in this crazy life…

Yesterday, oh yesterday. 
Let me give you some highlights.

My husband worked 13 hours, second day in a row.  I changed an excessive amount of diapers.  My son discovered that he could climb on the coffee table and lunge towards the couch. Fortunately, I was sitting right there to catch him.  My son discovered he could climb onto the end table and climb across the back of the couch and onto the computer chair that was next to it.  My son translated, “Don’t push on the window screen to please by all menas, keep pushing on the screen.”  My son learned that the cup he plays with in the bathtub could pour water all over the bathroom floor… and that is obviously a very fun thing to do. 

Oh my.  Needless to say, I implemented the “early” bedtime (1/2 hour earlier), that we save for special occasions  (i.e.  days like today and Thursdays when the Office comes on at 8).

Still, I won’t call it a terrible day, because…

I received countless wet and slimy kisses and hugs from the same child as mentioned above, who when he’s not a wild thing scaling furniture  is the sweetest little love that you could possibly imagine.  I got to take a nap.  I drank coffee.  I learned that little h is now approximately the size of a loaf of bread.  AND for the first time ever, in the history of the world, when I asked H if he wanted to sit on the potty, he said YES and proceeded to do so for a short moment…. instead of clinging to me like a scared little monkey and closing the potty and running out of the room in fear.

(Note:  moments later, he closed the lid to the potty and ran out of the room, like a scared little monkey, but in my book, that’s a success folks.)

And that’s just a snapshot of my day.  It’s a crazy life.  It can be tiring, but I have the coziest bed, lots of kisses,  and coffee machines.  So, it’s a good one, of this I am sure.

{Liv

just pretties

Sharing a bit of fabric goodness on this Tuesday evening.  Enjoy.

Pears in Fiesta ||  Robert Kaufman

Pop Daisy in Red ||  Heather Bailey

Painted Birds in Natural || Bari J. Ackerman

Lovesme Lovesmeknot in Golden || Anna Maria Horner

Starling in Pink || Alexander Henry

I’m curious, which one do you love the most?

Thanks for stopping by…

{Liv

head on over…

Today, I’m honored to be featured on my friend Phil Aud’s blog as a part of his “Artist Spotlight.”  As a very talented musical artist, he generally features amazing singers/songwriters that you will want to know, but today, it’s less music and more art.  So, head on over to his site to read about how I started loving art and what it means to me.  Oh, and don’t leave without listening to some of his work, you won’t be disappointed.  Have a lovely Tuesday.

{image: source}

{Liv

in the kitchen + exciting news

No, this is not my kitchen.  But feel free to pause and catch your breath, lovely, no?  I thought I’d start the week off with sharing a few delicious recipes that I made over the weekend, because now that one can actually turn on the stove without melting… I’m on a cooking frenzy.  Isn’t frenzy a fantastic word? Frenzy.
Now for the recipes…

This butternut squash mac n cheese was so delicious.

These slow cooker black bean enchiladas were a bit hit, but I’d replace the salsa with a tasty cheese sauce.

I’m enjoying this scrumptious homemade granola right this very second.  Will I be making it again, yes, indeed.

We certainly enjoyed this bbq chicken pizza, you might too.

Our homemade pancakes were perfection with this spiced syrup.

Do you have any tasty recipes to share from your weekend? I’d love to hear about it.

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Oh, and some new and exciting changes are coming to the Saturated Palette in the near future…  but, you’ll just have to wait to find out more!

Oh, and frenzy.

{Liv

{image: source}

fabric everywhere.

I took the plunge.  I caved.  I entered the world of buying fabric online and I’m not looking back.  I took Jessica’s recommendations and began to fall in love with the fabric that I found at Hawthorne Threads.

|Poppy Bouquet|  |Hanging Cages|  |City Map in White|

Originally, I was smitten with the Hanging Cages print and wanted to use it in baby H’s bedding, but then I found another line of prints that I loved, so I ordered one yard, just to see it in person.  It’s amazing and the colors match the colors that are already in the room perfectly. So, I’m torn once again.  Oh, decisions, decisions.  I also adored the city map (of Paris) print, since the moment I saw it and I needed a yard of that too, not sure what I’ll do with it yet, but it belonged with me. Somehow in my mind, the two prints go together, much to the confusion of others.   I like it that way.  The Poppy Bouquet was added to the order on a whim, but it’s amazing and perfect for a  cozy blanket for baby.

This blanket was finished at the expense of almost losing my sanity (the sewing machine and I were engaged in battle, but I won, in the end.)  I love the blanket.  I love the print.  It’s soft and cozy, perfect for a winter baby.  It’s cute and stylish, perfect for my winter baby. 

I can’t believe didn’t know about the wonderful world of fabric online until now…  the fun has just begun.

What are some of your favorite fabric designers and sites?

{Liv

my sympathies and a remedy

I wanted to send my sincere sympathy to those of you who shared that you are still enduring the sweltering heat rather than the cool, crisp fall temps.  If I could, I’d bottle up the lovely goodness of the chilly air, add a dash of coloring from the radiant leaves, and a pinch of coziness from a perfectly knit scarf.  If I could market and sell that, I’d be rich, especially from my Florida pals.

I bring forth a remedy, something that will cure your ails, but you may have to turn on the AC to full enjoy.  If you are fortunate to be reveling in the wonder that is autumn, you can enjoy this too.  Yesterday, I shared that I was making loaded baked potato soup.  I did not lie.  I found what I believe to be my absolute favorite recipe to date and I probably will never make another as long as I live.  I mean, it’s thick and creamy and cheesy and there’s bacon…  hallelujah.  No surprise, it can be found at Tasty Kitchen, where the beloved PW and friends share tasty recipes from their kitchens.  Here is the recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup, which should be called Heavenly.   I also tried a new recipe for crusty French bread,  crusty on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. 

Yum, yum, yum.  You’re welcome.  Let me know if you make it.   Pass it along to your favorite people.  Spread some cheer in the world.  I hope that fall splendor comes your way soon… and that it’s a nice long fall, because I’m scared of winter.   So scared.

{Liv

Questions?

 

Hi friends, I need your help, yes YOU.  I’m working on a new blog feature and I ‘d love your input.  What kind of questions would you ask an artist/designer/crafter/inspiring person of interest if you had the chance?  What would you love to know about them?  What are you dying to ask?  Calling all questions…

Leave your questions in the comments and I’ll add them to my growing list.  Thanks so much for your help and be looking for the new feature… coming soon!

{Liv

It’s Wednesday and…

1. I’m waging war on the closets.  So far, I’m victorious.
2. I’m rearranging and sorting and tossing things, because I always feel like we have too much stuff.
3. I’m moving my desk into the main room because our bedroom is a little too crowded… and my belly is growing… and there is currently no space for even a small bed for baby H, when she arrives.
4. I’m waiting for the internet guy to come, so we won’t have to fuss with using our phones for everything.
5. I’m thankful that Mr. fussy pants didn’t protest his nap.
6. I’m looking forward to the husband having a night off, even though I am creating a short list of things I need him to do.  The desk won’t move by itself, now.
7. I am ever in love with the glorious tree on fire with the colors of fall,  that fills our four living room windows with beauty. (compensating for the vertical blinds)
8. I’m making loaded baked potato soup, perfect for a cool, rainy evening.
9. I’m delighted that you stopped by my little blog.  I’d probably keep writing even if no one read it, but that wouldn’t be as much fun.  So thank you.

What about you?  How are you?  What are you loving and doing and dreaming today?

{Liv

dear baby

You’re going to be born right in the middle of winter.  When I say winter, I mean nothing like what we were used to in Tennessee.  It snowed approximately three days each year and the snow rarely stayed on the ground through nightfall.    For some reason, we decided to move up here to the land where winter weather lurks for half the year and the temps like to dance the line between insanely freezing and brain numbing frigidity. 

I’m sorry.

I don’t know what we were thinking, but the fall weather is lovely and there are lakes, 10,000 of them.

So, we’ll welcome you into the cold, dark, freezing, icy world, but I promise to make sure you stay extra warm and cozy with this chunky purple hat, complete with earflaps  and this cute  diaper cover for your little behind.

Oh, I also knit this little sweater for you too, but to be honest, I think it’s one of the ugliest things I’ve ever made and it’s not going in your closet.EVER.  I promise the next one will be better. In my defense, it was the first baby sweater that I tried to knit.

See, I’m already looking out for you and your style.  You’re welcome.  That’s what I do.

So, while there’s nothing I can do to stop the blistery winter weather, I will do my best to keep you looking your best and warm at the same time.  My gift to you.

22.5 weeks today.

Tuesday’s Thought

Happiness is not a

matter of events,

it depends upon the

tides of the mind.

-Alice Meynell

photo source: here

baby growing diaries #4

Thankfully, I’m feeling so much better, I’m sure it’s partially related to the fact that cool fall temps are here, replacing the hot, sweltering ones that sucked the life from my being.  Hooray for fall.  Hooray for feeling human-like.

Big news: I ate chicken.  I know, I can’t believe it myself.  The meat lover in me is seeping through the cracks, like the lady trapped  in the wallpaper*.  Last weekend, I visited the outdoor garden market, across the street and they had a whole sampling of tasty dishes using zucchini, one was a spicy tortilla soup and it was divine… chicken and all.  I came home and made it for dinner.  I ate two bowls.

Then, yesterday after watching a few hours of the Food Network, my mouth was watering over the steaks and barbeque and ribs and Italian beef sandwiches from Chicago.  Meat, meat, meat.  Give this girl some meat.  Although, I’m not sure about ground beef or hot dogs yet, but if you arrived at my door with a tasty medium rare steak, I’d eat it right away.

I think my husband is sleeping better now, because he’s not worried that I will actually remain anti-meat forever.

Another note of interest:  if you brought me a volcano roll or Japanese tempura bagel roll from a certain sushi restaurant in central Florida, I would love you forever and ever.  But, what I really meant to say was, after the baby is born, silly… because of course, I follow all the rules. 

All the time.

Rule follower, right here.

So recap:  Feeling better.  I want a steak.  I want sushi. 

 

Next time on the baby growing diaries: 

1.I tried on a pair of maternity jeans and lived to tell about it.

2. The moment it hit me that we are actually, for real having another baby.

22 weeks today.

 

*Did anyone catch my allusion to Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s, The Yellow Wallpaper?  My favorite short story of all time.

{Liv

dear baby, right now is my favorite.

Someone is a mere month away from turning two.  I could be shocked that you’ve grown from my sweet not-so-little baby to this amazingly funny and marvelous little boy, but I’m not.  After all, time does not stop of endearing parents and October comes every year. 

I have to tell you that your mommy was very nervous about you approaching the landmark age of 2, I’ve heard the horror stories and trembled in fear.  For a few months this summer, I thought I saw a glimpse of this terror, but to be fair, we just moved across the country, lived in someone else’s basement, moved into our own place, and then came the glorious first trimester of sickness galore.  But, now that we are settled into our new home and I feel like a human being again, you’re starting to act like one too.

These days, I can’t get enough of you as my little boy.  This is the best age yet.  It’s my favorite.

I mean, I loved bringing home all 9 lbs 7 oz of you and cuddling you in my arms all day.  I marveled when you discovered the fascinating things we call hands and feet.  I cheered you on as you learned how to crawl and walk.  Every little stage of growth and learning have been tremendous.  I cherish them all.  They are all my favorite.

Like right now, my favorite.

You fascinate me and I can’t get enough of you.  You are crazy and silly and sweet and loving.  I’m amazed at this little person you’re becoming, with strong opinions and certain interests.   You’re the best combination of sweet and wild.  The other day you were "roaring” at a couple standing behind us, in the airport.  And every time you see a baby, you face wrinkles as you say, “aww,” just like mommy. It melts my heart.

Of course, you  present us with a few challenges. For example, you’re good at obeying, except when you don’t want to and you can be so stubborn, just like your… ahem, father.  You’re  not always interested in eating dinner or picking up your toys at night and no matter how many times we say no, you still  think the kitchen cupboards are your personal storage space.

But, when I hold you, you wrap your  little arms around me like you’re actually holding me and you are quite certain that my personal space is yours.  You make me laugh all day long.  By the way, today, I found the plastic wrap in your toy box.   But, you’re right, it does make a fun sound when you talk into the tube.

In four short months, your world will be rocked with the arrival of little sister Harper and we’re so thrilled.  It’s going to change all of our lives and it won’t be long until we wonder together what we ever did without her too.  But until then…

I plan on loving every minute with you, my baby turned little boy, eating our cereal on the couch in the mornings, playing with trucks and monsters,  looking at your alphabet flashcards, running around the house dancing, every hug, and every kiss.

… and the glorious 12 hours that you sleep every night, have I ever told you how much I appreciate that?

The best part is that, you’re going to keep learning and growing every day and I know that will be great.

… but right now is my favorite.

for my friends, you know who you are…

because everyone needs to see the glorious colors of fall, no matter where you live.

*This is the view from our living room.  Not bad huh? Around the corner, Starbucks… I have a rough life.

{Liv

my hair told me.

I dyed my hair today, because my hair told me that…

it was feeling bland.

it keeps getting darker, as I get older.

it felt like it was on the verge of that whole “dishwater” term fiasco.  I would never use that term to describe anyone’s hair, especially mine.  Really, worst hair color description ever.

it felt like it was the same color as my face.

it needed a change.

So, I dyed it brown and my hair said, I feel much better.

 

FYI: I was curious to see if the  little boy would recognize me, but in true male fashion, he didn’t even notice. 

{Liv

Remembering.

“We got married, because we were so in love and wanted to be together.  We hardly had anything, but none of that mattered.  We were in love.”

– Lavell N.

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When we were getting married and looking for our place, Matt took me to the cutest development of apartment homes.  It was picturesque, with well manicured lawns, fully stocked with pools, tennis courts, and screamed, “you would be so cool if you lived here,” as you drove onto the property.

The leasing agent directed us to the model apartment and we walked around, envisioning our lives there… It was relatively small at 764 sq. feet, one bedroom/one bath, but it was brand new and decorated with absolute stunning style…  naturally, which should make us want to live there.  The price wasn’t great, but it was pretty.  I think we were supposed to overlook the price tag, because the visions of us spending our first year of marriage together in this little haven would cloud out any hint of reason.

We didn’t sign the lease.  It was above our price range, but for me that wasn’t the deal breaker.

You see, in the living room, decorated in perfect blues and browns, complete textures that beckoned comfort and luxury, was this incredible teal couch.  It was the most beautiful couch that I had ever seen.  Hanging just above it was this brilliant piece of art, that made the wall pop and together the two aided in the attempts of striping reason from potential residents.  It caused my design-loving heart to skip a few beats and truly made me want to live there, with that couch… happily ever after.

We drove away, promising the leasing agent that we would let her know our decision as soon as possible, because naturally, there was only one model available and someone else was really interested too. (Do they all say that?)  Matt asked me what I thought.  I told him, we should keep looking.  He  asked why, and this is how the conversation unfolded,

Me: We can’t live there.

Matt: Why?

Me: Because, we can’t have that couch.

Matt: Oh?

Me:  We can’t afford a couch like that and so our apartment would never look as good as that one and I wouldn’t like it as much and so I don’t want to live there, if I can’t have that couch.  Plus, it’s more than we want to spend on rent, but mostly, it’s about the couch.

Matt: Fair enough.

He thought the first con should be the money, but I knew I couldn’t live there without that couch.  Boys and girls are different.

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Thank God for that couch, because we found a bigger (1200 sq. ft, 2 bedroom/2 bath) apartment at a better price that we could handle.  As we walked through this model, complete with floral patterns that my mom would love, I found myself thinking, I could make this place look so much better.  

We started out with used furniture, because we didn’t want to be sitting in our living room thinking, we’re still paying for this.  Most of it was given to us, because no one else wanted it.  It was months before we even had a couch, we borrowed a futon… the one that everyone else borrowed from Lavell, when they were just starting out too. 

Our apartment wouldn’t have won any contests, but we loved that place.  We loved that first year of our lives together.  It didn’t matter if the furniture was used or mix-matched, because we were in love and so happy. 

We knew we had a whole lifetime ahead of us to have really nice things. We realized that it was a process and we were only at the beginning.

Three years later, we’ve bought  a few things, but still so much of what we own is used.  We don’t care, because we’re happy and in love. 

Furniture has nothing to do with it.

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Do you remember those first years or marriage?  Were you lucky enough to start out with the whole package- nice house, cars, jobs, furniture?  Or was it a slow process as you created your home, bit by bit?

P.S.  I still dream about that couch.

{Liv

I made a sheep… bear.

My thoughts have been re-directed as of late to all things cute and cozy for little babies.  For obvious reasons.
So, when I received a yarn catalogue in the mail the other day, I was inspired to knit one of these  little buddies.   
This is the image from the pattern, I read over the instructions and thought that it sounded easy enough.
This was supposed to be a lamb, but I think mine looks more like a bear, which is fine with me.  I also just used whatever yarn I had and substituted the brown for  blue.  Mine also grew by a few rows in both the body and the arms and legs.  That is because I don’t care for numbers and I don’t like keeping track, but I found a handy dandy tally counter app on my phone and that helped. 
What I meant to say is… I took some creative liberties, because I don’t like following rules and I am an artist.
During the 8 hours, I spent knitting this  little bear, I realized a few things:
1.  I generally like projects that I can finish in one sitting.
2.  I struggle with following patterns, they are too restricting.
3.  Knitting little yarn friends is not going to be my newest creative endeavor.  So, don’t expect one in your Christmas gift. 
However, it was fun to successfully finish the project and as you can see from the following images, I think the end result is H approved.
 
Last night, I thought I wouldn’t ever want to make another one, but baby girl might need one of these.
Next I’m going to try to make a little sweater for baby H.  Wish me luck…

{Liv

i may have changed my mind…

It wouldn’t be the first time.

It certainly won’t be the last.

I try to change my mind once a day.

Tonight I stumbled upon a new line of fabric from Patricia Bravo, Modern Affair.   I love the details and how these colors are used to make such lovely designs that would be perfect for baby sister H, while matching the colors already in big brother H’s room, which they will share.

This first print makes my heart skip a beat and would be PERFECT for the inside of the crib bumper.

The perfect combination of any of these prints could make up the rest of the bedding.

It’s not available until October, so I have some time to decide on a plan or change my mind, which is possible…  but as of tonight…

I’m smitten.

{Liv

Us.

We have a thing for benches, placed perfectly under grand willow trees. It started on our first date.





We always feel too far away from the ocean, unless the spray from the waves is on our faces.

We believe that looking at the camera is highly overrated, most of the time.

We can’t be bothered with being boring and serious, but we are serious about a few things like Jesus, sunsets, coffee, books, and art.

We prefer change, mystery and adventure to routine, details and plans, after all, planning the wedding was complicated enough.  But, it was a wonderful day, one of the best. 

We left part of us in California, one day we’ll go back.

 

It only took five months for us to run out of reasons to not start our family.

Best idea we ever had.

We care less about having the best things and more about having the best life.

We’ve had lots of adventures,  and we’re always ready for more.

We’ve been married three years today and all of this is just the beginning of our story.

That’s a little bit about us, what about you?  What makes your love so great?  What makes your story worth telling?  What are you doing with this crazy, beautiful life?

{Liv