Nesting | DIY Holiday Wreath

Okay, So I guess it was the fact that almost all of my pumpkins from Halloween bit the bullet and the old wreath I had hanging had to be thrown away, I needed something to spruce up our front door. I wanted a new wreath that would transition from November into the holiday spirit of December. I love the holidays, everything about it makes me so giddy and this year is by far, the best. We were unpacking and really trying to feel things out last year. Though we did have a tree up, there was a lack of holiday cheer. Moving in was exciting but unpacking with a baby and a husband with a busy schedule, not so much. This year, BRING IT ON! Now that we are officially settled in, we can transform our little gingerbread house into a Christmas Wonderland. (I think you can sense the excitement!)
As I strolled down Trader Joe's aisle, completing my shopping list with my little guy, I spotted the beautiful eucalyptus and berries and knew I wanted to make use of those items. I had some leftover billy bob's at the house and all I needed was a frame for the main piece.
I picked up the eucalyptus for 2.99. I stopped by the craft store for a 4.99 wooden wreath and a pack of wire rim berries that were 50% off for 2.99.
I cut and added pieces of the eucalyptus and weaved it in between the spaces of the wreath frame, naturally allowing it to take formation. The few berry pieces that I cut, I were able to make use of the metal wiring in it, which made it easy to wrap around in spaces of the wreath. Next, I added a few pieces of the pretty, dried billy bob. That yellow really added in a nice pop.
I have a berry tree here, so I intend to cut pieces and slowly add much more red and orange berries and a few more things to encourage the Holiday Spirit, once Thanksgiving is past. I hope to show more around the home with you. For now, I'm enjoying that wonderful eucalyptus scent ,each time I arrive and leave at the doorway!
Enjoy making your own wreath and get creative! It is such an inexpensive and yet pretty way to add some flair to any door.

Life Lately | A New Season

It's that time of the year again! Love this time where we can all start putting on the cozy sweaters, crock pots filled with hearty meals and hearing the wind stir up the leaves. It is such a time for feeling warmth and love deep down in our hearts. There has already been a lot of coffee with pumpkin creamer and a little low key album The Weatherman on repeat with harvest scented candles lit and cozy slippers on our feet.
It has been some time since my last post. I have a stirring in my heart for some solace and quiet time and also, figuring out a balance for everything. With Justin's schedule being so all over the place, my time with Blake is pretty much a 24/7 deal. I have to learn that with no family around us here in New Jersey, that there will be some tiresome, intense feelings and emotions. I also have found, that these are some of the best of days. Without the intense emotions to push through in my heart and awaken my soul, there wouldn't be the feeling of thankfulness. The thanksgiving in the time I am able to transport back and forth from New Jersey and off to visit my hometown of Pennsylvania only to find that I am able to spend time with my two guy's, hearing crunchy leaves with each footstep, in Central Park. I am beyond gracious in the timing of everything and yet, seeking this balance in my life, has given me a whole new perspective on things.
I will take the messy days as they are and the days where the laundry is piled up. Yes, the cupboards and closets may need organized and I haven't a clue when the little projects that need a tending to in our little gingerbread home in the suburbs, will ever get done. But for now, it can all wait, because I'm busy over here being a mother and taking on my role as housewife, seriously.  For now, the feeling of two tiny little hands wrap around my legs tightly, hearing those precious lips utter the word "mom' is taking over. I will fill in the words and pictures to these blank pages, as I can. As always, I appreciate you stopping by. A Happy New Season to each of you, just the same.

Life Lately | Thoughts on Brooklyn

When we left our tiny Railroad apartment, in Brooklyn, we knew it was for the best, yet so bittersweet. Saying goodbye to the place we moved into straight after our honeymoon, the place that was going to be called our's, the place that carried memories, was the place for solitude and most important, watched me grow. It was a challenge being in the city and there were many times, I felt at my lowest and vulnerable.

Justin and I grew up in the same small town of Pennsylvania and yet, he moved on and had resided in the city, shortly after graduating college. When we started dating, I would spend my weekends driving to the train station to head into Penn Station and there would be my guy, patiently awaiting my arrival. It never crossed my mind of what things would be like, relocation and moving away from my family/friends as I solely focused on my city adventures. Because when you are young and in love, isn't dreaming of what your life would be like together, completely normal?!

After the wedding and honeymoon, we anxiously awaited to turn the key to our humble abode, perched up high on the third floor. We lived a few blocks from Prospect Park, near the best restaurants and had Manhattan within reach, most important! We were together. I suppose this is where I am supposed to say we lived Happily Ever After...

There were often times I questioned if I was cut out for the city. As most of the times when I visited Justin, we would go off adventuring and having fun but this was a time to get serious and find out who I was, as a wife and as a young woman. I wish I could tell you everyday was perfect, but it was not, it was work. There were days of doubt and fear, days where I didn't know who I was or what I wanted to do. There were day's I had to dig really really hard, to find the love and compassion for myself and others. The city can be cold, full of intense and emotionally draining people but one thing I learned is it made me stronger, helping me define and question and really dig down deep into this heart of mine. What we all really need is, to give ourselves some grace and forgiveness on issues that have hampered our hearts of forgiveness. It took some time and confidence, but in the end, that city, my city, made me who I am today. 

We are all able to learn something about ourselves, during the most arduous moments. My heart has since then healed, I have become a stronger and confident woman, trusting in God. The love and thanksgiving for my husband is still as alive and flourishing as the day we met, and I thank him for being the biggest cheerleader in my life (along with my beautiful mother!)

New York City... I love you! I love you for the walking, the fashion, the people, those tall building's and bridges, art exhibit's, the subway, the food...did I even begin to mention the food? Thanks for keeping it real, for teaching me the most about myself and the best part of all, thanks for being you!

Life Lately | No Place Like Home

It was a wonderful long weekend, celebrating our country's Independence. We kicked it off just right and had a little family day, just the three of us. We wandered around town and had frozen yogurt and then loaded up the car to head for the hills!

As soon as we get off the highway and start driving on the backroads of Pennsylvania, memories come pouring out and I reflect back on our days living in the small town. I always get so nostalgic for those back windy roads, fresh air, farms to corn fields, gardens & amish buggies. 

There is no doubt I love the city and all it has to offer, but we all need quiet, simple moments. This is just the very place to do so and reflect on all we have to give thanks for.

We enjoyed picnic foods, parades and watching Blake get to roam around wild with his cousins. Catching up right where we left off with family. I especially loved having a quiet moment, to just sit on my parent's porch to take in a thunderstorm with fresh mint tea, in hand. My parent's garden is looking beautiful this year and we were able to enjoy fresh tomatoes to fresh black raspberries straight from their berry bushes.

Along with the festivities of the 4th, we celebrated one of my dearest friend's daughter, Isley, turning TWO! Talk about tears! It was just yesterday we were visiting her and Shayne in the hospital and over the moon excited for their little firecracker's arrival. Blake loved playing with her at the party and I especially loved the cake. It was a cute, intimate little get together, just perfect!

I hope you had a refreshing and fun weekend and made your very own memories, just the same!

Parenthood | 1...2...3...Cool Counting!

One of the best part's of being a stay at home mama, is the time together with Blake and spending it wisely. I truly want Blake to have as much fun as possible throughout our day together. A huge part of learning and discovery should be fun and thank goodness for the beauty in books and illustrations to keep a child's attention.
I have been dying for Blake to get into book's. The very thought of cuddling up together, turning the pages, it seriously just warm's my heart. For awhile, he wanted nothing to do with them and threw them all over his room. I remember thinking of so many other mother's I knew and how it seemed their babies took interest right away! I wanted that very same thing but, like all children, to each their own on timing. We love the books by Puck, which are a series of 'Cool Counting Books'. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/978097.Puck
I highly recommend them for a sweet gift for any little babe out there. We received our first one, as a gift and have been hooked since.

We have been fortunate enough to become neighbor's with the copy editor and she gifted some special ones for Blake, personally. They are the perfect size to take with you on the go and Blake loves them! They can easily hold your little one's attention and what a vision it is, to see Blake on the floor, pointing at the pictures of taxi's, bridges, ferris-wheels to pizza slices!