Sweet Valentine

My mom introduced me to these handmade carmel covered marshmallows. We bought them at Dree's in downtown Olympia (a fab little shop, if you're ever in the neighborhood) and my life has been forever changed. I haven't been able to find anyplace brilliant enough to carry them here in Arizona, but thankfully they are sold online. They'd make a lovely treat for your sweet someone on Valentine's Day, and hey- they're cheaper if you buy them in bulk. Who can resist a bargain, right?

Happy Pills

There are some mornings when I wake up and really, really miss my Zoloft. For the most part, I've been monumentally blessed to be able to go thru this pregnancy without medication, and without any major depressive crashes, but still. There are those really sucky days like today. On days like today, I wish I could bury my head under the pillow and not come out until it's all over. 

Since I can't have my happy pills, maybe I'll have to start taking these instead. Somehow, I don't think they'd work as well, but they sure look cheerful, don't they? Someone was a genius.

In the Round

Many of you may think you remember the above image from your Art 101 class as being that of the Venus of Willendorf. Sadly, you would be mistaken. That is in fact, me. And this one:

Nope, not the Buddha. It's me again. Only I don't have that stupid grin on my face. Yes, my due date is crawling closer and I am officially huge. Mammoth, even. I have taken to pleading with God. "Stop holding the baby hostage", I beg. "I've learned my lesson. Honest. I'm penitent. I'm patient. But really, wouldn't we all be happier if the baby were born, say, right now?" I'm convinced he's torturing me on purpose. He must want to teach me not to be vain. He's going to keep the baby in there, growing, until my body is ravaged beyond repair and I learn to wear mom jeans for the rest of my life and LIKE IT. I would let myself get really mad and say that I hate Him, but that would be really Catholic of me, and besides, then He'd never give the baby up. I'm only kind of kidding.

But since this is supposed to be a blog about staying positive, I've included the above image. It's the only part of my body that has not gained weight: my wrists. Consequently, I am hopelessly enamored of them. They're beautiful. They're delicate. They're bony, for heaven's sake! If only entire wardrobes could be designed around one's wrists! The world would be a much simpler, happier place if we could all stop measuring our hips and thighs, and instead buy jeans based on wrist circumference. Oh well. For now, I just avoid mirrors. And continue to bargain with God. 

Happy Heart

Valentine's Day is approaching, which means it's about time for me to buy more of my favorite fragrance. I used to wear Donna Karen's Cashmere Mist, but found that while the scent worked perfectly in Seattle, it was too heavy here in Arizona except for select chilly evenings out. While most of the Clinique Happy line smells too adolescent for my tastes, Happy Heart has more floral notes, making it subtly sophisticated and light enough for every day wear. Besides, what better way to fight depression than to wear something called Happy Heart?

Books by the Cover

      

They say not to judge a book by it's cover, but often that's exactly what I do. I will grab 20 books at a time off of the library shelves, based exclusively on either the beauty of the cover or the measure of appeal in the title. Here are some of the winners that I have discovered this way. "The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets" is based in 1950's England. It effectively transports you to another time when frocks were worn every day. Love it. "The Careful Use of Compliments" and "Blue Shoes and Happiness" are both by Alexander McCall Smith. They are two different series about lady detectives, one set in Scotland, the other in Africa. In both cases, the so called mysteries are secondary-- an excuse, really, to spend time with his delightful characters. Both women make great company. Lastly, "As Simple as Snow" leans slightly toward too much teenage angst, but will drive you crazy with how simplistic it isn't. Read it twice. Enjoy!

Diaper Bag

With baby #3 fast approaching, I've been buying some new gear. This is the Amy Coe diaper bag I just ordered. Simple, chic, and black & white, which I guess is becoming my trademark. It was remarkably similar to this one by Kate Spade, but over $150 cheaper. :)

Happy Little Coat

Everyone needs a happy little coat. This is mine. It's by Tara Jarmon for Target, and I bought it a few years ago. I also like this one from the Gap. Hopefully (please, please, please), I'll be able to fit these things again someday!

My Favorite Space

Our bedroom was one of the last spaces to be given any decorating attention, but I think it was worth the wait. After three years of it being a blank canvas, I finally got around to it last winter. It's now my favorite space.

Th colors are exactly what I like- black and white, with lots of calming steel blue and hints of red. 
These are drawings I made based off of the caricatures by Auerbacher-Levy. Even in cheap poster frames, they look pretty good.
I hung some of my amateur photography from a curtain wire I purchased at Ikea. It makes a great rotating display. I also really like the magazine butlers I made by covering some cardboard ones with black and white Christmas wrap from Target. 
One should always know what time it is in Paris, don't you agree? It took me a few months to get used to falling asleep to the sound of three different clocks ticking away-- it was impossible to get them perfectly synchronized. 

Martha at Macy's

I love the white serveware from the Martha Stewart collection at Macy's. I'm especially enamored with the cake stands, which would make even the kids Valentine's Day cupcakes look elegant. 

My Very Large Canvas

For my birthday, I bought a very large stretched canvas online from Utrecht. It measures 36 x 60 and will hang on my 'chocolate wall' as a statement piece. I plan on painting a cityscape on it, much like the one of New York on the cover of North River. I love the blurred, snowy look of it, and the fact that it includes the Chrysler building, snow, trees and water all in one image. I can't wait to start!

Peaceful Birds

I've always liked my surroundings to be calming and peaceful. This bird mobile is just that, and would not look out of place in an adult space. I like the tiny touches of red. :)

Cup of Tea

For the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, my midwife recommends that I drink red raspberry leaf tea every night. Even with sugar, it tastes like boiled sticks to me, but seeing this delicate tea cup makes me think drinking it would be worth the effort! It's far too expensive, but isn't it beautiful?

Have a Seat

I am in love with the Luca Glider by Monte. It would look lovely in my bedroom, and would make a great reading chair long after I'm done staying up all night with the baby.