Hello 2014!

Yes, I realize I'm 7 days late, but heck - this little old blog of mine has definitely been collecting it's fair share of dust bunnies, yikes!

I'm hoping in the next few weeks that this personal blog will mesh in with my Pixel Paper Hearts venture and I can have everything all in one place. I'll more than likely be writing about the same things & really hoping to keep it consistent (ugh, I always say this). But new year means fresh starts, right? I think so!

The holidays were just insane for us. But all in a good, fun and fabulous way! Love celebrating with family, friends and mountains of delicious food. Mountains. We were lucky enough for Ryan to have days off in between Christmas and New Years & is actually still off until Friday! The kiddies are loving having him around, and heck - so am I!

What a year 2013 was. Raised of babies, faced from fears, started some things, made some friends, took big leaps - laughed a whole lot, learned a whole lot, it was very good to us.

I've set a few "intentions" for this year. I've kept them simple & realistic, because we know how lost these intentions can get, ha! I do have one word that I'm keeping close to my heart for the year ...

... in all aspects of life.

// Keep up with Project Life - I just love this idea and this way of documenting so much! But I do have an unfinished 2013 album, whomp. So I'm hoping to keep things simple, and not be so damn hard on my creative self so I'll be able to keep up & just hammer this down this year.

// Date my husband - I'm ready to be selfish. To have some down time, time away from our roles as (awesome) parents and just be us again. The craziness of life always "gets in the way", but I want to make us a priority and not use our kiddies or being tired as an excuse. So bring on the dinner dates (sans les babies), I've missed you!

// Write shit down - because my mind is pure mush, this is a must! Also there's something about pencil / pen & paper, something our smart phone won't even be able to replace, ever.

// More play time - I could watch my kiddies play for hours, but I want to be the one playing with them too & with no strings attached - meaning leaving my phone in another room & catching up on my social media feeds at another time. I want them to know I'm engaged & present ... and that I know how to play too ;)

// Do away with impulse purchases - I always hear myself telling myself that it's "only a dollar", but it's not a need! & we can do without it. & just because it's on sale, doesn't mean we need it either. I'm in the process of purging and toss things away that have been laying around our home. I want to love the things that we do have & make sure that they have purpose.

// Hang some damn things up - our home is naked. Very naked & we've been here for 3.5 years now. It's like I'm interior design challenged & just can't seem to execute my dreams and inspirations. But I will do this, one room at a time. I hope, lol.

Here's to another year. Filled with simple things, but big dreams! & to doing the things we "intent" to :)
Happy New Year Friends!

& the hiatus continues!

Oh how I miss thee! Truly! Things are hectic, but we are so so happy. And I promise, there's no glorification of busy over here - just slowly down & focusing on things that matter :)

If you follow my Instagram feed for Pixel Paper Hearts, you would have seen this already & would have read my sob story about how my MacBook charger melted (yes, melted). 

So I've been on a bit of a design hiatus & I'm loving and hating every minute of it. Part of me wants to work on my designs, my skills day in a day out. I feel like I get better with practice and the more work I do, the more confident I become. BUT this is definitely not possible, especially with two littles running around & a hubs who works his butt off so that we're able to have me be a "stay-at-home mama". Some weeks the focus is on the business, other weeks it's on home life. The balance is hard, but I have to remind myself that saying no to one thing means saying YES to something else. I'm determined to cultivate a life that feels good inside and out.

Hope you're all doing wonderful!

Monday Mantra, FP Moccs & PPH Print Shop Discount Code!

Nothing like starting the week with some positivity! & some sunshine, yay!

From time to time I browse around Pinterest for "words of wisdom" and I never fail to find something that speaks to me so fluently for my current situation - does this ever happen to you?

Big changes happening in the next little bit and I'm feeling all sorts of emotions. I'm not doubting that this the best decision for our family (especially for right now, while our babies are still babes) but it will definitely be an adjustment. I'm excited, nervous, anxious and scared - a whole whirlwind of emotions. But what an adventure it will be, bring it on! Time to let go & let God and simply trust the process.

Two other things:
1. I've been waiting for the Freshly Picked Moccasins sale since well, forever & the day has come! I finally snagged a pair of these 100% leather, handmade (by a Mama!) in the USA moccs in Platinum for Miss Sadie Quinn! How freaking adorable! I cannot wait to for them to come! If you want a pair for your little one as well, check Susan out on Instagram or Facebook for your 25% discount code until May 31!

2. & just because it's the last week of May, and almost summa summa time - I'm offerring 15% off all prints in my Etsy shop from now until the end of May! Woot! Use discount code: MAY15 when checking out. Enjoy lovely people :)
*Offer valid from now until May 31, 2013

stop thinking & start doing!

we get into it because we have good taste ...
... well, obviously - hehe.

I came across this video maybe last year and related immensely. It's been a little while since my brother and I launched our "company" but we we've been taking the slow & steady route. We don't do much advertising or promoting our business mainly because we both still have "real" jobs (whatever that means). All our work thus far has been through referrals, which is actually a good thing! We love the creative aspect of what we do, but adding crazy pressures and deadlines to creative work sometimes makes it daunting and well, not fun. And it's supposed to be our fun "job" ... but, we can't stay in this bubble forever. It's time to take chances, take risks and start making work that were smitten about and proud of.

I've kept that screenshot of a conversation with my brother that I hold so close to my heart. It simply makes me smile. I do, have to remind myself that success does not happen overnight & not to get discouraged by this. Having the courage to finally step outside of my comfort zone & take the plunge to do something I love - that's half the battle right there.

If you're thinking of starting something and or changing something so that you're indulging yourself in your passion ... stop thinking & start doing. You'd be amazed with what you're capable of :)

Pray for Boston

The events that took place at the Boston marathon yesterday have me feeling: sad, scared and well, annoyed. I could never comprehend how someone could plan to hurt so many people ... makes the world such a scary place.  

This photo has been surfacing all over Instagram - I love the message & it's reminder that there is still kindness out there.
& the quote goes on to say,

To this day, especially in times of "disaster", I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.

My heart goes out to those in Boston.
& a big hug to the helpers out there, who help make the world not so scary after all.

things are brewing!

March, you'e almost over!

My hiatus is blamed on various things & if you know me well, I can usually conjure up many reasons why, lol. Like, my two babies who seem to be very, very efficient at sucking up all my energy or my self-diagnosis of bloggerlust - where I start the evening with intentions of blogging but then I find a blogs of bloggers who fascinate me and I start blog hopping and pinning and jotting things down in my moleskine and before you know it I drowing in this rabbit hole of inspiration and it's midnight again and I panic because I should have been sleeping because Sadie is like a ticking time bomb these nights and can explode with that squeal-like cry at any moment ... sigh, lol.

BUT! I'm making progress on some pretty things & I can't wait to share!

That's all!
Happy Monday!

you is ... (& a freebie!)

Ok, so I'm totally late jumping on "The Help" badwagon. As in I skipped reading the book and just watched the movie a few days ago. I live under a rock, yes.

But what a wonderful story! I'm a sucker for anything that makes you feel such emotion. Can you just imagine what it was like living in that era? And I'm all for believing that one person can truly make a difference. Because it only take one to stand out from the crowd. And of course, just like everyone else, I fell for Aibileen's humbling efforts to make a child feel proud about herself ... despite what anyone else says.

Aiden didn't watch the movie with me, but I recited the famous "you is ..." lingo to him before bed one night and his just face lit up! Amazing how such simple words can evoke such confidence. I've always been a fan of lovely words.

& I love reminders of such, so I whipped up a simple printable for A and Sadie's bedrooms. Originally I planned for them to be in a small square frame, but had no such luck finding such a frame. So I opted to use some pewter rectangular frames that I already had on hand. I may just switch to the square once I actually find a frame.

Annnnd, I'm sharing them with who ever wants em!
Just click the images below to download for free :)
The square prints are formatted for 5x5 and the rectangle prints are formatted for 5x3.5

 

 

*These freebies / printables are for personal use only! 

Please do not sell, distribute or recreate, all rights reserved - thank you!

My kind, smart & important babies! I can't stress just how much these two mean to me, they truly are the biggest part of my heart!

Happy Saturday everyone, enjoy!

okay, it's official ...

I have fallen in love with Ikea's Expedit ... again.

When we were living with my parents while waiting for our lovely home to be built, we had a 5-cube Expedit in our basement room and LOVED it. It housed our books, some other random stuff and held up our tv - that Expedit was good to us. When we moved out, I can't remember if we took it with us or not, but my sister is now it's owner and I know it's being just as good to her.

In the front of our home now, we have a good sized room that we have dubbed as our "library" - mainly because we keep most of our books there (makes sense right?, lol). Our books are piled high on some Billy bookcases - and well, it does the job (not the best most awesomest job, but the job). The space used to be my "office" where I kept most of my crafty supplies and I loved it there because of the nice big bay windows that gave natural light. BUT ... it was far too messy to house all my stuff there and when we had company over or parties or whatever, it just seemed to be in the way. So we hauled all my stuff into my walk-in closet (LOL). More about that another time.

Ok, back to my new found obsession with the Expedit.
Basically, I stumbled upon this "I heart Expedit Unit" board on Pinterest & now I am hooked. I'm specifically in love with these ones:

 

*Kind of crappy that when I clicked on the photos, the links were all dead. I'd like to provide sources for these photos & give credit where credit's due ...

Seriously thinking of trashing the Billys (well, selling them on Kijii or something of that nature) and running over to Ikea to grab a beloved Expedit, possibly the 4x4 or maybe even the 5x5. Leaning towards photo #1 as a layout inspiration for the "library". But not sure how I feel about a desk in the middle of the room just yet & simply in love with the colour pallets of #2 and #4. Goodness, Expedit dreams are floating in my head :)

find something you love to do ...

& you'll never have to work a day in your life.

I couldn't be more happy and more proud of my hubs. Most times, the things we need to happen simply just fall into place ... & this was one of those things. With lots of patience, the right "job" came along. In less than a week, your spark has returned - you're so happy (and I love that). You're inspired & challenged. This is what you're meant to be doing.

Quatrefoil Restaurant
Ryan de Leon, Sous Chef.
What a lovely thing!

 

Read more about Quatrefoil here & here. And if you watched Top Chef Canada, remember him?

Photo credit.

it's time ...

We are all just one small adjustment from doing more of what we love.

I make milk ...

What's your superpower? ...

Breastfeeding is hard. 
I think that it's the most under-rated, least talked about topic when it comes to pregnancy and labour. & to be honest, it's definitely not easier the second time around.

With Aiden, I didn't even know that I wanted to breastfeed. The early days were a huge blur. I can remember crying (lots) in the wee hours of the morning because we just weren't getting it. Learning to breastfeed truly tested my patience. But with time, practice & patience - it was a wonderful experience, & I was able to nurse until Aiden was 1 years old.

With Sadie (here comes the comparison again), just when I feel like we've finally got the hang of things, an improper latch brings me back to square one. It's frustrating, it's painful and it's tough. But again, like most things during the "newborn phase" -it's a learning experience, we will get better & the rough patches will pass. I have to believe this - for my sanity's sake!

But I am determined to make this work for us.
I stumbled across this this morning ... & it couldn't be more bang on:

Don’t stress too much about achieving the perfect latch or breastfeeding position. 

If it works for you and baby then it’s perfect for you guys! It will take time for you and baby to figure out a way that is comfortable for you both, it’s a learned skill.

I also stumbled across this, which I thought it was interesting and a nice reminder of the benefits of breastfeeding.

So in theory, we must ... try, try & try again.
The sound of Sadie sucking and swallowing the goodness and the look of content on her face after a full feeding ... makes it all worth it. Giving up is really not an option. So, as Ryan would say - hang in there tiger - you can do this.

& lastly - because I've haven't lost my sense of humour ... lol.

Lovin' the Weekends!

Although I'm on mat leave and really, everyday is a weekend - the weekends are when I really get to spend time with my favs.

This weekend was no different.
My brother graduated a few weeks ago getting his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

I couldn't be more proud of him. It's a field that takes passion and discipline and he managed to pull it off in 4 years (something I definitely couldn't do!). I hope that he continues to love what he does and wish him all the success! Welcome to the real world Broski.

We celebrated his graduation today at an AYCE sushi lunch at 168 - always delicious. But of course, nothing raw or with tobiko for me.

So Mom and Dad now have 2 down (the easier two!) & 2 more to go!
It's crazy how far apart in age we are as siblings, yet we still manage to have close relationships, inside jokes, get along pretty well and pretty much can stand each other's company. Aiden and Chelsea are closer in age than Chelsea and myself! Love being able to spend time with my family. & it's an added plus that my Mom and I get along much better now that I've moved out :)

Saturday

Nothing like having zero plans for the weekend (just the way I like it! - esp. these days).

We took a quick trip to Michael's this morning since I'm starting to work on the details for the baby shower that my mom and cousin insist that I have. I didn't know if it was poor etiquette to have a baby shower for your second baby, but what the heck - our family is the best! I'm so glad that found chalkboard paint in a small size bottle since I've only seen it sold in large pails at Home Depot. So I start this ...

My goal is to use these mini chalkboards for the baby shower as labels for the food! Hoping the paint works and adheres to the wooden planks. Next coat in one hour.

I also picked up this lovely block letter. I have a tendency to look for "Ps" and turn them upside down to make lower case "ds". Need to start filling our home with our touches. It's been 2 years for goodnes sake!

Last night, Aiden and I were all gung-ho about making some chocolate chip banana bread. After I finished sifting the flour ... I went to the fridge to beat the eggs and I was short an egg. Grrr. It kinda felt like when you pour a bowl of cereal for yourself only to realize that you're out of milk - whomp.

So after our taco lunch (all home-made, we haven't bought a meal all week - small win!), I finished the baking and added skor bits to our muffins. Yum.

Perfect kind of Saturday for me.

Mission Baby Crib - Fail ...

I've taken Mon-Wed off this week (mainly because I have days to take before May 1st, or they'll expire) but also for my sanity. 29 weeks and counting - I'm starting to feel more exhausted and my attention span / patience, well - it's pretty much little to none. Hence, the day off from work - lol.

We ventured off to Dear Born Baby, a baby specialized store in Thornhill to get our baby's crib - the crib that I must have. Only to be beyond disappointed to hear that it wasn't going to fit in our car ...
Oh & trust me, I got it from Ryan - he wasn't as mad (disappointment) in me that much because I'm with child (lol), but until normal circumstances - I would've been toast.

But as I mentioned, I have to have this crib. & it seems near impossible to find in the GTA. But I luckily in my google search for "Jenny Lind Toronto", I stumbled across a fellow Torontonian blogger Lindsay who spilled the link! Thank goodness! - & no shipping costs to incur - win! Yes, I paid for the crib anyway - since I knew, it would be (had to be) mine.
EDIT: my cousin who live 10 mins away from Dear Baby Born has graciously offered to pick our crib up!

I'm loving the simplicity of this crib & the fact that it didn't break the budget. Here's some photos of inspiration / the must-have crib in action:
1. Apartment Therapy
2. Hub Pages
3. Project Nursery
4. Design Pad
5. Lay Baby Lay
6. Aubrey & Lindsay

I feel in love with Lay Baby Lay's design a while before I was pregnant - didn't realize until now that it was the same crib! Loving all these inspirations - with 10 weeks to go, it's time to get cracking!

The End of an Era

I was attracted to classic lit because the stories we were telling were about these kids, in this time and yet these quotes from hundreds of years ago applied to their current situation. 

-Mark Schwahn, creator - writer - producer - director, One Tree Hill

& that's the very reason why I have been beyond captivated with the story lines, the characters, the music, the show. As if the moments of their lives with slightly intertwined with ours. & as if how they were feeling, what they were going through mimicked our own feelings and thoughts. One Tree Hill resonates with people on a very personal level & there's something truly powerful about that. Is it silly to feel that way? To feel so connected to a piece of tv history? It's funny because we often lose ourselves in the things we love - but we also find ourselves there too. The show aired in the pinnacle of my teenage existence. In 2003, I was awkward and naive, turning 18 and just entered my first year of university. To have found something like OTH at such a vulnerable time in my life where scenes of the small moments were really the big moments and where life was portrayed not perfectly, but realistically coupled with witty remarks and the perfect backdrop of music ... it was beyond nostalgic.

So as we say goodbye, I feel a sense of calmness and thankfulness to have found, like many adoring fans - a tv show for God's sake that was able to provide love, laughter and life learnings. This is truly the end of an era. & what a run it was.

Do you ever wonder if we make the moments of our lives?

Or if the moments of our lives make us?

Well in 9 years, plenty of moments have defined us. I'm sure I've missed a good bunch, but I'm sure I'll be marathoning sometime during my Mat Leave, so this list may become longer!

Lucas vs. Nathan - "This is for my Mom"
Music: Rest in Pieces - Saliva

Haley & Nathan's 1st Kiss - "You shouldn't have done that Nathan"
Music: Dare you to Move - Switchfoot

State Championship - "It's you. When all my dreams come true, the one I was next to me, it's you."
Music: Heartbearts - Jose Gonzalez

Senior Year Bonfire - "I'm the guy for you Brooke Davis"
Music: Move Along - All America Rejects

Rachel Naked in Lucas' Car - "I wanted you to fight for me"
Music: n/a

Nathan's Press Conference - "I promise you, I've never been happier"
Music: n/a

Ravens Play Oak Lake - "God I love this game"
Music: Unsatisfied - Nine Black Alps

Stepping up - "When you fall in love with someone and they forget to love you back"
Music: The Adventure - Angels and Airways

Rain Storm "I was hurt Haley, but I was still proud of you. Everyday."
Music: Missing You - Tyler Hilton

To all the moments & to the memories.
Goodnight Tree Hill.

our 1st real gig!

Find something you love,

& do it for the rest of your life.

(it's really just that simple)

Twenty-twelve is the year we get serious about our creativity. The year that we finally make movements on the things we say we'll do, but always found an excuse not to. No more excuses. This is what makes me happy - every bit of it. & I've been told, if you find something you simply cannot life with out - then hang onto to that something, with both hands.

We are all one small adjustment away,

from making our lives work for us ...

Think about it.

KONY 2012

"... a places where children, no matter where they live, can have a childhood free from fear."

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Take the time to watch the video - it will move you. I could not even imagine if I lived in a place where I feared our own son being kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken away from his family & completely stripped of his childhood. & the fact that there is a place out there where this is the norm & that nothing has been done to stop it? ... What kind of world are we actually living in?

My hope is that is movement is seen through, to the very end. & that the ending is just as powerful as the beginning. Our ideas matter - we can make the difference. It just takes one to start the movement - the rest will follow. My hope is for those who have put the time, effort and resources to make this an issue for all to be aware / educated on. I believe in the power of voice. I believe that together, we can achieve more. I believe in justice. Let's do our part.

"Where you live, shouldn't determine whether you live ..."

still sick

Day 3:

We're getting there, but A's still not 100% just quite yet.

He's having a hard time keeping any of his food down and still having runny stools - this of course, results in lots of throwing up and tummy aches.

Last night, while the three of us were watching the Top Chef finale - Aiden bursts out saying, "ohhh no, not again" as he experiences some more pain in his belly. (so cute!)

It's times like these that I am beyond grateful that I'm able to work from home. But during the last few days, I'm come to realize that there is no where I would rather be than right here - at home. The most important thing to be, is being able to spend as much time with Aiden and Ryan that possibly can. & this is possible! I just need to get my head straight & need to start making this change for myself. It has to begin now. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

I am giving myself a deadline (for once) - after my Mat Leave (well, really, I have to get pregs 1st), but after my Mat Leave - I can't come back. I will have build something for myself and will have the ability to stay at home with babies while doing something that I completely love. (Oh, & my brother will be my partner-in-crime). Let's get it going, let's go!

think about it

We are all just one small

adjustment from

making our lives work for us

oth marathon-ing

Dear Molly,

This is gonna sound a little strange, but I'd like you to paint over my old closet door. The thing is, there is never a time when you'll be more honest, when your convictions will be stronger or your motives will be more pure than they are right now. Which means you should chase whatever it is that excites you.

Be confident and take risks. And paint over my words so you can start writing your own. My story might have inspired you, but I'm certain your story will inspire the next girl to live in our room. I want you to know you don't need somebody to write about you in order for your life to mean something. You can write about yourself. Make your own destiny. Then, years from now, the next girl will keep what you write on that door long enough to remind you of how inspired your life is.

And you can tell that girl to paint over the door, because you realize the words you wrote, the friends you had, the urgency you felt will always be there underneath the paint. The love you professed will always be there, the spark of something undeniable, a seed of hope, the truth, for better or for worse, burning fiercely, just below the surface.

Love, Peyton.