Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Happy Holidays

I will be taking a hiatus from blogging through the holidays and likely into next year. In just two short months my family will be growing with the arrival of one very important little person. As Bob and I prepare for this new joy, I want to take my time to fully experience every moment.

I hope to find the time to share some of our special moments with you on occasion. For that reason, I will keep the blog up, but won't be posting with any regularity.

Thank you all for reading along the last couple of years. It's been a lot of fun. Now I turn to this exciting new road ahead - Motherhood! - with the fullest of hearts.

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and a very healthy new year.

Love, Libby

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Mind before mouth

Sage advice. Try practicing this today, and everyday. Be kinder than you need to.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Love bracelet

I just love this bracelet. Simple. Sweet. Beautiful.

And, how delicious does this applesauce recipe sound? I'm going to try it this weekend and add some brown sugar to the batch. Yum, I bet the smell in the house will be amazing!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Searching for Sugar Man



What are you up to this weekend? I think husband and I are going to check out this movie (doesn't it look great?) and maybe get sushi, and we're having dinner with some good friends. It's supposed to be around 70 degrees tomorrow, so get out and enjoy it!

Whatever you're doing, I hope you have fun! xo

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Pregnancy humor

As I am about to start my third trimester, I find myself "getting" more of this pregnancy humor. My belly has been expanding at a rapid rate and I can no longer get out of a chair without groaning. Bending over to tie my shoes is becoming more and more of a chore. So much so that husband has had to help me on a couple of occasions. Soon, I have a feeling that slip on shoes will become my new besties.

Husband and I start childbirth classes tonight. I have this mental image of lots of he, he, he, hoo, hoo, hoos. It's probably nothing like that, but hopefully I don't laugh out loud and illicit those "what's with this lady?" looks.

And, how about that win last night? It's so refreshing to see the country still hopeful for positive change. Obama's speech was on the mark. Congratulations, Mr. President. Now, make us proud!

p.s. Way to go Maine and Maryland!!! And, to Minnesota for refusing to perpetuate hate.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The Faithful

““Do I love you this much?” she’d ask us, holding her hands six inches apart. “No,” we’d say, with sly smiles. “Do I love you this much?” she’d ask again, and on and on and on, each time moving her hands farther apart. But she would never get there, no matter how wide she stretched her arms. The amount that she loved us was beyond her reach. It could not be quantified or contained. It was the ten thousand named things in the Tao Te Ching’s universe and then ten thousand more. Her love was full-throated and all-encompassing and unadorned. Every day she blew through her entire reserve.”
-          Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Just wanted to share a little essay that I really enjoyed reading today. Friends are one of life's great joys. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Broccoli soup

Doesn't broccoli soup sound yummy? I love cauliflower soup and this recipe for broccoli soup caught my attention. We'll be giving this a try for Sunday dinner.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween

Believe it or not, our dogs picked these costumes out themselves. Winston is a skeleton and Kia is a She-Devil. They love greeting all of the trick-or-treaters!

This time next year we will be dressing up our little one and I can't wait. How much fun that will be! I just love this little mouse & cheese costume.

More puppy pics after the jump.

Baby mop

How hilarious is this Baby Mop? The number one reason you need it? To "teach your baby a strong work ethic early in their life." This is almost more than I can handle.

And, my cousin Jason needs this shirt.

Monday, October 29, 2012

A poem


If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!
—Rudyard Kipling

image via

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

What happens if there's a tie?


Have you ever wondered what would happen if there was a tie in the race for President of the United States? Not only is it possible, but in 1824, four candidates and no electoral college majority actually forced the process. It's pretty funny to think about, huh? Imagine... Obama as president and Paul Ryan as veep! 

Have fun watching the debate tonight!
 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

La Cambusa refrigerator


In case you've found that your refrigerator just isn't cutting it anymore, here's the ultimate in food storage. Check it out. With both cold and and dry storage and customizable options including a TV and small oven, and weighing in at 1,100 pounds, the La Cambusa is... well, expensive. It starts at $40,500. Holy cow!

Friday, October 5, 2012

IKEA trip

This weekend Bob is running a marathon near Chicago and our return trip will take us right by one of my favorite stores - IKEA. Of course, I'm very excited to see my man do his thing on that 26.1-mile course, but I'm also very excited for our IKEA trip. In preparation for all the goodies to be had - namely nursery gear, curtains, and rugs - we are clearing out the car so we can squeeze every last possible thing in.

I love walking around IKEA as if it's my own home,

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Debate day

It's debate day! Will you watch the first presidential debate tonight? I tend to steer clear of reading and watching too much coverage of the race to the White House - the media loves spewing incorrect biased information - and try to find my facts apart from all the hooey.

I love a good debate. Tonight, we're having friends over for a little debate party... Food, drinks, and making fun of each candidate and hoping for some real zingers. Here's an idea for a debate drinking game. Or, just for laughs, watch this video of Jill Biden inadvertently making reference to Joe's, well...


Have you tried this game?

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Missing mom

Eight years ago today I lost my favorite person in the whole world. My mom and I were besties. Her joyful and loving spirit continues to live in my heart. Fun memories, like this one, make me smile from ear to ear.


gDiapers

OK, so I told you that I had a serious case of baby-brain...

Look at these baby bums. Aren't these gDiapers the cutest? I'm planning to use reusable diapers as much as possible with baby Mango and I've decided on gDiapers. They're adorable AND earth-friendly. You can opt for the washable cloth inserts or for the compostable/flushable inserts. We're going to give both a try.

The EPA information on the long-term effects on the planet from disposable diapers is frightening.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Pumpkin bread

This weekend I made this really delicious homemade pumpkin bread. Best of all, it was SUPER easy. With the temperature dropping and the leaves changing I've got a serious case of pumpkin brain, i.e. give me pumpkin recipes!! I forgot to take a photo of my bread before I cut into it, so I borrowed this one.

I also put out some pumpkins and bright yellow mums in front of our house. So so pretty! Ah, fall, I heart you.

I'm back and it's October

How did that happen? Just two months ago I was welcoming August...

After a two month break from my blog, I think I'm ready for a come back. There's no telling how frequently I'll be posting, but I do miss it and feel ready to take on some level of commitment once again.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Hello, August

I just flipped my desk calendar to August (a day late) and this adorable little guy greeted me. Tree pose is one of my favorites, especially extended. It's a great one midday at work to regroup and refocus your energy.

Happy August! And, happy birthday to my father-in-law, Tom! He's a swell guy.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Pictures

I have framed photos of my family and friends all over my office. Just looked over at these little beauties and had to smile. Such a great way to brighten up the work day. That's all.

Have a wonderful day!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Josie Maran on motherhood

My dear mom has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I miss her everyday and love to think of the wonderful memories we shared. Today I stumbled upon this sweet feature with model/eco-cosmetics founder Josie Maran where she talks about motherhood. Just a sweet little pick-me up about moms and how great they can be.

And, she included a recipe for a delicious sounding salad that I can't wait to try.

Happy weekend! xo

Monday, July 23, 2012

Indy weekend

This weekend my honey whisked me away for a birthday (and anniversary) weekend in Indianapolis. We stayed at a charming little B&B (recommended by some friends) in the Mass Ave. arts district just north of downtown. We ate, we drank, we walked and shopped and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Check out the fun weekend we had...

Friday, July 20, 2012

Birthday treats

I seriously work with a great group of people. This morning they brought in an assortment of tasty birthday treats for me. I had strawberry pie for breakfast and I'm having a turtle cookie for dessert. How great is that?

And, unlike my 32-mile running husband, I'll probably take a nap.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Roger loves Chaz


How can I begin to tell you about Chaz? She fills my horizon, she is the great fact of my life, she has my love, she saved me from the fate of living out my life alone, which is where I seemed to be heading.
Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz celebrate 20 years of marriage today. This article is so beautiful and perfectly written. What a love story.
 I sensed from the first that Chaz was the woman I would marry, and I know after 20 years that my feelings were true. She has been with me in sickness and in health, certainly far more sickness than we could have anticipated. I will be with her, strengthened by her example. She continues to make my life possible, and her presence fills me with love and a deep security. That's what a marriage is for. Now I know.
Bob and I were out for our anniversary dinner last night and we talked about how much we've grown in our first two years of marriage. It's amazing how we know each other so much better than we did on our wedding day. Marriage really does make you grow in a way you can't anticipate. It's so wonderful.

Vogue tarot cards

Check out Vogue's own tarot card readings. Love, money, work, and the future, see what the cards have in store for you.

I just love the artwork on the cards.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Two years married to my love

Two years ago today Bob and I got married on what had to be one of the hottest days of the year. Sweating through his tux, he waited patiently for me to walk down the garden aisle. We met under an arbor of flowers and promised to love and care for each other forever. I'm so happy to have wonderful memories of that gorgeous day, and even happier to be sharing my life with the best man I know.

I love you, Bob. I've cherished these last two years and look forward to many many more on this adventure together. Happy Anniversary!

Read more for some fun memories of our wedding day. We had such a great time.

Monday, July 16, 2012

My husband the runner

This year, Bob decided that he was going to run 32 miles in honor of his 32nd birthday. The man is insane. And, sure enough, he ran all 32 of those miles. I'm so proud of him. He really is amazing.

In celebration of his milestone run, I made him these homemade blueberry muffins - from scratch! No box mix here, no sirree. Complete with yummy crumble on top and everything. They were delicious. Bob thought so, too, after he recovered from turning nearly his entire body purple from a post-run ice bath. We had to eat them outside so he could warm back up.



photo: Bob and our nieces blowing out his birthday candles

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Happy Birthday, Hubby!

Today, my one and only celebrates his 32nd birthday.

Bob, I love you to the moon and back. I couldn't be more blessed to call you my husband, partner in crime, best friend, snuggle buddy, secret keeper, jokester, handyman, strong man, world traveling buddy, and all around favorite person. My heart is so full.

I love you. Happy Birthday!

Monday, July 9, 2012

The cutest pups

These two sweet faces kept me company this morning while I got ready for work. Aren't they just the cutest? They look like they're posing for some kind of brother sister doggy photo shoot and it makes me laugh.

Happy Monday!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Moonrise Kingdom


If you haven't seen Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom yet, go this weekend. It's fantastic.
And, the movie theatre is one of the best places to spend a few hours on a blazing hot summer day when the pavement's so hot it could fry an egg.

I'm going to see Ted this weekend. It looks hilarious.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

White peaches

White peaches are one of my favorite summer treats. Fresh, juicy, sweet and delicious. I love biting into one and letting the juice run down the sides of my face. We've been getting the best peaches at our local farmers market. We seriously go through an entire quart every week. They're just so good!

photo via

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Ancient Greek playing cards

My parents-in-law just returned from a nearly three week Mediterranean cruise. (So jealous!) This deck of playing cards is a gift they brought back for us. Those jokesters are too funny! :)

Fortunately my nieces don't read the blog...

Monday, July 2, 2012

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

I've only read the first four pages of Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and I'm already laughing out loud. This is going to be great.

Here's hoping your week is off to a great start!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Delorean


Last night while we were driving home, husband and I spotted a Delorean in a parking lot in downtown Champaign. A real Delorean!

It obviously started a discussion about Back to the Future, and Bob told me that he thought that in the movie they were kind of making fun of it. I had always thought that in the movie it was supposed to be a super hi-tech, awesome piece of machinery. Maybe that was just me!

Do you think the Delorean in Back to the Future was a joke? Either way, I think I'll always think of it as a badass ride.

p.s. Check out these desktop wallpapers. Hilarious.

Monday, June 25, 2012

brotip #2043


Haha, love this brotip. And this one, and this one. And, this one is for Bob.

brotips are always good for a laugh.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

First day of summer

Happy first day of summer! Summer is my all time favorite season. Something about the excitement, the freedom, the easy-going nature of it all. It doesn't hurt that it's my birthday and anniversary season, either. These are just a handful of my favorite summer things:

1.pretty summer dresses 2. peach blush 3. flip-flops ( I live in these) 4. homemade sun tea, steeped for hours on my back porch 5. hot buttery sweet corn with every meal

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Cherries

One of my favorite times of the year is cherry season. I love fresh cherries. I devour them by the truck load. So sweet, and spitting out the pits as I eat a handful while walking the dogs is so much fun.
Some are even calling cherries "the new wonder fruit."


Image via 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

St. Simon's Island

 Over the Memorial Day weekend holiday Bob and I traveled to St. Simon's Island, GA, for a family vacation. We had an amazing time. We rented a condo and basically ate, drank, swam and relaxed the entire time. It was the perfect retreat. There's something so refreshing about gathering with your family and just having really great quality time. No schedules. No appointments. Just fun. I really love my family down south and wish we got to see them more often. 

See a little photo recap of our trip after the jump.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Indoor s'more maker

I foresee needing one of these indoor s'more makers this winter. In a serious way. It's genius.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Big Grove Tavern

This weekend, my main squeeze and I checked out the newly opened Big Grove Tavern. It's the latest restaurant to open in our neck of the woods and I was dying to check it out. We were not disappointed.

We began with The Tavern Infusion cocktail (deliciously refreshing!), and the complimentary popcorn (a mix of kettle, salty and something else yummy). We ordered Tater Tots to start, which were served with apple purée and crème fraîche. Crunchy, sweet, salty and delicious.

Next we shared the Spring Chopped Salad. The beets and the orange were the real highlights. The sherry vinaigrette was a simple finish to this wonderful salad. 



For the main course, we went for the meat. Bob had the House Made Pork Sausage with caraway spätzle that was so good.

I opted for the Bistro Filet that was paired with kohlrabi gratin. (Just earlier that day we were at the farmer's market and I was eying the kohlrabi wondering what they tasted like.) Frankly, paired with horseradish butter, I don't think there was anyway they could have gone wrong.

Last, but in no way least, we splurged on Sweet Potato Waffles for dessert. Whoa, were those great! The vanilla ice cream, the server told us, was made with olive oil and sea salt. It melted just perfectly over the waffles and the whiskey caramel drizzle. Mmmm...

After that extraordinarily indulgent dinner we went home and passed out. It was terrific. Just my kind of night.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend! 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Avery dances


My sweet little niece Avery danced up a storm on our recent family trip to St. Simon's Island. Check out that chicken wing! I think the `20's movie style suits her perfectly, don't you?

Vacation photos to come soon...

Have a super fun weekend!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Wisdom of 105 years

Some beautiful life lessons passed down. Read them here.
My favorite:
Women can and should be controversial, if at all possible.
 and
Be unabashed in your pride and boasting when it comes to your family and your own significant accomplishments.
I think my own grandmother would have shared some of the very same advice.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Doritos


I love Doritos. Love 'em! And, this "Mexican Beauty" commercial made me laugh out loud. There are so many flavors of Doritos now. I still prefer the plain old nacho cheese flavor. As of late, though, cool ranch is a close second. Mmmm....

video via

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Wedding photography deal


Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a photographer for your 2012 wedding? You're in luck! During this portfolio building year, I am offering a steep discount on a complete wedding package to some very lucky couples. Please visit my website and contact me for more information. I currently have three weddings booked and now have availability for August - December.

p.s. This adorable couple (who joined me for a baby bump shoot just a couple of weeks ago) just welcomed their little man yesterday!! He's adorable and I can't wait for his first photo shoot! Congrats, guys!!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Bloom Theory Straps


My sweet friend Ellie shared these Bloom Theory Straps with me knowing that I would LOVE them. Really, I'm obsessed. I'm thinking that I may have to splurge and buy one for myself in celebration of shooting my first wedding in June. I love them all, but am particular fond of Petite Cherie, Bohemian Belle, Stardust I, and Ocean Mist. Moonshine reminds me of my wedding dress.
Sigh, so pretty.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Be proud and brag


I love this little piece of advice on married life:

5. Be proud and brag.
Let your spouse hear you talking about them in glowing terms to other people. Be foolish. Be obvious. It will mean everything. You will stay married forever.

I'm so proud of Bob. He is one of the most intelligent, hard-working, loving, and dependable people that I know. Just thinking about that makes my heart swell.

That's all.

Read the rest of Lydia's advice here.

via

Friday, May 11, 2012

Baby bump


I have been busy working on a lot of photos lately. I just finished this baby bump shoot with a very adorable family. This weekend I have a family photo session and just around the corner are my very first two weddings. I truly love working on my photography. It brings me so much joy. I hope you'll have a look...
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