(I really tried to pick just a few, I swear!) To love!
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Anders & Jenna
My twin brother and his lovely now WIFE (!!!) tied the knot at San Francisco City Hall last Friday and I excitedly took the pictures and arranged the flowers for the sweet ceremony. I was freaking out just a little bit since a. I've never shot a wedding and b. I kind of don't know what I'm doing with a camera. It could not have been a lovelier day, the building is truly stunning and they were so delightfully thrilled to be getting married. Jenna is the most photogenic bride ever, and Anders was just giddy all day. It was so fun, and turned out superbly. Ain't life grand?
(I really tried to pick just a few, I swear!) To love!
(I really tried to pick just a few, I swear!) To love!
Charlie Buddy
I'm heartbroken to lose my very best friend and dog, Charlie, who passed away yesterday morning. Edwin emailed me a list of "Charlie's Greatest Hits" and I thought it would be an awesome way to keep his loving and gentle spirit alive with memories shared by those he touched. If you'd like to contribute, feel free to comment.
One of my favorite memories of Charlie is when we drove out west from Minnesota, and he sat copilot the whole way. It was just the two of us, and the car was packed to the gills. I had made a comfy bed for him in the passenger seat, and it was perfect companionship on the long drive. Every few hours he was an excuse to stop and go for a walk, stretch my legs, and get something to drink. When we got stuck in the scariest snowstorm on Donner Pass overnight I was admittedly terrified, but Charlie was right there with me to make me feel safe. Once or twice during the drive he would climb into my lap, although not the safest way to drive I felt comforted by his need to be loved. It was this totally weird relationship, where we took turns being confident and being afraid. We hit the Bay Bridge at first light and I had this incredible view of the city and Charlie by my side, this song was playing on the stereo (a "Cadence to Arms" cover by Dropkick Murphys) and I just had this incredible rush of positive feelings, I knew this was going to be my new home and great things were awaiting us.
Those great things didn't happen all at once though, and I spent many lonely months without any friends but Charlie buddy. He was there to greet me when I got home at night, and we would go for long long walks together on the weekends. I didn't even go to the bar without him, I would bring him down to Hemlock and we would quietly "share" a beer and walk home. I don't think I would have survived without his friendship and love.
I'm really going to miss him being around. I'll especially miss knowing that he was right there to be a great listener, or a pup-a-pillow, or to give a wet annoying kiss, or make us laugh when he tried to itch his back on the floor by rolling around like a nut. He was the best dog I could ever ask for, a better friend than I deserved, and there's a spot in my heart reserved for him forever.
Love,
Kjerste
One of my favorite memories of Charlie is when we drove out west from Minnesota, and he sat copilot the whole way. It was just the two of us, and the car was packed to the gills. I had made a comfy bed for him in the passenger seat, and it was perfect companionship on the long drive. Every few hours he was an excuse to stop and go for a walk, stretch my legs, and get something to drink. When we got stuck in the scariest snowstorm on Donner Pass overnight I was admittedly terrified, but Charlie was right there with me to make me feel safe. Once or twice during the drive he would climb into my lap, although not the safest way to drive I felt comforted by his need to be loved. It was this totally weird relationship, where we took turns being confident and being afraid. We hit the Bay Bridge at first light and I had this incredible view of the city and Charlie by my side, this song was playing on the stereo (a "Cadence to Arms" cover by Dropkick Murphys) and I just had this incredible rush of positive feelings, I knew this was going to be my new home and great things were awaiting us.
Those great things didn't happen all at once though, and I spent many lonely months without any friends but Charlie buddy. He was there to greet me when I got home at night, and we would go for long long walks together on the weekends. I didn't even go to the bar without him, I would bring him down to Hemlock and we would quietly "share" a beer and walk home. I don't think I would have survived without his friendship and love.
I'm really going to miss him being around. I'll especially miss knowing that he was right there to be a great listener, or a pup-a-pillow, or to give a wet annoying kiss, or make us laugh when he tried to itch his back on the floor by rolling around like a nut. He was the best dog I could ever ask for, a better friend than I deserved, and there's a spot in my heart reserved for him forever.
Love,
Kjerste
Happy Monday
I hope you enjoyed the 4th of July holiday! We had a lovely time, and I was so busy chatting, eating, and mixing drinks I didn't take a single picture of the party - boo. Rosie showed her toddler friends quite the good time, beating the heat splashing away in the water table and the kiddie pool. Isn't it amazing those two silly looking plastic items are endless hours of entertainment and happy toddler making in the summer? I'll admit I sneak my toes in too, it's the coolest (get it? coolest?)
Rosie's outfit (sadly so tight in the chest I'm pretty sure it's time to pack it away) is last season from Janie and Jack, my dress is Anthropologie here.
P.S. If I had the time, or energy, I would totally make this tricycle car wash - I'm obsessed! Happy Monday y'all!
Rosie's outfit (sadly so tight in the chest I'm pretty sure it's time to pack it away) is last season from Janie and Jack, my dress is Anthropologie here.
P.S. If I had the time, or energy, I would totally make this tricycle car wash - I'm obsessed! Happy Monday y'all!
A Rose By Any Other Name...
We named our daughter Rose Luella Lee. We named her long before she was born, the minute we said Rose out loud we knew that is what she would be. The name Rose has several family ties for me, first, I was raised in Roseville, Minnesota. My grandfather grew roses and entered them in competitions, Rosie is my step-great grandmother's name and a favorite aunt's middle name. I love roses, I have several rose tattoos and pink spray roses and garden roses are my favorite flowers. Rose was also my favorite Golden Girl.
Luella means warrior, and boy did we ever name Rose accurately. What comes first though, the chicken or the egg? Is she a warrior because of her name, or did we just guess extremely well with our little antagonistic daughter. I sometimes wonder if we didn't bring her battling nature upon ourselves (and if so, should we name our next child Peace?) No, I am not thinking about having another child, we have our hands full thankyouverymuch.
The name Lee means "plum tree" in Cantonese, the language of my husband's family. They are from Hong Kong, and moved here when my mother in law was (unknowingly) expecting my husband Edwin. The plum tree we planted when Rosie was born 17 months ago is already bearing fruit, way ahead of schedule and always pushing towards the sky - also so much like our young and tall warrior daughter. We have been eating the fruit from the tree and it's sometimes bitter and sometimes tooth-achingly sweet. Oh, you've met my daughter? Sounds just like her doesn't it?
Sometimes I think the world is just full of meaning. A few random musings for your Monday. Hope you are surviving this ridiculously inconvenient BART strike, for those of you in the Bay Area. I wish for you speedy commutes (or better yet, instant tele-commutes!)
Luella means warrior, and boy did we ever name Rose accurately. What comes first though, the chicken or the egg? Is she a warrior because of her name, or did we just guess extremely well with our little antagonistic daughter. I sometimes wonder if we didn't bring her battling nature upon ourselves (and if so, should we name our next child Peace?) No, I am not thinking about having another child, we have our hands full thankyouverymuch.
The name Lee means "plum tree" in Cantonese, the language of my husband's family. They are from Hong Kong, and moved here when my mother in law was (unknowingly) expecting my husband Edwin. The plum tree we planted when Rosie was born 17 months ago is already bearing fruit, way ahead of schedule and always pushing towards the sky - also so much like our young and tall warrior daughter. We have been eating the fruit from the tree and it's sometimes bitter and sometimes tooth-achingly sweet. Oh, you've met my daughter? Sounds just like her doesn't it? Sometimes I think the world is just full of meaning. A few random musings for your Monday. Hope you are surviving this ridiculously inconvenient BART strike, for those of you in the Bay Area. I wish for you speedy commutes (or better yet, instant tele-commutes!)
Photography Challenge: Week 2
Boy is it hard to shoot in manual mode! I feel like I can't capture anything in time because I'm busy fiddling with my settings. I'll admit, at one point I did switch to Aperture Priority for a few minutes but caught myself cheating and gave myself a little slap on the wrist. So here's the shot I loved this week, I know it's not probably what traditionally looks like a great photograph but I like it. Those girls sure are sweet in those little Target swimsuits, aren't they?
Practice makes perfect, no? Onwards and upwards!
Practice makes perfect, no? Onwards and upwards!
Health Kick
You guys, I'm on a health kick! Our office is having a "Biggest Loser" challenge. The winner not only gets to rub it in the faces of all his/her coworkers and look AMAZING, but also walks away with the pot of cash raised by the $50 buy-in. Not a bad deal, right? I've packed on a few pounds now that I've reduced the amount I am nursing Rosie (still not totally weaned), and I've been feeling like my jeans are a little too tight. I'm super excited to win this challenge, hope it doesn't sound too shallow that I intend on taking my winnings straight to Anthropologie!
(RosebloomBurnout Dress, Monogrammed Notecards, Rose Bramble Sundress all Anthropologie)
My plan is to get more exercise hiking with Rosie, and to really concentrate on eating healthy. I'm a vegetarian, so I'm totally into fruits and veggies - but I eat more than my fair share of cheese and chocolate. YUM. No bueno for your waistline though. I'm not a skinny girl, and I actually love curves on women in general myself included. I need to feel comfortable and good in my clothes and in my body, and that's my goal here. Oh, and to WIN. I love winning, don't you?
My big sister lost a boatload of weight based almost on diet alone and she's a real inspiration to me. She looks fantastic and eats so well. My husband and I made our weekly visit to the Lake Merritt Farmer's Market on Saturday morning, and instead of picking up just strawberries and flowers we came home with kale, red lettuce, basil, heirloom tomatoes, apricots, nectarines - so many good things.
The contest started last Monday and I'm already down 4.2 lbs! Eek! It's two months long, wish me luck!
(RosebloomBurnout Dress, Monogrammed Notecards, Rose Bramble Sundress all Anthropologie) My plan is to get more exercise hiking with Rosie, and to really concentrate on eating healthy. I'm a vegetarian, so I'm totally into fruits and veggies - but I eat more than my fair share of cheese and chocolate. YUM. No bueno for your waistline though. I'm not a skinny girl, and I actually love curves on women in general myself included. I need to feel comfortable and good in my clothes and in my body, and that's my goal here. Oh, and to WIN. I love winning, don't you?
(Photo from La Tartine Gourmande)
My big sister lost a boatload of weight based almost on diet alone and she's a real inspiration to me. She looks fantastic and eats so well. My husband and I made our weekly visit to the Lake Merritt Farmer's Market on Saturday morning, and instead of picking up just strawberries and flowers we came home with kale, red lettuce, basil, heirloom tomatoes, apricots, nectarines - so many good things.
The contest started last Monday and I'm already down 4.2 lbs! Eek! It's two months long, wish me luck!
Twins
I have a twin brother, a lot of people don't know that. If you're wondering what it's like to have a twin, it's kind of like having a sibling that is a little closer, a little more frustrating, a little more forgiving, and a little more aggravating than your average brother or sister. I never had my own birthday, so I'm not much of a "birthday princess." He's definitely able to get away with more than my other brothers and sisters, but I'm also faster to judge and correct him. It's a little good and bad rolled into one.
We are totally two sides of the same coin, we could not be more different if we tried. We are close though, and even though he seriously drives me nuts sometimes, I'm so grateful to have him around. He's my only family member who lives in California, my daughter is totally in love with him (he is literally her favorite person on earth.) She will spot him from a block and a half away and start reaching out for him. He has saved my sanity on more than one occasion, driving 45 minutes at a moments notice to play with her and cheer us up when she was really ill. I love that our daughters are growing up together. We even work at the same office together, sitting at desks facing one another, 2 feet away from each other every day. I'm not kidding, and we enjoy it.
And he has the most ridiculously goofy and hilarious sense of humor. I took these photos of him today. I asked him to stand in to check lighting/position for a couple portraits I was about to take for the corporate website that I've been working on. The photos pretty much say it all, he is quite the character.
I really love him.
We are totally two sides of the same coin, we could not be more different if we tried. We are close though, and even though he seriously drives me nuts sometimes, I'm so grateful to have him around. He's my only family member who lives in California, my daughter is totally in love with him (he is literally her favorite person on earth.) She will spot him from a block and a half away and start reaching out for him. He has saved my sanity on more than one occasion, driving 45 minutes at a moments notice to play with her and cheer us up when she was really ill. I love that our daughters are growing up together. We even work at the same office together, sitting at desks facing one another, 2 feet away from each other every day. I'm not kidding, and we enjoy it.
And he has the most ridiculously goofy and hilarious sense of humor. I took these photos of him today. I asked him to stand in to check lighting/position for a couple portraits I was about to take for the corporate website that I've been working on. The photos pretty much say it all, he is quite the character.
I really love him.
Today Was A Good Day
Sometimes I get so tied up talking about how difficult my daughter is, I get surprised about how truly delightful and amazing she can be. I've mentioned it once or twice before, but my daughter is honestly just a very very challenging child. Or as my pediatrician likes to say, "You got the double black diamond of babies." Our experience parenting is not the typical one, although as time goes by we are finding people that also have "spirited" children who really relate to our struggles. Rosie has had a multitude of health problems, coupled with a strong personality and need for constant stimulation and distraction. If you're thinking we are just weenies or crappy parents (you wouldn't be the first), a "spirited child" is a real thing. You can read about other parents with spirited children here, or if you need help with your spirited child this book has been enormously helpful.
Rosie is wonderful, but doesn't sleep well (or really at all - I'm serious, some nights she's up for 4-5 hours on end) and it leads to epic meltdowns (not to be confused with normal toddler temper tantrums), alternating with seemingly manic behavior the next day. She's tough to keep up with on a good night's sleep (haha, a good night's sleep, that's hilarious), but when you're sleep deprived, oh man, it's torture. She's never slept through the night, she's 17 months old. On a good night she's up every 2.5 hours. She fights you at every diaper change, car ride, clothing change, getting into the high chair, any kind of grooming, getting into the bath, getting out of the bath, basically sometimes it seems like she hates everything. She is bored very easily, she's very sensitive, and intense.
It's not like we spend the day cooped up, I've learned my daughter needs constant action (but not too many transitions.) We spend our days together on playdates at the park, or Children's Fairyland, or Little Farm, and our afternoons playing outside and taking walks with the dog. Even that is not enough to keep her entertained many days. And those beautifully poignant moments you picture in your head before you have your baby, it's not that they don't happen, they are just way fewer and farther between than you ever expected.
All that being said, sometimes we just have such a great day. A day that restores my faith in procreation. A day that makes me feel like I won the lottery in awesome, super fun, sweet, cute and smart babies. I feel like I LOVE being a mother, and I feel like I don't want it to end (instead of calling my husband at 4pm and telling him I'm never spending another day alone with our daughter ever again and come home right now before I seriously freak out.) And today was one of those days. We didn't do anything "special" per se - we went to a friend's new house that is empty of furniture, we ate lunch picnic-style on the floor, we ran from room to room with Rosie's little BFF Melly, we went swimming, sat in lawn chairs, and then we ran around some more. Rosie ate like a cow, napped like a rock, smiled like a clown, and all around loved life. She hasn't been sick in a while, and I can't help but think maybe her great moods lately are a reflection of feeling healthy and basking in this glorious summer weather we've been having. She's still not sleeping well, but I'll take this little win and run with it.
There was nothing special about today, it was just such a special special ordinary day. I hope I'll remember it forever, and so I document here. Happy Happy Happy Friday, everyone.
Rosie is wonderful, but doesn't sleep well (or really at all - I'm serious, some nights she's up for 4-5 hours on end) and it leads to epic meltdowns (not to be confused with normal toddler temper tantrums), alternating with seemingly manic behavior the next day. She's tough to keep up with on a good night's sleep (haha, a good night's sleep, that's hilarious), but when you're sleep deprived, oh man, it's torture. She's never slept through the night, she's 17 months old. On a good night she's up every 2.5 hours. She fights you at every diaper change, car ride, clothing change, getting into the high chair, any kind of grooming, getting into the bath, getting out of the bath, basically sometimes it seems like she hates everything. She is bored very easily, she's very sensitive, and intense.
It's not like we spend the day cooped up, I've learned my daughter needs constant action (but not too many transitions.) We spend our days together on playdates at the park, or Children's Fairyland, or Little Farm, and our afternoons playing outside and taking walks with the dog. Even that is not enough to keep her entertained many days. And those beautifully poignant moments you picture in your head before you have your baby, it's not that they don't happen, they are just way fewer and farther between than you ever expected.
All that being said, sometimes we just have such a great day. A day that restores my faith in procreation. A day that makes me feel like I won the lottery in awesome, super fun, sweet, cute and smart babies. I feel like I LOVE being a mother, and I feel like I don't want it to end (instead of calling my husband at 4pm and telling him I'm never spending another day alone with our daughter ever again and come home right now before I seriously freak out.) And today was one of those days. We didn't do anything "special" per se - we went to a friend's new house that is empty of furniture, we ate lunch picnic-style on the floor, we ran from room to room with Rosie's little BFF Melly, we went swimming, sat in lawn chairs, and then we ran around some more. Rosie ate like a cow, napped like a rock, smiled like a clown, and all around loved life. She hasn't been sick in a while, and I can't help but think maybe her great moods lately are a reflection of feeling healthy and basking in this glorious summer weather we've been having. She's still not sleeping well, but I'll take this little win and run with it.
There was nothing special about today, it was just such a special special ordinary day. I hope I'll remember it forever, and so I document here. Happy Happy Happy Friday, everyone.
New Favorite Blog: Sweet Juniper!
Ok, technically it's not my NEW favorite blog, because I've been following Sweet Juniper for some time now. Averaging one post per month, it's a special and rare treat to see that little (1) unread post pop up on my google reader (oh the pain of loss, I can't believe google reader is going away!) Originally from San Francisco, they moved to Detroit to raise their family and Jim stays home to raise their two children. It's a fantasy that I have, to move back to Minnesota, buy a house in cash for 1/3 the cost of our house in Oakland and raise our little sugar bear near my family in the way I was raised. On the lake, in the forest, hiking the hills, and spending my days unaware of crime and unknowing the term "recession."
Today's post is about his son's broken arm, and the guilt you feel as a parent when something happens to your child ("I should have been there...") I would argue that you feel that guilt when you hover, and when you don't. It sometimes feels there's no winning in parenting. I know personally I feel that way, and question my parenting skills all the time. Am I giving her the freedom that she needs to grow and become independent? Am I not protecting her? I also appreciate his perspective on things slowing down and holding your child closer when they are not well. We have spent a lot of time in our little family with a child that has chronic health problems, it's nice to be reminded they are only small and needy for such a very short period of time.
Hold fast to that time, and know that you are doing your very best. Follow Sweet Juniper for an inspiring perspective on life and parenting.
Today's post is about his son's broken arm, and the guilt you feel as a parent when something happens to your child ("I should have been there...") I would argue that you feel that guilt when you hover, and when you don't. It sometimes feels there's no winning in parenting. I know personally I feel that way, and question my parenting skills all the time. Am I giving her the freedom that she needs to grow and become independent? Am I not protecting her? I also appreciate his perspective on things slowing down and holding your child closer when they are not well. We have spent a lot of time in our little family with a child that has chronic health problems, it's nice to be reminded they are only small and needy for such a very short period of time.
Hold fast to that time, and know that you are doing your very best. Follow Sweet Juniper for an inspiring perspective on life and parenting.
Oklahoma
I was born and raised in Minnesota, but I've been living in California for the past 9 years. I always say how much I miss "real" storms, but I forgot just how dangerous a those storms can be. My heart goes out to those suffering in the wake of deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma, especially parents of those precious children who did not make it to safety. Two elementary schools were in the path of a two mile wide tornado. I can't read the news reports without wanting to cry. I'll be holding my baby just a little tighter tonight. Heartbreaking.
To help, text the Red Cross at 90999 to donate $10 or visit RedCross.org
To help, text the Red Cross at 90999 to donate $10 or visit RedCross.org
I Love You, California: Little Farm in Tilden Park
Friday was the perfect sunny day to spend in Tilden Park, and we just LOVE Little Farm! If you don't know of it already, it's a working farm that is open to the public every day of the year - for free. There are pigs, sheep, goats, cows, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits. With plenty of space to run around, and a playground for the kids to play on, we have such a great time here. There's also an indoor center with interactive exhibits, games, and bathrooms.
We packed a picnic lunch and just spent the day feeding the animals (lettuce and celery only - bring some!), running amok and enjoying the sunshine. Even with several groups of school children running around there was plenty of space for everyone, and when things died down in the early afternoon we basically had the place to ourselves.
High Five, Minnesota!
Hey, do you guys know what happened today? My home state, good ol' Minnesota, became the 14th state to legalize gay marriage. HIGH FIVE MINNESOTA! In honor of this awesome news, here's a round up of my favorite gay wedding cards. Hooray, and congrats you future Mr. and Mr.'s and Mrs. and Mrs.'s of Minnesota!
Last, but CERTAINLY not least:
(source)
(source)
(sweet cut out, right? source)
Last, but CERTAINLY not least:
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother's Day is a good time to thank all the women in my life who have been there to support me, both growing up and now as a mother myself. I also appreciate all the women who love my daughter like their own, I know she will look up to them as she grows older.
Her goofy Auntie Bini who comes to play and laugh with her every other day, her Grandma Rima who comes every weekend to babysit, the terrific teachers at preschool that love and care for her each and every day, her Auntie Jenna who babysits and keeps me sane, her Auntie Martina who calls every weekend to video chat with her "little peanut", her Auntie Amanda who was there to spend the day with me in labor and has been there every week since, her Auntie Natalie who adores her, her Auntie Isabel who dotes on her and takes me out so I don't lose my mind, her Grandma Audrey who comes all the way from Wisconsin to visit, her Auntie Britta and Linda in Minnesota who never forget a single occasion and mark it with a card or treat or meaningful gift, her Auntie Sara who always has a joke and a treat for her, her Auntie Ellen who made her the most gorgeous blanket ever, her Great Grandma's Nancy and Priscilla who send love, letters and gifts that are always so thoughtful and sweet.
Her goofy Auntie Bini who comes to play and laugh with her every other day, her Grandma Rima who comes every weekend to babysit, the terrific teachers at preschool that love and care for her each and every day, her Auntie Jenna who babysits and keeps me sane, her Auntie Martina who calls every weekend to video chat with her "little peanut", her Auntie Amanda who was there to spend the day with me in labor and has been there every week since, her Auntie Natalie who adores her, her Auntie Isabel who dotes on her and takes me out so I don't lose my mind, her Grandma Audrey who comes all the way from Wisconsin to visit, her Auntie Britta and Linda in Minnesota who never forget a single occasion and mark it with a card or treat or meaningful gift, her Auntie Sara who always has a joke and a treat for her, her Auntie Ellen who made her the most gorgeous blanket ever, her Great Grandma's Nancy and Priscilla who send love, letters and gifts that are always so thoughtful and sweet.
This daughter of mine is truly treasured by the women in her life, and I'm proud to say that regardless of parentage, these women share motherhood with me and make me a better mother. I never really felt the true meaning of "it takes a village to raise a child" until I had one of my own and needed the support and help of my friends and family every day. Throughout my life different women have raised me, supported me, advised me, cared for me, and loved me. As hard as I try I will never have all that Rosie needs, it does not diminish my motherhood to share the burden and joy with these amazing women. I'm just so so so grateful to them. We don't parent in a vacuum, and thank god for that.
So Happy Mother's Day, to all you moms, grandmas, great grandmas, aunties, teachers, and BFFs. Life is so much better with you in it!
So Happy Mother's Day, to all you moms, grandmas, great grandmas, aunties, teachers, and BFFs. Life is so much better with you in it!
Xoxo
Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts
If you're anything like me you have the very best intentions (and ideas!) for gifts but life just gets in the way. On Monday I had planned on getting cards and gifts in the mail for Mother's Day, but Rosie came down with pneumonia and the week was spent tag team parenting, consoling, and fighting WWIII trying to get antibiotics into the tiny tyrant. Whew, I'm exhausted just writing about it. And now Mother's Day is Sunday, eek! Here's my plan is to get back on track, lickety split.
Chic Last Minute Gift #1: Photos, what mother doesn't love getting photos? And better yet, Instagram photos! Pretty, perfectly curated, and you can print directly from your Instagram library with the Walgreens app (for Droid or iPhone!) You guys, I spent 1 minute downloading the app, 5 minutes choosing the pics I wanted to print, 1 minute googling a coupon (PRINTS40 for 40% off!) and like 30 seconds checking out. You can pick them up in an hour at your local Walgreens. A little kraft paper bag, Washi tape and bakers twine...boom, done. $10.74, 10 minutes of action time, 1 hour of waiting and your first chic last minute gift is handled.
Chic Last Minute Gift #2: Trader Joe's flowers. Here are a few secrets to get $17.96 worth of flowers to look like a $50 florist bouquet.
1. Choose flowers that are all in the same color family. Pinks and purples, red/orange/yellow, or whites and blues. It's the easiest way to get them looking coordinated.
2. Strip the flowers of leaves and buds below the water line (basically 4-5" below the head.) Keep any straggler flowers that are too short or have broken stems, we'll use them later.
3. Grab a few flowers of each variety in one hand and continue adding a few of each variety as you turn your bouquet around, until you run out. Cut those stems down and plop into water, done-zo!
One more time, for the cheap seats in the back (this is still using the same $17.96 worth of flowers we bought for the first bouquet.)
Last but not least, I like to pull out these little brown jars for straggler flowers that are too short to make it into the big arrangements. They are infant Advil bottles and vitamin bottles with the labels pulled off. I keep any glass bottles with a pretty shape or color for little arrangements such as these. Toss a few of each flower in the bottles and brighten your kitchen window. A few more tips on cheap (but pretty) grocery store flowers here and making flowers last for the long haul here.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Mom, mother in law, and you - all taken care of! I especially love the last part, seriously moms, you need to TREAT YO'SELF!
I hope this has been helpful, and that your mom's day gifts are all settled. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. Every day you don't lock your kid in the closet and run away is a win in my book, I'm impressed!
Chic Last Minute Gift #1: Photos, what mother doesn't love getting photos? And better yet, Instagram photos! Pretty, perfectly curated, and you can print directly from your Instagram library with the Walgreens app (for Droid or iPhone!) You guys, I spent 1 minute downloading the app, 5 minutes choosing the pics I wanted to print, 1 minute googling a coupon (PRINTS40 for 40% off!) and like 30 seconds checking out. You can pick them up in an hour at your local Walgreens. A little kraft paper bag, Washi tape and bakers twine...boom, done. $10.74, 10 minutes of action time, 1 hour of waiting and your first chic last minute gift is handled.
Chic Last Minute Gift #2: Trader Joe's flowers. Here are a few secrets to get $17.96 worth of flowers to look like a $50 florist bouquet.
1. Choose flowers that are all in the same color family. Pinks and purples, red/orange/yellow, or whites and blues. It's the easiest way to get them looking coordinated.
2. Strip the flowers of leaves and buds below the water line (basically 4-5" below the head.) Keep any straggler flowers that are too short or have broken stems, we'll use them later.
3. Grab a few flowers of each variety in one hand and continue adding a few of each variety as you turn your bouquet around, until you run out. Cut those stems down and plop into water, done-zo!
One more time, for the cheap seats in the back (this is still using the same $17.96 worth of flowers we bought for the first bouquet.)
Last but not least, I like to pull out these little brown jars for straggler flowers that are too short to make it into the big arrangements. They are infant Advil bottles and vitamin bottles with the labels pulled off. I keep any glass bottles with a pretty shape or color for little arrangements such as these. Toss a few of each flower in the bottles and brighten your kitchen window. A few more tips on cheap (but pretty) grocery store flowers here and making flowers last for the long haul here.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Mom, mother in law, and you - all taken care of! I especially love the last part, seriously moms, you need to TREAT YO'SELF!
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