconds in his/her parent's embrace.

10 ways to spread the blog love.

most common beauty blunders.

this video - so cute, and so heartwarming. I hope this is how Ronin sees me.

these custom hand painted wooden dolls. I WANT. 

loving this colorful picnic blanket. we'll need one for our park trips this summer!

Veronica Roth released the title and cover for the third book in the Divergent trilogy. SO EXCITED.

a Hungarian theater group performs on Britain's Got Talent. - a MUST watch video. these folks are so incredibly talented. 

Happy Weekend! 

Friday loves

summer wardrobe essentials for little fellas. 

the only spilled milk that leaves me in awe. 

this onesie for Ronin to wear at his first birthday party (someone hold me). 

tiny teepees are all the rage right now, and I want one, damnit. this one, to be exact.

um, this kid. what a freakin' heart breaker. 

and finally, this post on having mom friends. - it's SO hard being a first time mom and not having local mom friends. don't get me wrong, I have friends with kids (my BFF has two and another on the way), but they all live 30+ minutes away from me, and it's not exactly convenient to visit and have playdates when I have to work around pumping and nap time. I'm making it a goal of mine in the next few weeks to meet more local young moms. 

Friday loves

a PSA regarding citronella oil & kids. - A MUST-READ for all parents of young children. 

a cute child fashion blog. psst. they have a shop too.

Aubrey Plaza on Ellen. - I want to be friends with her. she's so awkward and hilarious.

the dresses at Old Navy right now are amazing. I want one of each. seriously.

something hilarious: the reviews of this banana slicer.

a link to a link to all of IROCKSOWHAT's free downloads. 

(confession? there are 3 of these in Ronin's nursery.)

two words: bandanna bibs. 

HAPPY WEEKEND, friends! 

we have a busy one coming up. I finally built our raised garden bed today, so 

I'll be planting an abundance of fruits and veggies tomorrow. 

I'm co-hosting a baby shower on Saturday (cannot wait to share the details!) 

for my friend Jen, and Sunday will be spent doing stuff around the house. 

I hope you all enjoy your weekend! 

Thursday Thoughts

linking up with Miss Sar for some random musings :)

{one}

I finally made an appointment to have this mop cut! I haven't had anything done to it since JUNE of 2011. it's in definite need of some TLC. I think I'm going to keep my color the same, but trim the ends and add some more layers. still undecided on whether I want to grow out/keep my bangs. 

{two}

I don't like the new actor playing Spartacus. I'm glad they're continuing the show, but I don't think it'll ever be the same without Andy Whitfield.

{three}

I have no idea who I'm going to root for during the Superbowl. I hate the Giants (Redskins fan), but I don't really like the Patriots either. 

{four}

we have a little mini photo session planned with Jessica this weekend - it's been so long since we've had our pictures taken so I'm a little nervous. but Jessica is a fabulous photographer, so I know she'll work her magic. can't wait to show you all! 

{five}

I may or may not still have Christmas decor up. no lights or tree, but stockings? yes. Christmas cards still hung? yes. talk about being a slacker. 

{six}

I think Punxsutawney Phil is full of shit. it's 60 degrees here in Maryland today (and was yesterday too), so I don't see Old Man Winter hanging around for another 6 weeks. I'm sure I'll have my foot in my mouth when it snows next week or something, haha. 

{seven}

I've read 6 books this year already! yeehaw! to be fair, they were mostly young adult fantasy crap, so I flew right through them. I'm working on The Red Tent right now, and it's proving to be much more adult, and therefore a little harder to get into. 

10 things that make me happy lately

1. the weather in Maryland has been fantastic. 

it's 75 degrees outside, but you can still feel that crisp chill of fall on the horizon. 

2. Dexter. 

this season is going to be amazing. I think Colin Hanks is a great addition to the cast, and I can't wait to see how he stirs things up. 

3. my hair is growing SO fast. 

I've been growing it out for a long time, and it's finally starting to get some length and I'm absolutely LOVING it. it's to the point now where I can pull it back without strays everywhere and it doesn't take TOO long to style. 

4. My Dear Watson Scentsy. 

mmmmm. smells like a well dressed man... I ended up buying TWO bars of it at the last party I attended because I knew I'd be burning it all the time. 

5. friends. 

we have a lot going on in the next few weekends and thankfully, they are all friend-related events. I've been feeling sooooo burned out with school and work, and spending time with good friends is such an outstanding break from the hustle and bustle. 

6. HOCKEY SEASON IS HERE. 

and yes, the caps are totally necessary.

[taken at the Caps home opener against the Hurricanes this past weekend]

7. these jeans from Old Navy that I talked about buying a few weeks ago. 

I have seriously been wearing them out! they are so comfortable and look great with everything - tee shirt & flip flops, sweater & boots, or a dressy blouse and heels. 

8. the countdown to Christmas. 

I know the holidays often stress people out but I love it. I'm the type of person who strives to give the perfect gifts, and this year will be no exception... only I'm taking the homemade gift route this season. I already have some ideas and supplies together, so I'll be sure to share that journey once I get started. 

9. listening to old CDs. 

and yes, I still listen to CDs. 

Kaley made me a bunch of mixed CDs to listen to on our way to Baltimore in the limo for my bachelorette party, and I've been reminiscing by giving them some time in the CD player in my car. let me just say... there have been entirely way too many solo dance parties in my car lately. 

10. Bvlgari Man. 

I got this in a sample size with my last Sephora order. I decided to choose it because Sean never really wears cologne, but I want him to, haha. it smells SO FUCKING AMAZING that I want him to bathe in it. and then I want to rape him. mmmmm yum, husband rape. 

Happy Monday! 

tidbits fo-fidbits

just a warning: I am going to be extremely busy this week, and therefore, blogging will suffer. I'll probably have time for Wee Bits and Fill in the Blank, but Friday Loves will return next week. 

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I'm trucking through The Book Thief now. I'm finally adjusting to the weird narration and the story is picking up and getting pretty exciting. I can't wait to review it when I'm finished. 

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baby shower update: most of the decorations are made (banner, cupcake toppers - see below, favor tags, game sheets, clothespins a la YHL, and the signs for the onesie decorating table and the game instructions). I went to the grocery store last night and got most of the food, so I can start on the cookies and the marshmallow pops tonight. 

cupcake toppers - all 40 of those little onesies were cut out by hand! :)

thankfully, a bunch of folks have offered to help out, and I've graciously accepted. I've got someone making pasta salad & chocolate covered pretzels, another friend making meatballs, another making deviled eggs, and someone else getting drinks and ice. all of those things being done by others takes a HUGE weight off my shoulders! 

all in all, everything is working out perfectly, and I'm loving all the crafts I get to take part in! I can't wait to put it all together and give Kaley a great shower. 

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exercise update: pretty much non-existent, outside of house work and chasing kittens. been eating very healthy though - summer is great, because we have tons of local farmers who set up road-side stands in our area. we've been chowing down on lots of fresh produce! 

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kitty update: Skillet is the only kitten we have left, and I got a call yesterday from a woman who is interested in adopting him. she's coming to meet him on Friday. I'm excited to have my bedroom/sanity back, but I sure am going to miss that little guy. how could I not be a little sad to say goodbye? look at this face!

Buckwheat went to his forever home a few weeks ago, and luckily, his Mama lives literally right down the street from me. we plan on having kitty play dates in the future... I'm so happy I'll be able to watch Buckwheat grow up! one of the hardest parts of fostering kittens (besides all the hard work that goes into it, haha) is that you rarely get to see the kitties when they find their new homes. 

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we officially have less than 2 weeks until we leave for the beach for vacation. 

I'm almost certain that it will be the longest two weeks of my LIFE. I'm so ready to just lay on the beach for a week and relax. 

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I'm already planning my next tattoo idea. I really want to pay tribute to both sides of my family, my mom's and my dad's. every male on my mom's side of the family (grandfather, uncles, etc) has served in the military, most of them enlisting and serving in the US Coast Guard, so naturally, I'm leaning towards something to represent that. I'd also like something to portray the American Indian heritage on my dad's side. 

so I think I've got it - I'm going to get traditional style pin-up girls on the back of each of my calves - one will be a sailor girl, and one will be a Native American girl. I'll add some other things like an anchor and a dream catcher or something, but that's the main idea I have so far. I'm pretty stoked about it! 

inspiration:

source

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all our favorite TV shows are back on right now and it's seriously making me feel like a couch potato. on a weekly basis, we/I watch: 

- Big Brother

- True Blood

- Breaking Bad

- Hell's Kitchen

- Master Chef

- Design Star

- Deadliest Catch

anyone feeling like a lazy bum thanks to the awesome 

TV selections that air this time of year?

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Happy Tuesday!

Friday loves

the Savona Stripe pillow from Crate & Barrel. 

and the Pierson pillow too. both are in my cart right now, because both would look amazing on my couch. the green ties into our Grape Leaves wall color, and the orange is a nice pop that matches our new storage items we picked up from IKEA.

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Big Brother is back. 

I am completely annoyed that Brenchel is back. but also? SO FUCKING HAPPY to see Jeff & Jordan again. I love them and I want to be friends with them IRL.

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I watched our wedding slideshow today. 

our 2 year anniversary is only a month away. on one hand, I can't believe it's been 2 years already... and on the other hand, it feels like 50. I'm so lucky to have such an amazing, handsome, supportive, and hilarious husband to call my best friend. I hope he knows just how appreciative I am for him and everything he does for us.

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this much more hysterical version 

of the cat lady eharmony video (yes, I am aware that the original is a fake).

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Erinn's window shopping collection of white pants. 

I want a pair very badly, but I will have to lose a few pounds first. maybe next year. 

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the new Misfits Dinnerware from CB2. 

actually, pretty much every new item in the CB2 and Crate & Barrel catalogs. why am I so obsessed with these stores?! 

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Happy Friday! 

Friday loves - short & sweet

I don't have much prepared today for Friday loves. it's been a long week of restless nights and whiny kittens! I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend, whether you're celebrating in the US or with our Canadian friends up north! 

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this post by Mandy. we all get in funks sometimes. 

kudos to her for keepin' it real. 

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the Petersik's new kitchen wall color. IN LOVE. 

I want to make out with it and take it on a date. 

psst... it's Sesame 381 by Benjamin Moore

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last week's Real People In Love feature over at Cole's place. this couple just seems so amazing and SO in love. their story gave me goosebumps - it's a must read, for sure. 

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True Blood is back. I've read all the Sookie Stackhouse books, which I've loved (for the most part). I hope this season lives up to the book it's based on, because it was one of my favorites. either way, I won't complain... I just want to look at Eric Northman every Sunday. hubba hubba. 

via wehearit

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Meredith's roundup of built-in inspiration. I love a built-in wall. our next house WILL have them. 

actually, Welcome To Heardmont is an awesome blog all around. they're total DIYers when it comes to their home, and they're pretty damn good at it too. the projects they take on are ca-razy, but 

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my favorite duvet is on sale at West Elm. 

if we don't find anything similar/as fabulous as this at IKEA tomorrow, I will be snatching this beaut up. I have big plans for our bedroom, and hope to get a lot accomplished this weekend. 

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Happy Friday! :)

Friday loves

• this tattoo that I stumbled upon via Pinterest. I've been thinking of getting something that represents the American Indian part of me, and I love this dreamcatcher. it's simple but beautiful. 

if you know the original source of this image, let me know so I can credit it properly!

• the ever so addicting Words With Friends game that I downloaded on my phone. I'm a word game fiend and so naturally, I'm hooked on it. I've been playing with friends as well as random opponents. if you want to play, shoot me an email!

• Mrs. Biscuit's kitty mugs. I need to find them, and soon. I don't know if I can live without them.

• Michael Scott's last episode of The Office. I have no words, other than I AM SO SAD.

image

• this pasta sauce recipe that we cooked last night. we used a lot more cheese than the recipe call for, and it turned out pretty well. if we make it again (which I'm sure we will, cause I get sick of eating red sauce), I'll probably only use half of the pasta. either way, it was delicious! I will have pictures soon! 

• Cole's roundup of rain boots. I've been wanting a pair of rain boots for what seems like forever, and Target chevron pretties are a callin' my name! 

• the whole navy blue/nautical thing that West Elm's got goin' on right now. more specifically, these napkins and these pillows, and this shower curtain. I would like them all in my home now, please and thank you.

• Clara's birth story. holy hell, there were a lot a terrified moments leading up to this girl's arrival, and you would have never known it if not for Sherry's heart wrenching post this week.

• Erika's kitchen makeover - specifically, the after pictures. I especially love the old gym locker in the pantry and the open shelves! oh, and the green cabinets don't hurt either.

• this bathtub. HUBBA HUBBA. 

Emily Henson Interiors via Lauren @ the little things we do

Happy Friday! <3

weekend recap (shopping goods included)

the hubs and I had to drop the Tundra off for 

regular maintenance on Saturday... so instead 

of waiting in the service center for hours 

(yes, hours... it took them FIVE hours to perform 

the scheduled maintenance,  

even though we had an appointment... 

don't even get me started on how pissed I am with them), 

we decided to do a little shopping.

first stop? Buckle, of course! 

to be honest, I wasn't impressed with the majority of the items in the store. 

luckily, on my way out of the store, I realized I had 

missed an entire rack right in the front, 

which held all of the things I ended up purchasing. 

here's what I got:

 

Daytrip Babydoll Dress

I thought this was a top until I tried it on and realized how long it was. it could definitely be worn as a dress (but I'd only feel comfortable doing so with leggings because of my height), so I plan on wearing it as a top. it's really flattering and the chiffon overlay makes it more interesting than just a plain grey top. 

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Daytrip Drop Waist Dress

I was nervous about this one, because it's a basic rayon and spandex blend, which means that it hugs just a little bit, but it's still got that stretch. surprisingly, probably because of the drop waist, it fit well and was actually pretty flattering to my body type. I love the vibrant color too - it can be dressed up nicely with the right jewelry and shoes! 

and bonus... it has pockets. I love pockets on dresses.

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Rusty Peyote Strappy Dress

perfect summer dress. it has a bit of black embroidery at the top, which gives it just a little more detail than the basic black dress. the elastic waist allows for a little give and slack so that it doesn't have to be worn skin tight, which I love. and again, it has pockets, which made it an instant win. 

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the last top I got was impossible to find on the Buckle website, but it looks exactly like this:

super small photo from this ebay listing

yep, it's mustard. surprised?

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I also made a stop at Victoria's Secret, because I desperately needed new bras that actually fit me properly. I bought one of the Bio Fit bras in a black/nude lace, which is amazingly comfortable. I also purchased two cotton push up bras (which were on sale - 2 for $45) - one is navy blue with white polka dots, and the other is a basic heather grey. VS was having a major pantie sale as well, so I picked up 7 pairs of cotton underwear for $25. 

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other than our impromptu shopping trip, we had a pretty low key weekend in the FoFandee household. I did literally a million loads of laundry, went grocery shopping, did a little cleaning and we caught up on some DVR'd shows. did anyone else catch the Shameless finale last night? I'm so hooked on that show - cannot WAIT for next season! I also did a bit of cuddling with the Bear cub yesterday between loads of laundry. 

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oh, and I started reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak last week - I can't really get into it. I'm not sure if it's the format of the writing or if I'm just burned out on fast reads. has anyone read this book? most reviews on GoodReads are raves, but I'm just not feeling it. I'm going to give it another good effort before I decide to put it down... after all, I'm only about 50 pages in, so it could definitely just be a slow start. 

Happy Monday, ya'll!

Day 03/30

Day 03/30 - your favorite television program

okay, I am being dead serious when I say that I absolutely cannot choose a favorite TV show. if you know me, you know that I DVR everything under the sun. I don't even know when shows air on TV... I just know that they show on my DVR list and I can watch them whenever I feel like it. I've never been the kind to know when spring/summer/fall shows come on or what airs during what season, so I just try to pay attention to commercials and tape shows accordingly.

so what I'm trying to say is... I'm going to have to make a list for this prompt, because I honestly don't have a favorite TV show. and it would be entirely too difficult to go into detail about why I like each and every show. so HA. oh, and also, these are not in any particular order... just listing them as I think of them...

- True Blood

- Big Brother

- Army Wives

- How I Met Your Mother

- The Office

- Bad Girls Club

- Top Chef

- Parenthood 

- Hell's Kitchen

- Sons of Anarchy

- The Amazing Race

- Modern Family

- The Mentalist

- Family Guy

- Persons Unknown

- The Next Food Network Star

- Dexter

- King of Queens

- Southland 

- Justified

- Louie

- House

- Eastbound and Down

- Design Star

- Project Runway

- Criminal Minds

- Rules of Engagement

- Color Splash

- Parks & Recreation 

- Untold Stories of the ER

- Intervention

- Hoarders

- Dark Blue

- Master Chef

whew. I think that's it. it's probably not, honestly. I have a feeling there's a lot I'm not remembering. I watch a LOT of television shows, and seeing this list kind of makes me feel like a giant loser. but I really can't help it... I get sucked in and addicted!

to see the entire 30 Day Challenge, go here!


Happy Wednesday!

eye candy

Eye Candy this week is of the different sort, but I'm sure I won't hear any complaining. :)

 Nick Hexum

Alexander Skarsgard aka Eric Northman

Andy Whitfield aka Spartacus

Joe Manganiello aka Alcide Herveaux

Robert Pattinson

Josh Turner

Gerard Butler

Brad Sorenson (Next Food Network Star)

Happy Hump Day, ladies! ;)