Just Because..

Just because it's valentines day... (well... midnight of the night before and I'm deliriously tired, but still up..... ) here's a card for you lovely people ;)

And of course, like last year, I am still giggling endlessly at someecards ;) 

All of last years cards still hold true. You can see them: HERE.

I don't know what all you lovers out there plan on doing for Valentine's day, but Im perfectly content doing as little as possible! After all, it is tuesday, and that's Alex's day to watch Marlowe. Relax mode: on. ;)  Happy Valentines day!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, friends! I hope your morning is as equally easy and fuzzy :) We spent last night at Alex's resturant. It was our third year celebrating New Years together. It seems to be our tradition for Alex to get out a few minutes before midnight, just in time for a kiss and to share some champagne with Clayton (Alex's buddy-- the chef) and Gabi. And I could be wrong, but I'm pretty certain he has worn the same black sweater every year :) This year we upgraded to a better champagne and a better whiskey. And we never made it to our second location... just lots of kisses and dancing where we were.

I'm currently sitting here in my jammies, with the doors open, and the funniest babbling baby, waiting for Alex to get home.... so we can go on an even mini-er vacation. We decided if we can't travel for four days, then we would head down to miami for the night and lay on the beach sleeping for as long as we possibly can. I should probably start packing some swimsuits and snuggly sleepwear :)
I hope everyone had a wonderful night-- cozy at home, or out on the town :)

Happy New Years! Rabbit Rabbit.

*yes, thats a 90+ year old woman, being held up, to dance on a chair :) I want to be that awesome when I'm older... but I still wont be dancing on chairs, bars, or stages, no matter what my age :)

Snippets Of Christmas

Soooo... christmas happened. It was quick and painless, and this year I had a place to put my blame for my 'holiday whatever's'. We didn't really have much planned around here. The 24th is actually Michelle's birthday, so she came by, I made us lunch, and we sat around and finished our last minute Christmas gifts together while Marlowe napped. Alex, was of course scheduled to work all of Christmas eve so I brought Michelle to my brothers house for our family get together (we usually get together on the eve, not the day). My sister-in-law, Nicole cooked a wonderful (all from scratch) meal for everyone and was wonderful enough to make sure anything that could be vegan (not meat) was vegan! They use almond milk and vegan butter at their house anyway, but still, I know she went out of her way to make sure it was Marlowe and Drea friendly. Alex came home late that night (like always) and he prepped pizza dough for the morning. He had been told that day that he would no longer have Christmas off and would have to come into work the next day. We were all bummed. Our first Christmas as a family (and one of Alex's only days off that week) was cut short.... and then... even shorter when he found out he would have to go into work hours earlier than we had anticipated. We still made the best of the time we had together... We sat in the living room together while Marlowe and Alex opened gifts. Alex made us pizza, and Michelle came by with even more gifts for all of us to open. After Alex left to work, Laura joined us to spend a non christmas-y, christmas together. We took a walk to Michelle's house in the hot december, Florida sun. We drank iced coffees and listened to the most ridiculous gift Marlowe received: a keyboard cat from my friend, Anita. We walked back home and I dressed Marlowe and I up to go out that evening. It was decided that I would have to make the best out of our situation and if Alex couldn't be with his family on Christmas, then his family would have to go to him. So that's what we did. Marlowe, myself, and my family went out to eat at his restaurant for Christmas dinner, and like always, we made sure to get the booth near Alex, so Marlowe could see a little more of him. I wasn't surprised to find the restaurant was empty and unnecessarily open on Christmas.... on one hand it was upsetting to have him miss his one day off that week to be at an empty place... and on the other hand it was good to have Alex, able to come and sit with us every so often, and come home a little earlier: at 10 pm. We sat around with that damn keyboard cat and then Alex put Marlowe to bed so we could sit and relax together for a few moments before ending the day. And that was Christmas. 

outside. christmas eve day. making an extra special christmas gift for daddy and some other family members too. Yes, outside. I had to turn my AC back on for two days. I was pissed.

last minute present makers. 

christmas eve at my brother and sister-in-law's home. 

some of many presents, for Alex.

christmas eve night, insisting to prep the pizza dough for tomorrow // christmas pizza. 

wanting to wear red // christmas morning excitement! 

michelle comes by with: more gifts and three amazing hand knit stockings (filled). 

marlowe's favorite person, her uncle chris // christmas night, home from work with a keyboard cat.

christmas day coffee. 

The good news of Alex being forced to work? A promise of four days off next week and a mini (much needed) vacation for the two of us, while my mom visits from Massachusetts and babysits Marlowe. We're still not set on our destination, but I've been looking forward to this time together for weeks. 


EDIT:  Like many of my posts, I had written this entry and scheduled to post it at a later time. There will not be four days off like promised... or three... just his regular schedule, leaving us without time for a vacation together. 

Merry Christmas

I've been missing in action lately. Just dropping in for a quick hello and merry holidays! :)

taken by my wonderful brother, mark. 

Merry happy holidays. 

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.

Gee Wiz, It's Christmas.

So it happened. Christmas is my home... everywhere I look. Well, not everywhere, but you know, in lots of places. I feel better about the whole thing considering: all the decorations were either made or thrifted, with the exception of a collection of giraffe ornaments gathered for Marlowe. All giraffes are from last year, and unfortunately, I have yet to find one this year (I'll be honest I haven't looked very hard. I haven't even checked Etsy yet. Weird, right? No, I guess not,  I rarely have time for anything fun on the internet... but, anyway, if you know of any places to get some giraffe ornaments, please let me know!) Our tree is huge. (Insert rambling) I'm always so torn about the tree thing. Is it eco-friendly? Is it not? (It's probably not). I tell myself, it's fine! Since tree farms are good for the earth, but transporting all those trees to south Florida is incredibly not eco-friendly... and while fake trees last a whole lot longer, they are manufactured some where... (who knows by who) and still shipped across the world and country... and really where is the metal and materials from? This is something I should probably research a bit more... Yes, these are really the thoughts in my head, how un-christmas-y, right?? But whatever, for now, I'm going to enjoy my tree that touches the ceiling cause it makes this whole christmas thing a hell of a lot nicer! And I mean, Alex has NEVER had a real tree! (Neither has Marlowe, but that's an obvious statement). Alex was so blown away by "how big" our tree is. That's crazy talk. Sure, he's right... I was raised in New England, where Christmas trees are a whole different story, but not even one real tree!??! That's madness. Okay, anyway, enough about trees... (end rambling), here are a few pictures of our night decorating and other Christmas bits around this tiny house of ours! 

M's favorite of our holiday records. 

For size reference. Yes, our tree touches the ceiling.... And takes up about 25 square feet of my 640 square feet apartment. That may be an exaggeration. Okay okay... it probably is an exaggeration. 

&because people have been asking... yep, there is no ring on my finger. 

tickled, clean, christmas baby.

mad scientist baby touching lights. 

Yes, in florida we get to decorate the house with the doors and windows open. It's nice. 

Chipotle spice hot chocolate, popcorn, elf watching. 

Christmas feet. 

ps.  have you purchased your B&B foundation watch yet?? They now have even more awesome blue ones. 

pps.  Last chance to enter the out of alabaster giveaway! 24 hours left. My space-cadet-mom-brain wrote Tuesday the 5th, I really meant wednesday the 7th. I may have been looking at the wrong month. Errrrr. Sorry! You could totally enter and ask Lindsey to do one of Jerry, cause that'd be awesome. 

EASY Felt Christmas Tree Garland Tutorial

As mentioned, I don't normally decorate for the Holidays....
1. I don't have the money to buy a bunch of decorations.
2. I live in 640 square feet, there is not a lot of room for unnecessary storage.
and
3. I'm a grinch.

Buttttttt.... this year I thought I would try to bring a little Christmas in our home for little M. I've added a few details here and there (this is an extreme overstatement), Alex strung up some lights outside, and I actually put a tiny bit of time into a Christmas project and made a little tree garland! It couldn't have been an easier project... especially for someone with zero to no time, and yes, I do have some crafting abilities, but really, this is a no-skill project.
I hope you enjoy!

step one. draw a christmas tree stencil (as big or as small as you'd like). pin on felt. 

step two. cut. cut as many or as little as you'd like. 

step three. with embroidery needle and floss (or thin yarn, or even sewing thread) sew through the tops of all the trees. 

step four. cut strings, long enough to tie. 

step five. tie to yarn and hang. 

uh yeah, that's it! easy right? Totally a simple, dainty, and pretty way to decorate. 

Of course, you can trim up the ties a bit too... or add other items. I added hearts, cause, you know... they are cute and of course: easy. 

Happy decorating!

edit: This post was written and scheduled last week, we got a tree last night! A HUGE tree. It's friken' christmas! 

Let's Do Something Good, Shall We?

*let me start off being saying this is not a sponsored post.... yes Barley and Birch sponsor ohdeardrea, but they in no way asked me to write this... this is something I'm posting about because it really, REALLY means a lot to me ;)

So here I am again, telling you (again and again and again) how much I love Barley and Birch. What can I say? I love anyone (or anything) in this world, that is not only living to live or living for themselves... but rather: striving to be the best, making an extraordinary impact, benefiting everyone around them, and of course...kicking ass while doing it.

Barley and Birch is selflessly doing some of the most amazing things for our Earth and the people on it. They have set out to make this world a better place and are doing a damn good job at it. Seriously, Kyle (founder of Barley and Birch) is a woman to look up to and admire... she is a super woman.

From the little things (that make a big difference) such as: organic clothing, water based inks, being conscious of emissions used, and essentially being a paper free company.... to the bigger things such as: donating 15% of their profits carbon reducing initiatives, and at least another 15% to other life improving organizations, to creating The Barley And Birch Foundation, Barley and Birch is what all companies should strive to be: successful, beneficial, and earth and people friendly.

This is the Holiday season... the season for giving. Can we all try to give a bit more, together? Every little bit counts. If you have yet to check out the Barley And Birch Foundation, I recommend you do. Learn more about their non-profit home and school for orphan children in Haiti and consider donating what you can. After all, it is for a really important cause.

Here is a little video if you'd like to learn more:

Another option, if you'd like to *give a little and get a little* is "The Watch"!

The Barley and Birch Foundation partnered with some watchmakers to create a limited edition watch. With every one watch purchased, 100% of the proceeds goes to fund the education of one child at the Barley and Birch home and school in Port au Prince, Haiti. One watch will fund one child for an entire month. Amazing, right? It's incredible to think how much of an impact one purchase or donation can really make. So let's skip one restaurant meal out, not buy that piece of clothing we were eyeing, or buy that extra toy our child will forget about in a week... instead: let's make a real difference, by giving. Let's do something good, shall we?




Of course, Barley and Birch is one of many great organizations that you can donate to. I write about it, because it one that is close to my heart. Find something that is close to you... a meaningful cause that makes you smile when you think of all the good benefiting from your donation. Another donating idea I really love is: Oxfam Unwrapped. <--- seriously, check it out. I'm sure you all know me well enough by now to look at the site for 30 seconds and go "oh gee, of course Drea loves this idea". 


edit: ps! friends and family who might read this blog: M and I would like donations made in our name instead of gifts. Seriously, I cant think of one thing we *need*. 

A Monday

Alex, Marlowe, and I hung out on the couch for the better part of the morning. I made sure to get every single task I possibly could out of the way on Sunday, so that on Monday we could do any and everything or nothing at all. I lounged with my feet propped up, eating toast, in a very much "I'm happy to do anything. This is your day off" mood. Without fail, like every day off, (just like I knew he would) Alex wanted tacos. We headed to Palm Beach and enjoyed the beautiful winter weather (hehehe) for a few moments before lunch. The rest of the day continued with: purchasing Christmas decorations, making dinner, hanging lights, and cutting out tiny christmas trees.

little clip c/o upatreecupatea

cha cha's

mushroom bolognese. 

I'm not typically one to decorate for the holidays. The holidays are actually quite depressing for me, I mean, only in my head, but still. Thats actually why I left New England. I wanted to try to escape the winter blues... turns out it's more than the weather that bums me out.. I'm a Christmas and New Years wah-face. Ok, well I always knew that, even as a 12 year old, sitting around, confused to why I was sad on New Years, but whatever, it was a good reason to escape cold and dark winters. Luckily, the nice weather helps a lot. A lot-a lot. I discussed this a bit last year, but I really want to try to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer around here for Marlowe, with minimal gifts, but lots and lots of love.