Tales of Me and the Husband

The Jones Market.

I met Candis way back in the day (throwback!).  I’m not going to say the good old days, because that wouldn’t be fair.  The days are still good–no, great!  But man, do I miss some of my everyday reads from way back when who have since closed up and boarded their blogging doors.  I used to read their words alongside my morning coffee and I miss them dammit.  I’m getting carried away and attempting to resurrect my old blog hangs is not the point of this post (though Elizabeth?  Candis?  Megan?  I’d be grateful if you started writing again.).  
The true point of this post is that the incredibly lovely Candis makes some really great jewelry.  Surely you’ve heard of it by now, but in case you haven’t, it’s The Jones Market.  Not only is it fun jewelry, it’s also baby-friendly.  Non-toxic, lead free, and saliva proof.  I’ve been wearing the bracelets almost every day lately.  They’re effortless, cool, casual.  They’re baby friendly without yelling I AM TEETHER JEWELRY–you know the ones–where function is their main objective, and form comes in a meandering second place.  Not here.  The Jones Market jewelry is great, baby or no baby.  Sometimes I get a little greedy and Anders and I play a little tug-o-war (below) till he usually wins out and monopolizes my bracelet.  Babies are very selfish.
And, as an unrelated aside, Candis is as good as they come.  I can say this because I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her for a bunch of years now, and she really is a good egg.  The best egg.  So, doesn’t that kind of make the jewelry even better?  It comes from a good home!!!  She sends each one off with love!  And the packaging is great too.  A bunch of summer pieces (this one is awesome and this one too, obviously) were just released last night at 9 pm!  So get on over there.  Many are limited edition so do it now.  
And follow along for sales and updates here.  Or just for more of Candis’ sweet voice, cause she’s one of those types who puts the community in Instagramunity.  (And that’s how I’ll be referring to it from here on out.)
This post is in collaboration with The Jones Market.  Thank you for reading!

22/52.

anders, almost 6 months old (!!): in the mornings he just babbles in bed, looking around, out the window, and kicking until i wake up and look at him.  when i do, he gives me the hugest smile.
parker, almost 4 years old (!!): he loves having the attention from anders, which anders gives freely these days. he finds parker fascinating.
lindsey, 13 years old (!!): just this week, the two of us (and anders) went to meet a family for a potential babysitting gig for her.  she’s going to begin babysitting?!  how are we already here???
william, 15 years old (!!): since anders came along, william and lindsey have been assigned cleaning the kitchen regularly.  they both do a really good job at it. (excuse the terrible photo quality!)
i gave everyone the ‘ol !! next to their ages, because i can’t believe any of them are the age they are.  
{it’s time for a throwback link.} 

The things I wish I bought in the aisles of Target but didn’t or else I’d be broke, volume 04.

Another day another Target post.  If you’re oh so lucky I will always take a selfie in this mirror.  So far, we’re 2 for 4.  I’ll improve upon that.

Let’s get started.

Shiny and colorful flip flops.  I think they’re cute.  And they’re $15, so you can have three pairs for $45 (like that math???) which is like three Dominos pizzas delivered plus tip.  Yes, I’m always rationalizing my purchases this way.  (I’m serious.)  I also act as though Paypal money is Monopoly money which Steve really, really likes.
At first glance, I was like, “Okay these are cool but I’m not into the meshy look.”  Here they look like Natives (a really fabulous kid’s shoe, by the way), but in real life they look a little more like… fake leather.  Soooo… which is better?
But THEN I put them on and liked them a lot better.  I still left without them, but I’m sort of regretting that now.  A slightly nicer, more expensive option here.  I want them too.  Also, the shoe-hot-mess all over the stool/ground is not from me or my child so don’t judge us.  But, how convenient that it showcases a Birkenstock knock off Target’s carrying should you be in need (my favorite of the Birks, too.).  One store’s mess is another person’s treasure.  Mmmmkay.
A handbag looking suspiciously similar to those weave-wall-hangings-that-collect-a lot-of-dust!  I cannot find it online because everyone’s snatched it up already to nail it to their wall.  I did however find this, which is a lot like those French market bags that everyone pretends they bring to the grocery store but really just puts their groceries (only the pretty ones) in once they arrive home in order to snap an Instagram of.  You’re not fooling anyone.

Fabulous scarves if I do say so myself.  I like the second from the left.  (Also, I’m a huge scarf fan.  They bring an outfit from meh to haaay girl! really quickly.)

This was a short one that feels a little less urgent than some of my others.  Like, maybe “walk to Target after work today or tomorrow” instead of “run to Target during your lunch break.”  Which apparently a lot of you did for the Lilly Pulitzer stint at Target?  I was completely unaware, probably because I don’t own a sailboat and, in my head, you have to own a sailboat to wear Lilly Pulitzer.  (I could be talked out of that.)

Until next time!

P.S. Based on the survey results, a lot of you really like these Target posts so they shall continue from now on till forever!  Ho hum, I have to keep going back to Target!

a new blog design! and a survey!

welcome!  
there’s a new look here at tales of me and the husband.  it was high time (as one reader pointed out, “what about anders?!”).  instead of adding him, i just axed all the kids (and gracie!).  that sounds terrible.  i assure you, they’re just as loved as ever.  the whole post title was just a mouthful, right?  i thought so.  it’s simpler, but things will mostly stay the same.

danielle was ever so patient with me, probably fielding at least 50 emails – “change this!” or “change that!” (i’m very particular and also indecisive… a terrible combination.)  and my dear friend ashley was the genius behind the logo (notice that ampersand?!  it’s an eight, a heart, and an ampersand.  she’s good.).  between the two of them, the new look was born!  and i’m a happy woman!  thank you danielle!  thank you ashley!  
i don’t say this enough, but i am so grateful for each of you readers.  when i started blogging back in 2009 i couldn’t have known that i’d still be blogging this many years later, that i’d make friends this way, that it’d become something so meaningful to me.  you’re all a huge part of that.  i’ve found so much support and camaraderie here, and i hope you have too.

also, thank you for your emails.  i read each and every one of them, but am becoming increasingly terrible at responding to them.  i wish i could apologize to each one of you in person!  they’re so appreciated.

the last order of business.  if you’re interested in taking a survey regarding this blog, then do so here!
thank you!  see you back here tomorrow!

Happy weekend!

What are you guys up to this weekend?  We’re attempting grilled pizzas tonight outside — any tips?  It’ll probably be a disaster.  Wish us luck.

It’s nearly summer!  Win a wardrobe with a value up to $1200.  Okay!

I love this outfit.

For you Lord of the Rings fanatics.  How fun would that be.  “Oh, I’m just building a fire in my fire pit… Ka-pow!”

I really liked this post on slow parenting.

It’s time for sunscreen in these parts.  Brush up on EWG’s list of the best ones so we avoid the toxic ones, k?  (I was just sent this one–baby approved–and it gets a good rating on the site.)

Abroad research brought me here: castles you can actually sleep in.

Ashley is the queen of travel-with-kids.  Here’s her tips for road trips with kids.

This romper keeps popping as a Facebook ad and I love it.  Damn you, Facebook ads.

I’ve never been die-hard about Toms (love the company, but the shoe wasn’t so much for me), but these are making me reconsider.

“Because we had one foot in the traditional ways of yore and one foot in the digital information age, we appreciate both in a way that other generations don’t. We can quickly turn curmudgeonly in the face of teens who’ve never written a letter, but we’re glued to our smartphones just like they are.”  I related to this article a lot.  (Napster!  Holla!)

“Those Etsy orders aren’t going to fill themselves!”  Really funny Bachelorette commentary.

See you next week!

a day at the beach!

parker’s “happy place” is the beach.  we talked about the beach all winter long.  when the snow piles grew, we kept talking about the beach.  the buckets, the sand, the water, the warmth.  when steve puts him to bed, often he tells him stories of the beach.  so, it was fitting that, now that the weather has turned to take him… to the beach!
plus, anders has never been!  i was so excited to show our littlest buddy the place we love so much.
i decided dinner on the beach had to happen.  i started early–one of my easy meals–red peppers, onions, red potatoes.  all diced and sautéed in a mix of olive oil and butter.  then  chicken sausage cut up gets added towards the end.  mix in some creole seasoning.  on top of that?  sour cream and cheese.  it’s delicious. 
william got the chairs and toys ready and out we went!  we were there by 3:00, eating dinner and playing in the sand.  success!  look at that happy face.


it was a good day to give anders his first taste at the beach.  not too hot, not too cold.  and he totally loved it.  i remember when parker had his feet in the sand for the first time, he was not a fan.  (it grew on him eventually.  obviously.)
we stuck our feet in the water and, once they were sufficiently numb… it was great!
looking forward to more (many more) beach days this summer.  there’s not a better summer day than one at the beach with enough snacks and drinks (and sunscreen and beach toys and towels and… we don’t exactly travel light to the beach–you never know what you’re going to need!) to keep you there from morning to evening.  i love those days.  the crowds disperse and you remain, removing layers, putting them back on, as the tide rolls on.
i forgive you for the roughest winter ever, massachusetts.

packing for a long trip.

{hat:  forever 21}
{dress: asos}
{shoes: urban outfitters (old)}
my mind is crazy-busy right now as we figure out this italy trip.  i know it’ll be so great, but i’m also a realist (steve would say i’m too much of a realist).  i want to prepare myself for every possible unforeseen occurrence.  baby has an ear infection?!  on it.  lindsey has a blister?  i’ve got a bandaid for that!  we’re renting a car?  here are the car seats!!  (like mary poppins.  they sort of just appear from my very small bag.)  i know a lot of these things can be purchased there but in my (crazy) head i want to have the whole kit and caboodle with me whether or not there’s a store nearby.  
and clothes.  of course i’m trying to figure out clothes to bring too.  the weather will be changing a bit while we’re there, we’re not staying in the same place the whole time.  i want to pack light (can you imagine rushed train exchanges?!  a traveling CIRCUS, that’s what.), but i also don’t want to wear the same five outfits over and over.
these are real problems.  help me, i’m poor.  (name the movie.)

Out we go.

It feels like our house has grown exponentially now that the snow’s gone and we have use of the backyard.  That’s one of the things that sold me on this house.  While it’s small, it’s got a great yard.  It’s really too bad we don’t live in California where that yard can be used year round, ain’t it?  Anyway, the yard.  I’m currently referring to it as “The Dust Bowl” because there’s no grass in it (construction-aftermath) but in due time, Bridget, in due time.  (Actually, we’re getting it hydro-seeded any day now.  And for weeks I’ll turn into the wicked witch of the West when anyone steps foot on our tender baby grass.  It’s going to be great.)  The Dust Bowl is typically scattered with toys.  An overturned tricycle over there, a volleyball here, a pool noodle (we don’t even have a pool?) and some toy trucks in between.  Parker helps himself to the shed, and pulls things out one by one.  The attention span of a three-year old, you know.  Steve surveys the junkyard that our backyard can become at times and shakes his head.  Then, when he’s sure every neighbor is judging us, it all gets put away.  We rope Parker into it, and, if he isn’t being agreeable, occasionally threaten him with, “We’re going to give away your toys if you can’t clean them up!” 
We walked downtown with the boys last week–we do this a lot–and I made the mistake of holding Parker on my hip in the ice cream store so he could see into the glass, and behind the counter.  You could practically see his eyes grow big with the world beyond the freezer-height he was previously subject to.  “Wook at the candy!”  “I want sprinkles!”  (He points with his middle finger.  Steve tells him, “Your pointer finger is so much faster!  Look!”  Still, middle finger wins most of the time.  He offends people wherever he goes.)  How did he even know what sprinkles were?  I got him a small cone.  “Nilla!”  With rainbow sprinkles on it, his first time.  It was like I gave him a puppy when I handed it to him.  He had to be coached in the ways of a cone, since he’s only ever had ice cream in a bowl.  A few sprinkles dropped off and got stuck in his flip flop and here he is, bending over, trying to dislodge the sprinkles, while the cone is completely sideways as he works.  “Parker!  Your cone!”  It’s only May.  We’ll get there.
Anders takes it all in, more interested in food than Parker ever was.  He’ll grab at our drinks as we bring them to our mouths, he’ll launch himself towards our plate.  Parker was completely content simply observing the eating and taking no part in it.  For a full year!  Even when I did start him on food, I’m pretty sure he was reluctant.  “Fine, Mom.  If I must.  Don’t even think of closing the milk bar though.”  
It’s so nice to feel the sun.  To smell the lilacs.  I made a happy discovery last week: a lilac bush in full bloom in our backyard!  I can’t say it’s the prettiest plant when it’s not in bloom, but the blooms and the smell are worth it.  I clipped a few and stuck them in a jar a couple of days ago.  I kept getting whiffs of it while I was cooking dinner.  Blooms from my own yard!
This summer is promising.

The weekend is here!

Tonight we’re having friends over for a BBQ – and I’m making these (our favorite).  I plan to eat a lot of watermelon too.  Tonight and all weekend long.  We’ve got a few more plans but overall a low-key weekend.  Relaxing outside in the sun, I hope.  When I was a kid, this weekend was always a huge Dads and kids camping trip that my Dad put together.  Such a good memory.  Happy Memorial Day!

Inside the world’s smallest luxury home.  (I love it.  But maybe after some of our kids move out, eh, Steve?)

A reader clued me into the perfect strapless bra and based on the reviews, I think she’s right.  Now if I could just figure out my ever-fluctuating bra size.

A new app that brings the kids + baby sales to you.  Forget scouring the internet for them.  What a good idea.  (The gal who came up with it used to work in consumer technology for Walt Disney Co.)

How to become gluten intolerant.

Poor little rich women.

Produce candles!  I love the packaging.  And the whole concept.

I’m not one to turn my nose up at art, but I think this is a joke right?  Read the description here.  I’m laughing out loud.  The prices!

Did any of you try this lipstick that I linked to a few weeks ago?  Does it actually work???  I’m so curious.

Have a great weekend!  See you next week!

20/52.


anders, 5 months: since he’s basically been throwing himself onto our dinner plates, i decided to let the little man try some avocado this week.  he got maybe one of those teeny cubes down his gullet.  baby steps!
parker, 3 years, what anders didn’t eat in “guacamole”, he did.  funny story: once when we were talking about plane trips he’s taken, he said, “i flew to avocado!”  he meant colorado.

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