30×30 Remix: No More Maternity Leggings!

I’ve been wearing a lot of the same clothes, and not in interesting ways. I’m wearing them over and over.  Honestly, most of my pre-pregnancy clothes just don’t fit.  So, clothing options are down to very few items.  I still haven’t figured out a way to accessorize that doesn’t put my ear lobes in danger or scratch up my infant son.  (The solution may involve lots of hair accessories.) I’m still wearing maternity dresses.  No matter how cute they are, their time has passed! I’m feeling pretty blah and uninspired fashion-wise.

Basically, I’m in a serious fashion rut. (Yes, there is such a thing.)

So, I’m going to rock Kendi’s 30×30 remix.  I think it’s a great way to put some fresh eyes on my wardrobe and get creative with what I have. Also, I totally loved following April’s Remix over at So Yeah…So. I’ve been thinking about doing my version ever since she remixed a year ago.

Most people have to purge tons of clothes to get to their 30 items.  Honestly, I’m not sure I’ll have 30 to pick from!  So, I’m enabling the “you can shop” option. When I find some glaring omissions in my wardrobe, I’ll do what I can to fill them inexpensively.

I’m pretty stoked to see what I come up with.  I’m sure there will be some surprises and some mishaps.  Hopefully in the end I’ll have regained some of my style savvy, and be inspired to find my new look.

The New Me

Things have been a little quiet around here lately.  Maybe you noticed.  Maybe you’re wondering why things changed. Well…

I had a baby!  Five months ago!

I know, right?

So, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my life since his arrival.

In some ways things are so incredibly different, and in some ways things are very much the same.  I haven’t slept through the night in months.  I don’t expect that I will sleep through the night again for many years. I choose my clothes carefully with regard to easy feeding access. I’m concerned about every little thing about this little dude. I still do basically the same activities in a day. Now I just have a little man to do them with!

But mostly my perspective on life has changed so drastically.  I want to live a more authentic, full life.  Everything I do is now an example for my little boy to learn from. That is some serious pressure.

While my concept of “the ideal me” has changed, the purpose is still the same.  Taking the time to learn about myself and what I really value.  Committing to create the life that I dream of living.  Being honest with myself about my flaws and short comings.  Actually giving myself credit for my strengths and accomplishments.  Working to get over my perfectionism. Hopefully I can make my life better for myself and my family.

Nubby Scrubbers or Pot Holders or Dish Rags

I made two sets of these scrubbers/pot holders/dish rags for a family gift exchange. The pattern was really easy and enjoyably repetitive.

I’m not the fastest crocheter, so I could finish one in about 2.5 episodes of Breaking Bad. (And I was still able to pay attention to the plot!)

I can’t wait to make more of these in different colors for my kitchen and bathrooms.  I’m sure I have some great colors in my stash drawer that are ready to be used up!

Embroidered Demi Towel

Embroidered Demi Towel, a photo by NurseJulie on Flickr.

I made this little towel for my friend Amanda. I had a really good time figuring out the colors for the cake.

Embroidered Demi Towel

Embroidered Demi Towel, a photo by NurseJulie on Flickr.

I had so much fun stitching this little towel over the holidays. I thought the colors were really fun, and I finished the entire project in about one hour!

Pattern from Sublime Stitching.

Labyrinth

Labyrinth for Mother’s Day, a photo by NurseJulie on Flickr.

I really enjoyed making this labyrinth. I like to think it was as calming to stitch as it is to trace for meditation.

Also, I love a French knot. So I had to include some in the design.

Pattern by Sublime Stitching.

Sowing Seeds

This past October I wrote about feeling bored with my blog and needing to refocus.  I tried to return to my original intention of  The Ideal Me, but I just feel like the sentiment is just not where I am anymore.

So, I’m making a fresh start.  Each new year I like to think about how I’m living my life and what I want to do next. What improvements do I want to make?  What excess in my life is draining my energy?  What’s important to me and deserves my focus and attention?

When it comes to my blog, I feel like I need more freedom.  More space for creativity.  So, I’m giving myself that option.  And I’m crazy excited about it.

I love the idea of sowing seeds. Cultivating changes.  Nurturing them.  Watching them grow.

I’ll post about what’s going on in my life–crafting, cooking, style, planning this year’s garden–as well as some photos and reflections.  I may even change the name to sowing seeds. I’m not really sure how this is going to shake out, but I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop over the next year.

I hope you’ll hang with me during this change.  I’d love to hear about what’s going on with you and what you think along the way.

I hope you’ve had fantastic first week of 2012. This could be an amazing year for all of us.

Menu Monday

I’m tired of that sinking feeling that accompanies the question, “What’s for dinner?”  I’ve committed to making weekly menus and reporting on how cooking for the week went.

So the first week of the new diet was really great!  The second week has been good, but not quite as easy. I have a little most of the menu done for the week.  Now I just have to figure out what to serve my friends who are visiting on Saturday!

Monday: Chicken Korma with Veggies. Quick, easy, yummy!

Tuesday: Turkey burgers with salad

Wednesday: Lentils con prosciutto

Thursday: Black beans and brown rice with local peppers and lots of Cajun seasoning

Friday: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings from Eating Well.  I’ve never made chicken and dumplings before…and this looks so good!  (I didn’t make them last time it was on the menu either.) I’m looking forward to the experiment!

Saturday: Cooking for our friends Chris and Rachel.  I really need to plan this one out.

Sunday: To be honest, we’re probably going to eat leftovers.  We have a busy Sunday, and will be getting ready for Thanksgiving.  I’m hitting the grocery stores with my friend Jenn to prep for the occasion, so I’ll need all the fridge space I can get!

Hopefully this will all work out well!  What are you making for dinner this week?

Menu Monday Had Too Many Carbs

Yes.  That title sounds pretty pretench somehow.  Lately I’ve been eating too many refined carbs.  Bread and butter people.  Lots of pasta.  Tasty and carb-o-licious.  It wouldn’t be such a problem if refined carbohydrates hadn’t become about 70% of my caloric intake.  YIKES.

So, I’m making a big effort to change my diet over the next few weeks.  Here’s what I’m doing:

1. Eat lean protein at every meal.  Three to four ounces.  This could be made up of poultry, pork, nuts, legumes, or quinoa.
2. Eat one serving of whole grains at every meal.  With “one” and “whole grains” being the key words here.  As opposed to “four” and “baguettes”.
3. Eat all of the veggies you want.  Snacks and meals.  Preferably two servings per instance.
4. Get dairy from yogurt (preferably plain, could be Greek) and small quantities of cheese.  I love cheese.  Good, fancy cheese.  A little a day can really punch up my salads without going overboard.  Mainly this rule is here so I won’t just chug Dark Chocolate Almond Milk all day.  While it is super tasty, I’m just drinking calories like there is no tomorrow.
5. Substitute fruit for chocolate, candy, and sweet treats.  I really love some frozen grapes.  This one shouldn’t be too hard.
6. Drink 80 ounces of water a day.  Drink only water.  Quit it with the almond milk, cow milk, and fruit juice.

So there’s my quick and dirty detox plan.  This week I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going.

And this basically is my updated Menu Monday post for this week.  It was full of pasta and rice.  Seriously.  I made a lasagna.  Which I never make.  It was tasty and carb-tastic.  I will let my husband finish the leftovers and move on with my life.  ::deep, serene breath::

Menu Monday

I’m tired of that sinking feeling that accompanies the question, “What’s for dinner?”  I’ve committed to making weekly menus and reporting on how cooking for the week went.

I love getting recipe ideas from friends.  This week I got some from Facebook sharing and Pinterest.  (OMG Pinterest is CRAZY FUN!!)  Here’s what I came up with.

1. Chipotle Pork Quesadillas with Smashed Black Beans, and Corn Salsa.  Doesn’t that sound FABULOUS?!  I’m not going to go as all-out as the original recipe, but I think it will be a nice change from tacos.  Thanks to my friend Jenn for the recommendation.
   
2. Turkey and Cheese Lasagna Roll-ups.  Found on Pinterest.  Cute and easy!
3. Dinner out with my awesome friend Jenn.  We’re going to get spicy Indian food at Lejha again.  It’s going to be awesome.  And since it’s Richmond Restaurant Week, it’s for a good cause!
4. Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings from Eating Well.  I’ve never made chicken and dumplings before…and this looks so good!  It will be nice and comforting when the weather turns super cold later this week.
5. Lentils con Prosciutto with Balsamic Pork Chops and Sautéed Beet Greens.  These lentils are totally becoming a weekly staple, and the leftovers keep really well.
6. Pizza Night!  We are big pizza fans, so we have a weekly pizza night!  This week will be Prosciutto and Mozzarella.  I’m going to finally attempt making pizza dough.  You’ll get the full scoop soon!
7. Dinner with a gang of friends.  We’ll all be hanging out.  It’s going to be awesome.

So there’s the plan!  What are you making this week?