love list

because it’s been a week now…

September 10, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

One of the main reasons I was so anxious to find out if we were expecting another little boy or our first baby girl, was because I want to either: a. pack all of our boy stuff up (I’m not ready to part with it yet), or b. look for all new awesome girl stuff.

Sooo obviously you know what I’ve been up to over the last week. The search is on! And as much as I truly adore boy clothes (seriously they are SO cute), there are some equally adorable girl clothes. Bonus? I tore through my bins of clothes to find the baby girl clothes I hid away about 13 years ago! 🙂

But here are some things on my “Baby Girl Wish List” right now (because let’s be real… it’s going to grow).

This Hello World newborn gown.
From Etsy shop ShopVivaLaGlitter.

This Feed Me + Tell Me I’m Pretty outfit.
From Etsy Shop Three Sweet Limes.

This Personalized Name Blanket.
From Jennifer Ann.

This completely unrealistic Faux Fur Vest.
From Carters.

This Gold Leaf Headband.
From Etsy shop WildJuniper.
And pretty much everything else in this shop.

Aaaand this is just the start of my wish list. I can see it just growing and growing over the next several months.

a few of our favorite things // toddler books

May 28, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

I was honestly beginning to wonder if it would ever happen, his love for books and reading. He spent so much time loving ‘boy’ things like Thomas the Tank and Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and I wasn’t sure he would ever slow down enough to sit down with a book.

But something happened just after Christmas last year. All of a sudden he was hooked. However, just like his favorite shows and movies, he gravitates towards the same three books. Always. I have to say the kid has awesome taste. I happened to spend a bit of time in Barnes and Noble one day, just reading through the children’s books. I was incredibly impressed with the creativity!

Especially of these three books:

1. Dragons Love Tacos // Moosh thinks this book is hilarious. It’s a story about how Dragons love eating tacos, but they hate hot salsa. It’s adorable. And it combines three of Ari’s favorite things: food, dragons, and complete silliness. Now if he sees a taco he proclaims, “MMM! Dragons like tacos! I like tacos!” It’s the cutest thing ever.

2. Peanut Butter & Cupcake // This is my personal favorite, so I’m glad Moosh loves it too. While the author is not a children’s book author by trade, he is a photographer that has a series called “Bent Objects,” where he takes food items and turns them into people. So naturally, this makes a great children’s book.

The main ‘character’ is a piece of peanut butter toast. He just moved to town and he’s trying to find someone to play soccer with him. Everytime he meets someone he says “Hi. I’m new here and I’d like to play. Maybe now, maybe later, or even all day! I’ll make you chuckle deep down in your belly, and we’ll go together like Peanut Butter and… (insert name of whatever he’s introducing himself to). It’s freaking adorable. And yes, I recited that little poem from memory. I just love it so much. Moosh likes to go to the last page of the book and name all of the ‘people’ playing together. 🙂

3. Please, Mr. Panda // This book is short and sweet. Mr. Panda goes around asking all the animals if they want a donut. Most say yes… quite aggressively. So he in some way or another tells them that he has changed his mind and they are not allowed to have a donut. Finally he asks the question and one of them and the animal says “Oh please may I have one Mr. Panda?” and Mr. Panda says, “Yes, you can have them all. I do not like donuts anyways.” Ha. So cute. And Moosh doesn’t even know he’s getting a message in manners!

So yeah. Or go-to-books are adorable. However, we’re always looking to add to our collection. Any suggestions? What are your kids’ favorites?

My Christmas Wishlist //

December 23, 2014 by Rachel 1 Comment

Ok, so truly I will be happy just to have Moosh and Chad open their gifts on Christmas day. Buuuuut if I had to take a look at my running ‘wishlist’ of items (let’s be real — we all have a list like this), it would include the following:

Mini Crock Pot. Because you bring your food to work and COOK IT WHILE YOU WORK!!?? Say whaaaat? Awesomesauce. That’s what.
Alex + Ani OM bracelet. My husband bought me a tree of life bracelet a few years back and I love it. I want to wear just bunches of their wire bracelets. That’s my goal. (It’s the small things, y’all.)
A Target Gift Card. But let’s face it, I’d spend it all on Moosh. #RealTalk
A new pair of running shoes. Specifically the Mizuno Wave Rider 16‘s. Because these shoes are my everything when it comes to running without injury (ie. without stress fracture pain from my legs). And I’m going to need some new ones when I start marathon training next week! Eek!
Yoga Bliss Gift Card. To be used on copious amounts of restorative yoga (and I’m sure some hot yoga, too. Let’s face it — I can’t stay away from a good ass-kicking workout.)
A Lululemon Gift Card. I almost always run in long pants, but my goal for the marathon next year is to run in short shorts. Because 26.2 miles in long pants? No. And I’d like a GOOD pair of running shorts. But I’m too cheap to buy them myself. Ha.
The entire Starbucks Dot Collection. But if I had to choose just one tumbler, it would be this one. Adorable gold dotted, caffeinated heaven.
Serevina Carry All from Athleta. Is it a gym bag? Is it a purse? For me it would be both.
TOMS. I have 6 pairs of TOMS, and all have been worn to hell and back. I really, really, wear my TOMS. And I wear them out. So this pretty pair would be the perfect next pair to wear out. Ha!

Again, really what I want is just to spend my day watching Moosh play with his new toys and his eyes light up when he sees that Santa has brought him presents (despite his recent naughty streak that consists mostly of climbing presents to try and reach the top of our small tree — or really to reach the ornamemnts that are out of reach…)

What are some items, Christmas or not, that you have on your Wishlist!?

Shauna + Jimmy // Ceremony + Reception

November 6, 2014 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Hey guess what? It’s been a WHOLE MONTH since my baby sister got married. And it means it’s been like a full month since I blogged. Buuut I’m getting back to it!

Well, Moosh failed to fall asleep before the ceremony. Which means a 3-hour nap a day toddler was running on little sleep and no nap that day or the day before. We were lucky to have gotten him in a tux, let alone to walk down the aisle. But his mood completely changed when he saw we were riding in the trolley to the ceremony (I’m fairly certain he thought it was a choo-choo. Whatevs, kid. It worked.)

Moosh was supposed to walk down the aisle with Jimmy’s nephew, who is a couple of years older. Moosh and Colton were supposed to walk right in front of me. They both started down the aisle, and Moosh turned right around and came running back to me! At which point Colton turned around and said “Come on!” in a semi-hushed but totally audible tone (adorable). He started to follow Colton again before turning around and running back to me. I ended up carrying him down the aisle before meeting the Best Man and handing Moosh off to Chad! Ha! I haven’t seen any pictures of this ‘exchange’ yet, but I can’t wait to finally see them! They are probably SO funny!

Post-ceremony we all piled back onto the trolley to head out for pictures! Thank goodness my aunts volunteered to hang with Ari in the hotel so he could try and get some sleep. He ended up getting a 45-minute or so nap while Chad & I went with the crew for pictures! Champagne toasts the whole way to pictures on the trolley! Which really helped because it was freeeeeezing out!

Chad was able to snap some candids of us while the actual photographer worked some magic. The couple of pictures that I’ve seen from the photographer are so incredible. I can’t wait to see more! (In the meantime, just deal with my crappy phone pictures).

After we snapped some pictures, we hopped back on to the trolley and headed to the reception at Dock 580. Dock 580 is this incredible warehouse space turned-venue located in downtown Columbus. Keeping with the Columbus-centric theme, they served beer from Columbus Brewing Company (Bodhi Double IPA) straight out of growlers from their local growler joint – The Daily Growler!

Ari kinda crashed the first dance (surprise, surprise). And my sister and my dad had the CUTEST first dance ever. Seriously. Makes me (almost) wish I had a big wedding. Ha.

My dad is so crafty — he made the S + J marquee lights. Seriously. So awesome!

Ya know what wasn’t awesome? My MOH speech. For serious. I didn’t even write a single word down. Ha. Mistake. Cause the best man is also a standup comedian. Like legit. A standup comedian. Yayyy for MOH fail. 🙂

The dessert table was the BOMB. Italian cookies, candies, and pies! Extra awesome bonus? Jeni’s Ice Cream! Oh my YUM.

The end of the night send off was lit with giant sparklers! For real GIANT sparklers! It was a fantastic night. So much fun. If Chad & I had a ‘real’ wedding, I would imagine it to be like this night.

Sidenote: No-nap toddlers look like this. Ugh. It took about a week to get us all back to a normal schedule. Looking back it’s hard to believe this was already a month ago. I’m so happy these two lovebirds are married! <3

2013 // a (blog) year in review.

December 31, 2013 by Rachel 1 Comment

January //

Slow Cooked Spicy Chicken Tacos — Which honestly feels like the last time I cooked! Just looking at these instantly reminds me of how delicious (and easy!) they were!

Tales From A Working Mom // Why I Choose To Pump — As silly as this may seem, this was really my ‘coming out’ post as a new natural mom. I haven’t really used the term ‘natural mom’ on my blog before, but it’s always been super important to me and to Chad to raise Ari sustainably and in the most healthy and natural way. Which meant breast milk. Which usually means breastfeeding. But I couldn’t do it (try as I might & try as much as others did to convince me that with a little more effort, it was possible).

My Husbands Life-Changing Guacamole Recipe — There are few things I find more sacred than avocados (and guacamole). So when my husband perfected his guacamole recipe, I had to share it — you know, in the same way that people feel the need to spread the word of Jesus?? I feel that way about his guac recipe. #TrueStory #NotSorry

February //

This Weekly Mantra — For the simple reason that I talk about chicken wings and say the word vagina in the same blog post.

Red & White on Thursday Night Wrapup — Because it was: 1. Our first night away from Ari; 2. SO much fun! 🙂

March //

My first real post on being a little crunchy granola (about green cleaning products) — This barely scratched the surface of how crunchy-granola we are. Expect more crunchy to come in 2014! Ha!

Ari’s 5-Month Update — For the picture alone. Dang, this kid has changed!!

Bullshit Supermom — Although I feel like I’ve found my groove a bit more since March, I still overall feel this way. Too much pressure is put on moms (and dads) to be perfect. And not enough people realize how much EXTRA pressure this puts on families.

April //

Ohio City Date Day — We ventured out to Ohio City for a day of wandering, eating, and shopping. The weather was perfect and we were home early for an evening to spend with Babycakes. Looking back, we felt out of our element to not have Ari with us. But it’s gotten easier since then.

May //

Taking The Plunge — I joined Weight Watchers & I started to lose weight in a healthy way!

Ari’s First Cleveland Indians Game — It was one of the hottest days of the year, but we made the most of it and made it to nearly the 5th inning!

June //

You Are Not Your F*in Khakis — Such a great reminder to think about as we close 2013. Nothing matters but family and loved ones happiness.

July //

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Exploring Locally at the Cleveland Flea — It was my first experience at the Cleveland Flea and I soaked it up! It brought me back 3 or 4 more times since! The local vendors and new (to me) local foods!

Poise In Parma Guest Post — On fitness attractions between Akron & Cleveland! Great to get the perspective of a fellow yogi and fitness guru.

Stylish and Affordable Workout Clothes — My Target vs. Lululemon saga. Hint? Target wins for price! But I dream of Lulu.

August //

Weekend Wrap Up — The one where I went to Yoga Rocks The Park with Poise in Parma and Lilly Handmade Chocolates!

Crafty With Wine — My first experience with Wine & Canvas! SO much fun and I have a decent piece of art to show for it. Ha.

On Being A Boy Mom — When I found out I was pregnant with a boy, I was terrified. It turns out that I cannot imagine ever being the mom of a girl!

The Color Me Rad 5k — It was the first race I’ve ever ran with someone. Gretchen and I were team Sons of Mother Runners! 🙂

September //

The Earth Delights To Feel Your Bare Feet — A reflection of my desire to stop being a people pleaser.

Our Trip to Akron Childrens Hospital — Not necessarily a good day, but by far our worst day of 2013. So glad that we learned about Ari’s egg allergy sooner than later!

Our Busy Weekend — The #BelieveInCLE event, another 5k, a late night snack at Hodges, another Cleveland Indians game, and another painting via Wine & Canvas! One of the best weekends of the year. 🙂

October //

Birthday Weekend Wrap Up — A trip to see Sweeney Todd at PLayhouse Square, dinner at Momocho, and a bit of pampering! For the win!

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To The Love of Our Lives On His 1st Birthday — Reflecting on Ari’s first year.

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Operation Mama Gets Her Groove Back — That time I cut all of my hair off.

Ari’s Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday Bash — A lot of planning ended up paying off!

November //

A Few of Ari’s Favorite Things — A list of our baby 1st year must-haves!

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One-Year Photo Shoot — My fave pictures of ALL time.

Another CLE Flea Weekend — Brewnuts + Masons Creamery = YUM!

December //

Blogger Date At Charles Scott Salon — Manis, pedis, and dinner with girlfriends!

my christmas love list //

December 23, 2013 by Rachel Leave a Comment

A Tattoo.
Preferably this one.
‘It’s always darkest before the dawn.’

Mizuno Running Shoes.
These Mizuno Wave Rider 16’s to be exact.
In this color.
I already have these in the pink/salmon color, but they are b-e-a-t! I love the way they feel.
I think it’s the first shoe that has not induced pain when running.

A Fitbit Force.
I love my Jawbone Up, but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t intrigued by having
a watch and a pedometer visible throughout the day.
Plus wireless syncing! That’s a huge bonus.

Trader Joes Gift Card.
LOVE me some TJs! ‘Nuff said!

Gift card for a massage/mani-pedi/dinner for one.
Ha!
From my fave salon, Charles Scott in Rocky River, of course!

A calendar from Etsy.
I especially love this one from Row House.

Faux Taxidermy.
Don’t judge. I love it.
Would I ever want real deer antlers in our house?
No way. But this is too cute!
There’s a whole area devoted to faux taxidermy on Etsy.
Who would’ve thought!?
And this one is from Banana Tree Studios!

An E-Gift Certificate to Wine & Canvas.
Cause who wouldn’t love a fun night out, getting crafty + sipping on wine!?

the Humans Of New York book.
Must.
If you don’t follow this blog, you totally need to.

What’s on your love list this Christmas Eve?? 🙂