Posts filed under 'Things I adore'
#1
Starbucks VIA
I called it last February. I love this stuff. It takes approximately 1 minute to make the most delicious iced coffee in the morning at about 1/3 the price of the place on my corner.
#2
Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom Stain Remover
This gets every nasty stain out in one washing. And the smell just makes you close your eyes and smile.
#3
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
Got this as a gift. Its my secret weapon.
#4
Netflix streaming
If you have netflix you can watch tons of movies and TV shows for no additional cost right on your computer. Pair it with your headphones and its really handy when your 4month old goes to sleep in your room at 6pm.
November 21st, 2009
Oh hi Anthropologie Kids.
I can’t wait to get a job and send all my money to you.
November 20th, 2009
I am in love with the chairs in this photo. Well, I’m in love with the window, the wall color, the table and that storage solution on the left side as well. I’m willing to settle for just the chairs.
I have no idea what they are or where they got that fabric but I think I need some yellow in my life.
{via cookie}
Tags: decor
September 23rd, 2009
I never realized so much of my life would be devoted to getting Asher to sleep. Even if it takes a minimum of 10-15 minutes each time thats what? 8x per day?? Its maddening! So this month I really just can’t get enough of the stuff I need to make that happen.
(since its a little too early for baby tylenol)
(kidding)
(kinda :/)
#1
The miracle blanket - This is the single item we cannot possibly live without. I have learned that if you think your baby does not like to be swaddled you are just doing it wrong. Honestly. At first we used blankets and no matter how tight, he got right out. I bought this on a whim before he was born and tried it out of desperation. Guess what, It really was a miracle! Yes it looks like a straight jacket but whatever, after a couple nights of no sleep you really stop caring. At some point we swaddled him in this then a regular blanket on top because we thought he was cold. Guess what we are stuck doing now.
#2
The swing - This is the second thing we are so glad to have around. He hated this at first. Once we realized to swaddle him before putting him in the swing it was great. So great in fact that he slept exclusively in this swing until last week. I definitely had thoughts that my 5 year old son would be sleeping in a swing but all of a sudden he kind of likes to sleep without moving so we’ve been transitioning him to the co-sleeper. Go figure. He still sleeps in the swing 1x-2x per day - usually at night when he is wide awake and we are not, or on a particularly fussy afternoon. This one was borrowed from friends so its awesome a++++ but if I had to buy one now I’d probably buy this crazy thing. When it comes to newborn related items the more crap it does the better. That’s my motto.
#3
Video Monitor - Speaking of doing more than one thing, I cannot imagine having a monitor without video. I use this for every nap and very rarely turn the sound up, do you know why? Because babies make tons and tons of noise. I originally thought video is a novelty I didn’t need. Then I heard of people with 2 and 3 year olds using the video part to make sure their kids were in bed. Not to mention people with 1yr olds telling me they regretted not buying a video monitor and buying one now. Hmmm, so there you go. Babies make noises in their sleep. If you can’t see their eyes or if they need their soother put back in you will drive yourself crazy(er).
#4
Light Thingies - are these not adorable! I got them figuring that we’d use them as night lights at some point, never realizing that we would start on day 1. We each keep one on our respective nighttable and use them when we need to see what’s going on in the middle of the night. They charge up really fast and hold it for 8 hrs or something insane. We put them back on the base every few days. They are LED and never get hot. Just perfect in every way.
Tags: stuff
September 21st, 2009
I love reading. I love, love, love to read. Like, read books under my desk during class in 4th grade love. Like, stay up for hours reading in the bathroom because that’s the only place there is light love. Like, take out 10 books at a time from the library love. Like, “I’m reading this great book you should read. What book is it??? Oh, I already read that” love.
I used to read a lot. About 2 1/2 years ago I started working from home and I went from reading at least 2 books a week to maybe 2 a month. CRAZY. Towards the end of my pregnancy I stopped working and started reading at a faster pace again. It made me realize how much I missed it.
People like to tell you that when you have a baby your life changes. That is so obviously correct. But to try and tell me that I won’t have time to read - just not happening (I have taken a shower every single day too, which I hear is some kind of amazing feat. No idea why)
I did admit to myself maybe the 3 weeks they give you at the library isn’t quite enough with a newborn so I broke down and ordered a few books. One was pre-ordered and finally came in the mail last week. I am really looking forward to devouring it.
It takes place in our neighborhood and SJP already bought the rights. Perfectly delicious for my poor little sleep deprived brain.
Oddly enough my other book came from a recommendation from this tweet:
It arrived about a week after we got home from the hospital and days later when I finally cracked it open to my surprise…
It was a comic strip.
No, Seriously!
A comic strip book!??
I do not get comics.
But I cracked it open one day and could not put it down. The story is great, the writing is amazing and the illustrations are…pretty (??) (I don’t know, I really don’t get comics) You should read this book. Is that what they call looking at comics? Reading? Looking at? Absorbing? Well read/ look at /absorb this book!
Thanks, Laurie Sandell for making your awesome book the first one I ever read* (as a mom AND the first comic! Bam! FIRSTS!)
*Maybe. The jury is still out.
UPDATE: My husband alerted me to the fact that the above comic strip book might be more appropriately referred to as a “graphic novel” Call it what you will but don’t be fooled. Its still a big long comic strip!
September 4th, 2009
I have wanted to take a photography class since I bought my DSLR in 2006. I realized quickly that with my travel schedule I’d never be able to take an actual class that you have to attend since I’d have to miss so many sessions. I found some online classes that looked great but it never worked out. Stupid traveling every month. Stupid work schedule. Stupid WORKING.
Well I am working no more so I finally signed up for one! I am so excited!
The photographer that teaches the class is a former brooklynite who does amazing work. I mean look at these. I am so bummed she moved because I’d love to do a family series with her…maybe one day.
Here are the details-
Welcome to the digital photography class! I’m so excited to have you here for this experience! Class will begin Monday September 7th with your first lesson plan, assignment, and email. In the meantime, make sure you have your camera manual out, your batteries charged and your memory cards ready!
Let’s summarize some of the features of our class:
- I’ll walk you through the different modes on your camera and how to use them.
- I’ll address basic camera techniques, teach you about finding and using natural light, and composition rules.
- Step-by-step video tutorials let you see and hear the techniques
- You’ll get a lesson plan and assignment each week.
- You’ll get an email from me 5 days a week for six weeks, with encouragement, coupons, and inspiration
- You’ll get access to our private class message board, where you can chat with other participants about anything you like
- I’ll be available once a week for a class chat to answer any questions about the lesson and assignment from the week.
- You’ll get access to our class image gallery, where you can upload your lesson photographs and get praise and feedback from other students and a critique from the instructor
- All of the videos you’ll see will be available forever from your course home page at JessicaSprague.com. No expiration, even after the course ends!
- You’ll also get a bonus downloadable handout about photography equipment and what to look for when buying cameras, lenses and accessories.
So yay! This should also be very exciting for all of YOU because I will hopefully stop churning out photos that look like this gem:
Honestly, how many more times can I get away with saying “Sorry for the crap photo”
NO MORE!
well maybe
(sometimes)
September 2nd, 2009
It appears that I am a trend setter in the world of baby gear. The virtually unknown stroller I picked out in January is now getting a little press!
I think I should take this talent and run with it!
Tags: gear
June 2nd, 2009
WARNING: very boring post ahead:
To say I have become interested in strollers is an understatement. There are so many choices and price points I am finding it impossible to come to any sort of decision on anything. I don’t necessarily mind spending a bit of money on it because we aren’t really planning on buying that many (any) big ticket items but if it was as easy as choosing the most expensive I’d have a bugaboo sitting in storage right now.
But I don’t. Because I don’t like it. The main reason is because it is very bulky and to fold it you have to take the seat out. Can you imagine taking out the squirmy baby/toddler, then taking out the seat, then folding and putting the seat on top of it? I mean come on. Who designed this crap? And why are people paying $1,000 for it???
So after that then what? Here are my thoughts on the ideal stroller.
-sturdy (bigger wheels) to get around the junked up streets and park
-front and rear facing seat options
-big basket for shopping in the neighborhood
-adjustable height push bar
-lightweight
Another model we seriously looked at was the Quinny Buzz which really fits most of the criteria. You can put the car seat directly onto the frame or buy the bassinet part that snaps in separately so you can use it from birth. I just thought it looked a little spacey. Like from another planet? I don’t know. I looked at alot of strollers.
After that I started thinking I’d just use a snap and go for a few months then get a Maclaren. Its soooooo light. Alot of people were saying how awesome umbrella strollers are. People who live in suburbs. People who do NOT have to schlep their stroller all over city streets every day. In the snow! Add to that the fact that the Maclaren is the most repaired stroller out there, it leads me to believe this is NOT meant for a primary stroller for use on the streets of NYC. Maybe its a little too light? I don’t know. So we decided that maybe we’d get one as a secondary stroller to travel with, maybe use if I am going on the subway alone, etc. but still need an option for our main stroller.
One day I was out getting coffee and I saw someone with this stroller - the UPPA baby vista. I ran home to look it up and it had great reviews.
After watching this video, then making Matthew watch it, then making my mother watch, it we decided to check it out. Besides having all the features as the bugaboo you can actually fold it with the seat (imagine that!) Its like the manufacturers looked at all the annoying things about the bugaboo and fixed them. Not only that but it comes with the bassinet. Also comes with mosquito nets and rain covers for both seats. I love the huge basket and all the little touches. Its just a really smart design. The company is super eco friendly and uses organic products bla bla bla but that didn’t even draw me into it and I didn’t even know until I went on their website. Its just a really smart stroller. I think it will fit our needs nicely.
Plus, now that we know we don’t have to shlep it up the steps of our apartment it makes it alot more appealing.
Now to just decide on the color.
April 15th, 2009
One of my favorite artists, Amy Ruppel, recently opened an etsy shop and I am SO excited. My Amy Ruppel collection is vast and I love amassing new items in interesting ways. So far I have 2 of her original pieces, a paperweight she designed for Anthropologie, a number of greeting cards to frame and a special edition print.
This piece is adorable and a great deal - Its inexpensive compared to her original work, but has the same look and feel. Plus its available, her original work is a little bit harder to obtain since items sell out within minutes.
Lucky for me Cupcake is a boy so I don’t have to share my collection.
Tags: art, etsy
March 9th, 2009
#1
If you follow my twitter feed you already know that I am obsessed with the 1999-2002 genius Herskovitz-Zwick drama. Almost finished with Season 2, I went to add season 3 to my netflix queue and found out that they NEVER RELEASED IT! After a few moments of shock I went into google search mode and found some dude that makes pirated DVDs for $20. It’s like dubs from TV or something. Ugh. I bet it has commercials. Probably really crappy quality and everything. I’ll let you know! It’ll be here next week!
#2
This month I’ve been spending alot of time at home (see above) and thoroughly enjoy this candle that I got on etsy. Vanilla Hazelnut. Yum.
#3
Matthew got me a new computer for Christmas and I have not started using it yet. This is mostly in part to my frequent traveling, but also due to the fact that I feel the need to organize every file on my current computer before I move things over. I think this is step 1 in nesting, and since I am not buying anything for the little cupcake until we find out what flavor we are getting its the only thing I can frantically obsess over. This is a picture I took on Christmas morning, the only time it has ever been out of the box.
#4
My grey sweater. I bought this at the Gap in San Francisco (flagship!) in January and have pretty much worn it every single day since. You can dress it up or down, its roomy enough that I didn’t even buy maternity and the fabric is super soft. Its perfect for the plane. I loved it so much that I went online and bought a 2nd one. Seriously. Love. The best part is that it was 40% off, then I had a coupon and I ended up paying $8.50 for the first one. Yay!
Tags: faves
February 22nd, 2009
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