V-Day Mug Swap Swag!

Do you know what I love?  People.  I love people.  Especially ones that I feel I have found a kindred spirit in.  And I also love other people who have made it their job to bring all of us kindred spirits together.

And so today you are getting a lovely little glimpse at a kindred spirit.  Kimber was my swap partner for the #vdaymugswap exchange hosted by Alissa & Caroline (which you should totally get in on next year, if you didn't do it this year).  Anyway, back to people.  Kimber blogs over here and you should definitely take a read.  She has a heart for the Lord that is so encouraging and refreshing.  She is sweet, crafty, and an all-around awesome person to know!  

A little look at all the goodies she sent me (minus most of the candy...I've been in a chocolate/nut mood and that's what she sent me).  =)  But did you know that those fabric pieces are actually tape & tags?  She made them herself!  And she wrote about it on her blog here so go check it out!  I am so excited to use them!

This candle smells good enough to eat.  But I will restrain myself and just enjoy the scent.

There is something spiritual about good coffee in a cute mug.  It inspires the mind and caffeinates the body!

So like I said, I love people and I have loved getting to know Kimber and am excited to stay in touch!

Have a lovely Valentine's Day, everyone!

it's the moments that fly by...

Babies and mommies.  I have been blessed to have some great play dates with women in my church this summer.  One of them is the extremely talented Kristin over at Petal and Thorn Handmades (check her out if you haven't seen her work already!).  As I have been spending more time with this wonderful women, I have been blown away by how God prepares things for us before we even get to a situation or a trial.  Life is never static and my other mommas have been such an encouragement to me.

This past week, I actually remembered to grab the camera as I ran out the door to meet Kristin.  Here are some of the pictures that we got from the day (they came out rather well if I do say so myself).

they're going to be super good friends =)

playing in the water

i got a picture with my growing boy!

playing with photoshop  =P

watching the little girl enjoy all the fountains (and Kristin is rockin' the new ring you can find in my Etsy shop!  but she always looks so stinking cute...)

the problem with water is that sometimes unstable little ones can slip - hence the sad face on momma.  Sisi was over it pretty quick though.  =)

 I will never get enough of play dates that involve coffee, conversation, and cute hats.  But more on the hats later.  =)

Have a beautiful day and a wonderful weekend!

cold hands, warm hearts, and holidays around the corner!!!

Happy Thursday, folks!

I hope you are having a happy Thursday.  Or at least a productive one with the weekend in sight!  I just wanted to share a quick post of a few different things going on.

First, it was cold in Cali this morning!!!  So I made myself my (decaf) coffee and decided that a hot hard boiled egg sounded good.  Don't ask me why...I guess my cravings are back with a vengenance now that I'm not pregnant anymore.  (I actually had less cravings while I was pregnant than I did before...or after)  =P

Second,  it's time for the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Swap again!!!  Two of my favorite bloggers (who actually inspired me to keep working on my blog and keep inspiring me with yummy recipes, D.I.Y ideas, and fantastic outfit posts) are hosting this wonderful swap again!  You really do need to check it out and get to meet a new friend and get an early Christmas present!!!  I had a wonderful time talking to my partner, getting to know her, reading about everyone else's experiences, and generally sharing the experience that I am very excited to do it again! (I already signed up.  You should too!!!)

Thirdly,  Sense and Sensibility Designs is slowly getting her holiday act together and there are new items in the store!  You should check it out and keep coming back because the fun (and new products) will be coming over the next few days!  I hope you like them!  (**Teaser alert! Keep coming back to the blog too because there are going to be some deals and special products for the holidays that you won't want to miss!**)

Have a beautiful day, everyone!

beautiful little things...

I've decided to link up with Lindsay's fantastic link up party again and am loving how it makes me think of the happy things rather than the disappointing or difficult things (if you're wondering what I'm talking about, you can check out yesterday's post...I was having a hard time).  So this is my pick me up right now and I love pick me ups and checking out everyone else's great weeks too!




1) Non-dairy coffee creamerWhile I was pregnant, I admit I wasn't always real great about laying off the caffeine.  I am one of those people who love coffee for the taste - not necessarily the caffeine.  So I was not always paying attention to when I was drinking caffeinated versus decaffeinated beverages (although I really did try).  But when I started breastfeeding, I quickly realized that my baby did not like when I drank milk (which often happens to babies).  So I was bummed I might not be able to drink any coffee (I like lattes and flavor in my coffee) until I was done breast feeding - which was going to be difficult for me because I LOVE the taste of coffee!!!  But my mom and mom-in-law came to the rescue!!!  They reminded me that most flavored creamers from the grocery store are non-dairy and lactose free!  So I can still get my coffee fix!  And this week, I picked up a new flavor.  So now my current fav flavor is Almond Joy from International Delight.  If you like coconut at all, you have to try it!

via International Delight

2) FlowersWhen Hito was born, my in-laws got me an orchid plant (my fav flower!) and it has been holding up beautifully!  There is just a little bit of sun that comes through the blinds by the piano in the morning and it seems to be thriving!  This week, the whole plant seems to have opened up!  I love looking at the rich colors of it - can't go wrong with orchids!

3) Baby time  =)I was texting a friend of mine this week and observed to her that I am liking being a mom.  She responded that she thought it was the best job in the world.  I'm rather inclined to agree.  =)  But I have had the blessing of having so many family members close by to help hold and enjoy baby time too.  It is an amazing and joyful time.

It is a lovely day to remember the little things.  =)  Have a beautiful day!

coconut mochas and good friends and good conversations

So Starbucks has these coconut mocha drinks that are amazing (a fairly obvious conclusion since I'm raving). If you like coconut at all, this will be your new fav. It is like drinking a liquid Almond Joy candy bar. And that is amazing.

photo cred: starbucks

The one thing better than a coconut mocha is drinking a coconut mocha with a good friend. And I got to do that this morning - a little bit of refreshing and encouraging girl time. I forgot how much I love doing those kinds of things. I just get so busy with life.

So stop, get a cup of coffee/tea/whatever, and go have a good conversation with a real person, face to face!

yumminess and lots of it!

You have been hearing about my pregnancy and everything going on with that.  You have also heard a little bit about the illnesses and the general tired feeling that I've been dealing with.  Well, a lot of that changed this past week.  I have been feeling so much better!  And with feeling better, I have been taking more interest in my food.  Yes, that was a highlight of my week.  =)  People who know me well know that I absolutely love food.  Tasting things that go together and compliment in texture and flavor is exciting!  It's an art form I can digest!  So I thought I would share some of my eats with you today.

the hubby got a ham and swiss omelet and I got the belgian waffle - amazing!

So the hubby and I have discovered a new cafe that we are LOVING.  It is a small, quiet, cute little place in the downtown area of Anaheim which has been under rehab for a while and is finally starting to come together.  We first went to Cafe Amore last Saturday for a leisurely breakfast and were really surprised at how good it all was (from the street, it looks like a dinky little hole in the wall place.  I have been taught once again, not to judge a book by its cover.).  The coffee was high quality, the food was hot and freshly prepared and they make all their baked goods on site!  Next time any of you come to visit me, I will probably bring you here.  =)  

my udon with tanuki (tempura crumbs) and spicy-tuna don.  uh-mazing!!!

Can I just pause here to say that I have the best hubby in the world?  He knows my likes and dislikes way better than I have ever thought.  And yesterday being Friday, we like to go out and spend the evening out when we can.  So he decided to take me to one of my favorite noodle houses.  Fukada's is, by the far, the best place for udon and soba anywhere!  They hand make all of their noodles the old-fashioned way that the owner brought over from Japan.  One of their dinner menu items allows you to pick either soba or udon and a side dish with it.  So I got hot udon with spicy tuna-don.  SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!  And I was so excited I was bouncing in my chair.  =P  I'm a little uncontrollable when it comes to really good food.  

And as I'm typing this, I am sitting back in Cafe Amore.  Enjoying one of their homemade chocolate chip scones and a lovely decaf vanilla latte.  I am so happy.  =)

Have a beautiful day, everyone!