nursery triumph

Oh, the woes of finding the perfect crib bedding. It has just about killed me. Perhaps I put way too much thought into this, but I believe a nursery is an extension of your living space and should reflect the sensibilities and decor of the rest of your home. It should NOT be an homage to Winnie the Pooh or look like the circus has come to town. That's just my opinion (ahem). (If you're inclined, check out Oh Dee Doh, a fantastic website for parents and parents-to-be who refuse to give in to ridiculous kid spaces and prefer well-designed rooms.)

In the process of creating my modern yet feminine nursery, I noticed that crib bedding is either a) hideous or b) not hideous but too expensive. However, I discovered discount online shopping and (lo and behold) Nurseryworks' pea berry mocha crib set popped up on super sale at Overstock.com. I snatched it immediately, and it was delivered lickity split. Thank goodness for small miracles.

the pregnancy road trip

At first thought, going on a 10-day, cross-country road trip six and a half months preggo seemed mighty crazy. After all, hours sitting in the car with a smooshed bladder doesn't really sound appealing, does it? But The Husband and I squashed the notion that we would have a horrible time and opted instead for the optimistic attitude when we planned our trip across the Texas panhandle, into the Colorado Rockies, through the planes of Wyoming, and into the mountainous terrain of the Tetons and Yellowstone. After doing some research on pregnant road trips, I felt confident that I could weather the storm. As long as we stopped every hour or hour and half to stretch and take a potty break and not spend more than six hours a day traveling, my doctor assured me that everything would be fine. And the more research I did, the more I realized that couples are taking "babymoons" more often these days. After being back for three days, I can report that it was an uplifting and wonderful experience, one of the best trips we've ever taken as a couple. More to come soon! (I couldn't resist taking a photo of the pregnant woman on a horse scultpture in downtown Jackson, Wyoming.)

memorial music

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and I simply love this holiday. Perhaps it's that feeling that summer is about to begin. Everyone is outdoors doing some kind of activity. The fireflies are out, there's still a faint spring breeze in the air before the summer humidity kicks in, and everyone is off work and in dandy spirits. The Husband and I are lucky enough to live within walking distance of Flagpole Hill. Each Memorial Day, the Dallas Symphony sets up on the hill to play followed by a fireworks show. Last night around 8, we trudged up there, blanket under arm, and made camp under a towering, leafy oak within perfect view of the bandstand. I peered down the hill and thoroughly enjoyed watching children weave in and out of the crowd with their glow-in-the-dark swords, couples sipping wine and chewing on grapes, and feet bobbing back and forth during the uplifting, patriotic movements of the orchestra. It was lovely.

summer parfait

For my mom's recent birthday party, I whipped up this chocolate-strawberry parfait. It was pretty darn tasty. My sister wanted seconds before we had finished serving everyone. It's incredibly easy and provides a nice, cool dessert for summer. Here's the recipe!

Chocolate-Strawberry Parfait

1 box dark chocolate cake

1 large tub of Cool Whip

1 large can of strawberry pie filling

Fresh strawberries

Prepare cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely. Cut cake into mini squares and place one layer on the bottom of a glass serving dish. Cover this layer with half of the strawberry pie filling. Then put down a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat layers. On top, garnish with fresh cut strawberries. (You will most likely have leftover chocolate cake.) Refrigerate parfait for about two hours before serving.

nursery swoon

Big time swoons for this nursery by Denai Jones at Petunia Pickle Bottom. It is the inspiration behind our yet-to-be-born baby girl's nursery. I abhor most nursery decor (probably because it's usually powder blue or a hideous shade of pink). So I wanted to find something that was more me, yet something that would be soothing for the baby. I've opted for two shades for the walls, "Forest Lichen" and "Bird's Nest." I plan to incorporate mostly white furniture and dress it up with a vintage modern bird theme. The walls are painted, but that's about it for now. I'll post some pics when it's all done! In the meantime, you can gaze at more beautiful photos of my inspiration here.

family car

Ever hear of family-car-syndrome? I have. I never thought I would contract it because I've always wanted a green Mini Cooper with white racing stripes (and this was BEFORE they were available in the U.S. of A.). The Husband and I have fallen victim to this incurable pandemic, and before we knew it, we were at the Honda dealership buying one of these. I must admit that I was smitten by the newer design and 27-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency (ain't bad for an SUV, no?). Plus, the roadtrip to Yellowstone will be ever so much more comfortable. I'm a Honda girl from way back. My last two cars (both Civics) have been so good to me, so I have to give a woot-woot to the Honda brand. (Woot! Woot!) Go get one!

hello, decemberists... er... happy bullets

The Happy Bullets - "Herbert Had a Dream" from geoff johnston on Vimeo.

I was thrilled when I discovered this video online thanks to Geoff Johnston over at Quick. I adore this living-room-impromptu sit-in of Dallas band The Happy Bullets, not only because I know these fine folks (some more than others) but because they are simply marvelous. They also quite remind me of those great northwesterners, The Decemberists, but that's neither here nor there, now is it? I'm so glad to hear some new Bullets music. Enjoy.