marriage

breaking free from this rut.

November 22, 2013 by Rachel Leave a Comment

I’m in a rut. I mean, I’ve got my routine: wake up, take Ari to the sitter, work, run on lunch, work, pick up Ari, come home and feed Ari, put Ari to bed, eat dinner, take a shower, and hang out for like 30 minutes before I finally go to bed. It’s familiar. And most days, it’s fine.

But it can also lead to feeling like I’m in a bit of a rut; or a bit of a funk.

So this weekend my goal is to break free from my funky mood!

And here’s how I’m going to do it —

1. Yoga.
It’s been a few weeks since I was able to make it to a yoga class.
But I’ve already got it on my schedule for Sunday!

2. The Cleveland Flea.
Yep, the holiday Cleveland Flea is here!
Ari and I are going to meet up with my cousin to spend some time browsing (and perhaps buying)
some awesome handmade & local gifts!

3. Date Night. Or afternoon, really.
So Chad and I are officially going to go on a date Sunday afternoon —
without Babycakes! I’t’s been a long time, longer than I’d like, since we’ve gone on a date together.
Things have been so busy lately

4. Make Our House Feel Like The Holidays.
Which really means lighting some winter-y candles and laying around in big comfy sweaters. 🙂

5. Take Myself On A Coffee Date.
With my laptop in tow; A warm, holiday latte; and blogs.

6. Start Planning.
Everyone knows the holidays are hectic. I’m trying to minimize stressors over the next several weeks;
to eliminate potential anxiety, by putting it all on paper.
I’m hoping this includes at least some meal-planning, which I despise, but is necessary.

the earth delights to feel your bare feet.

September 20, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
— Kahlil Gibran

The last two or three weeks have been a perfect storm for me. I’ve been stressed; irritated; anxious; and emotional. I’ve noticed that I’ve let things effect me physically, mentally and emotionally.

And it’s taken me a while to realize that so much of this is because of my overwhelming desire to be a people-pleaser. I’m constantly thinking “I hope this person still likes me/isn’t upset with me/etc.” with almost everyone I encounter in my daily life (seriously the other day at Target the customer service rep at the counter made me cry).

It is exhausting. And guess what?? I’ll never be able to say “Yep, everyone I came into contact with was pleased with me” at the end of any day. It’s just not possible.

It may have taken me 28 (nearly 29 years in just two short weeks! Eeek!) years to accept this, but I’m there. Or, rather, I’m here.

And I’ve got a plan. When I feel that urge to please creeping up on me, I’m going to step back and ask myself “How would this person not accepting of me effect my life?” It’s a simple question, but the answer may not always be. But at least it will allow me a few minutes to really contemplate these moments and to put things into perspective.

Also I am going to revisit placing my focus on what really does effect my life; one what is really important: myself, my husband, and our family. Really in the grand scheme of life, they are the people who matter most and they are the people I need to focus on pleasing. Because if I accept myself, if my husband accepts me, and if my family accepts me — that’s all I truly need.

weekly mantra.

July 1, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

Sometimes I feel guilty about going and doing things solo… like going to yoga. Or for a massage. Or staying in the car for 5 extra minutes before picking Ari up.

But I know that keeping myself healthy is the best thing I can do for my family. And that this totally + completely includes my mental health.

It may seem selfish to love yourself first. But it isn’t. I can’t take care of those I love if I don’t take care of myself.

So that includes making time to go for long runs; that includes making time for yoga to clear my heart and mind; and heck, that even includes making a solo trip to Target!

Love yourself first!

PS. Anyone else excited for the “short” week? I couldn’t be happier to have a day off on Thursday. What a great way to break up the week!

{ our first year }

April 21, 2013 by Rachel 3 Comments

Today was our one-year anniversary.

We chose to celebrate our first anniversary by spending time as a family.
No fancy dinners. No grand plans.

Just Chad. Me. And our Fancypants Babycakes.

It’s hard to believe that we eloped a year ago.

One week after announcing our pregnancy to the world,
we drove to Portland, Maine
and shared our vows in the presence of each other,
the justice of the peace,
and our 2 photographers.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udamT5uRudw

Today we watched our wedding video,
went on a sushi date, with Ari in tow,
and celebrated with a glass of wine and a salted caramel brownie.

I love this man.
And the family we’ve built together.
🙂

date day, weekend edition!

April 8, 2013 by Rachel 1 Comment

Thank goodness for family.

Because of my moms willingness to hang out with Ari, Chad and I had a chance to go on a little rendez-vous Saturday!

We planned on getting a [semi] early start and heading up to the West Side Market. But, we got on the road later than expected, and when we finally got to Ohio City, the West Side Market was packed. Like, beyond packed.

So we decided to skip the market — which in itself took a good 20 minutes; thanks traffic! — and head straight to our lunch spot. Chad has been eyeing up Bac Asian American Bistro & Bar. I’ve heard great things, but it certainly wasn’t my first choice [I’ve been dying to try out Barrio in Tremont. And Hodges is always my go-to!].

I mean, I knew it would be good, but I guess I just didn’t realize how good it would be! I ordered the Barbacoa Banh Mi sandwich special with panko crusted sweet potato fries; and Chad ordered the coconut crepe and papaya salad. Everything was so yummy!

Then we hit up Lucky’s Cafe, Lilly Handmade Chocolates & Sweet Designs. While we were in Lakewood we were able to swing by and visit with a friend for a bit.

And before we knew it, it was time to head back to Akron to see our baby.

Truth be told, we are still in that “talk a lot about Ari while we’re out on dates” phase. Our lives are so all-consumed by that little guy, it’s hard to avoid talking about “Ari this,” and “Ari that.” We’ll get there. In the meantime, I’m just happy that we have family who’s willing to spend alone time with Babycakes so that we can get out!

Best yet? Today we both have the day off. We were going to head up to opening day for the Indians, but instead we’re going to see Jurassic Park in 3D [I know you’re jealous] and get some lunch. 🙂

Happy Monday, folks!

march date day // wrap up

March 15, 2013 by Rachel 3 Comments

Our date day Thursday almost didn’t happen. I’ve been battling a sinus infection since Monday night, and Ari started to come down with some form of it by Wednesday. But after a successful trip to the pediatrician to determine that he just had a cold, we dropped Ari off at the sitter + started our date day extravaganza!

First up, breakfast. Our favorite breakfast spot, The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery, is always jam-packed on the weekend [and it’s seriously no surprise because they are just that good!]. But Thursday just so happens to be their slowest day. Lucky for us!

Chad ordered the Yogurt/Lemon/Poppyseed Quinoa Pancakes:

And even though it was only 9am, I ordered a Grilled Cheese with Nueske Bacon on Brioche with Tomato Soup. AMAZEballs.

We followed breakfast up with a nap. Ahhh, sleep! We miss sleep these days. After an hour and a half nap, we seriously considered spending the rest of our date day napping.

But, alas, we decided to continue on with our grand plans!

We drove to Lakewood to pay a visit to my favorite chocolatier, Sweet Designs! And guys!! I found sponge candy! I thought I was dreaming. So happy to find a local retailer to provide me with my sponge candy fix!! We left with an assortment of sponge candy, truffles, and bars of the cocoa crush nibs signature chocolates.

After walking out of there spending a lot less than I anticipated, we found our way to our next destination — lunch at Noodlecat! Noodlecat is a Japanese-American restaurant specializing in gourmet ramen, udon and soba noodles. They also have a tasty array of steam buns. Pretty much the most delicious food ever. We had tried Noodlecat’s stand at the West Side Market, but had yet to try out their Euclid Avenue location.

I ordered the “Roscoes” Fried Chicken & Ramen:

And I ordered a Japanese Fried Chicken Steam Bun:

I couldn’t tell you what Chad even ordered because I was too excited about my food!

We followed up our lunch with a quick stop by CLE Clothing Co, where I seriously lusted for these stemless wine glasses! They also sell this design as beer glasses, but both can only be purchased in store (unless you buy directly from the Hello Fizz etsy shop 😉 )

Guys, all of this fun made me feel like an adult again — not just a mom! Lately I’ve been so in mama overdrive that I feel like I’ve been losing the pre-baby part of myself — that part that is just an adult. And a wife! So great to reconnect!

Even after all of the excitement of our date day extravaganza, we were excited to pick up Babycakes [early!] from the sitter and get in a few extra minutes of snuggle time before he went to sleep.

Perfect, perfect, Thursday. 🙂