beautifully breastfed

Last Friday I mentioned that my friend Karissa was doing a shoot (inspired by these images) for me over the weekend.  Apparently she is the speediest photo editor out there which was wonderful to find out because that meant I got to see the images super soon. I love them so much and wanted to share them with you.

We used Saturday's picnic location, Crescent Park, for the shoot.  There was a little beach and acres of grass complete with park benches and shady trees.

Ezra wasn't the most cooperative subject because we were near the water and he absolutely loves water.  That means that he was constantly unlatching and attempting to squirm off my lap to get closer to Narragansett Bay.  

Karissa snapped away for the few moments I was able to distract him from the water lapping at the seaweed covered shore.

 

There are no words for how beautiful I think the above image is.  It's definitely my favorite of the bunch.

I'm sure Karissa will have a blog post of her own up soon so check out klm photography for more images!

Geoff's on Benefit

Geoff's Superlative Sandwiches is nestled along historic Benefit Street, a couple blocks from the Courthouse where my mom works.  A couple weeks ago Ezra and I went to visit her so she could show off her grandson to the Judge, the bailiff, and her other coworkers, and after introductions were made we went to lunch at Geoff's. 

The menu is extensive and lots of the sandwiches are named after local celebrities, like RJ Heim and Don Carcieri.  Probably the best part about the Geoff's dining experience is the giant barrel of brined pickles in the middle of the shop.  I love using the tongs to fish out the biggest one I can find.

I ordered Saarin's Choice - bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and lettuce, with melted muenster, cheddar, and swiss cheeses on wheat.  I probably don't have to tell you this, but the cheeses were my favorite, followed closely by the bean sprouts.

My mom had a classic Reuben, and although the guy who made it was chastised for not letting the cheese melt enough, she said it was still yummy.  We dined outside, and Ezra enjoyed watching passersby while grabbing for stray carrots falling from my sandwich.  Next time maybe I'll even let him eat some of them.

to do

What a way to start the week - my to do list is buried under a pile of fabric scraps and cut thread from a quilt I started working on a year ago.  I go back and forth between being productive and working on projects that are in progress, and starting new projects and adding to the chaos that is my craft room.  I seem to have an acute case of crafter's attention deficit disorder, but I think I like it that way.  it keeps things interesting.  How do you like to craft... do you buckle down and get things done or do you work best with inspiration (also known as distraction) all around?    

happy weekend

(image via Irene Suchocki)

Saturday is chock full of fun happenings for us.  In the morning Matt and I are going on a tour of the Seven Stars baking facility at the Hope Artiste Village and then we're off for a picnic at my favorite park, right across the street from the Looff Carousel.  After our picnic, my friend Karissa is doing a shoot for me and Ezra modeled after these images.  Finally, we're going to our friends' house for tea and dessert, two of my favorite things with some of our favorite people.  While I start filling my picnic basket, here are some of my favorite finds from this week...
- a handy tool to help you remember how to set the table
- on why organic doesn't mean pesticide-free
- a note to Matt: build Ezra a rocket ship playground!
- these crispy panko pork chops are on my menu next week.  can't wait to try them.
- the twenty-fifth healthy change
- these root beer float popsicles sound amazing
- and if you live near Massachusetts, definitely check out this list of Free Fun Fridays! 
Have a wonderful weekend!

passion tea

Iced Tazo passion tea from Starbucks is my new passion (har har).  It's so refreshing and a pretty ruby hue.  Ezra is always trying to grab my straw.  I could make it myself at home for much cheaper, so Matt ever so kindly ordered me a supply in bulk from amazon.  I love Matt, passion tea, and amazon (in that order).

I scream for ice cream

(image via delectable deliciousness via Anastasia Maria)

One of the best parts about summer is that ice cream is everyone's dessert of choice.  Don't know what to do on a Saturday night?  Let's get ice cream!  Wondering how to celebrate your birthday?  Visit an ice cream stand!  Need the perfect accompaniment to a summer dinner party?  Make ice cream.  I plan on doing just that all summer long with my ice cream maker and Ice Cream, a book that my friend Hillary gave me a few years ago.  I want to be adventurous and expand my ice cream palate.  What flavors should I try this summer?  

i heart cookie cutters

(image via amazon

That Martha gets me every time.  I went to Macy's armed with a gift card and intentions to pick up some summer clothes for Ezra.  However, the Martha Stewart Collection was conveniently located on the same floor as the children's department.  I went home with a pile of onesies, a new pastry brush, and the above cookie cutters.  Sugar cookies will be on the menu this week, I'm sure.

seven months!

Please forgive me once more for posting Ezra's seven month shoot nineteen days after he turned seven months old.  I can't keep up with this baby.

I love these feet!  But then, who doesn't love baby feet?

with all his friends

already trying to destroy and eat his new room decor

 

thinking about crawling

 rocking back and forth until he lands on his fivehead

It's official: Ezra is now closer to one year old than he is to being zero years old.  

happy weekend

(image via Dustjacket Attic via swoon) 

This weekend is supposed to be all around dreary but I have high hopes that it clears up!  Tonight we're eating ice cream sandwiches (I'll just eat the cookies because I loathe vanilla ice cream) and tomorrow we're doing a maternity shoot for a dear friend.  While I go outside and perform an anti-rain dance, here are some things I thought you might like -
- I can't wait til Ezra's feet fit into these
- dressing a toddler looks like so much fun!
- healthy change twenty-four
- bought these rad sunglasses for Ezra
- finally.  the the information i've been waiting for (anyone besides me wondering how long I'll talk about making macarons before I bite the bullet?)
- the coolest backyard playground
- how do you get the pit out of an avocado?
- I want to make this skirt
- a possibility for a garden in our shady yard
- I would love a RI version of these tees
- this kites in the clouds quilt is dreamy
Have a sunshine-y weekend!

matchy matchy

I think this match game is the most beautiful one I've ever seen.  It's officially on my wish list.  Check out the Marimekko Shop at Crate & Barrel for more pretties.

shades

So as it turns out, I lied about being back this week with regular posts.  I fully intended to be back on Monday but then Monday turned into Tuesday and now it's Wednesday, but at least I have a post for today!

baby wayfarers

stripe tee

faded skinny jeans

See this outfit?  In a matter of only a few days Ezra will be the owner of this outfit and therefore the coolest seven month old in Cranston.  Really though, a package addressed to me arrived in the mail about a week ago and in it was a gift card to 77 kids.  I have no idea why I was the lucky recipient of said gift card, but I think I must have entered a giveaway and forgotten about it.  So thank you, potential giver of the mysterious giveaway and thank you 77 kids!  What are some of your favorite baby and kid clothing picks?  I have a hard time finding clothes for Ezra that I like.  77 kids is now on my go-to list.

happy weekend

(image by me)

It seems funny to be starting my blogging this week with a weekend post, but my computer was out of commission due to numerous viruses that were just recently taken care of by Matt.  I'll be back next week with posts every day.  Matt and I are going away for our anniversary this weekend but I don't know where we're going so I'll be sure to share the details next week!  

While I didn't do any writing this week I definitely did some reading... here are my favorite links.  Be sure to check out this first one!
- have you entered to win Jordan's trip to Paris?
- using photos as envelope liners> is brilliant
- now you can create your own tiny mail
- I have my eye on Heather Ross's new prints
- do you have four eyes?  I do, and I just picked up my new frames this week.
- my friend Keri made the cutest dress for her baby girl
- this looks like a good baby cookbook
- time to make a summer list
- a word on fast food and this week's healthy change
Have a fantastic weekend!
P.S. The photo is a sneak peek from Ezra's 7 month shoot... and I was making pom poms for a wall installation for his nursery.

happy weekend

(image by me)

Another busy weekend ahead - a much needed pedicure with Jaclyn, a bridal shower for a friend (that's what the above gift is for - side note - I'm obsessed with the wrapping!), and then a cookout for my father-in-law's birthday.  What do you have going on?

Here are my links for the week - 

- this week's healthy change
- super balls in San Francisco are amazing!
- eat a kiwi a little more easily
- I want to go to craft camp for adults
- I love this baby's encounter with his first cupcake
- apparently the market for breast milk is exploding
- great tips on how to get the most out of a CSA
Enjoy the weather, where ever you are!

moondust macarons

Since macarons are the new dessert of choice (at least according to the internet) I've been wanting to bake a batch, but they're intimidating so I haven't tried yet.  Matt knew this and surprised me with a box of Moondust Macarons last week for my birthday.  Hooray for thoughtful husbands!  

Matt purchased a box of assorted macarons from Foodies of Wickford on his way home from work last Friday.  I almost couldn't wait until after dinner to dig in, but I managed to control myself.

The box included one of each current flavor - pistachio, coffee, vanilla, raspberry, lemon, and chocolate, each one delicious in its own way.  

My favorite was the chocolate with chocolate ganache.  Now how to recreate it... any tips or proven recipes?

automatic confetti

I was working on a project for Ezra's room last week and I realized that the scraps are instant confetti.  I wanted to save them for Ezra's birthday party but Matt talked me out of it.  I guess I'll just have to make more come October! Can anyone guess what I was making?