Updates + One Final Show

BLOG DESIGN //

I've given the Sunday Collector blog a little facelift! Go on over, check it out, and give Briar some love. x


Before // After

AUDREY //


My baby will be two in 5 weeks! This is insane. I'm torn between hating Audrey growing up and LOVING this age. It's so. much. FUN!


BABY #2 //

34 weeks. Due in 6 weeks. Let's do this.

Go time is approaching quickly, and you know what? I'm really looking forward to it this time. I'm looking forward to a positive experience this time around. Being more focused and present during labor. Not being scared out of my mind. I wouldn't say that the birthing Audrey went terribly, it didn't. It was all pretty straight-forward, however I was totally and completely overcome with fear. This time, I'm approaching it head on and I feel much more ready for what comes. Whatever comes. I feel at peace. I feel excited?

Also... Random note: My belly button is completely gone. Like... it's just flat. Gone. So weird. haha


GARDEN //


The garden is long gone. The dead tomato plants have been ripped out. The climbing beans have been removed (except for a few stubborn bits that made it onto the roof and gutter). The cucumbers are a memory of summer past. We let everything go to seed so we could collect seeds for our garden next year. There's something very satisfying about growing your own food and sowing seeds that you collected from last year's harvest.

That said... Gathering lettuce seeds is kind of tricky. Have you seen them? They're kind of like dandelion seeds so they blow everywhere. We gathered lots but lots were scattered. We now have HUNDREDS of tiny little lettuce plants that have carpeted our forlorn garden. It's kind of really awesome.

For some reason, we left the jalapeno plant and the banana pepper plants where they were. I'm not sure how they missed being torn out with everything else, but they did. AND they've flowered again and produced a bumper crop! The jalapenos will be ready to harvest in a few days! HOW COOL IS THAT?!


THE BEARD //


Before // After
The beard underwent a trim (for work). I was incredibly nervous about the change... but I love it. A very gentlemanly beard if there ever was one!

My man is pretty daaaang handsome! Ow ow!


KNITTING & QUILT //

Unfortunately, I've not been able to work on the blankets as much as I wanted to. The good news is I've been very busy with blog designs! Such a blessing.
I should still have time to finish everything before Baby gets here but it'll be down to the wire! Kind of exciting :)


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AND NOW FOR SOME BIG NEWS...


This amazing photo was taken by Rebecca Moss. Thanks, Becki!!
For those of you who missed the Te Awamutu show... good news!



"The response you gave us on the Luke & Lydia NZ Tour blew our minds! We are rapt. And completely grateful.

The guys at Walton Street (Te Awamutu) were such a dream to work with and theirs was the first show to sell out. So to celebrate a great tour, they are hosting one final show." -Lydia Cole

Barring that I haven't had a baby too early I'll be there! And singing with Mr. van der Wel.
Come and say hello. If for nothing else, come check out Walton Street Cafe. Because they're amazing.
Also, Luke and Lydia. NEED I SAY MORE?!

See Facebook for more details.

Dilemmas: Update!

A week ago I posted asking for your help. It was a desperate cry for help and you ladies answered loud and clear! I love you guys. Like. I love you in a big way. Thanks for being awesome.

And I have updates.



1. Hair - I've been re-inspired to do my hair in nice little braided and twisted up-dos. I needed something that required a minimal amount of time (because of certain toddlers tugging on my skirt) and maximum staying power. My favorite is a side twisty thing on one side that comes into a messy bun on the opposite side. It's nice. It's easy. I feel really pretty. WINNER! I've also rediscovered the sleek low bun and red lipstick because, classy! Also a winner. Stay tuned for more discoveries.

A special thanks to Elizabeth for recommending A Cup of Jo's hair tutorials! Super helpful.

2. Pad Thai - So many great recipes and tips! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I seriously dream of overcoming this obstacle in my life. I've researched and I gave this method/recipe a try last night for dinner. http://chezpim.com/cook/pad_thai_for_beginners And it was really good! It was finally a step in the right direction, rather than a step sideways trying to find a recipe that I could perfect. Next time I'll make a few minor changes to make it taste exactly how we want it.

-More garlic and green onion for bolder flavor (I was a bit stingy)
-No dried shrimp (didn't need it)
-Scramble the egg faster

BOOM! I CAN MAKE PAD THAI NOW! I'M UNSTOPPABLE!

Thank you anonymous commenter! Whoever you are!

3. Maternity Style - This one really hit home for me, guys! You've inspired me to find an easy style that works for me and add some basics to my maternity wardrobe. I received a LOVELY pair of maternity shorts thanks to Soon Maternity. YOU WILL LOVE THEM. They're amazing. I'll show them off soon.

Also, I've been inspired to make myself a few items. I've made myself a pair of maternity legging shorts with lace at the hem. It's too hot to wear full leggings and I'm needing a tad more coverage as my dresses are looking a bit *ahem* shorter with new bigger belly. Result: FAN-TASTIC! Pictures shortly.


ALSO, I may have made myself a version of this dress. Super stoked. Just you wait. (My variations include two chevrons instead of three, and thicker straps with wider chest coverage.)

A HUGE thank you to ALL you lovely readers. I love this community. You guys rule. Don't change.

xo

Aaannnd still waiting

Hey everybody!

Just dropping in to say that the due date has come and gone! Still no Baby vdW just yet. Sigh. In the meantime, I'm baking cookies, getting lots of rest, and watching cowboy movies with Phil while we wait for this little one's arrival.

This waiting business is tough stuff. Keep us in your prayers!

xoxo
Talia Christine