the great return of friday letters.

The last couple of days have been interesting. My mom left on Wednesday morning, after being here for a week. It was a tough transition back to just me and the little bird. It was so nice to be able to hand her to someone when I had to pee and walk the dogs without having her strapped to my chest, but we're back in the swing of things now. I'll shut up now and get to the letters...

Friday Letters... oh how I have missed you.

Dear Ameda, While I appreciate getting the Purely Yours double electric pump for free with my health insurance (see below letter), I hate it. It doesn't drain me well and I end up with more milk on my hand than I do in the bottles, especially when I double pump. I've been doing single side recently, and having more success, but it takes FOREVER. I'm thinking of just sucking it up and buying the Medela to see if it works better.

Dear President Obama, Thanks for the free pump, bro. Good work on being the leader of the free world and still thinking of the breastfeeding mama. You're no President Bartlet, but hey... no one is.

Dear Netflix and Aaron Sorkin, Thank you for The West Wing. There are no words for my gratitude.

Dear Mary Louise Parker, Your performance in Weeds is to die for. I love you as Amy on West Wing. I love you in general. Remember that one time we met and I panicked and hid from you? *sigh* Its probably better this way. I only would've embarrassed myself more if I'd allowed myself to speak.

Dear M, Thank you for being such a good sleeper today! You've been a doll so far today... I hope it sticks! 

Dear Cotton Babies, I am in love with you. Flip Diapers are my fave. BumGenius ain't too shabby either. Please give me free diapers to review here on the blog.

Dear Lexi and Conrad, My beautiful, fabulous dogs... thank you for not barking at the roofers and allowing M, and in turn mama, to get some rest. I promise you a nice long walk this afternoon.

Dear Laundry, I'm gonna crush you today.

I think that's all for me today folks. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!

tuesday 10: what I love about...

A second post today! Seriously? Seriously.

Read on. Prepare for having your mind blown.Just kidding, probably. But you've been warned.
Linking up with one of my favorites, Lena @ Mom2MemphisAndRubyfor her final 10 for 4 whole weeks!*gasp!*
This weeks theme is
What I love about _____.Fill in the blanks! I was always so good at those.
So, I read through everyone's lists that have posted so far, and I'm so torn about what to share! Everyone is sharing why they love their family, boyfriend/husband, etc. Julie at The Funny Thing of it is... made my day with her love note for her cell phone. I actually lol'd. No joke. I almost didn't write a 10, because hers trumped my unwritten 10 in every possible way. 
It's with much consideration that I present you with...
The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love...My Bed.
1. It generally provides me at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
2. It is not too hard and not too soft - it really feels like a firm snuggle.
3. It is my very first big girl bed. I mean, not like I've been sleeping in a crib for 29 years. I haven't. But, I haven't had a proper bed before this one. Just a mattress and boxspring on a metal frame. Mine is a real, honest to God, beautiful black wooden sleigh bed. I've been begging B for one since we moved in together, and finally got one when we bought the nest.
4. I can do work while laying in it and my back never hurts.
5. It's accessories are the best. I have a gorgeous light blue and green paisley quilt that I LOVE, and throw blankets coming out of my eyeballs, and two throw pillows (one with roses and one made of burlap with birds on a wire in vintage-y material) that I also love.
6. Memory foam pillow. That's it.
7. It's big enough for my entire family to fit into. That's right. B and I co-sleep with our kids dogs and cats. Conrad always sleeps in my armpit or in the basket of my arm if I sleep on my side. Or with B in his basket. Or under B's butt. Actually Conrad isn't really picky about where he sleeps, as long as it's warm. Lexi generally sleeps along the bottom of the bed, or when she's feeling sassy, on my side of the bed and I have to move her to actually get in my spot. The cats come and go throughout the night. Cessie's favorite spot is somewhere that cuts off my breathing (chest/face/pinching my nostrils shut). Sookie generally stays near my feet... the better for biting them while I sleep. I know this sounds unpleasant, but for me, it's my favorite.
8. I write best in my bed. I swear, the darkness combined with the sheer comfort of the bed itself, is the very best muse I've got.
9. I can look out of my bay window and see the morning sun and super blue sky first thing in the morning. And when I'm not being a total mushroom, that makes me happy.

10. Because I get to wake up and see this...

yup, that's Conrad's foot in a sleeping B's nose. It's the cutest thing that I've ever seen.

B, don't be mad. You look adorable with min pin toes in your nose.

That's it, babes.... Have a great rest of your Tuesday!!!

sassy chicago shenanigans

I have such a special treat for you guys today.

Taylor, the sassy brain behind The Daily Tay, is here to visit with us today and share some of her incomparable insights.

I think this girl is adorable and hilarious. A lethal combination. I also charmed her by using the word "lady balls" in our very first conversation. Clearly, we are a match made in heaven.

Without further ado...

~*~
Happy Thursday Perched Readers!

My name is Taylor

and I blog over at The Daily Tay

My blog usually revolves around the random

shenanigans I often find myself getting into here in Chicago.

I also like to talk about my lovely pup, Harlow,

and my lovely boyfriend, Chris.

I tend to be a little bit sarcastic, 

and sometimes a little too cynical-

just depends on if I found a close parking spot for the day or not.

I also like to ramble about the hardships of life after college.

I've been out of school almost three years now and still can't shake the fact

I have to "grow up"and be a part of the "real world."

It doesn't help that the eleven year old version of myself

was extremely driven and competitive

and seemed to have very high (yet unrealistic goals I think)

for twenty five year old me.

Here's a little something I found in the archives I wrote

from 1998 entitled 

"What I Will Do When I Grow Up"

I for one, can’t think of a better time in life to make a goal list than in middle school. The year in life when we are probably the most arrogant, naive, self absorbed forms of ourselves we will ever be.  Let’s see what my overly optimistic eleven year old-self had envisioned…

1. Compete in marathons. – I ran a 5K a couple of years ago, does that count? And marathons are overrated, I heard they make people who aren’t even pregnant go into labor.

2. Have a really cool job that I love where I get to travel and be my own boss. –A little more direction would be nice, dip shit. What will I be doing at this “really cool job?” Let me guess, writing notes all day that are covered in Lisa Frank stickers and then folding them up into really tight little triangle shapes.

3. Live in California or New York. – Ridiculous. Folding notes would never pay enough to live in either of these citites.

4. Live in a cool house that I own. – Makes statement 3 even more ridiculous. Or are you trying to tell me you predicted the low rate homes would be selling at in 2012? You have no concept for money, none. I can barely pay my rent every month, ease off.

5. Go on vacations to Africa and London. – This is a little broad. So you want to go to a city in England, and then visit the entire continent of Africa?

6. Play basketball every day. – Yes well, this one will go out the window right after high school when your heart was broken because your team never made it to state.

7. Be married and maybe have one kid. – Let’s work on getting a boyfriend first, little one. You’re going to go through a pretty intense ugly stage in about six months. And the fact you play basketball everyday doesn’t help any.

8. Do a triathlon- What’s with all the not-so subtle workout hints?

9. Have one dog and one cat.- Starting to get a little more realistic, I like this. I must be getting tired from all of my traveling and exercising.

10. Have a lot money so I can buy whatever I want. –I’m sure what I had in mind was being able to buy unlimited packs of gum because in middle school gum was currency.

I’m glad the list stopped at ten. 

I’d hate to see what other demands that little dictator had in store for me…Maybe I do need to get my life in check. Especially if I plan to get to Africa in the next six months.

Now come on over and say hello!

The Daily Tay

Tweet Tweet
~*~

Amazeballs, Taylor. If I had written myself a "get it done by 21" list when I was 11, it probably would've included become a professional ballet dancer and/or a doctor, and have a rad life of celebrity.

You can't win em all, I guess.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Taylor! It was a blast!!!! Everyone go and give her some love!

tuesday 10 linkup... fave books

This is another one of those linkups that I absolutely couldn't resist! I'm a HUGE reader. Seriously. I finish books in hours and days, not weeks or months. And when I love a book, I read it over and over and over and over... you get the idea.

With your hosts...

Lena @ Mom2MemphisandRuby

Amanda @ Dragon Flight Dreams

Onto my top 10!

1. God-Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo

The single best book I have ever read. Ever.

This book fully changed my life. If you have ever loved another person, you will love this book. If you've ever felt that strange sensation of dread in your gut, like you know something life changing is about to happen, you will love this book. If you love music, art, and and anything beautiful, you will love this book.

And if you've ever fallen in love with a character from a book, you'll know what I mean when I say that Jacob Grace is the kind of man that comes along once (if at all) in a lifetime, and he'll change you just by knowing him.

I'm a huge Tiffanie DeBartolo fan. Her second book, "How to Kill a Rockstar" is extraordinary, though not as life changing and intense as God-Shaped Hole. I could talk about her for hours. She writes truth to the core - totally raw and real and intense. Excellent book.

Disclaimer: if cussing, (non graphic) sex, and rock and roll don't suit you - these two books may not be for you. BUT if you're not easily offended, the language and actions really do color the plot in a brilliant way.

2. IV by Chuck Klosterman

Switching gears for a moment (you'll find I do that often), IV by Chuck Klosterman is actually the book that I'm reading right now - I think for the fourth time. I'm using this title, because it's the one that I'm focused on this minute, but all of his books are great - and it's because his writing is quick, smart, and really funny. Really funny. I laughed out loud on the train home from work the other day. I'm sure that other passengers thought that I was crazy, but it's okay. It was worth it. "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs" is another one of my favorites of his. 

He also writes a really bizarre essay about Billy Joel that I don't know if I like or hate, but I love it. Does that make sense?

If you are 1. pop culture fanatic or 2. a fan of rock music in general or 3. born between 1976 and 1984 you will enjoy this book. If you are younger, some references may not make much sense, but we oldies will get it.

3. Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck Palahniuk is brilliant. He's the guy behind "Fight Club", but he's also the mastermind behind many many many other books that I'm obsessed with. One of which is "Invisible Monsters".

This is a hard story to just 'sum up' without giving away plot twists and an amazing story, so I'll just tell you this: A beautiful fashion model is driving down the highway and gets shot in the face. She's left, jawless, faceless, and bleeding. Drives herself to the hospital where she recovers and is left to have a life without a bottom jaw. They try to teach her to speak without her bottom jaw, and it's there that she meets transgendered Queen Supreme, Brandy Alexander.

And then, a lot of crazy stuff happens. Drugs, siblings, real estate agents, drag queens, lies, kidnapping, theft. 

It's a truly brilliant story, woven by a true master.

4. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

When I read this book, I am inconsolable for hours. Seriously. I weep. I don't think I can say much more than that.

This is the story of a boy living in the Ozarks, and his two hounds, Big Dan and Little Ann. It's a book for young readers, I think I first read it when I was in fourth or fifth grade, but it still cuts me to the heart every time I read it, or think about it really.  There is nothing more special that your relationship with your dogs, and as I write this with both of mine curled up beside me, it rings even more true that usual.

If you haven't read it, and you're willing to spend a little time having a good, hard, overwhelming cry... please read it. It's worth every tear.

Here is a blog post that a girl I know wrote for the school library journal about this amazing little book.

5. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

Duh.

I couldn't pick just one, it would be like choosing your favorite child, but technically, I guess that Order of the Phoenix is my favorite.

The HP series spoke to me on a very personal level and helped to shape me as a writer. I love these books. I love what they symbolize in my life, and I love JK Rowling for writing them.

The End.

6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

Let me preface this by saying, if you only saw the movie version of "The Lightening Thief", you are truly missing out. That movie was made of suck and didn't accurately represent the awesomeness of this series. 

Percy Jackson. Wow. If you like Greek Mythology and young adult fiction, you will be enamored with this series as I was. Percy is perfectly flawed, at times a total idiot, and a hero. No really... a hero. Like a demigod. Son of Poseidon. These books are wonderful. 

(Yes, I do recognize that most of my faves are young adult fiction, okay? I love it. I suppose this is a blog for another day.)

7. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This is a really important book. It's artistic, beautiful, and seems to speak to me on a cellular level on every page. There are reminders that being an adult doesn't mean that you have to stop seeing things just as they are, and that one sees most clearly with the heart. "You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."

I especially love this book because B reads it to me sometimes when I'm sick or can't get rest. His voice is relaxing, and this story is so soothing. There's nothing I don't love about it.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I swear, we are infinite.

So, the movie coming out based on on this book looks like it's going to rock. It's starring Hermione Granger Emma Watson as Sam, and Percy Jackson The kid that played Percy Jackson (in the crappy movie referenced above) as Charlie. I've seen the trailer. It looks brilliant. And it's set in Pittsburgh - my hometown that owns my heart. How much better can you get?

Charlie is an awkward youth that has a hard time fitting in, until he meets friends that change his world. This is an AMAZING read for any one that's ever felt the desire to be accepted and the joy of finding the friends that make you feel infinite.

I read this book with the friend that I talk about here. We had a "book club" (that was just the two of us and wasn't really a book club) that we called the Snazzy Book Club. We read many things together, but this was by far our favorite. This and "the gay Beaches" (I clearly don't remember the real title of it...) So I maybe feel a little sentimental about it because of him too.

9. The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Just bear with me here. This is a brilliant book.

A total departure from the Twilight Series (I refuse to call it the Twilight Saga, it makes it sound so needlessly melodramatic.) The Host is a gut wrenching, moving, and well done. It's a total departure, writing wise, for Meyer, in my opinion anyway. 

I fell in love with Wanderer immediately. She has a magnetism that you just can't deny. Her love for her hosts family is so real and sincere that you don't question her motives even for a moment. 

I love this book. It's beautiful. And there are no vampires or werewolves in it.

10. Lamb, The Gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood pal by Christopher Moore

Before anyone gets upset, this isn't a completely irreverent look at Christianity. Please don't sent me hate mail.

B and I went to see Christopher Moore at a booksigning here in NYC. He was hilarious and approachable. He actually asked me if we had met before, and looked at me through squinted eyes for an extra long time. I hope I reminded him of someone that he liked, because I know for sure we hadn't met before.

Did I distract you from how mad you were before? No? Ah well.

Here's what's up - this book is hilarious, totally irreverent, and a really interesting insight, yes I said insight, into what Jesus might have been like. I have no illusions that this is at all real or credible, it's a humor book, for crying out loud. But Joshua (Jesus) is warm, smart, sensitive, and curious. He learns so so much throughout his journey with Biff, and they get into some pretty hilarious situations.

It's not for everyone, mind you. But it's great. If you go into it reminding yourself that you're reading a work of humorous fiction and just let yourself enjoy the really funny story, you'll be okay. 

I'm sure even God has a sense of humor.

There are a few runners up that didn't make it onto this list, which bums me out. The Hunger Games Series, Eating Animals, and Narnia would be 11, 12, and 13 for sure.

Until next Tuesday, my loves...

look back linkup: 1984

I don't participate in a bunch of linkups, but when I do, it's because I think they're cool.

I think this one is pretty damned cool. 

On the first of each month, we're going to talk about one year in our lives. The first few will probably be a little tedious for me, mostly because I'm starting at 2 years old (1984), BUT it will likely make for really cute pictures in the very near future. The Owlet was a really really really cute little kid.

These are your hosts:
Megan @ Shaping Up to be a Mom
Kelly @ The Houtz House Party
Megan @ Absolute Mommy
Brooke @ Covered in Grace

Age: 2 years

Where you lived: Upper Marlboro, MD

Favorite activities/pastimes: drooling, baby pooling, smiling with all of my teeth

Vacations taken: Wildwood, NJ in the summers with my family.

Best friend(s): my cabbage patch dolls.

Favorite book: I am a bunny. (My name is Nicholas. I live in a hollow tree.)

Favorite movie: ...? is one even watching movies at age 2?

Favorite tv show: sesame street, bitches.

Favorite place to be: home with my mama

Favorite outfit/Fashion trends: I was dressed in dresses with lace and matching hats in most photos.

Did you have any "firsts" this year? Maybe? Where's my mom when I need her??

What did you do for your birthday or a special holiday? I don't remember a birthday party, because I was two, but it wouldn't shock me if we had a Smurf cake or something.

I ONLY wish that I had baby pictures laying around in this apartment, but alas, they are all home at my mothers house. I'll definitely try to snag a few for the next few link ups.

Here are a few more 1984 treats for you...

The number one song of 1984 was When Doves Cry (Prince), buuuut since Prince is totally insane and one of those artists that won't allow his music on youtube, I'm hooking you up with the number four song of 1984. This one has even more meaning for me. In fact, I absolutely love it.

Because Kenny Loggins is never the wrong answer.

Such great movies in 1984.
This little gem of a clip from Ghostbusters, was actually shot in my current place of employment. Enjoy.

And finally, my favorite part of 1984. Those creepy kids, born from a cabbage patch, who's cabbages were fertilized by mystical BunnyBees, who went on to have yarn hair and sleep in your bed...

"She gonna be okay, doc?" I can't stand it, it's so cute and weird.
B just told me this:
"I had a cabbage patch.  He was an astronaut."

And suddenly, everything makes more sense.

Happy June, kiddos!

tuesday 10: cure for the blues.

Okay friends, here's whats up:

I'm having a HORRIBLE day at work. I mean horrible. I've only been here for a few hours and already I want to throw in the towel. Mornings here are the hardest because the tourists are out in full force, demanding their extra bags, and screaming at me in languages unknown. But today, add 90 degree temps and sidewalks hot enough to fry an egg, to say nothing of the soles of your shoes.
So, instead of bitching, I'm going to compile a list. Because list making calms me down.
Down girl... down.

Here's your hosts...

Lena @ Mom2MemphisandRuby

and

Jade @ ConstantChatter

And onto my 10 Favorite Possessions...

Linda Blair in the original Exorcist (1973).

Oh wait... that's not what you meant? Rats!
Ha. I kid, I kid!

Seriously, I'm not that big on material things, but there are a few things in my life that I can't live without... though that's hard to admit! I'm not going to include my critters, because they're not possessions... they're family. I'm hard pressed to think of 10!

{the iPhone}

Congratulations Steve Jobs. I live with my iPhone (named Paisley) attached to my body. It's sort of pathetic. I feel strange withdrawal symptoms anytime I'm away from her. When I turn her off for an hour, I always rush to see if anything has happened in my absence. Kinda pathetic, I know.

{the AC}

my baby

This sweet new addition to our family came yesterday. When it was 9,000 degrees, and I was sweating just thinking about getting up to stick my head in the freezer. B and I gave in and bought it (and it's little brother that lives in our bedroom) at Lowes and put it in immediately upon return home. We sweat buckets putting them together. And then I laid on the couch and dreamed of igloos and Eskimos. Amazing.

{Blankets}

I know this seems counter intuitive given the above item, however...

I love blankets. I love to pile them, I love to be under them. Blankets are love.

{Rings}
I love my wedding set.
My engagement ring is a heart shaped diamond center stone that my grandmother used to wear as a pendant as long as I can remember.

My wedding band is just a half eternity band.

I'll show you all a picture after I clean it. It's really really really dirty.

{Popcorn popper}

I feel a little weird writing about my popcorn popper right after my wedding rings, but I really do love it. 

{My Bunny}

not my Bunny... but I have many similar.

I had my bunny blanket from the second I was born. I took it with me to college. That's how serious this is. I haven't brought it with me to New York from my parents house yet, because until now, we weren't living somewhere permanent enough, and I didn't want to lose it. This, my dears, was the most important thing in my life for a very very very long time. They don't make these anymore. In fact, this one I found as "Vintage 1979 Bunny" on google. It's being sold for $182.99. I wish I was joking. I want to own all of these and have them for my children when they come along.

And since when is 1979 Vintage?! I'll cut someone.

{Hair Straightener}

I think this one speaks for itself, no?

{Laptop}

A Mac that I got for $500 while working for the blue devil. Its the single best thing I've ever bought. I love it. It loves me. Sometimes it overheats and turns itself off. Don't worry, Laptop... I forgive you.

{The Jetta}

So having a car isn't a big deal for most people, but owning a car - that I don't have payments on - in NYC is sort of ridiculous. It's a pain in the ass to park - you get real good real fast at parallel parking - but it also means you can get away at the drop of a hat. Key to freedom. I love my car. This is what it looks like...

this is not my car.
mine is the same, but dirty.

hmmm, last but not least...

{tea}

While this is not a singular thing, I'm 100% sure that I can't live without tea. Iced with absolutely nothing in it - not sweetened or too strong. Hot with cream and honey.
I love you, tea. 

And that, my dears, is that.

I feel a bit better, but mostly I just want to go home and snuggle next to my new air conditioner.

tuesday10 linkup... sountrack to your life

I love music. Like really... probably more than most other [normal] people. Music has always been with me, singing to me through, literally everything that I've ever been through. So, a soundtrack to my life you ask for? A soundtrack to my life you shall have.

1. Here she comes... watch out boys, she'll chew you up.

Maneater (Hall and Oates) was the number one song the week I was born in 1982. Clearly foreshadowing into the dame I would later become.

2. Right from the start I gave you my heart.



Don't go breaking my Heart (Elton John and Kiki Dee) I was a weird kid. This little duet gem was one of my absolute favorite. I danced around and sang it all the time.

3. She's getting tired of her high class toys.



Uptown Girl (Billy Joel) So, Billy was a HUGE influence in how I feel about music today. Seriously. I listened to this stuff since I was tiny - my parents clearly have excellent taste in tunes - and I still adore him today. In fact, I think you'll be seeing more of Billy a little later in this ode to my musical life. Aside, this video is so hilarious. I can't stop laughing. And, having lived in New York, I finally understand what "uptown girls" and "downtown boys" are... The Upper East Side socialites dating boys from Brooklyn. Ha!

4. Every time she sneezes, I believe it's love.



Anna Begins (Counting Crows) Counting Crows' August and Everything After album was the first CD that I bought thoughtfully - meaning, I listened to tracks and made a decision that this was my music. Adam Duritz is the first songwriter that made me feel something new and different inside of myself. Something woke up inside me. I still listen to this album at least once a week.

5. Just hit me with the truth.



Bye Bye Bye (NSync) Okay, I know what you're all thinking, "Jackie, really? Really?" Well, there's a reason, friends. There's a very good reason.
In the year 2000, my girlfriends and I were obsessed in a major way. EE, LB, E(S)A, and KG were my partners in crime. We slaved over a hot VCR for countless hours to perfect these moves, and boy did we ever. We were AWESOME. We performed at our prom. Yes, seriously. PROM. In our gowns. And girls screamed like we were hot boys. Look, it's too good, you can't make this stuff up.

6. Just remember the telephones are working in both ways.



You and I Both (Jason Mraz) My favorite Mraz song by far. There's something in the chords and the lyrics (around 3:20 in this video) that turns a switch in my brain and sets me on fire. He's a magician. I just love him. And 2002, when this album came out, is the year I met my husband. It would only take us 7 years to get married.

7. And I get to kiss you baby, just because I can.



Everything (Michael Buble) This adorable little tune is the song that B and I first danced to at our wedding, which may or may not have been choreographed. There also may or may not be a video of this event posted on B's facebook. Maybe, if I'm feeling generous, I'll try to figure out how to post it here. Anyway, I have a wonderful guy, and this song is a celebration of someone you love. It's kinda perfect. And Michael B's voice... holy cow... So talented. Insanity.

8. Compare where you are to where you wanna be and you'll get no where.



Uncharted (Sara Bareilles) I would be remiss if I didn't include Sara B. I just love her. I was at this concert in Central Park with my sweet friend KS, we had a blast. I'd also seen Sara in concert a few years prior when she was opening for Counting Crows and Maroon 5 (Excellent show). She was amazing then. She's utterly inspiring now. Her joy is infectious. I just love her music - she often takes me to work in the mornings.

9. Slow down, you crazy child.



Vienna (Billy Joel) Here's the second installment of Billy that I promised. This song serves as a reminder for me. Slow down. Don't work so hard. Don't worry so much. Just living is okay. Just slow down and enjoy your life, you whackadoodle... some things can't be powered through, some things you just have to feel.

10. I'm letting go of the thoughts that do not make me strong.



I have to close with Jason Mraz. He's my current personal jesus and life coach. I've so recently posted my favorite song from his new album - 93 Million Miles - that I didn't want to repeat. So, Living in the Moment it is... "So I just let go of what I know I don't know." Amazing. Just live your life folks, easy and breezy. Peace in my heart, peace in my soul. All good things.

Best linkup ever. Thank you to Lena @Mom2MemphisAndRuby for always hosting, and or her cohost this week Ricki @ Rogue Baby





And that, my beauties, is that.

instagram linkup of gorgeousness.

So many super new things going on here! New blog design coming, new business launching... the list just goes on and on...

But for today, we're going to do a link up! Mom2MemphisAndRuby's Tuesday 10! This week... instagram photos. Excellent... my bread and butter. And co-hosted by another of my faves, A Night Owl Blog. Shocking, right?

Onto the content!

my most beautiful little man.

endless as a brooklyn sky

greenest block in brooklyn.

commuters

painting from the beach last year from B

Whomping Weeping Willow at the BBG

One Sweet Love

black tulips

runnin' shoes at the creek

me and my handsome hubcap <3

LOVE this linkup... and will be looking forward to the challenge of my 10 fave accessories next week... I don't think I even have 10 accessories. Such a simple girl I am.

Self Portrait Saturday

For those of you that don't know, I'm absolutely obsessed with The Wonder Forest, a sweet blog by the lovely and super talented Dana. She's got everything from DIY crafts to blog advice to hair and makeup tutorials. Jill of all trades!

Anyway, she's just restarted her Self Portrait Saturdays project - one to help gals feel more comfortable in front of the camera and comfortable in their own skin... gorgeous. I was a little nervous, mostly because I hate 99% of the pictures of myself that exist, but I figure what better way to get over myself than with an army of beautiful women beside me.

Aaaaand, Dana has partnered with two more gorgeous girls with gorgeous blogs: much love, illy and manzanita to make the magic this week.

With that, I give you, my first Self Portrait Saturday submission... on Sunday. ;)

I took both of these on my iPhone - shocker. B had the Nikon, so I had to be creative on my own. 

The first is in the Japanese peonies in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and the second is me self shooting in the lens of B's aviators.

So head on over, girls. Link up and share your beauty with the internet at large. Don't be afraid. You've got this.