Project Shannon

What I got

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went over all the fun gifts that Hubby received for the holidays. And I don't think I specifically mentioned this - but these are all the gifts he got from everyone. His parents, my parents, me, and so forth. So although I like to spoil Hubby, don't think that he's that spoiled! And likewise, here are all the gifts I received - from my parents, Hubby's parents, Hubby, my Aunt, and then some. You will recognize a few of these things from my holiday gift idea posts (here and here), but a few of them are off my lists and were fun surprises!

Faux fur neck warmer - This was such a fun item to unwrap. My mom really has me pegged and knew I would love something so decadent. It's a little Dr. Zhivago, but I think that's what makes it great.

Lululemon "Groove" pants - I adore these pants and am sad I only own two pairs. In my next life I want to have a career where I can wear these pants to work everyday. That would so not fly at my current job, so I must save them for the weekends. I like to think that because they are "fitted", it's somehow more acceptable to wear sweatpants all weekend long.

Hoop earrings - Hubby's mom snagged these off my list of gift ideas, and I couldn't be happier. They are gorgeous and look great with my hair up in a messy bun.

Address stamp - I finally received a personalized address stamp. Looks like I can't move anytime soon.

The Wonderbar - We've already covered that I received the Wonderbar in my stocking and how I am a total convert. I drank the Kool-aid, yes I did.

Stella and Dot jewelry set - I got the whole set - earrings, brooch and necklace! I love the set together, but I have already worn each piece by itself, as well. I should really just become a S&D rep, so I can get all my jewelry at a discount.

Zara gift card - Hubby knew better than to try and pick out something from Zara that I would like, so he opted for a gift card. It's already been spent - a couple times over.

Timex "Weekender" watch - I love this casual watch. Even though it's green, it goes with everything. Plus, it's super light weight, so it won't get in the way when I am toting Caroline around all weekend.

Dansko clogs - They are as comfy as everyone says.

A terrarium - This was an excellent surprise from my brother and sister in law. They read my terrarium post a while back and took it upon themselves to make me one for the holidays. I was psyched when they presented me with the container and the diminutive plants - hauled all the way from Minnesota on an airplane. I will have to take a photo of the real thing for you all to see. It has a permanent spot in my kitchen and I like to see the little ecosystem churning away each day.

Alright - that's all for now! I will be back with Caroline's loot (she got so spoiled this year), so stay tuned for that.

What Hubby Got

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Should I apologize for my lack of posts lately? I took a vacation last week from blogging. And it was kinda nice. Caroline, as I mentioned the other day, has been really sick. So when she's awake, I've been spending my time holding her and sucking boogies from her nose. Plus, I usually use my Sunday evenings to blog a bit, but we know that those have been busy as well. But I should remind myself, that even when I am tired, and blogging seems like too much - this blog not only serves as a way to say "hi" to all of you, but it's also my version of a journal, and helps me document what is keeping us busy, day in, and day out.

I never posted about the Christmas gifts our family exchanged, but it occurred to me that maybe this would be helpful to some of you? Even though the holidays are long over, Valentine's day is coming up and maybe you need a gift idea, or two? Or even for the holiday season next year, perhaps?

Either way, Hubby raked it in this year, with a lot of gifts that are right up his alley.

Intellectual Devotional - Hubby is a bit of a history buff, and this book will give you one short lecture on an event in American History. Think of it as your evening Bible Devotional, except a bit more patriotic.

Creating a New Old House - As you may have guessed, we are a couple of renovation freaks around our house. And we are always looking to find ways to make our home seem more authentic and "old school" cape. This book is perfect.

Unbroken - Not that Hubby has a ton of time to read these days, but when he does, this book is next on his list.

Vintage basketball - Did you know that Hubby "played ball" in high school? He always likes to remind me how good he was. And if he was only "3 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier"...he would have made it in the NBA. I gently remind him, however, that if he was in the NBA, I wouldn't have married him. But this vintage looking basketball reminds him of his glory days.

Monogrammed leather portfolio - Perfect for when Hubby has a big meeting and needs to appear uber-professional, nothing says "I mean business" like a handsome portfolio. Plus I love to "man-o-gram" Hubby's things, that way you won't steal them.

Custom European license plate - This gift was my one miss this year. Wa-whaaaa. Here I thought it would be way cool for Hubby to drive around with a European license plate on his car, I even got the same number-character arrangement as his Massachusetts plates. But turns out there is a bit of a fine for driving without two "real" plates on your car. A pretty big fine, in fact. Oh, and they will tow you on the spot. Dang nabbit.

The Game of Things - Hubby wants to start "family game night". Or at least "game night with friends". Because this is no family friendly game. But it sure is funny!

Sweater - I love me a man in a good, preppy sweater. 'Nough said.

Old School Radio - Going with the vintage/old school theme this year, Hubby wanted a "cool looking" radio. But at least this "vintage" radio still connects to an ipod. Otherwise it would just be dull.

So am I right? Some fun gift ideas this year. And I am probably leaving one or two things out, in fact. But hopefully this list will be helpful for a birthday, or even the holidays next year? Stay tuned for my loot and Caroline's haul in the next few days!

What is WRONG with people?

2012-01-23T08:55:00.000-05:00

The following is a TRUE story that happened to me on Sunday. Truth. Not lies. And I am not even remotely exaggerating.

Here's what went down. Sunday, late afternoon, I went to Target with Caroline. Caroline has been really sick lately, cooped up inside with her first real cold (my poor baby!). We desperately needed paper towels, baby rice cereal, diapers, and all sorts of other (very necessary!) good things - like Maybelline's new Baby Lips gloss. (Love it, by the way.) Yesterday was Caroline's first trip out of the house in days. So I figured, she could head to Target with me, sit in her car seat in the shopping cart, but at least see stuff other than our couch and her rocking chair.

And in case you are not from New England, there was a football game on - kinda a big one too. And around these parts, when the Pats are in the AFC championship, that means NO ONE is out. Everyone is home with the TV on, watching the game. Everyone. Except me, who thought it would be a good time to bring your sick child to Target for a little mommy and me time.

So I am leaving the store, my cart is packed to the brim with all sorts of goodies, and Caroline is reaching her limit of good behavior. Remember - there is NO ONE at Target. It's basically just me, the employees, and I think I saw a couple of gay guys I would like to make friends with. So here's the scene:

I am unloading my cart, and Caroline is still sitting in the cart (in her car seat). I drive a small-ish SUV, and the back hatch is open, so I have the cart slightly to one side, behind my car. That's when it happened. An evil woman in a navy Ford Edge pulls up and sees me unloading my cart. Then she starts to do the "shimmy turn" to squeeze into the empty space next to me. The empty space - right next to my cart and my child. Keep in mind - it's 5:00pm on a Sunday during the AFC championship - there are empty spaces literally everywhere.

So I look at her, and think, do I know her? Is she trying to get my attention? There is no way she is trying to park right next to me and make me move my cart out of the way. There are 15 other spaces around that she could easily pick.

But no - she needed this space. So she sees me looking around, clearly flabbergasted at the situation unfolding. So she rolls down her window.... (children...earmuffs.)

Evil Witch: "What?! What's your problem?!"

Me: (not yelling, only talking loud enough so she could hear): "Nothing. But there are plenty of other parking spaces. I am trying to unload my cart, I have a child, and there are plenty of other spots."

EW: "Are you serious?! You've got to be kidding me! Oh F*** You! Go to Hell! I have a child in my car too!"

Me: (stunned briefly) "Oh you're welcome! Thanks! Love you too!"

And then she gets out of her car, and I expect her to be lugging a 7-month old, much like myself. I am mean why else would she need to park so close to the store, unless her child is a heavy load like mine? And her child must be too young to talk, or understand her, because who uses language like that?

Nope. I was wrong. Her child was probably six, maybe seven.

I literally didn't know whether I should laugh or start crying. Who talks to random strangers like that? Please tell me that people and common decency are not lost, and perhaps where ever you live, people are kind to one another.

Review: The Wonderbar

2012-01-13T08:12:00.000-05:00

Remember this post, when I asked Santy Clause to put a Wonderbar in my stocking this year? Well Santa delivered. My "Aunt Santa" delivered and a Wonderbar was placed, ever so carefully, under my tree this year. (Technically that's a lie, it was shipped from MN. But sometimes MN is as cold as the North Pole, so basically it's like the same thing.)

So it's been almost three weeks now of consistent use - and here are my thoughts. It's gorgeous. I mean it is totally Wunderbar! (Imagine I just said that with a super think, poorly executed, German accent.) The site says you can go through a "healing crisis", which I never experienced, my I did notice my skin has been slow to adjust. I have super dry skin in the winter time, and I can tell that since using this, my skin has slowly started to get less dry, fewer dry patches, and super (I mean super) smooth. I definitely notice fewer fine lines around my eyes, and I feel like my face just glows a bit more than it used to. And I'm only three weeks in, not even.

Warning - the Wonderbar is small. Like smaller than a business card, small. Like, "I just paid how much for this?!?" small. But it lasts. After three weeks of twice a day use, it barely looks like I have knocked millimeters off this thing. So even though it's a pricey little package, it seems like I'll get my money's worth.

Like any skin care product, I am sure it won't work for everyone - but it totally works for me and I have almost totally stopped using my other, now old favorite, face wash. (Now I only use it to get rid of my eye make-up at night.) So if you are looking for something new, I would suggest at least looking into the Wonderbar. I will totally be reordering once my first bar is kicked.

*Wonderbar did not perk me in anyway to write this post. I just heard about the Wonderbar from the world wide webnets, and I thought I would give it a try. In fact, I'm pretty sure Wonderbar has no idea who Project Shannon is.

Behind the scenes of our photo shoots

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every month, on or around Caroline's birthday (the 6th), we take our monthly photo shoot. It's nothing special, just whatever blanket we have lying around, and a white onesie. But we always try and make it fun for Caroline, especially given that she's so often the subject of these blog posts.

But this month after we got "the one", we decided to horse around a bit. Caroline was freshly changed, (mostly) dressed, and in a really good mood.

We are trying to help Caroline learn to crawl.

Unsuccessfully, clearly.

But she gets distracted easily.

How could you focus on crawling when Daddy has fun strings on his sweatshirt?

Caroline loves her twilight turtle. She likes to slap the shell and hear the noise.

Caroline loves her blanket "woobie". (Have you seen the movie Mr. Mom?) Hubby thought it was funny to put woobie on her head, and create a "Woobie Monster".

Finally Caroline gave up trying to take it off and just kept playing with Twilight Turtle.

And playing with her Daddy.

Caroline at 7 months

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, my little girl turned 7 (months). It's weird to think that she's closer to being 1 year old, than she is to be a newborn baby. Time goes by so fast. I've thought about what I want to do for her first birthday, but soon I will actually have to start planning.

In addition to trying to eat her feet whenever she has the chance, Caroline is sitting up so well these days. And although not crawling yet, she's making strong motions that that's where she's heading. God help me. It has to be easier when they don't really go anywhere. How will we get ready in the morning, if she's not behaving herself and trying to scoot all over the place?

But she's also exerting her will these days. Caroline wants what she wants, and she wants it now. Not in two minutes, not in two seconds. Now. Again, God help me. If this is what she is like at 7 months, what will she do when she's a teenager? And have I mentioned that she's over any spoon feeding? I can just hear her saying to me each morning, "That's for babies, and I'm a big girl."

But Caroline is also getting fun. She wants to laugh and play "airplane" and hold her maracas and shake them silly. The fun times definitely outweigh (and make things easier during) the tough times.

Happy seven months darling. You're getting so big, Mommy can't stand it.

There goes my Sunday.

2012-01-06T08:17:00.001-05:00

Well, there goes my weekend and Sunday night. Here I thought that I could have a nice relaxing weekend, get into bed early on Sunday night so I would wake up fresh and ready to go for my new job on Monday morning!

No so! Turns out, Downton Abbey premiers on Sunday night. I used to think that Masterpiece Classic on PBS was only for my grandparents, and their similarly experienced friends. But when Downton Abbey (part 1) was on last year, I was GLUED (glued, I say!) to my TV. Even Hubby got into it. Apparently, Season 2 debuted in the UK last year, but over here on this side of the pond, they made us wait.

Just like they made us wait for the American version of "Pop Idol", and Kate is making us wait to find out if she's really preggers.

I knew the second part was premiering soon, but I didn't realize it was this weekend. I have been very excited to see what happens to the family, now that "the War" is coming. If you haven't seen the series, I would definitely recommend catching up on the first season, and making sure to DVR the second season.

So if you are my family, please do not call me on Sunday night, between 9 and 11pm - or any other Sunday night, for the next 7 weeks. Thanks.

Photo from here.

Resolutions

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Typically, I do not. I don't feel as though I should make lofty, and typically empty promises to myself. Particularly when I don't end up keeping those resolutions past January 10th.

But this year, I am going to try to be better in many ways. Well, maybe not many ways, but a few, significant ways. "Many ways" probably sounds like I fail at life, daily, and need to totally restructure how I live. I don't feel as though I am far off from my goals, but I know I'm not "there".

And, like so many things, maybe if I tell YOU my resolutions, I will have to be accountable to someone, for something.

This year, I plan to:

Be more relaxed. Or at least learn to relax. That's not to say I will be lax about work, or about important things, but I need to learn how to "let go", as my mom says. I know that I need to live a more balanced life, but I haven't exactly figured out how to mentally accept the changes that come with that balance. I need to let go of the need to always have a clean house, or the need to always have everything put away or all our beds made. I need to prioritize things in this order: Caroline and Hubby, my health and mental well being, lots of other very important things, blah blah blah, and finally home organization and life order. I am really good at getting things done and really good at making lists - but I think sometimes my desire to get things done, or check things off my list, inhibits my ability to enjoy - for enjoyment's sake. I think I am going to try light meditation, or perhaps deep breathing exercises to work on this. I'm not sure exactly how I am going to accomplish this resolution - but it's on the list. Maybe resolution #2 should be "figure out how to relax?"

Take care of myself. This resolution is three fold. I would like to eat better. I eat okay, but I know I don't eat well. I am still trying to think what this really means. I have been reading this blog lately, and I don't know if that's my answer, exactly. But I feel like my current, unregulated diet isn't right. Have you tried paleo? If so, can you let me know in the comments how easy it is? And what you think?

I would also like to workout more - in any small fashion. Granted, I know this one will be hard. But I don't mean that I need to sweat it out at the gym, everyday, for an hour. If it only means I take a walk during my lunch hour, or do 10 minutes of stretching before starting my day, then I hope to incorporate more fitness in my life. Having Caroline around makes working out hard, and often she prevents me from really exercising as much as I'd like. But I need to start fitting something into my day more often. Exercise makes me think more clearly. And if I'm exercising more, I think eating better will be easier. And just because I say "I want to workout more", that does not mean I want to lose weight. I am just fine with my current weight (mom), it only means that I feel like moving more is better for my body and my soul.

I also need to read more. Right now I "veg" in front of the TV. After a long day when I need to unplug, I am too apt to turn on the TV. I would like to read more. More books, more magazines, more blogs. Just more. I was an English major in college, and even after undergrad, I kept up my love of reading, inhaling books left and right. I can't tell you the last time I started - and finished! - a book.

So that's where I stand. Do you believe in resolutions? What do you have on your "to do" list this year? Or do you have any advice for sticking to these resolutions?

Finally, a holiday recap

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

This post is so totally overdue. I had an entire week off from work, between Christmas and New Years. And I think with taking time off from work, I also took time off from my other daily activities. I didn't work out (a sorry start to New Year's resolutions), I didn't blog, I didn't go grocery shopping, I didn't do laundry.

I didn't do anything I am "supposed" to do. And it felt great. All those "didn'ts" really did make it feel like time off.

But, I did say I would tell you how my holidays went. So here goes. It will be a quick overview and a lot of photos, ok? We celebrated Christmas three times. Once at Hubby parent's house on Christmas Eve, one at our house on Christmas morning, and once with my brothers and sister in law just before New Years. Hubby had I had our first house guests since Caroline arrived, and it was lovely to have company and feel like we had a loving, full home to share.

Before I forget, I promised I would show you the stocking my mom made. I adore it. I have no doubt it will store goodies and trinkets for years to come.

Our tree was chocked full this year. Santa went totally overboard. I think with Caroline's arrival, and visiting house guests, we really wanted to make this year feel special. Next year, all I want is a new vacuum and a carpet cleaner. I'm totally serious.

But Caroline was the winner this year, and really got spoiled.

She got her very first arm chair, that she loves.

Caroline's Great Great Uncle makes wooden toys as a hobby, and made one especially for her.

Caroline freaked out over the sled that "Santa" got her.

She can't wait for snow.

It was great to spend Christmas morning at our house. I look forward to many more happy years in our home and building memories around our family tree.

Caroline loved her stocking and was thrilled with the fairy doll that Santa left her.

Riley got a puppy sleeping bag for Christmas. I think the leopard print is fantastic, and frankly would consider going camping if my sleeping bag was that chic. One of my friends always says she wants to come back in her next life as our family dog. Now I can see her point.

Caroline got daddy something, but she was already asleep when he opened his gift.

Too much excitement for one morning.

I failed at taking more photos when my family was in town, but here's one last shot of all us "kids" (aka Adult Children).

I hope Santa was good to all of you and I hope you had a great holiday.

2011

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

A lot happened in the past year and it's always fun to look back and remember how great things have been. And if you are new around here, you can catch up on what I've been up to over the past year - you know, get to know me a bit?

In January, we visited my Aunt and Uncle in Vermont and also shared some big news.

February was a fun month. Hubby and I revealed our master bedroom re-do, after three weeks of hard work. I also wrote one of my most popular posts to date, all about organizing my bathroom closet.

In March, you got the first look at my baby bump, and we did a little work on our bathroom.

For the entire month of April, I nested hard core. I even tried to get rid of my microwave. But at least we finished the bathroom and managed to take a quick vacation.

Hubby and I had our last big date night in May. Hubby also took over the blog for the first time.

June started off with me getting really sick, which resulted in Caroline's debut! ...But not before Hubby and I managed to check one more big project off the list. And of course, Caroline started to make more appearances on the blog.

In July I finally got around to telling my birth story and Caroline took her first vacation.

Caroline and I took another vacation together in August and I finally revealed the nursery.

September was busy - I was back at work and we visited my family in Minnesota. I also thought long and hard about the lessons I learned in the short time I've been a parent.

I wrote more lessons in October, and tried to start meal planning to make my life easier.

You followed me to work and we had breakfast together in November. I also celebrated.

In December, we took advantage of some decent weather and got a little yard work accomplished. And even though life got busy, I still managed to decorate.

We had some really fun things happen - and some really big changes - in 2011, and I look forward to sharing the upcoming year with you, friends.

To see last year's recap of 2010, visit here.

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve

2011-12-23T08:39:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve my dear friends. My life the past few days, both at and outside of work, have been crazy. So unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to blog as much as I would have liked, or as much as I promised. But it's almost the holidays and I'm almost on vacation - so maybe this year you can give me a free pass? (Last year's post was a bit more elaborate).

But in the spirit of the holidays, I am calm and relaxed. Hubby is home today, knocking the last few things off of "Santa's" to do list and getting ready for the celebrations. We will be spending Christmas Eve with his family in Western Mass, and then returning to our lovely house to spend Christmas Day at home.

This week has been particularly crazy and chaotic. But despite all that, I leave work and come home, being very thankful for how blessed we are this year. We both have very stable and fulfilling jobs, which help us provide for a well-rounded life and for our amazing new daughter. We have a lovely home that I look forward to returning to each night. We have a kind family, who over the past year, has been more than generous and supportive of our life changes and needs. And I have a fantastic husband, whom I love dearly and who gave me the best gift of all.

So whatever Santa puts under my tree this year, well that will just be frosting. I already feel like I am very lucky this holiday season.

I hope that Santa brings each of you as much joy as I feel each day. Because that makes for a truly special Christmas.

Photo from Dress, Design, Decor.