the renovation : guest bath progress

There is nothing like an upcoming visit from your sister (or any guest) to motivate you to make progress on your home renovation.   I absolutely love when I am hosting something at the house - a visit or any type of get-together - because it means something on the house will get prioritized and we will see some progress!

(Or I will actually really clean...and having a freshly cleaned + organized home is also an awesome feeling.)

My sister visited the past five days.  (Another post on that to come!) It was awesome to spend time with her and her 7-month-old daughter!  She lives in Montana so we don't get to see each other often, but when we do, despite each having at least two babes, we always get in some good quality time!

Anyway, we finally got the guest bathroom together.  Not really "decorated" or "finished" per se, but usable.  Baby steps, people!  :)

Here are a couple before and after photos...

Renovation checklist:

• new hardwood flooring
• new vanity
• refinished clawfoot tub
• installed bamboo shade
• fixed wall due to water damage
• new light fixture above vanity
• painted walls in Valspar 'Notre Dame' 

 Here is a peek of the current guest bedroom -- also not yet fully finished accessorizing/making it personal, but it is beginning to become a room I love. (You can see the door to the guest bath on the right.)

A LOT more has happened in our 'dream home' since I last posted, so I will try to share more in the coming month about that!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

no-dairy challenge check-in #1!

{source}

I have to say that not eating dairy has definitely been TOUGH.

I miss cheese - a lot.

I never realized how much cheese I ate.  (Okay, yes I did.  So good!)

And the butter.  Oh, the butter!  I am a butter lover.  Gimme butter on anything.  Drool.

However I survived a week dairy-free without much to-do.

I started drinking and cooking with almond milk...which tastes better than regular milk in my opinion.

I made my smoothies without my typical Greek yogurt, and by adding more frozen banana they still taste good.

I avoided all the cheese sitting in my fridge, even though it beckoned to me daily.

I even ordered a veggie pizza with vegan cheese while out with girlfriends -- and it was surprisingly DELISH!

My one cheat: after my long {slightly hung-over, I'm-an-idiot, nearly-empty-stomach, seven-mile} run on Sunday Hubby and I went to Chipotle and I got my usual burrito, since I felt like I was dying of starvation {probably was}...which includes sour cream and cheese.  I didn't even think about it.  Even as I was inhaling this gigantic burrito I didn't realize my 'oops.'  Hubby didn't notice either, and he usually calls me out when I cheat on the challenge.  That night I realized and gave my forehead a good smack.  

But other than that - no dairy.

I maybe have lost a pound or two, but because I am half-marathon training and have amped up my daily workouts I am not sure which is having more of an effect - my dietary changes or the running/extra workouts.  

Hubby did remark that my face looks "thinner" and I am looking "really good" so I guess he is noticing something???  He is not super observant about changes in my appearance so I think this says something!  :)

I have had a cold the past few days so I can't say I "feel" better since starting this challenge, but maybe I'll notice this week?

All-in-all, I am loving this month's challenge!

Anyone else dairy-free out there who can share their experience???  Or completely vegan?  I would love to know some more creative substitutes and advice on where to shop for the best dairy-free options.

Happy Monday!

family resemblance.

Well, it was bound to happen.

Already folks are telling me Fin looks like my Hubby, and not me.

They even go so far as to say she got her blue eyes from him...

even though they are the same shade of blue-gray as mine,

with a dark ring of navy around the pupil.

"I really see Paul!"  said one.

"That is Paul's face right there!"  insisted another.

"But her eyes are like Pauls, right?"

Me: "No, I have blue eyes.  Paul's are hazel, kind of brownish-green."

Person squints at my eyes, which I bug out at them for effect.

They shrug, act as if they cannot tell what color my eyes are, and 

then tell me her mouth looks just like Paul's.

I mean, I know I don't have a lot of folks staring into my eyes these days

(I have to sometimes insist Cormac makes eye contact)

but sheesh.

So here is another round of "who does she look like?" 

for all those naysayers.

{mama and baby - 3 months}

no idea what ages we are...but surely there is a resemblance 

Yes, I will admit, Cormac definitely favors his father in most ways...

my handsome men!

 ...but I am still holding out hope that my genes made it through somehow.

I did birth them and all.

PS : My friend Laura had her babe -- a BOY!

feb recap + march 'no dairy' challenge!

I know I was MIA last month when it came to our eating challenge.  Between my son's potty training and my increased efforts to make it to the gym to train for a half-marathon in April I kind of let writing about this challenge fall down the priority list.  So now to get back to it.

February was "no fried foods."
Way easier than last month's 'no sweets' challenge.
This kind of surprised me, since I thought I ate more fried foods than I really do.  So while not really causing me to cut many calories, it led me to some self-actualization.

Mainly: despite my love of French fries I don't exactly eat them often or crave them.  Also, I may be confused about what is actually considered 'fried.'

Bacon and eggs.  Fries.  Burgers?  What if they are grilled?

//source//

Plus, I bypassed the "fried" rule with the bacon and just baked it.  So I still consumed bacon.  Okay, it was turkey bacon.  Still.

No major dietary changes for this gal by eliminating fried stuff.

Anyway, since I don't eat much that is fried, perhaps February should have been 'no fast food' or just simply 'no junk food.'  Because I do eat chips and salty snacks that are probably not great.  {hubby just read this and informed me that chips are fried...like I said, I am confused.} Also it would have saved me from the half a pan of brownies I ate last week.  Oops.

Did anyone else feel better eliminating fried foods???  Was this one the 'big one' for you...or pretty easy?

* * * * * * 

Now, onto March.  No Dairy.  Finally one that will really, really be a challenge.  I am starting a couple days late, but as of today, March 3rd,  I will be eliminating dairy from my diet.  I grocery shopped yesterday (while drinking a soy latte!) and feel pretty prepared for the month.  I am going with almond milk as a sub for my usual skim cow milk.  I am interested in how it will taste in my cooking and baking.

I am dreading not being able to have cheese.  I pretty much live for cheese.
Who else is with me?  I know, this one is a bummer...but I think it will be the most life changing.  For a dairy-freak like me, at least.

{source}

Now, to change the subject a bit...

In doing this 'eating challenge' to get ready for summer and reflect on our diet/eating habits and perhaps our relationship with food in general, let's not forget about exercise.

I read recently that weight loss is 70% diet and 30% exercise. 
This surprised me a bit.  I am a self-professed gym rat, running addict...so I have always been much more interested in moving my body than limiting my calories.   However, I know a few folks who lost significant pounds mainly through changing their diet.  I also know very thin people who rarely work out...they just are really good at portion control and/or nutritious eating  Clearly, diet is the key.

But let's not forget exercise for your body (your temple!) to be truly strong/healthy!

Have you found the thing that makes you want to get moving?  As I've mentioned, I am definitely running-focused.  It is what makes me happy and what works well for my body type.  However, it seems all the friends I have talked to enjoy something different.  Yoga, zumba and Insanity are three that come to mind that have motivated various friends to get the body they desire.

So what are you doing?

If you haven't found your thing then keep looking.  Even folks who claim to not "need" to work out, or "hate it" still need exercise.  It is not about weight, it is about health.

If your excuse is lack of time (the #1 excuse) or lack of money (heck, gym memberships and home equipment can be expensive!) then how about taking a tiny portion of your day/evening to work out for FREE.

Yeah, if you are reading this blog then most likely you have a computer at home (or probably you could even use your smart phone) and could easily search for free workouts that you can do with simply what you've got at home.

For example, I really like this one.  No equipment.  Ten minutes.  Your butt will be sore the next day - promise.


There are a ton of good ones out there.  Do three of these and you've put in your recommended thirty minutes of exercise.

So eliminate the excuses and get moving!  Getting started is the hardest part, I promise.  :)

//if not warmth, then light//

I know it is a cold and long winter when even my friends and family in Minnesota are complaining.

No matter where you live, though (okay, maybe except Florida) I think we are all just a little sick of the bitter wind chill and the random snow dumpings.

I think we all just want a little warmth.

Thankfully the past few days have been sunny.

I know that is no substitute for actual spring, but at least you can look out the window and feel the warm sun on your face.

That's what we've been doing around here.

After both kids wake up from their naps we've been playing in the nursery and future 'big boy room' solely because they are the rooms that get the most afternoon sunlight.

my tripod ended up as a fun toy one day.

My kiddos and I are obviously unbelievably pale -- we need to get some sun (outside!)

I even went so far as to go out and purchase an large indoor ivy plant...

just because I miss the color of green leaves so much.

this is literally what happened when I told her to come "kiss the camera." She is really into kissing now.

about to kiss her reflection in the mirror

Spring, come soon!

We are in dire need of outdoor play

and large doses of Vitamin D.

finola - 9 months!

Dear Fin, 

Lots to report this month!  You have gotten crazy mobile - 'real' crawling, pulling up on everything, climbing stairs, and a bit of cruising on occasion.  I actually have to watch you now. Sigh.  You continue to be my happy, quieter baby...although maybe a little less chill than before?  You didn't really like your nine month doctor's appointment so much.  There was actual crying and fussing instead of your normal quiet, angelic self.  You now let your feelings known through a series of yells and squeals, which I find really adorable.
You've mastered the "fake cry."
You are fascinated with my hair and any jewelry.
You love climbing up on my back when I'm crouched down and getting a piggy back ride.
You love flipping the light switch on and off.
You sorta like books, depending on which one.
You love the rocking horse and any other 'riding toy' I set you on to rock or roll around.
You like to grab around my neck at bedtime, nuzzle your face into my chest, and then bite my chin.
(Ouch.)
You are very persistent.  "No" has yet to have an effect on you.
(I used to say "no" to Cormac in my "mama voice" and he would immediately burst into tears.  You start laughing.  This may not be a good sign.)

Sleeping:

Naps are the same, two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.  You are too cute when I put you down now, because before I put you in your crib I hand you your "Lambie Poo" (soothing noises sheep plush toy) and you nuzzle it immediately and get sleepy.  Then I lay you in your crib and sometimes you'll stand up immediately and I'll have to say night-night to you while you stare at me open-mouthed over the crib rail.  Sometimes you'll fuss for a couple minutes but typically you just play quietly until you fall asleep.  Nights have gotten exponentially better -- you now sleep through the night most nights!  Hurray!  About every third night you'll wake up and cry for a bit, and if it sounds like you are really upset and probably won't fall back asleep on your own we will soothe you with a small bottle. 

Eating:

Pretty much anything soft, in tiny pieces and able to be gummed/chewed by your two tiny teeth.  You get very disinterested in your bottle if there is other food around, so I now have to give that to you before meal time.  You drink three bottles a day, 6-8 oz of formula each...and three meals of plenty of baby-friendly foods.  You started drinking from sippy cups sometimes this month, and bananas are still your favorite.

Sibling Relations:

Your brother loves you, and you love him.  However, you already have started to enjoy tormenting each other.  You have no problem grabbing his face, pulling his hair, grabbing toys away from him.  All in a playful, innocent, baby way, of course.  He loves to whip things at you, poke you, and grab toys away from you.  All in a possessive, a-little-too-rough, toddler way, of course.  You have no concept of personal space, and will crawl up to and on to whatever you please...which sometimes big brother doesn't like so much.  It is funny how I can already see you guys in the future, fighting and teasing each other.  And having loads of fun together, for sure....

This one begged for a caption -- perhaps something a teenage Cormac might say?

Health/Measurements:

20.5 lbs.  Wearing all 12 month clothing.  Just the usual - runny nose and teething.  I am very ready for cold/flu season to be over and lovely warm weather to arrive.  Maybe then the snot will cease dripping from your poor baby nostrils, and your face will stop being chapped.  All the Aquafor in the world doesn't help.

Peekaboo!  I love steps!

Things You Say:
"Dada"
"Nana"
"Maaaah" only a couple times, when really upset (of course.)
"Buh, buh"  (not sure what it means)

typical mealtime scene.  I sometimes feel like most of my day is spent feeding these two.

"do I have something on my face???" 

Milestones:

• you abandoned your 'army crawl' for 'real crawling' just after you turned eight months.  
• started drinking from a sippy cup on occasion
• started pulling up
• just recently began cruising

Mama Feels: 
Most days like I am completely in-over-my-head. With you being super mobile now, and Cormac in the midst of potty training, I feel pulled in a million directions and am constantly reminding myself that 'tomorrow is another day, with no mistakes in it' -  a la Anne of Green Gables.  The added hassle/stress of home renovations in full swing (aka always having some sort of contractor in the house pounding, sanding, getting the dog barking, etc, etc) doesn't really help.  Neither does the recent snow, ice, cold weather, which has kept us inside most of the month.
Let's just say Mama needs some sunshine.

This Month's Memories:

• Your first Valentine's Day!  We basically just stayed at home and played...and I tried to take cute pictures of you, which didn't work out super well, since you were tired and teething...

Finally, as requested by Dada, a look at your little face throughout the months since you joined our little fam...

Finola, you are my sweet, cuddly little drool face.
My joyful one.
My go-with-the-flow, (usually)
sock and shoe grabbing,
chin biting,
ray of sunshine
even on dark, cold, icy days.

Love you -
Mama + Dada

valentine's date

Some say Valentine's Day is just a ridiculous Hallmark holiday...

but I tend to sway the other way and call it -

awesome. 

These people may roll their eyes and say

"You shouldn't have to wait 'til Valentines Day as an excuse to tell/show someone how much you love them!!!"

These people must know a secret to life that I don't.

Most of us get sucked into the monotony of everyday life,

parenting,

working, 

stress, 

whatever it is.  

Most of us appreciate a reminder.

Permission, maybe.

An excuse.

An excuse to get cheesy and romantic.

To dress your kids in pink or red or hearts

 (or all of the above.)

To buy or receive flowers.

To write a sappy love note.

To eat a lot of chocolate.

To drink a lot of wine.

To go to a fancy restaurant.

To wear a new dress 

and say

"Dang - I am lovely!" 

and maybe have someone else

tell you that, too.

However you celebrated, I just hope you celebrated

and used the excuse to have a little

mushy, cheesy romantic fun.

* * * * * * 

This year the kiddos and I just had a fun, low-key day at home.

I dressed them in the proper color scheme of red and hearts.

I talked about Valentines Day all day long, 

and all day Cormac was saying,

"Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!" 

in his super cute 2-year-old voice and fun little grin.

I tried to take some cute photos of me and the kids for a DIY gift for Hubby...

but I had a hard time getting them to both get in the photograph and actually smile.

 My mini-Valentines...

Then came the night.

Hubby and I have had some really fun Valentine's dates in the past.

Ice skating.

Fun restaurants.

You know, quintessential Valentine's day stuff.

But this year we did something different -- 

we stayed home.

Yep - no babysitter...

just drinking wine, playing music,

cooking a fancy, outrageous seafood feast together.

While the kiddos didn't get to eat lobster with us,

I did let Cormac have some strawberries and whipped cream. 

Spraying whipped cream mustaches on him 

and hearing him giggle uproariously and yell

"Take my picture!"

was one of my favorite moments of the night...

Other favorites...

I made my first risotto.  

(Checkin' that one off my 'foodie bucket list.')

 Risotto takes a long time and needs a lot of babysitting...so I took a selfie or two...and drank wine.

We also boiled our own lobster. (another 'check'!)

  Pink roses adorned the table.
I'm a stereotypical girl.  I like flowers.  A lot.

 A delicious bottle cabernet sauvignon was consumed in its entirety.  

The lobster was delish.  As good as I've had at any fancy restaurant.  

(and cheaper...right, babe??? ;) )

We ate A LOT.  Not even any room for dessert.  

(Although I think I ate some anyway.)

My valentine...

Thanks for another beautiful Valentine's Day, my love.

Here's to many more 'at home date nights.' 

Better than any restaurant I know.