Settlers of Catan: The Death Match!

Sorry guys, I missed a Sunday last week.  It’s the holidays and my mind went blank (which, yes, happens more than I like to admit).  But I’m back.  And today I even have two posts (this being the second) because not only is it random sundays, but it’s also the first day of my dress challenge.  So it’s a double whammy.

As I mentioned in today’s previous post, my Bestie came over and hung out with Drake the Dog and Baby.  She also took a lot of my clothes – which is cool. She made off with two whole bags worth of stuff (which is surprising because she’s got larger puppies than I do).   I got some really cute pictures (though I’m upset that my camera has not yet come ’cause I could’ve had even cuter pictures).  It’s hard to grab a good shot in focus because everyone is wriggling all the time! But I managed to get at least a few. 

Not too sure about Drake the Dog.

Then Her Man came over and hung out with Drake the Dog (though they don’t seem too sure of each other). And after we put Baby to bed we played Settlers of Catan.  And (oh yeah!)I won!

I won (yes, I had to say it again).  I told you – it’s on b@#%h!  I mean business when I play games.  Next time, Carcassone.  Good night all.  See you tomorrow.

Dress 1: Amish Much?

The  dress by itself

Once I added some things to spice it up. Dress – somewhere in Madrid; Scarf – somewhere Toronto; Boots – somewhere in New York City; Belt – American Eagle

Today’s the first day of my dress challenge.  Hope you’re all as excited as I am.  I thought I’d start with a dress that I hardly wear and one that’s not a favorite of mine.   I figure since I can only wear it once  until the challenge is over I should save and cherish my favorites.

This dress is hard to style.  It has puffy sleeves that eliminate the possibility of wearing a cardigan, and I tried it with a vest but I looked like I was auditioning for Sisterwives.  Husband actually suggested a scarf and that ended up working.   Overall, I’m not sure it flatters my small frame, you know?  I feel it makes me look a bit frumpy.  And yes, a leather jacket, boyfriend blazer or jean jacket can make anything look decent, but do I want to keep something around that I only feel “decent” about? What do you think? Your comments are helpful and I need help deciding these things.  I have trouble letting go of my clothes. Donate, store, or save?

Moving on.

My Bestie is coming over today.  Haven’t seen her in about three weeks – and we never go that long without seeing each other.  So we’re going to be chatting it up like mad.  Husband will probably escape into his basement cave to get a break.  But it’s going to be fun.  Then Her Man is coming over and it’s games night.  Yes, that’s right, game night! We’re playing either Settles of Catan or Carcassone.  It doesn’t matter which because either way they’re going down!  It’s on B@#%h!  (Disclaimer: I’m intense about my gaming)

85 Dresses: The Challenge Is Issued

Happy New Year!   Around this time I always feel the need to purge things and simplify my life.  Recently, I’ve been going through my weardrobe – clothes and accessories – and realized that I own way too much stuff.  So today I’ve been sorting through it and I’ve gotten rid of quite a few things.  I’m storing and donating (to Value Village and to friends).  It’s also showed me that I should stop buying things (except for the very rare “must-have”).  I need to wear what I have and find out what I really love.  One thing I’ve discovered already:  I hate wearing turtlenecks!  I own a few and I haven’t worn them in at least 3 years.  Gone!!!  They’re out of here!

In this spirit of discovery and wearing what I have, I’m issuing myself a little challenge: to wear all my dresses – every single one I own – at least once and to not repeat a single one until I have gone through the whole collection.  That may not seem like a hard challenge, but I own upwards of 80 dresses.  And the collection is still growing.  Some I’ve had for years (think 10 years), others are recent purchases. I sometimes forget about the ones at the back only to see them and regret not wearing them.  This will also be an experiment. My body has changed since giving birth – as has my mind –  and there are some things that I can’t do up yet (namely in the bust area as those puppies are still larger than usual because of nursing).  So, this will be a great way to test my wardrobe, and to test myself to see which dresses I have outgrown – both physically and mentally.

I’d like it if you came with me on this journey and please leave your comments to let me know which ones you like, which you don’t and which ones should perhaps be stored away/given away.

What’s This Spoon For Again?

I’m not much of a cook.  I’ll freely admit to that.  When it comes to the domestic arts, I’m a complete failure.  It’s not that I’m incapable of it, it’s just that I don’t want to and will do anything other than cook and clean.  Mind you, I know it has to be done, I’m just a master procrastinator in that respect.  You could never give me a white glove test!  But since Baby has begun eating solids, I have taken a larger role in the kitchen.  Not for me, but for her.  I steam and puree and make sure that her food is the best that it can be.  Hence, I have recently needed aprons (two to be exact).  One to have while the other is in the laundry.  I have realized that if I want to remain relatively clean, these are a must for a Mom – just like bibs for babies.  When feeding Baby, the bib does the trick for her, and the apron does the trick for me.

So when Husband was in Montreal on a business trip he picked me up this lovely apron as my second (the first was a purchase from Anthropologie ).  I loved it of course!  It’s purple and frilly and completely girly.  I would like to have a dress like this – with a back of course – ’cause otherwise that would just be obscene!

No if only I could figure out what this wooden spoon does…

Happy Birthday To Me!

Yes that’s right, it’s my birthday! *Several odd number of years ago* I was born on this day.  And as always Husband has come through wonderfully.  I woke up to fresh coffee and had him “at my beck and call”  (according to him).  So, I played my newest addiction, a video game called Torchlight, had an unhealthy breakfast which included choclate, and indulged in a hard, fast-paced run.  Afterwards I headed out on my own for a little shopping and tea.  I love the boxing day goodies I picked up:  a tea filter, and Body Shopr treats!

Once at home, I headed upstairs to play with my camera and photoshop.  Here are some results:

I can’t wait until my new one gets here!  Should be early in the new year.  And yes, that’s my new scarf that I’m modelling.  My latest arrival from ShopRuche.  It’s not quite what I was expecting, but it’s still delightful!

I finished off the night with tea, chocolate, and a foot massage.  And a surprisingly good film  – “The Jane Austen Book Club.”  Being an Austen fan myself I was able to forgive the “As Ifs” in the film and just have a great time.  Good Night!  See you all tomorrow!

And Now It’s Husband’s Turn

This morning Husband came downstairs and said, “I think you should take a picture of me for your fashion blog.  ‘Cause I’m looking snazzy today.”  I swear he said the word “snazzy.”  The whole day went by and in the evening he said. “So when you gonna take those pictures?  I think you should now.”  And the second I pointed the camera at him he got all shy and self-conscious.  Isn’t he cute?

So here I managed to catch a few shots of him not being all awkward in front of the camera.  Yes, the tie is crocked, but other than that do you think he looks “snazzy”?  I think so.  With a capital Snazz.

Why Are You So Happy?

Giving face: Jeans – Guess, Shirt – American Eagle, Vest – American Eagle, Attitude – all me!

Home Sweet Home!  Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing like family, but there’s nothing like home either.  Last night we went straight from my Mom’s house to a Christmas dinner at Husband’s Brother’s House (my Brother in Law).  They have a lovely home and are great people but you know how much I love lots of people gathered in one place.  Well, there were 6 adults and 3 kids there – all in one lovely but not overly large open concept house.  That coupled with cranky, sleepy Baby and cranky, sleepy Mama equaled a fun but stressful and chaotic time.  So I was quite happy when we got home and put Baby to sleep – ’cause then Mama could finally relax. 

And this morning (since I had the use of Mom’s car) I went to get a large, and I mean large, purchase of groceries – we were out of everything.  So that meant I had to get dressed.  And I felt like being a little nerdy/preppy today.  I loved wearing vests while pregnant – somehow they worked with the large belly – don’t ask me how.  And I have continued to love wearing them now that I’m no longer sporting a basketball in front.  This one is a favorite.  And I wanted to be fun and playful by mixing patterns with the shirt. 

After returning and unloading the vast array of groceries I sat and played with Baby.  Husband took some shots and started teasing me through the process; hence, the various assortment of faces I’m making.  Another reason I’m so happy?  I spent all my Christmas money and my Birthday money (it’s coming up soon and I just know you’re excited!) on one big ticket item that I’m been secretly lusting after for Months.  What is it you ask?  Why it’s a DSLR camera!  Specifically the Nikon D3100.  I spent many an hour researching and stressing over which is the right one to choose and finally settled on this one (so if you disagree with my choice, please refrain from commenting about it – it would only make me feel bad).  It’s sold out all over the place in store, so I bought it online and it should hopefully (fingers crossed) be here before the weekend.  So excited!!  Can’t wait to share the wonderful pictures with you! 

Another reason I wanted a great camera?  Baby’s getting bigger and cuter by the second.  And I just have to capture her in all her wonder.  I can’t get enough.  How did I get the cutest little girl in the world??

What was your favorite gift this Christmas?

Merry Christmas!

It’s Christmas Eve.  We’ve got our big dinner tonight (us Poles do it on Christmas Eve) and gift exchange.  So, I’ll say a big, fat Merry Christmas to you and spend time with the fam.  You’ll excuse me if I don’t post tonight won’t you?  I’ll see you soon.  Merry Christmas!  Hope Santa’s good to you!

How I’m Spending My Winter Vacation…

Husband and Drake the Dog cuddling

Baby’s little puppy feet are sooo cute!

I don’t have a look for you to see today.  I know I’m sorry.   I’m working on a special project for you guys for the new year though.  So you’ll forgive me right?  But I thought I could at least chronicle my holidays for you.

We’re at my Mom’s house and it’s just a bunch of lazy, slow days filled with lots of Polish home cooking and cards.  My family is all about the cards – we play this one game that everyone gets really competitive about.  Husband and Babcia trash talk each other – through me.  I have to translate their various insults to one another.  It’s actually really amusing.  And the best part?  They trash talk, I win.  Boo-ya! That’s how it’s done.

Husband’s fabulous parenting skills.

 As I was writing this post, I went in search of Baby and Husband and found the above situation.  In case you can’t tell, he’s readying Vice Magazine – not exactly child rated.  She’s just sprawled on his lap looking at the picture’s.  This is a common scenario in our house – him reading with her sprawled on him, or squirming all around him.  I just stood there shaking my head…and then I got my camera.

Use The Force

“These are not the droids you’re looking for”

Today was the first day in 6 months that we were up before Baby.  She slept in until 7:45am – I wish everyday was like this.  Hopefully, her sleeping habits will only get better.  I need my beauty rest – goodness knows I haven’t had any in a long time.  

This morning when I came downstairs dressed to face my day, Husband looked at me and said, “Don’t take this the wrong way, because you look really nice, but you look like a Jedi.”  Normally I’m not against any Star Wars reference (considering my love of all things Star Wars, Star Trek and BSG), but “Jedi” was certainly not the look I was going for.  So, I stopped, focused really hard, and tried to choke him just a little with my mind just like Darth Vader…no such luck.  He just stood there with a smirk on his face looking so pleased with himself.  So I just kicked him in the shin instead.

Great lunch, even better company.  We had two friends over for some good old Polish home cooking.  They’re a fun couple who appreciate hearty food.  And it was really nice to get to see them since they’ve moved to another province for the next year.  That’s what I like about the holidays: everyone makes an extra effort to see one another and spend some time together.

joannahaughton

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