Month: February 2012

30 Before 30

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com

I saw this “30 Before 30” idea on Making It Lovely and thought “I should so do that!” Actually, I first thought that I had already turned 30…don’t even ask me why I thought that. Call it pregnancy brain, or the fact that the pregnancy has got me feeling, emotionally, rrrreeeeeaaaally way older than I actually know I am (and feel).

My thirtieth birthday’s on May 1st. This means that, from today, I’ve got about 2 1/2 months to do some of this stuff. Plus, I’m preggers, and quickly feeling that “gut pain” thing that happens upon over-excursion. You child-bearing ladies know what I’m talking about. It’s like when Jasper uses his hind legs to push all of his weight (which is sizable) into your belly in a spring-loaded take-off. I’d know; he did that yesterday. It’s the epitome of “OOF!”

While I’m not into the whole “let’s have a huge party” thing (one exception: the surprise shindig Dave threw for me a couple of years back with the help of my mom and sister – who expects a huge 28th birthday surprise party??), I am into the “let me reflect upon this milestone” aspect of things. So, a 30 before 30 list seems manageable. Especially if I take it easy on my pregnant self. Let’s see what I can come up with here…

1. Try a yoga class.
2. Start adding to savings.
3. Organize the office.
4. Go for a walk. (You’d be surprised at how hard this is!)
5. Go antiquing.

6. Get some more Etsy goodies posted.
7. Organize the ol’ blog.
8. Get rid of 25% more of my wardrobe.
9. Organize/clean out my laptop (pictures & iTunes — need room for the baby’s music, after all).
10. Do some major curb appeal work (spray paint the shutters, kill the ivy , paint the side door, paint the “porch”, hang the numbers, plant some pretties)
11. Switch the living room from red accents to…
12. At least organize the craziness that is The Basement Monster.
13. Find someone to take the bed in order to change “guest room” into “nursery.”
14. Get a hairstyle.
15. Make some paper cranes (or other awesome origami art).
16. Do some painting…not in the home improvement way.
17. REDO. THE. BATHROOM. (And I MEAN it!)
18. Learn how to use a plain ol’ digital camera in the best way possible.
19. Try to post more original pictures on the blog.
20. Gain weight, but not too much. (Seriously, I haven’t gained a pound yet, even though my stomach’s gotten a bit bigger. How is that possible?!)
21. Make some DIY soap — be it hand soap or laundry soap.
22. Go through all my dust-collecting books and donate/sell what I’ll never read/didn’t like.
23. Go some place new with the hubs.
24. Plan a smaller, but manageable garden. (Planting will have to occur well after May 1st. Unless we continue to have a #cancelwinter.)
25. Pick some baby names that we both can live with. (It’d be nice if we both LOVED them, but live with is the current goal.)
26. Set up Amazon Affiliate.
27. Take a road trip.
28. Find enough room to actually be able to have every piece of my wardrobe put away simultaneously. Then follow through.
29. Reupholster the wine chair and slipcover/paint the ottoman.

30. Pick up the house once a week. (Yes, once. It doesn’t look horrible the rest of the week if I do it this way. I know myself; once a day isn’t gonna happen.)

I think I can live with these. I’m fully expecting not to have the energy/time to accomplish ALL of the above-mentioned items, but lots of them – yup. Besides, it’s not like 30 is the end of anything (except one’s 20s, I suppose), so what I don’t finish, I’ll put into my next “To Do” list. Some pressure (like in the form of posting 30 things that you’d like to work on publicly)

30 Before 30

30 before 30I saw this “30 Before 30” idea on Making It Lovely and thought “I should so do that!” Actually, I first thought that I had already turned 30…don’t even ask me why I thought that. Call it pregnancy brain, or the fact that the pregnancy has got me feeling, emotionally, rrrreeeeeaaaally way older than I actually know I am (and feel).

My thirtieth birthday’s on May 1st. This means that, from today, I’ve got about 2 1/2 months to do some of this stuff. Plus, I’m preggers, and quickly feeling that “gut pain” thing that happens upon over-excursion. You child-bearing ladies know what I’m talking about. It’s like when Jasper uses his hind legs to push all of his weight (which is sizable) into your belly in a spring-loaded take-off. I’d know; he did that yesterday. It’s the epitome of “OOF!”

While I’m not into the whole “let’s have a huge party” thing (one exception: the surprise shindig Dave threw for me a couple of years back with the help of my mom and sister – who expects a huge 28th birthday surprise party??), I am into the “let me reflect upon this milestone” aspect of things. So, a 30 before 30 list seems manageable. Especially if I take it easy on my pregnant self. Let’s see what I can come up with here…

1. Try a yoga class.
2. Start adding to savings.
3. Organize the office.
4. Go for a walk. (You’d be surprised at how hard this is!)
5. Go antiquing.

6. Get some more Etsy goodies posted.
7. Organize the ol’ blog.
8. Get rid of 25% more of my wardrobe.
9. Organize/clean out my laptop (pictures & iTunes — need room for the baby’s music, after all).
10. Do some major curb appeal work (spray paint the shutters, kill the ivy , paint the side door, paint the “porch”, hang the numbers, plant some pretties)
11. Switch the living room from red accents to…
12. At least organize the craziness that is The Basement Monster.
13. Find someone to take the bed in order to change “guest room” into “nursery.”
14. Get a hairstyle.
15. Make some paper cranes (or other awesome origami art).
16. Do some painting…not in the home improvement way.
17. REDO. THE. BATHROOM. (And I MEAN it!)
18. Learn how to use a plain ol’ digital camera in the best way possible.
19. Try to post more original pictures on the blog.
20. Gain weight, but not too much. (Seriously, I haven’t gained a pound yet, even though my stomach’s gotten a bit bigger. How is that possible?!)
21. Make some DIY soap — be it hand soap or laundry soap.
22. Go through all my dust-collecting books and donate/sell what I’ll never read/didn’t like.
23. Go some place new with the hubs.
24. Plan a smaller, but manageable garden. (Planting will have to occur well after May 1st. Unless we continue to have a #cancelwinter.)
25. Pick some baby names that we both can live with. (It’d be nice if we both LOVED them, but live with is the current goal.)
26. Set up Amazon Affiliate.
27. Take a road trip.
28. Find enough room to actually be able to have every piece of my wardrobe put away simultaneously. Then follow through.
29. Reupholster the wine chair and slipcover/paint the ottoman.

30. Pick up the house once a week. (Yes, once. It doesn’t look horrible the rest of the week if I do it this way. I know myself; once a day isn’t gonna happen.)

I think I can live with these. I’m fully expecting not to have the energy/time to accomplish ALL of the above-mentioned items, but lots of them – yup. Besides, it’s not like 30 is the end of anything (except one’s 20s, I suppose), so what I don’t finish, I’ll put into my next “To Do” list. Some pressure (like in the form of posting 30 things that you’d like to work on publicly)

Random Pregnancy Post

By “random” I mean some random pregnancy thoughts, all rolled into one post. 🙂 Just to clarify.

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com

– Yes, I’ve finally got “a bump”. Strangely enough, I haven’t had any strangers comment on it yet, nor anyone who didn’t already know I was pregnant. A few students are looking at me strangely or whisper to each other, but that’s not really different from any other day. 😉 I figure strangers aren’t mentioning it because it still looks a bit like a lady who ate a huge Thanksgiving dinner rather than “there’s something growing in there” belly. Bought a pair of jeans the next size up from Goodwill (they were brand new, thankyouverymuch), but think I’ll need to do a tad more shopping to get me through this “in between” phase. Going to try out a few consignment shops in the area. Oh, and I’ve definitely got some stuff for when I get BIG.

– Speaking of clothes, my sister was awesome enough to give us a huge Tupperware container full of her newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months (and even beyond!) clothes from her current little bundle of joy. (When I say “bundle of joy”, I really mean it. She’s awesome.) Most of the clothes are neutral since they didn’t learn the sex of her baby prior, either. I know some folks are dying to buy clothes, but I’m happy with what we currently have. We’re still clinging tight to the “simplify, simplify, simplify” motto. 

– Movement is a-happenin’. Not a whole lot, but it’s there. It’s not so much a “flutter” as folks have described it, since it’s not that ticklish or butterfly-like, but it’s definitely not quite yet a “kick”. Mind you, if I was the over-sharing type to post an ultrasound picture, you’d see in one of the latest that this kid’s got McCoy legs — like long frog legs. So, I figure sooner than later it’ll start to feel more like a soccer game in “mah bellay.” (Fat Bastard? Anyone? Sorry, the hubs and I have a small connection to Austin Powers.)

– It was cool to search for a food question and actually receive a resounding “Yes, you CAN eat that – actually, eat MORE of it!” rather than the usual “Ruh roh. Don’t do that.” (It was like landing on “Go to Jail” in Monopoly. Wop wop.) I’ve been eating a little less healthily lately, for whatever reason (mostly exhaustion and laziness), but always with a piece of fruit or yogurt or glass of milk, so I’m clearly still in the game. But, when I went shopping for my usual large container of Chobani at Hannaford the other day, my frustration grew even further – they had done away with my strawberry. Consider my cheese MOVED. Don’t move a pregnant lady’s cheese.

Out of spite and a bad mood (and presumably to prove a point…to whom, I have no idea ;-)), I purchased one of the over-priced regular-sized Chobanis and a 4-pack of Stonyfield Farm’s Organic Probiotic Strawberry Yogurt. A sudden buyer’s remorse swirled in my head – “Wait. Those probiotic thingies are alive. Am I allowed to have this?” Clearly, I can, and I look forward to seeing if it helps any of the stomach “issues” I’ve been having since becoming pregnant – and have even read that doctors have advised that kids who may be a little “off” in that area should eat the stuff. Neat! Putting that in my back pocket for now.

– Not sure if it’s hormones or just environmental/exterior factors, but I’ve been a tad bummed lately. Trying to control it, since I’d rather send nothing but positive vibes to the little one, but it’s been a challenge. Working on it. (See the bottom bullet to find out how I’m working on it. ;-))

– I couldn’t be happier that the weekend is upon us (and that a week-long vacation starts a week from today). The pregnancy exhaustion has hit me again, and there’s just so much we’d like to get done…but I wish just a little that I could accomplish those tasks without it taking the wind out of my sails completely. It can be tough to take it all in stride, but I wish I could. Trying! And hoping that a couple of the “sit in sweats and use the computer” assignments on my to-do list can get accomplished, at least. 😉

– Apparently, the baby can officially hear what’s happening in the outside world. If this is the case, he/she has been learning how to politely say “no thank you” (or “our budget was cut…”) to a kazillion book vendors on the phone today. I’m sure this talent will serve him/her well one day.

– I can’t wait to create a “mood board” to post about the nursery. I’d like to share more about our home goings-on (since, hey, most of the blogs I love and one of my new, favorite distractions is design, DIY and purdy stuff) – plus, it’s fun to see what folks think. When they’re nice. *wink* We’ve already got two of the colors down (plus white and wood – do those count as colors? *double wink*) and I just have to nail down the third. Hint: It’s yellow…just not sure whether it’s a softer, buttery yellow or a fun, bright yellow. And, yes, there will be a fourth color — after the little nugget arrives on good ol’ Planet Earth.

– Oh, yes, I finally touched base with the Universal Yoga Center in New Hartford about some prenatal yoga classes. (Sarah, are you proud?!?!) I’m also grabbing a prenatal yoga DVD to see how I feel about it. Either way, feeling proactive about my health and the baby’s well-being (and forcing myself to get off of my butt and DO something for myself) has to be a good thing. 😉 My doctors have asked if I’ve been exercising, and my “are you kidding? Does laundry count?” response doesn’t seem valid anymore.

So, those are the random thoughts that have been bopping around my head. Oh, and that I’ve GOTTA call Shauna to chat about cloth diapers, making laundry detergent, and even finances when my energy finds me again. 🙂 Feel free to share any random thoughts you’ve been having lately – or comment on how silly mine are!

Random Pregnancy Post

By “random” I mean some random pregnancy thoughts, all rolled into one post. 🙂 Just to clarify.30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com

– Yes, I’ve finally got “a bump”. Strangely enough, I haven’t had any strangers comment on it yet, nor anyone who didn’t already know I was pregnant. A few students are looking at me strangely or whisper to each other, but that’s not really different from any other day. 😉 I figure strangers aren’t mentioning it because it still looks a bit like a lady who ate a huge Thanksgiving dinner rather than “there’s something growing in there” belly. Bought a pair of jeans the next size up from Goodwill (they were brand new, thankyouverymuch), but think I’ll need to do a tad more shopping to get me through this “in between” phase. Going to try out a few consignment shops in the area. Oh, and I’ve definitely got some stuff for when I get BIG.

– Speaking of clothes, my sister was awesome enough to give us a huge Tupperware container full of her newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months (and even beyond!) clothes from her current little bundle of joy. (When I say “bundle of joy”, I really mean it. She’s awesome.) Most of the clothes are neutral since they didn’t learn the sex of her baby prior, either. I know some folks are dying to buy clothes, but I’m happy with what we currently have. We’re still clinging tight to the “simplify, simplify, simplify” motto.

– Movement is a-happenin’. Not a whole lot, but it’s there. It’s not so much a “flutter” as folks have described it, since it’s not that ticklish or butterfly-like, but it’s definitely not quite yet a “kick”. Mind you, if I was the over-sharing type to post an ultrasound picture, you’d see in one of the latest that this kid’s got McCoy legs — like long frog legs. So, I figure sooner than later it’ll start to feel more like a soccer game in “mah bellay.” (Fat Bastard? Anyone? Sorry, the hubs and I have a small connection to Austin Powers.)

– It was cool to search for a food question and actually receive a resounding “Yes, you CAN eat that – actually, eat MORE of it!” rather than the usual “Ruh roh. Don’t do that.” (It was like landing on “Go to Jail” in Monopoly. Wop wop.) I’ve been eating a little less healthily lately, for whatever reason (mostly exhaustion and laziness), but always with a piece of fruit or yogurt or glass of milk, so I’m clearly still in the game. But, when I went shopping for my usual large container of Chobani at Hannaford the other day, my frustration grew even further – they had done away with my strawberry. Consider my cheese MOVED. Don’t move a pregnant lady’s cheese.

Out of spite and a bad mood (and presumably to prove a point…to whom, I have no idea ;-)), I purchased one of the over-priced regular-sized Chobanis and a 4-pack of Stonyfield Farm’s Organic Probiotic Strawberry Yogurt. A sudden buyer’s remorse swirled in my head – “Wait. Those probiotic thingies are alive. Am I allowed to have this?” Clearly, I can, and I look forward to seeing if it helps any of the stomach “issues” I’ve been having since becoming pregnant – and have even read that doctors have advised that kids who may be a little “off” in that area should eat the stuff. Neat! Putting that in my back pocket for now.

– Not sure if it’s hormones or just environmental/exterior factors, but I’ve been a tad bummed lately. Trying to control it, since I’d rather send nothing but positive vibes to the little one, but it’s been a challenge. Working on it. (See the bottom bullet to find out how I’m working on it. ;-))

– I couldn’t be happier that the weekend is upon us (and that a week-long vacation starts a week from today). The pregnancy exhaustion has hit me again, and there’s just so much we’d like to get done…but I wish just a little that I could accomplish those tasks without it taking the wind out of my sails completely. It can be tough to take it all in stride, but I wish I could. Trying! And hoping that a couple of the “sit in sweats and use the computer” assignments on my to-do list can get accomplished, at least. 😉

– Apparently, the baby can officially hear what’s happening in the outside world. If this is the case, he/she has been learning how to politely say “no thank you” (or “our budget was cut…”) to a kazillion book vendors on the phone today. I’m sure this talent will serve him/her well one day.

– I can’t wait to create a “mood board” to post about the nursery. I’d like to share more about our home goings-on (since, hey, most of the blogs I love and one of my new, favorite distractions is design, DIY and purdy stuff) – plus, it’s fun to see what folks think. When they’re nice. *wink* We’ve already got two of the colors down (plus white and wood – do those count as colors? *double wink*) and I just have to nail down the third. Hint: It’s yellow…just not sure whether it’s a softer, buttery yellow or a fun, bright yellow. And, yes, there will be a fourth color — after the little nugget arrives on good ol’ Planet Earth.

– Oh, yes, I finally touched base with the Universal Yoga Center in New Hartford about some prenatal yoga classes. (Sarah, are you proud?!?!) I’m also grabbing a prenatal yoga DVD to see how I feel about it. Either way, feeling proactive about my health and the baby’s well-being (and forcing myself to get off of my butt and DO something for myself) has to be a good thing. 😉 My doctors have asked if I’ve been exercising, and my “are you kidding? Does laundry count?” response doesn’t seem valid anymore.

So, those are the random thoughts that have been bopping around my head. Oh, and that I’ve GOTTA call Shauna to chat about cloth diapers, making laundry detergent, and even finances when my energy finds me again. 🙂 Feel free to share any random thoughts you’ve been having lately – or comment on how silly mine are!

Mmm…Pie

Just thought I’d check in with my financial progress for 2012. In my mind, every little step is progress, even though I haven’t made my “major” changes yet. My first goal was to observe my monthly spending for January. Well, I did it! (Man, it was tough. You’d think jotting everything you spend down would be kind of…well, child’s play. Not so much.)

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com
Firstly, are we impressed by that pie chart, or what? What can I say – I loves me some pie. I’ve just gotta figure out how to make it look less distorted, but one challenge at a time. 😉

I was surprised by several things – some good, some bad. Otherwise, and generally speaking, there were some purchases that were made that I wouldn’t call “monthly” (more like once in a lifetime…or once every ten years – like an ottoman purchase), but I seem to  have some sort of purchase as such every few months or so, so I included it in the chart. There are other areas that, some months, get more cash put towards it (such as the “Pets” category) – but not this month. Then there are the stationary ones – such as the Visa bill, which never gets added to and always gets paid automatically every single month. The “can always depend on you” bills that will be AWESOME to finally pay off.

What shocked me most, though, was the clothes/home goods/gifts chunk. I don’t BUY clothes that much – I just got a few maternity items. So, much of this was actually purchased for home projects from Lowe’s (and that $179 ottoman from Target didn’t help, either). Secondly, while it doesn’t LOOK like much, our eating out is crazier than I expected. It really makes me think…and think…and think…until I will inevitably change, change, change. 🙂

My groceries are mad crazy, too, but I already knew that. I’ve already set a new goal for myself to get it down to a) a twice-a-month shopping trip, b) for a certain set price (ie such-and-such amount for the month, divided by two), and c) in cash. Let’s just call it getting closer to living simply on cash. Technically, I do that now, but I don’t consider a debit card technically “cash”. It’s still plastic, and it’s still a co-dependent tool towards self-ignorance. There were years that I shunned owning one…man, what happened?! So, anyhoo, it definitely does makes me go through the “I’d like to get that, but…” thought process on pretty much every purchase. Oh, and I’m going to try to go back to an Aldi/Hannaford symbiosis – what one can’t get me healthily and cheaply (ie Aldi’s bananas or all-natural juice or awesomely delicious, cheap hummus) the other will provide. Spending $20 in one place and $60 in the other is fine, especially with how much $20 gets you!

Oh, and I figure this will help provide an economic stability when looking at the grocery budget +1. I’d like to keep the budget at the same amount, actually – totally crazy? Maybe. I’ll adjust as needed, of course. No amount of pride or strictness to self-induced life rules would keep our kid from gaining proper nutrition. You can’t complain with TRYING out a budget, though.

Some surprising “good” pieces of the pie? My “entertainment/phone” (really just my Verizon and Time Warner bills) amount is tinier, by comparison, than I expected it to be. I guess that whole going cable-free thing is workin’ for me. Oh, and the avoidance of purchasing a smartphone, let alone any phone with a data plan. We’re not proud…although, in this case, we totally are.

Cash withdrawals were actually, again, relatively small. That may be shifting, especially when I’ll be using the money to purchase other pieces of the pie (groceries, etc). And, come to think of it, the cash advances went towards certain pieness, as well, so it probably shouldn’t even count. But it does, and I’m pretty happy with it. Always like to have some cash in the ol’ wallet. You never know.

So, there it is – a pretty disjointed (but what blog post isn’t?) public display of…well, pie. What’s next? I’m trying to analyze what parts of the pie are necessary (car, mortgage, etc) and what can be shaved further (groceries a tad, home stuff definitely, etc). And that’s where I’ll leave ya.

Any random budget suggestions that you think we all should know? What works for you? Do tell!

Mmm…Pie

Just thought I’d check in with my financial progress for 2012. In my mind, every little step is progress, even though I haven’t made my “major” changes yet. My first goal was to observe my monthly spending for January. Well, I did it! (Man, it was tough. You’d think jotting everything you spend down would be kind of…well, child’s play. Not so much.)

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com
Firstly, are we impressed by that pie chart, or what? What can I say – I loves me some pie. I’ve just gotta figure out how to make it look less distorted, but one challenge at a time. 😉

I was surprised by several things – some good, some bad. Otherwise, and generally speaking, there were some purchases that were made that I wouldn’t call “monthly” (more like once in a lifetime…or once every ten years – like an ottoman purchase), but I seem to  have some sort of purchase as such every few months or so, so I included it in the chart. There are other areas that, some months, get more cash put towards it (such as the “Pets” category) – but not this month. Then there are the stationary ones – such as the Visa bill, which never gets added to and always gets paid automatically every single month. The “can always depend on you” bills that will be AWESOME to finally pay off.

What shocked me most, though, was the clothes/home goods/gifts chunk. I don’t BUY clothes that much – I just got a few maternity items. So, much of this was actually purchased for home projects from Lowe’s (and that $179 ottoman from Target didn’t help, either). Secondly, while it doesn’t LOOK like much, our eating out is crazier than I expected. It really makes me think…and think…and think…until I will inevitably change, change, change. 🙂

My groceries are mad crazy, too, but I already knew that. I’ve already set a new goal for myself to get it down to a) a twice-a-month shopping trip, b) for a certain set price (ie such-and-such amount for the month, divided by two), and c) in cash. Let’s just call it getting closer to living simply on cash. Technically, I do that now, but I don’t consider a debit card technically “cash”. It’s still plastic, and it’s still a co-dependent tool towards self-ignorance. There were years that I shunned owning one…man, what happened?! So, anyhoo, it definitely does makes me go through the “I’d like to get that, but…” thought process on pretty much every purchase. Oh, and I’m going to try to go back to an Aldi/Hannaford symbiosis – what one can’t get me healthily and cheaply (ie Aldi’s bananas or all-natural juice or awesomely delicious, cheap hummus) the other will provide. Spending $20 in one place and $60 in the other is fine, especially with how much $20 gets you!

Oh, and I figure this will help provide an economic stability when looking at the grocery budget +1. I’d like to keep the budget at the same amount, actually – totally crazy? Maybe. I’ll adjust as needed, of course. No amount of pride or strictness to self-induced life rules would keep our kid from gaining proper nutrition. You can’t complain with TRYING out a budget, though.

Some surprising “good” pieces of the pie? My “entertainment/phone” (really just my Verizon and Time Warner bills) amount is tinier, by comparison, than I expected it to be. I guess that whole going cable-free thing is workin’ for me. Oh, and the avoidance of purchasing a smartphone, let alone any phone with a data plan. We’re not proud…although, in this case, we totally are.

Cash withdrawals were actually, again, relatively small. That may be shifting, especially when I’ll be using the money to purchase other pieces of the pie (groceries, etc). And, come to think of it, the cash advances went towards certain pieness, as well, so it probably shouldn’t even count. But it does, and I’m pretty happy with it. Always like to have some cash in the ol’ wallet. You never know.

So, there it is – a pretty disjointed (but what blog post isn’t?) public display of…well, pie. What’s next? I’m trying to analyze what parts of the pie are necessary (car, mortgage, etc) and what can be shaved further (groceries a tad, home stuff definitely, etc). And that’s where I’ll leave ya.

Any random budget suggestions that you think we all should know? What works for you? Do tell!

Parisian Parenting

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.comLet me start by saying that I haven’t been too excited about reading parenting books. Even the pregnancy books, while at times enlightening and highly educational (I do need to know this stuff, after all…apparently *wink*), haven’t gotten me excited. In all honesty, the only thing that gets me REALLY excited is the growing belly (although clothes are the devil lately), the occasional “knock-knock” baby’s giving me (yes, I know you’re there!), and the private conversations I get to have with my husband about everything. Oh, and the thoughts of how to decorate the nursery – those are pretty fun, too.

But, when I saw that this story was going to be on “The Today Show” this morning, I immediately said, “Ohhhh, I hope they post a link for that on Facebook so I can see it!” I adore that Dave watched it, and texted me the title of the book that it was based on. I asked him what he thought about it all (I had been a bit of a skeptic when I heard it, assuming they’d skew it in a Tiger Mom direction), and he said that it “sounded really good”. Wow, a glowing recommendation…about a parenting book…from my man. How could I NOT get a tad excited?

Then, I watched the link (which, side note, I Googled). While the article accompanying the video at first admonishes the idea that one culture shouldn’t blatantly state that it’s better at anything (ironic, being Americans), but goes on to recognize that the author writes in a humorous, thoughtful manner (and apparently from an American perspective – being an American in France). Whew, good to know.

                                                   Here’s the video link. Give it a try. 🙂

So, I’ve put the book (entitled Bringing Up Bebe – accent on the “e”s) into my Amazon Baby Wishlist (soon to be my Amazon Baby Registry), although I’m so excited to read it, I may have to purchase it as my “first baby item”. That’s right, we technically haven’t purchased any clothes, books, ANYTHING (other than stuff for the nursery, but I see that more as organization – not fun stuff) for the baby since finding out. I just haven’t found the perfect “first onesie”. Plus, we’ve already been getting awesome hand-me-downs (including my sister’s favorite pregnancy book, which is where I’m getting all my “knowledge” on the ins-and-outs of what’s happening and what will happen), so there’s no point in splurging. Not quite yet. Not if we’re squeezing pennies. (That, and we don’t want stuff for stuff’s sake.)

It’s not that we’re down on American parenting. Heck, it’s what WE had, and we’re (pretty) well-adjusted and (publicly) respectful members of society. But, we’re open to alternate ideas on the subject – anything that may give kids in a 21st century environment greater sensitivity and awareness, and which may make parenting a more connected, less co-dependent situation. After seeing countless American children in my everyday job over the past several years, I’ve seen some wonderful behavior…but I’ve seen absolutely selfish, demanding, relentless behavior. And, I hate to say it, but it’s on the rise. It’s a challenge when trying to teach independent use of the library for future success as young adults and adults, I’ll tell ya that.

So, I’ll be sure to let you know how the book is when I’ve finally received and read it. Heck, that may not be until a month before the baby comes. I foresee that it’ll be hard to put it down for the pregnancy books.

What do YOU think? Are things just fine the way we handle parenting in America? Or, is it right to look for other methods elsewhere? Do tell.

Parisian Parenting

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.comLet me start by saying that I haven’t been too excited about reading parenting books. Even the pregnancy books, while at times enlightening and highly educational (I do need to know this stuff, after all…apparently *wink*), haven’t gotten me excited. In all honesty, the only thing that gets me REALLY excited is the growing belly (although clothes are the devil lately), the occasional “knock-knock” baby’s giving me (yes, I know you’re there!), and the private conversations I get to have with my husband about everything. Oh, and the thoughts of how to decorate the nursery – those are pretty fun, too.

But, when I saw that this story was going to be on “The Today Show” this morning, I immediately said, “Ohhhh, I hope they post a link for that on Facebook so I can see it!” I adore that Dave watched it, and texted me the title of the book that it was based on. I asked him what he thought about it all (I had been a bit of a skeptic when I heard it, assuming they’d skew it in a Tiger Mom direction), and he said that it “sounded really good”. Wow, a glowing recommendation…about a parenting book…from my man. How could I NOT get a tad excited?

Then, I watched the link (which, side note, I Googled). While the article accompanying the video at first admonishes the idea that one culture shouldn’t blatantly state that it’s better at anything (ironic, being Americans), but goes on to recognize that the author writes in a humorous, thoughtful manner (and apparently from an American perspective – being an American in France). Whew, good to know.

Here’s the video link. Give it a try. 🙂

So, I’ve put the book (entitled Bringing Up Bebe – accent on the “e”s) into my Amazon Baby Wishlist (soon to be my Amazon Baby Registry), although I’m so excited to read it, I may have to purchase it as my “first baby item”. That’s right, we technically haven’t purchased any clothes, books, ANYTHING (other than stuff for the nursery, but I see that more as organization – not fun stuff) for the baby since finding out. I just haven’t found the perfect “first onesie”. Plus, we’ve already been getting awesome hand-me-downs (including my sister’s favorite pregnancy book, which is where I’m getting all my “knowledge” on the ins-and-outs of what’s happening and what will happen), so there’s no point in splurging. Not quite yet. Not if we’re squeezing pennies. (That, and we don’t want stuff for stuff’s sake.)

It’s not that we’re down on American parenting. Heck, it’s what WE had, and we’re (pretty) well-adjusted and (publicly) respectful members of society. But, we’re open to alternate ideas on the subject – anything that may give kids in a 21st century environment greater sensitivity and awareness, and which may make parenting a more connected, less co-dependent situation. After seeing countless American children in my everyday job over the past several years, I’ve seen some wonderful behavior…but I’ve seen absolutely selfish, demanding, relentless behavior. And, I hate to say it, but it’s on the rise. It’s a challenge when trying to teach independent use of the library for future success as young adults and adults, I’ll tell ya that.

So, I’ll be sure to let you know how the book is when I’ve finally received and read it. Heck, that may not be until a month before the baby comes. I foresee that it’ll be hard to put it down for the pregnancy books.

What do YOU think? Are things just fine the way we handle parenting in America? Or, is it right to look for other methods elsewhere? Do tell.

Bi-Polar Design

If there happens to be any individuals still in existence that attended HCCC with me (*gasp* over a decade ago), and happened to take our awesome public speaking class, they’ll see that blog title and mentally jump to a speech I made. See, I was diagnosed as being bi-polar at the time, so had done a lot of research to understand it better. I felt that others also needed to understand its stigmas and misinformation. Strangely enough, since then I have discovered that I was simply experiencing good ol’-fashioned depression. I digress…

Let’s take a quick field trip, shall we? Those were always fun — until someone got sick on the bus. Luckily, this is a virtual field trip, so no nausea goin’ on, unless you’re preggers like me.

First, check out this House Tour at Making It Lovely. I’m not an avid reader of MIL, probably because I gravitate towards bloggers that focus, sure, on incredible design, but that also…well, have lots of flaws. The glossy, magazine-like inspirational blogs are awesome (don’t get me wrong!), but they’re not daily reading for me. I suppose I prefer reading stories, and seeing progress, and knowing that mistakes and wrong turns were made before reaching a gorgeous final product. In  short, the glossy ones take my self esteem down a few pegs. I need all the SE I can get. (Maybe I just need to read back further on this blog and I’ll find their warts. Hey, I WANT to be a fan!)

(If you don’t want to come *cough cough, spoil sport, cough*, here are a few pictures to help with the visual. These by no means belong to me; I have linked the sources! Honestly, there’s much better eye candy at the links provided in my text.)

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com

 

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com
30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com


Anyhoo, after checking out MIL’s house tour, well, I actually drooled and said “Ahhh!” out loud. Sure, they’re not done with their space yet, either, but the design and inspiration that’s there is insane. I see it as bold, gutsy, colorful, modern-yet-vintage (hello, mid-century furniture!), patterned, and jealousy-invoking. It actually reminds me a bit of our friend B+B’s space, which always leaves me feeling inspired…and incredibly bland, myself. I adore this space and think, “If I asserted myself and got over my design bipolarity, I could do that. Possibly.”

Secondly, I shall drive the yellow bus over to Layla and Kevin’s space over at The Lettered Cottage. *sigh* This is clearly a different space. It’s so different, it’s on another planet. Y’know, if Neptune consisted of nothing but light, bright, vintage charm. This is what inspired me to purchase a white slipcover for our living room couch. No matter your style, you’ve gotta admit that it’s gorgeous.

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com


The third “visit” is to House*Tweaking. It’s the closest style to my house’s current wardrobe – well, kind of. I think that the earthiness and eclectic vibe is the direction in which my little design vehicle has been steadily driving. Some of the rooms are comparable to a few of ours; others are GORGEOUS and mine can’t touch ’em. Strangely, though, when I look at their spaces, I think of the concept of wabi-sabi, which I’m interested in incorporating in all aspects of our life here. It’s definitely a “make do with what you have” method, but with lots of style thrown in. Good to know they’re compatible, at least.

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com
(Ohhh, this is lovely!!!)
Source


Aren’t they all so different?!?!

It’s difficult to be in love with such varying design styles (there are tons more I won’t mention here) – can you see why it feels like a fit of bi-polar (if not simply multiple personality disorder – apologies to any of my mentally-challenged rights advocates buddies in the audience)? How to make it all fit together?

I suppose it’s a wonderful thing that one’s style (clearly I put a lot of stake into style; others, notsamuch, which is cool – but I do feel that it’s a reflection of one’s inner self, and what better way to introduce visitors to your home to yourself than by saying “this is me!” with awesome curtains?) can change and transition through life as humans tend to naturally. While the inspiration that I find often leads me down the jealousy path, I’d like to *attempt* to focus on the positive direction on which it can lead me – “oh, I like that, how can I make that ‘my own’?” Especially on a budget.

It’s always a challenge. It’s an internal struggle, but it’s also an external one – if I’m changing my mind or flip-flopping on ideas all the time, how can I expect the hubs to even follow along let alone stay on board? And, honestly, it’s hard to discuss design with a guy. It just is.

So, for now, I’ll make my mood boards to see what direction life may take and see what comes of it. Thanks for coming along on this little field trip – I feel better. 🙂

Oh, pardon me! Where are my manners? Do you have a favorite? Or a style that you only wish you could attain? Do share! I love hearing what inspires others.

Bi-Polar Design

If there happens to be any individuals still in existence that attended HCCC with me (*gasp* over a decade ago), and happened to take our awesome public speaking class, they’ll see that blog title and mentally jump to a speech I made. See, I was diagnosed as being bi-polar at the time, so had done a lot of research to understand it better. I felt that others also needed to understand its stigmas and misinformation. Strangely enough, since then I have discovered that I was simply experiencing good ol’-fashioned depression. I digress…

Let’s take a quick field trip, shall we? Those were always fun — until someone got sick on the bus. Luckily, this is a virtual field trip, so no nausea goin’ on, unless you’re preggers like me.

First, check out this House Tour at Making It Lovely. I’m not an avid reader of MIL, probably because I gravitate towards bloggers that focus, sure, on incredible design, but that also…well, have lots of flaws. The glossy, magazine-like inspirational blogs are awesome (don’t get me wrong!), but they’re not daily reading for me. I suppose I prefer reading stories, and seeing progress, and knowing that mistakes and wrong turns were made before reaching a gorgeous final product. In  short, the glossy ones take my self esteem down a few pegs. I need all the SE I can get. (Maybe I just need to read back further on this blog and I’ll find their warts. Hey, I WANT to be a fan!)

(If you don’t want to come *cough cough, spoil sport, cough*, here are a few pictures to help with the visual. These by no means belong to me; I have linked the sources! Honestly, there’s much better eye candy at the links provided in my text.)

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com

Anyhoo, after checking out MIL’s house tour, well, I actually drooled and said “Ahhh!” out loud. Sure, they’re not done with their space yet, either, but the design and inspiration that’s there is insane. I see it as bold, gutsy, colorful, modern-yet-vintage (hello, mid-century furniture!), patterned, and jealousy-invoking. It actually reminds me a bit of our friend B+B’s space, which always leaves me feeling inspired…and incredibly bland, myself. I adore this space and think, “If I asserted myself and got over my design bipolarity, I could do that. Possibly.”

Secondly, I shall drive the yellow bus over to Layla and Kevin’s space over at The Lettered Cottage. *sigh* This is clearly a different space. It’s so different, it’s on another planet. Y’know, if Neptune consisted of nothing but light, bright, vintage charm. This is what inspired me to purchase a white slipcover for our living room couch. No matter your style, you’ve gotta admit that it’s gorgeous.

The third “visit” is to House*Tweaking. It’s the closest style to my house’s current wardrobe – well, kind of. I think that the earthiness and eclectic vibe is the direction in which my little design vehicle has been steadily driving. Some of the rooms are comparable to a few of ours; others are GORGEOUS and mine can’t touch ’em. Strangely, though, when I look at their spaces, I think of the concept of wabi-sabi, which I’m interested in incorporating in all aspects of our life here. It’s definitely a “make do with what you have” method, but with lots of style thrown in. Good to know they’re compatible, at least.

30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com
30 Before 30 - image on https://megactsout.com(Ohhh, this is lovely!!!)
Source

Aren’t they all so different?!?!

It’s difficult to be in love with such varying design styles (there are tons more I won’t mention here) – can you see why it feels like a fit of bi-polar (if not simply multiple personality disorder – apologies to any of my mentally-challenged rights advocates buddies in the audience)? How to make it all fit together?

I suppose it’s a wonderful thing that one’s style (clearly I put a lot of stake into style; others, notsamuch, which is cool – but I do feel that it’s a reflection of one’s inner self, and what better way to introduce visitors to your home to yourself than by saying “this is me!” with awesome curtains?) can change and transition through life as humans tend to naturally. While the inspiration that I find often leads me down the jealousy path, I’d like to *attempt* to focus on the positive direction on which it can lead me – “oh, I like that, how can I make that ‘my own’?” Especially on a budget.

It’s always a challenge. It’s an internal struggle, but it’s also an external one – if I’m changing my mind or flip-flopping on ideas all the time, how can I expect the hubs to even follow along let alone stay on board? And, honestly, it’s hard to discuss design with a guy. It just is.

So, for now, I’ll make my mood boards to see what direction life may take and see what comes of it. Thanks for coming along on this little field trip – I feel better. 🙂

Oh, pardon me! Where are my manners? Do you have a favorite? Or a style that you only wish you could attain? Do share! I love hearing what inspires others.