Monthly Archives: May 2011

Let There Be LAMP!

So you remember last week I scored the lovely Orimono lampshade from Anthro on super sale? Well Antz brought home a lamp for my crafting desk. He sprayed a few coats of white spray paint and…

VOILA!

This pretty much makes me want the matching pillow, maybe one day it too shall go on sale?
Or…have I reached a new level of craftihood to attempt this pillow myself like Suzannah did over at Adventures in Dressmaking??!!
So lovelies, have you conquered any DIY projects lately? I’d love to hear about them in zee comments.
Adieu!

What the hell has set up camp in my throat???

I am positive the troll from Cat’s Eye is living in my throat. *One of my fave childhood movies*

I have seriously drank 10 gallons of chamomile tea and honey and eaten an entire bag of Halls cough drops! I miss being able to take Nyquil or any over-the-counter meds because for the past 4 nights, I’ve been pretty miserable. The worst part is Liv has started sneezing and had a runny nose last night. BOO! Why does this happen on the busiest time of the month?! This Saturday is her first swimming lesson and I am supposed to go to our friend’s bachlorette party. I really don’t want to miss next week’s World Citizen class but I just may have to so she can fully recover for Charlotte’s birthday on the 28th.

On a happier note, this weekend we went to visit my Mommy in Apple Valley. Antz and I spent hours laboring over making Liv’s Shutterfly photobook. We ended up with 46 pages *although our Groupon was for 20 pages* luckily, there was a 20% off discount so I ended up spending $20.80 more for the final book. Bad news is the shipping estimate is May 27 – June 2nd and I really want it before we leave for San Diego. I am also getting nervous that her Etsy packages won’t arrive in time either. I am still waiting for her Birthday hat, the diaper covers and her bracelet.
Whoa, I totally almost uploaded pics…you’ll have to wait to see when she wear them! Super cute, trust me!
Liv’s weekly photo, I had to let her wear one of her new lovely birthday dresses from Jackapotomus. Problem is, she wouldn’t stay in the chair…I was trying everything to keep her sitting still but nope, up and away she went so here is last week’s results!

Antz still needs to finish week 49 and 50 graphics but he has been working late this week so he’ll get it done this weekend. I cannot believe it’s down to 2 weeks!
Speaking of things I can’t believe…Evelyn & Dion are leaving for Paraguay for Peace Corps next Tuesday. OMG! I am all of a sudden completely sad that we won’t see them for 27 months but exhilarated about their new adventure.
We’ve shared so many fun times and great memories with them in these past 2 years.
I made a photo album for them to take with them on the plane with tons of pics of us together and Liv. We took this photo for them *and tested the prop Antz made for San Diego*

Our good old timer setting, consistently blurry every time. Out of 10 tries, this was the best shot.

You would think it would choose to make nice but alas, it is still giving us the blurry. *Eye roll* We are going to have to take it to Nikon for service as well as a much needed basic usage course before the trip. I now have my eye on the new Nikon D3100 but after spending $500 on this one and it hasn’t made it to it’s 3rd birthday yet, I have a feeling we’ll be holding off on buying a newer model.

Sigh, Ideally, I want Sarah to come to San Diego with us and take pics at Sea World and the Zoo but I’ll have to settle for asking strangers to get a pic of all 3 of us and pray a couple turn out halfway decent. Actually, that is how I ended up meeting Aura so maybe it’s not so terrible.

I’m feeling under the weather

I’m battling a bad cough. Ugh, it’s so lame because it’s at it’s worst in the middle of the night so not only do I wake up Antz and Liv, I am not able to fall back asleep. *saddington* I cancelled acupuncture and World Citizen class so hopefully I’m functioning by Saturday *Liv’s 1st swimming lesson* The weather is on the verge of raining so that’s not helping matters. We are supposed to see our friend’s band play at the Northridge farmers market with Evelyn & Dion so I need to rest and drink loads of tea. Liv is refusing to cuddle with me so I’m completely bummered!

Smell ya later!

Headshots for the aspiring model/actress

With no prep time and very little sleep last night we begrudgingly woke up to get Liv ready to meet Sarah at the LA Arboretum. It only took us 15 minutes to get there and WOW! The place was lovely. We saw Sarah and she suggested we do the shoot on the front lawn/fountains. Aww yeah, no admission! It actually was the perfect location because we had it all to ourselves *aside from a couple of geese* and it was the best spot for headshots, simple, as the casting agent requested. Sarah worked her magic for an hour and since we weren’t in the photo shoot I was able to take shots with my camera while we sang and danced to keep Liv entertained.

Liv was on her A game. She was bringing personality and professionalism to the set. Seriously, with the hundreds of thousands of photos we have taken of Liv, she can model in her sleep.

This is why I hire a professional, my camera was casting a shadow no matter what I did. Sarah took a look at our camera and suggested we take it to Nikon for service. She couldn’t figure out the wonky settings either!

They are old pals

Wardrobe change

That white you see on the grass was silk falling from these massive trees. Liv found them fascinating.

Dad was amazing at making Liv smile

Alright, that’s a wrap!

I had to get a few with her wings

It was a beautiful sunny morning

Sarah is so super rad!! She is so sweet, she took a few of the three of us. She said the photos should be ready in less than 2 weeks, YAY!! I will email the headshot to the casting agent right before her birthday so hopefully they will sign her and her career will skyrocket!!
I need to drag my ass to bed, I have to get up early tomorrow.
I will leave you with this bit of geeky radness….
I adore this band!
Nights Lovelies!

I could use a V-8!

I am super exhausted from the past 2 days. Wednesday was pretty chill, I took Olivia to the park by myself which was a huge undertaking. It’s hard making sure she didn’t fall while trying to take her pics with the Nikon and shooing away annoying bugs *last time we went to this park, I ended up with huge red bug bites all over me*

It was pretty rad until she started eating the grass.
Thursday was Aimee Date day so I drove to her house and we spent 8 HOURS shopping!! We got just about everything on her list. We started at our favorite kids store Jackapotomus. This time we met the owner, Cassie *who is awesome* and Aimee went nuts buying Liv’s birthday clothes *sorry, they will make their debut on her birthday* and this sweet Hippo.
We christened her Elodie the Organic Hippo
Hmmm, could I make these sweet birdy purses? We’ll see!

The most important order of business was getting the couch from World Market. Aimee and I both spotted this mega cute sofa/sleeper at separate times *once again proving our BFF power* and we unanimously decided it would work best in her place.
This was my orginal Mood Board
We needed to check if 2 people could fit in the sleeper *NERD ALERT!*

She got this adorable Indian inspired floor cushion and a mirror on sale
She was considering these nesting tables as an end table but we can find better than $139.99

Problem was we needed to ask Antz to bring his truck and his strength over to help us girls drive it to Aimee’s house. So while we waited for him to get off work we went to Urban Outfitter *who was having the best sale ever* Aimee got a 5 x 7 rug for $19.99 *I grabbed one too in magenta. Who can beat that price??
I almost bought this adorable lamb sweater but I was good!
I did try on a few hats for fun
Why do I look like Jambi in this turban?

She also got a mirrored bathroom tray and a cloche for $9.99 and she bought this awesome hat
She kept saying it’s the same hat as the creepy dude in Poltergiest, I think she looks FABulous!

*shudder* That guy used to scare me to death!
We went to Ikea to find a frame for this poster I bought her and she bought dishes and a few knick knacks.
I really wanted her to get this vanity *so sweet* but it wouldn’t fit in her bedroom or walk in closet, Boo!

I must get Liv a kitchen play set but it’s so hard to choose…
Economically Modern?
Cottage Cutesy?
Or break the bank with the RAD Retro Dream Kitchen set?
Oh well, I have a few years to decide.
Next we went to Target of course and I found the most yummy smelling candle I have ever seen at Target on clearance. Bad news was, it was on clearance so there was only 1 left and I gave it to Aimee *cause that’s how we besties do it* so now I’m obsessed with find a few for me.
We drove back to the shopping center *World Market* to wait for Antz when we noticed it had an….
I HAD to get this lamp shade because
A. It was on super sale and
B. it has been on my wishlist for Olivia’s big girl bedroom and I would be bummed if it sold out
Orimono Shade
I really want to use it with this lamp base but it’s $298 so I’ll never be able to afford it.

Sibley Floor Lamp is dreamy!
By the time we forced ourselves out of Anthro, Antz was 10 minutes away to pick up the sofa.
We were concerned it wouldn’t fit even though Antz Honda Element has fold up seats and is pretty awesome at carrying cargo. They ended up having to take it out of the box and squeezed that guy in there with less than an inch to spare to close the trunk.
Liv and I chilled while they played movers on this sweet kid’s picnic table
So adorable, I may be getting this later this summer…$80? Sold!
So we played follow the leader to Venice and they somehow got that sofa and all 50 bags of stuff into Aimee’s apartment. Antz took over as carpenter and he put up her mirror, put together the sofa, framed the Paris poster *still need to find a frame for her Annabella Llwin poster* and installed hooks. Here’s that $10 cloche from Urban
New Sofa, rug, mirror and floor cushion
This is her shrine devoted to her son Holden
Aimee was super happy, somebody stole my jump shot *she looks so chipper* I forgive you.
Snort, this cracks me up!

With Liv

Needless to say, we got home at midnight and I decided it would be fun to knock over an enormous cup of sticky juice on our coffee table which has all our life’s photos inside of it. We spent an hour individually wiping off all the pictures and we ended up losing 3 to the drink fiasco.
Le Sigh.

Oh, I saw this at World Market and became very angry…booze it up douchelords!! *GROSS*

My First Official Mother’s Day *for real this time*

Last year, I sort of was a Mommy because I was 8 months preggers although extremely stressed to max over our Bebe Shower and the garage roof repair. I don’t even remember what we did on Mom’s day last year but I guess that’s what this blog is for. I opened my Mommy’s day gift and to my surprise my lovely husband bought the necklace I spazzed out about at Spitfire Girl.

I love your guts with a REAL RUBY!!
It’s unbelievably stellar!!

 

He had it engraved but there’s a funny inside story behind it *sorry just between us* Liv and Antz made me a yummy breakfast in bed.
After my breakfast, I went to pick up my Mom *in LA* and Antz picked up some ingredients to make his Famous crunchy chicken tacos. We ate tacos for dinner and drank champagne while I downloaded some files to my Mom’s ipod *we gave her audiobooks for Mothers day*
We watched Salt *boo, lame* and Exit Through the Gift Shop on Netflix. I’ve now made my Mom a Banksy fan. She wants someone to do graffiti on her house in Apple Valley *yep, my Mom is pretty cool*
So this morning I drove my Mom home and dropped off Liv at my MIL’s while I went to acupuncture. I talked to Sarah about the headshot photoshoot and she recommended we do them at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Wowzers! Extremely rad location!! Now I have to figure out what the heck is she going to wear. I am super excited to send her headshots to the casting agent Gilli hooked me up with. I sort of wish Liv could meet them in person so they could get a first hand look of her personality.
Sorry, I know I am overdoing it with the wings but I LOVE them!!
**BREAKING NEWS**

Whilst at my Mom-in-laws house, Liv decided today was the day for walking. She did it a bunch of times. I am pretty sure it’s the carpet. Now I have to find her some cute saddle shoes *not like my giant Frankenstein-sized shoes*

I was sobbering like an idiot! I must be the only one who did NOT want her to walk. I am happy, don’t get me wrong, but the sooner she walks the sooner she’ll be running all over the place. I suppose the bright side is she’ll be needing hard soled shoes and I am loving these from Livie & Luca.

Smell ya later!

The Wings made their big debut

Last night I slaved in my home “sweatshop” and the toils of my labor produced these guys.

Once we put them on Liv, she literally flew off. She wouldn’t sit still for a photo.
 

 

I can’t help but be proud of my craftsmanship!
Liv wore them to Evelyn & Dion’s Bittersweet Going Away party today. Why bittersweet you ask? I am completely sads they will be away for 27 months, however, seems like more reason to travel to Paraguay to visit, right? It just so happens 2 of the Wonders of the World happen to be in the vicinity of South America *#14 & #24* The good news is they have Skype, a local phone number and they will keep us updated via their blog.
It was incredible to see so many friends and family that came out to support D & E. We filled up on pizza and hung out for a few hours.

I really want to make some wings for me *although Antz won’t be seen in public with me if I wore them*
Isn’t it ironic that they took this pic in front of the Exit sign at their going away party…spooky!

Uhh, hello double chins!

I love this photo!

Liv’s cousin Justin held Liv!! Normally you couldn’t pry him away from his beloved video games…boys!

LOVE Liv’s Bratface!!! She was having a brat attack because we wouldn’t give her any pizza.

Antz showed Liv his Bratface
Tons of people

Her wings stayed put the entire time *YAY*

Thanks for the rad times, the bebesitting, the laughs, the amazing memories. We love you both and wish you an incredible journey. These guys are such an inspiration!! *tears*
After the party we went to register Liv for swimming lessons and luckily we got the last spot for Saturdays *sweet* I worked on another crafty project for Liv’s 1st but it’s top secret.
Love & Junk,
Lizzie

I’m pretty much winging it

Pun Intended!! I was giving myself a migraine for the past week trying to create a template to cut the tons of fabric for these darn wings.

I drew out each individual wing and cut them out

The process took over 4 hours, tedious to say the least. 14 layers, my hands are killing me!

I folded them in half and just cut down the middle for each side

Zipped it through the ole sewing machine and VOILA!!

Tomorrow, I’ll measure the ribbon on Liv and sew it to the wings and all done! I should have gone to bed an hour ago but I was too excited to stop.
Tomorrow we’re registering Liv for swim lessons and then going to Dion & Evelyn‘s going away party. They requested everyone give them recipes to take to Paraguay so I wrote one for Asparagus Penne *cause they eat all healthy and junk*
Hope they aren’t reading this…ahem D & E, disregard the above! Or try to look surprised mañana. Loves ❤

Mix Tape Fridays Vol. 11

With summer *my favorite season* fast approaching, I think it’s appropriate for a summer/poolside *don’t I wish* beachy playlist. It’s been close to 2 1/2 years since I went to the beach so I am thinking this weekend maybe time to introduce my favorite beach to Olivia.

Yikes, I look like a giant compared to my tiny Mommy-in-law!!
Shall we begin…?

One of my favorite bands epitomize Rockabilly beach camp, John Waters style from the 60’s with a punk twist. I saw them live at Sunset Junction and they were FANTASTIC!! Even with Lux Interior in his 60’s he still rocked!

“Aloha From Hell” The Cramps
I am not normally a fan of the Beach Boys but this song is so sweet and cheerful, I often play it in Liv’s nursery. I adore the lyrics…it’s so true God Only Knows what I’d be without Antz & Liv!!
“God Only Knows” The Beach Boys
The next song somehow puts me in a Summery mood, I can’t pinpoint what it is about this song but I love it!
“Goodbye Stranger” Supertramp
This song definitely has a laid-back, drink a margarita, summer sound. We played it at our beach wedding.
“Santeria” Sublime
Here’s my summer inspired favorite by Björk. She performed this beautiful song at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Opening Ceremony. Her dress folds out to canopy the entire stadium floor and has a map of the world on it. She is so freaking adorable and she sounds incredible!!
“Oceania” Björk
Nothing feels more lazy summer day than French music. It was June 2003 when Antz, Aimee and me went to London and Paris to see Björk so when I hear a French song it takes me back to walking throughout Paris in the warm summer sun. I really hope we can take Liv soon. I am still trying to learn this song in French *I am seriously incapable of learning French*
“Garcon Glacon” April March
The most anticipated random song of the week is courtesy of Mr. Wait’s sheer genius. This song doesn’t necessarily evoke a summer feeling in me but it’s so amazing I have to feature it. I adore the way this song sound like he’s telling a story. The old-timey *sorry Antz* rasp of his voice drives me nuts. There are many versions of this song but this live one from the Glitter & Dome tour and the photos of Tom are soo phenomenal!! I find it surreal that my Mom played with Tom on Romeo is Bleeding back in 1978 *I already asked her if she can get in touch with him so I could meet him, she told me she’s no longer associated with Hollywood, BOO* I want to see him live sooo dang-diddlely bad!!
“Circus” Tom Waits
This band was a major part of my childhood. I went through a huge phase where they were all I ever listened to. I was completely crushed when my Mom wouldn’t allow me to see them live however I was 12 at the time and they were playing in San Francisco *Just a quick 8 hour drive up north, Mom!* One of these days I’ll drag Liv to see them while failing at showing her how cool and hip her Mom is!
“Dry County” B-52s
The next 2 songs are all-time favorites of mine. No summer playlist would be complete without the fabulous Astrud Gilberto *The queen of Samba/Bossa Nova* I know it’s cliche but I adore this song, it’s just rad!
I LOVE the 60’s!! Soo my favorite time in history. Astrud is just way adorable.
“The Girl from Ipanema” Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz
The next is Astrud’s ex-husband, João’s, daughter, Bebel Gilberto. She is brilliant! I first heard her when I saw Closer and I immediately went home and downloaded this song. It’s so dreamy.
“Samba Da Bencao” Bebel Gilberto
Happy Friday and enjoy your *hopefully* sunny Mommy’s Day weekend!!

Sminko De Mayo

I wasn’t even aware it was May 5th. Time is irrelevant for this Busy Bee Mommy. Today Godmommy Aimee came over and we had a busy day of running around. We went to Target *had a blast in there and spent much more than I should have, even with $20 in coupons!*

Me and Aimee were cracking up at this shit. She bought some for Holden cause she’s GHETTOOO!

We seriously considered buying this cupcake pinata but we didn’t

 

Ugh, check out this super hot mess!!
So not cute, Liv is a Pampers Sensitive girl!!
We headed over to Little Tokyo
Liv was out for naptime

 

 

Aimee took me to Tenno for Mom’s Day sushi feast!!

 

 

She ate yummy sushi *don’t panic, it was bananas*

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to Spitfire Girl and, of course, Aimee loved everything in there. I want her to buy this guy!

 

After pulling her from the store we went to Potted *a fabulous shop in Atwater Village* so I could buy her Mother’s Day present.

 

So many lovely things, we love this store

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day Bestie!!

 

So I’m finally home. I picked up the school application from Dr. Wang so it’s all finished and tomorrow morning I’m submitting it and paying $50 to put her on the waitlist. I am saying a prayer, rubbing a rabbit’s foot and wishing she will get in next April with no dramarama. Now I need to start making her pom poms for the big day!!