This Week the Trend: Josie Maran SPF 40 Sunblock

Image via Sephora

I wrote recently about another Josie Maran product- the whipped Body Butter in Apricot Vanilla- but I recently tried the Argan Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40 and it did not disappoint- in fact, I've been reaching for it all week! It smells wonderful, and is chemical-free so I can also use it for Miles when we go to the beach. One of the main reasons I hate sunblock is because it can be so greasy, but this one really feels light and absorbs very quickly. Give it a try this summer!


And now for the link-up (side note: thank you everyone who participated last week- I was so excited to see your entries)! "This Week the Trend" is a way to showcase your current must-have that you find yourself reaching for constantly: it could be a book you can't put down, new music, a product for yourself/home/babies, fashion find, etc! Here are the rules:


1. Kindly link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
2. Please link back to me- grab a button!
3. Spread the blog love and click on any of the links below- who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite thing!


(Note: This week I'm also linking up with Naptime Review and her Favorite Product Fridays!)

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.joiedeveralynn.blogspot.com" title="Joie de V"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwkoNXqEmPat5jqDQDTEuhzGOa4Spop_WpchLBZKQi6Nf6RQNDFxtWjY2C9FxrJ8SGfRPDEEWK6rUkZE5HUO0HHSfrraVgqcl_fCEGGmATER_YyECDtmUVPnWewh8QnC8gLE3Gw/s1600/thisweekthetrend.jpg" alt="Joie de V" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Foodie Love: Goulash

Over the span of time I lived in Germany, I visited Salzburg- just a short train ride into Austria- twice. It was in a little restaurant nestled along a tiny side street in Salzburg that I had one of the best meals of my entire life- goulash. I was shocked that I could enjoy two of my favorite ingredients (noodles and potatoes) in the same dish! Needless to say, when I stumbled across Urban Accent's spice mix at World Market, I knew I'd need to do make this for dinner ASAP. It was delicious! Here's my recipe (adapted from here) and directions:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours

Prep and portion the onions, herbs and spices, tomato paste, and chuck roast.

In a large saute pan or stock pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onions and sugar until carmelized. Add the garlic (and caraway seed, if using). Cook for one minute. Add the spice mix (or remaining herbs and spices) and saute for another minute. Add the tomato paste. Deglaze with the balsamic vinegar (I didn't have any balsamic vinegar on hand, so I substituted each tablespoon of vinegar with one tablespoon apple cider vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon sugar) and chicken stock, and then add the pieces of chuck roast. Lastly, add the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook until very tender, about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Cook the egg noodles in a separate saucepan about ten minutes before the goulash is finished. Once everything is ready to serve, portion the desired amount of noodles on the plate first, with a helping of goulash on the top. Serve immediately.

And there you have it! It may seem daunting to have the total cook time at two hours, but most of that time is the goulash simmering on the stove. I already had a lot of these ingredients in my pantry, but the total cost for four servings was around $15. Not bad on the wallet, and it was so delicious!

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

What I Wore Wednesday

Well, this week has flown by! Sorry I haven't posted much in the last few days- as you can see, the new blog design is being installed and there are a few hiccups that are being fixed before it will actually be complete. I love the new design and can't wait for it to be finished!

Anyway, I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy and A Little Bit of Lacquer this week for this Wednesday's outfit. Here's all the details!

Lip color: Speed Dial by MAC
Shirt: TJ Maxx
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: (my favorite pair of) Sven clogs

I stopped by Macy's with my sis-in-law yesterday in hopes of finding a pretty pink lip color for summer that was bolder than what I usually wear but not too bold. The girls at the MAC counter gave me some Kleenex, a makeup remover wipe, and a little cup of alcohol to clean the tester lipsticks and promptly left me to my own devices, so I tried on a whole bunch of different colors. They ranged from crazy orange (there's no way I can pull that look off!) to my safety range of sheer pinks. This one is definitely not sheer, but it's a happy medium.

Oh, and my clogs. These shoes are the best. They're super comfortable and really cute. I have two pairs of Sven clogs and I wish I had more! Sven is a great brand to try whether you are a longtime fan of this style or completely new to the concept of wooden shoes because you can design your own- from the heel height and style to the material and the color! Definitely stop by their website and take a look around.

Have a great Wednesday!
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Our Week (In a Nutshell)

My family is cuh-razy. Laugh so hard your stomach hurts, shake your head in amazement that you're related crazy. This week I've spent a lot of time with my sisters, brother, and mom and, I have to say, I love those weirdos! What else has been going on? Miles has been his regular happy self- perfecting his roll, bouncing in his Johnny Jump-Up (he loves that thing), and working on sitting up by himself. I just can't get over his cuteness.

My mom, brother, sisters, and I love Del Taco.
So healthy, I know.

Motherhood confession of the week: If you've seen my last few posts, I've been blogging about our transition into cloth diapers. One of my least favorite (although not as terrible as I'd originally imagined) aspects is dealing with poop. I didn't realize how much I wanted to avoid cleaning them until, when I noticed Miles making that certain face, I would rush him into the bathroom, unsnap the diaper, and hold him over the potty so he could do his business. The whole time he just stared at me, blinking, as I looked up at the ceiling (to give him some privacy, of course). Yes, I did. And yes, it worked! So awesome.

This week was a lot of just lounging around the house, snuggles, and just preparing myself mentally for the busy summer session of classwork that's starting up soon. I'm looking forward to the challenge of balancing work and life as I pursue this dream of mine! I'm so thankful for my husband who supports my goals.

Tomorrow we have a doctor's appointment for Miles to check his weight. I think he's right around fourteen pounds now, which may still be a little low for five months, but is a three-pound weight gain from a month ago when we started supplementing with formula. (Although I've been taking the teas and herbal supplements- following my LC's instructions to the letter- my supply is still decreasing and now nursing is mostly as a comfort and not his main source of nutrition. At times I find it sad, but I am so thankful that we are able to nourish him with formula and still have our bonding time.) Also, tomorrow will be Miles's first time at the beach! I can't wait to introduce him to the ocean. 

1. Roscoe, my sweet baby pup.

2. Snuggles before bed.

3. Gus doesn't like having his photo taken.

4. Doesn't he look so grown up in his Johnny Jump-Up?

5. My happy boy.

6. Monkeying around with Grandma.

7. You may have an online shopping problem if Gilt Groupe sends you a free onesie.

8. All smiles.

9. Mastering the roll.

I hope you all have a great week!

Leave a comment here!

~VP~  

I'm All For Hippie Magic, But I Draw the Line at Placenta Milkshakes.

Those of you who know me pretty well know I am a sucker for Bravo and its ridiculous TV shows. We don't even have cable and I still manage to find the free episodes available online or read the Bravo blogs to get an idea of what's happening. There's one particular show, Pregnant In Heels- about "maternity concierge" Rosie Pope and her New York City clients who are expecting- that I particularly enjoy. This season, they had an episode where a mother wanted to eat her placenta, so they blended it in a milkshake. I'm sitting on my couch shaking my head, wondering why they had to ruin a perfectly good milkshake. I mean, if you want (or need) to eat your placenta by all means do it, but let me have my milkshake afterward as a reward at least!

Speaking of more hippie magic, there is a new documentary on Ina May Gaskin and her fellow midwives at The Farm that is currently fundraising to reach it's goal of $50,000 in order to finish production, cover costs, and distribute the film by 2013. You can help by pledging any amount here. Watch the trailer below (Warning for those who don't want to see any "maternal nudity"...I'm just saying, there's Milk Dud nips. Not that there's anything wrong with that!)



I hope you're all having a good weekend!
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

This Week the Trend: Further Products

Photo via Lafayette & Rushford

Hippie magic has done it again. Who knew vegetable oil from one of LA's gourmet eateries (Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali's Mozza) could be refined into a dish and hand soap, hand lotion, and candles? The husband-and-wife team behind Further did! They process the oil in their garage to use the biofuel to power their cars, with the remaining distilled glycerin going into the Further product line. With their signature scent made from the oils of bergamot, olive, and exotic grasses, being eco-friendy has never smelled so good! You can purchase the hand soap, lotion, and candles directly from Further's website, or the entire collection from Lafayette & Rushford.

I think I may have found a way to actually enjoy washing the dishes! (Oh please, who am I kidding? I couldn't even write that line with a straight face.)

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.joiedeveralynn.blogspot.com" title="Joie de V"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwkoNXqEmPat5jqDQDTEuhzGOa4Spop_WpchLBZKQi6Nf6RQNDFxtWjY2C9FxrJ8SGfRPDEEWK6rUkZE5HUO0HHSfrraVgqcl_fCEGGmATER_YyECDtmUVPnWewh8QnC8gLE3Gw/s1600/thisweekthetrend.jpg" alt="Joie de V" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Okay, now it's time to start something I've been wanting to try for a while! It's my very first link-up! "This Week the Trend" is a way to showcase your current must-have that you find yourself reaching for constantly: it could be a book you can't put down, new music, a product for yourself/home/babies, fashion find, etc! Here are the rules:


1. Kindly link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
2. Please link back to me- grab a button!
3. Spread the blog love and click on any of the links below- who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite thing!

What I Wore Wednesday

I finally decided to join in on The Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday and realized two things: firstly, I need to clean my mirrors more often, and two- this is pretty fun. Here are the details:

Scarf: Alexander McQueen
Top: TJ Maxx
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind
Shoes: Forever 21

I've been making strides in not simply reaching for my "Mommy Uniform"- black yoga pants, grey tee, and a hoodie (my shoes do vary by mood)- and I'm liking the alternative. My biggest challenge tends to be my hair; most of the time, I just want to fix it in a messy bun, slip a headband on, and be on my way (at least today I used a scarf, right?). Maybe now's the time to get into the habit of putting a little more effort there as well. More than likely I will wind up using a lot of dry shampoo and scouring Pinterest's Hair and Beauty section with keywords like "easy" and "mom".


Here's to making an effort.
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Can I Borrow Your Notes?

Whitney and Miles 

Today was just plain nice. It all started when Miles only woke up once last night, and kept going when he napped for nearly three hours this morning. I was beyond excited that he was sleeping so long, but I was ready to head out to spend the afternoon with my friends Whitney and Becky and their kids. We had so much fun drinking way too much caffeine, eating doughnuts, and laughing about all sorts of things! I really enjoy connecting with friends, but especially now when we can relate to each other and compare notes as mamas.

Illustration by Sarah Jane Wright

Speaking of comparing notes, I have been reading and researching how moms introduce and set the stage for a healthy diet once their babies start solids. Miles isn't there yet, but he will be shortly, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have any anxiety about it. I read the book French Kids Eat Everything and it really got me thinking about how the way food is introduced to a child from the beginning probably will influence them one way or another for the rest of their lives. (Side note: if books like French Women Don't Get Fat and Bringing Up Bebe are any indicator, it would seem like the French just have everything figured out!) Here were the rules presented in the book- I'd love to know your thoughts! How do you introduce new foods and mealtime to your little one?

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Music Monday: Sydney Wayser

Have you ever been in a music rut? I tend to fixate on one song or playlist and play it over and over and over, until I hear something different that catches my ear. This week I stumbled across Sydney Wayser's Bell Choir Coast (via For Me, For You), featuring dreamy harmonies and sweetly clear vocals that remind me of somewhere between Feist and Pomplamoose.

Have a listen and shake off those Monday blues!

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Our Week (In a Nutshell)

This week has been pretty great. Miles has been so happy and active- I really look forward to his smiling face every morning, no matter how sleepy I may be. One afternoon this week I was trying to entice Miles with a new rattle, but he only held onto it for a moment before becoming enamored with a cardboard box and plastic packing material that I'd just received from FedEx. Who needs toys when you've got boxes, right? Such a boy.

Miles and I spent Wednesday afternoon catching up with my wonderful friend Morgan and her kids. Her little ones are a bit older than Miles, so I enjoy seeing what I have to look forward to as he grows. And, of course, a visit with Morgan wouldn't be complete without boba!

On Friday- also known as National Doughnut Day- Miles and I ventured out to enjoy a day of thrift-storing and a chocolate sprinkled doughnut (obviously not for the baby, but he did enjoy trying to swipe it out of my hand!). The local thrift stores were chock full of things I have been looking for- a classic chambray shirt with a good fit, a grey skirt for fall, a silk scarf for summer, and a tray to keep in our master bathroom to hold my accessories. Finding a vintage edition of The New York Times Cookbook from the sixties was an added bonus. On Saturday he and I also went to a yard sale where I found two perfect little glass mugs and a set of six pretty little salt and pepper shakers. I'm fairly certain I didn't spend more than twenty dollars between the two days- how fantastic is that?

On Saturday, Parker's parents watched Miles for the afternoon, allowing Parker and I get lunch and get a nap in (okay, so I was the only one who took a nap). The weather was so perfect, and we sat in our living room talking and planning for the rest of our weekend. Some days I still can't get over how lucky I am to have a man like Parker in my life, who supports me and loves me and laughs with me every step of our life together!

Since the last time I posted, we've been transitioning Miles more fully to cloth diapers. I've found that I prefer the Flip diapers much more during the day- they're super easy to change and the prefolds work great as inserts. For nighttime, we use the BumGenius Freetime or 4.0 diaper. We have seven Flip covers, three BumGenius diapers, two dozen cotton prefolds, and four microfiber doublers. I don't like waiting to do diaper laundry once a week, so this way I've been able to throw the diaper covers and inserts with the regular laundry every three days...at most. The Rockin' Green detergent we've been using is so fantastic at keeping everything fresh and clean, too, so I'm really excited about having the cloth diapers become part of our regular routine. It doesn't hurt that I bought all the diapers we'll need with accessories for under $100 (the same as three months of buying disposable diapers from Amazon)!

Have a great week!
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Taking Time to Just Be

Like I mentioned in a recent post, I'm working on taking better care of my skin. And, as a new mama, I think it's important to take time to pamper yourself (is it scary that the first thing that comes to mind now when I write the word "pamper" is diapers?), relax, and be refreshed. Whether I do this once a week and have a DIY spa day or take a moment before bed to indulge in my favorite new moisturizer (Josie Maran's Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot), it just feels good. Of course, it's not every day I find a Sephora gift card in the mailbox, so here are few other ways I take time to slow down and just be.

Read. I find that reading calms my mind from racing a million different directions.

Pray. When I notice frustration setting in or I see Miles is having a hard day, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking a moment to pray and recognize what I'm thankful for and to refocus on what's important helps me to get over those hurdles with a clear head and happy spirit.

Exercise. Going for a walk, enjoying a yoga class, or taking advantage of naptime to get in a long overdue workout- some days it's a struggle against myself to get off the couch, but I know how good I feel afterward and that is a motivator to get moving! (Of course, some days take more motivating than others...) Don't think about it too long, just do it!

DIY spa day...on the cheap. TJ Maxx or Ross often have a great selection of products for a lot less than their retail price. It's a great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank.

What ways can you set aside time to just be?

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Sunday Thoughts and Our Week (In a Nutshell)

Helping mama with laundry (photo taken by Parker)

It brought a smile to my face today when one of my favorite people at church told me she reads my blog. Sometimes I wonder how many readers stop by; sometimes it's a little scary to know who exactly is reading some of these thoughts o' mine. I hope, though, that sharing my stories, opinions and musings will bring positivity to anyone who is reading.

While we were at church today, I was sitting in the cry room with a sleeping Miles when another mom walked in with her little girl whose first birthday is next week. Seeing her playing and smiling made me so excited for Miles to be at that age (which will be around Christmas!), when he will be learning to walk and interact more and more as a little person. I'm still amazed at how much he's changed in the nearly five months he's been here.

My happy boy!

So what's been happening this week? Well, things have gotten a little crunchy around here. Miles has been rocking an amber teething necklace- which doesn't seem to bother him at all and is very cute- in hopes of easing his discomfort as he enters the teething phase of life. I think it's adorable in a flower child sort of way, although I've had a lot more strangers think he is a girl because he's wearing a necklace. Also, this week we have begun using cloth diapers- mostly at night, but sometimes during the day- as a gradual shift away from disposable diapers. I can tell you that Parker is not thrilled (but I think he'll come around)! I've been using the BumGenius Freetime diaper during the night (no leaks and Miles seems a lot more comfortable), and switching between the BumGenius 4.0 and the Flip pocket diapers, using cotton prefolds as the inserts. I have to give a shout-out to my friend Morgan who guided me through Cloth Diapering 101 a while back (I was still pregnant with Miles!)- it's been so helpful! We'll have to see how excited I am about them once we've started Miles on solid food...

I've had a lot of fun this week with my favorite sister-in-law; we went shopping, and enjoyed some really good food at Ai Love Sushi (although eating there was bittersweet since it's in the space where Chef Rick's used to be). Miles loves seeing Jessica, too- it's great being able to spend more time with her instead of only a few times a year!

Concentrating before the race.

My brother Ernie had a BMX race yesterday and it was intense. I brought Miles towards the end and he was fascinated, watching all the bikes speed past on the track. I had been recording the two qualifying events on Ernie's iPod for him and it was tricky to cheer and record at the same time, but I managed (I have a feeling I will be very vocal at Miles's future sporting events...he's going to be so embarrassed!). Earlier in the day, one of the riders had crashed pretty badly and had to be taken away by ambulance, so when my brother crashed in the main event I felt my heart jump a little but he got back up and finished the race, and I cheered the whole time. I could tell he was annoyed when we met up after the race, which I completely understand, because we both hate losing (must be a family trait). At the end of the day, though, there will be more races and I know he'll keep getting better and better since sometimes it seems as if he needs to ride like he needs air to breathe! I even took home a sunburn as a souvenir (shame on me- I know I need to wear sunscreen!), and I think I learned my lesson because my ears are literally burning.

I'm thinking of starting a section of the blog called The Reluctant Crafter. I am not by nature a craft-lover; however, Pinterest somehow keeps managing to find ideas that catch my eye. I've got a few ideas lined up and just might start crafting soon!

Have a good week!
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Life (Or Something Like It)

Today has been pretty rough. Two people I know passed away- and as of last week, they were both healthy. One of them was a family friend; the other was a friend's fiancé. I'm not going to lie, it felt like I got punched in the stomach, twice. To imagine people I care about being in grief hurts to the point where I can feel it. (It's embarrassing, but sometimes I get so comfortable and complacent in my day-to-day activities that I forget that life is fleeting and shouldn't be treated so mundanely.) It's like getting a bucket of cold water splashed in your face- it's shock to your system, but once you open your eyes, brings clarity.


How can I live each day better in full appreciation of the life I've been given? It's a question I've been working through, and I've come to the conclusion that it would be much easier to make a general pledge to "live life to the fullest". The actual effort to savor life is in the details. When Miles wakes during the night, I can embrace the limited time he needs me to comfort him rather than wearily care for him with a bad attitude. I can take time to do something special with my husband, just the two of us. 


Here's to the little things that make life so special.
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Our Week (In a Nutshell)

This week has been all about family. I think it's easy to take family for granted, but there are few times I laugh more, feel as connected, or more protective than when I'm with my family- I want Miles to know that feeling and find comfort in it as he's growing up. Here's what happened this week:

• My sister-in-law Jessica has moved back from San Jose and she, Miles, and I had a hilarious coffee date at Starbucks
• I had a great dinner with my side of the family on Monday night, full of laughter and delicious pizza
• I officially received an A in my class and it is a huge boost in my confidence that I was able to attain my goal!
• My sisters and I spent the today doing some major retail damage in Pismo Beach in honor of Krystal's thirteenth (!) birthday. To be honest, I think she's more excited that Mom is letting her wear mascara now than any other present she received- although a little spending money never hurts! 

Well, Miles is asleep and I'm following shortly. Have a great weekend!

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Mad Men and Ladies of Literature

I've been in an interesting mood lately- a combination of wanting to try new things and finding comfort in old favorites. Now that the spring semester is over, I have a full month before summer session starts and I plan on enjoying it fully. I want to take the first of many trips to the beach, reconnect with my piano (which has been sorely overlooked until very recently), and read. I dug out some of my cherished books from our various bookshelves around the house and was thinking of just how much I particularly enjoy an older read. The way they're written is almost like an entirely different dialect than the English I speak in my day-to-day life. Some of my most prized hardcovers are a first edition of Age of Fables from 1855 (I still cannot believe I found it for twenty-five cents at a thrift store) and The Emperor's Lady, a novel based on the life of Josephine Bonaparte. 


I'm antsy to dive into these treasures; however, I've been spending most of my time scouring The Baby Book by Dr. Sears and other infant guides in search of some answers for my sweet baby. Firstly, he's been sleeping so terribly the last month or so- it's not that he's hard to convince to go to sleep in the first place, it's just that he wakes up so many times during the night- and I don't know what's bothering him or how to fix it (before I had Miles I thought we'd just go the Ferber route but I just can't swallow the idea of letting him cry himself to sleep). Secondly, I'm still supplementing with formula and nothing I've tried thus far (including a $46 bottle of an herbal supplement- ouch) seems to be making a difference. I've read Ina May's book from start to finish at least three times while I wait to hear back from Kathleen, who is recovering from surgery. Obviously, I just want Miles to be happy and healthy- anyone have any suggestions?

Rolling around. :)

One idea I received was to spend as much time as possible nursing Miles throughout the day, so we've been flying through episodes of Mad Men like nobody's business. I actually like the show a lot more than I thought I would.

What are your summer plans?
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

My First Mother's Day

Today I got to experience my very first Mother's Day with my baby boy! Although he did exist this time last year (the size of a peanut or something similar), it's so much more fun to be able to cuddle and hold him as we celebrated today.

My day started after a full night's rest- Parker took care of Miles during the night so I could get uninterrupted sleep- and we all sat together in bed. I was directed to the kitchen, where a sweet message was written to me from my guys in alphabet magnet letters on the refrigerator pointing to a card and some of my favorite treats, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered cherries. Parker even brought me a pretzel! (Is it bad that most of my treats were food? Probably.)

We met up with my mom, brother, and sisters at Red Lobster and exchanged presents while we enjoyed a tasty lunch. Miles was all grins and behaved like a perfect little gentleman; afterward, we went to Parker's parents house to spend time with his family.

I'm so thankful for the mothers in my life; the more I go through as a wife and young mom, the more I appreciate what they've experienced and the knowledge they are passing on to me as Miles grows. Over the last year or so, I've learned so much about my own mom's inner strength and determination through some of the worst circumstances our family has ever experienced. I enjoy being able to talk to her about what's going on in our lives and see her not only as my mom, but as a friend. She means so much to me!

I hope you've all had a wonderful Mother's Day- I've definitely taken time today to reflect on the women who have made such an important impact in my life from childhood until now and hope I can be as motherly and supportive an influence to Miles as they have been to me.

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

This Week the Trend: "Are You Mom Enough?"

Photo credit here

Before I head off to bed tonight, I wanted to take a moment to write about the trending TIME magazine article on extended breastfeeding and "attachment parenting". I've read plenty of blogs and comments about the article (and I know for a fact that there's many more than I had time to read), and it's safe to say that emotions are flying all over the place.

My initial open-mouthed reaction to the cover was actually not in regards the photo, but to the bold letters of the title, "Are You Mom Enough?" I couldn't help but wonder how much more damage this article will do between mothers who should be building each other up rather than tearing each other down (as I wrote about here). I've recently come to the understanding that it is possible to have genuinely good friendships with people who may have very different views on bringing up babies- as long as you can agree to disagree- but most of my experiences are that conversations on parenting and motherhood easily lean toward a no-holds-barred scrimmage to determine who's got it all wrong (cue Woman Guilt). It shouldn't be this way. As Huffington Post columnist Lisa Belkin wrote:

"Breastfeeding is not a macho test of motherhood, with the winner being the one who nurses the longest. In fact there ARE no macho tests of motherhood. Motherhood is -- should be -- a village, where we explore each other's choices, learn from them, respect them, and then go off and make our own. Women who breastfeed their children for three years are outliers, but they are not spectacles, and we shouldn't hold them up as either Madonnas or freaks. Women who do not breastfeed are not monsters, and we should not condemn them, or really have any opinion about their decision at all."

I think it is a good thing that TIME is bringing the issue of breastfeeding into the public awareness; however, I don't think it's as wonderful as some would make it out to be. In my opinion, an article like this will have a negative effect of keeping breastfeeding from becoming a normal, healthy part of American culture when TIME has these parents and children on display like some sort of outlandish exhibit at a museum- a curious, foreign display of human behavior to shock the masses. Mothers who aren't afraid to nurse in public- a great example is Joanna from A Cup of Jo- and stand their ground (after all, the law gives a mother the freedom to breastfeed anywhere she is legally allowed to be) are the ones making the real shift toward a positive attitude about breastfeeding.

As for "attachment parenting"- I just know that, personally, the only label I want to fall under is Miles's Mama. When my son smiles and lights up as soon as he sees me, when he laughs at a silly game we're playing, when he snuggles up against me and falls peacefully asleep...all is right with the world, whether or not I fall into a fabricated category of mothering.

To each their own.
Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Our Week (In a Nutshell)

I've decided that for busy weeks- when I don't have much time to blog as regularly as I'd like- I will do a Friday posting called "Our Week (In a Nutshell)": just a brief summary of words and photos from our happenings and adventures. Here's this week's highlights:

• We discovered Miles is teething and are experimenting with an amber teething necklace (AKA hippie magic) and a cool fish teething toy which he loves to chomp on
• I had a cold (still feeling a bit stuffy but lots better than a couple of days ago) and decided to make the best of it by spending time outdoors and walking around downtown SLO with Miles
• My dear little munchkin has gained a good amount of weight this week and is a champ going between nursing and taking a bottle
• Starbucks has been having frappucino Happy Hour- or "Frappy Hour", as I like to call it- and I've been taking full advantage of it this week. Half off, baby!
• Last, but not least, Parker and I have been immensely cheered up by a certain little smile this week in the midst of being sick and working on various projects (his work, my school)

So, that's our week in a nutshell! 

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Sweet N' Low Moments

May is here! It's hard to believe that by the end of next month, Miles will be six months old. Sometimes I just shake my head in amazement at how much my sweet little boy is changing each day. He rolls all over the place now, and is very wriggly at diaper changes. He loves going on walks or pseudo-runs (the actual "running" is very limited) in the stroller My heart just wants to burst when breaks out his dimpled, toothless smile or when he rests his little hand on my chest during his midnight nursing. I'm constantly surprised at how much he's developing and learning about the world around him and I just want him to soak it all up.

Last week, we took Miles to his four-month doctor's appointment and were shocked to discover that he hadn't gained any weight since his two-month checkup. Long story short, he wasn't getting enough milk from me to gain the weight he needed. The doctor brought in some cans of formula and my initial thoughts were a mixture of sadness (because, although at times I feel like breastfeeding is inconvenient, I really enjoy the bonding, snuggles, and knowledge that it's best for Miles), anger (because I felt like my body had failed me and Miles), and relief (because no matter what, I don't want my son to go hungry!). After the doctor's appointment, I met with Kathleen- my straightforward and motherly, honest-to-goodness Godsend of a lactation consultant- and even she felt I needed to supplement with formula while we worked things out. Admittedly, I was disappointed at this situation at first, but it just sparked this feeling in me that I don't want to give up on breastfeeding until I've done everything I can since this will be the only time in Miles's life that he will need me in this way.

The spring semester is almost over, and my days are busy with studying and finishing the term on a high note. Summer session starts in about a month, and I'll be taking four classes. I was surprised to find that I received a scholarship covering tuition for my courses and I have been smiling ever since.

Excited for things to come!
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~VP~

Stuck in a Delicious Food Rut

I love all kinds of breakfast. It can set the tone of a relaxing weekend, or you can enjoy it as a comforting evening meal. That being said, there is something just plain disappointing about a flat, tasteless pancake. Most mixes just don't cut it, so I went in search of the Perfect Pancake recipe. I definitely found it! These pancakes are so fluffy, so delicious that even my brother- who doesn't give out compliments on anything easily- said they were the best pancakes he'd ever eaten. You can also add 1/2 to a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for a flavored pancake (both are delicious)!


The Perfect Pancake


Ingredients
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur flour)
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted (I use Kerrygold butter- it's so wonderful)
Cooking spray or butter for the pan
1/2 to 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (optional)


Directions
Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to "sour".

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into "soured" milk (along with flavored extract, if you're using any). Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.


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Enjoy!

~VP~

A Friendly Reminder

Image via FitSugar

Wear your sunscreen and take care of your skin! I had a suspicious-looking freckle removed last week that, as it turns out, was skin cancer but thankfully is all taken care of now. I'm not even an outdoorsy type of girl (if you ask me what my idea of camping is, it probably involves running water and preferably WiFi), but I'm just thankful to have gotten it taken care of.

That PSA aside, life is good. I'm somewhat at a crossroads in regards to what I want to do work and education-wise, and I'm thankful to know people who are helping me figure it out. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my days with my guys. Parker and I have been working out regularly and I'm enjoying it a lot! Actually, despite the pain there does come a point where my muscles actually feel warm and tingly and that is what I look forward to now. That, and I have fun laughing (and getting laughed at) for looking ridiculous doing P90X. I've been practicing yoga as well and loving it...I suppose I'm just trying to take better care of myself and I'm enjoying the challenge and reward of it.

I have a confession to make. Sometimes being a mama is lonely. I drove through Starbucks last and was incredibly envious to see three women I know chatting and laughing together inside the store. It made my heart ache, actually. It seems like everyone's got their "people". Obviously I have Parker, and I have friends, but it's not the same as that core group of girlfriends, you know? I'm not saying this to have anyone take pity on me, but if there are any other women who go through this sometimes, you're not the only one. I was emailing someone this morning about this, and it seems like maybe it is more common than I'd thought. For those of you ladies who have that have those friends, treasure them! Ugh. I'm so not a girl's girl.

So- wear your sunscreen, take time to enjoy your exercise, and treasure your friends. Off to make dinner and watch Private Practice!

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~VP~

Our Week (In a Nutshell): That Moment...

...When my sweet baby boy is cuddled in my arms, his little dimpled fingers grasping my shirt and his soft head resting against me while I watch his eyes blink more and more slowly as he drifts towards sleep.

...When my husband twirls me around to dance like we're two footloose and fancy-free lovebirds as we both laugh and share a kiss (we're actually in the kitchen doing dishes).

...When I'm in the midst of a workout and I can't imagine doing one more anything, but I push through anyway and feel the reward of energy, refreshment, and strength.

I want to make sure and have these moments jotted down- they are so wonderful to me!

~VP~

Good Intent

Since Miles was born, I've watched all the seasons of Grey's Anatomy- up until the current season, that is- and one of the weird things I enjoyed about the show was that each episode was named after a song. Since I'm on a huge Kimbra kick right now, the title "Good Intent" fits perfectly.

Good intent is also fitting as I look back on my previous post. This post has no doubt received the most feedback of any blog entry I've written to date; I received many Facebook messages and a few comments on the blog itself. I was disappointed to find that many have been put down by others for their birthing choices, and what some misunderstood to be a slam on natural birth is not at all! It's not about epidurals, med-free, or Cesareans- I just love birth. It is so beautiful and crazy how our bodies work to grow new life, bring it into the world, and then proceed to give us the innate desire to fiercely protect and nurture it. What I care about is the freedom a woman should have to give birth how and where she feels comfortable and most safe. If that's at home in her own environment, she should receive no judgement. If that's in a hospital with an epidural, the same should apply. It's her choice. Certainly it doesn't help to pass criticism on a woman who's already given birth. One quote from The Business of Being Born has stuck with me since I first heard it: "A woman, as long as she lives, will remember how she was made to feel during her birth." All I mean to say is, support is what women need. I hope we can all lift each other up instead of the alternative.

In other news, Miles is three months old now! He is smiling more and more, laughing, and starting to roll over. I adore him. He holds onto me, and he has started to cry when someone else is holding him and he realizes they're not me. He's such a mama's boy. Gosh, I love him.

That's all for now. Goodnight!
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~VP~

I Wish We All Could Win

Can you believe it's March already? 2012 is in full force and sometimes I feel like I haven't gotten any time to catch my breath, but I think that's how life is. I'm certain one of these days I'll blink and Miles will be going off to preschool. I'm so lovestruck by the leading men in my life these days. They're funny and silly and handsome and completely lovable.

It's in these lovestruck moments where I find clarity on feelings that I, over the last year or so, have been working through and mulling over. When I found out I was pregnant with the tiny sesame seed that became Miles, I researched all kinds of things like the novice baby maker that I was. Topics like birth and breastfeeding became even more fascinating because it was something I was about to experience. I realized that there are very staunch camps out there in MommyLand: breastfeeding versus formula feeding, natural birth versus epidurals or C-sections, cloth diapers versus disposable diapers, the list went on and on. I told myself that I would go for a natural birth- I watched The Business of Being Born more times than I could count. The moment the midwife would say to the mother, "Reach down and pick up your baby!" I would smile and happily imagine myself easily and effortlessly give birth without any medication, in no more than eight hours. I set natural birth up on a pedestal and actually felt bad for the poor women out there who got the evil epidural in the hospital. Looking back, I laugh. Sympathetic laughter for the girl who thought she knew it all, and joyful laughter for the girl who learned this bit of truth: a mama and baby who are both alive and well are all that matter.

I did learn my lesson. After Miles was born, the lactation consultant at the hospital told me to expect a hard time breastfeeding because I got the "evil epidural". Someone actually asked me how I felt about my "birth failure" and told me I put Miles in harm's way. I was upset, until I realized that this was exactly how I had thought of other women before I experienced my son's birth. It dawned on me that this is not a right or wrong situation. Neither is how a baby gets fed, and I don't think Miles will get frowned upon in college because he didn't wear cloth diapers as a baby. Women should not be so hard on each other; I shouldn't have been hardheaded about things I knew absolutely nothing about. Miles's birth still brings tears of joy to my eyes and his existence brings me joy each day- what more could I ask for?

Moral of the story: if you don't want a natural birth, there's no shame in that. If you planned a natural birth but decided to get an epidural, there's no shame in that either. If you want a natural birth, I say go for it! And by all means, feed your baby whichever way works for you.

Whew. It felt good to get that written down. I just feel blessed that I'm getting enough sleep at night that I have time to type these thoughts out. Speaking of which, it's that time again- goodnight for now!

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~VP~

So (Not) Productive

Miles and I are home from Nashville and basking in the California sunshine once again. My lips have been super chapped since we got home- apparently from the airplane ride back- and they hurt! The other morning they were puffy like I got Botox (note to self: it's not a good look) and I tried to suppress my mild panic by applying every different chapstick and lip balm I own as damage control with no luck. Thankfully my mom reminded me of the awesome product that is Blistex and my mouth is back to looking more like my own and less like Angelina Jolie's. Thank goodness.

Put down the pancake. Yes, you.

On Friday I started my new workout, Tracy Anderson's Post-Pregnancy Workout. It was terrible and painfully obvious that I need to get back into a workout routine. And that's why I haven't worked out again since Friday, but instead baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies over the weekend which I've all but inhaled. Also, I made pancakes and eggs for breakfast this morning because it's National Pancake Day. Yes, that was the only reason (not that you really need a reason to make pancakes). And while Miles is napping away, I could be exercising, but all I want to do is sit down with my lunch and watch another episode of Grey's Anatomy. 


It takes a lot of effort to not cave in to what I like to call Woman Guilt- beating myself up if I feel like I can't "do it all". Being a good wife, taking care of Miles, keeping the house tidy, using the time I have to myself wisely (when sometimes all I want to do is fritter away that time on the Pinterest)? Written down, it doesn't seem so daunting. In the thick of it, however, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. I think these feelings are normal. At least, I hope so. Sooner or later everything will fall into place, and life is truly wonderful even in these times where I feel panicky and convince myself that I'm not doing it right.

~VP~

February Favorites

Hello again, blogosphere- it's been a while! I've been so wrapped up in baby love that I haven't really sat down to write much (although after all those weekly entries, it was nice to have a bit of a break). Even right now as I'm writing, Miles is propped up next to me smiling and making cute baby sounds as he's looking curiously around the room. He's so chubby and kissable and perfect!

This last week Miles and I have been in Nashville visiting family- flying solo with a baby wasn't as hard as I imagined it, with the exception of the security checkpoint. TSA must have thought Miles looked suspicious, or at least that's how it felt- I had to completely disassemble the stroller and then sort all the normal stuff (electronics, shoes, jacket) with one arm while holding Miles with the other. Then they took all the fabric off the carseat, swabbed the seat with a giant Q-tip, and just tossed the fabric back in the carseat when they were done with it. I know people were getting irritated at the mom stupid enough to be traveling with a baby, but I actually didn't care! I've been very go-with-the-flow about this whole trip, and it's gone flawlessly thus far. Miles is a natural at traveling and didn't make more than the occasional happy squeak on the flight. We're heading home tomorrow night.

Cellar at Novo

Backtracking a little, Valentine's Day was pretty wonderful. Parker and I headed to SLO for lunch at Novo, where we had the whole wine cellar dining room to ourselves. It felt romantic and the food was delicious. We walked around downtown afterward and ran into Michael Shaw, so Parker got to have some bromance for Valentine's as well.

Motherhood is going fabulously. I think Miles sleeping nine hours straight at night may have something to do with it; at any rate, I'm enjoying all the challenges and surprises that having a baby brings. For example, I had no idea nursing would be tricky in the beginning, but trimming baby fingernails is every bit as nerve-wracking as I imagined. I'm learning the importance of time management, and part of that is setting time aside for myself. Even if that means turning my iPod up really loud and enjoying a song or three before bed.

Kimbra

Here are some of my February Favorites:

Music- Kimbra. If you haven't heard her voice, look her up immediately!
TV- Grey's Anatomy. Wow, it's addicting. I haven't gone through episodes this fast since Gilmore Girls!
Book- Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. I just started reading this on my Kindle, but I like the writing style so far.

I will write again soon, promise!
Leave a comment here!

 ~VP~

Life With Miles- Week 4 & My Favorite (Baby) Things

I can't believe we're already approaching the end of our first month with Miles. He's not a newborn anymore! It's so exciting to see him start being more alert and awake during the day. He smiles whenever I give him kisses, and he loves to snuggle. He is starting to sleep in consistently longer stretches at night- usually from nine to three, after which he eats and then falls back asleep until about seven-thirty or even eight in the morning! So awesome.

Weirdly, I've been having more cravings now post-pregnancy than I did before Miles arrived. These cravings include peanut M&Ms, peanut butter, soda (bad, Veralynn, bad), and chocolate chip cookies. I'm allowing myself to indulge a bit until my six-week postpartum checkup with Dr. K; once I get the thumbs up to start exercising again, I plan on being a bit more disciplined with my diet and exercise.

I wanted to share some of the baby items that I've found most useful in the first month of Miles's arrival. These are what I like to call My Favorite (Baby) Things. Let's go clockwise starting from the upper left-hand corner.

1. The UppaBaby Vista- this stroller has not disappointed us yet; in fact, quite the opposite. The bassinet works wonderfully as a little bed for Miles when we're away from home, the base is easy to get in and out of the car, and the carseat snaps so easily in and out without causing a stir if Miles is asleep. It feels like you're pushing air and I can even maneuver it with one hand! I use this stroller all the time and it is worth having.
2. A breastfeeding pillow- what can I say, Miles is my chunk o' love and I was having a hard time positioning him well and holding him to eat without it (another reason to exercise- lack of upper body strength). I don't want to tell you the name of it because it's so ridiculous...oh fine, it's called My Brest Friend. Ugh! I hate even typing that out. Barf.
3. A good swaddle blanket- Miles loves this at night and helps him get to sleep. 'Nuff said!
4. Nature Babycare diapers- these are so awesome! They aren't perfumed, they are biodegradable, we've never had any leaks, and they fit great. 
5. The Balboa Baby ring sling- the only sling I've successfully used with Miles so far. Grocery shopping was easy with him cuddled in the sling!
6. Last but not least, the Como Tomo bottle- it's the best! Miles loves it. It's a little pricey but worth being able to have a bottle that Miles will take and not upset his tummy in the process.

From this point, I think I'm going back to posts as I feel like writing and maybe monthly posts on Miles. We'll see, though- it's been fun writing about the different changes I'm noticing each week. I'm so happy to have this little guy in my life, and I can't wait to experience each milestone of his development.

I'm just so happy!

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~VP~

Life With Miles- Week 3

My boys.

There's been one phrase on repeat since Miles's arrival: "He's going to grow up so fast!" I wasn't convinced, as I had been anticipating the minutes, hours, and days to drag on these first few weeks due to sleep deprivation and exhaustion (as well-wishing friends, family, and even strangers told me to expect)- this hasn't been the case at all and it's a huge blessing. At the same time, I've been trying to remind myself how quickly time is going by so I can enjoy each sweet moment of Milo as a newborn before he isn't any longer. It won't be too much longer now!

Miles has settled into quite the routine. He's started having a fussy time every afternoon around three and seems almost inconsolable for about half an hour but will settle into a long nap afterward. When he wakes up, he has started eating every hour from about six to ten in the evening but then sleeps a long stretch of anywhere from four to six hours straight (worth it!). It's nice to be able to anticipate these parts of his day and work with him.

Parker and I have been able to enjoy some time out just the two of us, courtesy of Parker's parents, and it's been really nice! I think Miles enjoys the cuddles almost as much as his Grandpa and Grandma do.

Until next time...
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~VP~

Life With Miles- Week 2

Two weeks already! It's hard to believe, and it already seems like my sweet little baby is starting to grow up. He's changed so much in these fourteen days- his face is starting to change a bit and he's growing like a champ (he was already at eight pounds, thirteen ounces at eleven days old). When he's awake, he sticks his neck out curiously- he kind of looks like a turtle- and takes everything in with wide eyes. It really is the cutest thing.

This week we took our first trip away from home and ventured a few hours south. It was also our second anniversary, which we celebrated with a nice dinner out (accompanied by a sleeping munchkin in the stroller next to us). Even away from home, Miles slept wonderfully in his stroller bassinet. We enjoyed all the shopping and restaurants in the area- there was even a Cinnabon nearby! (We don't have a Cinnabon anywhere near us, which is probably a good thing now that I think about it.)

It's good to be home, though. Parker and I were both laughing so hard last night as we gave Milo a bath- it must have felt liberating to be diaper-free, and he certainly took advantage of the feeling. Afterward, we cuddled him in his hooded bear towel and he looked so content. Miles is doing great at sleeping at night- he usually sleeps one five-hour stretch followed by two three-hour stretches, eating in between. This definitely makes me a happy mama!

So, I have about four weeks left before my post-partum checkup with Dr. K- I can't wait to get the green light to start exercising again. I'm already below my pre-pregnancy weight and fit in all my jeans- it's a miracle! I have no idea how this happened but it is an encouragement because towards the end of my pregnancy I was sure I'd never be able to fit in any of my old clothes once Milo got here.

So, here we are at two weeks: working on our routine, and still soaking up all these moments with our little son. Good times.

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~VP~

Life with Miles- Week 1

This week feels like it's gone by in a blink. I keep trying to remember every little detail about his birth (it makes me tear up just thinking about it) and savoring these moments of him as a newborn baby- even if that means consciously reminding myself during the wee hours of the morning during his cycle of eatdiapersleep- since before I know it he'll be on to the next stage of life.

To me, Miles is perfect- his sweet baby smell, his curious eyes soaking in the new world around him, his chubby cheeks, the way he rests his hands on his tummy contentedly after a full meal. He is really a mellow little man. He doesn't like getting his diaper changed (but who does?), but that's really about all he fusses about. He likes to ride in the car and in his stroller and he loves to be swaddled.

Parker has been great in taking care of Miles. He has become Super Dad! He's taken over a few times already so I can run an errand or get Starbucks by myself. We've both been on different cycles of energy and sleep-deprivation but I think that's a good thing so we can help each other out in getting rest or just a little time away for ourselves. In regards to our relationship, I feel very close to Parker and feel that since Miles has arrived we've become more of a team. I look at Miles in awe- to think that he is an offshoot of us is incredible to me.

That's not to say that having a newborn baby is without its challenges; we had a momentary setback with breastfeeding in the beginning that's better now and are currently dealing with a bout of thrush which is on the mend. We're of course a bit tired as well, but it's so worth it. We've also had some really funny moments at the changing table (read: stay out of the splash zone and projectile poo!) but we're getting better at anticipating these antics!

There's also encouraging aspects of new mommyhood. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight and can zip up my jeans no problem! This came a lot faster than I expected and I am not complaining one bit. I'm looking forward to being able to exercise again, too.

On to week two! And hopefully some more naps. :)
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~VP~