Anyway, my favorite full-time photographer is Jeremy from Studio This Is.  We found him through The Knot back in 2005.  David was extremely busy with work during our wedding planning and left a lot of the details to me.  When it came to the photographer, however, he really wanted some input.  He checked out Jeremy’s site after I found him on The Knot and agreed to go meet with him in Valparaiso, IN.  We walked in and Jeremy immediately made us feel comfortable.  He seemed like someone we could be friends with and I believe he and David were wearing the same watch.  I knew it was a done deal because if they had the same sense of style obviously that would translate to photos as well.

Fast forward six years and Jeremy has now photographed our wedding, each of our newborn children, and did a family photo shoot when Graham was about six months old.  He’s been extremely professional and reliable.  Unfortunately the wedding industry seems to have it’s share of questionable business practices (don’t even get me started on my dress fiasco!) and I’m happy to say we could always count on Studio This Is.  Jeremy scouted our wedding location prior to the big day so he had plenty of ideas in mind about where to shoot.  Jeremy is truly an artist and has a vision of what he wants to capture.  We love our album too.  We filled out a questionnaire explaining the time line and important occurrences in our relationship and then those quotes were included artfully on various pages.  When (if) someone looks at the album after David and I are long gone there will be no more questions of, “who’s that?”  It’s got the story of how we met, the proposal, etc. included with our photos.

Not going to lie: totally picked the timing of this post so I could shamelessly display some pictures of my beautiful children.    Enjoy!

P.S. You can find all of Jeremy’s contact information on his website.

P.P.S. He would be very disappointed I didn’t post any pictures of David and I on our wedding day posed in front of a mountain of coal which turned out very cool to say the least but I don’t have any on my computer!

My skin has never been my best feature.  Before Graham was born I might have said it was my flat abs but… alas, that’s no longer the case!  Anyway, I spend a lot of time at the gym.  I (used to) spend a lot of time choosing just the right outfits and accessories.  I spend time getting my hair cut and highlighted.  I would normally just ignore my skin though because my it wasn’t great and I didn’t know where to begin to improve it.  I have been using Benefit’s Honey Snap Out of It and I still love that but it hasn’t been enough lately.  I can’t complain about my two pregnancies except for the fact that my skin seems to go extra hay-wire.  I told you my two announcements were related!  I even got a facial early on and the woman repeatedly said: “Are you exfoliating?”  The Honey Snap Out if It is awesome but I needed more.

You all know I am obsessed with People.com.  I don’t believe any celebrity gossip until People reports it.  I call People the Bible of celebrities.  From time to time they have features about how to treat yourself like a celebrity and that’s how I came across this new product.  It’s a mask you put on once or twice a week, leave it until it dries (like 30 minutes) and then peel it off.  Make sure you apply it thickly or it’s very hard and somewhat painful to peel.  Also, avoid the eyes and hairlines!!  Don’t be shocked but when it says black mask they mean it.  You will look like a freaking ninja or like you are trying to rob a bank.  I always have to warn David that I have it on if he is coming into the room from someplace else so he doesn’t get a crazy surprise.  The other downer is that it definitely takes a time commitment.  But, as I mentioned earlier, I spend time on lots of other aspects of looking good and my skin is something that I can no longer ignore.  When you are done with the peeling you will feel so great.  My pores actually seem smaller and my skin overall looks smoother.  I’ve been so happy with the results that I’ve now upped my routine to twice a week.  Promise to keep you posted on the pregnancy and exfoliating progress!!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P266800&categoryId=C16701

No, the site has not been hijacked, Mindy let the domain name expire and we bought it in an auction at Godaddy.com.  We’ve pointed it to our site for now.

We understand our blog probably won’t be as good as Mindy’s, but we’re hoping something is better than nothing. We were also fans of her blog and the last post seems to have been from 2008.  You can find an archive of the entire previous site at http://web.archive.org/web/20080413064143/http://thingsiboughtthatilove.com/ if you ever want to see the old site content.

Mindy, if you’re out there and ever want to start the site back up, just let us know and we’d be happy to help.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1.) Family: Just like Diary of a New Mom, what would Personal Faves be without my two favorite boys??  My husband David makes me laugh at least twenty-one times per week.  [I figured around 3 times per day!]  He is not afraid to be silly and that confidence and zest for humor always makes me happy.  My little guy Graham does his “turbo crawl” when I come home from work.  He gets a giant smile and  just beelines for me.  I mean seriously, it melts my heart every single time.  I also love my extended family and am just very lucky!

2.) Chocolate: need I say more?  Brownies, ice cream, candy… you name it; I love it.  If only it were calorie and fat free… which brings me to # 3.

3.) The euphoria you experience when done exercising: Mom2Miles is a fellow exerciser and she hit the nail on the head in her description: physical activity is something I’ve done my whole life and I can’t imagine feeling healthy or happy without it.  That being said, I’m not jumping around shouting for joy to go to the gym at the end of a long work day.  I am, however, smiling REALLY BIG when I leave the gym sweaty, tired, and triumphant!  “It’s over!!” I say to myself.  My desire to be fit has won out again over my desire to eat chocolate on the couch and the hard part is all done with when I’m walking out the gym door.  Success.

4.) Makeup: Where to begin?!  I’ve always been a girly-girl and loved makeup but I have a deeper appreciation for it now that I am really tired.  I developed these “perma-circles” [short for permanent]  under my eyes after having Graham.  Even though he sleeps through the night now it’s like I aged overnight [David suggested I write "It was like I aged 20 years overnight.  Thanks hun.]!  This is where my love of makeup comes in.  A little concealer, a little blush and I instantly look alive again.  There have been times my girlfriend Kristen and I wondered how we ever went out in public before being introduced to brow filler. 

5.) Foreign Languages: I am halfway through this list and am realizing that there have to be some more “important” things that make me happy rather than just makeup and chocolate!  I love foreign languages and wish I had all the time in the world to just take classes, travel to those places, and practice speaking.  I was a French major in college and I remember very clearly when I told my mom I was passionate about French poetry.  She looked at me and said something along the lines of, “That’s nice honey… I hope you are considering law school.”

6.) Thursday Nights: This is seriously my favorite time of the week.  I am anticipating the weekend and not even so much dreading work on Friday.  It seems that everyone is in a better mood on Fridays at work anyway and I know I’m just one workday away from the weekend.  Plus I get to watch Grey’s Anatomy and usually I am tired of cooking and we order out or pick something up.  What could make a better night?!

7.) Baking and Cooking: I grew up being told to go read a book rather than enter the kitchen.  I was only too happy to oblige.  Since becoming a wife, and more recently a mom, I figured I better learn how to make some food other than Lean Cuisine.  I’m not gourmet and I probably only cook three times a week but boy do I feel so proud when I prepare a good meal or bake something really tasty.  I tell myself I am Super Mom!!  Yes, I really say that and yes, it really makes me smile.  I owe a big thanks to my friend Maureen for her inspiring blog.  I also have to give a nod to my mom because she and I were in the same boat [non-cooks] and boy has she come a LONG way!  Now I’m asking her for recipes.  You go mom.

8.) The Sun: This would not be a realistic post about 10 things that make me happy if I didn’t include the sun.  I would have said travel but I’m being honest.  I just want to travel to a hot place, plunk myself by the ocean or pool, and drink a Corona Light with  lime.  Who doesn’t look good with a tan?  I know, I know, it’s dangerous and causes cancer.  I should add that I always wear 30 sunscreen when in a tropical location.  Seriously though, we took a baby-moon to Acapulco and even then I didn’t mind having a big preggers belly because I was tan!  If I didn’t work full-time then I think I’d like to travel to other less-hot places but right now this woman is so tired I just need some R & R!

9.) Clothes: Shopping is one of my favorite things to do; if only I had more money!!  There’s nothing like that feeling of finding a great sweater, jeans, or something you feel hot in and know you’ll wear all the time.  When I was feeling really depressed about going back to work this fall David knew what would cheer me up: Shopping Spree!  I got to celebrate being back in shape post baby and seriously a day on Michigan Ave., courtesy of my husband, made me feel a lot better.  Then, every time I put on a new item I still felt good.  Imagine going to a wedding and you’re like, “I have the perfect thing to wear!”  I just love clothes.

10.) My Friends: You know who you are!  I have friends who have helped me through some of the worst times of my life.  Friends have offered me support in more ways than I can count.  When I swore I was going to die from lack of sleep I had so many mommy friends tell me to hang in there and offer advice.  I just have some of the best friends anyone can ask for.  They are thoughtful, caring, fun, and just great people.  I love you guys!

OK, well I don’t even know ten bloggers but the following are friends who might keep the blog-chain-mail thing going and I consider you a sweet friend.  I’d love to hear what makes you happy [in no particular order!]

The Springer’s Daily Grind

The Bathricks

Addie-n-Emee

Homemade Mothering

The Porchlight

Nicole Rufuku

OK, so she’s not that new of a mom anymore… her oldest is 3 and second baby is 9 months.  She is however, sometimes thought-provoking and always hysterical.  The post that got me hooked was when she described an argument that she and her husband / every mom and dad seem to have which goes something like: “Could you give the baby a bath?”  “I just worked all day and drove through traffic”…etc… “Well, at least you get to go to the bathroom by yourself!” She describes her life being a stay at home mom in a way that always makes me laugh.

I signed up and have loved getting emails of her posts ever since.  I keep calling her “she” but I think her name is Abigail.  She also writes for www.thebump.com and that is where I came across her name.  Abigail does not ever mention her husband’s or friend’s names which made me think I probably should’ve asked my friends before I used their names in previous posts.  Just goes to show you– I’m a novice.  Check out the blog; it will totally provide some entertainment when you need it.

So this recipe is an amazing use of B-Sprouts and comes from David Chang’s Momofuku. Check it out on Amazon:

Chang-Style Brussel Sprouts

serves 4

1 pound fresh brussel sprouts
1/4 pound thick-cut bacon
Butter (opt.)
Sriracha hot sauce
Lime
Salt and Pepper

Directions

1.  Preheat over to 400 degrees

2.  with knife, trim the hard, woody ends of the sprouts, then slice in half lengthwise through the core.

3.  Cut the bacon into small chunks and cook in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat until crispy…about 5 minutes.  With a slotted spoon, transfer to a a paper-towel-lined plate.

4.  Drain most of the fat from the pan and add the sprouts, cut-side down.  Raise the heat to medium high and sear until the sprouts begin to sizzle.  Put the skillet in the oven and roast until the sprouts are deeply browned…8 minutes or so…then shake the pan to redistribute them and flip them over.  Pull the pan from the oven when the sprouts are bright green and fairly tender (taste one to check), about 10 minutes more, depending on how large they are.

5.  Return the pan to the stovetop over medium heat.  Stir in the bacon and, if you want, a pat or two of butter.  Swirl until incorporated.

6.  Place in a bowl.  Add a few squirts of sriracha hot sauce, depending on how hot you like it, and a squeeze or two of fresh lime juice.  Season with salt and pepper if necessary.  Serve with anything.

—-

Ladies, your men will love this…guaranteed.

Happy cooking!

Prep time: 15 minutes                         Cook time: 42 minutes (this is just what the book said. who picked 42??)

6 ounces wide egg noodles, uncooked

Vegetable cooking spray

1 lb ground raw turkey breast

1/2 c sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 c chopped onion

2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano 1 c park-skim ricotta cheese

3 tablespoons skim milk

3/4 package (8 oz) Neufchatel cheese, softened (depending on how much of a cheese lover you are you are also welcome to use the whole package)

2 tsp poppy seeds

Cook noodles according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.  Coat a large nonstick skillet w/ cooking spray.  Place over medium-high heat until hot.  Add turkey, mushrooms, and onion.  Cook until turkey is browned and onion is tender.  Drain if necessary.

Add tomato sauce and next 4 ingredients to turkey mixture.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes stirring occasionally.

Combine ricotta cheese and milk in container of an electric blender; cover and process until smooth.  Transfer cheese mixture to a large bowl; stir in Neufchatel cheese and poppy seeds, stirring well.  Add noodles, tossing to coat.  Layer 2/3 of noodle mixture in an 11 x 7 x 1.5″ baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Spread turkey mixture over noodle mixture.  Top w/ remaining 1/3 noodle mixture.  Cover and bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes.

ENJOY!

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos is  one of my favorite books ever.  The review on Amazon calls it “chick lit” and I proclaim that is my favorite kind of book!  [also love anything Jane Austen if that gives you some insight into my preferences]  Anyway it’s just a charming tale of love– not only romantic but familial.  Charming is really the best way I can describe it.  Her style is unique, flowy, and beautiful.  I only wish that I could mold the English language the way de los Santos can.  I brought it on vacation once to Acapulco and could not put the book down.  I think I read it in a few hours.  Back in the good old days when 1) I could go on vacation 2) said vacation consisted of lounging by the pool, quality time with the hubby, and Corona and 3) I had enough brain power to read.

Reading is such a recession-friendly way to spend your time.  Just hit up your local library or buy it used on Amazon.  If you’re a busy mom like myself it may be hard to find time to read this book but trust me, it’s worth it.  You will smile for years afterward.

Love Walked In

First of all, those that know me know I am a lipgloss connaisseur – I am obsessed (literally probably have about 20 of them in my purse). My lipglosses range from Mac to Avon to Loreal…but my absolute no-fail fave is C.O. Bigelow.

I like these lipglosses for a few reasons. 1) They are soooo moisturizing without being sticky. You can get a shiny kind or a shea butter kind – both are excellent.  2) They come in a variety of flavors (mostly minty type though) and colors. They also come out with special ones at holiday time (so I’ll be making yet another trip closer to Christmas). They have clear, slightly tinted, and very rarely color lipgloss. Some have slight shimmer – some have none – and some have lots. 3) They are cheap! Around $7.00 depending on where you go (and right now Bath and Body Works has them on sale buy 2 get 1 free!)

The only places I know for sure that carry them – because I have seen/bought them here – are Bath and Body Works and Saks. But I am sure they are carried other places.

If you love lipgloss without the stickyness, and especially if you love that tingly moisturizing feel – these are for you! Try one out – if you don’t like it, hey it’s not like you wasted a lot of money!