We're going international, baby!

I wish this was an announcement that S and I are going on some fancy trip or moving to a foreign locale for a bit.  But it is not.  We are going to stay in Atlanta.  Where is it 92 degrees on the first day of autumn.  Don't get me started.

No, this is an excitement of a different nature.  We have our first international ticker hit!

Hello Canada!

Some helpful reading

For those of you who are going to have a baby, might have baby, know someone who will have a baby, or just like to read about saving money: this is for you.  That list kind of sounds like the "possible side effects list" for a medication, "if you are pregnant or might become pregnant...read this."

My pretend best friends at Young House Love provide this handy dandy guide to saving money (and not spending crazy amounts) when expecting a baby.  Some of my favorite suggestions include...

• Resist the baby clothing draw - I can barely do this now and I'm not even expecting!
• Buck conventional baby gear - I have an irrational fear of baby clutter one day taking over my house so this is definitely my favorite.  Also, for future reference, if it's plastic and in a primary color, please don't buy it for my child.  That has nothing to do with this article, just a personal request. :-)
• Save money (and the earth!) by using cloth diapers - These things become way cool!
• Remember that the store will still be there - As in, if you need it later, you can get it; don't feel like you have to get everything now just in case.

Oh, and don't they have a cute little one?  Surely they don't mind me posting her picture on my random blog, right?

Hope some of you find this helpful!  I have bookmarked it in the folder "stuff to remember," which currently also includes stroller suggestions, DIY decor and toys, and cute stuff I like.  This folder lives under the bookmark folder titled "graduate school."  I am hoping that these two can continue to live together in harmony during the next several years.

Happy Fall!

I hate September.  It's such a tease.

Labor Day!
The end of summer!
Picking apples!
Cool weather clothes!
Cinnamon-scented brooms at the grocery store!
It's 90 degrees outside!

See what I mean?  September sucks.  I guess if you love the summer it doesn't suck.  But I do not love the summer, I love the fall.  So there you have it.

Nevertheless, Happy Fall!  Because I made a fall wreath, dang it, and it's going to be fall!  I also stuck it to this $69 wreath on Etsy.  What!?  $69!?  I don't think so.  So instead...

• 18-inch grapevine wreath from Hobby Lobby: $3.99
• Seven sheets of scrapbooking cardstock: $2.03
• Pages from a Readers Digest Sherlock Holmes book that we had for some reason: free
• Paper flower making knowledge from friend Carrie's wedding: free
• Hot glue: free (well, I already had it)
• (optional) Acrylic spray so I can hang the thing outside: $3.00 (coupon!)

Total: $9.02 before tax

Take that Etsy wreath!

It needs one more little flower in the empty spot on the top but then it will be complete!  Thanks for the idea, Bits & Barley (who are charging way too much for paper flower products....those things are super simple to make - I'll be happy to teach you how).

A PSA from Dr. Oz

I struggle with anxiety.  I spent about two years being anxious about everything.  That was super fun.  Then I tried anti-anxiety medication which, unfortunately, made my anxiety worse in the longer term.  BUT then I caught a few seconds of Dr. Oz and he gave me a suggestion.  (See suggestion at 3:44.)

click on picture to go to the video

Things you should know about passion flower extract:

1. It comes from this awesome-looking flower.

2. It tastes kind of like prunes.  It's totally gross, but you mix it in water or some other beverage and then drink it really, really fast!

3. I got this kind at our health food store.  I don't think there is much difference between the brands.

4.  It really seems to work!  And if you are on anti-anxiety type medication, it shouldn't have any contraindications.  Passion flower isn't the only tool I'm using to combat my irrational anxiety but it certainly helps. 

That concludes today's public service announcement.

Coach S in action

Get the team warmed up.

Consult with the assistant coach while the girls wait for the serve.

Mid-game pep talk.

The final score!

But get ready for the second match.

And put away your Gatorade.

Just in time to win again!

Good game, good game.

Congratulations are in order

Strike up the band!  Listen to the sweet strains of Pomp and Circumstance!

Did we tell you that we graduated from therapy?  Yes, we are very proud.  We have been waiting for our graduation gifts and, since they have not yet arrived, we are assuming it's because we forgot to tell you.

In case you have ever wondered how you know when you are through with therapy, from our experience, it is when your sessions begin resembling a bad dinner party where everyone feels like they should be there but they don't really have anything to contribute.  Then, at the end of the gathering, the host says, "So, just let me know when you want to do this again!"  Even though we all know you are never going to call him. 

And then you are healed!  Ta-da!

Appropriate "graduation from therapy" gifts include, but are not limited to, trips abroad, a down payment for a house, an all-inclusive resort vacation, or a new rice cooker to replace the one that just rebelled while S was making dinner.

Just a silhouette of an idea

 

The finished silhouette project.  Super easy!  

Clockwise from the top left corner: 

Buddy, a pine cone, B & S, a daisy

A month of teal

Happy September!  And happy Ovarian Cancer Awareness month!

In October the world will be painted pink honoring breast cancer survivors and raising awareness but September is all about teal!  I mentioned a few posts back that one of the simple and fun ways to spread awareness is to paint your toes teal.  Since most of us don't wear teal nail polish on a regular basis, someone is bound to say,

"Oh, I like your teal toes."

Even if what they mean is,

"Uh, that's kinda weird."

But when they say something you can respond with,

"Yeah, it's ovarian cancer awareness month and the awareness color is teal so I painted my toes this color to help raise awareness of this cancer that is called the 'silent killer.'  The symptoms are insidious and it's so important that women know the signs so that they can communicate with their doctor and be diagnosed early.  You can learn more at ovariancancer.org."

Spread the word!