That Time We Went to Chicago

This whole end-of-spring, beginning-of-summer has been quite the whirlwind this year. Parts of it have been traumatic and parts of it have been gloriously fun & exciting. Let's stick to the fun & exciting for now, shall we?

{I have no idea where she picked up this phrase, but Rhet loves to make a proposal ending with "shall we?" It is the cutest thing ever. "Mom, let's go to the swings next, shall we?"}

Nick traveled to Chicago in June for work, and I was over the moon about tagging along (while my mom stayed with Rhet and our dog-child). I love to travel, and I actually relish spending time alone. I don't know if that's a newish "mom thing" or if I've always been this way. I've always thought of myself as an extrovert--I like to study & read with background noise, and I could be dead-tired but spark right back to life after stepping into a party or get-together. But then again, I have always enjoyed going places just to enjoy being alone among people, and I really only enjoy going to parties where I know people...I'm not a huge meet-a-bunch-of-strangers-for-a-good-time girl. Perhaps I'm just an extrovert who really enjoys acting introverted?  

So...the prospect of flying to a fun city and staying in a nice hotel with my love while exploring solo during the day was right down my alley. 

I prefer vacations to trips. Perhaps you thought they were the same thing? Definitely not, my friend.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Vacations are going somewhere and relaxing. Trips are going somewhere and going/doing. Visiting big cities are natural opportunities for "trips," but I do pretty well with turning anything (even naptime) into a vacation. So here, my friends, is how you take a VACATION in Chicago:

STEP ONE: 

Stay in bed as long as you want.

Yeah, sure, the city awaits. But "vacation mode" means you're never in a hurry. I could literally spend an entire day in a nice, cozy bed. R&R is NEVER wasted time. Particularly when you're sans parenthood responsibilities!

STEP TWO: 
Do relaxing things that are unique to your location. 

Might I suggest a professional blow-out at DryBar (to rejuvenate your travel-weary head and save you time by not having to do your hair for the rest of the weekend)...

...a (gloriously) quiet, leisurely stroll through the Art Institute of Chicago...

...reading a good book in a beautiful place, such as next to Buckingham Fountain...

...doing your sight-seeing from a boat...also, I can't get these awesome scalloped apartment buildings out of my head...

....don't eat out for every meal--stay in a swanky hotel (breakfast & hor d'oeuvres in the executive lounge!), buy some awesome snacks & good wine (in this case from Garrett's Popcorn and Trader Joe's) and eat lunch or dinner in your room while enjoying a movie or outdoors nearby with a picnic...

*Note: I vowed not to get a travel guide book of Chicago, because I knew it would suck me in and I'd end up at the mercy of it's "must see" list.  Instead, I did a little internet research the week before we left.  And I found this: a Chicago Top 10 list compiled by Ann Taylor LOFT, which proved invaluable for providing fun, casual stops on the way to my "must see" locations.  Do NOT buy the books if you're planning on a vacation, I'm serious.  They will lure you in with their CityPass economics and their "If you have one day" agendas.  I repeat: step AWAY from the travel section...!

STEP THREE: 

Treat yo'self. 

And while I just encouraged you not to eat out for every meal (it saves money and time), DO NOT waste an opportunity to eat something special you can't have in your own city.

Cupcakes for lunch? Sure! (While I'm mad about our fave local bakery, I do not have prejudices against famous delectable buttercream in copious amounts.)

Coffee and almond croissant for another lunch? Why not? (I love a short toffee nut latte with soy from the 'Bux as much as the next gal, but this Chicago coffee shop's java almost brought me to tears, it was that good.)

Jeni's Ice Cream for brunch was a given...and I won't judge you for going for a second round, because that's just what we did!

...other ideas, see further above: buy a new, fun shade of lipstick...definitely splurge on the jumbo sized Chicago mix popcorn...

STEP FOUR: 

Pick a small number of tourist "musts" and spread them out among your restful trip. 

This way you avoid a jam-packed, exhausting day. Nick was in conference meetings during most of our trip, but he had an afternoon here & a couple evenings there to spend with me. We picked a few things we wanted to do together, and I chose a few things to see on my own. Inevitably, there were things I/we didn't do/see that we could have, but I felt like we did just the right amount.

THIS TRIP'S "MUST" LIST:

- Watching the Navy Pier fireworks from the Buckingham Fountain show 

- Wendella Architecture Boat Tour (worth every penny!)

- Millenium Park + outdoor concert sound check (sound check = shorter and before dinner!)

- Chicago Pizza Oven Grinder Co. for pizza pot pies (SO good!!)
*Note: We only ate pizza once on purpose--you don't want to be rolling down the streets because you ate every deep dish pie you came across!  And for our one and done choice, I'd say we were spot on!

Oh, I had the best time exploring the Windy City. I came right home and promptly fell into obsession with this series: 

It has only fueled my desire to go back again! Next time, I'm going to make sure I climb ride the Ferris wheel and zipline from visit the top of the John Hancock building. ;)

Have I talked you into taking a vacation to a big city yet?  The best part about it, is you don't need a vacation when you get home!

Just Because

via

I don't normally cross-reference my food blog in posts, but you guys, I am LOVING this new salad dressing I've been using recently.  It is not homemade (which may be a plus or minus for you, depending on what you need/like), but it is pretty healthy and has just the right flavors.  You can read my glowing recommendation here.

Spring Cleaning Shortcuts

Some people clean their houses when they give the first whiff of spring.  I just clean my blog.  Potatoes, po-tah-toes.

Speaking of cleaning...it's not my favorite, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve:

1. BORAX
After a bout of trial & error with my top-loading washer smelling like mildew, I finally mastered the art of laundry with my old friend.  Fortunately and unfortunately, I upgraded to a front-loader a couple years later.  I did a lot of research ahead of time to make sure I didn't end up with another stinky washer--I had read that front-loaders had an even tougher time in the mildew department.  Thanks to Borax, I haven't had any trouble!  I put 1/4 cup of this stuff in the detergent tray when I wash every load (or 1/2 cup for whites or towels).  It keeps my laundry white & bright, and I've read it prevents mildew.  (My other trick is that I keep the washer door cracked open at all times, unless I'm washing laundry of course.)  Borax has a gajillion other uses--I sprinkle it on an extra-dirty bathtub on occasion and use water to make a paste to scrub away grime.

2. MRS. MEYERS CLEAN DAY ALL PURPOSE CLEANER (LAVENDER)
I love the Basil scent in this line of cleaners, but the Lavender was all I could find when I was out looking for something with which to mop my floors.  I begrudgingly brought it home and immediately changed my opinion on Lavender--it is a bright and clean smell that I absolutely love on my floors.  The cleaner can be used for all kinds of other cleaning tasks, and I consider it my own personal reward for cleaning my house.

3. DAWN ORIGINAL DISH SOAP + WHITE VINEGAR
This was a Pinterest trick I saw one day for cleaning a bathtub, and lo & behold, it works!  Use equal parts dish soap to white vinegar.  (I use 1/2 cup of each, usually.)  Heat vinegar in a microwave safe container (I use my measuring cup) for 1 minute, then mix with the dish soap.  The Pinterest page I read said to put in a spray bottle, but as soon as it cools, the solution will clog the spray nozzle...Instead, I just drizzle it straight on the tub.  This solution will shine your bathtub hardware to brand-new status (which is saying something for my tub!).  On an extra icky tub, I use the Borax paste, rinse, and then finish with a scrub with this solution.

4. SPRAY BOTTLE FILLED WITH WATER
Yes, it is my secret weapon, but not for what you might think.  With a small helper-girl around when I'm trying to clean, I find that a spray bottle filled with plain water with a rag gives her a task that buys me a good 15-30 minutes of time!  I usually have to redirect her to various places that need sprayed, but our favorite spots are: the front door, the baseboards, the front of my kitchen appliances, and the doorknobs.  It's just plain old H2O, so it's not going to hurt her or anything she sprays, but water actually cleans things a little, too!  (We also play dueling vacuums with her cordless $25 Aldi purchase and my big momma Dyson.)

Now that I've blogged all about it, I'd better take my own advice and get to work!

Never Say Never: The g Edition

There are things in life about which you think, "That's a nice idea, and I'd like to do that, but it's never gonna happen."

My list of such things starts like:
- Running a sub-9-minute mile (I'm slow as molasses)
- Going on a ski trip (Bad knees, low funds, I'd rather be at the beach)
- Home-schooling my children (I had to take the same math class three times in college)
- Bathing my dogs and clipping their nails...any time, ever (I'm a wimp and they are wimps...bad combo)
(Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...)

I could probably tackle each of those things on the above list.  But I just find that my willpower and energy doesn't take me far enough.  At least for the time being...

To "g" or not to "g"...

At one point in life, cloth-diapering would have been on that list.
But somehow, I am doing it this year, and kind of loving it...

Here's the backstory:
I am a lover of all things Method brand.  (Here's proof.)  Many moons ago, they wrote about the creation of a new hybrid cloth diaper called gDiapers.  (A hybrid cloth diaper being one that can contain either a cloth insert or a biodegradable disposable insert.)  These little guys were not only adorable, but eco-friendly and easy on the wallet.  (After initial purchase.)

Then the rush of adoption paperwork came along and I thought to myself, "Nope.  Never gonna happen.  I'll try it with the next kid, but there's no way I have time to figure this out on top of everything else we have going on."  

Then, the wait.  I'm not sure if you remember, but I had a little bit of time to plan for Rhet's arrival.  ;)

I read everything on their website.  Then I read reviews and links.  And I start thinking, "Ok, this might be doable.  I think I can figure this out."

The receiving of the g's

We registered for the products we needed to get started and received them from generous friends and family at our baby showers.  My goal was not to 100% eliminate use of disposable diapers.  My goal was to save money.  (Sorry, Earth, helping you out was just an added bonus for now.)

Also, I did not research other brands or other kinds of CD's (cloth diapers).  Let me tell you, people are fiercely loyal to their CD brands.  Good gracious.  But I just did not have the energy to sift through all of it.  I liked what I knew about the first brand I looked into, so we just went for it.

Obviously, our four weeks spent in Ethiopia were not focused much on saving money.  We went the easy route whenever we could, which meant packing a suitcase full of Pampers.  (Seriously, a whole suitcase.)

When we returned and got over most of the jetlag, I gave the cloth diapering a whirl.  (By then, I felt like superwoman, so it was small potatoes!)

I have to admit, the whole thing can seem intimidating and gross and too labor-intensive, but I have actually found it to be amazingly easy!  Yes, it's a little extra work.  But the extra dollars I save are worth it to me.

I feel the need to insert a disclaimer at this time:
We are all different.  Our children are all different.  What works for me may not work for you.  We live different lifestyles, have different washing machines that use different water types, and our little kiddos' bums have different sensitivities.  If you find this post informative and motivating, SUPER.  But whatever you take away, PLEASE don't let it be guilt that you are not doing enough or not doing it right.  I detest MommyGuilt (which is an entire post for another time), and I am not intending to dish it out here.  I am a stay-at-home momma, which means I have a little extra time (that's relative) and a deficit of cash--FOR ME, cloth diapering has been awesome for us.

Here's how gDiapering works in the Rhet Faris world:

PART A: STORAGE OF CLEAN G'S
I store Rhet's g's in the top two drawers of her dresser.

g Setup

The composition of a gDiaper includes three parts:
(1) the gPant--the soft, cotton, outer pant that velcros in the back
(2) the gLiner--the breathable, but waterproof(ish) liner that snaps inside the gPant
(3) the gCloth/gDisposable--we mostly use cloth, which is microfiber on top and hemp on bottom, and it is stuffed inside the gLiner
Whenever possible, I try to pre-assemple the gDiapers for quick changes.  But often (including today), the gPants are stuffed into the left drawer and the gLiners and gCloths are stuffed into the right drawer.

PART B: USE
I need to confess to you that I am a cheater.  I have not always been a cheater, but my child is just kind of awesome.  One day, a couple months after arriving home, Rhet was in the bathtub and almost...well, you know.  So I whisked her out of the tub and put her on the toilet, pretty much as a reflex.  Not only did she take care of business, she has continued to request to sit on the potty to #2 ever since.

PRE-cheating...I really loved gDiapers' paper liners that come in a little square box--I stored them with the other supplies.  They are really thin and lay right over the top of the gCloth.  When the diaper is dirty, everything slides right into the toilet.  (I'm sorry, I know that's gross but this is the gross part of the run-down.  And ultimately, using the paper liners is LESS gross, because you make the grossness go away.)  Yes, grossness got on the cloth, too.  It just washed right out so it never concerned me much.

And now...well, yes.  I'm a cheater and I only have to wash wet cloth diapers.

Our wetbag is right by the door (and entrance to the bathroom)

PART C: STORAGE OF DIRTY G'S
When I change a gDiaper at home, I most often dump the insert into a wetbag that zips at the top.  It is cloth on the outside and waterproof on the inside.  It is Leslie's Boutique brand and it does an amazing job of keeping in the stink.  I do not rinse my diapers, wet or dirty.

If the diaper has gotten wet/dirty on the liner and/or the outer pant, I unsnap the liner and close the velcro all the way over and throw everything into the wetbag.

When we're out and about when Rhet is wearing cloth diapers, I keep a spare in a quart-sized zip-top plastic bag.  I switch it out with the dirty after it's changed (trying to remember to unsnap the liner and fasten the velcro on the outer pant), and dump it in the wetbag when I get home.

We own:
- 6 gPants (most often they can be reused before washing)
- A bunch of gLiners (too many, really--usually if the liner is wet/dirty, I just wash the pants too...we have all the liners that came with the gPants and then I think I purchased an extra package of gLiners)
- 24 gCloths
(I rarely use the disposable inserts.  They are handy, but I end up using disposable diapers altogether when we go out for long periods of time.  Also, we use disposable diapers at night--I spare no expense when it comes to getting my child to sleep the maximum amount of time possible!)

(We brought Rhet home when she was about 17 months old, so keep in mind a younger child would use more diapers per day.)

PART D: CLEANING
This is the part that most often keeps people from trying CD'ing (too gross/too much work) or drives people to quit CD'ing (can't figure out the right soap, right balance of soap, what type of water they have, how to work with their washer, how to keep diapers from smelling or staining, etc etc).

I had the sheer luck of doing what worked perfectly for us the first time.  In fact, I changed soaps later on, and it ended up messing everything up--I had to strip the diapers of the new soap and go back to my old brand.  I would say this is the most time-consuming part of CD'ing--not the actual cleaning but FIGURING OUT how to clean them so that everything works right.  You have to figure out what temperature you water should be and how much soap is just enough.  You want to make sure your soap is not too strong (irritation) but not too weak (staining).  You have to figure out whether you need to soak your diapers and for how long.  You don't want any soap residue left in your diapers, so you have to figure out how many extra cycles to rinse.

I will put a plug in for my favorite soap: Rockin' Green.  Again, I found a recommendation for it on gDiapers site (among a few other soaps), and after reading the extensive FAQ's on their website, I decided to give them a whirl.  Their customer service is wonderful, and the soap has never done me wrong.

So here is how I clean my diapers  (it may work for you, it may not):
Again, I do not rinse the diapers before storing them in the wetbag.  (I try to touch them as little as possible, actually.  Icky.)  I wait until the wetbag gets full, which takes 2-4 days, depending on how often I've been "supplementing" with disposable diapers.

1. I dump the contents of the wetbag into the washer and then toss the wetbag in too.

2. Depending on how stinky the diapers are, sometimes I give them a good soak.  In the old days, I would soak them in my Classic Rock soap for an hour or so with hot water.  These days, the diapers usually have an ammonia smell if they've been in the bag long enough (particularly because there are only wet diapers in there), so my usually method is to dump them in, fill up with hot water, and add some Funk Rock for about an hour.

3. Then I run the contents through the rinse cycle.  (I have a super simple/cheap washer & dryer, so I just turn the dial to the end to force it into the rinse cycle.)  If the diapers are not extra-stinky, I start with this step, filling with hot water for the rinse.

4. After rinsing, I start the wash cycle over again (with hot water) and add my Classic Rock soap.  I let the washer run through the whole cycle.

5. After the complete cycle has finished, I force one rinse cycle with cold water again.  The end.

6. DO NOT WASH OR DRY YOUR CLOTH DIAPERS WITH FABRIC SOFTENER.  (It will royally mess them up--it basically keeps them from absorbing anything.)  I throw everything into the dryer (sans liners, which I lay out on top of the dryer) WITHOUT any type of dryer sheet (I use the Bounce dryer bar right now, so I slide it out of the dryer when I'm washing CD's and towels) and I run a regular drying cycle.  I used to hang the gPants to dry (to preserve their bright colors and extend their life), but then I got lazy and ended up preferring the way the drying them makes them softer.

So that's it.  I attribute our success with CD'ing to finding a great brand (gDiapers), finding a great soap (Rockin' Green), making sure that I use the minimum amount of soap needed specially created for the type of water we have, making sure I rinsing/pre-rinsing enough to help with odors and residue.

(Also, make sure to clean out your washer regularly as well!)

gDiapers comes in various sizes.  Rhet was a "medium" when she first came home, and she has since graduated to a "large," where she will most likely stay until she doesn't need them anymore.

Although the supplies are a big investment (and it does MAJOR help to add them in your registry!), disposable diapers are so stinkin' expensive.  Pun intended.  Hope I helped you do a little homework to take the plunge and save yourself some long-term expenses!  

The Slacker's Guide to Half Marathon Training

I potentially made a very stupid decision about 4-6 weeks after coming home with Rhet.  I decided to train for the one and only long distance race that I have ever run: the St Jude Half Marathon.  (I'm starting to lose count, but I think I've run the half four times and the full once since 2004.)

It's not that I dislike other races...it's just that I'm poor and lazy.  (Too much money and energy to travel anywhere besides Memphis for a race.)  In fact, Nick thinks I'm crazy, but I would love to run the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco one day.

The St Jude half is perfect.  The training season starts just as the weather is starting to cool off.  It ends just as the weather is getting really cold.  Perfect race day weather starts in the low-40's and finishes in the mid-50's.  Plus, running for a cause (for THIS cause) is about as great as it gets.

But let's revisit the notion of my potentially stupid decision.

The half marathon sold out in July.  (I was residing in a different country at the time, so I could have cared less.)  Not long after returning to Memphis, I started getting the race itch.  There's something about fall being right around the corner that makes me want to plan out a race training schedule.  And so I did.  Even though I wasn't registered.  I thought to myself, I'll just train for this thing for fun and maybe someone will drop out at the last minute and give me their spot.

And then I woke up and realized that I was an idiot.  Why would I do that to myself in the first months of being a new mom?  The time commitment.  The energy.  The organization.  What was I thinking?

Well, I was thinking that I love running and how it makes me feel and the sense of purpose a training schedule provides with everything in it's place and how I can indulge in a little more ice cream and chocolate milk for the sake of my caloric intake and how I don't want to lose my identity just because I'm a mommy...

Then, opportunity drove a hard bargain.  My friend Martha needed to relinquish her spot and asked if I wanted it.  Oh man.

So I made a decision to train like a slacker.  And I've enjoyed it so much that I am going to have to give myself a serious kick in the butt to train any other way in the future.

It's no secret that I'm a slow runner.  No, I am a sloooooow runner.  Think of someone you perceive as being a slow runner and then slow them down about 2 more minutes per mile.  I heart the distance races because endurance trumps speed.  (Well, it does for a slow person like me.)  I was jazzed to receive a BOB running stroller from some amazing friends at a baby shower, because I knew it finally made my slow running legit.  Who's going to make fun of a slow running lady when she's pushing a stroller?  Well, I'm not sure, but no one I need to care about, right?

PLUS, have you seen how awesome these BOBs are?  (Beast of Burden, fyi)  I'm pretty sure the shocks on my stroller are nicer than the ones on my car.  We're talking smooooooth.  Throw in the handlebar console add-on and I've got a place for my water, keys, chapstick, and iPhone.  I kind of MISS running without it!

My Slacker's Guide to Half Marathon training entails these simple principles:
1. You are training to MERELY finish the race without getting hurt.  (Save the PR for another year, buddy.)

2. Run for minutes, not miles.  Hal Higdon tells you to run 6 miles, you run 60 minutes.  (And if you run slow like me, you will be finished before you were supposed to be finished.  Repeat after me: NOT cheating...just slacking.)

3. Here comes the beautiful part: No matter what happens, complete your entire run by running 10 minutes, walking 5 minutes, and repeating.  Oh, what's that?  You missed the first 4 weeks of your 12-week schedule and now you're mega-behind?  Just follow my slacker plan and no one gets hurt.  Jumping into a regular 4-miler nonstop when you were only running 1.5 is a quick way to get shin splints at best.  But running 40 minutes the slacker way?  No problem-o.

4. Don't beat yourself up about missing a run here and there.  You can walk the whole race if need be. (Remember?  It's for a good cause.)

Sure you're going to finish with a slower race time, but your knees will thank you for it.  And c'mon...it's still a half marathon!

I am loving this year's training so much because I am really just doing what I can and not stressing about the rest of it.  Rhet and I go out two weekday mornings per week and she naps while I put in my running time.  (Autumn colors, cool breezes, and falling leaves--SO lovely!)  On Saturday or Sunday afternoons (whichever is less busy or has nicer weather), I head out with Rhet or occasionally solo and enjoy the long runs on the Greenline.  She loves to people watch and bob her head to the Nike+ music while I'm huffing and puffing along.

Last week, as I made plans for the end of the race schedule, I decided to bump my long run up from the prescribed 80 minutes to 120 minutes, since I knew the whole race was going run me close to 3 hours.  Because I was slacker-running, it was doable (without injury).  (And I got in about 9 miles!)  This Saturday, I'll go for 2.5 hours.  Instead of seeing it as this huge challenge, I'm enjoying the luxury of my free time!

So there you have it...running for slackers.  Let go of your inner perfectionist and embrace what you can enjoy!

Grace, Gratitude, & Gift-Excitement

Thanks for "listening" yesterday. Something I've been thinking about since posting: there are similarities between ALL first-time mommies, no matter how we're getting there. Perhaps I'm struggling with "adoption brain" along with my normal new-parent worries. Perhaps most people worry about balancing their jobs with parenting responsibilities. Perhaps these recent grey & rainy days are affecting me like they usually do.

Time to give myself a little grace.

(Future post to come on what that looks like and how it's workin for me.)

I was reading in John 2 this morning about Jesus turning water into wine at his friends' wedding. It reminded me that God cares about my celebrations in life. These times can be stressful with all of the bustle and trying to make ends meet. But Jesus provides enough to celebrate fully. He sustains the joy. For that, I feel extreme gratitude.

Speaking of which, we have been the recipients of so much generosity recently! This little house is starting to look like a little girl will live here soon! Some dear friends threw me a baby shower this past weekend, and Rhet is going to be living large!

Thought I'd share with you a few items friends have gifted us with over the past several months that I can't wait to use soon:

Britax Roundabout Carseat

Super pumped about this sucker. Nice and girly for the little lady, but I can easily put a cover on it for future boy-child if necessary. Not that that matters--picking out a carseat totally reminded me of choosing running shoes: looks don't/can't matter. Everything I've read about this car seat has been positive. This is a small bonus I get to adopting a child who will be at least 12 months old by the time she comes home--no infant carrier systems! Convertible carseat was the only box to check...lucky me. :)

I know not everyone finds the need for the backseat mirror, but I am going to use one--something about not knowing what Rhet's little face looks like (is she sleeping, happy, mad?) back there is unsettling. We have an Eddie Bauer puppy dog mirror that will do the trick and will keep me in the know.

Fisher Price Space Saver Highchair

I originally registered for a super-cute girly version of this high chair. However, using a giftcard to purchase it at the store gave me the presence of mind to choose something a little more gender neutral. So thankful for that revelation of future-mindedness, as the blues, greens, & browns in this chair actually "fit" with our dining area and blend in with the background. This chair was in the "save" category, and I am loving it's simplicity.

I should also mention that I am a huge fan of all things Munchkin. They totally reel me in with their modern feel and creative ideas. Snack bowls with flexible openings for little hands, spoons that change colors when they're too hot, little mesh holders to aid in eating risky treats (like grapes) = sign me up.

We're also going to be using bottles in the morning and evening to aid in attachment to our little cutie-pie. (Posts on attachment in adoption to ensue, I'm sure. But if you're curious, check out this book and this book!) Bottle of choice: Avent. However, solid foods are on the menu for most of Rhet's day, so she's now the proud owner of some cute plates. bowls. & spoons as well.

Moby Wrap

Have any of you used a Moby Wrap? Have any of your HUSBANDS used a Moby Wrap? Carriers like this are supposed to be great for attachment, and I am very excited about how comfortable this wrap looks. However, while this was a "save," I'm wondering if we also need to purchase a carrier in the "splurge" category (Baby Bjorn or Ergo Baby) for the fact that it looks a little more acceptable for a father to be wearing it. I know I'll be loving this for home use, but I wonder if the structure of a pricier carrier might be worth it. Thoughts?

Okay, I'll end with 2 splurges and a simple save:

gDiapers

Oh yes, my friends. I will be delving into the world of cloth diapering soon. gDiapers are our weapon of choice, for three reasons: 1) Their hybrid flexibility (you can choose a flushable insert or a cloth insert), 2) Their reviews & customer service, & 3) They are so dadgum cute.

Our first shipment of Rockin' Green laundry detergent is due to arrive any day now, after which you'll get my run-down on the mysterious and intimidating world of cloth diapers made simple.

This is a splurge AND a save. Up front = splurgin' it. But in the long run, I am super pumped about doing the laundry instead of zipping that debit card over and over and over.

BOB Revolution

I see more marathons in this momma's future! I am super-psyched (yeah, I just said that) about this guy. SUPER easy to break down, set up, and roll along. In the past, I've just been a slow runner that can run long. NOW, I can can look respectable running long with a stroller--that looks hardcore! :) I'm excited to get to share my hobby with my daughter--maybe when she's big enough, she can run next to me instead!

Here comes a save that every household with a child should have:

I. Love. This. Book. It was my childhood favorite, and I'm so happy it's still around. I found it hilarious to rebelliously turn the pages as Grover warned me about the monster on the last page. At the end of the book, well, I won't give it away, but things aren't as scary as Grover thought.

I'm kinda hoping parenthood is that way, too. ;)

Method (Wo)Man

I am a long-time fan of the Method brand. They're green, clean, and they're packaging gets an A+ for awesomeness.

In honor of this time of the year (ahem, Spring Cleaning), here's a double thumbs-up for my fave products:
(I truly wish they paid me to say this...I simply love them this much!)

1. Laundry Detergent

This product is Method's newest and best. Doing the laundry just got five billion times easier. Click here to view the Method Laundry website, where you can find a coupon for $2 off! (But for the record, it's worth every full-priced penny!) I use the Fresh Air scent, which smells so laundry-fresh-off-the-line-ish, and I am so in love the squirt-pump they've added to the top that I want to marry it. I start the water running into the machine, grab the bottle out of the cabinet with one hand, pump 4x (still one hand), and in goes the laundry. Goes in dirty, comes out clean. Voila.

2. Lil' Bowl Blu + Tub & Tile Cleaner
Every Monday, I let Lil' Bowl Blu work it's magic. It's smells the way a bathroom cleaner should (fresh, minty?) but isn't filled with gross chemical madness. Now for my Swish & Swipe secret: (not really--I stole it from FlyLady) On following days of the week, I take the Tub & Tile Cleaner and spray it inside the toilet and swish it around with the brush. Then, I take an old rag and wipe down my sink and toilet with the T&T Cleaner. Result: a bathroom ready for any unexpected guest. Or just lil' ole me.

3. oMop Wood Floor Care Kit (Almond)
As proven in previous posts, my dogs can make my floors look disgusting without lifting a paw. Every Monday, I use the oMop with the almond-scented Wood Floor Cleaner. The mop pads that stick to the bottom of the oMop are reusable microfiber--just toss 'em in the wash after mopping and they're good as new for the next time. You're welcome, planet. And my floors look clean and shiny and smell like heaven! Here's to walking barefoot around the house!

PS: Congratulations for reading this far. Your reward is the latest news on our adoption : Still Waiting. Bet you wish you'd moved onto Pioneer Woman without wasting your time, eh? ;)

Anthropologetic

Super excited about and have been privileged to be tied up this week with this:

Memphis has arrived.

B&B&Beach

Just a few pics from our weekend babymoon.

We had some beautiful weather--sunny, but chilly due to the breeze/wind.
The Henderson Park Inn was gorgeous and perfect.
(Pictured behind Nick in the top left corner)

Cabin Fever Entertainment

It has looked like this since Friday evening.

Gorgeous, but we all know southerners are ill-prepared when it comes to ice & snow.
(By the way, what is the deal with rushing to the store for bread & milk?
If I get snowed in, I'd rather eat cupcakes & hot chocolate. Just sayin...)

What is there to do when you're trapped in 900 square feet of space for a whole weekend?
More importantly, what is there to do when your dogs are feeling equally cramped?

This is a classic game of "Moses places toy on lap and waits to be baited with it."
His eyes grow larger the closer the coveted toy gets to his face.
(Sorry for the dark picture--this was on Saturday pre-sunshine
when they icy grey was covering every living thing.)
What a cutie...

Rainy Day Reading

The past couple days in Memphis looked like this:

And I was reading this:


Best combination ever.

(PS: Oh yeah, I'm finally hooked on the Twilight series. I know I'm late to the game, but I was saving it for a time that I would welcome the distraction of vampire love stories. And for the record, I was a little bored in "New Moon" (compared to "Twilight") but just waded through to get to the good stuff--is it coming in "Eclipse?")

What is the best book + surrounding atmosphere combo that you've experienced?

Ode to All Things Autumnal

My husband won the prize for best story about our home visit experience. Check it out and give him some positive reinforcement for mixing things up and posting about something non-theological! (I love his brain, but I also love his wit & humor!)

In other news, I have something very sad to share: The St Jude Half Marathon has already filled up! Before I could register! I have no race to run! I was quite bummed about this, as I always wait until the weather cools before finally "committing." Apparently, there were quite a few anxious people in training this year that wanted to reserve their spot. Well good for them, I guess. Instead, I'll be running some 5K's & 10K's and as I've mentioned in my past few posts, I guess I have enough to keep me busy. ;)


Speaking of when the weather cools...October, where have you been all my life?
Fall is my favorite time of year. Fall is boyfriend weather. College football weather. Candy corn weather. Savory dishes made with pumpkin & squash weather. Chili weather. Long sleeve shirt and shorts weather. Ahhhhh. I fell in love (for the first and only time) in fall and it holds a special place in my sentimental heart. (It was also the same fall that Auburn had a perfect season and the Red Sox won the World Series for the first time in ages--were the stars aligned that fall or what?!) I love making Kristy's not-too-bad-for-you recipe for Pumpkin Cake (and then covering it with bad-for-you cream cheese icing!)...I love taking walks with Nick in the cooling weather when he gets home from work...I love (as you all know) the holiday flavors at Starbucks...I love making yummy comforting soups every Wednesday. Oh, fall, how I adore thee. Until spring comes...then it's my new favorite.

Why the 'Bucks is Worth the Bucks

Sure, Mickey D's has some great brewed coffee. They can even add cream and sugar if requested. But there is no substitute for Starbucks.

There was some hype a few years ago about how McDonald's had "the best coffee." Ok, whatever. It's not bad, I've had it, and after the non-eco-friendly styrofoam cup has allowed the coffee to cool to an acceptable drinking temperature (which would be 5 hours later), it's a nice way to wake up in the morning. I make the same thing at home, arguably better. Some fresh ground beans, filtered water, organic half & half, and ahhhhh.

Here's why I'm willing to spend $18 for a cup of Starbucks. Because it's not just a cup of coffee. It's a short, toffee nut, soy latte. Or today, it is the much-awaited fall tradition of a short, pumpkin spice, soy latte. With whip, baby.

McD's tried. "Watch out, Starbucks!" everyone exclaimed, when the McDonald's Empire announced the addition of lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas to their menu. What everyone failed to realize is that there only a handful of people who want a straight-up, unaltered cappuccino. It's the special request--nonfat, extra hot, this with this but not that--that makes a truly purchase-worthy cup of "coffee." On one occasion, I tried to order an "iced hazelnut latte" at a McDonald's drive-thru, and I was met with garbled confusion. What they ended up doing was putting ice in a steaming hot black coffee. Wha?

This is also the reason that S'bux has hooked me instead of locally-owned coffee shops. I love their charisma. I love their charm. I love their local-ness. But I LOVE Starbucks' syrups--there is no substitute. Toffee Nut is NOT Caramel. It just doesn't translate. It reminds me of a childhood memory in which my dad grilled these awesome, fat, juicy burgers and I turned up my nose, saying, "But Dad, it doesn't look like McDonalds." (See? McD's has some specialties--just not specialty coffee.)

Then there is also the issue of making the world a better place. McDonalds has perhaps turned from the error of their ways...slightly. But are their cups 100% reusable or recyclable? Can buying a cup of their coffee also purchase medicine for someone with HIV/AIDS in Africa? Is their coffee "responsibly grown & ethically traded?"

(Have I mentioned that Starbucks has been listed as one of the best corporations to work for in America?)

Starbucks, you may be a mass chain who is taking over the world. But I don't mind so much, because I truly love you.

Check out these Starbucks faves:

I am all about the Starbucks (RED) products! I've used their (RED) card since last December--what a simple yet awesome idea that purchasing something you were already going to purchase means that you get to help someone else?

Their (RED) edition coffee is also quite tasty--a blend from Rwanda & Ethiopia!




This is the catalyst for today's post/rant.

Today is the first day of fall--perhaps not on the calendar, but indeed in Starbucks. Today is the first day they serve Pumpkin Spice Lattes!

Oh my, this pumpkiny, spicy goodness makes me feel gloriously in love with autumn. Bring on the sweet potato pancakes and the butternut squash soup! And the chili--ohhh, the chili!



I have the "tall" version of this tumbler, purchased for me by "Santa" for my stocking. (Thanks, Saint Nick!) Not only do they gladly put my coffee-drink of choice into this tumbler for me, but they also give me a small discount for doing so!

I have a cold-drink reusable cup purchased from the 'Bucks this past summer--it looks just like the plastic cups they put frapuccinos and iced coffee in, only it is thick, double insulated plastic, including a green, thick plastic straw. Love. It.

Building Those Bridges

Time for a good ole' fashioned picture update:
We've had some good times with our Sunday School class recently (the BridgeBuilders). We love our friends and they definitely feel more like "family" to us!

With Anne and my good little buddy, Case, at our
(sweltering) class End of the Year Party

Our Reach Group met down on the river for a picnic

Laura & Matt brought their Beach Cruiser (I call it the Banana Boat)
Colt is checking out Seth & Matt giving it a whirl

Nick and I had a baby--surprise!
PSYCH--this is our friend, Hadley. She's mostly pretty cool.

I think finding friends as an adult can be tough. We have been so fortunate to make some wonderful friends in Memphis (many of whom are not pictured in this post--holla, unpictured buddies!) and I LOVE that we can (and do) talk about real things with them along with having good times.

On another note, one of my favorite Memphis activities is picnicking by the river. I have always loved how accessible the city is, and the river at sunset is just so pretty and relaxing. I am a big fan of exploring the city in which we live, and no matter how many new restaurants and activities we discover here, relaxing down by the river will always top the list.

The Merits of a Target Bag

Is there such thing as being TOO eco-friendly?  I faced this dilemma this weekend, and it has left me pondering on the many merits of Target's plastic bags.  

I have solidified the habit of using re-usable shopping bags as of late.  It used to be a half-hearted thing--I would bring one into a store when I thought it about it, which was only a fraction of the time.  Lately, I have kept all of my re-usable bags (and my beloved grocery basket, a gift from my MIL) in the backseat/trunk of my car.  In fact, my determination to make this habit stick has resulted in 100% re-usable shopping bag usage.  

The dilemma came this weekend when we needed a Target bag.  Lo and behold, we were completely out.  After a brief moment of eco-euphoria, I found myself annoyed.  How could it be possible that I had finally used the mountain of saved Target bags only to find myself needing one more?  Are they really that necessary?  (If you're wondering how I solved my quandary, I went to Target and made a purchase, just for the plastic bag.  ha.)  

Target's plastic bags are a notch above the rest.  They are not as flimsy as bags from the grocery.  This is important to me--if you're going to make me ruin the planet, at least let me do it with quality plastic bags.  Here are the 5 primary uses of Target bags in our house"

1. Cooking catchall:  Whenever I cook, I hang a Target bag on a cabinet doorknob.  As I chop onions & garlic, the peels and ends go into the bag.  Later, an eggshell might be tossed in as well as the wrapper from a stick of butter.  Cooled bacon grease or cooking oil from the friend chicken gets poured in as well.  Afterwards, I tie it up nice and tight and throw it in the trash--those garlic and onion fumes will be safely contained!

2. Funk-container:  I hate leftovers.  But I have them anyways.  Anytime something has over-stayed its welcome in our fridge, it goes straight in a Target bag, and it's tied up tight and thrown in the trash.  Again, no funky leftover fumes wafting throughout the kitchen.  

3. Doggie bags for walks & runs:  Better take one just in case!  Boy oh boy, it is so embarrassing when you are without a Target bag and your dog decides to do his business right in the middle of someone's driveway.  Yipes.  Thats when you hustle home, grab your Target bag, and return to the scene of the crime.

4. Emptying the Dyson:  Joy to the world for the DC17 Absolute Animal Dyson.  No vacuum bags, just an awesome, powerful canister that sucks up all the dog hair in your house and will expel the contents into whatever you wish, upon the press of a red button.  Our container of choice, of course, is a Target bag.  

5. Lining the bathroom trash can:  No one likes emptying the trash.  But it's a lot less painful when you can take off the top, tie the Target bag, and toss it.

Looks like being eco-friendly gets you some planet points, but sometimes it's still necessary to pick up a few earth-destroying Target bags.  What do you use yours for?

Pros & Cons for Hating Me

Ok here it is...

The Moment You've All Been Waiting to Hate Me For:

I love my job.  There, I said it.  I think everyone should have the option to work from home.  However, I want to remind you all that not everyone would love it.  Here are the pros & cons: 

FIVE PROS:

1. As seen in the picture to the right, you can get a jump-start on your morning by not having to shower and dress all cute and get in your car and drive to your office.  Roll out of bed, fix coffee, sit down at your desk and get crackin'!  (For the record, I do make myself wear something cute for at least 4 days out of the work week.)

2. Also referring to the picture the right, any living being for which you are responsible (in my case, my dog-children) does not mind having an extra buddy at home all day.  (This has particularly revolutionized Moses' life because he does not have to go into his crate while both of us are gone, meaning that he has less "pent-up" energy in the afternoons and therefore is a little less psycho overall.)

3. Here is a convincing point for your employer: Depending on your personality type, if you are able to choose when you do your work, you will be much more focused and productive.  I have realized that I am the type of person who does not like to be "made" to do things.  However, I am very focused and love to "finish" a project.  If I pick when and where I do my work, I will sit down for five straight hours at a time and get more done than I would in an office in 2 days!  

4. Want to fix an omelet and watch "America's Next Top Model" during your lunch break?  Have at it.  Need to stick a load of laundry in the wash between emails?  Go for it.  Are you more of an afternoon runner?  No problem.  Your job revolves around your life as opposed to the all-too-common opposite.

5. You never have to use a public restroom.  (That is huge for me, people!)

FIVE CONS:

1. Isolation.  When it's just you and the dogs all day, things can get a little lonely from time to time.  There are no coworkers in the next cubicle to relay the latest funny thing you saw on Twitter.  Not that you would be on Twitter during work...

2. Discipline--a major requirement for working from home.  Many people have told me, "I could never work from home--I wouldn't be focused enough."  You have to be able to be able to put your domestic requirements & distractions aside at times and hunker down and work. 

3. The pro may be fitting your work around your life, but the con is that it has to fit in somewhere.  This may mean evenings or weekends!

4. If your house is dirty, your office is dirty.  (At least with an office, you can leave your dirty house and go to your perfectly organized and tidy office--which is what I used to do...I had multiple living spaces personalities.  ha.)  In addition, there is not much excuse for a dirty house if you are "home" all day.  

5. You can't talk to clients on the phone while the mailman is dropping off the mail (your brave watchdog will be barking ferociously)...or while the car alarm is going off down the street, the ice cream truck is crawling by, or the neighbor is mowing his lawn, for that matter!

So there ya have it--the pros and cons of work-from-home life.  For some of you, this has solidified your hatred of me.  For this, I apologize and beg of your grace to accept my random fortune.  For others of you, you have realized that this is not all it's cracked up to be when you take reality into account.  I wish everyone had the option--I really do.  Perhaps one day we all will--our employers would spend less on office leasing, utilities, phone lines, and electronics!  Until then, it's time to get back to work...including myself...

Trifecta of Randomness

1. Thanks to Cafe Eclectic, I have a new obsession: Rootbeer Floats with CHOCOLATE ice cream.  Trust me.  They are amazing.  

2. Blueberries are 99 cents per package at EasyWay this week.

3. The best way to eat healthy is to make healthy options more accessible.  Buy fruit and veggies, separate them out into snack-sized baggies, and stick them in a basket in the fridge.  Anytime you need something to munch on, you have a healthy option that is already prepped and ready to eat!

(Whereas, fixing that float is going to take some effort--you gotta WORK for your guilty pleasures!)

Hidden Treasure

Ok, Memphians.  Here is an insider's tip on a fabulous Memphis jewel that is about to disappear for another year...

The Waffle Shop.  (Not to be confused with The House.)  This little treasure is open only during the season of Lent in the basement of Calvary Episcopal Church (Downtown, 2nd St).  Here is the information from their website:

"With its delicious food and atmosphere of merriment, the Waffle Shop provides downtowners with a unique weekday lunch, during the season of Lent, while supporting the outreach ministries of congregations throughout the city.  The volunteer-run Waffle Shop is open from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm each day of the Lenten Preaching Series.  The Waffle Shop menu still features some of the same recipes it has served since its opening in 1928."

 

I read about the annual opening of the Waffle Shop in the Commercial Appeal this year and decided to try it out with a friend.  First meal: Waffle w/ Chicken Hash.  Peppermint Ice Cream with Homemade Chocolate Sauce.  YUM.  

Other notables: Chicken Salad (made with homemade mayo), Seafood Gumbo, Boston Cream Pie.

But I'll tell you the real gem: Fish Pudding.  I know it sounds like the grossest thing ever, but it is actually not pudding at all.  Fish Pudding is a casserole made with white fish and buttery crackers.  Served with extra homemade mayo, cole slaw, home-fry-like potatoes, and cornbread sticks.  Delish.  

There is a Special of the Day, and Fish Pudding makes an appearance on Wednesdays and Fridays.  But you have to show up early, because it goes quick!  

There are 3 days left of the Waffle Shop--I strongly urge you to check it out before it shuts down for another year!  (Parking tips: Check the metered spots on 2nd and 3rd St before trying to head to a lot.  Cheapest lot in the near vicinity is on Jefferson, just before you get to the tall black shiny building--the lot on the right is $2, and the lot on the left is $1.)

Next up: Memphis Farmers Market, opening April 18.  Can't wait!!

For Brooke (A Great Idea)

For those of you who are like my dear friend Brooke (click here to find out what I'm referring to), you will be thrilled to know there is refuge for your abundance of plastic cups.  Kudos to you, Central BBQ, and may all eating establishments follow suit.  

(And you'd better believe we've already redeemed our pork sandwich!)