cherished collections

vintage-bobbsey-twins-books

 

To some, a collection might be a nod to the past, for others, a token of an imagined experience. For me, each item tells a story, of someone else’s life, or mine. Over the years, I’ve been dazzled by many objects, beginning at a young age. Teddy bears, dollhouses, bottles, books + ephemera, records, milk glass, and really, any and all things French. More often than not, the vintage items I am drawn to speak to my romantic nature…I’m a sucker for nostalgia. Many of my favorites are from the 1940’s era-more specifically + freakishly, from the year 1948! The polaroid land camera passed down from my grandfather, my Royal typewriter, big band music sheets, and more (including our home). My most recent (and random) obsession is vintage French binoculars, which began with this pair. I stumbled upon these Bobbsey Twins books while pregnant and couldn’t resist including them in Marie + Henry’s room. I plan to add to the collection, and hope they will appreciate them later in life. My wish is that my cherished items will someday become theirs, as with many inherited items. Henry has already laid claim to Teddy, who had been by my side since I was five, and I couldn’t be more melted by it. After all, isn’t that what collecting is all about-preserving old memories, and creating new ones?

What are your most cherished items, and what do you collect? Please share!

paleo love

paleo-breakfast

 

Is it really February?! It’s been a while since I first shared my interest in becoming a cave girl, and I owe you an update. After struggling a bit through the holidays, I hit the ground running in January (after the flu gave me a jumpstart-silver lining). I’ve been eating clean, working out, losing weight…feeling good. My pain has diminished, and I wake up with excitement for the day, even in the depths of winter. Keeping up with twin toddlers is no joke-I’m thankful for the extra energy. In trying to get creative with meals, I’m discovering many healthy, delicious foods + recipes, and I created a pinterest page dedicated to all things paleo…check it out! If you’re focused on eating whole, what are your favorites?

 image source + recipe

nye redo

new-year-sparkler-candles

 

2014, I can finally acknowledge you…hello! With us all coming down with the flu after Christmas, we decided to have a New Year’s Eve redo on Saturday night. Nothing major-just a bottle of bubbly and sparkler candles…really more representative of a fresh start for us than anything. Last year was such a whirlwind of momentous moments-it will be one we look back on with great fondness (except for that last week, ugh). This year will be just as memorable…merging my businesses (more on that soon), a trip to France, our babies turning two (what?!), turning 35, and celebrating 5 years of marriage! I’m not really one for resolutions, but in the spirit of accountability, I’d like to share a few of my goals for 2014.

Eat clean. Get healthy.

This is priority #1 for me this year. I need to stop with the pity party about my weight (and overall health) and kick ass to get back to the healthiest version of me. It starts NOW.

Cultivate my children’s curiosity + thirst for knowledge.

One of my favorite aspects of parenthood comes with great responsibility. I’m so excited to introduce them to the wonders of the world and guide them on their learning journey. It’s truly an honor.

Spend less time plugged in and more time just living.

This actually affects all of my resolutions-I need to be better about putting down my iPhone, turning off the computer + tv, and being more present. This video is a great reminder.

Make more time for my marriage.

At the end of the day, my husband and I are both so exhausted from work (me as a WAHM, him at a demanding 9-5) that we struggle to have energy for each other. I know this is an issue that plagues many married couples with children, and we have to get better at making time for US. More date nights are in our near future!

Challenge myself personally + professionally.

This may seem obvious, but it helps me to put it in writing. I already have some exciting projects in the works for the year that will be fun yet challenging. My business and blog continue to evolve and keeps me on my toes! Personally, having never traveled alone internationally, going to France by myself will certainly push my comfort levels, in the best kind of way. I’m both anxious and giddy about it…less than two months away, eeek!

What is your #1 goal for 2014? I’d love to hear friends!