Ikea Amazing!!!

As many of my friends know, I'm in love with Ikea! A few years back, before I moved to Turkey, I started to really get into Ikea decor and furniture. Something about the clean lines, versatility, and of course price tag really called to me. My love for Ikea grew even more living in Turkey and Japan because of how Ikea would design and display there show rooms to give you an idea of how to make the most of your, usually small, space. So creative!!

Now that we are stateside again, and have an Ikea only 30 minutes away, I can now really get my hands on all the things I have wanted for so long. We have the hubby's "man cave" upstairs that holds a loveseat but unfortunately no pull-out bed for when company visits. I hope to upgrade to the EKTORP Sofa bed by the end of the year. The great thing about Ikea sofas is the slipcovers because you can change them out and wash them, and when you get tired of a color, change it out….GENIUS!!!

The only problem is that the slipcover selection is not extensive making you have to choose between a solid color or some design you my not like. :( So, while in Japan, my dear friend Deborah showed me a website I could never forget and can't wait to purchase from once I get my sofa bed…..it's called www.bemz.com ! And it is amazing!

This website allows you to pick your piece of Ikea furniture, select a fabric, and view it before purchasing so you can be sure to love it! I am in love! Currently I have the EKTORP Jennylund armchair in Chrispy's room and dream of ordering this amazing pattern for it!

Too cute for words!!! Now I just need to convince my hubby that spending $419 on a slipcover is totally worth it! Don't think he will go for it so my heart will have to carry on looking for something else to fit my high standards :(

As for the sofa bed, wouldn't this print be just so luxurious?! Oh, a girl can daydream :)

What about your tired Ikea couch or armchair, is it time for a face lift? Happy shopping for new covers for your Ikea treasures! :)

Pizza Fever

So lately I've been craving pizza, I know, how awful right? :) I generally don't eat a lot of pizza or anything that is too "carby" since I prefer to go for more meats and veggies. Something about a hot, cheesy, and yummy pizza has been on my mind so I had to give into my craving this week. I came across this awesome recipe on a whole wheat crust pizza crust and I couldn't have made it fast enough! It was delicious and my hubby even like it! He is not big on "healthier" food alternatives :(

 My topping for one pizza was just pepperoni and turkey bacon (meat lovers really) and the second was a ham and baked potato. I know, baked potato?! When I was living in Japan I got totally hooked on this pepperoni/baked potato and pesto sauce pizza at my favorite lunch place. It was so good and I love that they put random toppings on their pizza's.

And while the crust was rising and I was preparing my toppings, Christian felt the need to dance on the kitchen table….yep, I'm really pushing for Mother of the Year here! At least he wasn't hanging from the ceiling fan :)

The smell in my house was unbelievable! Even when my hubby walked through the front door from work he was like OMG, what are you cooking?! :)

This guy didn't even last the night, all was eaten between the hubs, babe, and me…and the boys of course :)

Hope this inspires everyone to have some yummy pizza this weekend!!! :)

Burst of Energy

After the last weeks feeling down in the dumps from being sick, I woke up today and sprang into motion, trying to get my to-do list done on organizing the house. I only got so far, I have a toddler so things take longer, but it's a start!

Managed to get some of my massive jewelry collection in order. It's been rough constantly trying to untangle necklaces and dig for my jewels. The BYGEL system  has been awesome!! We even managed to hang up my hubby's guitars in the "man cave" and vacuum! Yay! On a roll! :) I printed out one of my favorite little picture and saying and framed them. I keep the two frames in my bathroom with "art" that I just like for the moment and switch it out anytime I want. It keeps it fresh.

Speaking of fresh, Hello Spring Flowers! I went and bought a few different flowers for the house. They are really bringing a great smell and makes me feel happy. Hopefully I can plant some herbs this summer, but first things first, I have to organize my house!!

I even managed to get as far as hanging up this awesome mirror in my bathroom! It really only took a minute but sometimes I don't have that minute I need in the day for this kind of stuff. It's the FRACK Mirror and everyone I know might be getting this guy for Christmas! I love it! One side is a standard mirror and the other is magnified. I love that it doesn't take up counter space, one of my pet peeves, and that I can get up close for those tweezing times!

I also picked up this awesome contact paper at the Dollar General and lined my old Japanese chest so no damage would come to this 100 year old piece.

Well, I was on a roll until I cut myself pretty good with the rotary cutter….yikes! I ran upstairs crying and looking for a band aid saying to myself, "why didn't' I just quit while I was ahead?" Doing too much in one day is not a good idea for me I guess :(

Hope everyone has a happy day!!! :)

Camera Roll

My days have been really busy. Chrispy and I are both getting over a cold that pretty much has rocked us to the core. Still battling runny noses and such but trying to push forward and get excited about Spring!!! It's here, doesn't feel like it here, but it will soon..hopefully!

Besides recovering, I have been busy with projects that I've been wanting to do for some time now. Like cleaning out my fridge and making my little baking soda containers to deodorize any smell to keep it fresh. So easy to do, just take a small Ball jar, remove the insert to the top, replace with some scrap material, fill jar with baking soda, and secure the top. It lasts for about two months or so. When its time to change out the baking soda you just dump out the old and put in some new.

I've also tackled this random wall in our living room that was screaming for something. I decided to make an eclectic photo collage with frames I already owned. I just randomly hung them and I think it looks pretty good for an afternoon job. 

If you have been living under a rock and don't know that the movie Frozen is out….well, it is! And it has hit our house hard. I love this movie and so does Mr. Chrispy. This is the man after his afternoon nap, snuggled up and ready from some movie time. Snack, check, book, check, blanket, check, pillow, check, a great cartoon that keeps me entertained for a max of 45 minutes so Mommy can get things done around me, Priceless!

Shh!!! I'm busy!

 And lastly, my big project I'm working on now, a quilt!! Dear Lawrd why do I do this to myself?! It's a baby quilt, and I'm not getting all fancy or anything with the pattern, just doing simple strips for my niece. I'm also taking my time with it so I don't get overwhelmed by the task. It seems cutting and ironing are the majority of the work here and once they are done it's pretty much straight stitching with a sewing machine…I say that now, but we will see. I'm might be eating my words! EEkkk!

I hope everyone has been having a great first day of Spring! Hopefully some planting of some seedlings and herbs will take place at this casa this weekend, along with some deep cleaning to make things new and fresh.

Happy Thursday Y'all! :)

St. Patty's Day!

 Happy St. Patty's day! I hope everyone is eating delicious Irish classics today like corn beef and cabbage…oh wait, that's an American thing! But you know what I mean or at least drinking some yummy Guinness! Good for you. I wish our day was going as great as the people that will spend their whole day partying and drinking. Looks like Mr. Chrispy's molars are just taking there sweet time torturing my poor baby. Fever, runny nose, and the crying…the crying, IT NEVER ENDS! I just feel so bad for him.

Looking back a year ago, this was my sweet little man….I had to push him up into a sitting position and hold him there just before the hubs took the picture since he was too little to sit up :( How time can fly! He really is just such a jolly guy :)

And today, poor guy battling getting older and feeling the growing pains of it all. We really tried to make this a much cuter photo but he just wasn't feeling it…so laying down was in order and we were happy with that. No big smile, but if I were cutting teeth I wouldn't be smiling either. 

It's okay, there will be plenty of more days to celebrate and you will feel better my love. Mommy will have a Guinness for you too, since your not old enough and all ;) Maybe I'll even rub your poor gums with some…or some Irish Whisky might be just what the doctor ordered. Love you my sweet little man!

Hope everyone has a great St. Patty's Day and remember not to drink and drive, or at least have enough cash to grab a cab home! :) Cheers!

Scrub!

Girls, winter or summer, you should be scrubbing that face and body of yours of dead and dry skin, you know, exfoliate! I have been complimented so many times on my skin and asked what use and I will be really frank about this, nothing but scrub and moisturize like crazy. I am a avid exfoliating queen and that helps my skin stay smooth and encourage new healthy skin. This is the basic 101 of what I do and what I use on a normal basis.

1. Tree Hut Body Scrub- This an oldie but a goodie! I've been using this brand of scrub for years and they come in different smells, but Almond & Honey happens to be my favorite during the cold months. I use it all over my body while in the shower. I do this about three times a week.

2. Lush Ocean Salt- I use this all over my face and neck. It is not as aggressive as a body scrub and smells like the ocean, hence the name. I adore this product! I think it's just amazing and leaves my skin feeling amazing and tight. I use this as well about three times a week and normally in the shower when I exfoliate my body.

3. An exfoliating body scrubber. Any will do depending on what you prefer. Some people use the gloves (like my hubby) to reach all the areas of the body while other use the brush style with handles, it's really up to you as one side is meant to exfoliate the skin.

4. A foot scrubber or callus remover. I use this at the same time because when in Rome you "finish the job" and do the whole body! And by the time you have finished exfoliating the rest of your body in the shower, your feet are ripe of the removing of all the dead skin on feet…yucky! I do this also because I like to use a tinted body moisturizer come spring and summer and don't want the lotion to leave a ugly orange/brown line around the heels of my feet.

5. Olay Night Cream- If I decided to do my exfoliating regimen at night, I will put night cream to moisturize my skin. I have been wearing night firming cream since I was 19 and haven't looked back. The sooner you do this the better off your skin will be…it's all about being preventative.

6. Olay Daily Moisturizer- I use this moisturizer everyday before I put on my make up but also if I exfoliate that morning. Always use a daily moisturizer that has SPF in it to protect your from the sun.

7. I use Jergens Natural Glow during the spring and summer months to keep up a nice tan. This formula is non-greasy and doesn't have a smell so it's perfect, just wait to completely dry before putting your clothes on. If I'm not wearing the tinted lotion I'm putting on Ology Body lotion and I love it! I really want to try all of the Ology products and especially the baby products.

8. Always exfoliate in warm to hot water! Never in cold…that would just hurt :(

Hope everyone has a great Friday and a wonderful Weekend! :)

Weekend Recap

It actually didn't snow, hail, or rain this weekend in Ohio! I know, who knew they actually could have decent weather here? :) On the weekends, we really try to make the most of our time together as a family as well as time for the hubby and I to go out on our own to do things for ourself. Like on Saturdays I will let him sleep in while I get the babe up and eating breakfast. You can sleep as long as you want until lunch time…than get your butt up dear! After we eat lunch and do something like painting or going to a jungle jump and Mr. Chrispy is ready for his nap, I go out and do something for myself, like get a pedicure or go to Target. Sunday is vice versus or depending on what we have scheduled for the weekend. It has allow us to still spend time together but remember ourselves as well, after all, he works hard as a provider, hubby, and Dada while I work hard as a homemaker, wifey, and a Momma….are hands are always full…but totally worth it.

This weekend included some well needed time together with hubby finishing up his Master's degree and me trying to get my bearings of people, places, and things in this new area of ours, we have been super busy.

Jump & Jacks, this awesome indoor playground was right up there on the list of places to go. We have been finding ourselves there every weekend now and love it. Chrispy has a blast while he is here and is surrounded by tons of other kids playing, climbing, and sliding. It is sure to make it on our list of places to go at least twice a month.

After lunch somewhere, this time it was Cracker Barrel (because we love country cooking), Dada treated his little man with a new toy from the store…lucky boy. After a quick ride back home, little man goes down for a nap and all the things he isn't allowed to get his hands on comes out. I update my wreath for the front door with a new wood monogram sign and some turquoise paint while at the same time, sugar is now allowed out of the pantry with no baby in sight….he is good at getting food away from me!

After naps, its usually time to play outside, RUN KID RUN, or sit in my chair and steal my water….like you always do.  After a few laps around the block, Chrispy is usually letting me know at the top of his lungs that it's time to eat….and crying about it, and falling to the ground having a full blown tantrum about it as well :( So its usually something easy but yummy, this time it's Shepard's Pie.

After a few more hugs, cleaning the kitchen, a movie or two, it's off for bath time. Getting this kid ready for bed now is so much easier than when he was just turning one….it feels like he looks forward to bedtime now.

After Mr. Chrispy is tucked in and asleep, we usually fall to the couch as if we ran a marathon and need a long vacation. As my husband usually retreats to something like watching or movie or lying like he is dead on the couch from exhaustion, I head for more productive activities…like wine drinking…it's this awesome sport and I'm a complete pro at it ;) Just another random glimpse into our lives.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a good week ahead, even if daylight savings sucks butt! :)

A Turtle Race

Sometimes my life doesn't move as fast as I would like it to, I'm stuck in a place of I want to do something but I'm too tired right now. Lately, I have been hit with the blues that has highs and lows of my motivation level. As many of you know, my father passed away earlier this year whom I was extremely close.  I was never able to grieve while I was home because I spent my precious time helping my mother and sister get through the process of saying goodbye to my dad. I didn't fully get the chance to grieve until I made it home, and than it began, the tears and the sadness that took over my heart and mind. I am still trying to get through the pain and some days are harder than others, and it is as if my life is now lived moment to moment depending on my emotions.

The move to Ohio and the delivery of our furniture from Japan has helped me get through this weird limbo of time I'm living in where at times, I have to check the calendar to see what day it is. I'm getting better, more active than I was. I am running again, which is my saving grace when my mind is filled with heaviness, painting and restoring, something I've always enjoyed and keeps my mind busy, and of course I'm trying to be the best mother to little Chrispy that I can be. I also signed up to be a Stella & Dot stylist, something I've wanted to do for over a year now and finally am taking the plunge to meet new people in my new area.

Our days are different with each morning but at least I know I have the heart of a great man that understands "I'm not always going to be able to do it today" and the love of a little boy that I cherish with all my being. I'm a lucky girl. Grieving for someone close to your heart is not something I ever expected to do at the age of 27 but I always imagined it would be hard at first and a month or two later it would be much easier, I was wrong….it's a long turtle race.

Our life will be on cruise control of awhile I think but at least everyday will be blessing, because we got to spend one more day together :)

Growing pains as he gets molars in on both sides and jumps two clothing sizes. Coffee all day long to keep a Momma working.

Ham and cheese quiche to make our tummy's feel better.

Lots of naps, for everyone in the house! Because Papa Johns is the best! Finally have my chalkboard hung in the kitchen for dinner schedules.

Readying nook in the corner of the living room finally arranged. Curtains are hung! Pictures all taken by friends from Japan in the first year of our life being a family of three.

Happy Tuesday Y'all!