Drool

Happy Saturday!




Misool Eco Resort featured on Desire to Inspire

© copyright homemade grits

Babies, beasts, and Bumbos...oh my!

Today I spent a lot of time reflecting. I wept all morning over the loss of a wonderful woman. I wept for her suffering, for her family. I put myself in her mother and father's shoes, I put myself in her husbands shoes. I thought about how she planned to be a lawyer, how she had to drop all of her dreams to focus on being well. We take our health for granted until it is no longer there. I just thought a lot about not wasting my time here, and the gift that is life.

I bought this poster to inspire anyone who visits as well as my family:



I don't want to spend energy and time dwelling over what I did or didn't do. I want to live my life to the fullest and be an example to my children. One of the ways I plan on doing this is by hopefully creating a way for me to have my hobbies become my lively hood. As much as I love my coworkers and enjoy my job, I know that I have dreams that haven't been followed...



Sam has been sick for over a week and today I was able to stay home with him and nourish his achy bones. I stuffed him with vitamins and vegetables and he seems to finally be on the mend. Again, I was brought to reflection on Melissa and how I can't stand for Sam to have a cold. How did their family cope with cancer? Cancer is the worst possible disease and I cannot imagine watching someone you love being consumed by it...





On a happier note...here are Matilda and Guinness just chillin'

I hope that you all will hug your loved ones extra tight and remember how precious your lives are.

© copyright homemade grits

Sad news

Today my sweet neighbor Melissa lost her battle with cancer. It has been so sad watching their family go through this incredibly hard time. I can only imagine how difficult it has been for them to be away from home for six months fighting for her life. Melissa was an incredibly strong woman of God. I know she is with Him now. Please continue to pray for her family.



© copyright homemade grits

Andrew Lee Photography

After a pleading Facebook message, Andy indulged me by posting our family pictures! I had been dying in anticipation to see his beautiful work. Well, the pictures were definitely worth the wait. See for yourself...

Some of my favorites:









To see the rest visit Andrew Lee's Photography blog.


© copyright homemade grits

Busy little bees

This weekend was such a combination of fun times with friends, celebrating, and hitting the pillow hard every night! Jessica, Keely, and I threw a shower for Jessie and Logan with the help of my sweet Mom and her beautiful home. My mom lives in the house she grew up in. The house is sprinkled with old world charm and beautiful details, courtesy of my isanely talented Lynndaddy, who put up the most beautiful and elaborate crown molding and handcrafted doors that most people have ever seen. There are so many nooks and crannies to discover throughout the home. I love being in that house. It was the backdrop to the shower, which had a "Blending of cultures" theme. The girls and I combined the cultures of all three of the Xayaseng family members.



We had food from the Phillipines, such as the above vegetarian tamales (delicious!).



Expert Jessica sliced the fruit for the ice ring we made for the Champagne Punch.





I was in charge of the decor. I made pompoms in bright sunny colors per Jessica request! She wanted the colors of the sun because Logan is Jessie's son. haha.



Waaay past their bedtimes!



I made "fun fact" cards for the tables with interesting facts about Laos (where Travis is from), America (where Jessie is from), and the Phillipines (Logan's heritage).



Champagne Punch with Tangerine Sorbet (mmmmmm)



The guests of honor!



String of baby photos, courtesy of the guests.



Christy, Kathleen, and Matilda



For more pictures and more "behind the scenes" click here.

© copyright homemade grits

Lovebugs

I spotted two little munchkins I know on Our Labor of Love's blog! Our Labor of Love is an unbelievably talented husband/wife photographer duo based out of Atlanta. I posted earlier about the Lovies shoot they did for Sprout last year and they reprised their role as capturers of eternal cuteness!





image credit: Our Labor of Love

© copyright homemade grits

My girl

I love this girl



I love that she crosses her arms over her eyes when I put her paci in.

I love that she rubs her feet together like I do.

I love that she smiles bigger and bigger every day.

I love that I have this break from work to spend time with her.

I love that she snuggles with me and makes me feel so special.

I love that she tolerates me taking endless pictures of her.

I love every fiber of who she is and who she will be.

Thank you.



© copyright homemade grits

What's in my diaper bag...

My Diaper bag - by homemade grits on Polyvore.com

© copyright homemade grits

Crewcuts

Right now on Jcrews website they are showcasing the designs for the Obama girls. It's fun to see the inspiration behind the adorable outfits the first daughters wore to the inauguration.



© copyright homemade grits

Photoshop Tutorial

I've been reading Becoming Mom ever since I was pregnant. I really enjoy Ariana and her perspective on motherhood. Her son Jasper is adorable as you will see. She gives a lot of great tips for moms as she comes across them. The most exciting tips to me are her new Photoshop tutorials. I am CLUELESS when it comes to Photoshop and she really breaks it down in easy to follow steps.

Phototutorial Part 1

Before



After




© copyright homemade grits

Have you heard?

Hello all you Sprout fans (Sprout is one of my FAVE children's stores in Atlanta), there's a new kid in town...Seed Factory. Located behind Sprout via bridge access is the latest creation from the Sprout family. The Seed Factory is where Sprout leaves off, carrying toys, clothing, and more for the older set (children up to age 12). There is also a 1,000 ft activity space featuring everything from yoga classes and story time to cooking classes. Enjoy!




source: Sprout's blog

© copyright homemade grits

I spy

Now to show off some of my Ikeawares. Although they are not very exciting, I am so happy to have functional pieces in my home.




I am extremely blessed to know incredible photographers, one being a best friend, Jessica Mahady who took these beautiful pictures of Matilda. I wanted to display them for all to see and truth be told the bathroom is a great place for this! Thank you Jessica for the beautiful shots. We treasure them.

Speaking of incredible photographers...we spent the day with one yesterday. Mr Andy Lee took pictures of our family and sent me this little teaser. I can't wait to see the rest...



© copyright homemade grits

Hope

Matilda and I are keeping tabs on the Washington happenings today. I'm looking forward to the Inauguration and hearing Obama's speech. I just can't stop crying. I'm a jumble of emotions: hope, joy, fear, wonder, and worry. Of course as a mother I can't help but think of Matilda: her safety, her future, but I am looking forward to the future and the hope that comes with change. I hope you all have time today to reflect on what you can do to bring joy to this country and that you would all pray for our new President.




© copyright homemade grits

Ear Candy: Lady GaGa

It's been a while since I've been obsessed with a song. Sam always laughs at me because I'll keep the same cd on rotation until I get sick of it. My response is "So," because, it is true. There has however been a serious drought of awesome music. Truth be told, my usual go to jams are typically the like of Timberlake, Spears, and occasionally something a little bit higher brow...Lil Wayne anyone? Right now I am totally digging Lady Gaga. So much in fact that I can't get her out of my head. I also find her mysterious persona intriguing. Minnie Mouse hair...yes please.



white folks get crunk



starpulse



justjared

Just Dance

© copyright homemade grits

Sunday Brunch

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of spending the late morning with two amazing women: Lara and Maria. I love them both for a million reasons. One reason I adore them is that they both share my love of food, trying new restaurants, talking about good food, eating good food etc. So, what else did we do but eat! We had brunch at Agnes and Muriels and they both got to meet Matilda for the first time. What a wonderful excuse to get together.



Brunch was divine. Great company, delicious coffee, cozy atmosphere, and sinful food. I had the Honkey Tonk Pancakes. Yum! I hope we get to do it again soon...

© copyright homemade grits

A few Saturdays ago...

Last Songs: Dntel

© copyright homemade grits

Fridays are for mothers

Matilda and I started off yesterday feeling very glamorous. We headed out early with Mom to go to a photoshoot. We will be making our editorial debut in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine's April issue. We braved the cold and headed to Decatur and had such a good time. I got to have my hair and makeup done, which is always fun and Matilda did such a great job. Not too many smiles were doled out, but she was a trooper.

Then we headed to Rachel's house to meet her and Kate for lunch at 5th Earl Market for some delicious lunch fare. The sandwhiches and soup were divine. I had the Covent Garden panini and it was absolute heaven. I could have eaten my entire meal again right then and there!

Menu



image credit: 5th Earl Market

The we stopped by an adorable children's boutique, Wiggle, right next store. The store is small, but chock full with a large selection of Tea Collection and See Kai Run shoes, as well as personal favorites: Feather Baby and Kate Quinn organics. Next weekend is their semi-annual sale!!



We came home and rested up for the evening. Sam and I had a night out courtesy of Mom and Dad. We had the absolute pleasure of celebrating one of my favorite people in the world's birthday! We met Jodi and Bobby to spend the evening with the Atlanta Thrashers. We were among thousands out and about in the city on the coldest night of the year. The energy was contagious and it was incredible. Sam and I are still talking about how much fun we had. Thanks Jodi and Bobby for a wonderful evening!!! Happy Birthday Jo!













WE WON!!!!



© copyright homemade grits

MatildaSpeaks!

Here is Matilda's first serious interview with no other than her old man. Enjoy!



© copyright homemade grits

OMOrla

So, you maybe remember the post I did on Orla Kiely a while back...now you too can get a piece of the lovely Orla Kiely pie at your local Target!



Her housewares line can be found this February. For more visit: sfgirlbybay

© copyright homemade grits

Adventures in babyhood

What better a challenge for a first morning out with a newborn than Ikea? Hey, if you can make it through that crash course it's easy sailing from there! Well, that's exactly what Jessie and I did with little Matilda and Logan in tow.

Picture this:

-Two strollers
-Two hungry babies
-Feeding them in the couch section
-A blowout
-Changing them on a bench because the family restrooms get more action than a subway turnstile
-Trying to get 2 bottled waters with all those lanes and 2 strollers
-Jessie lifting a chair off a high shelf
-Pushing a stroller and pulling the cart behind us...one cart turned in to 2
-Me pushing the strollers back and forth to keep the babies happy when Jess forgot something and had to run and get it
-Self checkout...need I say more

It was an absolute crack up. Then (Jessie doesn't know this yet) I'm convinced I parked on a different level than she did. I go to the other parking deck and it's a crime scene waiting to happen. No one is around, it's dark, and the freaking elevator won't come back down to get me and my worried child.

I don't think I've ever been so exhausted from a shopping trip! We did however get some great buys, which I will post about later. Until then, sit back, relax, and be thankful you're not at Ikea.



source:aeropause.com

sorry no pictures...didn't exactly have a free hand!

© copyright homemade grits

Just as soon as you think you got it down

So, the rice cereal was working like a charm. Then just as my Mom predicted...Matilda has begun the dreaded teething phase. Sweet angel has been moaning and sucking on anything in sight, particularly her hand. I feel so bad for her! I apparently also began teething around 4 months. I'm trying to avoid giving tylenol as much as possible. I found these natural suggestions on Hippie Dippie Bebe's website:

Top Ten Natural Teething Remedies

10. Plush chew toys



Under the Nile

9. Your finger



8. Cold fruits or veggies



source:technabob

7. Wooden teething toys and rings



$11.95

6. Single Dose Chamomilla Homeopathic Remedy



$26.99

5. Clove-Oil for Painful Gums



Clove oil

4. Amber Teething Necklaces



Natural Baby Co

3. Ice Cube and Slushy Remedies



source:preschool mama

2. Cold, Frozen Washcloths



source:My Savannah Cottage

1.Hyland’s Teething Tablets or Boiron Camilia



$5.19



© copyright homemade grits