happy new year!

I am s l o w l y getting myself back in the routine after such a nice, refreshing break. All the Christmas stuff is put away, and I'm trying to find homes for the many new toys for the Twinkies. (A toy purge is definitely in the works.) All in all, our holiday was just lovely. How was yours?

Of course with a new year comes the chance to reflect on what's passed and to plan for my future. Here are a few things on my list for '12:

find a new yoga class.

learn how to (properly) use my camera.

wear heels more often. (like these!)

plan weekly date nights with the hubs.

eat fresher. eat greener.

work on empathy.

put together our wedding album.

and a doozie, which I realize is not entirely in my control, but I would certainly love to see happen in 2012:

sell our house and find a new one in the ‘burbs!

So, some big, some small, some that come with not much effort and others that require serious time and attention. And one that might need a little luck, too.

But I do think twenty-twelve is going to be a great year. Don’t you?

xo, Kristin


PS - I really love her list too.

thoughts

I had a few ideas swirling for what I might write about today, but then I started reading this blog, and now my heart just hurts. Everything else just seems too fluffy now.

What I really want to do is shut off my computer, go pick up my bunnies from daycare, take them home and hug and kiss and hold them tight. And I want my husband there with us. He's been working late the last few nights, you see, and I miss him.



Life is so, so precious.
I hate that it takes tragic stories like Anna's to remind me of that.

Pinky-swear that you'll go home tonight and tell those special people in your life how much you love them, K?

xo, Kristin

(Image via here.)

a happy moment

I had one of those moments yesterday. One of those aha! moments when my mind was completely, 100% focused on the present. And it was wonderful.

I'm sorry to admit that these don't happen very often for me. Most of the time, my thoughts make up a confusing cobweb of must-dos... remember to take the chicken out of the freezer, add graduation cards to the Target list, do I have time to do a load of laundry? And unfortunately, that doesn't leave much room for smelling the roses, so to speak.

But yesterday. Yesterday, my friends, I was standing in the kitchen, putting together the ingredients for a strawberry rhubarb crisp, when I looked out the window and noticed how beautiful our neighbor's birch tree looked blowing in the breeze. How the sunlight filtered through the leaves onto the bricks behind, and I just stopped. My breath caught up in my throat, and I felt so happy. I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing at that moment. And as that feeling of contentment flooded in, I had this wonderfully profound feeling that my life is so good. And I am exactly where I am meant to be. Right here. Right now.

As with all aha moments, it went just as quickly as it came, but not without leaving a little dent. I did get back to baking my crisp and tackling the ump-teen dos on my list, but even today, over 24 hours later, I still haven't forgotten about my happy, quiet, fleeting moment.

And I look forward to catching more of them.



This kitchen looks like a family kitchen, and because my family kitchen is one of my happiest places, I thought it was a nice picture to post.

(Image via here.)

fuzzy head

Without fail, every time I sit down to write you something today, the minute I poise my hands over the keyboard to type, all the thoughts that were swirling about in my head just disappear. Poof! Gone.

I've got nothing to say.

(you don't even want to know how long it took me to come up with that paragraph.)

Because I'm feeling much too lazy to force words that aren't there, I'll just leave you with this...



This is exactly where I'd like to be on a day when I just can't make sense of my thoughts. Here's hoping a good night's sleep will give me a little bit of focus tomorrow.

(Image via here.)

it's time

Here we are nearly wrapping up January, and I haven't even gotten around yet to telling you about my resolutions for '11.

This year, I don't have a list. It's just one thing, actually. This year, I am not going to spread myself thin with too many commitments and too many to-do's. It happens all the time... I can't say no (or I don't want to say no) or I just have to finish this "one more thing" before I go do this, this or that, and I feel anxious the entire time because I'm trying to get everything done. And then I feel guilty when I'm unable to get to everything, which of course happens more often than not! And it's a horrible cycle that I don't like very much at all, and so I figure I can avoid the whole thing if I am just realistic about what I can and cannot commit to and do.

One project that has continually been pushed back is this very blog. I haven't been able to give it the time or the energy I had when I started on this adventure a few years ago, and the quality of my posts really shows it. I want to do better for you, but don't know how to fit that in with everything else. And so it's time I say goodbye. Maybe not forever. But definitely for now.

I want to thank you all so much for your visits. For listening to my stories and sharing your thoughts with me. The fact that you took the time out of your day to write something to me has made such an impact, I wish I had better words to say thank you.

And so... good-bye, Friends.
xo, Kristin

(Image via Tiny White Daisies)

summer fun

So, how have I been spending my lazy days of summer? Just doing a little of this...

gobbling up ridiculous amounts of watermelon * smiling at my flip-flop tan lines * chasing after two little ones who have learned to crawl - and fast! * eating gooey marshmallow s'mores * finally getting a library card and checking out some new reads * wishing I could dance even just a little bit like my favorites on “So You Think You Can Dance” * looking out for beautiful pieces of vintage milk glass *




growing my first tomato plant * cuddling with my pup * celebrating a birthday with a volcano cake * enjoying family walks with stops along the way for chai lattes and blueberry scones * loving the days that have been humidity free * treating my tootsies to pedicures * reading a few chapters before bed each night * roadtripping to northern Wisconsin for a week of family fun * (and lamenting the speeding ticket that I still have to pay) *




baking my very first carrot cake with cream cheese frosting * running at daybreak * wishing my friends luck as they pack up and move to the suburbs * using the grill more than the oven * bending into lots of down-dogs * enjoying the bounty of fresh summer fruits * drinking a fair share of chilled white wine * brunching with my best girl friends * watching in awe as my children learn and do new things each day * playing like a kid again *




And finally, thanking heaven for this wonderful life that is mine. all mine.



(All of the images in this post are from the uber-talented Jane Heller and are available for sale here. 1, 2, 3)

hello dears

Hi, Dear Readers. I'm sorry I was away so long. And for disappearing without so much as a note saying I'd be taking a bit of time off. Please do forgive me. I can only say that I've been takin'-it-easy. Living my own version of the "lazy days of summer." (As much as that's possible with twins!)

It was nice to take a break from blogging, though. I felt like things were getting a little stale around here. I needed a recharge. And I think I got it. Feeling newly inspired, I'm ready to jump back in and share some of my little joys with you.

Thanks for hanging with me.
xo, Kristin



Here's a lovely still life from the portfolio of Lisa Hubbard.
Isn't it charming?



(still life by Lisa Hubbard)

PS - if any of you happen to see a tablecloth like this, please let me know. I am smitten with it!

my weekend recap

I'm sure most of you are already thinking about the weekend ahead, but I wanted to share with you a bit of my Mother's Day. It was my first as a Mama, and well, it was quite perfect, actually...

waking to bright sunshine * melting at the happy faces smiling up at me from their cribs * spying a vase of fresh blooms on the table - surprise! * savoring a slice of spinach & goat cheese quiche at Caffe de Luca * sipping a mug of spicy chai tea latte * enjoying a peaceful family walk * tucking away a treat to enjoy at home - yes, another one! * sharing kisses, hugs and cuddles with my three true loves * feeling quite giddy about a present! from my in-laws * peering into shop windows in Lincoln Square * ordering german chocolate cake and carrot cake - with four forks - at Cafe Selmarie * laughing on the phone with my mama - and missing her like crazy * tucking into bed a bit early with my book * drifting dreamily off to sleep knowing that I am the luckiest woman in the world

And even though it came a few days late due to some shipping snafus... LOVING my present.

To my darling babies, my sweet, sweet Henry & Amelia - you can't possibly know the tremendous joy I feel in my heart when I gaze into your bright eyes, on your shining faces. You can't know the way my love for you grows evermore each day. Or how I get a lump in my throat when I think about the sheer magnitude of the task I've been given... to be your mother. How I have this instinct to fiercely protect you from harm. How I beam with pride as I watch you learn and grow. You came into my life and flipped it upside down, and now I can't imagine a second of it without you. You are my best gift ever.

To my dear Husband -- you are my one, my only. I feel like I can do anything when you are by my side. You remind me to smile if I am feeling down. You help me up when I fall. You make me feel beautiful at times when I am anything but. Thank you for making this day - and every day - so special.




(Images 1, 2, 3, & 4 all posted by Anna here and here)

10 things: getting to know City of Dionne

This blogging community is full of some pretty lovely women. Their blogs - woven with thoughtful words and beautiful images - inspire me to create, to bake, to write, to make and most important, to appreciate. All this on a daily basis. And it seems that the more I read, the more charmed I am.

So I've decided to add a new series... it's all about getting to know some of my favorite bloggers just a bit better. In 10 new ways.


Up first? The very talented and super sweet Dionne of City of Dionne. I'm a huge fan! It's easy to see that she appreciates the sweet side of life. Her writing, sketches and photography are whimsical, full of spirit and leave me feeling like I have a little spring in my step.

Let's see how Dionne answers her 10 Things...

The last thing I do before sleep: Floss like crazy and brush my teeth. I hate to admit, but I wasn't really a big flosser until I got married. I would floss once a week at best, but now I floss once or twice a day! My husband Brian has the most emaculate movie-star teeth ever, so now I am putting extra effort into taking care of my teeth, because in photos with him I feel like I have ugly teeth compared to his perfect teeth!

I could spend the whole day: Playing boardgames with my family. I have always been really close to my family. My parents are my best friends - I can tell them anything. Growing up, they were always the 'cool parents' - me and all my friends would always hang out at our place. Now that I am almost 30, my friends still stop by to have dinner with them - even if I am not there!

You'll always find in my pantry: Flour and sugar. I love to bake, so these two ingredients are constantly well-stocked in my pantry for my spur-of-the-moment baking frenzies.

I feel most like a kid: when I am with my younger brother Symon. He's 20, and has Downs Syndrome, so he is more like the age of 12. We have such fun together!

My dream kitchen: A big open space with lots of storage space, big windows and a big island in the middle. And I've always wanted one of those copper-pot hanging things to be above the island. I love those!

When I grow up, I want to: Have an event planning business. At the moment I am loving Graphic Design, but some day it would be nice to delve into the world of wedding planning. I love weddings!

I feel my prettiest: When I wake up in the morning, and my husband is watching me, smiling.

My signature dish: I am known for my desserts :) Anything sweet!

I never tire of: Frank Sinatra. He's one of my faves. I could listen to Fly Me To the Moon over and over and over and never get sick of it.

On my coffee table: A Donna Hay magazine and a custom flower arrangement by Christina at Flores Del Sol.

Thank you so much for sharing, Dionne! Your photos - as usual - are gorgeous. And your sweet tooth? I knew there was a reason I liked you! ;)

In case you haven't already, be sure to check out D's etsy shop, too!

PS - feel free to comment with any of your answers to the above 10 Things. I'd love to hear what you have to say! And check back next week for our next blogger.

better late than never...

Hello, Dear Friends. Happy Holidays. Happy New Year.

Sorry for not dropping by for so long. I was quite busy tree trimming, hall decking and figgy pudding making. All the other minutes were spent tending to my wildebeasts (thanks Karey!), which didn't leave much for blogging.

Now the holidays are behind us, with the only evidence of our merry-making being the specks of glitter and fir needles that keep showing up no matter how hard I try to get rid of them.

I always look forward to ringing in a new year because it's a time to reflect on the past and look forward to what's to come. It's a time to think about how we might like to adjust what we're doing to make life a little better, a time to gather up the courage to try something new and a time to escape into the memories of last year.

I have a little tradition of reading last year's planner before I replace it. It's a journal of activities. It was especially fun to read last year's planner because I was pregnant for most of it, and I can totally remember the excitement of each doctor's visit simply by seeing "Dr. C - 3:00 PM." I recommend you do the same. It's really fun to see how you kept busy for the past 12 months.

Anyway, I've been doing a bit of reflecting and refreshing and for 2010 I've a few things I'd like to try. Call them resolutions if you'd like.

1. Practice patience. For my children. For my husband. For myself.
2. My 2010 mantra - never let what matters most give way to what matters least.
3. Eat fresh, balanced meals to fuel my body with what it needs to stay strong and healthy.
4. Nurture my creative side - reading, writing, crafting.
5. Live in the present. Cherish the moments.
6. Get back into a regular yoga practice. More than anything, yoga builds confidence.
7. Cut myself some slack, for I know that perfect doesn't equal happy.
8. Take more pictures. (And learn how to use my super-cool new camera!)
9. A carry-over from last year: perfect the headstand. I wasn't able to stick with it last year since I was pregnant, and so I have to work on this one again.

So there's my list, up there for the whole world to see. It feels good to share it with you, my lovely readers, because I know that your being here will help me stay on track. And for that, I thank you. I probably don't tell you enough how much an inspiration you are to me. I read all of your blogs and am continually awed by the amazing thoughts, ideas and photos you thrill me with each day. The fact that you take time to come here and read me is really very humbling. Thank you for being here, supporting me, without even knowing me.

Let's welcome in 2010 together. I think it's going to be a great year.
xo, Kristin

deep thoughts - on a tuesday

To say that I have a lot of time to think these days would be an understatement. I'm awake more hours now than I think I ever have been, and there's nothing like a middle of the night feeding session in a dark, quiet nursery to get your mind a-wandering.

Anyhoo, my latest from last night's wee hours is that there should really be trick-or-treating for grown ups. Think about it... all of us "big kids" can go out house to house and get little glasses of wine and tasty hors de'ouvres as we go. No costumes necessary.

How do we get this ball rolling?