31. read all the harry potter books

when i was in college, i had a wonderful sponsor family that provided a home away from home.  the kids loved reading and that made this english lit major's heart so very happy.  when the oldest started reading a new series about a boy wizard named harry potter, their mom recommended i check it out.  she had been an english major in college too and i valued her opinion.

i was blown away!  j.k. rowling was an amazing writer.  she created fascinating characters in an awesome world and i couldn't wait for each book to be released over the years.  it's crazy to think it's been 13 years since the first book made its debut.  who would have guessed it would evolve into a book that's been translated into 67 languages, an incredibly successful movie franchise, and even a ride at universal studios?!

i am actually re-reading the series right now; i was watching each movie directly after reading to do a little comparison between the original story and the screenplay.  it's a series i can see myself reading and watching again and again and i look forward to when i can share it with Saraya.

haiku friday - crochet

loop, pull, make a chain

yarn so colorful and soft

blankets and beanies!

renegade handmade

renegade handmade is a cool little DIY store that features handmade goods from over 300 artists.  i found this fun rhino hunter shirt for Justin there.  but what is even cooler is that they host craft fairs around the country and i'll be attending one in LA this weekend!  the 2nd annual Renegade Craft Fair will feature over 250 booths for everything from free workshops to entertainment and music.  one of my favorite sites, Etsy, will be there and offering some make + take projects.  i can't wait to check out all of the talent and to get some inspiration!

and they're off!

today was opening day at the Del Mar racetrack.  i didn't attend (we'll catch a race and maybe a concert later this season) but i did see some of the traditionally fun hats the ladies wear.  if i ever get a chance to wear a hat to the races, which should i choose?!

i even found one for the baby...

karaoke revolution

Saraya likes to coo along as i sing to karaoke revolution for the wii.  i don't have the heart to tell her that her pitch is off but i guess she has time to work on it before she's old enough to try out for American Idol.  i love that there's a fun variety of songs to choose from but i don't like that you're unable to download more songs online like you can for xbox.  i just heard there's a new karaoke revolution GLEE being released this fall.  how much fun will that be?!  Saraya can't wait...

conundrum

on those oh so rare ocassions when Saraya is napping or sitting alone and i'm not napping with or staring at her, i find myself overwhelmed with options.  should i do laundry or dishes?  organize her clothes? (she is outgrowing them at a record pace). or do i break out the scrapbooking or sewing?  too many things i want to do and before i can make up my mind, she's calling me!  *shrug*

shoes

i am fully aware that baby shoes are probably the most impractical things; babies don't walk anywhere and their feet grow so fast.  but that doesn't change the fact that baby shoes are so stinkin cute!  how can i resist stuff like this?!

and especially for the summer...

and in a nod to daddy's background... viking shoes!

baby apple bottom

seriously.  they make apple bottom jeans for babies... and she's rockin the boots with the fur too.

haiku friday - baby talk

neh, eh, heh, eairh, owh
feed me, burp me, change me now!
baby talks to me

photoshop fun

i like playing with processing.  this is a photo straight from the camera...

and this is the same photo after applying the heartland action from Pioneer Woman...

baby talk

like many other people, i've always believed babies had their own language.  now that i have a baby of my own, i want more than anything to understand that secret language.  some friends gave us a copy of Dunstan Baby Language and i am elated to report that someone has unlocked the key to understanding what your baby is saying to you before they reach the hysterical crying stage.

Priscilla Dunstan has an amazing ability; she has a photographic memory for sound.  using this ability to recognize patterns in babies' cries, she discovered that ALL babies share a universal language based on reflexes and associated noise.  all i know is that since i've been listening for her "words"  Saraya has been so easy to console.  i no longer have to run through the entire list of things to check because she is telling me specifically what she needs.  i LOVE it!!

i wholeheartedly recommend Dunstan Baby Language!

feathers

maybe it was seeing this guy that inspired me...

but i've been loving feather accessories lately.  check out these fun pieces!

earrings

hairpins

headbands

and even shoes!

face

i love this little face!

haiku friday - peacock

bright feathers fanning
impressing the lady folk
strut your stuff good sir

beach day

not the best beach weather but a day at the beach is never a bad day...

summer cocktails

it's nice to be able to partake again and these look especially tasty for the summertime...

watermelon cocktail

Pimm's Cup

some lovely Brits introduced me to this while we were working in the desert.  very refreshing!

 

sangria

and a a tasty-looking non-alcoholic one as well!

sunburst morning cocktail

15. check out a glacier

we departed from Whittier into Prince William Sound and saw some of the most amazing glaciers and wildlife.  we were lucky enough to see one calving (when part of one breaks off) and it made waves strong enough to rock our boat!  i think it looks like an alien landscape up close.  if you look closely at the last picture, you can see a kayak in front of the glacier.  how's that for perspective?

happy 4th!

Saraya loves her special holiday outfit from Grandma Dee!  and she's excited for her first fireworks :)

Aunt Lynn

Saraya loves spending time with Aunt Lynn.  she likes to take her to fun places and makes sure she is dressed like a little lady.

haiku friday - independence day

go red white and blue,
fun in the sun and fireworks;
celebrate freedom!

flowers, flowers everywhere...

mom, Saraya and i took a little trip to the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly known as Quail Botanical Garden).  it is a real gem, hidden between the Encinitas and Leucadia exits.  as an added bonus, military and up to 5 of their dependents can check out the gardens for free from memorial day to labor day.

it's a surprisingly big garden (35 acres) with areas such as a bamboo garden, a rainforest with a waterfall, native Californian desert, subtropical fruits, herbs, and more!  there's even an amazing children's garden (the largest interactive children's garden on the west coast).  it's such a beautiful and peaceful place.  i highly recommend checking it out.  i hope you enjoy these photos (they really don't do the place justice)!