Nice Gifts From Nice People

I just wanted to share some of the recent gifts Marlowe and I have received that have been making me especially happy lately ;) ;) ;)

Salt! An extra nice gift I received from Mallory today! UPS came and I had no idea what it was or who it was from, but it was extra exciting to start unwrapping amazing little jars of salt. 

Books! Sarah actually wrote and illustrated these amazingly beautiful books. Marlowe is especially fond of Batty. 

Kristen is so amazingly sweet and sent me a bunch of vegan LUSH products :) This stuff seriously still has me excited to shower everyday... even two weeks after receiving it :) 

Our love will never fade print from the very artistic Miss Igs.

*** I actually received this print forever ago as a sweet engagement gift. I was in the process of making that "Love is Here" piece as a banner for the wedding... and wanted to wait to snap a picture until the banner was done. I put A LOT of work, love, and time in that banner. More time than I'd like to admit, but I never finished it, obviously. There's no need or hurry now. But either way, one day I will. Love is still here. 

Vintage rain shoes! Perfect for the hot Florida rain days-- no boots needed ;) c/o vintageshoelove

And lastly, I opened my inbox a few weeks ago to find a Modcloth gift certificate from the seriously-more-than-thoughtful, Nicolle. Of course I went for new shade and an organizer for all my crap :)

Thank you thank you thank you again to you lovely, thoughtful ladies. And happy weekend to everyone! It's going to be a cozy one for Marlowe and I. Lots of rain, cuddles, cooking, and maybe a craft show. ;)

Pops

My sister had sent Marlowe a Zokufor Christmas. It was a huge joy to open up the package and start drooling about popsicles. I opened the box, put the parts away, put the pop-maker in the freezer, and left it there.... for about 2 months. (In case you don't know... a zoku is a quick pop maker. Pour filling in. Sit and stare are it for seven minutes. SEVEN! That's it and popsicles are ready!). Popsicle fail. Why I didn't use this brilliant machine (made for impatient people) sooner, is beyond me. I obviously needed to work on my popsicle making planning. Well, for the past two weeks I've had the biggest cravings for anything cold. COLD COLD COLD: Salads, gazpacho, ice cream (with a warm gooey brownie--- okay, not so cold, but the ice cream would make up for it-- in my head at least), and POPSICLES. I decided this week was the week. It needed to happen. Then I realized I had no idea what I was doing. I had lost the instructions--- which I'm pretty sure included some recipes. Woops. Then, I remembered Shervin and Emily posting on Instagram how sometimes they just pour juice right into the molds and BAM instant treat. I thought: *easy enough*... and well, it totally was. For me, a mixture of: water, lemonade, sliced strawberries and blueberries. For Marlowe: water, apple juice, bananas (ew), and smashed blueberries. BAM popsicle. I don't know if it is possible, but I think I have now become addicted to popsicle making. The mold has to refreeze for 24 hours before you can make more, but that's probably a good thing, it prevents me from overdosing on popsicles.

piggy wasn't happy with just one. I let her have a few nibbles, and took mine back. sharing is caring. 

Today I made one of watermelon juice, lemonade, and chopped cucumber and two of strawberry (almond milk) yogurt, apple juice, and bananas (ew). You better believe I am looking forward to eating that tomorrow after work :)

If there are any of you who are a bit more skilled in the art of popsicle making (zoku owners or not), please, please throw your suggestions and advice at me. I am a novice in the fabulous world of instant popsicles and would love (a million more) recipe ideas!

Also, another question for zoku owners, is it possible to make two batches from one machine freezing? Or is it not cold enough at that point? Also, if any of you have gotten completely crafty and made the striped, patterned, or filled ones, I would LOVE to see them!


***OH MAN. PS. Thank you thank you thank you for all of you who voted for ohdeardrea on topbabyblogs. We are currently number one! A year and a half ago I never would have imagined that could happen! Thank you for making this happen! I very obviously couldn't have done it without your support! :) ***

Giving (Away)

I've had two (huge) boxes of things sitting in Marlowe's room for-ev-er... or about four months, but it feels like forever. I like to organize and cleanse my house every couple of months and make a big trip to goodwill. Seriously, it's one of the best feelings for me. But this batch of Marlowe's things had been sitting there (for-ev-er) and made it through about two cleanses, untouched. I kept telling myself I would do a "shop marlowe's closet" or make the hike up to Jupiter (about thirty minutes north) to a children's consignment shop. It made sense because so many of the items were in great condition and many had never even been worn.
This past sunday the box of things made it from Marlowe's room to the front door. Today, I felt almost human again and decided I wanted to do a bit more. If you didn't know (I'm pretty sure you don't, except maybe if you've been following my whining on twitter), I'm pretty much done weaning Marlowe. We're on day four of no breastfeeding and my body is pissed about it and revolting in all ways. I've been miserable for days now... it has not been pleasant. (But we're doing it! And Marlowe has been FANTASTIC! So yeah, anyway... I didn't feel like I had been run over by a train today and I wanted to do something good. I separated all of Marlowe's items (pjs, dresses, t-shirts, and so on) and started making care packages. All together I was able to make seven little bundles of goods, each one containing (at least): one pj, two dresses, two shirts, one pair of pants, one pair of shoes, one hat, and pacifier and/or a toy of some sort. I was also able to make two bundles for "big girls" with dolls/teddy-bears, a book, and hair bows. I wrapped them each up in brown tissue paper and red yarn and placed them on the shelf above a sleeping, clueless, Marlowe. Tomorrow they will not be going to goodwill, or online, or to any store for extra money, but instead: to a women's shelter. I am happy to be able to do a little more this holiday season and I hope these packages bring a little joy to a woman (and baby) in need.

1. packages, artwork in progress, and a new beautiful poster c/o miss igs
2. sorting, folding, stacking.
3. wait what is that? a baby that naps, during the day? yes! the past few weeks we've been able to figure out a schedule that includes: nap time, a no cry bedtime, an early (but not unreasonably early) morning wake up, and no nursing... except for one, in the morning. It's been fabulous. 


More than anything, I'm really looking forward to the day when Marlowe will be able to understand, take part, and share joy in giving.

This Is Not A Fashion Blog

But I do wear clothes almost every day. And I do look nice sometimes (I just washed my hair today, for the first time in a week). And sometimes people send me really great things that I like.... or I'm not sure if I like, but then I put that item on.... and I fall in love with it... and want to wear it everyday. This skirt is one of those items. 

I was hesitant about this skirt because I always either wear: black on black,  some kind of grey, white, or denim ( <-- i just had to spell check denim), or I wear really bright dresses, but never really black with colors... well, except for these boots--- they're a totally amazing exception. But the skirt works, and it fit perfectly, and trying on anything and having it be a perfect fit is usually a sign that it was meant to be, right? Yep. So, thank you Katie! 

Be sure to check out her shop! Cause she's the sweetest and her clothes are eclectic, in a badass way. 

Also: Receive an extra 25% off any purchase by using the code: "ohdearlove" 

Things to note about this post:

1. I am outside, in a skirt and a tube top, it was gorgeous outside. But please don't be jealous, because today, I am fighting this humidity to try to keep my AC off and the misquotes out of my house... in December.  

2. I had a dinner date with the little one and two ladies to eat at Alex's restaurant. It's a dark place, and all the photos were a giant blur, so you get these photos of my outfit and not the adorable photos of Marlowe sitting on my shoulders trying to wave at her daddy while he was making me pizza. 

3. My boobs look huge, which is stupid, because they are shrinking. I did about three happy dances last week when I woke up one morning to significantly smaller breasts. Yes, this means: weaning is happening and going awesome.... but milk is still flowing. 

4. There are pockets. 

5. This post is under the "fashion-schmashion" category. I obviously don't care to blog about clothes very often. I might (maybe) try to post an outfit a month, you know, for that one date night out.... and so I can look back one day and laugh. Or something.  

sunglasses: UO // top: AA  // skirt: desert gypsy goods // shoes: BC

Now, I leave you with this: 

Thank you for all the comments about my tree, they helped ease my mind... a tiny bit ;)

Happy Friday everyone! 

Don't forget: 25% of desert gypsy clothing using: "ohdearlove"

and don't forget about our giveaway, and an extra 25% off all purchases at Rock Me!  using: "drea" at checkout! :)

The Weekend {Stitch Rock Take Two}

It was another Stitch Rock weekend here in South Florida. I felt like c-r-a-p, but Kristine and I didn't want to miss the fun and decided to head down to the craft fair anyway.

Marlowe got her first taste (actually....many tastes) of a popsicle. Her adorable face was loving the kiwi lime goodness.... and so was: my sling, my dress, my hands and my arms.

It is crazy the difference a year makes. A year ago Marlowe could have cared less if popsicles never existed. This time around she's... well.. you know... full size (ish), a popsicle queen, and you know, umm, HUGE. &I'm not in crippling pain after baby birth! This was us last year at Stitch Rock:

I picked up the most perfect necklace ever from Lemoree. It seemed like it was made for me. I rarely wear jewelry unless it holds a really special value in my life, and this one sure put a smile on my face. I picked up an amazing 5$ skirt from Family Vintage, and with my last dollar I picked up two magnets from the talented, pug loving, Danny Brito. AND Marlowe was given a leggy little monster as a birthday gift from Stitches are Forever.

Sunday there was morning brunch with my brother &sister-in-law. Followed by massive amounts of laying around and trying-to-feel-better time, walks to coffee &Michelle time, &then these beautiful people showed up at my door:

Marlowe in her new itty bitty hair clip c/o Up a Tree Cup a Tea that arrived Saturday!

We went for a walk where little miss Marlowe kept trying to hightail it in the opposite direction. Alex joined us as we then stopped for a day time wine (my friends who know me well are now very confused. I do not in any way have a drink during the day). My beautiful Miami people parted ways and Alex and I were off to dinner with my family. 

It was a great, slightly groggy two days. I hope everyone had a great weekened! 

Womwoms

Marlowe got her new Womwoms in the mail.... &I absolutely cannot think of anything cuter. No no no. Too much cuteness!  &Marlowe actually lets me put it on her head!

The only thing that could make this a little more awesome is if I had one in adult size ;) *wink wink*

Check out Beki's new shop: HERE

Boots.

Please bring me health and bring me good weather so I can wear these boots:

Vintage 1970s Bally's

Gifted from my friend Tina (& her consignment shop) to Michelle (because they were "too amazing to not keep between friends"). Too small for Michelle. &Fit like they were made for my feet. Thank you 6.5 feet, lady friends, &shoe gods.


Also, please bring me a roomba so I don't lose my mind (or shave my dog).

Yes, I am a girl in south Florida who can't get enough of her boots. Cowboy, motorcycle, vintage, whatever: I love me some boots. 

This post is totally dedicated to vintageshoelove, btw. She's kinda like a shoe god. 

Story Book Records

These are the sweetest most amazing records I have ever seen. Pretty much a 50's version of books on tape, but with amazing pictures &for little kiddos! I am seriously so in love &cannot wait until Marlowe is old enough to read &not eat the books!

Alice In Wonderland is one of my all time favorite stories. Ever ever ever. 

I didn't really realize how awesome these were when John first handed them to me. When I opened them up to find whole illustrated stories my mouth dropped with an "oh dear!" and I was beyond pleased. 

I know I've mentioned my local record store before, Top 5. It is amazing, and the owner is incredible. I randomly walked into his store the very first day it opened. I was with my friend Christine and her little one. That day she mentioned she would love more pregnant mama friends. Welp, what do you know, now here I am, me and my little one, walking into the record to say hello to my (now) good friend, John. Because of John, Marlowe has one of the most kick-butt record collections ever. If you haven't followed my blog from the beginning, check out THIS record he gave us a while back: gorgeous!


A few questions I've been getting lately via comments &email:
My sling: Looma. It's a Swedish ring sling, but I don't think it is available for purchase in the U.S. It was a hand-me-down from previously mentioned, Christine. It is pretty comfortable, my main complaint is the fabric is heavy and not breathable. It's not a warm-weather sling by any means. If you are thinking of purchasing a sling, I would aim for a woven one, they tend to be pricer, but I imagine the comfort is worth it.
My floppy hat: no idea. My mom bought it for herself. Didn't want it anymore &it ended up in my closet. She has no idea where she bought it either.
My camera: Panasonic Lumix G1.
&A recent comment from a reader, jamjam:
"Has anyone ever told you that you look like Audrey Tautou?":  Er, um... no. Maybe once? But I'm not sure, so Ill go with "no". I've heard I look like a fair amount of different people. The one I get the most (or used to anyway &was once mistaken for) is: the Olsen twins.

Also: Portia De Rossi, Rogue from the X-men movie, & "the chick from Meet Joe Black"
Some I understand, some I dont.

Marlowe's First Easter

I'm not gonna lie, I'm not so into Easter (or any holiday). Well, I love Halloween, but other than that I'm pretty indifferent to holiday celebrations. I'm not a debbie downer or anything... we did kind of have a tree for Christmas and I still put Marlowe in a cute dress with carrots on it... but you know, whatever. I most likely will be doing easter baskets once she's old enough. The baskets my mom put out were always the best (she still sends them now--- &they still rule) and I was always so excited to find them... I want to be able to bring that excitement to Marlowe too.

I haven't left the house much lately. I've been overly tired. Marlowe's sleep schedule is almost like a newborn again-- waking every 2 hours to feed. It's been difficult for my body to readjust. Not only that, but some days naps are slim to none. (wah, I know. I'm whining). Even last night when Marlowe managed to give me four hours in a row I was still pooped beyond belief all of today. Everyone was out partying, drinking, and dancing last night until 4,5, even 6 in the morning &I was at home just hoping to sleep enough to get me through the day. (wah, I'm still whining... ok, fine, I'll stop).

Anyway, the weather was great today. Marlowe &I dressed up and heading to my dad's house (with Eric) for some easter-brunching. My step mom made a fair amount of foods &Eric &I attempted to make waffles. Marlowe clung to me all morning/afternoon like the end of the world was going to arrive if she wasn't in my arms.

Later that evening we heading over to Eric's parents house for easter dinner. There was also a fair amount of food, people, &eastering. Marlowe received an easter basket &went on her first easter egg hunt (sort of). Eric &I filled our bellies with food and headed home.

images from easter:

Sunglasses: rayban
Hat: urban outfitters

Top: Jcrew

Skirt: Vintage Youngblood

Marlowe's dress: Vintage?

bread knife wound. 

carrot.

cake mishap. nicole fail.

little brother piggin' out.

puppets. 

first easter egg.

Diapers I left out while at dinner. Came back to some pouring rain :( 
First cloth diapering fail.

&an easter care package from my mom:

Three cook books! Tom's platforms (I still need pads for em'. My feet don't fit in the smallest size). Garden kit. Hiding squirty fish. Knuffle Bunny: my mom is adorable and changed the names in the book to all say Marlowe! &the cutest little handmade bunny ever: Marlowe's new "knuffle".
:)

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! Whatever you enjoy to do on your for you easter... have it be: baskets, or egg dyeing, or churching, relaxing, or feasting... I hope it was all wonderful!