I’m Back!

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016Leave a comment

It’s been over 6 months since I published my last post and sooooo much has happened since then.

Since August’s birth in early 2015 I’ve found it difficult to get back into the swing of blogging. Learning how to be a mama, struggling with nursing, perfecting the art of changing diapers, all while working full time, kept me busy and away from writing. But that’s all about to change! Having entered a new chapter of my life, one complete with my fur babies and a bouncing off the walls toddler, I want to get back into sharing the highs and lows of living a conscious lifestyle in the city.

Life has a way of catching us off guard. Having moved into a new apartment in the spring, and then unexpectedly transitioning to becoming a single parent, this last season has had its fair share of trials. But God is good. Life is good. And I’m keeping my chin up! I’ll share more about what’s happening in my marriage some other time. For now I’m just here to say, “Hello! I’m back!” Can’t wait to share with you what I’m working on, things I’m dreaming about, and all the goofy little things in between.

August Year One

February 24, 2016February 24, 2016Leave a comment

augustine year one

It’s been twelve months since the birth of Augustine.

Twelve months since we learned to swaddle, sway, and sweet talk. Twelve months of changing diapers, sorting toys, and counting sheep. Twelve months of learning the ropes, building up confidence, and settling into parenthood. Twelve months of prayers, patience, giggles, and dreams. Twelve months of learning to love deeper, higher, and without limits.

It’s been twelve months since our lives changed forever, and for the better, which is why we’re celebrating our first twelve months as the mom and dad of Augustine.

Happy birthday to our little jelly bean!

All About Butter

January 25, 2016August 22, 2016Leave a comment

Butter photo by Lydia Krupinski

If you thought this post would be about the fatty deliciousness of the dubious cooking ingredient, think again! In our family Butter takes on a new meaning in the form of a goofy, wiggly, snack stalking Boston Terrier.

This sweet sweet boy’s adoption anniversary is fast approaching. Adopted from The Anti-Cruelty Society on Valentine’s Day 2011, Butter is now 7 years old and officially a canine senior.

bow-tie Butter photo by Lydia Krupinski

This little guy’s adventure started with us on New Year’s week. At the end of 2010 I had declared that it was time to adopt a buddy for Peanut. We had been fostering for a year and Peanut proved he’d make an excellent big brother to a shelter pup. When considering what kind of dog we wanted to adopt we knew we’d want someone as similar to Peanut in size and play style as possible. He loved wrestling with other small, smoosh faced dogs, so I had my sights set on another brachycephalic breed. We’d let the right dog come to us. It was the very next day that I met Butter at The Anti-Cruelty Society.

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August’s Nursery: First Edition

January 19, 2016January 19, 2016Leave a comment

It’s been exactly a year since we converted our bedroom into a nursery for our little jelly belly. I was three weeks away from my due date and a maddening urge to nest hit me. I had made a plan for the space but hadn’t done much beyond having David put up the crib and pop some art on the wall. One year later his space has undergone a multitude of changes, which is when it occurred to me, I never shared the first edition!

We live in a vintage one bedroom in Chicago’s populous and energetic Lakeview neighborhood. Our flat is sizable for the area – we have a sun room, formal dining room, large kitchen and a living room with built-ins and a fireplace (just for show though!). When we found out we were pregnant in May of 2014 we decided we’d work with the space we have rather than moving into a larger apartment. We love the character and location of our current place and knew that to find a two bedroom even remotely as cute in such a good neighborhood would be a long shot. So we decided to stay!

August's Nursery 2015 by Lydia Krupinski

august's nursery photo by Lydia Krupinski

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DIY Gilded Baby Print Ornament

December 10, 2015January 19, 20162 Comments

We are so excited about August’s first Christmas! How will he regard the feast, the presents, the stockings, the caroling?!

This important milestone is one that we’ll probably remember more than him, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t pull out all the stops for our little merry jelly belly. For this first baby-centric-Christmas we’ll be continuing some long-standing family traditions, while throwing in some new ones just for August. The first – an annual handmade Christmas ornament.

To help inspire this sentimental tree trimming I sifted through pin after pin on Pinterest but quickly found the tutorials lacking. Many of the handmade ornaments were too crafty looking (I know – there is such a thing I swear!). I wanted August’s first ornament to capture this important milestone while still retaining a modern classy feel. I really liked the idea of capturing a hand or foot print but instead of the traditional pressing method I opted for a different technique: embossing. This way I could capture his tiny digits without creating something too cliche. Continue reading →

Give Back Friday

November 23, 2015January 19, 2016Leave a comment

Instead of giving into mass consumerism on black Friday, our little family is starting a new tradition: Give Back Friday.

We’ve been collecting donations from family and friends all month long so that we can create winter warmth kits for the homeless. We’ll be hitting the streets of downtown Chicago the day after Thanksgiving to share some basic provisions with people in need.

Each winter warmth kit will include gently used gloves, a hat, and scarf – the sheer basics for staving off some of the cruel Chicago chill. We’ll also include a new pair of thick socks, a gift card to a nearby cafe, and a hand written note of encouragement. But that’s not all. It’s also about the personal touch.

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Our Holiday To-DIY List

November 20, 2015January 19, 2016Leave a comment

With Christmas fast approaching it’s high time we compile our annual DIY gift to-do list.

In addition to buying some locally hand crafted goodies, and placing orders via Etsy, we’re committed to creating as many gifts ourselves as possible. Here’s a peak at some of the tutorials that are serving as inspiration for our merry making this season!